JANUARY 2016

We had such a wonderful time visiting, doing

the crafts, and enjoying the entertainment and
desserts. Thank you all for a lovely evening.
Lynn

WHY ARE WE HERE?

IBC is a community that exists

because we believe Jesus Christ
transforms lives. We want to be fully
alive as followers of Jesus, and we
hope youll join us on this journey.

HOW DO WE DO THIS?
GROWING IN CHRIST At the
heart of our journey is the gospel of
Jesus. We trust Christ as our Savior
and find ourselves becoming more
like him as we deepen our relationship with him.
CONNECTING IN COMMUNITY

The way of following Jesus is not a

path we walk alone. The gospel story
draws us into a community of people
whose lives are being transformed
by Jesus.

JOINING THE MISSION Followers

of Jesus arent just saved, theyre also

sent. Believers become witnesses to
the grace of God as they take part in
his mission to rescue and redeem the
lost and broken.
For more about growing in Christ,
connecting in community, and joining the mission at IBC, please contact
info@irvingbible.org.
CONTACT IBC
2435 Kinwest Pkwy
Irving, TX 75063
(972) 560-4600

irvingbible.org
irvingbible
TWITTER @ibcvoice
ELETTER irvingbible.org/eletter
WEB

FACEBOOK

New to IBC? Turn to page 18.

REJOICE
Women at IBC celebrated the
Christmas season at Rejoice, a
special event benefiting women
in Congo. The evening featured
beautiful decor, desserts, interactive stations, and a Christmas concert with Jenny Simmons. Rejoice raised $4,000 to
send Congolese women to the
Womens Leadership Training Institute sponsored by
IBC Partner ALARM (African
Leadership And Reconciliation
Ministries).

a letter from Chatter

Chatter is
Editor
Julie Rhodes
Art Direction, Design & Goodness
Josh Wiese, Lindsey Sobolik, JD Lemming
Editor Soon-to-be
Victoria Andrews
Pastor to Hashtags
Scott McClellan, Communications Pastor
Photography
Patty Thompson (Photo Update)*
Writers
Debbie Lucien (Long Walk)*
Suzie Robinson (Water is Basic)*
Jason Fox (Idle Chatter)*
Editorial Assistance/Proofing
Summer Alexander*, Annie Stone*
Thoughts, comments, ideas?
Contact Chatter at chatter@irvingbible.org.
Need Chatter Digitally?
Chatter is on the web at
irvingbible.org/chatter.
Are you a media socialite?
Like Chatter on Facebook. Its so likeable.
*Most beloved and indispensable
Chatter Volunteer.
**Most beloved and indispensable
IBC staff member/elder.

SEVEN YEARS AGO, I HAD A TODDLER WHO WASNT THE LEAST BIT INTERESTED IN
POTTY TRAINING. I also had a body that wasnt the least bit interested in having energy or looking good

in jeans; plus a house that wasnt interested in keeping itself flea-free, a mind that wasnt interested in
being calm, cool and collected, and an emotional state that wasnt interested in being predictable or safe.
I had also, very inconveniently, rediscovered a deep love for performing on the stage. This, of course, was
hopeless. I thought it extremely cruel of God to introduce such frustration into my experience. Why, oh
why, would this awful, demeaning, and terribly embarrassing desire come upon me just when I had the
white picket fence?
So I decided to write. Naturally. I had much to
process. And it was cheaper than counseling, and
it could be done during Drews naptime, while lying on my back, in sweatpants, while eating. I had
been following my mothers advice to make myself
do things I never thought Id need the motivation
to do, like putting on mascara. And so my two daily
mandates became aside from sustaining the
physical life of my son to apply mascara and to
write for an hour a day. I called it stealing hours,
because thats what it felt like: snatching moments
away from real things like laundry in order to delve
into realer things like color, laughter, food whatever my fingers found underfoot, so to speak. I also
wrote theater reviews. And soon I began to discover that real things like laundry could be realer
than I ever imagined.
All this was like rice and beans and cheese for my
soul. I asked God for more. More to write! Yes,
please. Amen. More to see really see! My boy!
The sky! The specific color of green grass in the
speckled shade! And by a series of fortunate events,
I became the editor of Chatter in 2009.
I want to thank you for this indulgence, because I
think it was a net that swept me up out of the water,
with a great catch of fish besides. Now my little
toddler is in second grade and lately has been requesting things like privacy. I also now have a girl
who used to kick the warm computer in utero as it
rested on my belly while I clacked away. Shes currently preparing her remarks for the U.N. Astoundingly, Ive also had a three-year string of continuous professional theater gigs, which is beginning to
seem less like a fluke and more like an actual, like,
THING. Like something I could do with more of
me. Life flows weirdly and wonderfully at times.

This issue will be my last official one as Editor, or

as our Director of Art, Design and Goodness, Josh
Wiese, calls me J-Ed. And theres so much more
goodness in store! Our ever-vigilant, plucky, intrepid and talented communications guru Victoria
Andrews will be squashing my shoes with some
very big shoes of her own. And Chatter itself will
become more Chatter-y with dense content and
flow like youve never seen. Just you wait. Well go
dark next month, in February, and in March well
resume with more fun and ferocity. I hope youre
excited.
And Ill be writing, still: for Chatter, for the IBC
web site, for special projects, and the occasional
snark-ism here and there. Ill still be snatching
those hours. Maybe you wont mind too much, and
maybe we can all still be friends.
In the meantime, I hope you find what you come
looking for in these pages, in your life, in the
God who gives every good gift. Desires are terribly
inconvenient, especially the very deep and pulsing
ones, the ones that seemed to have been born right
along with you. Im glad God doesnt find them or
us inconvenient. That he hems us in, behind
and before, prepares a table in the presence of our
enemies, and holds our times in his hands to the
point of bottling our tears and counting the hairs of
our head. Maybe even the fleas in our carpet. Who
knows. He wastes not, and we want not.
Im just so grateful for Him. And for you.
Love,

C HAT TE R FA C T I CON K EY
CULTURE

LANGUAGE

FOOD

LIFE

GENERAL

SCIENCE

GEOGRAPHY

TEXAS

HISTORY

TOMFOOLERY
Under ideal conditions, a flea
can live up to a year and a half.

Chatter | 3

TA K I N G T H E R O A D L E S S T R AV E L E D
GIVE OR TAKE A KILOMETER OR TWO, OUR FAMILY TRAVERSED
8,157 MILES for the chance to see, with our own eyes, a well drilled by the

Water is Basic team. What we saw will change us forever.

Honestly, the well (#6, created on June 13, 2015) looked like most of the ones
weve all seen on the WIB website, in an email or on a Facebook post over the
years. You know, several villagers gathered around the pump; a dozen or so
yellow jerry cans contrasting the wet, orange dirt, and precious little ones
awestruck by the gushing water. Dont get me wrong, this is a beautiful picture
(so keep em coming), and a constant reminder of why each of us you, me,
donors around the world stay in the game. Only now, for our family, the pictures were real. We could see, hear, smell and feel the reality they represent.
The SUV was at maximum capacity with seven Americans plus the South
Sudanese translator, Akeem, as we bumped, bobbled, zigged and zagged our
way down the orange dirt roads for more than an hour into the bush. As we
entered the AyakakaBoma (community), we were warmly greeted with smiling faces. The eldest man guided us to a shady place to park.
After the introductions, we learned that while our visit was indeed a surprise,
the family considered it an honor to have us come to their village. Patrubas,
the well committee chairman, Lino, the vice chairman and two women on the
committee Charity and Alfreda were very eager to show us their new well.
The women and children gathered around as we each got a turn to pump the
water a sight I can only imagine made them chuckle on the inside.

Patrubas sent a young girl into the tall grass with a long piece of rope and apologized they did not have time to prepare a meal this late in the day. (Yes, how
discourteous of them not to predict an SUV full of Americans would drop by
their village unannounced that day.) She returned with a black and white male
goat lassoed by the rope, presenting it to Dee, a fellow IBCer and long-time
supporter of Water is Basic with whom we had the privilege of traveling. Steve
Roese, WIB President, observed our gut-wrenched faces, yet was intimately
familiar with their culture and customs. For our sake, he gently attempted to
decline their unfathomable generosity. They politely stood their ground, and
the goat was prepped to travel with us.
We walked behind some mud huts to see the water hole they had used before
the well was drilled. As I stepped closer to get a better look at the cesspool (the
only word remotely close to what was at my feet), I literally shuddered at the
thought of touching it. How DID they not only touch it, but bathe with it and
drink it? I immediately lifted a prayer of thanksgiving for clean water.
When we returned to the well, Patrubas wife, Rejoice (one of six women on
the well committee) had returned from a meeting. We visited with them both
and realized it was past lunchtime. Wed probably disrupted enough of their
day, we thought. As we loaded up and said goodbye to our newfound friends,
we made sure our gift was as comfortable as possible in the narrow space behind the third row of seats. And, just in case we forgot about the extra passen-

Next, we asked what impact the new well was having, compared to using a
water hole a few hundred yards behind their mud huts. (You know, besides
the obvious close access to clean drinking water, less time collecting water
and more time for school or farming, better health, and so much more.) Charity rubbed her right hand up and down over the top of her left arm and said,
My skin. The clean water helps my skin. Apparently, they develop severe
rashes and often infections from open wounds exposed to filthy, diseaseridden water. Imagine that for a moment: you need to bathe to keep clean, but
the only water you have to wash is actually causing great harm to the very skin
youre trying to protect.
We were curious about the water source they had used for drinking and bathing as recently as six weeks before the well was installed. Being the polite hosts,
they agreed to walk us down, but only after they presented us with a gift. A gift?
For us? From a family who is lucky to eat one meal a day to a group of Americans who could eat five or six meals a day if we wanted? But they insisted, and
our hearts began to break.

SUDAN

ETHIOPIA

SOUTH SUDAN
CENTRAL
AFRICAN
REPUBLIC

Juba
Yei Lainya
DEMOCR ATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

Chatter | 4

UGANDA

KENYA

Robert Frost sold his

first poem for $15.

Suzie attempts to look like pumping a well is

something she does all the time back home.

According to The Water Project, 783 million

people do not have access to clean and
safe water, and 37% of those people live in
Sub-Saharan Africa.

ger for a few minutes, the hearty bleats reminded us each time we hit a pothole.
What a ride!
Weve been home for a few days now, and each of us has contemplated all we
have to be thankful for peace, clean water, air conditioning, three meals a
day, schools, hospitals, grocery stores, our health, family, friends and paved
roads. And, were thankful for you, IBC family.

The Ayakaka Boma well supports 24

households and visitors of the local market.

You enable the Water is Basic crew to go into remote villages and bring lifesaving, life-changing clean water to people like Patrubas and his community.
The water team navigates treacherous paths, rainy seasons, petrol shortages,
extreme drought and the numerous uncertainties of war. They can do this
because you care.
From our family to yours, thank you for empowering the people of South Sudan in the fight for clean water. Because, dear brothers and sisters, they need to
be reminded that we care about them especially those living beyond the road
less traveled.
Suzie Robinson now knows the true meaning of getting someones goat.
Susie encourages you to visit waterisbasic.org to learn more about clean water in South Sudan.

Dee is presented with a goat, the gift from

Patrubas and his family for their new well.

Water Well Committee: 12 members, 6 are men and 6 are women (left to right)
Chairman Patrubas, wife Rejoice, Vice Chairman Lino, Charity and Alfreda.

Original water source for

Patrubas and his family.

According to Water.org, there are

more people around the world with
a mobile phone than with a toilet.

Chatter | 5

t
x
e
N
s

t
a
h
W
?
n
e
G
t
x
e
in N
ts lately
n
e
m
p
lo
e
v
e
d
exciting new
f
o
t
lo
the scoop?
a
t
n
re
a
a
W
.
6
1
0
There
2
n ministry in
e
G
t
x
e
N
s
C
with IB
Bell carton.
e
lu
B
e
h
t
m
o
ht fr
Here it is, straig

Early Childhood: Jill Bjurlin

Elementary: Adrienne Siefers

hat a joy it is to watch our youngest IBCers learn about Gods love
and grow in their faith! Each week, the infants are hearing that
God loves them whether theyre being given a bottle or riding
in a buggy with a caring volunteer. The preschoolers are learning through intentionally planned activities, creative play, story time, and a craft. All children
learn in different ways, but each child is learning three foundational truths:
God loves me, God made me, and Jesus wants to be my friend forever.

ur dream for elementary students is for them to discover they can

have a relationship with Jesus Christ! Its our privilege to come alongside to help them make this discovery and help them grow in their
faith. This coming year, we have several new things to help kids on that path.
Our first is a challenge of sorts were calling it Rocks! where kids can
earn rocks each Sunday by exhibiting growth in their faith. For example, kids
can earn rocks by bringing their Bible, using it in small group, bringing a friend
to church, and many other ways. Each service hour will be collectively building a rock wall; once it reaches a certain height, all the kids in that service
will win various prizes and incentives. Our hope is that kids will discover they
are able to be proactive in a living, breathing faith journey.

Its our desire to come alongside you as you guide your small child on their
spiritual journey. Im excited to share some new ways to connect what your
child is learning at church to what they are hearing at home. First of all, be
watching for a monthly take home sheet called Parent CUE (and make sure
and purchase the Parent CUE app to go along with it). These tools provide
activities to use throughout your day to reinforce the weekly Bible story and
verse. Also, do you ever wonder what your child is experiencing while you are
in Big Church? You are invited to join your child on January 24 during all three
services to experience the fun! Please come worship with us, hear the Bible
story and meet the leaders in your childs area. Be watching for more details
to follow.
It is a privilege to be on the journey with you and Im looking forward to each
child experiencing Gods love this year.

Chatter | 6

For the Lenten season, we are going to follow what is taught in the adult worship service on Sundays. This will help kids to connect better with the season
and provide some great unity as a church as we all learn about the same passage. June will be an exciting month for elementary kids with VBS, and a new
summer camp: Sabine Creek Ranch. We are excited for this camp because it
will allow relationships to grow even deeper between kids and their Sunday
small group leaders in a traditional camp experience. The year 2016 is going to
be exciting in elementary ministry.

Dallas is the hometown of Meat Loaf,

Vanilla Ice, and Barney the Dinosaur.

Middle School:
Kristina McCartney

High School:
Matt Hamilton

BC Middle School Ministry is where friendships are established, the Gospel is taught,
and life change, holiness, and maturity are
fostered. I would say this is our mission statement without officially calling it that. As a new
pastor on staff, Im especially excited about whats
coming this year. In January, we will be launching
our brand new midweek program called Radius.
Radius will exist to provide a midweek time for
students to connect with one another, build relationships, discuss biblical teaching, and have a
place to serve at IBC and the surrounding community. Well also be continuing with our Life On
Life small groups, the lifeline in our Middle School
Ministry where discipleship really takes place.
Our new associate Middle School director, Moses
Uvere, and I are looking forward to a new year of
life change and growth for our middle schoolers.

he High School Ministry at IBC has,

and still is, going through a big change!
Previously, we were meeting at IBC on
Wednesday nights, but now we have moved into
three different homes across our area. We call it
The Midweek Table. Our ministry was full of high
school students who loved Jesus and were growing
in him, but we needed a change to move us into a
new place of living our lives on mission. The Midweek Table has provided the jumpstart we needed
to go out and spread the Gospel. This new format
has produced some incredible stories of hope,
redemption, and curiosity. We also serve dinner,
and do our best to create an environment that is
stress-free and conducive for chilling!

Check out page 8 for all the need-toknow info for Middle School and High
School ministry this winter and spring.

Although we have experienced some change, there

is still one key consistency. The High School ministry at IBC believes strongly in community. We
also have incredible adult leaders who love Jesus
and share their lives with high school students.
Therefore, LifeGroups will remain the bread and
butter of our high school ministry. We meet on
Sunday nights after the 5 p.m. service where we
dive into life together the way it should be lived!
LifeGroups are where we see the most transformation in our students. If youre looking for a safe
place to grow in Christ, come check it out!

20 | 30s: Jon Jones

hen we look at 20|30s ministry in

2016, there is great hope! It feels like
those precious few seconds right before sunrise when the sky begins to glow and possibility looms large. We have spent the last couple of
months interviewing IBCers in their 20s and 30s
and crafting a vision of what is to come. In January, that vision becomes a reality. 20|30s ministry
is going to be heavily focused on relational connection and experiential theology; intellectually
engaging with room for doubt. The goal is to equip
20|30s to live sacrificially and bless others, just like
Jesus did, both in Dallas and throughout the world.
This will happen through multiple avenues: First
Thursday theology TED talks and discussions,
Dinner Clubs, Happy Hour Takeovers, Service Engagements, and a Haiti Mission Trip. We cant say
it enough: the future of 20|30s ministry is bright
in 2016!

20 30s

Its a new day

for young adults at IBC.
Come see whats in store for 2016.
JANUARY 14 // 6:30 P.M. // THE COMMONS

Raccoons are considered

young adults at one year
of age.

Chatter | 7

Students at IBC: Cheat Sheet

WE GET IT, PARENTS. You dont have time to curl up on the couch with a good book. Sometimes you need a sticky note, a
Red Bull, and a stopwatch especially if youve got teenagers. So get red up your iCal and settle in. This wont take long. You
might just earn an A in Spring/Summer 2016.

HIGH SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Life Groups: Get involved

LOL (Life On Life): Get involved

If your student hasnt been involved in a Life Group, this is the time to start.
This is not just another program; not just another event. Life Groups are
central to your students faith journey. Our small groups (Life Groups)
are made up of 8-10 students led by adults who love to pour into students
and guide them as they explore spiritual matters. Students get to hang out,
make new friends, laugh a lot and explore the truths of the Bible. We meet
each Sunday in the Student Ministries Area of IBC.

Middle School Students need community more than anybody, it seems.

Thats why we have Life on Life, a weekly small group gathering where kids
connect over Scripture and engaging conversation all while having a great
time. Life On Life meets weekly on Sundays in the Commons at 10:30 a.m.

Winter Retreat: Sign up today

High School Winter Retreat is February 12-14 at Sky Ranch. This is a great
getaway for your high schooler, a time of rest and relationship-building.
(What student doesnt need that?) Well welcome special speaker, Kevin
Libick, Middle School Pastor at Christ Chapel in Fort Worth.

Beach Camp: Mark your calendar

Its not just summer vacation. Its a time for life transformation. This is our
7th year to go away together to the lovely beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama,
and you wont want your student to miss it. Whos invited? All current High
School students plus current 8th graders. Dates are July 14July 18.

Mission Trip: Pray

If you and your student feel he or she is ready for a summer mission trip
this year, now is the time to pray about which might be the best fit. Packets
are due January 10. Trips: Albuquerque: June 10-16; Honduras (Intergenerational trip): July 26-Aug 1.
For more info about or to sign up for any of these upcoming events,
visit irvingbible.org/highschool.

Radius (Wednesday Nights at IBC): Get excited

At IBC, we want to cultivate an atmosphere where students are excited to
bring their friends who may not have a church home. Radius is a Wednesday
night experience for IBC middle schoolers and their friends that will include
teaching, discussion groups, worship, and quarterly service projects.

Planet Wisdom: Mark your calendar

This is a cant-miss conference for 6th-12th grade students. The theme
this year is: QUEST: Discovering Myself in the Light of Christ. IBC middle
school students will be attending the conference here at IBC on Feb 26-27.

Beach Camp: Make note of change (and get ready!)

Middle School is NOT attending Beach Camp this summer. This is new
this year. Middle Schoolers will be attending Summer Camp closer to home
near Weatherford at Texas Star Ranch and Retreat. Dates are June 27
July 1. Camp will again be led by well-trained high schoolers.

Mission Trips: Sign up today

Your Middle Schooler wont want to miss this summers local mission trips
around D/FW and San Antonio. These are great opportunities for kids
to discover they can serve the less fortunate in their own backyards. San
Antonio: June 6-11; DFW area: July 26-29.
For more info about or to sign up for any of these upcoming events,
visit irvingbible.org/middleschool.

Chatter | 8

Alabamas coast is home to

a massive monarch butterfly
migration.

Between Mars and Jupiter is

a dwarf planet known as Ceres,
discovered in 1801.

HEART BOX SUNDAY IS FEBRUARY 14 AT IBC.

One of the core values of IBC is loving like Jesus. This means tangibly
providing for the needs of others, including our partners. For the second
year in a row, we have chosen to show this love around Valentines Day by
providing for our local partners in practical ways.

Join us by bringing one of the following new items to church on

Valentines day, February 14, and depositing it in the appropriate
box in Town Square.

FAMILY PROMISE
towels

THE MAIN PLACE

boys/mens
athletic shoes

MERCY STREET
copy paper

LAUNDRY LOVE
laundry detergent

SCHOOL WORKS
elementary boys
or girls tennis
shoes and socks

THE GATEHOUSE
womens and
childrens socks
or slippers

MERCY HOUSE
diapers

NEW FRIENDS
NEW LIFE
household cleaners
and paper goods

BBMOI CRISIS
MINISTRIES
canned food

SENIOR CARE
mens or womens
slippers

HEART BOXES will only be available in Town Square on Sunday, February 14.

If you are unable to make the service that day, they will be in our donation area
for a few days after.
And if you get a chance, say a big thank you to Stacie Dugas Girl Scouts for
decorating our boxes so beautifully.
Questions? Contact Tricia at tkinsman@irvingbible.org.

In Victorian times it was

considered bad luck to sign a
Valentines Day card.

According to BBC Science, it can

take between 90 seconds and 4
minutes to decide if we "fancy"
someone.

Chatter | 9

IBC partner Debbie Lucien tells of a

boy on the verge of his future.
In the summer months of 2001, a five-yearold boy named Enel Previl was brought by
his family to a local church. His parents had

been told that by doing so, the boys photo would

be taken and perhaps with the help of some
foreign friends, the school could pay its teachers
for the coming year. His parents thought this was
a good thing. When they later heard that some
people picked their sons photo for ongoing sponsorship, they thought, God has opened a door for
him to go to school.
With his brother and two sisters, Enel started preschool, walking through sunny and
rainy days to begin learning about letters,

Chatter | 10

The first person reputed to have walked

around the world is George Matthew
Schilling (USA) from 1897 to 1904.

Enels first
sponsorship photo

numbers, and colors. Each night, upon returning

to his home of mud and sticks, he would sleep
close to his five family members after doing
lessons or repeating his schoolwork back to
his parents.
School continued with the help of donors who
kept his school open. In fact, it grew to house over
500 students. Initially meeting just under sticks
and thatch roof with no walls, the students were
excited to see a 500 square-foot cement block
building go up after a few years. Now, when it
was muddy outside, the classrooms could still
stay clean. Enel progressed slowly but surely,
sometimes having to share the school supplies he
received through sponsorship with his brothers
and sisters.
In 2009, Enel was thrilled to be able to start
secondary school. His sponsor had continued to
be faithful. Enel had to walk a little further, but
proudly wore the peach and tan uniform of the
upper division school of College de la Grace. The
next year, however, was very hard for his family.
Enels father, who had long suffered with cardiovascular problems, finally passed away, leaving
the family with even fewer resources. Enel says
that if it wasnt for the financial help he received
through sponsorship, he definitely would have
had to quit school as an 8th grader. But since he
had support, his family saw clearly that God
had kept the door open for him to continue
his education.
Two years later, while discussing life with one
of his classmates and hearing many speakers
at church and school, Enel decided to become
a Christian. Enels friend Nesly also a sponsored student at the school prayed with him to

According to The World Bank, more

than 200,000 children in Haiti remain
out of school.

accept Christ, and began discipling him. Since

becoming a believer, Enel has been active in the
choir and enjoys helping to lead worship at his
local church.
While its taken a long time for him to complete
his studies, Enel finally finished secondary
school at College de la Grace after 17 years of
steady investment. At the age of 22, he now has
the equivalent of an Associates Degree. At the
recent graduation, I recognized his name from
one of the first groups of children ever helped
through sponsorship. He agreed to pose, tall and
proud in his graduation robes, with the school
founder (and my husband) Caleb Lucien. I asked
Enel if he would stop by and talk to me the next
day about his future dreams and what he would
like to say to his sponsors.
The next day, a Saturday, he greeted me eagerly
and told me he was so grateful for the help his
sponsors had given him and his family. They had
been faithful for 17 years, though hes never had
a chance to meet them. And the fruit of their
generosity is evident: Enel is the first member of
his family ever to finish high school. He dreams
of becoming a doctor or an engineer but knows
it will take many years to accomplish such a goal,
and he has no means other than his familys farm.
But he is now fluent in two languages, Creole and
French, and has a firm opening into society as
we say here in Haiti. He now looks me in the eye
when we talk and speaks clearly about his faith
and his sense of responsibility he feels for the future of his family. Enel understands what a great
privilege he has received.

work in the lives of other young people, and how

often they have also had to wait for their next
steps to be made clear. Finally, we talked about
his sponsors. Enel knew exactly what he would
say to them: Id like to tell them THANKS! Ive
never had the chance to meet them but theyve
helped me so much. I told him Id be sharing his
graduation picture with them and would let them
know how theyve blessed his life.
Enel headed off that day back to his small home
where he lives with his mother and some unmarried siblings. He walks tall and straight and
proudly, knowing the God who took him this far
is able to help him arrive exactly where he needs
to be.
Debbie Lucien has now lived longer in Haiti than
any other country shes inhabited; Haiti: 22 years,
US: 21 years, Japan: 4 years, Germany: 4 years.
Yes, she is as old as dirt.
Born and raised overseas as the daughter of a military pilot,
Debbie thought she knew the world. But when she visited Haiti
at the age of 25, she realized that God was a lot bigger than she
thought. After being courted/recruited by Caleb, she moved to
Haiti in 1993 and never escaped the adventure! Follow her on
twitter at: @MadameCaleb.

Enel with Caleb Lucien

at Enels graduation.

He told me hes now waiting on the Lord to

see what doors will open for the future. In the
meantime, he would like to help area students
with their studies, asking families to pay him
only what they can afford. I encouraged him by
sharing several stories of how we have seen God

HOSEAN INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES

IBC Partner HIM is a ministry by Haitians, for Haitians. HIM began in 1984 by Haitian National,
Caleb Lucien with one purpose in mind: transform lives by pointing people to Jesus Christ
through education, life skills training, and economic growth. If you are interested in sponsoring
the education of a child like Enel, visit hosean.org.

According to World Vision, Haiti

is currently the poorest country in
the Western Hemisphere.

Chatter | 11

Come on in.
Small Groups at IBC have always been about cultivating deep
relationships that advance the kingdom of God in dark places.
Sounds heroic, but most of the time it looks simple like a mug of
something hot, a good talk about real things, and a place to take off
your shoes. Small Groups should always feel like home.

Chatter | 12

Starting this month, well officially start calling Small Groups at

IBC Home Groups. Most of our groups meet in homes anyway,
and, well, home is what theyre really all about a place to be real
and a place to belong even as the kingdom advances.
Registration for winter Home Groups closes Feb. 28. Groups begin
meeting March 20. Register today at irvingbible.org/smallgroups.

Motel 6s tagline Well

leave the light on for you
is 50 years old.

Mary Flo Ridley:

Parents, we need to find our voice.

Shes an internationally
known speaker, a featured
guest on numerous radio
programs (including Focus
on the Family), and writes
regularly for Dallas Child
Magazine. Her topic? Talking to kids about sex. As in:
YOU talking to YOUR kids
about sex. Yep. Its a thing.
Before IBC welcomes Mary
Flo Ridley this month as a
featured Shop Talk speaker
(January 24!), Chatter wanted to catch up with her for a quick chat about well
the thing thats just so dang hard to chat ABOUT
CHATTERAs parents, were really apprehensive about talking
openly with our kids about this topic. Whats at the heart of
that fear?

Does Talking
about sex with
your kids feel
like facing
a monster?
Mary Flo Ridley can help with
the horn, fangs, and halitosis.
Shop Talk: How to Talk about Sex with
your Children with Mary Flo Ridley
January 24, 10:45 a.m. in the West Wing
Weaving humor and personal stories throughout, Mary
Flo Ridley helps parents shape the message they want to
convey to their children about sex. Mary Flo guides parents through the process of shaping their childrens sexual
education from an early age, and brings helpful wisdom for
how to become the loving authority on all sexual matters.
More info at irvingbible.org/parenting.

MARY FLO RIDLEYSome parents fear speaking to their children about sex because they were never taught by their own
parents. They dont know what this should look like or what
to say to a child. Other parents are fearful that at some point
in these conversations, they will reveal their own brokenness
in this area of their life, and they feel vulnerable. All parents
need encouragement when it comes to talking to their children about sex, andwe as the church should equip the saints
for this task. Pointing our children (and ourselves) to the
beauty of Gods design can be seen as a privilege of parenting.
CHATYouve been teaching on this topic for a long time. Tell
us about what first motivated you to develop this training.
MFRWhen I was growing up, I was blessed with wonderful parents, but they never talked to me about sex. When
Dave and I were new parents, we decided we wanted to do
something a little bit differently and it led to the research and
strategy that I teach parents today.
CHATMary Flo, were sure there are a lot of families at IBC
who would benefit from hearing your wisdom, but some
might think its too late. Maybe their kids are older, or already
have particular knowledge or opinions about sex. Would they
still benefit?
MFRIts never too late! Our children need and want to hear
our voices on this topic and they will be willing to set aside
some of the things that they have picked up from the culture
in order to listen to their parents. They may roll their eyes, but
they WANT to know not only the facts of biology, but also why
this part of their life matters to God. They need your wisdom
and they long to hear your thoughts. As parents, we need to
find our voice and speak to them!

The term vocal cords was coined in

1741 by the French anatomist Antoine
Ferrein, who compared them to the
strings of a violin. Trs bien.

Chatter | 13

UPC O M I N G

January
JANUARY 6

JANUARY 15

FEBRUARY 7

Mentoring Service Project 9 a.m.

Baptisms

For children (and parents) from single-parent fami-

To register, visit irvingbible.org/baptism. Mandatory

lies. We will be serving the elderly in our community.

orientation held January 10. More info: doreilly@

More info: mtribbett@irvingbible.org.

irvingbible.org.

Radius Kickoff
Join Middle School at IBC for their Wednesday night
program. More info: irvingbible.org/middleschool.

Elementary Midweek Kickoff

6:30 p.m.

The Table begins

JANUARY 17

See ad, pg.16.

Propel Begins

Marriage at IBC Kickoff

Get connected at IBC through this four week course.

See ad, pg.16.

More info at irvingbible.org/propel.

A place for kids to connect with friends, explore

Gods word, and have fun! More info: irvingbible.

Honduras trip Information

org/children.

See ad, pg. 16.

Midweek Table
Join high schoolers at local houses for dinner and
conversation. More info: irvingbible.org/highschool.

JANUARY 21

FEBRUARY 14
Child Dedication
Registration opens January 29 at irvingbible.org/
childdedication.

Newcomer Gathering

JANUARY 9
Writers Workshop 10 a.m.
Join a community of people honing their writing

see ad, pg 17.

See ad, pg. 9.

JANUARY 24

skills. Contact doreilly@irvingbible.org.

Early Childhood Open House

All three services

JANUARY 11
NAMI Family-to-Family Class

Heart Box Sunday

FEBRUARY 18
GriefShare Begins

Join us for the first 30 minutes of our Sunday

A caring group of people to walk alongside you

services for Children. Experience worship, hear the

through one of lifes most difficult experiences. More

Bible story, and meet leaders. More info: jbjurlin@

info: irvingbible.org/hopeandhealing.

irvingbible.org.

A course to educate families/caregivers of those

with serious mental illness. Contact joey@netbreeze-

Shop Talk

inc.com or eurmoore@yahoo.com.

Mary Flo Ridley will join us to share How to Talk

about Sex with your Children. More info: mcon-

MHGA Family Grace Group

SPRING 2016 BIBLE STUDY

nor@irvingbible.org.

Support group for family/caregivers of those with

serious mental illness. More info: irvingbible.org/
hopeandhealing.

MHGA Living Grace Group

Support group for those who suffer with mental illness. More info: irvingbible.org/hopeandhealing.

JANUARY 31
The Summit/Annual Meeting
12:30 p.m.
Join us in West A for the Annual Meeting, and enjoy
a complimentary lunch. Register at irvingbible.org/

JANUARY 13
FPU Begins
See ad, pg. 17.

annualmeeting.

February
FEBRUARY 6

JANUARY 14

Valentines Dinner for SingleParent Families 69 p.m.

20|30s Kickoff

Enjoy dinner, dancing, horse & carriage rides.

See ad, pg. 7.

Register at irvingbible.org/singleparents, or with

mtribbett@irvingbible.org.

DivorceCare Begins
A group for those walking through the difficulty of
divorce. More info: irvingbible.org/hopeandhealing.

Chatter | 14

by Jodie Niznik
Jesus has set you free. Yet, many of us dont feel
free. We feel bound by guilt and shame certain
our mishaps and mistakes discredit us before God.
But if Jesus died on the cross for our sins, didnt
he die for those things, too? Join us as we dig into
Galatians to discover what it really means to be set
free by Jesus.
Date: January 12April 12, 2016
(not meeting March 8 and 15 due to spring break)
Time: 9:30-11:30 a.m. or 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: The Commons, IBC
Cost: $15 (includes workbook)
For more information and to register visit
irvingbible.org/women.
KidZone registration is also available. Registration
closes on January 4 at noon or earlier if full.

ON G OI N G

BIBLE COMMUNITIES

Groups on Sunday

Synergy
9 a.m. The Alcove
All Welcome
The Tree
9 a.m. West D
20s & 30s, married & young families
Crossroads
10:45 a.m. West C
Couples & Families late 20s to 40s
Journey
10:45 a.m. The Alcove
All Welcome
On Track
10:45 a.m. Conference Room
Single Parents
Thrive
10:45 a.m. West D
Singles in their 30s & 40s
Renew
10:45 a.m. Training Center
All Welcome
Legacy Builders
6:45 p.m. West A All Welcome

CHILDREN

Infants Through 5th Grade

Childrens Sunday Services

9 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 5 p.m.
Elementary Midweek
Begins January 6, 6:308:30 p.m.
Kids connect with friends and
explore Gods word through small
groups, food, fun! Visit irvingbible.
org/elementarymidweek.

HOPE & HEALING

Community Care

Abortion Recovery Counseling

Contact Kym at (972) 560-4632 or
kyeichner@irvingbible.org.
GriefShare
6:30 p.m. West C
Contact shararrington@verizon.net.
Recovery at IBC
Thursdays, 6:308:30 p.m.
West Wing Youth Lounge
A group for hurts, habits, and
hangups. irvingbible.org/recovery
The Living Grace Group
For those with mental illness. Contact
Heath at heathmurry@yahoo.com.

MEALS

Stephen Ministry at IBC

One-on-one ministry for hurting
people. Contact stephenministry@
irvingbible.org or call (972) 560-4636.
Spousal Abuse Recovery
Contact kyeichner@irvingbible.org.

Small Group for Parents

Wednesdays, 6:308 p.m.
SonShine Pals and Room
Care during Sunday ministry.

Contact specialneeds@irvingbible.org.

SUNDAY
COMMUNITY MEALS
6 p.m. Town Square

Meals are $3 per person or $10

max./family.
1/3

No Meal! Happy New Year!

MARRIAGE

STUDENTS

1/10

Beef fajitas, chips and salsa,

salad bar.

Marriage at IBC
Contact marriage@irvingbible.org.

Middle School Sundays

Sundays 10:30 a.m.12:20 p.m.
Student Ministries area

1/17

All American burgers and

brats, salad bar.

1/24

Giant baked potatoes with

all the fixins, salad bar.

1/31

Chicken tenders, mashed

potatoes and gravy,
salad bar.

Growing Together

Pre-Marriage Mentoring
Visit irvingbible.org/marriage.

MEN

Community and Resources

First Watch
Fridays, 6:22 a.m. The Commons
Contact Nat at npugh@irvingbible.org.
First Watch Replay
Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.
Training Center
Contact brianarrington1@yahoo.com.

Middle/High School and College

High School Sundays

Sundays, 6:458 p.m.
Student Ministries area
IBC College Ministry
Sundays, 3:30 p.m.
The Commons Annex
Contact college@irvingbible.org.
High School Midweek
Wednesdays
Join us for food and community.
See Facebook page for locations.

If youd like to serve on a Sunday

night meal team, contact Pat
OReilly at (214) 289-6176 or sundaynightmeal@irvingbible.org.

Middle School
Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.
Join us for a time of friendships
and teaching.

WEDNESDAY
MIDWEEK MEALS
56:20 P.M.

Visit irvingbible.org/men.

WOMEN

Cost is $3/meal or $10 max./

family. PB&J sandwiches are
also available.
1/6

Lasagna, salad, dessert.

Hosted by Mike Gwartneys
team.

MISSION

Womens Spring Bible Study

Beginning January 12
Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. or 6:30 p.m.
The Commons
Join us as we study Proverbs. Visit
irvingbible.org/women.

1/13

Ham, scalloped potatoes,

dessert. Hosted by Bob
Downeys team.

1/20

Enchiladas, tacos, chips and

salsa. Hosted by Barbara
Wittes team.

2435 KINWEST

1/27

Chicken quarters, fries,

dessert. Hosted by Bob
Downeys team.

First Watch Xtra

Wednesday, 6:30 a.m.
Training Center
Contact bcope@huntoil.com.

Local and Global

Prayer Meeting
2nd and 4th Wednesdays
6:45-8 p.m. The Chapel
Laundry Love
First Saturday of the month
9 a.m.12 p.m.
Contact laundrylove@irvingbible.org.
New Friends New Life
Serve dinner to women healing
from sexual exploitation every third
Wednesday. Contact Christine at
newfriendsnewlife@irvingbible.org.

Community and Resources

Wednesday Nights at IBC

IBC Choir
Wednesdays, 78:30 p.m.
IBC Worship Center
Contact Crystal at
celwell@irvingbible.org.
ESL: English as a Second Language
Wednesdays, 6:308:30 p.m.
Haven B, C, D

SINGLE PARENT

Citizenship Class
Wednesdays, 6:308:30 p.m.
IBC Conference Room

Sit with us on Sunday!

9 a.m. service, lowest right-hand
section, Rows 5 & 6, facing the stage.
Visit irvingbible.org/singleparents.

IBC Career Transition Ministry

Wednesdays, 6:308:30 p.m.

Community and Resources

Family Grace Group

For families/caregivers of those with
mental illness. Contact Buzz Moody
at myrabuzz@gmail.com.

SPECIAL NEEDS

NAMI Family-to-Family Class

Contact Joey at joey@netbreezeinc.com
or Debra at eumoore@yahoo.com.

Small Group for Moms

Sundays, 910:15 a.m.

Community & Care

In His Image Bible Study

Sundays, 6:307:45 p.m

Microsoft Computer Skills

Wednesdays, 6:308:30 p.m.
The Training Center

Visit 2435kinwest.org.

Changes to the menu may be made

depending on food cost, availability,
and Bob Downeys whim.
If youd like to serve on a Wednesday night meal team, please email
bdowney@irvingbible.org.

CUPPA HOURS
MonFri

9 a.m.8 p.m.

Saturday

11 a.m.5 p.m.

Sunday

7 a.m.7 p.m.

The Table is a place where skeptics and Christians alike can

pull up a chair around a table to explore God, the Christian
faith, and the hard questions of life. It is a place where
questions are invited and welcomed, and where people can
voice their doubts.

When: 10:45 a.m. on February 7March 6

Where: The Living Room (formerly the Mens
Conference Room)
Questions? Contact jstein@irvingbible.org
To register, visit irvingbible.org/thetable

Whether your marriage is sinking, coasting

along, or going full-throttle, every marriage
needs some TLC.
Marriage at IBC is a fun 10-week course that focuses on the
big picture of marriage as well as practical application in the
everyday-life struggles of marriage. While we cover important
topics like communication and conflict, in-laws, finances, and
sex, we dont go through a single class without laughing and having a great time. The class format is a speaker for a weekly topic
followed by small group time.
Marriage at IBC Begins January 17, 9 a.m., The Commons
Register at: irvingbible.org/marriage
Already in an IBC small group? Any existing IBC small groups are
welcome and able to participate, and will receive all of the Marriage
at IBC resources and any level of support they desire.
Questions? Contact marriage@irvingbible.org

HONDURAS
MIS S I O N T R I P
Informational Meeting
JANUARY 17
12:302 p.m. in West D

Join Mission at IBC for an informational about

our summer trip to Honduras. We are looking
for medical professionals and teachers to work
with IBC partner, Workers Together With
God. This will be an intergenerational trip with
IBCs High School ministry.
For more info, please contact Lauren at
lmouossa@irvingbible.org.

HOW DO I GIVE?
My Time, Talents & Skills

HOW DO I GET
CONNECTED AT IBC?

Facility Department Volunteers

Do you enjoy swinging a hammer or helping do
installs? The IBC Facility Department could use your
help. There are many projects where an extra set of
hands is needed. So, if you have experience working in building, electrical, plumbing, etc., please
contact Rod Myers at rmyers@irvingbible.org.

Were glad you asked. Here are the steps to take for
having your questions answered, guring out the
IBC story, and, if youre feeling ready, plugging in.

Meal Team Volunteers

IBC makes meals available both Sunday and
Wednesday nights. These fun teams could use
some additional volunteers to serve together. For
Sundays, contact sundaynightmeal@irvingbible.org.
For Wednesdays, contact bdowney@irvingbible.org.

Start

JOIN IN WORSHIP

Medical Professionals Needed

Our weekly medical clinic needs professional health
care providers (MD, PA, FNP) to provide treatment
for our patients. Volunteers serve on a rotating
basis and do not need to serve every week. Contact
Charles at cpierce@2435clinic.org.

So you found the address, a place to park, and a breath

mint on the way in. Good work! If youre reading this,
youve probably already taken the first step attending a
worship service. This is the first and most important place
to start, so keep coming. Become a regular. Make sure to
fill out a Newcomer Card. Tell us a little about yourself and
let us know how we can engage with you. Somebody will
reach out to you this week. Visit irvingbible.org/connect.

Mentor Kids in Single-Parent Families

Men and women are needed for gender-specific
mentoring of children from single-parent families.
Contact Marsha at mtribbett@irvingbible.org.
New Friends New Life
Serve dinner to women healing from sexual exploitation (every third Wednesday). Contact Christine at
newfriendsnewlife@irvingbible.org.

CHECK OUT THE NEWCOMER GATHERING

So youre kicking the IBC tires? Good! Were so glad youre
here. The Newcomer Gathering is a great opportunity to
meet church leadership, learn what IBC is all about, and
connect with other newbies in a fun, relaxed environment.
Next Newcomer Gathering: January 21

Safety Team
Do you have a desire to serve and protect others? Contact Christopher Watkins at cwatkins@
irvingbible.org. Please include any credentials and
relevant experience.
Visitor Follow-Up Team
(Rex Greenstreet Ministry)
We are looking for a volunteer to make calls or
send welcome emails (or both) to new visitors from
IBC. Training and coaching will be provided.
Contact Sherri at ssharp@irvingbible.org.
Volunteer with Senior Care
Senior Care at IBC has some needs. Villages on
MacArthur needs Bible Study leaders as well as
Saturday services leaders. MacArthur Hills needs
musicians/singers and leaders for a spiritual service.
Ashford Hall needs one-on-one visitors and Bible
study leaders, and game/activities volunteers. Contact Mike at Seniorcare@irvingbible.org.

SIGN UP FOR PROPEL

All right! Youre feeling the IBC vibe and want to see
where you might get involved. Propel is a 4-week class that
explores the IBC calling and culture, and how your unique
personality and passions fit in. Meet many of our pastors and
directors of ministries at IBC. Next Propel: February 728

JOIN A COMMUNITY
Youre firing on all cylinders but something is missing. And
that something is a someone, or a group of someones.
Enter sermon-based Small Groups, Womens Bible Study,
First Watch, and more. We encourage you to find a group
and connect authentically with others.
Visit irvingbible.org/adults.

My Resources
Online Giving Option
If you would find it more convenient to donate to
the ministries of Irving Bible Church online, visit
irvingbible.org/give.

FIND A PLACE TO SERVE

Youve come a long way since that first breath mint. Youve
been busy worshipping, learning, relating, and committing.
And its at this point that you might start looking around
at all the people who help create those events ushers,
greeters, meal team members, table hosts, small group
leaders, and the like. Your next step now is to join them!
Consider your passions, talents and spiritual gifts and then
ask about a place to serve. Visit irvingbible.org/serve.

FOR MORE INFO, VISIT IRVINGBIBLE.ORG/CONNECT OR LOOK

FOR THE NEWCOMER GUIDES AT THE INFORMATION DESK.

Chatter | 18

The name January comes from the

Latin word for door (ianua), since
January is the door to the year.

ONCE MORE,
WITH FEELING

f you are not seated, please sit down. If you are seated, buckle up. If you
are buckled up, you may want to stop reading now if youre prone to
carsickness. Settled in? Okay, then. The haphazard collection of words
currently assaulting your senses both sight and common is my 73rd
and likely final column for Chatter. I know, I know. Youre probably in the
drive-thru at Chick-fil-A just now remembering that its Sunday and then this
happens. So you are not only left wondering where you can satisfy your Bibleblessed chicken jones, but also from whence youll be able to scratch your itch
for elliptical sentence structures chock-a-block with obtuse wordification and
the occasional, monthly reference to pastiness. You need a hug.

Sadly, the Chatter editorial board enforces a strict no-touching (even emotionally) policy on contributors of dubious complexion (theres your final pasty
reference), so well have to make do with a psychic fist bump. But before I leave
you with Tim Hawkins as your lone source of Christian comedy (What do you
mean he already was?), Id like to take a few hundred words and ramble semicoherently about what the past 69 Idle Chatter columns and 4 Interview
with a Dead Guy exposs have taught me. If anything. Hmmm.
First, Ive learned that its much easier to keep a position when the job is essentially that of a volunteer. Assuming you dont count the few times I had to
slip an Old Navy coupon code to the editor (Julie, now of the emeritus variety)
to get her to put down the metaphorical red pen. (The literal red pen is the
Track Changes feature in Microsoft Word, which I despise even more so than a
patchouli-soaked hippie. Also, I never could figure out which online emporium
discounts would convince her to let me discuss smiting hippies, so well see if
the new ed. lets that previous sentence fly.) Anyway. I assume my long tenure
was also aided by my ability to meet a deadline no matter how many times I
moved it, and my penchant for mentioning my kids who are totes adorbs, at
least in print.
Ive learned that most fellow believers can take a joke. In nearly seven years
of poking fun (And is poking ever really fun? I think not.) at some of the more
absurdist aspects of evangelical life along with giving Moses the Twitter
handle @MoHeston I never received one letter, email, Tweet, Snapchat,
Vine video, Facebook rant or gospel tract-based expression of displeasure.
Sure, only about three of you actually know who I am. And my family attended
church in Frisco, but farther north (as in, past the Ikea) than most Irvingites
dare to drive. Also, we moved to Omaha three years ago. Nonetheless, I appreciate your collective sense of humor and/or Julies restraint in forwarding me
complaints from the elders.

Id like to tell you I learned many deep, life-changing Biblical truths over the
last 67% of a decade, but come on. I think we can all agree that I either made up
most of my doctrinal claims, or have since forgotten the ones that are true due
to my advancing fortysomethingness. Which reminds me, I never did base a
column on the Book of Lamentations. Woe is me.
Lastly, Ive learned that I can spit out 900 words on just about anything without saying much of anything of value. Case in point duly noted.
And now, since I still have about 300 words to torture, Ill take a question. Yes,
you in the back with the pre-Etsy WWJD bracelet from 1997. My favorite columns? Well, I could say thats like trying to choose your favorite child (the dog),
if having 73 kids wouldnt get me investigated by the Guinness World Records
folks (bunch of narcs). Instead, Ill go with my two poems, Ballad for a High
School Youth Group Hayride (October 2014) and The Graven (October 2015);
my unearthing of Noahs Twitter feed, @GopherWoodBoy (October 2009); my
ruminations on Pentecost, Economy Sizing the Holy Spirit (May 2010); and my
homage to my dad on the occasion of his 65th birthday, Cool On the Inside (July
2010). There might be others I actually like more, but I dont have the patience
of a Job Billy Duggar to read them all. Also, you can find most of these at Scribd.
com/IrvingBibleChurch or JasonFox.net/IdleChatter.
So. This is the end. For now, at least. Perhaps Ill pop up or in or over from
time to time to ruminate on weighty matters like why our Christmas tree topper looks like Celine Dion. But for now I think its time to try something a little
different. After so many attempts at weaving a little truth into the funny,
I believe Ill give weaving a little funny into the truth a go. (Thats what I get for
actually studying my beliefs, I guess.) I doubt Ill become this millenniums C. S.
Lewis, but perhaps something of eternal value will emerge from it. Hopefully
not damnation.
But until we meet in the sweet by-and-by on that beautiful shore (look for my
totally boss conversion van customized by St. Doober), I will simply thank you
for reading and leave you with one last bit of suspect theological advice: Every
argument, especially those on the internet, can be won with the phrase, Well,
thats what it says in Habakkuk. Because it does.
Jason Fox will miss you all, except that creepy guy who cuts his fingernails
during the sermon, and is proud his last column hit 900 words exactly.
Jason writes from Omaha, Nebraska, (well, he used to) and can be harassed forevermore on
Twitter at @jason_fox.

Shhhh! Dont poke it!

Next month in February, Chatter will be hibernating. Its winter, after all. Plus, it buys us some time
to come back in March with more Chatterish goodness than ever before. Because more of a good
thing iswell, gooder than good grammar. (Like we said, we need some sleep.)

Celine Dion is the

youngest of 14 children.

In 2013 alone, 200 million

lemons were squeezed to make
Chick-fil-As fresh lemonade.

Chatter | 19

Chatter tags along as the Mechsner family weathers the ridiculous

winds on Mt. Wellington in Hobart, Tasmania. We understand that
seconds after this shot, Chatter decided to dispel the widely held
belief that turkeys cant fly. Be free little guy. Be free.

Chatteryou CAN take it with you. Send us

your Chatter photos on location, and you may
see yourself in an upcoming issue. Email us
at chatter@irvingbible.org.