Caleb 5K Run
Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 8 am.
As we approach the two year anniversary of our son Caleb's relocation to Heaven, we are honored to continue the tradition we started last year by hosting a Caleb 5k Run to honor his life. Last year we had such an amazing turn out, which has encouraged us to keep his legacy alive, while at the same time being a blessing to others in our community who are less fortunate.
There are two ways that you can partner with us and lend your support. First, we invite you to join us and be a part of The Caleb 5k Run, which will be held Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 8 am, at the Shoreline Church, North Campus. The run/walk is a certified 5k (3.2 miles) and we are anticipating over a 1000 participants. This is a family friendly event where you can compete in the timed portion of the run, jog, walk and/or bring the kids. We have something fun planned for everyone including a band, entertainment for the kids, vendor booths, food and much more. Secondly, your financial donations will be very effective in making a difference in the lives of children who are in Foster Care and waiting to be reunited with their family or adopted through an agency called 'Family Link' www.familylinkkids.com. The dream of every child in the Foster Care system is to be part of a family. Family Link supports the dreams of these Texas children. Children waiting to be adopted know their youth is their greatest asset. As they age, the hands of time make them more vulnerable to not being adopted.
17,027 children were placed in Foster Care in Texas as of 8.31.2010.
6,026 children were waiting to be adopted in Texas.
100% of the proceeds will go to Family Link Kids: to host overnight retreats that support foster and adoptive families and provide children/youth peer connections; and toward Family Link's Legacy Ranch (where a Caleb House will eventually be built). Legacy Ranch will become home to large sibling groups that are removed by Child Protective Services due to abuse or neglect, teenagers that are aging out of the Foster Care system, teen moms that have no place to go and the elderly.
Pastor Rob and I want to thank you for your kind and loyal friendship. We couldn't have made it without your prayers, love & support for our family. We also want to say a very special thank you to our sponsors for making the Caleb 5k possible this year:
Platinum Sponsors:
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Lexus of Austin |
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KEYE TV, Austin, Texas |
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Mardel Christian & Education - Mart & Diana Green, Tulsa, OK |
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The Spirit 105.9, Austin, Texas |
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The Word 98.5/99.3, Austin, Texas |
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Zeal for Life, Austin, Texas |
Other Sponsors:
Victory Church, Pastors Mark & Jennifer Crow
Compass Bank, Austin, Texas
Avalon Insurance, Randy King, Houston, Texas
AXA Advisors, Charles Larkam, Austin, Texas
GUTS Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Pastors Bill & Sandy Scheer
Logan Chiropractic & Wellness, Austin, Texas
Greenling Local Food & Produce, Austin, Texas
Chick-fil-a, at N. Mopac & Parmer, Austin, Texas
Round Rock Express, Round Rock, Texas
Don't miss out on this fun event that will make a difference in the lives of many children in our community. Register today at www.caleb5k.com.
All our love and sincere appreciation,
Pastor Rob & Laura Koke
Click here to visit the Caleb 5K Run Website
© 2011 by Laura Koke. All rights reserved.
 Laura and her husband, Rob, are the Senior Pastors of Shoreline Church in Austin, Texas. For 20 years they have raised up the next generation of leaders and created a life giving church that is making a significant impact locally and globally. Laura is a leading voice and advocate for this generation, as well as an accomplished doctor and author. Laura is an authentic, engaging, and compassionate communicator, whose passion to destroy injustice is helping to rescue countless lives and is bringing hope to many. She will inspire you to receive the beautiful love and grace of God that will equip and compel you to share it with everyone around you.
Let the Children Come
It's time for Shoreline Summer Camps again! I know from my oldest son's experience four years ago that going to camp can give kids a deep understanding of the heart of God that they can turn to throughout their lives whenever they are in a time of need. I believe this type of experience plants a seed in a young person's heart that will lead to a lasting commitment to the Lord and living a life of dedication to Him.
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn
from it. - Proverbs 22:6 [NIV]
I wanted my other children to have the same opportunity as their older brother. However, as a single mom of five, having the finances to send my four youngest children to camp seemed impossible. I prayed and asked God to make a way. I knew, if it was His will, He would make it happen but I have to be honest and say that I wasn't incredibly hopeful. After all, the cost would be just under $1,000.00. How would that be possible? I was forgetting the magnitude of the love that my Heavenly Father has for me.
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! - Matthew 7:11 [NIV]
On May 2nd, God used an anonymous stranger to answer my prayers. I received a Facebook message from a friend letting me know that she had a friend that would like to sponsor all four of my younger children for Shoreline Summer Camp. I was speechless and humbled.
Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld His love from me! - Psalm 66:20 [NIV]
This person I had never even met had listened to God and became a physical, tangible answer to my prayers. I wonder how many other parents have prayed that same prayer. How many of you, who may not have children but may know someone who does, have heard God asking you to be an answer to their prayers but have been hesitant to respond? Maybe you haven't heard God asking you to help but you have wanted to do more; be involved. I would encourage you to attend the Challenge Camp Fundraisers or even consider sponsoring a child for Shoreline Summer Camp and give them the opportunity to be forever changed and rooted in the love of the Lord.
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." - Matthew 19:14 [NIV]
Click here to find out more about Summer Camps at Shoreline
© 2011 by Shawna McKay. All rights reserved.
 Shawna McKay is the single mother of five children: four sons- John Paul, age 18; Weston, age 15; Dalton, age 13; Spencer, age 12 and one daughter; Presleigh, age 9. Shawna's struggles as a single mother have yielded her dream of developing a non-profit organization dedicated to the emotional and spiritual support of single parents and their children. Her belief is that no one should ever have to feel alone and hopeless as long as Christians are fulfilling their role as the hands and feet of Jesus.
Monthly Devotional
How Far Will You Go?
"For the Son of Man came to find and restore the lost." – Luke 19: 10 [The Message Bible]
Zacchaeus heard about Jesus coming to town, so he ran to see him. Maybe he could talk with him? Maybe he could just touch his robe like the woman he heard about? Would he even make eye contact with him? I'm sure there are times in all of our lives when we would like to see or touch Jesus. Life can be so busy that you have to make a list and check it off. In the meantime - take care of my family, work outside the home. And, did I mention - rest, exercise, eat right and spend time with God? Wow, that's a lot! I know many of you can relate.
I hope to be like Zacchaeus. He did whatever it took to get a glimpse of his Savior; pushing through the crowds. You may remember a lot of people didn't exactly care for him. He was a tax collector and a greedy one at that. Even still, he pushed through. It seems Zacchaeus knew he couldn't do it on his own and needed a Savior. Regardless of his reason, Zacchaeus knew he wanted Jesus. I believe that realization was the beginning of Zacchaeus' success.
The minute Jesus saw Zacchaeus, he said, "Come down, I'm coming to your house today." Jesus accepted Zacchaeus before Zacchaeus did any changing. Jesus went the extra mile and looked up into Zacchaeus' eyes. I wonder if shame and guilt disappeared at that moment. As Zacchaeus spent time with Jesus, he changed. He didn't change on his own. He couldn't. He may not have even had the desire. I believe we can all change when we allow Jesus in. Chaos can turn to calm; loneliness can change to wholeness; fear can change to faith. Looking at Luke 19:9[NIV], Jesus says to Zacchaeus, "Today salvation has come to this house…" Jesus spent time with Zacchaeus and his life changed. Jesus came for the confused, broken hearted, weary and sick. Jesus came. He changed people 2000 years ago, and He is still very much alive and working on our behalf today.
Thank you, Jesus that you are always looking toward us. You are all we've ever needed. We pray we are more like Zaccheaus and get through any barrier to desire you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism…" Acts 10:34 [NIV]
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 [NIV]
Click here to read Shoreline's statement of faith
© 2011 by Pastor Kelly Mata. All rights reserved.
 Kelly Mata is an Executive Pastor at Shoreline Church where she has been in full time ministry for 20+ years. Her enthusiasm for encouraging people to reach their potential is contagious. She thrives on helping people find wholeness and is passionate about getting people involved using their unique gifts and talents to serve the local church and the community. Kelly serves alongside her husband Sam and their 2 amazing teenage sons, James and Robert.
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