First Name: Gary
Last Name: Chavez
Email: garcarcha@gmail.com
Mobile Phone: 3107394829
Address:
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Birth Month: August
Birth Day: 4
Birth Year: 1955
Why are you interested in pursuing this initiative?:
First and foremost, to further the kingdom of God. I'm currently mentoring two men on a regular basis, and many more have come to me for advice and prayer. It's my hope this program equips me with what I need for maximum effect. As I'm turning 70 this year, I feel I have a lot of experience in life and in my walk with Jesus. Before I leave this earth, it would be an honor to share what I've learned with younger men. 

Tell us about your family::
My bride and I are celebrating our 42nd wedding anniversary this week. We have two children in their late 30's. We moved from California to Maryland 4 years ago as our daughter, who is quite ill, was a new mother with an infant and was unable to appropriately care for him. Our 36-year-old son still lives in California. Both of our children gave their hearts to Jesus in their teen years. Today, neither are attending church. Of course, we're praying like mad men for them, and our daughter is so close. She and her husband occasionally attend church with us and our 4-year-old grandson loves Sunday school. I've prayed with her husband Andrew. Together we have cried about the goodness of God, and I'm praying someday I get him to a Waterboyz Expedition.

Other family is scatter across these United States. Some are believers, some are not.

What is your experience with Zoweh events and/or resources?:
I've never attended a Zoweh event, however I've read John Eldredge's books as well as Michael Thompson's. A couple of years ago a gentleman from Zoweh attended a Waterboyz Advanced Expedition and suggested I become an Elder-Sage. And then one of my best friends, Rusty Eckman, has been instrumental in my pursuing this ministry.

How did you first connect with Jesus in a personal way?:
As a small child through my mother. We used to call her the "Jesus Freak" as a way of teasing her. Not realizing of course she wore the name like a badge of honor. My family was VERY involved in the Catholic church.As a child I was an altarboy. As a teen the church asked me to be on the board as a teen representative. I even went to a seminary for several years. But I didn't REALLY come to know Jesus until I was in my 20's. I left the Catholic church, was baptized, and actually started reading the bible. I "yoked up" with Jesus and have loved Him ever since.

Tell us about a time when you shared your Jesus story.:
I'm the Prayer Team leader at my church. Between Altar Ministers, Prayer Ministers, and Chaplains, there are approximately 50 people on my team. I have occasional meetings and often times share my Jesus story with them.
After 2 years, I recently ceased teaching a bible study at the Frederick Rescue Mission to the 35+ men in recovery. You can't do that without sharing your Jesus story!
Doing sessions at Waterboyz Expeditions.
And most importantly, to anyone who is willing and open to listen!

Explain your familiarity with the following terms: wounds, vows and agreements.:
Wounds: Those events that happen in life that leave scars that need to be dealt with. Such as father and mother wounds.
Vows: A formal and serious promise to do something. Especially for God.
Agreements: This is a hard one to explain. We often times agree, in our mind, to something that does not align with what God wants from us. Something along the lines of "I'm not good enough," "I can't do that."

Tell us about a significant wounding moment that you experienced.:
There's not enough room here. But here's something I can say. Suffering is not necessarily a bad thing. It's how I've learned most things in my life. Either through avoidable or unavoidable suffering. 

Explain your personal familiarity with spiritual warfare.:
In my humble opinion, we don't discuss it nearly enough. There's spiritual warfare that goes on every second of every day! We live in a tragic and broken world that will eat you alive if you let it. The enemy is out to destroy each one of us and will do so if given a chance. We all must recognize that. Then once we do, we need to put on the Armor of God and get to it!

Give an example of how you have heard from God.:
A couple of years ago I decided to ask God to help me with my pain. You see, I’ve been a chronic pain sufferer since my early 30’s. I’ve got scars from six spine surgeries to prove it. You name the drug, and I’ve taken it. The most relief I’ve ever realized without taking opiates is maybe 10% to 15%. And in every case, it’s just not worth the side effects. So today, I rarely take any pain medication at all. And I never ask God for relief. And I can’t tell you why. I just don’t. Well last year I decided to ask Him. I got on my knees and prayed; “Dear God, please give me just one evening with my wife where I’m pain free. Just one……. please?” As sure as I’m standing here, I heard His reply loud and clear. “Pray for those in pain.” 
I immediately responded, “You’re not listening to me!” So, I got up, got in the shower and went about my day. I tried again the following day. And I really became annoyed when I got the same response. “Pray for those in pain.” Clearly, at this point you’ve realized I’m a slow learner. On the third day I decided to try one more time. You’ll never guess what God’s response was. “Pray for those in pain.” It was at that very moment I realized; “You idiot. Isn’t this how God works?” That day I sent an email to a couple of friends asking for names of people that were in pain. Within a couple of weeks, I had a list of about 35 people, and I started praying for them. Today my pain has diminished by as much as 90%, and most evenings I don’t have any pain at all. I can’t begin to tell you how wonderful that been for me. Praise God!


Have you had any training in listening and/or engaging in another man's story?:
Formal training? No.

Which of the following books have you read?: King Me, The Heart of a Warrior, The Screwtape Letters, Hearing God, Wild At Heart, ​​Fathered By God
How did you discover the Elder-Sage Initiative?: Another Elder-Sage
What is the best time to call you?: Any weekday evening after 4:30. Or anytime on the weekend. I'm quit involved in various forms of ministry, so if you miss me, please leave a message and I'll get right back to you.
Reference
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First Name: Gary
Last Name: Chavez
Email: garcarcha@gmail.com
Phone: 3107394829