Zest for Life Bout with Leukemia Fails to Slow Star Basketball Recruit by Gail Wood
PULL OUT & SAVE
Christian Education & Camps Northwest Edition Pages 7-18 Vol. 22, No. 3 March 2012 www.christianexaminer.com
Community Community Cal Thomas
Military kids treated to Faith sustains Losing liberty: Slippery slope FREE special week at camp quadriplegic after 49 becoming an avalanche years in wheelchair page 2 page 3 page 5 Zest for life Bout with leukemia fails to slow star basketball recruit By Gail Wood
SEATTLE — It’s here, while ly- ing in a hospital hooked up to a chemo drip, that Katie Collier’s testimony as a Christian speaks the loudest. Seth—or “Gizmo”—entered SAMBICA illegally, but this experience ultimately led him It’s not when the 6-3 forward on a path to Jesus Christ. Later he served on staff working with young campers. is swishing another basket, giving her Seattle Christian School bas- ketball team the lead. And it’s not Camp’s ropes course leads when she’ll play in the McDon- ald’s high school All-American teen on journey to faith game on March 28 in Chicago. “People came into her hos- By Scott Noble our, a discipline of running, jump- pital room expecting to see an ing and climbing in urban environ- ashen-faced girl that was beaten BELLEVUE — Many campers ments. and fearful,” said Mark Collier, enjoy the ropes course at the Sam- After the guys got down from the Katie’s dad. “When they opened mamish Bible Camp Association trees and were warned about the the door, they saw someone who (SAMBICA) in Bellevue, Wash.; consequences of doing that again, was beaming and full of life and however, not everyone uses the the staffers and their families in- full of hope and someone who ropes course to get introduced to vited them to play baseball with the trusted God.” the camp—and ultimately to Jesus group. In September, while Katie was Christ. Little did Seth—or “Gizmo”— making a recruiting visit to the One day as a group of staffers and know, this baseball game would for- University of Washington, her their families were playing baseball ever change his life. gums began bleeding and she last year, one of the youngest family SAMBICA was founded in 1919 felt worn down. At fi rst, her fam- members, who was six years old at by the Swedish Tabernacle Church ily thought it was mononucleosis. the time, said, “Dad, there is some- as a family camp. In its early years, But a blood test showed she had body up in the trees!” campers had to take a ferry to get to acute promyelocytic leukemia, a “We look over, and there are the camp, its location being some- rare form of the dreaded cancer. two guys who are probably just what remote and not as developed “Our fi rst response was disbe- out of high school up in our ropes as it is now. lief,” her father said. “Our daugh- course,” said Liz Pearce, staffi ng su- “Camp continued that way, as ter who was so healthy, running pervisor at the camp. “So I just kind family camp, until about the 1940s up and down the basketball of walk over and say, ‘Hey guys, we when camp as it exists today—as court. It was total shock and dis- can’t be up there. You guys need to far as youth camp—kind of started belief this could happen to her.” come down.’ My heart is going, ‘Oh up,” said Christine Szekeres, mar- Since September, she has un- no, they are up there without the keting and development manager dergone weekly chemotherapy. equipment.’” at the camp. “Over the years, we’ve For Kate Collier, her senior year playing basketball for Seattle Christian School was The staff needn’t worry, however, See COLLIER, page 20 interwoven with chemotherapy treatments for acute promyelocytic leukemia. as both guys were involved in Park- See CAMP, page 6 4,000 young people challenged at the Justice Conference
By Somer Breeze-Hanson speakers addressed issues such as human traffi cking, slavery, poverty, PORTLAND, Ore. — More than HIV/AIDS and human rights. 4,000 people gathered at the Or- Those who attended the two-day egon Convention Center on Feb. event didn’t return to their 42 states 24-25 to learn, dialogue and rally and eight countries only more edu- for change at the second annual cated and aware; they returned in- Justice Conference. spired and challenged to be part of “You are among 4,000 people the change. who believe it’s better to give than “You’re going to hear about a to receive,” addressed Ken Wytsma, million injustices, and when God conference founder and lead pas- breaks your heart for one, open tor of Antioch Church in Bend, that door and follow that path,” Ore. “I hope you get crushed this said Mike Hogan, Northwest Direc- weekend,” he added as he wound tor of Church Mobilization for In- down the conference introduction. ternational Justice Mission. Hearts were broken and tears Sponsored by World Relief and In just two years The Justice Conference has grown into a well-known event. 1,000 people attended the fi rst conference were shed as social injustices very Kilns College, The Justice Conference in Bend, Ore., followed by the 4,000 this year in Portland. It was announced during the conference that the third annual much alive today were revealed conference will take place in Philadelphia on Feb. 22-23, 2013. to the audience. Well-renowned See JUSTICE, page 20 Display advertising (206) 650-9032 ◆ News leads, subscriptions, bulk delivery 1-800-326-0795 2 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • March 2012 NW www.christianexaminer.com Military kids treated to special week at camp funded by community By Jennifer Ferrero The federal funding of the camp for military families was Active duty military families a blessing, said Carmen Morris, face unique challenges from McKenney’s mother. “The kids deployment to foreign coun- [at the camps] are coming from tries to routine drill weekends. a similar background, and they Often military parents leave learn they aren’t alone.” their children behind for an as- Morris said it’s hard to com- signment. Carelton McKenney, municate why you are going to 15, of Bremerton has faced pa- be gone to your children. She rental deployment several times shares that her kids and other in his young life. His mom has military kids understand that been deployed twice, to Kosovo “Some mommies and daddies and Iraq, as a Navy reservist. can get shot at and die” during “The fi rst time was when I was deployment, but that through young; I was confused as to why Operation Xtreme, they “meet she wasn’t there. Most of my friends that are going through memories from that time period the same things.” are dark and not too bright and Shannon Olsen, communica- happy,” McKenney refl ected. tions coordinator with Crista His dad has been gone on long Ministries, said that the ministry term assignments in the states, has a real passion for the military and both parents are gone one week with Operation Xtreme be- weekend a month in the Navy cause of everything that elemen- reserve. In recent years, McK- tary, middle school and even Crista Camps’ Island Lake in Poulsbo and Miracle Ranch near Port Orchard each host an Operation Xtreme camp during enney has relied on friendships high school students go through the summer. Funds are raised for children of military families to attend. and camaraderie, in a summer when parents are in the military. camp through Crista Ministries “They are facing a lot. There before; but they are also dealing with school.” Olsen noted that friends, McKenney relates that called Operation Xtreme, to get are normal peer pressures, drugs with extreme loneliness,” Olsen statistics show reading levels are the Christian focus of the camps through the challenges. and alcohol, earlier sex than ever shared. “They struggle more lower for students of active duty has been invaluable to him. military families. “They feel it’s “Before the camp I believed, their fault that their parents are but I didn’t truly believe. The leaving, and they know their par- camp opened my eyes to what FACT: Drug and alcohol abuse continues to destroy lives, homes, families and ents might not come back.” was really there. I went in as businesses… young and old alike… bringing death and destruction to But two years ago, it was touch- a Christian and came out as a and-go when federal funding to true believer. I think it’s a made nearly every block of every neighborhood and community. run the military-only Operation a humongous difference if they Xtreme, then called Operation are gone again. I am not alone, FACT: Faith in Jesus Christ continues to set these same captives free… Purple, dried up. That’s when I have family, friends, God… leadership at Crista Camps, a it won’t be as bad,” McKenney through His Word, His Blood and Grace. northwestern Washington Chris- said. tian camp resource, determined The challenges of moving, o… a major question to lack of funds (which is a world partner with Freedom House they would reach out to the com- deployment and fear for local Sconsider… Have you been of difference from the secular, for Ministries. Help us to help munity to run the camps. military families have made the set free? Does your life refl ect profi t recovery business…). FHM others break the chains of Doug Chase, vice president community step up to help out His miraculous power to deliver provides help to those who are addictions grip. Your care and of Crista Camps, said that with with the camp funding. Crista and heal? Do you marvel at broken and who have hit bottom generous gifts of support will the strong military presence of Camps has set up a website, www. what the Lord has done within with nowhere else to turn. reap a harvest of souls and fruit Naval Base Kitsap in Bremerton, sendakid.net, for donations to you to redeem your life from Being adamantly faith-based, to His Glory. Bangor and Keyport, along with help send military kids to camp. the pit? we receive no state or federal s a monthly partner you the Fort Lewis Army base, there Additionally, Crista Camps, on was a natural need for Crista behalf of Operation Xtreme, has If you are one of many across funding, nor insurance coverage will help lift a signifi cant A Camps to step up and fi nd a way reached out through local me- our region who have escaped… payments for anyone who load or your one-time gift will to raise money for the camp. “It dia and chambers of commerce and now live blessed, then you enters this full-year residential strengthen our arms. ignited our passion,” Chase said. to spread the message of need to as we, have much to thank Him program. (Think 365 bed nights, This past year we have stepped Now Crista Camps operates communities. for. May we suggest that one over 1100 meals and 1500 + out in faith to develop a camps, free of federal funds, at Olsen said, “In a way these kids signifi cant way to honor and hours of biblical training and larger campus facility that two properties, one in Poulsbo are forgotten about, but they are glorify the Lord for such grace mentoring in Christian character has effectively doubled our called Island Lake and the other used to people wanting to ana- near Port Orchard called Mira- lyze them and fi x them. We want and freedom is simply… by development.) We have seen bed space capacity as well as answering the call of His Spirit many lives miraculously restored. cle Ranch. Operation Xtreme is to walk a middle line to show hard costs for operation. We held at both camps during two that we are supporting them and to now put your faith and works Glory to God! are praying earnestly that our together to help others fi nd the different weeks of the summer. allow them to talk, and there are ith these ongoing efforts supporting partners will also Grades 4-6 go to Miracle Ranch, people to talk with them—but same grace and freedom? Win mind, we appeal to double. Jesus declared that: “in and grades 7-12 go to Island overall they are there for a break Over many years our faith-based, you who today share the life as much as you have done this Lake for a maximum of $75 per and to have fun. It’s an escape. non-profi t discipleship and changing, good news that you unto one of the least of these, my family to attend. Morris said that And they are with other kids that recovery efforts have endeavored have found in Christ. We pray bretheren, you have done it unto the fee paid has gone toward a are dealing with the same.” to never turn anyone away for you will choose to become a me.” Matt 25:40 credit in the camp store for the While Chase said that the camps weeks that McKenney has at- are Christian-based, he said that For more information about Freedom House, go to our web site tended the camp. If the money kids from all kinds of backgrounds isn’t spent in the store, parents come to the camps. “We are pretty FreedomHouseMinistries.net receive a refund. solid on the gospel,” He added, “If Use our address here and drop a note or call us for more information. The camps are fairly tradition- there is a non-Christian kid from Visit our new Vancouver, WA campus and tour. al summer camps, Olsen said, a Christian home or a Christian offering water sports, archery, kid from a lukewarm home, they esus Christ is the answer to the sin problems of this say thank you for prayerfully considering our appeal. paint ball, motocross bikes, arts all receive the same messages.” Jworld. Our common faith, shared by believers who Together we will make a real difference as addicts and and crafts, and fi reside. “It’s a They spend time getting to know are living free… will help others fi nd Christ and grow alcoholics fi nd new life in Christ. As we celebrate 24 fun week at camp,” Olsen said. each other and receive Christian in His Word. Your seed will bear much more fruit to years of faith-based recovery efforts here in the PNW, For McKenney, the three years messages around the campfi re at His Glory! To you, your church, your business may I we are reminded… he’s gone to camp have been in- night. McKenney noted that the valuable for making friends and counselors always let each child for coping with times of deploy- know they are there for them, to Just one life, twill soon be past… ment and military life. When talk or answer questions. “They his mom was fi rst deployed he won’t push you to it, but they just only what’s done for Christ will last. wasn’t sure where she was, but let you know. They didn’t force me the second time he knew she was to believe, they just let me believe.” in a war zone. He felt more in- At the end of the week, Chase formed of her absence, he said, said, “It’s a teary time.” A former captive, “But I was biting my fi ngernails Chase said this summer that now free. a lot more. My dad helped me the camps will be even more cus- Pastor Jim Cottrell from not having a psychological tomized for military kids. They breakdown.” will enhance the military termi- At camp, McKenney has made nology used and will continue friends he stays in touch with to unite the military community. Call for more information 0/ "OX s 0ORTLAND /2 through Facebook, writing let- “This is bigger than just the kids; [email protected] ters and calling. Many of the kids the parents meet other parents 503-347-9966 have already moved to different when they drop their kids off www.FreedomHouseMinistries.net parts of the country, but they stay and make friends. This is about in touch. But aside from making community,” Chase concluded. www.christianexaminer.com NW March 2012 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 3 Faith sustains quadriplegic after 49 years in wheelchair By Gail Wood “We’ve always maintained that The world record holder’s accidents happen,” Helen said. mouth opened as the spoonful of As a pole vaulter, Brian Stern- “Then, as Brian says, it’s up to you soup neared. It’s lunchtime. The berg wowed the world, breaking where you turn. You can turn bitter arms that made him the world’s the world record three times in a or you can turn the other way.” fi rst pole vaulter to attempt 17 feet three-month span. Catherine Palmer attended are now lifeless and unable to help As a quadriplegic for the past 49 high school with Sternberg and feed himself. years, he’s inspired the world, his is now his daytime attendant. The muscular body that arched Christian faith unwavering. For 20 years, Palmer has cared over the bar that made him a world “Things didn’t go as I expected,” for Sternberg, feeding him, even record holder now sits motionless Sternberg said. “The hard thing is taking him to Washington Husky in a wheelchair. Yet like that young keeping the faith. But you have to football, basketball and track 19-year-old who soared to world re- realize that even when things don’t events. She said that she is inspired cord heights, Brian still has the de- go as you had hoped they would, by Brian. termination of an athlete. you can always make the best of it.” “I look forward to going to work Twenty years ago, I watched Sternberg’s circumstances have every day,” she said. “When I get Sternberg talk to a youth group at changed. He didn’t get to pole there I’ll ask him how he’s doing. a Fellowship of Christian Athletes vault in the Olympics. He didn’t And he’ll sometimes say, ‘Better camp in Olympia. Speaking in al- get to live a normal life. But, he now that you’re here.’ He’s that most a whisper, Sternberg said he said, the truth of the cross hasn’t kind of person.” never wanted any of them to face changed. Palmer has never heard him what he was facing. He never want- “That’s my strength,” Sternberg complain about his condition. ed them to be confi ned to a wheel- said. “He’s a delight to be with,” she chair, dependent on someone to In a remarkable three-month said. “I’ve never met anyone like meet their every need. span in the spring of 1963, while he Brian.” “Unless,” he said, “that’s what it was a 19-year-old sophomore at the A typical day for Sternberg is takes for you to put God in the cen- University of Washington, Stern- a movie in the morning, lunch, ter of your life.” berg broke the world pole vault a nap, and in the afternoon he’ll Sternberg’s moment of fame was record three times—his muscular email friends, typing out messages so fl eeting, but his faith in Jesus body arching over the bar at record with a wand he clinches between Christ has endured. heights at Philadelphia in April, at his teeth. He talks about everything Modesto in May and again in Los from the Seattle Mariners to his in- Find us online at Angeles in June. volvement with Fellowship of Chris- Using a fi berglass pole, he’d be tian Athletes. the fi rst to attempt 17 feet. The In Sternberg’s room, there are s 0$&