On a Mission
Vol. 34, No. 8 August 2012 www.christianexaminer.com
State Fair John Piper Culture
Crossroads Chapel Proven weapons in Dobson and son team FREE continues ministry the fi ght for holiness up to update 1978 at the State Fair parenting fi lm series page 5 page 7 page 8 40 Days for Life campaign gearing up for September launch OOnn a MMissionission Pro-life movement has spread across country and overseas
By Scott Noble what God would have them do, the group believes He gave them SAINT PAUL — For the past the 40 Days for Life campaign. fi ve years, pro-life supporters and The idea soon gained life, activists across the country—and and the initiative began to now around the world—have grow slowly. After a few years, spent two coordinated time pe- however, it caught on as others riods each year in fasting and around the country heard about prayer against abortion. The the effort—and it went national campaign 40 Days for Life has in 2007. The several-weeks long spread from one small commu- campaign takes place twice a nity in Texas to more than 400 year: in the spring during Lent cities across the U.S. and Canada and during the fall. and cities in more than a dozen More than 15,000 church con- countries. gregations have since partici- According to the 40 Days for pated, and a reported 5,928 lives The heart and soul of Bethany—missions work—is never far from the hearts and minds of students on campus. Life website, in 2004 a small have been spared as a result of pro-life group was discouraged the campaign. about the number of abortions The peaceful effort has three Bethany Fellowship’s nearly 70-year in the Bryan/College Station, Texas area. After praying about See 40 DAYS, page 10 legacy helps fulfi ll the Great Commission
By Delores Topliff to buy a common residence, Fellowship since 1945. Their fi rst where they could live, worship Pastor-leader, Ted Hegre, initi- BLOOMINGTON — At the and pursue their goals together. ated a challenge to prepare and end of World War II, fi ve Minne- They sold individual homes send 100 missionaries throughout sota families, members of Bethany and combined belongings to sup- the world from their gathering of Chapel (now Bethany Church), port the organization. Commu- 22 people. committed themselves to listen to nity involvement decreased the To meet that challenge, Beth- God and do what He said. Their work and expenses required to any established their College of subsequent steps included pat- maintain separate households so Missions (BCOM) in 1948. Grad- terns seldom seen since the early that more time and money went uates of what was then Bethany church that continue producing directly into missions. Fellowship Missionary Training great results today. The Fellowship’s fi rst head- Center partnered with various Seeking a deeper relationship quarters was the large Minne- sending agencies. In 1963, Beth- with Jesus, the original families apolis residence called “Bethany any Fellowship Missions (now founded Bethany Fellowship in House.” They quickly expanded Bethany International Ministries) 1945, giving all they had to em- and in 1946 purchased the 62.5 initially began in Brazil establish- brace Christian life and support acre farm in Bloomington, Minn., ing a Bible school, church plant- the unfi nished task of world mis- that is still their base of opera- ing work, publishing house and
PRO-LIFE ACTION MINISTRIES sions. To reduce individual family tions. 40 Days for LIfe program director Brian Walker speaks at a recent 40 Days for expenses, they pooled resources Six leaders have headed the See BETHANY, page 2 Life event. INDEX Polls continue to show strong support for marriage amendment Christian Examiner staff report marriage protection amendment.” Editor’s Note ...... 6 In addition, Minnesota for Mar- TWIN CITIES — A new SurveyUSA/ riage released its latest fi nance KSTP poll released in mid-July shows report in mid-July, which showed Commentary ...... 6-7 52 percent of likely Minnesota voters in that the group raised more than support of the state’s marriage amend- $620,000 from Jan. 1 through July ment, which would defi ne marriage 10. More than 68,000 people have Calendar ...... 17 as between one man and one woman. contributed to the effort. Thirty-seven percent of those polled do “We are pleased with our fund- not support the amendment, while six raising efforts so far, especially with Community Briefs...... 18-19 percent were unsure and fi ve percent the increase in the number of new would not vote. small- to mid-sized donors,” said John Helmberger, chairman of Helmberger. “We have always said Professional Service Minnesota for Marriage, a group that we expect to be outspent in Directory ...... 19 supporting the constitutional pleased with the lead the amend- “While we are very encouraged this campaign, but we are in a very amendment, said the poll demon- ment enjoys among Independent that our hard work over the past good position to raise the funds we strates “consistent, solid support” voters and the large percentage of year to explain the amendment need to get the job done.” Classifieds ...... 20 for the amendment. Democratic voters who support the to Minnesotans has resulted in a “This shows what we’ve always amendment.” 15-point lead, we have a lot of work believed: our opponents have the While the latest poll shows to do,” Helmberger continued. “We For more information on the cultural elite, wealthy contributors strong support for the amend- look forward to continuing to work SurveyUSA/KSTP poll, visit www. Book Review ...... 22 surveyusa.com. For more information and editorial writers, but we have ment, other polls over the past six with Minnesotans all the way to the about Minnesota for Marriage, visit voters on our side,” he said, via a months have demonstrated varied November election and making www.minnesotaformarriage.com. media release. “We are particularly results. Minnesota the 32nd state to pass a 2 • MINNESOTA CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • August 2012 www.christianexaminer.com
vide an intercultural educational in everything.” a separate ministry in BETHANY… experience producing Christ-cen- Andrew Bailey, 1997 to print books pro- Continued from page 1 tered servant leaders, followers BCOM freshman from duced by BHP and other of Jesus, who bring the church to Ottawa, Canada, said: publishers. seminary. where it is not, transforming people “I’m learning what it BPI prints 18-20 mil- Today, Bethany has fulfi lled that and communities, delighting God’s means to be an active lion books yearly and fi rst mission challenge many times heart and extending His kingdom.” generation for Christ. has printed more than over. By 2005, nearly 60 years af- They offer biblical and theologi- My classes prepare me 330 million books since ter the Fellowship’s founding, cal studies in the context of a com- for my Global Intern- its beginning, partner- more than 850 missionaries have munity of people who care about ship in Kenya in 2013.” ing with 30 different served with 87 mission agencies in them, on campus and on the mis- Similar to the Apos- publishers. 69 countries. Another 425 alumni sion fi eld. Most students also expe- tle Paul’s tentmaking John DePree, Bethany serve in Christian ministry through- rience cross-cultural fi eld realities industry to fi nance Press president, said: out America. in overseas settings. This mission- ministry, business ven- “Our passion is to trans- BCOM’s vision remains to “pro- ary training approach has demon- tures remain Bethany’s form the world for Jesus. strated effective results for nearly primary support for That’s why we partner 70 years on most continents by in- missions and the col- with authors, ministries corporating three essential traits lege. They’ve manu- and publishers to create, for effective missionaries: vibrant factured wooden toys, produce and distribute spirituality, godly character and lefse griddles, pop-up millions of life-changing inter-cultural social skills. camping trailers and Christian books. We in- Tamsen Gylleck (BCOM 2011 done printing. vest the proceeds with grad) was a global intern in France Bethany House Pub- Christian publishers to and now serves in Admissions and lishers (BHP) began accelerate global church Student Life: “What I learned at in 1956 to spread the growth, social justice, BCOM was not as much in the good news of Christ relief and development, classroom or from textbooks as ev- through publishing and education, contrib- eryday encounters with professors, and printing Christian uting $12 million since praying in dorms late at night or books and literature. 1997.” in the Global Internship getting That was sold to Baker Today BCOM offers rejected doing evangelism in the Book House in 2003 one-, two- and four- Halvard Strand, one of the original South of France, learning how dif- after Bethany Press In- leaders of Bethany Fellowship, is soon Bethany College of Missions offers theological and biblical year degrees, as well as to turn 100 years of age. fi cult team life is … but taking joy ternational formed as training for students interested in the mission fi eld. Master’s programs on- campus and/or online at affordable tuition through rele- vant work-study training programs. Bethany is completing its accredita- tion process with the Association of Biblical Higher Education, which We need your help… serves more than 300 additional colleges throughout the U.S. and Canada. Bethany International is the …to serve the homeless, poor, umbrella overseeing Bethany In- ternational Ministries, Bethany at risk youth, and their families. College of Missions (both College and Global Studies), Bethany Press, Bethany Short-Term Missions, and Globe Serve. Current Bethany International MRD’s 3 Core Programs President and CEO Dan Brokke’s MRD Youth Builder Program parents met at Bethany; his father, /RIGINALLY DESIGNED TO PROVIDE INNER CITY YOUTH WITH FREE AFTER SCHOOL WEEKEND AND Harold Brokke, directed the Fel- SUMMERTIME RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES THE PROGRAM HAS EVOLVED TO INCLUDE AFTERSCHOOL lowship from 1990-1994. WEEKEND AND SUMMERTIME PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT EDUCATIONAL CULTURAL AND Besides being thankful for past COMMUNITY SERVICE ACTIVITIES 3INCE THE -2$ 9OUTH "UILDER 0ROGRAM HAS accomplishments, Bethany looks to SERVED OVER INNER CITY YOUTH the future. Its Publish4All Initiative works with publishers and minis- tries to provide life-changing book MRD Samaritans Outreach Program titles downloadable in any language 4HE 3AMARITANS /UTREACH 0ROGRAM HELPS PROVIDE FOR THE BASIC NEEDS OF THE HOMELESS by workers needing materials. The POOR AT RISK YOUTH AND THEIR FAMILIES -AKING SEVERAL STOPS A NIGHT IN THE -2$ VAN Minneapolis Recreation Development, Publish4All Internet cloud stor- !LLAN DISTRIBUTES FOOD CLOTHING PERSONAL CARE PRODUCT KITS EMERGENCY FUNDS AND age libraries and global book digi- Inc. (MRD) WAS FOUNDED IN BY !LLAN ,AW ON THE STREET CARE AND SUPPORT (E ALSO PROVIDES BUS TOKENS SANDWICHES AND BOTTLED tal print systems allow nationals in WATER TO HOMELESS PEOPLE LIVING OUTSIDE 2IDING THE BUS PROVIDES THEM SAFE REFUGE AS AN !FTER 3CHOOL 7EEKEND AND 3UMMERTIME remote areas to download, click, FROM THE CITY STREETS A PLACE TO GET OUT OF THE COLD IN WINTER 4OKENS ALSO PROVIDE print and bind books with equip- 0ERSONAL $EVELOPMENT AND 2ECREATION 0ROGRAM THOSE IN NEED WITH TRANSPORTATION TO JOB INTERVIEWS DOCTOR VISITS APPOINTMENTS ETC ment for under $2 per copy (even (E ALSO PROVIDES REFERRALS TO AGENCIES THAT HELP WITH HOUSING COUNSELING CHEMICAL FOR )NNER #ITY 9OUTH -R ,AW WAS A TEACHER IN THE by solar power). DEPENDENCY JOB PLACEMENT l NANCIAL AID AND HEALTHCARE Authors are encouraged to do- INNER CITY -INNEAPOLIS 0UBLIC 3CHOOL 3YSTEM FOR nate copyrights, making more se- YEARS FROM TO (IS ENTIRE LIFE HAS BEEN MRD 363 Days Food Program lections available without restric- tions that could hinder global CONSUMED PASSIONATELY AND UNSELl SHLY SERVING THE )N THE $AYS &OOD 0ROGRAM DISTRIBUTED MORE THAN SANDWICHES TO THE HOMELESS AND HUNGRY 3ANDWICHES WERE PREPARED AND DONATED BY MORE THAN resource distribution. POOR VULNERABLE DISADVANTAGED YOUTH AND THEIR COMMUNITY GROUPS CHURCHES SCHOOLS AND COMPANIES )N TOTAL MORE THAN “These programs change the face of missions,” said Brokke; FAMILIES (E HAS PERSONALLY VOLUNTEERED MORE THAN INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEERS PARTICIPATED IN SANDWICH MAKING EVENTS RANGING IN AGE FROM TO YEARS OLD #URRENTLY -R ,AW DISTRIBUTES AN AVERAGE OF SANDWICHES A NIGHT “together, we can fi nish the Great HOURS IN THE PAST YEARS SERVING WITH LOVE TO 4WIN #ITIES PARTNER SHELTERS AND LOCATIONS SERVING THE HOMELESS -AKING SEVERAL Commission.” Bethany’s heart is glimpsed at AND COMPASSION AND DELIVERING A MESSAGE OF HOPE TO STOPS EACH NIGHT -R ,AW ALSO PROVIDES SANDWICHES AND BOTTLED WATER TO HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES LIVING ON THE STREET OR TOTALLY OUTDOORS mealtimes when old and young THOSE MOST IN NEED community residents, students and visitors gather in the campus cafe- teria. Two members of the original founding families are there, both Our Mission is to “Love One Another” near their 100th birthdays. One, Halvard Strand, has served Bethany Your donations needed now! in many capacities and co-authored 0LEASE CONSIDER BECOMING A PARTNER WITH US BY MAKING A tax-deductible donation TO its history, “With Eternity’s Values -2$ TO ASSIST -R ,AW IN HIS MISSION TO SERVE THE POOR VULNERABLE YOUTH AND FAMILIES IN in View.” He recently earned a NEED !LL DONATIONS ARE USED DIRECTLY TO PROVIDE PROGRAM ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES .O SALARIES medal participating in Bethany’s HAVE EVER BEENNOR WILL EVER BEPAID TO ANYONE WORKING FOR -2$ Anti-Human Traffi cking Challenge. Regarding his fulfi lling years in the Fellowship, Strand said, “God Make your online donation at: www.mrdinc.org has defi nitely led Bethany since You can also mail your donation to: 1945.” -INNEAPOLIS 2ECREATION $EVELOPMENT )NC If you have questions or would like more information or a brochure: 9ORK !VE 3 %DINA -. s 6ISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www.mrdinc.org For more information about Member of Minnesota Council of Nonprofi ts s %MAIL US AT [email protected] Bethany International, visit www. Minnesota State Tax Exempt Number ES 36361 bethanyinternational.org, email Federal Tax ID 501(c)3 Nonprofi t Status 41-1836443 s #ALL US -R ,AW CAN BE REACHED AT (612) 423-9923 [email protected] or call (952) 944-2121. www.christianexaminer.com August 2012 • MINNESOTA CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 3
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9/5 WILL HAVE A GREAT DAY OF FUN NETWORKING AND LISTENING TO #HRISTIAN MUSIC s .EW AND FUN THINGS TO DO AT THE &AIR s s Career Development Center 9/5 CAN HAVE YOUR RESUMÏ REVIEWED WHILE YOU TALK WITH CAREER COUNSELORS s Wellness Health Area 9/5 CAN TALK AND WORK WITH COMMUNITY HEALTH EXPERTS s Minnesota Teen Challenge Choir WILL BE PERFORMING 9/5 CAN LISTEN TO AND ENJOY THIS WONDERFUL GROUP OF SINGERS s Huge Silent Auction Area 9/5 WILL BE ABLE TO BID ON AND WIN FABULOUS ITEMS FROM ALL AROUND THE AREA JOIN US AND 12,000 OF OUR FRIENDS AT THE 7TH ANNUAL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY FAIR 4 • MINNESOTA CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • August 2012 www.christianexaminer.com Couple follows God’s leading to open Bible school
‘yes’ to God and going to this col- The Bible Training Institute will Charis Bible College will begin lege how it just was provided for,” instruct students in the Old Testa- he said. ment, Bible covenants, the lifetime classes Sept. 4 in Plymouth The “bring it back here” idea of ministry and other classes de- would soon be realized when the signed to give students a strong bib- By Scott Noble from Charis Bible College (CBC), couple moved back to Minnesota lical foundation. which is an extension of Andrew after three years in Colorado, ready The School of Practical Ministry PLYMOUTH — Ken and Lori Wommack Ministries (AWM), and to start an extension of Charis Bible will give students practical, hands- Balma used to walk to the Mall they also worked for the ministry. College in Plymouth. on experience in a variety of minis- of America in Bloomington for According to its website, AWM try settings. lunch every day. They worked teaches “the truth of the Gospel Biblical studies In addition, students can also nearby and would spend the mile to the body of Christ with special CBC will begin classes Sept. 4 participate in a third year intern- walk praying. emphasis on God’s unconditional and will meet in the evenings and ship, which provides them with As Ken looked back on those love and the balance between on weekends. Half time and full additional practical training and prayer walks, he couldn’t help grace and faith. We are doing our time programs will be offered. Stu- administrative instruction. seeing how God was already pre- best to fulfi ll that call by teaching dents who complete their studies paring the couple for what they at seminars, in churches, on radio will receive an Associate’s Degree in Life ministry will inaugurate in September. and television, by training others Lori and Ken Balma will open Biblical Studies and can then apply When students graduate from “It was clear to us in those at Charis Bible College and by Charis Bible College in Plymouth in for pastoral licensure. CBC, they will have attained a months preceding that God had developing ministry materials September. “The curriculum is biblical stud- two-year degree. However, that’s placed in our hearts a call to designed to help you in your re- ies,” Ken said. “It is an intense study not the focus on which the couple number one, start with knowing lationship with the Lord.” that that’s what we were going to of the Bible and God’s written word hopes students concentrate. who He is, and then it was number “We knew before we went out be doing.” and how that impacts our life. What “We are not preparing students two, bring it back here,” he said. to Colorado,” Lori said. “We knew But the couple had a mortgage, does that mean? How do we put for ministry,” Lori said. “Ministry is The “bring it back here” would pretty clearly that we were going three kids in college and full-time that into practice?” an outfl ow of the changes God has not be completely clear just yet, to come back and start a school. jobs. The training is split into two made in our hearts, that knowing but the couple said “yes” to God’s We didn’t even really know that “How was this going to work?” tracks: the Bible Training Institute the love of God for ourselves per- leading and moved to Colorado. you did that or that you could Ken wondered. and the School of Practical Minis- sonally. The only thing we can min- They attended and graduated do that, but we were pretty sure “It was amazing once we said try. ister is that—is knowing the love of God and sharing that with the world around us … of how much God re- ally loves them and has a plan for them, and it’s so much better than their own plan for themselves.” And it’s also not careers the Bal- mas want students to focus on. “So we really aren’t trying to raise up people for a career; we’re trying to raise up people that really have an intimate relationship with God and can touch the world around them by showing them God,” Lori continued. The classes, Ken believes, will not only help develop students’ biblical knowledge and increase their prac- tical ministry skills but also help make students better people. “If you’re a father, it makes you a better father; if you’re a moth- er—stay at home—it makes you a better mother,” he said. “If you’re in the secular work environment, it makes you a better employee. But of course there are those who are called into ministry, and this is a great stepping stone. This puts them on a track of not only … [hav- ing] a foundation in God’s Word; it prepares them for practical minis- try.” The couple hopes eventually the school will have 65 part-time and full-time students. The location in Plymouth, along Interstate 494 and Highway 55, has room for expan- sion should that become necessary.
Going out into the world Upon graduation, Ken hopes stu- dents will know “fi rst and foremost that God has a plan for each and ev- ery one of us, and He has a plan for their lives, and secondly, it’s who they are in Christ.” With that in mind, the gradu- ates will be able to fulfi ll a variety of ministry roles: teachers, pastors, traveling ministry personnel, mis- sionaries, hospital chaplains and many others. “They’ll get a good exposure to people who are operating in all the gifts and people who are in all those areas of ministry,” Lori said. Lori hopes that by the time stu- dents graduate from CBC, “the Word’s just burning in them … that it’s got to get out.”
For more information about Charis Bible College, call (612) 217-4565 or email [email protected]. For additional information about Andrew Wommack Ministries, visit www.awmi.net. www.christianexaminer.com August 2012 • MINNESOTA CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 5 Continuing to demonstrate Christ’s love at the State Fair
By John Rickenbach Think about the eternal impact Chapel. We have been remodel- are a few examples: As we climb this mountain, I Crossroads Chapel director we as The Christian Church could ing and painting the building. • 1,700 people were prayed for want to remind you that we serve have if we came together for 12 Our plans are to make the eve- • 7,450 cross necklaces were a God who raised himself from The Minnesota State Fair is days to serve with one heart, one nings feel more like a concert/ given to kids the dead. There is not a dollar truly the “Great Minnesota Get voice, bringing the love of Jesus club atmosphere—again, to reach • Nearly 4,000 copies of God’s amount too big for our God. The Together!” More than two million Christ to the Fair. Not as Protes- the next generation. Word were given out Chapel is at a crossroads, but it is people gather every year for 12 tants or Catholics. Not as evangeli- At 6:00 pm, the Chapel will • Most importantly … 20 people not one any of us should fear or short days. Just the mention of the cals, Pentecostals or charismatics. become “Club Crossroads.” Many met Jesus for the very fi rst time worry about. I write that because State Fair brings back the smells Not as separate ministries but young people wander the Fair As the hot summer of 2012 I truly believe God will use this and noises of all the traditions as one Body of Christ! Can you in the evenings looking for free begins to fade, the Chapel fi nds crossroads for His glory, and I and memories that make up the imagine the Kingdom impact? entertainment. Our doors will be herself at a crossroads. The joy can’t wait to see what that looks State Fair to each of our senses. Over the years, the Chapel wide open. many of us felt last year as we like over the next 50 years at the As a God follower, can you Team has prayed about how we Crossroads Chapel has been do- served the Fair for the fi rst time “Great Minnesota Get Together.” imagine having a chance to be can reach the lost, specifi cally ing this ministry since the 1950s. from a new building has turned Through God’s grace, together the hands and feet of Jesus to all the “younger generation.” Last For nearly 60 years, Crossroads into concern, as the mortgage on we can save the Chapel. these people? What if a ministry year the Lord opened the doors has been a beacon of Christ’s the building is due Dec. 31, 2012. existed that brought churches for us to move into our new lo- Light in the middle of the “Great Reality is this could be the last and ministries from all denomi- cation, which is right next door Minnesota Get Together.” In year of the Crossroads Chapel. For more information about the nations together for 12 days to to the Kidway. What a fi eld of 2011, more than 150 volunteers The price tag of $200,000 in the Crossroads Chapel, visit www. serve, love and care for all these opportunity! God has led us to came together to serve the fairgo- fl esh seems to be too big of an crossroadsmn.org. people at the Fair? change the look and feel of the ers in many Christ-like ways. Here obstacle to overcome.
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Living a quiet but infl uential life As a young Christian, these two least that was the intention. put others ahead of herself. Our fam- them memorable and infl uential long verses always intrigued me: “Make it These verses became even more ily will always fondly remember how after we leave this temporary realm. your ambition to lead a quiet life: You compelling to me last month when Deb’s personality became even more In fact, that’s what Jesus told the should mind your own business and my oldest sister lost her three-month pronounced during her illness. Her Pharisees when they asked Him what work with your hands, just as we told battle with cancer. The few months put-others-fi rst mentality didn’t recede commandment is the greatest: “‘Love you, so that your daily life may win the between her diagnosis and her pass- while she was in the hospital; it actually the Lord your God with all your heart respect of outsiders and so that you ing were much too swift, and these became more prevalent: making sure and with all your soul and with all will not be dependent on anybody” (1 devastating life markers always have a others were comfortable, not feeling your mind.’ This is the fi rst and great- Thessalonians 4:11-12). way of making us introspective. “put out” or feeling as if they were hav- est commandment. And the second is And even now as a “middle-aged” As I was refl ecting on my sister’s ing to do too much stuff for her. like it: ‘Love your neighbor as your- believer, these verses somehow draw life, these verses kept coming back I think that’s what Paul was refer- self.’ All the Law and the Prophets me in, give me pause and compel me to me. For the fi rst time, Paul’s words ring to when he talked about winning hang on these two commandments” to consider more fully what Paul— felt grounded in something that over those outside of the faith. Our at- (Matthew 22:37-40). and the Holy Spirit—wanted to com- wasn’t just literary, something that titudes, behaviors and the way we ap- My sister’s life communicated municate. replicated and described real life. proach others often tell more about many things to me—things that have Paul obviously wanted the Thessa- In our media-saturated, 15-min- us than any words, descriptors or and will continue to shape me for the lonians and other readers through- utes-of-fame culture, the descriptors anything else could. Someone taking Editor’s Note: Scott Noble remaining years I have left. out the centuries to be responsible “quiet” and “win the respect of” rare- care of you while you are sick speaks Paul’s challenge to the Thessalo- and not have to rely too heavily upon ly get as much attention as the “make more to this person’s love than if that nian believers—always a bit hazy to others. By those actions, Paul stated, yourself known” and “don’t disrespect person just told you she loved you but fi lled with travel, popularity, adven- me before—has now become more our “daily life may win the respect of me” attitudes. Yet it’s rarely the latter didn’t help in your time of need. ture and wealth. God blesses each of clear: to love the Lord, to love oth- outsiders …” approach that impacts, challenges It doesn’t matter if we’re wildly us in difference ways. ers and—with however He has gifted People outside the Christian com- and makes positive contributions to popular or completely unknown; Yet what really matters—on this me—to make sure my life in some munity would be “won over,” so to other people’s lives. it doesn’t make a difference if we earth and eternally—is how we treat way infl uences people to become speak, by the faith and actions of the As you can guess, my sister was quiet, are blessed with a thousand friends those around us and how much we love more aware of the Father. relatively new Christ followers … at reserved, respectful, always willing to or three or four. Our lives might be God. This defi nes our lives and makes How about you? Instructions for camels Like a lot of movies these days, desert heat does make a brain fuzzy, lowing a camel’ for me. So I thought the subject matter of a dispute, rather some Bible stories are all action but they’re camels, for goodness I’d try again. This time I nailed a sign than allow the disputing parties to win and no dialogue. sake! I hear that even some of your in the stall: ‘belong, believe and then at the expense of the other.) For example, take Noah’s story. He guys wear camel hair to keep cool and behave.’” The camels looked hesitant. They’re gets into a boat, it rains really hard, a look Baptist.” “So now they’re to fi rst feel wel- always a bit suspicious anyway. rainbow appears—and bam! The ark “Well, a few years ago,” said Solo- comed into the camel community in “If you offer them some water, crashes into the side of Mount Ararat. mon undeterred, “you told your hopes that they will eventually end up some living water,” added Solomon, See? All action. No dialogue. I’m not camels to ‘behave, believe and then believing what the other camels be- “perhaps the camels will be able to at all convinced that Mrs. Noah had belong.’ Remember that? You know, lieve and then behave accordingly?” focus on someone—” nothing to say to her husband during fi rst they need to get their act togeth- The poor girl looked bedraggled “Greater than you, Solomon?” the whole ordeal. er, clean it up and then they should at this point, “for there was no more “Wise, you are, queen of Sheba.” Here’s another example: “Now be open to new ideas. Then after con- breath in her” (2 Chronicles 9:3). (And to confi rm that it all really when the queen of Sheba heard of siderable lifestyle adjustments, they After a long pause, the queen com- did happen) the queen left all her G.J. Wiese the fame of Solomon, she came to would be ready to be card-carrying posed herself but appeared rather sassy precious chili powder, gold and dia- Jerusalem to test him with hard ques- camel club members.” now. “OK, what would you suggest? monds with Solomon but kept the tions, having a very great retinue and “They’re so rude,” she likely told “Yeah, that didn’t work out,” admit- ‘Bedazzle, beseech and then bebop?’” camels. Imagine that. She took them camels bearing spices and very much Solomon. “It’s easier to thread my ted the queen. “The camels got real “Bring me a sword,” Solomon all back home with her to Sheba (2 gold and precious stones. And when sewing needles than to get these cam- ornery on me. So I decided to switch abruptly announced, glancing at his Chronicles 9:9). she came to Solomon, she told him all els in line.” it up and try a new paradigm: ‘be- guards. Sure, camels can be quite diffi cult that was on her mind. And Solomon “Yes, camels do have a reputation,” lieve, behave and then belong.’” “Oh, great. Here comes the ‘cut- and way too sarcastic, but overall they answered all her questions. There he said to her. “They spit and kick “And as a result,” said the king, the-baby-camel-in-half’ story. Nice,” are fairly good-humored and oh so was nothing hidden from Solomon people.” “the camels had to believe before she whispered while motioning to the endearing. They’ll even walk three that he could not explain to her” (2 “And I’ve had it with them!” (Oh, they could start behaving like good camels to start slowly backing away miles an hour with you while you con- Chronicles 9:1-2). you never knew that the camels were camels are supposed to behave. You from the throne. tinue to rearrange the be-what’s—but That’s it? No juicy details? What the real reason for her visit?) told them that once they were good, Solomon was not amused. “How just be prepared. Camels still have a was on the queen’s mind? What was “Ah, impatient, you are,” replied they would be accepted into the cam- about we slice through the whole ‘be- reputation. bugging her? Why did she drag her the wise king. “But don’t be fooled by el club.” what’ sequence debate and just get the entire caravan of camels all the way their boorish attitude. That bawling “OK, that didn’t work out so well ei- camels some water?” (Keep in mind G. J. Wiese is an adjunct assis- from Sheba to Jerusalem? sound they make is their way of say- ther. They started slinging their slob- here that the king had a reputation, tant professor of Biblical Studies Allow me to play the role of screen- ing, ‘We be befuddled.’” ber and biting each other. It wasn’t too—not of spitting and kicking—but at Bethel University. She blogs at writer and fi ll in some dialogue. “What? ‘We be befuddled?’ The pretty. Put a whole new spin on ‘swal- of pretending that he would destroy www.askdrglow.com. The ‘Oprahfi cation’ of America When asked at the close of the ing less of the former and more of said that the chief justice’s experi- rality by those academics who will Constitutional Convention in 1787 the latter. Apparently promoting ence with his own health issues and write history. Such reasoning is not what the Founders had wrought, the “general welfare” has come to working in big business might have based on sound legal principles like Benjamin Franklin famously said, mean welfare. Food stamp ads run contributed to his decision. Roth- the Constitution, much less a moral “A Republic, if you can keep it.” on the radio. The USDA pays for stein said Roberts had good health code created by One more “su- That question might also be put the ads, which encourage more care when he needed it and that preme” than the Supreme Court. to the fi ve Supreme Court justices people to apply for the program. “He was probably thinking about Rothstein said, “Roberts wanted who voted in late June to uphold Among the avalanche of post- the millions of people who are less to show that the Supreme Court is the constitutionality of the Afford- mortems delivered by “experts” and fortunate than he is.” more responsible to legal principles able Care Act, which mandates pundits to the court ruling, one may Rothstein said Roberts needed than they are to partisan principles. health insurance for most Ameri- have gotten closest to answering the to land on “the right side of history He has eyes on his legacy.” cans, based on twisted logic that it question about what was in the mind and morality” and these, too, prob- Again, what does this have to is a tax and thus within the power of Chief Justice John Roberts and ably infl uenced his vote. Cal Thomas do with the Constitution? At fu- of the Congress to impose on an al- how it refl ects on what our nation Notice in all of this there is noth- ture confi rmation hearings before ready overtaxed people. is becoming. ing about the Constitution. And Obama in 2008, might head a new the Senate Judiciary Committee, Even better than the question of Paul Rothstein, a professor at what’s this about morality? Whose cabinet department should Obama should senators ask questions about what the court has allowed govern- Georgetown Law School, taught morality would that be? Is it a fi xed win a second term: the Department legacy, morality and history in addi- ment to do is what its ruling says Roberts when he was a student. In morality, or one based on opinion of Feelings. tion to the nominee’s views of the about us? an interview with Washington, D.C., polls and wanting to land on “the Constitution and individual cases? The Supreme Court didn’t worry Rugged individualists founded radio station WTOP, Rothstein said right side of history,” whatever that If the majority on the Supreme about morality and which side of and helped preserve America it was empathy for the uninsured means? Liberal justices regularly Court is to continue with such un- through many challenges. They be- and disdain for partisanship that decide cases based on such non- history it was on when it decided to sound judgments, maybe we should lieved we should fi rst take care of swayed Roberts, making his the de- constitutional irrelevancies. Why make prayer and Bible reading ille- consider changing our national ourselves and help our neighbors cisive vote. must a conservative? gal in public schools a half-century anthem from “The Star Spangled with government intervening only “It’s a very odd decision,” said This is the “Oprahfi cation” of ago and what about the “morality” Banner,” to that irritating ‘70s song as a last resort. Today we are rap- Rothstein. “The conservative guy America in which feelings trump of ripping constitutional protection “Feelings.” idly becoming a collective in which went liberal.” truth and personal experience and from unborn babies? Whose moral government penalizes achievement Rothstein further speculated class guilt rule, not the Constitu- code decided that case? © 2012 Tribune Media Services, and subsidizes failure, thus produc- about Roberts’ motives when he tion. Oprah Winfrey, who endorsed This sounds like selective mo- Inc. www.christianexaminer.com August 2012 • MINNESOTA CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 7
Some proven weapons in the fi ght for holiness When Paul says to put to death pelling is that God’s helping me has the deeds of the body “by the Spirit” made the occasion of my glorifying (Romans 8:13), I take him to mean It is a beautiful thing Him. Amazing arrangement. I get that we should use the one weapon the help, He gets the glory! in the Spirit’s armor that is used to 5. “My God will supply every need kill—namely, the sword, which is to be the instrument of yours according to his riches in the word of God (Ephesians 6:17). glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians So when the body is about to be of God’s word-wielding 4:19). The context is fi nancial and led into a sinful action by some fear material. But the principle is total. or craving, we are to take the sword What we really need (not just want) of the Spirit and kill that fear and power to kill sin. will be granted. And what is need? that craving. In my experience that John Piper Need is what we must have to do means mainly severing the root of God’s will. What we must have to sin’s promise by the power of a su- It is a beautiful thing to be the weapons: ence could never be greater than magnify our Savior. That is what we perior promise. instrument of God’s word-wielding 1. “Fear not, for I am with you. Be “all things.” will be given as we trust Him. So, for example, when I begin power to kill sin. not dismayed, for I am your God. I 3. “All authority in heaven and Be constantly adding to your ar- to crave some illicit sexual plea- Having promises at hand that suit will strengthen you. I will help you. on earth has been given to me … senal of promises. But never lose sure, the sword-swing that has often the temptation of the hour is one I will uphold you with my righteous And behold, I am with you always, sight of the chosen few that God severed the root of this promised key to successful warfare against right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). I have to the end of the age” (Matthew has blessed in your life. Do both. Be pleasure is: “Blessed are the pure sin. But there are times when we slain more dragons in my soul with 28:18, 20). How many times have ever-ready with the old. And every in heart, for they shall see God” don’t have a perfectly suited word that sword than any other I think. It I strengthened my sagging spirit morning look for a new one to take (Matthew 5:8). I recall the plea- from God in our minds. And there is a precious weapon to me. with the assurance that the Lord with you through the day. sures I have tasted of seeing God is no time to look through the Bible 2. “He who did not spare his own of heaven and earth is just as much more clearly from an undefi led for a tailor-made promise. Son but gave him up for us all, how with me today as He was with the John Piper is pastor for preaching conscience, and I recall the brevity So we all need to have a small ar- will he not also with him graciously disciples on earth! and vision at Bethlehem Baptist and superfi ciality and oppressive af- senal of general promises ready to give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). 4. “Call upon me in the day of Church in Minneapolis. He is the tertaste of sin’s pleasures, and with use whenever fear or craving threat- How many times I have been per- trouble; I will deliver you and you author of more than 40 books, that, God has killed the conquering en to lead us astray. suaded in the hour of trial by this shall glorify me” (Psalm 50:15). including Desiring God and Don’t power of sin. Here are a few of my most proven verse that the reward of disobedi- What makes this weapon so com- Waste Your Life. Refl ections on the immigrant church Excerpt from keynote speech originally terian nurtured in faith by loving tonic framework. Must we really oppression has also made us a given at 40th National Council of Ko- Korean immigrant congregations choose between being co-opted deeply insecure people, so we are rean Presbyterian Churches assembly in in South Carolina and Georgia. into an Eastern shamanistic spiri- highly prone to chase after trends Anaheim, California I went straight from college to tuality or a Western rationalistic and fear getting left behind. seminary to pastoral ministry and reductionism? There is no question that ordination. I have been a local The Korean immigrant church I now see that the Korean Christianity has been the major church pastor in the PCUSA for was for me a safe place and haven the past 19 years and have loved Church in its institutional form is religious force for more than a from feeling like a foreigner and every minute! the religious arm of what I would hundred years. One thing that out of place at the school, neigh- The Korean immigrant call the Korean National Reha- makes the Christian religion very borhood or shopping mall. It was church is one with many gifts bilitation Project (or Korean Cul- unique to Korea is that it was not the place where you could feel and strengths. Among them are tural Establishment Project). As a introduced as a Western colonial Jin Kim “normal” for one day, where you a strong commitment to prayer notable Korean historian recently religion. The Korean Indepen- did not need to explain the most and dependence on God for all said, the single greatest achieve- dence Movement saw Christianity basic things about yourself be- things, to a biblical faith, to evan- ment of the Korean people is that the world over who call themselves as a friend, not foe, in its aspira- cause you shared a deep reservoir gelism and church growth, to we are still here. That is to say Christians. Many of us are merely tions to be liberated from Japa- of experience and culture with spiritual revival and to strong and that we did not get swallowed up the religious arm of the Korean Na- nese colonialism. Hence, Korea is other kids in similar situations. intimate fellowship that feels like by the great empires surround- tional Rehabilitation Project that one of the very few countries in It was a place where I learned family. ing the Korean peninsula for the ultimately brings “Korea” the glory the world for which the Christian to be a leader—youth group pres- But the weaknesses of the Ko- more than 4,000 years—that we while praying to “God.” religion was on the “right” side of ident, college group president, rean church are very close to that have been a distinct ethno-cultur- Korean people have lacked history. Sunday school teacher—and a of Korean culture in general. al people. political, economic and military This is no guarantee that the place where I found deep pride Among them are endless division, The Korean people both in the power for most of its history. One incredible growth of the Korean in my culture of origin. Even a culture of complaint, envy, gos- homeland and in the diaspora of the reasons that the Korean church worldwide will continue though there was always some sip, crude displays of status, the are to prove to the world that we Church has grown so rapidly is indefi nitely. All Christians are form of confl ict in the Korean raw competition for power, the ri- are somebody, that we matter, because Korean people like to wise to never rest on our laurels church, it was a place that was gidity of roles and the dominance that we are not a runt of a country clump together. Clumping to- but to turn to God for our every so much like family to me that I of the Confucian hermeneutic in to be kicked around by big bully gether has been one way to pre- need out of deep gratitude for wanted to serve the Korean immi- biblical interpretation. countries anymore. Therefore, serve the culture and to leverage God’s past provisions and with grant church, and especially the As I’ve been saying for decades, we must excel in every area of hu- size as a counterweight to exter- great expectations of God’s com- second generation, for all of my if Jesus and Confucius agree, all man endeavor, whether it be sci- nal threats. ing kingdom. life as a minister. is right with the world. But if they ence, politics, medicine, law, the As a historically oppressed peo- As Luther said on his deathbed, I am probably who I am today disagree, who do you think that arts or in religion, including the ple, Koreans have always turned “We are merely beggars, that is because my experience of the Ko- the typical Korean church will Christian faith. to the Divine for help and salva- true.” rean immigrant church as a youth conform to? But in no way do I I believe this is why we see so tion, which has made us a very de- was so positive. believe that the Western church little of actual Christian disciple- vout people, no matter what reli- Jin S. Kim is pastor of Church of I am a third generation Presby- is any less controlled by the Pla- ship among the millions of Koreans gion we were a part of. That same All Nations in Columbia Heights.
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“I love cfaith!” Dobson and son team up to update s FAITH BUILDING ARTICLES s S OF AUDIOVIDEO s FREE MEMBERSHIP 1978 parenting fi lm series Listen Sun 8-10am visit us today! By Lori Arnold WWWCFAITHCOM SAN DIEGO — Ryan Dobson may be the son of a famous father Pastor Ed would like to preach at your but, like many adult children, he church. One Sunday, or many Sundays. still likes to come home and ravage Call (763) 742-3142 around hidden places for pieces or email: [email protected] of the past. www.edbradyradio.com He was doing just that fi ve years ago when he stumbled upon an old fi lm—taped by his father, Focus on the Family founder Dr. James Dobson—sitting on a shelf in the family basement. Lacking com- mercial packaging, the case was simply marked “Film Series 1978.” Dr. James Dobson passes the ‘family baton’ to his son, Ryan, during taping “I thought, ‘Oh, this is what I’ve of the updated “Building a Family Legacy” fi lm series. Ryan Dobson urged his been hearing about my whole life’ father to update the original series, created in 1978. because the stories that were told about me had been repeated back me Lincoln for the fi rst time, I just “Seven fi lms at 50 minutes a piece— to me eight billion times,” he said thought ‘I’m going to mess it up. I’m are you kidding? I didn’t want their with a boyish charm. going to ruin this.’ You walk a tight- blood on my hands. I didn’t want Produced when he was just 8, the rope everyday with your kids.” them to spend perhaps $1 million to classic seven-part series tackled such produce this thing and have nobody be issues as the strong-willed child, dar- A relevant project? interested in it. They talked me into it.” ing to discipline, raising adolescents His own father, also addressing the and marriage. Over time, the series media, admitted that the classic fi lms Cultural pressures was viewed by 80 million people. even spoke to him during a recent More than three decades later the Upon discovering the fathering screening. stakes seem to be even higher. video, Dobson said he watched about “It was convicting,” James Dobson “The culture is at war with fami- fi ve minutes before stopping so that said. “I’m lecturing me, the same words. lies,” the family expert said. “It miti- he would watch it with his wife, Laura. It is just so easy to fall in the same trap of gates against them, against the Judeo- Save Your “I wept. I did. It was so good,” said letting the years go by and the kids get Christian system of values and against Dobson, who began sharing it with older. For me it’s been a rollercoaster.” what they are trying to do with their his friends. Later in a one-on-one with the children. Their children are exposed Marriage Others began asking for it. He told Christian Examiner, he admitted that to every kind of evil almost every day. his father it was time to dust off the a major stressor for today’s families is From Hollywood and the Internet past and bring back the series. just plain busyness. and just the culture … what happens “My dad said, ‘Ryan, that’s 30 years “One of the most damaging (infl u- in school, what they hear from the Christian Counseling old. Nobody wants that anymore. It’s ences) to the family has been nothing other kids. It’s not an easy time to old. It’s been out of print for years.” more complicated than the pace of raise children.” But, the self-professed rebel, who living,” he said. “People don’t have time Because of that James Dobson said now works with his father at their two- for each other. They don’t take walks he believes the need for an effective EAST METRO year-old Family Talk ministry, wasn’t with each other. They don’t sometimes parenting tools is even more critical. 651.379.0444 convinced the series should be rel- have time for their children.” “You fi nd people who love their egated to relic status in the basement, Given the time pressures, is there spouses, they love their children, they so he began investigating options. still a market for a teaching fi lm se- love the things that they’ve learned in Finally, in June, with many of the ries? Will families sit together to watch SOUTH METRO Scripture, but they have a hard time original fi lm team members reassem- instructional videos when there are so implementing it because everything bled, taping on the updated “Build- many other options for high-action else is going downhill,” he said. 952.892.8495 ing a Family Legacy” took place at entertainment? Ryan Dobson said the response of Skyline Church in La Mesa, Calif. “I think there is still a desire for the Skyline taping audience, number- Dobson, speaking to a group of those principles that help us raise our ing about 5,000 over the four nights, Christian media, was exuberant the kids,” the elder Dobson said. “People validated the hunger for the help. project was nearing release saying he love their kids. Of course they do, and knows it will be helpful to his friends. that hasn’t changed, but whether or not “We need it so bad. I now have a the culture is moving at such a pace 5-year-old and a 5-month-old and that they won’t sit and watch, I want to The video series will be available on DVD in 2013. For more informa- you feel helpless, you just feel help- tell you that in the beginning of Focus tion, visit www.buildingafamilylegacy. less,” he said of his son Lincoln and on the Family as a fi lm series, I didn’t com. infant Lucille. “(When) they handed believe anybody would watch them.
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For more information or to order Jan’s free newsletter, “Understanding the Times,” call 763-559-4444 www.olivetreeviews.org www.christianexaminer.com August 2012 • MINNESOTA CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 9 Band hopes to usher Christian music into secular venues From Ordinary wants to leave a legacy of Christian music for other bands By Scott Noble Schuyler believes that if more people support Christian music in TWIN CITIES — Tom Hipps was secular venues, then the market- in a rock cover band in the 1990s. place will move in that direction. It was during that time, however, “If we as Christians support what that he experienced a revelation: “I we want to see, we will have more just didn’t want to do the bar circuit of it,” he said. “We need to be more anymore,” he recalled. vocal in the marketplace and have So he began writing his own our voices heard by speaking with songs and put together the Tom our consumer dollars. There is Hipps Band. The group consisted strength in numbers and we can of a revolving door of musicians. have our voices heard, but we need And even though the music to collectively advance His king- Hipps was writing was Christian dom and not be bashful or roll music, “[the message] was sort of … over in the face of adversity. We can it wasn’t blatant, it wasn’t outright, The Christian rock group From Ordinary hopes to break down barriers that exist change the cultural landscape if we it wasn’t forthright, it was just the between secular music clubs and Christian music. all support each other.” message is there and if they hap- far as my faith is concerned, and I to maybe even hosting Christian pen to catch on to it, that’s cool,” want to carry that through my week- music nights on certain days of the a legacy for other Christian bands, he said. “I was afraid of not getting end now.’” month. so that fi ve or 10 years down the For more information about From booked into a lot of the places I The group includes snippets or “There is a really healthy music road there are several rooms and Ordinary, visit www.fromordinary- wanted to play” [because of the hooks from secular songs in their scene in this area, but they’re all secular clubs across the Twin Cities band.com or fi nd them on Facebook Christian content of the music]. music as a way to draw in listeners. doing the same thing,” Schuyler that play Christian music. by searching for From Ordinary. The Earlier this year, however, Hipps band will perform at The Red Sea hooked up with longtime friend From Ordinary hopes that even- said. “We just started,” Schuyler said. Club in Minneapolis from 8:40 p.m. - and fellow musician Kevin Schuy- tually more secular clubs will be Eventually, Schuyler hopes what “There’s a thirst, I think, for [what 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8. ler and two other guys to form the open to hosting Christian bands, From Ordinary is doing will serve as we’re doing].” Christian rock group From Ordi- nary. The band, which felt like a fresh start for the guys, would be more open and upfront about its Chris- tian music roots. “Let’s just be who we’re going to be,” Hipps said the band agreed. “Let’s not try to hide anything or sugarcoat it or sneak it in there, be covert about it. We just said, ‘Nope, we’re a Christian rock band, and we’re going to advertise ourselves as such.’” In addition to being more up- front about their Christian music roots, From Ordinary also wants to break down the barriers that often October 5 - 6 exist between Christian music and secular music establishments and clubs. Grace Church, Eden Prairie Many secular venues count on (A southwest suburb of Minneapolis) alcohol sales to make a profi t, and the group wondered if those clubs would be open to inviting Christian Friday, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. bands to their stages. Band members asked: “Do you Bill Koenig is a White House correspondent with Koenig’s International News. His weekly e-newsletter, Koenig’s think this would work? Do you Eye-View from the White House, is popular and informative. As a correspondent, he has been present to cover think the typical bar owner is going some of the most significant news events in our nation’s history. Koenig has authored two books including Eye to to let a Christian band come in?” Eye: Facing the Consequences of Dividing Israel. www.watch.org So far, From Ordinary has en- joyed some success. Various secu- lar establishments, Schuyler said, expect a band to bring in 40 to 50 people for a show. From Ordinary Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer has served as senior pastor of the Moody Church in Chicago since 1980. Dr. Lutzer is a hopes it can bring in many more renowned theologian and an award-winning author of more than twenty books, including the bestselling The Da people and thus offset any concerns Vinci Deception and The Truth About Same-Sex Marriage. The featured speaker on three national radio programs, club owners might have about lack of alcohol sales. The Moody Church Hour, Songs in the Night, and Running to Win, Dr. Lutzer speaks both nationally and “In order for us to be successful, internationally at Bible conferences and seminars helping to further God’s kingdom. erwinlutzer.com we’re probably going to have to fi ll the room with our own people,” Schuyler said. Dr. Mark Hitchcock is a pastor, Bible prophecy expert, author So since the group formed ear- lier this year, Schuyler has been of two dozen books, and conference speaker. He pastors Faith working on the marketing side, Bible Church in Edmond, OK. He has been a guest on hundreds getting people to “like” the band’s of radio and television programs. www.mlhitchcock.com Facebook page and commit to at- tending concerts at secular venues. Right now, the band currently plays about 25 percent original Jan Markell is founder and director of Olive music and 75 percent cover songs. Tree Ministries, established in 1982. Her radio program, They typically play Christian radio Understanding the Times, is syndicated nationally and rock, including music by the News- heard internationally electronically. She has authored boys, Third Day, Sidewalk Prophets eight books and produced a dozen DVDs, some featured and Hillsong UNITED. “The idea is to give people a on Sky Angel. www.olivetreeviews.org chance to go and hear some of the Christian music that they like, that they’re listening to on the ra- dio and be with other like-minded people hearing positive, uplifting music,” Schuyler said. “We under- stand secular music is great. We don’t expect that people won’t go and see other bands. But every now and then wouldn’t it be nice to just say, ‘I’ve had a really great week as 10 • MINNESOTA CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • August 2012 www.christianexaminer.com
PRO-LIFE ACTION MINISTRIES 40 Days for Life participants engage in prayer and fasting, peaceful vigil and community outreach. es and Catholic churches. Pas- 40 DAYS… tors are encouraged not only Continued from page 1 to participate but also to bring their congregations. goals in mind as it attempts to Walker believes those who bring attention to “the evil of participate will gain much from abortion”: prayer and fasting, their efforts. constant vigil and community “There are many evils in this outreach. world that rightly [we] should go The 40 Days for Life campaign after,” he said. “This is local mis- in the Twin Cities will begin on sions or the mission fi eld next Wednesday, Sept. 26 and run door. Salvations take place, lives every day through Sunday, Nov. are literally saved. Since 1981, 4. Participants will pray and fast [PLAM has] had 2,745 pre-born outside the Planned Parent- infants saved from abortion, and hood building in St. Paul. The that’s just the ones we’ve docu- local campaign is headed by Pro- mented.” Life Action Ministries (PLAM), Walker said participating in 40 which has been participating in Days for Life Twin Cities is a good the effort for three and a half place to start for Christians inter- years and has served as a model ested in serving their communities. for other pro-life groups across “It’s easy, it’s peaceful, it’s legal the country. and it’s effective,” he said. “It’s “It’s every day, 24 hours,” said Brian Walker, program direc- good ground to sow into.” tor for PLAM. “Our goal is to have two or more people on the street in prayer and fasting [at PLAM will host two 40 Days for all times].” Life Twin Cities planning meetings This year, PLAM is also en- on Tuesday, Aug. 21 and Thursday, Sept. 13 at Bethlehem Baptist couraging churches and organi- Church in Minneapolis. Both meet- zations to participate. ings are from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 “We’re also pushing Adopt p.m. Participants need only attend a Day this year,” Walker said. one meeting. For more informa- “That’s the day where a church tion, visit www.40daysforlife.com/ and/or organization will take twincities. The kickoff rally will be the responsibility to have two or held on Wednesday, Sept. 26; the more people in prayer for a 24- mid-point rally will be held on Sun- hour period.” day, Oct. 21; and the closing rally Over the years, 40 Days for will be held on Sunday, Nov. 4. For a complete list of days and times, visit Life Twin Cities has received www.40daysforlife.com/twincities. support from churches across Organizers urge all participants the denominational spectrum: to call PLAM at (651) 771-1500 from Baptist and evangelical before planning to show up. churches to Pentecostal church- Understanding Your Needs, Protecting Your Rights Providing comprehensive legal services. U Adoptions U Family Law U Business Law U Mediation U Collections U Nonprofit Organizations U Commercial Litigation U Personal Injury U Corporate Law U Probate U Custody U Real Estate U Divorce U Trusts U Estate Planning U Wills
763.560.5700 www.hennsnoxlaw.com 6900 Wedgwood Road, Suite 200, Maple Grove, MN 55311 www.christianexaminer.com August 2012 • MINNESOTA CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 11 Statewide abortions continue to decline 2011 numbers mark lowest since 1975 Christian Examiner staff report Planned Parenthood’s promo- tion of RU486 webcam abortions SAINT PAUL — Marking a do not bode well for the unborn continued downward trend, the or their mothers,” he continued, number of abortions in Minne- referring to passage of two pro- sota declined again in 2011. The life measures in the legislature annual report issued by the Min- that were vetoed by Gov. Mark nesota Department of Health Dayton. (MDH) recorded 11,071 abor- The MDH report also high- tions in the state in 2011, down lighted the reasons given for from more than 11,500 in 2010 abortions. By far the most com- and a high of more than 19,000 mon reason cited for abortions in 1980. that occurred in Minnesota in According to the report, the 2011 was “does not want chil- number of abortions in the state dren at this time” followed at a began a downward trend in the distance by “economic reasons.” 1990s and that decline has seem- Respondents were allowed to ingly picked up speed in the last give more than one response to fi ve years. That decline, according to that question. Minnesota Citizens Concerned Fischbach and the state’s larg- for Life (MCCL), follows the est pro-life advocacy group re- passage of the state’s Positive main committed to advancing Alternatives program in 2006, pro-life legislation at the Capitol. which provides funds for preg- “Minnesota needs to continue nant women in need. to establish greater protections “These decreasing abortion for unborn children and their numbers confi rm that MCCL’s mothers,” he said. “The Depart- efforts to educate and to pro- ment of Health statistics clearly vide alternatives for women are show that help provided by Posi- working,” said MCCL Executive tive Alternatives and other legis- Director Scott Fischbach, via a lative measures drive down abor- media release. tion numbers as women fi nd However, Fischbach noted life-affi rming alternatives.” that the lower abortion numbers and the seeming success of the Positive Alternatives program To read the annual report issued shouldn’t cause pro-life support- by the Minnesota Department of Health, visit www.health.state.mn.us. ers to rest on their laurels. To learn more about MCCL, visit “Recent pro-life losses suf- www.mccl.org. fered at the [state] Capitol and 12 • MINNESOTA CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • August 2012 www.christianexaminer.com Well-known broadcaster and author releases new book Kim Ketola to speak at event at State Fair By Scott Noble
SAINT PAUL — Kim Ketola, formerly known as Kim Jeffries, recently wrote the book “Cradle My Heart: Finding God’s Love Af- ter Abortion.” Ketola is familiar to many in the Twin Cities because of her broadcasting career, which included stints at CBC WCCO News/talk Radio, WCCO-TV, KS95 Radio, KTIS and the Faith Radio Network. “Cradle My Heart,” published by Kregel, covers her ministry with Ruth Graham and Friends Conferences from 2007 – 2010 Author and broadcaster Kim Ketola and also includes her experi- will sign copies of her book on Aug. ences as a peer counselor and 30 at the Crossroads Chapel at the lay ministry leader. Ketola has Minnesota State Fair. also organized and presented at chapters in- conferences that deal with heal- clude “Face ing after abortion. God”; “Dis- In “Cradle My Heart,” Ketola cover what tells her own story and the story the Bible of 10 other women. Topics and says about abortion”; “Repent and accept God’s love”; “Grieve and fi nd an end to sorrow”; and “Re- gain confi dence to serve,” among several others. The appendix also includes resources and a study and discus- sion guide. According to a press release, Ketola writes: “Jesus has paid the penalty for abortion and holds our child in heaven. Our eternal life with Him and with them is now and forever secure … He has always been there to cradle your heart. And He remains there to grant you peace.” As a ministry leader, Ketola has focused on God’s hope and healing. “The story I’ve told in all these places is that God’s love has healed my heart,” she wrote on her website. “His mercy and grace have served as soothing medicine after fatal mistakes of my own making. I truly believe the story of His love will actually heal our wounded world. That is my true mission as I pursue a vision of giving voice to God’s love.”
Kim Ketola will sign copies of her new book “Cradle My Heart: Finding God’s Love After Abortion” on Thurs- day, Aug. 30 at 4:00 p.m. at the Crossroads Chapel at the Minnesota State Fair. A portion of the proceeds will benefi t Crossroads Chapel. In addition, Ketola will also sign books and host a discussion at the Barnes and Noble Har Mar in Roseville at 7:00 p.m. that evening. Proceeds will benefi t New Life Family Services. For more information about Ketola, her new book and her ministry, visit www.kimketola.com.
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The Redeemed Christian Church of God The August General Strong Tower Parish Prayer Assembly Regular Schedule of Services (Sat. Aug 4th) will Sunday: Leadership Forum ...... 9:00 a.m. run from 12:00pm to 1:30pm instead Sunday School ...... 9:45 a.m. of the regular Mega Victory Celebration Service ...... 10:30 a.m. 6:00am to 7:30am. Wednesday: Moment of Truth ...... 7:00 p.m. Join us for a Special Service on Friday August 10, 2012 @ 8:00 p.m. Theme: Open Heavens (Mark 1:10) Location: 697 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413 Tel: (612)874-7310 Fax: (612)874-7498 Email: [email protected] Website: www.strongtowermn.org 14 • MINNESOTA CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • August 2012 www.christianexaminer.com Survey reveals majority believe pastors can be restored after adultery Those polled included denominational heads and other evangelical leaders Christian Examiner staff report least one year”; “completion of a restoration process under de- TWIN CITIES — A new Evan- nominational direction”; “sub- gelical Leaders Survey revealed mission and accountability to a that only 5 percent of evan- council of overseers”; and many gelical leaders believe adultery others. would forever disqualify some- “With the strong agreement one from holding a pastoral po- that restoration is possible for sition again. The monthly poll pastors guilty of adultery also of the board of directors of the comes strong agreement that National Association of Evangel- the restoration process is an ex- icals (NAE) found that leaders tremely diffi cult one,” Anderson believe in the power of forgive- said. ness and grace. The NAE release also noted “Evangelical leaders are ada- that many denominations have mant that the grace of God established guidelines for pas- extends even to ministry lead- tors who commit adultery and ers who commit adultery,” said who want to return to the pul- Leith Anderson, president of the pit. NAE and former senior pastor of Yet the road to complete resto- Wooddale Church in Eden Prai- ration can be long and diffi cult. rie, Minn., via a media release. “In short, yes, restoration is The NAE also recently released possible,” said Randall Bach of the “NAE Code of Ethics for Pas- Open Bible Churches, via the tors,” which gives ethical guide- release. “As a practical matter, lines for pastors and leaders. it is not common because such Many of the respondents com- signifi cant submission is neces- mented on requirements for sary and fractured trust in rela- pastors to complete before be- tionships at all levels is diffi cult ing restored to the pulpit. Some to regenerate.” of the requirements mentioned included: “immediate breaking of the adulterous relationship”; For more information about the NAE and its recent survey, visit www. “genuine repentance”; “cessa- nae.net. tion of pastoral ministry for at
BIBLICAL GREEK & OLD TESTAMENT HEBREW Twin Cities Biblical Languages Paideia 28th Year (2012-2013) (Instruction / Training) Come and learn with us at a low cost, mostly for books Sundays beginning Sept. 9 Instructor Berean Baptist Church of Burnsville — Rm 205 Rev. Charles J. Gustafson, B.A., B.D., M.A. 8:00 a.m. - 9:40 a.m. Beginning Hebrew Chuck has taught New Testament Greek for the past 27 years at Berean 9:50 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Advanced Hebrew / Book of Samuel Church in Burnsville, and more recently at other Twin City churches. He also taught N.T. Greek at Northwestern College. His M.A. is in Ancient 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Beginning Greek History from the University of Minnesota and his B.D. from Bethel Benefi ts of Greek Study 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Advanced Greek — Book of Acts Seminary. His B.A. is in History from the University of Washington. 1. Knowledge of the Greek using Culy & Parsons resource manuscripts on which Associate Instructors the New Testament is Berean Baptist Church of Burnsville — Rm 108 based and the methods Michael Smith St. James Greg Franz 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Conversational Greek (ideal for 10 years Greek; B.S. Adult 7 years Greek, of scholars who work homeschoolers) ~ [email protected] Education from University Computer Tech with them. of Dayton, Ohio 2. Insight on how the Brookdale Covenant of North Minneapolis — Rm TBA Bible came through the 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Intermediate Hebrew (612–396–9986) centuries to us today. 5:45 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Beginning Greek Louis Sorenson Rich Bosshardt 3. To make sense of the B.A. Pillsbury College, M.A. New Testament, Luther apparatus of the Greek David Reynold's Home major in Bible, minor in Seminary, Graduate courses, New Testament and the Education; B.A. U of M, Bethel Seminary, Self-taught Greek competing texts. 7:00 p.m. Beginning Greek majors in Greek, Linguistics, and Latin, B.S. Civil Engineering, 4. Enhanced Bible study. and Near Eastern Studies University of Minnesota 5. Increased knowledge Wednesdays, beginning Sept. 12 David Reynolds Chawna Schroeder of the New Testament Wooddale Church of Eden Prairie — Rm TBA B.A. New Testament Author; 10 years Greek, world. 6:45 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. Beginning Greek Studies, minor in N.T. 7 years Hebrew Greek, Post B.A. classes NOTE: as these courses are at Macalaster College, considered Sunday School Thursdays beginning Sept. 13 St. Paul classes, only a nominal fee Wooddale Church of Eden Prairie — Rm TBA is paid by the participants. Chris Bunnell Dawn Sweiven They pay only for the books 6:45 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. Advanced Greek — Book of Acts Years of experience in N.T. 16 years Greek; B.A. using Culy & Parsons resource Greek and O.T. Hebrew, Linguistics at U of M; and helps which they keep Master Certifi cate of one year in Greece ~ for themselves. Also, $25 6:45 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. Ecclesiastical Latin Christian Studies at YWAM is suggested for xeroxing Masters level costs and $1 per session is suggested this year, mainly Jim Simon to cover instructor travel To register or for a brochure, contact Rev. Chuck Gustafson at Phoenix, Arizona costs. 9 years Greek, 5 years teaching. 952.236.9578 or email [email protected] B.A. in Anthropology, minor in Linguistics, also M.A. in Business www.letsreadgreek.com/msbl www.christianexaminer.com August 2012 • MINNESOTA CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 15 Thrivent Financial launches home repair program Christian Examiner staff report
MINNEAPOLIS — Thrivent Finan- cial for Lutherans, along with Habitat for Humanity, recently launched the Thrivent Builds Repairs effort, which is aimed at “helping low-income home- owners spruce up their homes and neighborhoods.” The Thrivent Builds Repairs will help homeowners with exterior painting, porch repair, accessibility ramps and landscaping, all with the goal of making “homes more attractive, safer or more energy effi cient.” “The Thrivent Builds Homes pro- gram has been an outstanding program for new home construction and re- habs,” said Jackie Hintz, vice president of Member Engagement and Growth for Thrivent Financial, via a media release. “This new program allows us to upgrade existing homes and help restore and foster community pride.” The projects will typically take one to two days to complete, and Thrivent hopes to complete 160 projects in 2012, with more than 3,000 volunteers. The Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity is a long-term partner- ship between Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Habitat for Humanity International. For additional information about Thrivent Builds Repairs, visit www. thriventbuilds.com. In addition, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans recently concluded its Raise the Praise campaign, which it had hoped would raise money for youth ministries around the country. The group asked people to “like” it on Facebook and if its “likes” exceeded 110,000 by July 31, Thrivent would donate $10,000 to youth ministries. No word at press time whether Thrivent met its goal. “Our organization recognizes that youth ministries play an important role in building strong future Christian leaders,” said Gene Smaciarz, director of Creative Services and Social Media for Thrivent, via a media release. “Launching this campaign is a fun way for us to try to inspire people to give to causes they care about, and our mission is energized when others join with us to make a difference.”
For more information on the Face- book campaign, visit www.thrivent. com/facebook.
Feb 23 - Mar 2 PRAISE & WORSHIP SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE Sailing roundtrip from San Juan to Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Maarten & St. Thomas Join Phillips, Craig & Dean, Avalon, Carl Herrgesell & Jaime Jamgochian for this amazing week!
Prices start at $629 per person! if booked before Aug. 31st! www.ChristianCruises.com s 800.288.4778 16 • MINNESOTA CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • August 2012 www.christianexaminer.com Cross-cultural training program adapts to meet new challenges
By Scott Noble Christianity, once two goals: In one tor of MissionShift Institute. “The focused inwardly generation we’d MissionShift model is unique, and MINNEAPOLIS — As the number on maintaining like to see ev- building cross-cultural community of languages spoken in the Twin Cit- membership, is ery world city with the message of the gospel in ies continues to expand, so does the now turning out- have a branch order to strengthen the church and need for language-specifi c churches. ward and must of MissionShift the kingdom is my passion.” According to the Rev. Roland Wells, be prepared for Institute, and With so many challenges facing senior pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran the next wave of we want every the American church, Wells hopes Church in Minneapolis and head immigration. congregation individual churches will embrace pastor at the Minneapolis site of “If we look at to have its own its new mission fi eld, which has ar- MissionShift Institute, that’s exactly the birth pattern cross-cultural rived at its front door. what’s missing in the Twin Cities: of America, ‘Gen- ministry. The “Your church’s ministry can be language-specific churches and eration Z,’ the chil- new branch in greatly strengthened, and your con- Christian ministries reaching out to dren of ‘Gen X,’ is a smaller genera- including Concordia University St. St. Louis, working with this tremen- gregation can be turned outward to immigrants. tion,” Wells said. “They are currently Paul, Crown College, Northwest- dous missional vision, is very exciting become a true mission agency,” he “That’s the reason we created just entering high school. They will hit ern College and Associated Free for us.” said. “The key is to open your eyes MissionShift Institute (formerly the the labor market right at the peak of Lutheran Bible School. This fall, As a further example of its ex- and hearts to the people of the 216 School of Urban Ministry) in 1995,” the Baby Boomers’ retirement. By the MissionShift Institute classes will be pansion, MissionShift Institute re- languages who live … next door.” Wells said, via a media release. “Since end of this decade, America will have a offered for the fi rst time in St. Lou- cently hired a full-time program then, the number of immigrants profound labor shortage. The church is through Concordia Seminary, director, who is also a graduate of here has tripled to over 750,000 in must be prepared for the next huge which has been working with Mis- the program. For more information about the Twin Cities.” wave of immigration.” sionShift Institute to create a local “I’m excited to come and help MissionShift Institute, call (651) In an effort to meet this challenge, Wells believes how the American branch. lead these ministries that have so 484-2303 or visit visit www. MissionShift Institute offers classes church responds to this challenge “We’re excited to see the model deeply touched my life,” said Jenni- missionshift.org. that help Christians lead and develop will determine the future of Christi- expand,” Wells continued. “We have fer Schewe, the new program direc- cross-cultural ministries. Classes anity in the U.S. begin on Sept. 24 in downtown Min- Over the nearly two decades of neapolis and Brooklyn Center and its existence, MissionShift Institute Olympic diver David Boudia wins meet once a week on Monday nights. has developed strong ties to several Wells believes that American local colleges and Bible schools, bronze medal in synchronized diving U.S. diver’s empty life had ‘radical change’ since 2008 By Tim Ellsworth diver this year than what he was BP News in Beijing. “He was holding onto diving like LONDON — When U.S. diver it was going to satisfy him,” Soldati David Boudia looks at the bronze said of Boudia. “Now as a Christian medal he won July 30 with his team- he realized that’s not going to bring mate Nick McCrory in the men’s ultimate satisfaction, and that just synchronized 10-meter platform gives you a peace. We’re in a sport event, he sees change. of movement where you need to be relaxed, so if you’re at peace, you’re Boudia and McCrory put to- probably going to perform better.” gether six solid dives for a score Boudia said he has been greatly of 463.47 points to fi nish third encouraged by the messages of behind the teams from China support he’s received from his (gold) and Mexico (silver) and home congregation, Faith Church ahead of the hometown team from in Lafayette, Ind. Great Britain. World-class diver David Boudia “I get so many messages, whether Boudia, making his second returned to the Olympics with a faith he did not have in 2008. it’s Facebook or Twitter or text mes- Olympics appearance, said at this sages, letting me know that they’re year’s Games he has a “totally dif- diving coach Adam Soldati told praying for me,” Boudia said. “The ferent mind frame” from what he Boudia about the ultimate fulfi ll- coolest ones are that they’re not did four years ago. ment that comes in a relationship praying for the victories. They’re “Going into 2008, I was just with Jesus Christ. Boudia became praying that God’s name would be excited to be on the team, and it a Christian. revealed and lifted on high. Now I was deer in the headlights,” Boudia “Going into 2012, I knew the have a crazy opportunity. I’m go- said. “I was chasing after things that one main goal I had was to praise ing to be in front of thousands of are temporary.” God and to love others while doing media people and I get to speak But at Purdue University follow- it,” he said. the name of Jesus and praise Him ing the Beijing Olympics, Boudia’s Soldati said Boudia is a different for what He’s done.”
Operation Dignity International serving in Ghana, West Africa Join Fern Nichols, international author/speaker and founder of Moms in Prayer International, for an inspirational time of Join our team... prayer, worship, refl ection and encouragement. Investing in For more information or to register online, go to www.MomsinPrayer.org/ComeToMe s ,EADERSHIP $EVELOPMENT s 4RAINING OF 0ASTORS AND Church Leaders Three areas of development: s Leadership s (EALTH(OSPITAL s %NTERPRISE Fish farm - 12 ponds in the village of Adagya
For more information, contact Kathy Sullivan, Executive Director 763-432-0543 www.operationdignityinternational.org We are also available for speaking engagements www.christianexaminer.com August 2012 • MINNESOTA CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 17
SEP 14 • FRIDAY OCT 12-13 • FRI-SAT OCT 27 • SATURDAY Have your event listed FREE! Gospel Art Exhibit, “Testimony” Opening Ignite Conference, with Matt Brown, Shane “Developing Compassionate Visitation Send us your Christian activity/event for next month, and we’ll list it in Reception. 6:30-8:30pm, The Oakridge & Shane, Tru Serva and more. Fri 7-9pm & Skills & Equipping Volunteers in Visita- THE CALEN DAR at no charge. The deadline is the 18th of the prior month. Gallery, Oakridge Community Church, Sat 8:30am-9pm, North Heights Lutheran tion Ministry” Nurse Workshop. 8:45am- E-mail to [email protected] or fax to 1-888-305-4947. Or 610 County Rd. 5, Stillwater • (651) Church, Arden Hills Campus, 1700 W Hwy 12:30pm, EFCA National headquarters, you can mail it to the Minnesota Christian Chronicle, P.O. Box 131030, 439-4882, agapearts.net 96, Arden Hills, $45 • (612) 217-4108 Bloomington • (952) 259-4461 St. Paul, MN 55113. We regret we cannot list Sunday morning services. SEP 15 • SATURDAY OCT 15 • MONDAY NOV 10 • SATURDAY ‘Psalms’ a Christian Art Exhibit & Creative MCCL Fall Tour. 7pm,Central Square th THRU AUG 19 AUG 12 • SUNDAY (cont.) Art Celebration. 10am-6pm, Hopkins Community Center, 100 Seventh Ave. 7 annual Christian Community Fair, Center for the Arts, Main Level Foyer, N, S St. Paul, free • (612) 825-6831 10am-7pm, Minneapolis Convention “Roman Holiday,” musical based on the theran Church, 7520 Golden Valley Rd., 1111 Main Street, Hopkins • greatcom- Center. More than 200 exhibitors, pet- fi lm. McGuire Proscenium Stage, Guthrie TCCSA, Dave & Mary Jo Nutting of Alpha Golden Valley, $6/adult or $18/family • missionartists.com ting zoo, infl atables, concerts, and more. Theater, Minneapolis • (612) 377-2224, Omega Institute. 7:30pm, Northwestern (763) 545-5659 Free • christianfair.com guthrietheater.org Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, 7pm, College, Nazareth Hall Chapel, 3003 N AUG 14 • TUESDAY Destiny Christian Church, 12119 16th Snelling, Roseville • tccsa.tc THRU SEP 2 FEB 10-20, 2013 The 2012 Heshima Children’s Center Ave. S., Burnsville. $12-$25 • trinity- OCT 16 • TUESDAY “The Sunshine Boys,” Wurtele Thrust Event. Rush Creek Golf Club, Maple communications.org, (260) 484-1029 The Gospel According to St. Mark, An En- MCCL Fall Tour. 7pm, MCCL Offi ces, core Tour of Israel, with Tom Stolz • (952) Stage, Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis • Grove • heshima.org SEP 28-30 • FRI-SUN (612) 377-2224, guthrietheater.org 4249 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis, free • 474-0903, goldeneagletravelgroup.com AUG 15 • WEDNESDAY Come to Me Upper Midwest Retreat. Lake (612) 825-6831 AUG 1 • WEDNESDAY FEB 23-MAR 2 • SAT-SAT Lamplighter’s Small Group Leaders Train- Geneva Christian Center, Alexandria • (651) OCT 18 • THURSDAY Holy Spirit Conference, To the Ends of ing, 11:45am-1pm • 1-800-507-9516, 645-7855, momsinprayer.org/cometome 2013 Praise & Worship Cruise to the ReDiscover 2012, with Jim Cymbala & the Earth, with Diane Brask, Bill Davis, lamplightersusa.org OCT 1-2 • MON-TUE Southern Caribbean, with Phillip, Craig John Paul Jackson & Steve Sjogren. Daniel Henderson. 8:30am-3:30pm, & Dean, Avalon, Carl Herrgesell & Jamie 9:30am-1:30pm, North heights Lutheran AUG 16 • THURSDAY Senior Ministry Conference, “Uncharted Bloomington Jefferson High School, Jamgochian, $629+ • 1-800-288-4778, Church, 1700 Hwy 96 W, Arden Hills • MACFM Monthly Meeting, social outing. Waters,” with Amy Hanson, M.D.. Wilder 4001 W 102nd St., Bloomington, $35 christiancruises.com (651) 490-1517 x13 TBD • macfm.org Center, St. Paul, $20-100. By Lyngblom- • 64fellowshipconferences.com AUG 1-4 • WED-SAT sten Church Relations • (651) 632-5360, OCT 19-20 • FRI-SAT FEB 28-MAR 30 AUG 17 • FRIDAY lyngblomsten.org/srminconf2012 Holy Spirit Conference “To the Ends of Prayer Rally For Marriage. Intercession, Women of Faith. Fri 7-10pm & Sat 9am-5pm, A Woman’s Journey to the Holy Land, the Earth” with Diane Brask, Bill Davis Worship & Decreeing. 7-9pm, North OCT 5-6 • FRI-SAT Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, $89-109 • with Kris Causton • (952) 474-0903, & Steve Sjogren. North Heights Lutheran Metro • (763) 464-9952, pastorangie@ Understanding the Times 2012 Confer- womenoffaith.com, 1-888-49-FAITH goldeneagletravelgroup.com Church, Arden Hills • (651) 490-1517 doorofhopechurch.net ence, with Bill Koenig, Dr. Erwin W. x3, lutheranrenewal.org AUG 17-18 • FRI-SAT Lutzer, Dr. Mark Hitchcock & more. Fri AUG 3 • FRIDAY 7-9:30pm & Sat 9am-4pm, Grace Church, Marriage Encounter. Mt. Olivet Confer- Eden Prairie, free • (763) 559-4444, 13th annual Rev. John Thomas Memorial ence & Retreat Center, Farmington • olivetreeviews.org Golf Tournament. Chomonix Golf Course, marriages.org, (651) 454-3238 Lino Lakes. Hosted by Glorybound Min- Buddy Greene, in concert. 7pm, Galilee istries • (763) 390-0589 AUG 18 • SATURDAY Baptist Church, 10101 Lexington Ave. N, Circle Pines, $15 • (763) 784-1760 AUG 5 • SUNDAY Healing Rooms Training, with Rev. Elaine Bonn. 9am-5:30pm, Lutheran Church of OCT 10 • WEDNESDAY Concert Praise Service. 10:15am, Maple the Master, 1200 69th Ave. N, Brooklyn Discipleship Plain Community Church, 1815 Budd Center, $25 • healingcenterintl.org, Lamplighter’s Small Group Leaders Train- Ave. N, Maple Plain • (763) 479-1620 (763) 503-4693 ing, 11:45am-1pm • 1-800-507-9516, lamplightersusa.org Training Institute AUG 9 • THURSDAY AUG 23 • THURSDAY OCT 11 • THURSDAY Open House, Preschool-8th grade. Family Fest. 5-8pm, Mt. Hope Lutheran Upcoming Seminars & Workshops 3-7pm, King of Grace School, 6000 Church, 3601 W Old Shakopee Rd., MACFM Monthly Meeting, “Church Fa- Duluth St., Golden Valley • (763) 546- Bloomington, free • (952) 888-5059 cility Expo.” Grace Church, 9301 Eden 1-day Pastors’ Leadership Training Seminar 3131, kog-els.org/school Prairie Rd., Eden Prairie • macfm.org AUG 24 • FRIDAY *ANUARY s AM n PM AUG 11 • SATURDAY Banquet & Concert with Dallas Holm. Evangelism Training. 12pm, location TBD, 7pm, Marriott Airport Hotel Ballroom, Small Group Leaders Training free • (763) 742-7687, thekingswell.org 2020 E American Blvd., Bloomington, !UGUST s AM n PM Christian Songwriters Meeting. 5:30- $25 • (952) 920-0729 7pm, Dreamcoat Coffee. 6060 50th St. Harp & Bowl Worship & Prayer. 7-11pm, 3EPTEMBER s AM n PM N, Oakdale, free Abundant Grace Fellowship, 1055 109th Listen Sundays /CTOBER s AM n PM Ave. NE, Blaine • (612) 839-2064 AUG 11-12 • SAT-SUN 6am-8am .OVEMBER s AM n PM Corn Days 2012. Sat 1-11pm & Sun AUG 25 • SATURDAY 8:30am-5pm, The Church of St. George, 2nd Annual Prairie Gospel & Blue Grass Corner of Brown Rd. & Watertown Rd., Festival. 11am-7pm, Prairie River Camp, To register go to www.eventbrite.com/org/2014331303 Long Lake • (952) 473-1247, corndays. 52729 80th St., Bricelyn • (507) 383-9989 1UESTIONS CALL -ARILYN com SEP 13 • THURSDAY %MAIL n MARILYNW ,AMPLIGHTERS53!ORG AUG 12 • SUNDAY Lamplighter’s Small Group Leaders Train- ! -INISTRY OF ,AMPLIGHTERS )NTERNATIONAL Gospel, Bluegrass & BBQ, with Sawtooth ing, 11:45am-1pm • 1-800-507-9516, www.LamplightersUSA.org Bluegrass Band. 12:30pm, Calvary Lu- lamplightersusa.org
MORE EVENTS online now at CARS FOR COMPASSION
• Future events for the Twin Cities not listed in this issue. Donate any • Weekly and monthly ongoing meetings: Bible Studies, Evangelism, Motorized Fellowships (Men, Women, Seniors, Singles, Youth, MOPS), Motor- cycle Ministries, Music/Entertainment, Prayer Groups, Recovery Vehicle and Support groups (Alcohol, Divorce, Domestic Violence/Abuse, Food, Sexual, Grandparenting, Grief, Celebrate Recovery, The Most In Any Excellent Way, and many more), Seminars/Classes, Health/Fitness. Condition Help send an 2nd Annual underprivileged child to Camp Prairie Gospel & Blue Grass Festival Compassion Saturday, August 25th, 11am - 7pm $500 Minimum Tax Prairie River Camp, Bricelyn Deduction 4HE "ENSONS s 4HE 3TANGL &AMILY s 7INDY #REEK Tax Deductible 4HE -OUNTAIN ,AKE 'OSPEL 3INGERS s "OBBY 6AN :ANDT Licensed, Bonded, Insured Free-will s &OOD 6ENDORS s :IP ,INE s -INI 'OLF Donation Call: 612-871-6330 s #LIMBING 7ALL s 0AINT "ALL s 7AGON 2IDES www.CarsForCompassion.com Lodging, cabin, tenting and RV-ing sites available (for additional fee) For more information $75 to sponsor a 1st time camper WWWPRAIRIERIVERCAMPORG s A ministry of an independent local church 0RAIRIE 2IVER #AMP ) %XIT TH 3TREET "RICELYN -. 18 • MINNESOTA CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • August 2012 www.christianexaminer.com
Food and volleyball cades of leadership at the group. and aims to “encourage and awak- Ministries and host of the “Under- Garza, the campus outreach direc- “I am very excited and hon- en your leadership soul.” standing the Times” radio show. tor of the group Survivors. highlight single parent ored to be selected to continue The Rev. Jim Cymbala of The The conference is free, and no For more information on this event to grow with the organization Brooklyn Tabernacle Church and registration is needed. event, call (651) 484-1040 or email PLYMOUTH — The Single Par- that I have spent my career the Rev. Daniel Henderson, presi- For additional information, call [email protected]. ent Christian Fellowship will hold at, one with a strong founda- dent and founder of Strategic Re- (763) 559-4444 or visit www.olive- its monthly social on Friday, Aug. 17 tion and history of accomplish- newal and former senior pastor of treeviews.org. Pastor, evangelist at 6:00 p.m. at West Medicine Oak ments,” Woodrich said in the Grace Church in Eden Prairie will Lundstrom led many Park in Plymouth. This month’s summer GMCC newsletter. lead the conference. Event to raise money event will include a potluck, pic- Woodrich previously worked at Rediscover 2012 is sponsored by for Heshima Children’s people to the Lord nic and volleyball, and those who GMCC as its senior vice president Prayer First, Hillside Church, One- SAVAGE — The Rev. Lowell attend are encouraged to bring a and executive director of the Divi- Cry Minnesota, Transform Minne- Center Lundstrom, evangelist and pastor, dish to share. sion of Indian Work (DIW). sota, Pulse and other ministries. MAPLE GROVE — The 2012 went home to be with the Lord on The group also hosts a weekly “I am looking forward to the The cost for the event is $35. Heshima Children’s Center Event July 20 after a long battle with Par- volleyball time from 6:30 p.m. to challenge of continuing to build on For additional informa- will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 14 kinson’s, according to the website 10:30 p.m. Locations vary, so for our legacy of service to this commu- tion and to register, visit at Rush Creek Golf Club in Maple of Celebration Church. His passing more information on the group, nity,” Woodrich said. www.64fellowshipconferences.com. Grove. The annual event raises comes seven months after his wife the monthly potluck or its volley- For more information about money for disabled children in Nai- Connie’s. The couple had been ball locations, call (612) 866-8970. GMCC, visit www.gmcc.org. Art exhibit issues robi, Kenya. married for 55 years and partnered call for submissions In addition to the golf event, this together in ministry. New leader takes Pastor’s conference to year participants can also walk or As part of Lowell Lundstrom STILLWATER — The Oakridge run from Rush Creek Golf Club to Ministries, Lundstrom helped lead helm at GMCC feature Jim Cymbala Gallery of Gospel Art recently is- Weaver Lake in Maple Grove in or- some one million people to the sued a call for two-dimensional and MINNEAPOLIS — Last BLOOMINGTON — The one- der to raise money. Lord, according to the website. three-dimensional visual arts and day Rediscover 2012 conference Last year’s event raised $30,000 Lundstrom also wrote hundreds of month, Noya Woodrich succeed- literary submissions for the exhibit ed Gary Reierson as president will be held on Thursday, Oct. 18 for the children’s home, and orga- songs and wrote more than a dozen “Testimony.” The deadline for sub- nizers are hoping to raise “signifi - books. and CEO of the Greater Min- from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Jef- mission is Tuesday, Aug. 14 by 3:00 neapolis Council of Churches ferson High School in Blooming- cantly more” this year. Throughout the years, the min- p.m. For additional information, in- istry produced radio and television (GMCC). Reierson stepped ton. The event is designed for pas- Pieces considered for the exhibit down after more than two de- tors, spouses and ministry leaders cluding registration, visit www.hes- programs. Its weekly television pro- must include original visual, audio hima.org. gram, “The Lundstroms,” aired for and literary artworks that commu- more than a dozen years and was nicate “testimony.” Group to offer Hebrew viewed by millions of people in the “The word testimony comes from U.S. and Canada. a Latin word meaning ‘a witness,’” and Greek classes In 1996, the couple founded said James DeCaro of the Gospel BURNSVILLE — The Twin Cit- Celebration Church in Lakeville, Art Committee, via a media release. ies Biblical Languages Paideia (in- which is now led by their daughter, “God has done many things that struction/training) will offer Greek the Rev. Londa Lundstrom Ramsey. witness to His glory and goodness and Hebrew courses this fall at sev- To learn more about Lund- …. We have the opportunity today eral locations in the Twin Cities. strom’s life and ministry, visit www. to continue this work and witness On Sundays starting Sept. 9, celebrationchurch.net. to what God has done in creation, beginning and advanced courses in His mighty works described in will be offered at Berean Baptist King of Kings to the Bible and in His new mercies to Church in Burnsville, Brookdale men even today through the grace Covenant of North Minneapolis host art exhibit of Jesus.” and other locations. WOODBURY — King of Kings The exhibition will be on display On Tuesdays and Thursdays be- Lutheran Church in Woodbury will Sept. 14 – Oct. 31, and the opening ginning Sept. 11 and 13, courses host the second annual Adult Art reception will be held on Friday, will be offered at Wooddale Church Exhibit in August. The gala open- — A Christian-based Childcare Center — Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. in Eden Prairie. ing will be held on Friday, Aug. 3 For additional information on This will be the 28th year these from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Artists Family Circle Learning Center submitting artwork or on the ex- courses have been offered. from the King of Kings community hibit, visit www.agapearts.net. The instructor for the classes is will be present to talk about their “Children Are Our Heritage” the Rev. Charles Gustafson, who work. Refreshments will be served. Outpost ministries to has taught New Testament Greek Viewings are scheduled on Satur- 0RESCHOOLERS s 4ODDLERS s )NFANTS sponsor healing classes for nearly 30 years at local churches day, Aug. 4 and 11 from 5:00 p.m. and at Northwestern College. to 6:45 p.m. and on Sunday, Aug. 5 "EFORE !FTER 3CHOOL #ARE s 2ELEASE $AYS ROBBINSDALE — Outpost Several associate instructors will and 12 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Ministries will sponsor the “Liv- also teach the classes. For more information on the ing Waters” class on Thursday 7E HAVE IMMEDIATE OPENINGS For more information on the exhibit, call (651) 738-3110 or visit evenings from Oct. 4 – April 25, courses, call Gustafson at (952) www.kingofkingswoodbury.org. 2013. The class is designed to 3910 Stevens Ave. S., Minneapolis 55409 236-9578, e-mail gustafcj@mail- help participants fi nd strength city.com or visit www.letsreadgreek. HLIC to host s FAMILYCIRCLEDAHL AOLCOM and healing. com/msbl. The mission of Outpost Minis- annual golf event tries, according to its website, is to New magazine released MAPLE GROVE — Here’s Life Banquet & Concert with “meet the needs of men and wom- Inner City (HLIC) will host the sec- en making the decision to break to promote life ond annual HLIC Open on Mon- away from gay life. We strive to deal MINNEAPOLIS — Human Life day, Aug. 13 at Rush Creek Golf Dallas Holm with individuals as whole persons, Alliance (HLA) recently released Course in Maple Grove. not merely sexual beings. We offer “Street Magazine,” a publica- The event aims to expand teaching, encouragement and sup- tion that is “designed to engage HLIC’s back-to-school PowerPacks port to individuals, families and the mothers right outside abortion program and hopes to expand its Church.” facilities.” mission to meet an additional 1,000 The “Living Waters” class re- “We designed it to be easily children and teens. quires an application and interview. tucked into a purse or pocket, help- For additional information on For additional information, visit ing young women hide it from HLIC and the golf event, visit www. www.outpostministries.org or call Planned Parenthood deathscorts,” hlic.org or call (612) 338-0999. (763) 592-4700. said Jo Tolck, executive director of HLA, in a recent issue of the Artists group to hold The Rev. Erwin Lutzer group’s “Action News” publication. creative arts event to speak at annual “Our hope is this new tool will help sidewalk counselors engage more HOPKINS — Great Commission apologetics conference young women considering abor- Artists (GCA) will host “Psalms: a EDEN PRAIRIE — Jan Markell tion.” Christian Art Exhibit and Creative and Olive Tree Ministries are pre- Some 100,000 copies of the mag- Arts Celebration” on Saturday, senting the annual Understanding azine were printed for this fi rst edi- Sept. 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 the Times 2012 Conference on tion. HLA plans to publish again in p.m. at the Hopkins Center for the Oct. 5 – 6 at Grace Church in Eden the fall or early in 2013. Arts. Prairie. For additional information on The event is free and open to the &RIDAY !UGUST TH s PM Speakers at this year’s event in- “Street Magazine,” to receive a free public. PER PERSON clude the Rev. Erwin Lutzer, former copy or to learn more about HLA, GCA is a “network of Christians AT -ARRIOTT !IRPORT (OTEL "ALLROOM senior pastor of Moody Church in visit www.humanlife.org or call dedicated to leading people to Chicago, author and theologian; (651) 484-1040. Christ through the visual arts.” 2020 E. American Blvd., Bloomington Bill Koenig, White House corre- In addition, HLA will hold its For more information on the event Directly north of the Mall of America at I-494 & 24th Ave. S. spondent with “Koenig’s Interna- Third Annual Benefi t Gala on or to submit a piece of art, visit Reserve your tickets by calling (952) 920-0729 tional News”; Dr. Mark Hitchcock, Monday, Sept. 24 at the Medina www.greatcommissionartists.com. DEADLINE for securing banquet tickets is August 17th pastor and author; and Jan Markell, Golf and Country Club in Medina. All levels of experience and media founder and director of Olive Tree Guest speaker will be Kristina are welcome. www.christianexaminer.com August 2012 • MINNESOTA CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 19
Lutheran nonprofi t bird registration ends Aug. 17. For additional information, visit receives grant to help www.northcentral.edu. expand philanthropic efforts SALT to host fall MINNEAPOLIS — Augustana training day Care recently received a matching RICHFIELD — The Somali grant from Thrivent Financial for Adult Literacy Training (SALT) Lutherans Foundation in order to program will host Joy Loewen help Augustana expand its philan- for its annual SALT Fall Train- thropic efforts. For every $2 raised ing day on Saturday, Sept. 22. by the Christian nonprofi t, Thri- Loewen was born in Yemen and vent will provide $1 up to $25,000. served as a missionary in Paki- Augustana Care is one of the stan for 10 years. oldest nonprofi t organizations in “In a personal and practical Minnesota and provides a variety way, Joy shares stories from her of health care and housing services own experiences and insights for older adults. regarding befriending Muslim “Thrivent’s grant is helping us to take women,” read an announce- the next step in building philanthropic ment from SALT. “This training support and engagement organization- is primarily geared for current wide, preparing us to reach and serve SALT volunteers. However, any- more elders in the future,” said Kay one with a desire to ‘Share Je- Gudmestad, vice president of Fund sus with our Somali neighbors Development for Augustana Care, via through literacy and friendship’ a media release. is encouraged to participate.” Part of the foundation’s Luther- For additional information, visit an Grant Program, the aim of the World Relief Minnesota’s website effort is to help Lutheran organi- at www.worldreliefmn.org or “like” zations achieve “economic security SALT on Facebook to receive up- and sustainability.” dates. “We are delighted to assist Augus- tana Care through this grant, said Tim Schwan, vice president of the Training offered for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans older adults in ministry Foundation, via the release. “We SAINT PAUL — Lyngblomsten trust that this support will strength- Church Relations will sponsor the en Augustana Care’s ministry to the Senior Ministry Conference “Un- older adults it serves.” charted Water: Engaging the Pas- For additional information on sions of a New Wave of Older Adults Augustana Care, visit www.augus- in Your Ministry” on Monday, Oct. tanacare.org. 1 and Tuesday, Oct. 2. The event will be held at the Wilder Center in University to host St. Paul. church and volunteer Registration ranges from $20 to $100, depending on participants’ event selections. MINNEAPOLIS — North Cen- The presenter at the conference tral University (NCU) will host will be Dr. Amy Hanson, author of the Church and Volunteer Fair on “Baby Boomers and Beyond: Tap- Thursday, Sept. 6 from 11:00 a.m. ping the Ministry Passions and Tal- to 11:50 a.m. The event is a chance ents of Adults Over 50.” for NCU students to become aware For more information or to reg- of local churches and organizations ister, visit www.lyngblomsten.org/ in which to become involved. srminconf2012, call (651) 632-5360 Registration is $15, and early or email [email protected]. 20 • MINNESOTA CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • August 2012 www.christianexaminer.com Lawsuit fi led over marriage Poll says presidential candidates’ faith amendment name change will not play large role in election Minnesota for Marriage believes Christian Examiner staff report about his Mormon faith. The public also seems to believe White evangelical Protestants and strongly that religion is losing its name change is ‘unlawful’ TWIN CITIES — The presidential black Protestants, as well as atheists infl uence on American life, as 66 candidates’ faith will not play a large and agnostics “are the most likely percent of those polled expressed this Christian Examiner staff report thority to change the title. That in- role in this fall’s election, so said a new to say they are uncomfortable with view. Pollsters say that percentage has terpretation, however, is not shared poll from the Pew Research Center’s Romney’s faith.” However, that unease remained steady since 2010 but repre- TWIN CITIES — Minnesota for by all. Forum on Religion and Public Life doesn’t seem to carry over into voting sents “among the highest percentages Marriage fi led a lawsuit with the “The actions of SOS Mark and the Pew Research Center for the preferences. saying religion is losing its infl uence Minnesota Supreme Court in July Ritchie and Attorney General Lori People and the Press. Confusion over President Barack since the question was fi rst asked in a against Secretary of State (SOS) Swanson are unlawful and exceed While the poll revealed voters believe Obama’s faith still appears to be an Gallup poll in 1957.” Mark Ritchie and Attorney General their constitutional authority,” it’s important for the candidates to issue, according to the poll. Forty-nine The percentage of those who ap- Lori Swanson over changing the said Sen. Warren Limmer, via a have strong religious beliefs, most have percent say Obama is a Christian, 31 prove of this perceived loss of infl uence title of the constitutional marriage media release from Minnesota for limited knowledge of the candidates’ percent say they do not know his faith by religion is also increasing, up from amendment that will appear on this Marriage. “The governor’s veto faith. As a result, pollsters believe faith and 17 percent of registered voters say 6 percent in 2006 to 12 percent today. November’s ballot. was purely ceremonial and has no will not play a large role in the election. that Obama is a Muslim. Ritchie changed the amendment legal binding on the title of the Sixty percent of those polled know More than two-thirds of those title from “Recognition of marriage amendment. SOS Ritchie is using that presumptive Republican presi- polled believe that it’s important for a For more information about the solely between one man and one the veto as a trumped up excuse dential candidate Mitt Romney is a presidential candidate to have strong Pew Research Center’s Forum on woman,” which was how the state to thwart the will of the legisla- Mormon, which is virtually unchanged religious beliefs, a percentage that Religion and Public Life and the Pew legislature worded the amendment, ture. It is a sad day in Minnesota from four months ago. The “vast major- pollsters say has remained steady over Research Center for the People and to “Limiting the status of marriage when the Secretary of State and ity” of those polled are not concerned the past decade. the Press, visit www.pewforum.org. to opposite sex couples.” the Attorney General disregard According to published media the will of the legislature and use reports, Ritchie believes Gov. Mark deceptive language.” Dayton’s “symbolic” veto of the The state Supreme Court must legislation that put the marriage move quickly with its decision, ANNOUNCEMENTS HELP WANTED ROOMS FOR RENT amendment on the ballot gives since offi cial election ballots must him, as secretary of state, the au- be ready by late August. Arcangel808.com. Arcangel808: My struggle to Christian Alcohol & Drug Counselor Needed: Chris- Mature female roommate wanted to share house know and serve Jesus Christ. tian outreach housing project needs a part-time & with elderly woman near Excelsior and Chanhas- full-time licensed alcohol and drug counselor for sen. Private upper half-story bedroom plus garage, this Christian faith based Outpatient program. If you laundry, cable, internet. Can you help with preparing APARTMENTS FOR RENT are interested, please call Jim at (651) 387-8393. meals, and a little driving? Rent as low as $400. Please email [email protected]. Minnesota Teen Challenge One bedroom apartment for rent. Low rent for light Ministry Employment Opportunities home upkeep. Utilities included (except phone & HOUSING NEEDED Edina. Looking for Christian female to share laundry). Off street parking. No smoking, drinking, charming Tudor home near 50th/France- walk MTC is a 12 month residential Faith-Based Christian Drug & Alcohol Program for teens or pets. Bloomington. References Required. Avail- Single male, don’t smoke or drink, would like to help downtown. $600 + split utilities. Long/short and adults. Our program is designed to help individuals permanently recover from drug able Immediately. (612) 356-4306. Vickie. BOOKS you stay in your home. Will help with chores for a term. (612) 709-4003, [email protected]. and alcohol abuse and the life controlling problems associated with it. room. Please call Al at (952) 881-5988 at 8:00am. Available immediately. Architect’s 96-page sketchbook of 30+ National Would like the Bloomington area, or close by. — MINNEAPOLIS CAMPUS — Parks, $12.95, includes S/H. 737 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA 94710. SERVICES Program Staff — Assertive men and women needed to supervise, provide MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES leadership to, and develop mentoring relationships with residents in our residential P lumbing Systems, Inc. Specializing in residential BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Would you like to Evangelize: Could you use some service and remodeling. Licensed bonded insured program. A good driving record is required. Looking for ON-CALL employees - for both training? Join us as we reach out to the Twin Cities. 28 years. Anything with the plumbing in your house. Long Term and Short Term/Men & Women's Programs. Christian values income opportunity. High Tech (612) 202-0842. Street Ambassadors for Jesus Please call (612) 986-7442, ask for Kris. Manufacturer offers unique opportunity for Christian Christ. [email protected]. RN PT — Nurse needed to review program applications & perform assessments, families home based business. Call 1-800-667- B arnhouse Exteriors LLC. Specializing in roofi ng/ assist with intake process, and consult with students on their medical needs & 9851 for recorded message and information, siding/gutters! GAF certifi ed installers, licensed and or leave contact info at www.ecobusiness.com/ MUSIC/MUSICIANS fully insured. We handle all insurance claims! Call medications. Previous experience working with mental illness/chemically dependent vicvee/Christian. (763) 493-5851 or visit barnhouseexteriors.com. community, as well as previous triage experience is strongly desired. Computer Worship Leader Available: Ralph Hepola, piano & proficiency required & minimum 5 years of nursing experience. PT, flexible hours, $20/hr vocals: (612) 803-8914. Interior/Exterior painting: Quality job at a rea- Email resume to: [email protected] EDUCATION sonable price. Ten years experience. Mark, (763) 744-8331. — NORTHLAND CAMPUS - DULUTH — Bankruptcy or Immigration Paralegal. Training, REAL ESTATE certifi cate & placement. $395 (626) 552-2885. Admissions Representative — Detail-minded individual needed to Apartments for sale: Alpine Court is a 26 unit VACATION/RETREAT Research on telomeres and how to stop the aging process client applications. Heavy phone contact with clients, healthcare providers, and cooperative in Eagan with three apartments for RENTALS process! telomeres.zoeblessings.com sale ranging in size from 960 to 1,160 sq. ft. legal representatives. Excellent written & verbal communication skills and knowledge of Most of the owners are or have been in Christian T he Wilderness Fellowship is a four-season Chris- MS Office applications required. FT, daytime hours, hourly pay rate. FLAGS ministry. If interested, contact Mike Spicer, Realtor, tian Camping & Retreat Center, which provides a at (612) 272-6682. place of retreat and refreshment that fosters Godly For complete up-to-date job, internship and volunteer Quality fl ags for sale. U.S., International and church intimacy. Facilities include: Personal prayer retreat cabins tucked in the woods, Group/Family cabins, opportunities, visit fl ags. All sizes, call for prices. 7:45a.m.-4:15p.m., ROOMS FOR RENT www.mntc.org Monday-Friday. Flag repair and disposal service. small retreat center, large meeting hall and several campsites. 244 acres, trails, hiking, sliding, fi shing. Graphic Exhibits, (651) 225-1678. Crystal. Christian male to share my home. Laundry, 90 minutes NE of Minneapolis. (715) 327-8564, Interested individuals may obtain an application or request more information kitchen privileges. No drinking, no drugs, no pets. www.wildernessfellowship.com. by calling (612) 238-4198, emailing a request to [email protected], or visiting our $450 + deposit, all utilities included. Available website at www.mntc.org and clicking on the Job Opportunities link. immediately. Please call (763) 370-7168, gary- [email protected].
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Christian Recovery Counseling in St. Paul has a play room for children where therapists can work with parents and children to help them through issues that they are experiencing. Christian Recovery Counseling opens new offi ce in St. Paul Offers clients biblically-based counseling and assistance By Scott Noble That willingness to help others is are, that this is their role in life. They’re part of CRC’s strongly-held Christian taught that they deserve it, and they SAINT PAUL — The nonprofit beliefs. often think it is their fault.” Christian Recovery Counseling (CRC) “We are a Rule 29 clinic, so we are If a child grows up thinking this, recently opened a new mental health an odd duck in that we are licensed Prudhomme continued, they have a clinic in downtown St. Paul. The clinic by the state of Minnesota, and we’re diffi cult time knowing or experiencing plans to help adults and children who a nonprofit and we’re Christian,” “what a true, loving relationship looks have suffered physical, sexual or emo- Prudhomme said. “We’re very clearly like.” Since proper relationships have tional abuse. Christian. It’s stated in our name and in never—or rarely—been modeled for Founded in 1993 by Dr. Jeannette what we do and we’re very clear that we them, individuals are prone to repeat Vought, CRC bases its existence on Jer- do therapy based on biblical principles the abuse, thus perpetuating the cycle. emiah 29:11: “‘For I know the plans as well as psychological knowledge.” “Our goal is to just stop the whole I have for you,’ declares the Lord, However, not every client wishes to cycle,” Prudhomme said. “It starts with ‘plans to prosper you and not to discuss spiritual matters, so the clinics breaking those lies.” harm you, plans to give you hope abide by people’s wishes and will not Breaking that cycle can take time, and a future.’” The biblically-based discuss faith if a client requests. however. Prudhomme noted that the counseling organization also operates “But admittedly we pray for them all,” majority of CRC’s clients are adults, clinics in Golden Valley and Rockford, Prudhomme continued. “It just might many in their 30s and 40s, who are be- and treatments provided at those loca- not be in their session with them.” ginning to experience post-traumatic tions include individual therapy, group Whether or not a client wishes for stress from earlier abuse. therapy, play therapy and marriage and prayer does not affect CRC from relying Regardless of the situation or the family therapy. heavily on the power of prayer. abuse experienced, Prudhomme wants Vought established CRC because “We do as an organization believe potential clients to know that they are of her passion to help people who very strongly in prayer, and we feel accepted right where they are. have experienced abuse. But she also very strongly about standing on the “We have heard it all; there is noth- believes that no one should be turned Word of God,” she said. “We do believe ing that shocks us,” she said. “It pains away—regardless of a client’s ability wholeheartedly in the healing power us. Sadly, they don’t have an unusual to pay. of the Lord. We just know it’s all in story. We wish it were unusual. We are “It has always been on Jeanette’s His timing. He works in His perfect available for whatever God sends our heart that no one ever be turned away,” way, and it is really exciting to see way … for whomever He sends our way said Colleen Prudhomme, CRC’s ex- someone experiencing freedom from and however He wants us to respond ecutive director. “If somebody doesn’t all of those lies.” to that.” have the money, they don’t have insur- Those “lies” can result from sexual, ance … a lot of people have insurance physical, emotional or spiritual abuse. but they have big deductibles so it feels “Like a little, little child … back as like they don’t have insurance. From far as they can remember they have For more information about CRC the beginning, CRC has not turned either been hit or sexually abused by and to contribute to help fund clients anyone away.” probably a family member or someone who cannot pay, visit www.chris- CRC relies on donations to help pay who is supposed to protect them and tianrecoverycenter.org, email crc@ christianrecoverycenter.org or call for clients who are unable to pay for provide for them,” Prudhomme said. (763) 566-0088. their treatment. “They are taught that this is who they
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God. Her qualifi cation is that she is who created the universe did not willing to do whatever Jesus asks of create too many children in His Stopping for one her. image and not enough love to go She lives to honor Christ by stop- around.” By Laura Roesler ways to live our lives so that when ping in her tracks and helping who- She doesn’t question God’s good- Jesus returns He will say, “Well done ever comes across her path. She has ness, power or love. She believes “Kisses from Katie,” by Katie good and faithful servant.” Outside never been to nursing school but “God’s people are the solution to Davis with Beth Clark of Scripture are many books that has given medical care to hundreds. the world’s problem of fatherless, Howard Books, a division of encourage us to do that, but per- She doesn’t have an MBA but with motherless boys and girls.” She says Simon and Schuster, Inc., New haps none are as compelling as the help from family and friends has es- she sometimes prays to God to “beg York, NY, 2011, 264 pages, arresting story of Katie Davis. tablished the nonprofi t Amazima— Him to move people to action.” $24. The book, “Kisses from Katie,” meaning “truth”—which provides The narrative of her dramatic details the willingness of a home- employment training and income life in Uganda is interspersed with As followers of Christ, we look for coming queen to graduate and to several women, educates 400 devotional chapters set as diary en- students, feeds 1,600 children and tries. In the life-and-death stories offers medical care to an entire of her daughters and others that community, along with a Saturday receive help from Amazima, there program that includes a worship is plenty of material about the Sav- service, Bible teaching and a meal ior’s love and faithfulness. leave her tiny Brentwood, Tenn., for 400 children, which she hosts at Her confi dence in God is high. neighborhood, loving family and her rented home. In November, Davis came to Amer- boyfriend to live in a tiny room at She hasn’t been married or given ica to promote her book. In an the back of an orphanage—with birth yet, but she is the mother of interview on national radio, Hugh geckos and a very large rat—in 13 well-cared-for, well-loved girls. Hewitt asked her if she had fears the sweltering African country of Her thoughts on parenting? “Par- for her own safety and health in Uganda. Hers is a story geared for enting is sometimes tough, but par- such an impoverished country that anyone who wants to witness the enting is almost always hilarious.” borders a war zone. In her child- potency of God’s love for “the least Her descriptions of home life in- sized voice, she answered that fear of these.” volve a lot of laughing, dancing and comes from not trusting that God She is only doing what every or- singing. has what is best for you. dinary Christian ought to be do- Beneath the light-heartedness is In the Introduction to her book, ing—what we wish we were doing: a mind full of hard questions, im- she expresses her real fear: “I am feeding the hungry, clothing the possible to answer. She wonders much more terrifi ed of living a naked, visiting the sick and taking why there is so much suffering, comfortable life in a self-serving so- in the homeless. In her case, this hunger and pain. Why are children ciety and failing to follow Jesus than has involved adopting 13 children left in the care of other children I am of any illness or tragedy.” and starting a ministry that feeds, whose parents have died of AIDS educates and gives medical care to or in battles, children who can’t hundreds of others. feed themselves, let alone another Instead of making the reader feel child? To read more about the work of like a failure for not doing enough, She says she sometimes has to Amazima and about Davis’ ministry, she holds out hope that we can “sit with the Father in my sadness visit www.kissesfromkatie.blogspot. also show Christ’s love to the needy com and www.simonandschuster. and brokenness over all the hurt com/kissesfromkatie. To support the around us and around the world. in this world.” She questions God people of Uganda through the work Using a memoir/devotional for- about why “innocent children must of Amazima Ministries or purchase mat, she stresses that she is not in suffer.” She has questions but not necklaces made by Karimojong any way specially qualifi ed to serve doubts. She believes “that the God women, visit www.amazima.org. www.christianexaminer.com August 2012 • MINNESOTA CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 23 Aurora victim’s faith helps him to forgive theater shooter
By Amber Cassady BP News
AURORA, Colo. — In the aftermath of the Aurora, Colo., theater massacre, an injured victim stands out as a beacon of forgiveness. He is Pierce O’Farrill, one of 58 moviegoers injured July 20th when a heavily armed masked The Edge Church pastor Ryan Heller, right, gunman, now in police custody, visits hospitalized Aurora, Colo. theater charged into the dark theater massacre victim Pierce O’Farrill, who has and systematically and seem- publicly forgiven the gunman. ingly indiscriminately began shooting. O’Farrill was shot in the right arm and Heller said, before explaining the left foot, and has shrapnel lodged in Matthew 18 parable of the unforgiving his chest. servant. “God wants us to live lives of Twelve others were killed. continual forgiveness. Forgiving brings “I’m not angry at him. I’ll pray for strength and vitality. The reason that him,” O’Farrill said. “This is going to Pierce is able to forgive is because Jesus be hard for people to understand, is in him.” but I feel sorry for him. When I think Colorado governor John Hicken- what that soul must be like to have that looper referenced O’Farrill at Au- much hatred and that much anger in rora’s prayer vigil the Sunday eve- his heart — what every day must be ning after the mass murder. like. I can’t imagine getting out of bed “The outpouring of light and every morning and having that much love is so much more powerful than anger and hatred for people that he any darkness,” Hickenlooper said. undoubtedly has.” John Fruend, a close friend of “There is evil in this world, and O’Farrill, called him “a beacon of there is a darkness,” O’Farrill said. Christianity and what it is supposed “There is an enemy, but the won- to be about — forgiveness and mak- derful news is there is a Light, and ing the most of every day. there is a Light that shines brighter “Pierce believes God had him in than the darkness ever imagined.” the theater for a reason — to tell Ryan Heller, O’Farrill’s pastor at God’s message and use this as a fo- The Edge Church in Aurora, said rum. For him to say [he forgives the O’Farrill has opened a much-need- shooter] with all his wounds and ed dialogue on forgiveness. pain is amazing. It moves me every “Some of the other survivors have time I think about it,” Fruend said. said that they can’t or won’t forgive. Heller said the tragedy highlights Reporters are contrasting him against the church’s mission as the hands other survivors so it is important to and feet of Christ. understand what Jesus says about for- “In times of tragedy, we have a giving,” Heller said. “While so many great chance to minister when we people are questioning God in this otherwise may not have had an time, Pierce is a light in the darkness. opportunity,” Heller said. “We are His faith is increasing, growing and committed to sharing the light and maturing while many are in doubt. evangelizing in our city.” Pierce is like a rock.” The Edge loves O’Farrill. Heller focused on forgiveness in “We visited him in the hospital and his sermon the Sunday following joined hands in prayer over him and his the attack. family. Our whole staff has been really “Pierce has already forgiven him. I involved in encouraging him,” Heller think that is exactly what we need to said. “Kids from our children’s ministry talk about this morning is forgiveness,” made him get well cards.”
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Scott Noble has more than a decade of experience as a writer, editor and communications director. His articles have appeared in a variety of publications—from small- town newspapers to big-city newspapers to magazines and journals. His articles have also prompted radio and television appearances, and he has worked with dozens of published authors and other public fi gures.
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