CSC-News_Winter2017_WORK.indd

CSCNEWS Celebrating God At Work Centre Street Church • Calgary, Alberta Winter 2017 INSIDE cschurch.ca 6 Investing in Others 4 6 N.O.W. Baptisms 13 18-20 10 GMT Stories The Journey Family Life

Warren and Shairon Vandale Meet two members of CSC’s family who are serving the Lord in their own unique ways INTRODUCING PEOPLE TO JESUS AND HELPING THEM BECOME FULLY DEVOTED FOLLOWERS OF JESUS. Senior Pastor Dr. Henry Schorr Central Campus Saturday 6:30 pm Sunday 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 6:00 pm. Children’s Mininstry provided for all services except Sunday 6:00 pm. 3900-2nd Street NE, Calgary, AB T2E 9C1 Tel: 403.293.3900 Fax: 403.520.2698 Lead Pastor: Pastor Kent Priebe North West Campus Sunday 9:30 am. Crowfoot Crossing Theatre (91 Crowfoot Terrace NW) Lead Pastor: Dr. Lawson Brown Bridgeland Campus Sunday 10:45 am. Shairon and Warren Vandale. Photos from the Vandale Family Gateway Church (235 - 8A Street NE) Lead Pastor: Rev. Tim Hayes BY LORI KLAUS, Contributing Writer South Campus Sunday 10:30 am. St. Mary’s University (14500 Bannister Road SE) Lead Pastor: Rev. Wayne Smele (interim) SHAIRON It was during one of Pastor Henry’s annual State of the Church addresses a few years ago that Shairon Vandale heard the Lord whisper to her spirit. Pastor Henry had been speaking about all God has done through His people: how He enables us to accomplish whatever He asks of us and Airdrie Campus Sunday 10:30 am. how we are closer to Him in our brokenness. That Sunday morning, “broken” was exactly how Shairon Airdrie Koinonia Christian School felt as she sat in the pew alongside her husband, Warren. (77 Gateway Drive NE, Airdrie AB) “I was feeling weak, tired; that the road I was on was too hard and I couldn’t do it any longer.” Lead Pastor: Pastor Travis Wilkins It was in the midst of these troubling emotions that God whispered, “Trust me...” Shairon, a stay-at-home mom to two teenage boys, found herself asking, “Where is this leading?” Trust, even in an all-powerful Heavenly Father, was an incredibly difficult thing to muster up in the CSC News is Published by the Communications Department of CSC depths of the dark valley Shairon found herself in. The year prior, she had started waking up several times each night and had days where she was overwhelmed with sadness and crying but did not know why. cschurch.ca I didn’t and left. Several well-meaning friends/acquaintances offered advice on what they thought “I went to my family doctor and he told me I had depression. I wasn’t feeling suicidal, so I told him was wrong. I just needed to take more vitamins or exercise more or something like that.” Please visit cschurch.ca for our current staff directory. That fall, a friend of Shairon’s, that she had not heard from in many years, telephoned her unex- CSC is a member of the Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada. pectedly. Her friend was in town, being treated in the hospital for depression. When Shairon visited her, it brought back sober memories of being 19 years old and visiting her father in a psychiatric ward because he was suicidal. “I was terrified of psych wards,” says Shairon, “and the fact that my friend was in one was especially terrifying, since our dads had the same illness.” Arian Schorr Managing Editor Shairon says she does not remember exactly how things unfolded next, but she does remember Vidette Heller & Elsa Henderson Copy Editor/Proofreader sitting at home one day and crying uncontrollably for no reason. Jen Airhart Graphic Design/Layout “I phoned my husband at work and conceded I needed to get help. I made two phone calls after that, one to my family doctor and one to a dear friend, who is also a psychologist. My friend, who is Contributing Writers in this Issue such an amazing gift from God, met with me the next day. I will never forget her support, understand- Vanessa Bissonnette Lori Klaus Tessa Littlejohn ing and gentle encouragement. She told me I had an Anxiety Disorder and explained it was called a N.O.W. Team Janet Seever Jan Varner ‘disorder’ because it disorders your life. She also drew a picture with an explanation that really helped me. I don’t remember the exact picture, but I do remember that part of it represented a nice, neat Contributing Photographers in this Issue Vanessa Bissonnette Central Youth Team Aaron Dixon filing system with everything in its place. The other was like someone had taken a filing cabinet and Encounter God’s Presence Team Tracey Fox Moe Hairdari dumped the contents all over the floor. The second one I could relate to. That was Anxiety.” Brian Harris Lieske Family NW Youth Team Shairon shares that it is difficult to function when everything is scattered around in your brain like Chloe Pilon Jo Samaniego Vandale Family that. On the outside everything looked normal, but she was having difficulty putting thoughts together, Tara Whittaker iStock.com making sentences, following conversations and remembering anything. Anxiety was also responsible for her shaking, heart racing and panic attacks that came out of the blue on a daily basis. CSC News welcomes comments and feedback on all editions of this “That part of Anxiety was caused by my body’s ‘fight or flight’ response, which sent adrenalin surg- newspaper. Please email: [email protected] ing through me. When you are being followed down a dark alley, I think that’s an appropriate place for your ‘fight or flight’ response to activate. When you are out grocery shopping or having coffee with 2 csc news • Winter 2017 ...continued on page 3

The Vandale’s ..continued from page 2 first part. When you have learned to be self-reliant, high- been a great joy. a friend and it activates, it is clearly malfunctioning.” ly responsible, and in control (at least on the outside), “I’ve had some prayers answered in ways I didn’t want Shairon’s family doctor diagnosed her with Anxiety Dis- handing the reins over to trust someone else, even if it is and then watched things work out better than I could have order and Depression. She learned that Depression and God, is a difficult task. Sometimes I do rather well, other imagined.” Anxiety Disorder are “close cousins.” They overlap, and the times it sends me into a panic.” Warren, who enjoys woodworking, squash and disc golf amount of overlap is different for each individual. Her doc- “I don’t have it all together and am still learning to in his spare time, says that a particularly significant spiritual tor also explained that Anxiety Disorder is a tightly-wound live for an ‘audience of One,’” but through it all Shairon event in recent years was going on an MTO trip to Cuba spiral – it is not usually recognized until it spirals out of says, “I am choosing to believe He is a loving God who with his son Braden. God used the experience to draw control, but if you look back, you will be able to see times wants His best for me (Romans 8:28) and is therefore them both closer to Christ and to each other as father and where it surfaced. trustworthy. I choose to believe that He will make my path son. The trip itself was awesome, but Warren says another Shairon was put on medication and was also told she straight as long as I acknowledge Him. He reminds me reason it had so much impact was the fundraising com- would need counselling. He has never let me down; He loves me unconditionally ponent. “When I started taking anti-depressants, I was very and is the same yesterday, today and forever.” “I sent out many e-mails to friends and co-workers, afraid, but I couldn’t do counselling until the medica- These powerful truths are the very things Shairon is many of whom do not go to church. It was a good op- tion kicked in as I couldn’t remember the questions long now seeking to pass on to others through a new min- portunity for witnessing and most of the funds came from enough to answer them. The medication was not an in- istry borne out of her own struggle. God led her to start non-Christians.” stant cure, but it did help tremendously. My ‘blanking’ hap- an anxiety support group for teen girls. Although she felt Warren works for IPSOS as a statistical analyst, and for pened much less often and gradually got better over time, ill-equipped at first, God helps her support these young many years, his gift of working with numbers is something although it did vary depending on my stress level.” girls through the emotional challenges which are far CSC has benefitted from as well. He volunteers his time Counselling was also very helpful, showing Shairon old more prevalent in their age group than most people re- to serve on the Finance and Audit Committee – a group patterns of thought that needed to be worked through. alize. Shairon teaches them coping strategies for dealing who meets regularly to oversee the finances of the church “I discovered I was very focused on what other people with anxiety and also walks them through such practices and make recommendations to the Board of Governors. thought of me, or at least what I thought other people as journaling, setting up appropriate boundaries and In this role, once again, prayer is key. It involves coming to thought of me. I set unrealistically high standards for those evaluating their self-talk – all with a Christ-centred ap- God and seeking His will, direction and strength to follow closest to me and myself. My need for approval from others proach. through with what He asks. drove my perfectionism and harsh unforgiveness when I “God has done an incredible amount of healing in Referring to all the times Warren and his family have made mistakes. Somehow, I believed to my core that I was my heart and my life in the past few years,” says Shairon. faced challenges along life’s road, he says, “We have trust- a bad person. I believed I was not good enough, no mat- “He isn’t finished with me yet; He still gives me opportu- ed God to provide what we need and He has.” ter what I did. Getting to the root of these lies was key to nities to practice trusting and not fearing. It is a difficult Thank you to Warren for his service on the Finance overcoming my anxiety.” journey, but one I can now honestly say I am thankful for. Committee and to Shairon for walking with our church’s Shairon says she learned to challenge thoughts in- I don’t know what He has in store for me, but I do know young people and helping others who are suffering with stead of just accepting them as true. She discovered the He is good.” Anxiety and Depression. The Lord is using you both in pow- difference between what others might expect from her erful ways! and what God expects. His opinion, after all, is the only WARREN Like his wife Shairon, Warren Vandale – who one that truly matters! Shairon also learned what healthy has attended Centre Street Church his entire life, knows relationships look like and how to relax and take care of that prayer is vital to not only supporting a spouse her needs without feeling guilty. through anxiety, but to every aspect of the believer’s life. “A verse God gave me over and over was Proverbs 3:5- “Prayer is key to life and to our marriage,” he says. And 6, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your after 24 years of marriage and the raising of two sons, own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him there have inevitably been many occasions when call- and He will make your paths straight’.” ing out to God has made all the difference! “Different parts of this verse spoke to me at different “There will always be challenges in our lives,” Warren times in my journey. Trusting God with all my heart was the says, but adds that being able to see God at work has Left: The Vandale family; Above: Warren and son Nathan at Grade 9 graduation; Shairon and son Braden enjoy a dance at his Grade 12 graduation. Photos from the Vandale Family 3 changed lives - changing lives

PURPOSE: For all of CSC to gather together under one roof to praise and worship Jesus and celebrate what He is doing among us. WHAT WE DO: Lots of worship in song, testimonies, stories, art, the Word being preached and responding in baptisms and declarations of faith. HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE COMING: Approximately 1500 people each month. WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT N.O.W.: January NOW: “One of the best Nights of Worship! God’s anointing was awesome!” “I am so blessed with NOW! Good work, worship team! God’s anointing was powerful! The best NOW! Keep it up!” November NOW: “It was fabulous - came away well fed!” “Such a delight to share, thank you for having me! Our God is so good!!” “It’s always a great experience in NOW, a perfect place to be!!” “Worshipping God through the way we live our lives daily and then with others in the church meetings, this is what a true worshiper does.” “A true worshiper is to do the will of God. A life to live according to His will.” “One of the best places I have been!!! May God’s power be made manifest” September NOW: “We are going to have to make it a point to drive to Calgary and attend a night of worship with you. I remember the last one we attended, it was powerful.” N.O.W. musicians, speakers and leaders. Photos by various 4 csc news • Winter 2017

BAPTISM - NW Campus - October 30, 2016 JOANNE AMMARI - I grew up in a Christian home and pretty much of my eye problems. I went to an eye appointment at the Children’s Hospital, all my family members were born-again, so I knew God from the start which changed my view of God and what He is capable of doing. The and I always believed he was real, but sometimes whenever something doctors told us that it was a miracle how much my eyes had improved. bad happened, I would wonder, why would God do this to me or why I could now see signifi cantly better than before. I had experienced would God do this to the world? Then I learned how to Pray, and I asked God doing a miracle in my life! We began to get connected with NW Jesus into my heart and He became my Saviour and Heavenly Father, and attending the campus. My parents met Sharla, who is now one so I started praying whenever something bad would happen to me or of my youth leaders and I am in a discipleship group. Prior to coming someone in my family, and that’s why my family calls me their Prayer to NW, I focused more on traditional rules and not so much on my Warrior. Then I knew that He was a good Father and that He is not the personal relationship with Jesus Christ. At my fi rst Youth Retreat I partici- source of evil in the world. pated in a condensed version of “Encounter God” which was the fi rst time I looked at where I was at with God, confessed and repented of my sins. I felt so connected with God at that time and an awakening of my spirit. During the last night of the retreat - we were listening to a ELLAYNA PRICE - I asked Jesus into my heart when I was fi ve song called “O Come to the Altar” and these lyrics stuck out to me: “Are you hurting and broken within, years old. From my earliest memories, I remember learning about God overwhelmed by the weight of your sin? Jesus is calling. Have you come to the end of yourself? Do in church and from my parents. Through the stories I learned, I felt like you thirst for a drink from the well? Jesus is calling. Leave behind your regrets and mistakes. Come God was really here with me, knocking on the door to my heart. There today there is no reason to wait.” There had been times in my life where I encountered God in such an is also a special picture in my Bible I always love to look at. It has a amazing way – but this was one of the fi rst times when I had felt God give me a push to get baptized. picture of Jesus knocking on a door. Above the door, it says, “Jesus is I have had a lot of knee issues this past year – which caused me to question my faith and God. I felt knocking on your door to your heart, will you let Him in?” One of the that I did not have much hope for healing. A physiotherapist helped identify what was wrong and treat things that has helped me is Awana clubs. I have been going to Awana me appropriately, as I had been misdiagnosed by a handful of specialists. He knew right away what for fi ve years and have learned thousands of verses that come back to me was wrong. This was so powerful because earlier in the day my family had been praying for proper when I am in the situation the verse talks about. Jesus is a friend to me that will treatment and a solution. Despite my doubt and lack of trust in God – He showed Himself so strong never leave me. I feel Jesus is actually here and I can hold onto Him whenever I want. I want to be bap- to me yet again! tized because it is publically announcing that I believe in God, I feel like God wants me to get baptized. I want to get as close to God as I can, and I think getting baptized is taking another step towards Him. DARIA JACOTA - I am in Grade 8 and 13 years old. I come from a family of fi ve children, was born and raised in a Christian home and PABLO DAVIDSON - When I was four years old, I started learning accepted Christ into my life when I was six. I attend NW Youth Group. about Jesus in preschool through the songs we sang-along and danced I just want to say how amazingly God works in our lives. He is always to. Soon I was in Kindergarten in Cochrane Christian Academy and the with us and helps us go through tough situations. God is so wonder- whole class made crafts about Jesus standing beside each one of us ful and wants what is best for us. A few months ago, my mom got and then we would show it to the class. One of my favorite ways to really sick. She had a deep pain in her chest and I did not know what learn about Jesus was through Veggie Tales. But that was when I was it was or why this was happening. A few days later she went to the younger. Nobody can do what Jesus has done, He gave eternal life, and doctor and was diagnosed with depression. I was so scared. I was crying promised me that He will always be with me. Jesus is my Saviour, Lord, and I felt really hopeless. The fear of losing my mother was overwhelming and friend. Now my life is different because Jesus is in my life. My attitude me. I kept on questioning God, “Why is this happening? She is such a wonderful and amazing mom!” towards others is better and now I don’t have to go to hell. Now I am free from my My family and I tried our best to be here for our mother. We worked together as a team to get things sins. For a very long time I have been asking God to forgive my sins every month, but I thought I wasn’t around the house done. My mom is standing here today and I am proud of her. She is the best mom taking it seriously. I asked my dad if I could be baptized because I want to show that I am serious. I anyone could wish for and I love her very much. She is doing so much better now and I am so thank- accept God into my life. ful to God for that. I am happy God helped my family through this tough situation. He has shown me that all I need to do is put my trust in Him fully and to love my life and the way it is and not be afraid. We are God’s children and all we need to do is put Him in the fi rst place in our lives. God allows hard LAURA CRECIUN - I was born in Romania, but shortly after I was born my parents decided to times and challenging situations to help us put our trust in Him and rely on Him in every situation move to Canada. I have had eye issues since I was born and was over 70% blind in both eyes. I had eye that we are going through. surgery at age four, had to wear an eye patch everyday and glasses. In Grade fi ve, I was teased because 5 changed lives - changing lives

Investing in Others well as being a pastor. When doctors diagnosed lung Her family now consists of two daughters and one son. cancer in 2003, he was given just four months to live, but One of her daughters is Val Lieske who leads the arts@the- it stretched out to 18 months. While he battled the lung CENTRE ministry at Centre Street Church. cancer, he was unable to sing for a whole year because of his greatly reduced lung capacity. His one wish was IMPACTING LIVES THROUGH FRIENDSHIP. to sing at the opening service of the new Centre Street Ruth has some definite thoughts about friendship. “I like to Church building. think that I have impacted some people’s lives,” she says. “I “Albert got his final wish,” Ruth recalls. “He sang at two feel that friendships have to be cultivated and worked at. church services and got a standing ovation at both ser- Friendship can’t be a one-sided thing. One thing my hus- vices.” Albert died in September 2004. band and I did was entertain a lot. If we saw someone new When asked what encouragement she would have in church, when the church was smaller, we would invite for widows, Ruth responded, “I don’t know what I would them over, possibly with another couple, even if it was just do if I didn’t have the Lord.” Then she stated, “It’s hard to for a cup of coffee.” answer because everyone goes through their grieving When a new neighbour moves in, she likes to visit them differently.” with a pan of fresh muffins or a pie. Just a few days ago, she “I think it’s a healing process to talk about your loved had lunch with her former neighbour and recalls how this ones,” Ruth said. “Otherwise you just keep it bottled up in- close friendship was built. When the couple first moved in, side.” She still has days of extreme loneliness after losing Ruth and Albert watched for an opportunity to develop a her husband 12 years ago. friendship. Ruth was baking an apple pie at the time, and Ruth Lieske celebrates her birthday at the CSC office. Her family consists of five children, six grandchildren when she saw they were at home, she took the pie out of Photo from the Lieske Family and eight great-grandchildren, but two of her sons are the oven and immediately took it over to them. The couple now with the Lord. has come to church numerous times, and they are the One unmarried son passed away at the age of 40, “closest of friends.” BY JANET SEEVER just two years after Ruth’s husband went to be with the Once the Lieskes had next-door neighbours who worked Contributing Writer Lord. It was on a Sunday morning, and when he didn’t during the day, so Albert would always shovel their sidewalk come to church, Ruth noticed his absence because he when it snowed. When he passed away, that neighbour As a great-grandmother, Ruth Lieske strongly believes in in- usually sat with her. Ruth stopped at his apartment after came over and said, “You will never have to worry about vesting in other people through carefully cultivated friend- church and found him sitting on the couch, dead. The your walks. I’ll shovel them for you.” And the man did for ships. “I like to think that I have impacted some people’s cause of his death was never determined. seven years. The couple came to her husband’s funeral lives,” she says. At 89 years young, Ruth has an amazing “All his life, he felt that he was nothing and had low and heard the gospel. She keeps praying for these people. amount of energy and is still reaching out and making self esteem,” says Ruth. “He had some personal struggles Now there is a new Syrian family in the neighbourhood. friends. he was working hard to overcome. I feel he died of a bro- They don’t speak English and Ruth, in trying to think of a ken heart. And yet, the many friends that came to his ser- way to reach out to them, took them a pie. She is waiting to LIVING A NOMADIC LIFESTYLE vice were an indication that he had touched many lives.” see if this will develop into a new friendship. Ruth and her husband, Pastor Albert Lieske, first came to Another son died in February 2016 of cancer, and All of her former neighbours are still friends of hers, she CSC in 1974 after his retirement from pastoral ministry. Ruth he is missed greatly by the entire family, but his grand- is still in contact with them, and she prays for them. “I think was hired to work in the CSC office, where she worked for children especially miss their Papa. Some people have a that’s a treasure,” Ruth says. “You have to make a real effort 20 years in what was then a two-person operation in the hard time talking about the loss of loved ones, but Ruth to make friends.” old church. She and Sharon Vandale shared the office. thinks it’s the best thing in the world to talk about those Yes, Ruth’s friendships are a real treasure. Ruth eventually worked in finance, and now, well past re- you have lost. “I think it’s a healing process,” she says. tirement age, still volunteers at CSC in finance a few hours each week. Her husband served as chaplain of the hospital ministry at CSC for a number of years and passed away in 2004. A difficult question for Ruth to answer is, “Where are you from?” As the daughter of a pastor of the Evangelical Church denomina- tion, her family often moved while she was growing up. Then she married a pastor, which led to a rather nomadic life style. Her husband first served in three small country churches in Morse, Glenbane, and Rush Lake, Saskatche- wan at the same time, and later pastored three small Alberta country churches in Three Hills, Torrington, and Beiseker, also at the same time. A church plant in Saskatoon and a church in Medicine Hat were also part of his resume. When asked what her favourite verse is, Ruth responded, “There are so many verses. When a verse is meaningful to me, I underline it in red.” Now her whole Bible is underlined in red! PRECIOUS MEMORIES Ruth’s husband Albert was a trained singer as 6 csc news • Winter 2017 The Lieske family L-R: Lorne, Val, Albert & Ruth, Darryl, Marilyn, and Dale; Ruth with one of her great-grandchildren. Photos from the Lieske Family

“I heard from Jesus, have been “It showed me places where touched by Him; I experienced healing. I learned how to listen I did not even know I was “This weekend I came very resistant. to the voice of God.” in bondage. Helped me As I pressed into this, I received many words from God that I have been longing to hear from Him. to release old patterns, “I came with no expectation. I was Now I have direction, directive and identity/purpose.” destructive behaviours, guilt afraid for what I was going to find in myself. Today I am thankful.” and shame. So freeing.” Encounter God’s Presence Weekend “I enjoyed the atmosphere February 26 - 28, 2016 when I first came. The beauty around us with art, etc. The feeling of safety through prayer, the feeling of God. I feel lighter, more “This weekend has drawn me into “Found my new identity in Christ, focused and thankful.” a deeper relationship with God what I came seeking for. Feel so light and free of baggage.” through the Holy Spirit.“ “This weekend has signified “I had a weekend of great spiritual warfare. The enemy was a refreshing time of healing putting up a battle to prevent me from coming, up to the very last and Freedom in Christ. I minute, he tried everything. By obedience and pressing forward believe God has healed me: I found and got the release and mind, body, soul, spirit and blessing I badly needed. I was released from a past stronghold relationships.” and deep wound.” “I am delivered of fears, soul ties, and generational bondages. I can “I came filled with anger pray these away at any time in Jesus’ and resentment, feeling lost authority. I can choose to be more “This weekend helped me receive mature by seeing who God is in my and disconnected from God. forgiveness for a lifetime of abuse challenges and have more capacity Through the worship and for receiving revelation from Him issues, work addiction.” in every situation. I will be more teachings, I have been delivered intimately involved with Jesus from all anger and resentment. everyday – more assured of my God I feel empowered, loved and and my faith and how I am becoming more like Him day by day.” enveloped by the grace of God.” 7 changed lives - changing lives

Refugee to Refuge in God The story of Mohammad (Moe) Haidari BY TESSA LITTLEJOHN them back to Turkey. explains. “I knew if I died, I would go straight to Contributing Writer Sixteen year-old Moe found himself without hell.” money, stranded in a country where he did not Eventually, a friend told him about some know the language or culture. After a few days Americans offering free English classes. Moe on the street he heard about the UN. He was ex- figured, “Why not?” He had nothing better to do tremely fortunate in that the UN accepted him and had always wanted to learn English. For into a camp for Turkish orphans. As Moe says, the first time Moe met Christians, and they had “Even then God was taking care of me.” Moe the Bible in Persian! Moe had never heard of lied to the UN, telling them he was 17, thinking it missionaries and he was baffled. “Why are they might help him; but it backfired, and a year later here? Why are they loving us so much? Why are when he turned “18” he had to leave the camp. they so joyful?” he wondered. Moe then moved to Ankara, the capital of At the end of each class the missionaries Turkey, with other refugees. They lived four to five would read a parable from the Bible and ask the people in one room. The place was filthy and students what it meant to them. Moe still remem- the people he lived with, though nominally Mus- bers the first parable about the shepherd who lim, did not care about God or the Koran. They lost one sheep and left the 99 to go find it. Par- thought nothing of stealing and fighting. ables are a big part of Persian culture, but Moe At first Moe tried to keep his faith, but in Islam found it incomprehensible that a simple parable you must be physically clean to pray. The place would be in a holy book. He had memorized the where Moe lived was dirty both physically and Koran but had no idea what most of it meant. metaphorically, so he could not pray. No matter Moe believed holy books were supposed to be how much he wanted to, Moe could not please complex and confusing. Allah. Slowly over time, he became more and After some time the missionaries invited Moe more like those he lived with. to Persian church. Again, he thought, “Why not?” “I still went to Mosque,” Moe says, “but I He had lots of free time. He found the worship wouldn’t pray like a Muslim because I was such even more astounding. The people wore colour- a bad Muslim. There was no hope of God hear- ful clothes, they had their hands held high and ing. I just went and cried. I had so much guilt seemed happy. “Is this for real? What is this?” and fear and was plagued by demonic dreams.” Moe marvelled. He loved the atmosphere and Moe describes the experience as extremely cried and cried. In Persian culture it is shameful humbling. He respected the Koran more than for a man to cry, so Moe hid his tears. most, and yet he was stealing, fighting and in- Moe had spent so much time hiding his fear volved in drugs. He could take no pride in being and sadness that he was mentally and emotion- Moe and his siblings were born in Iran and grew up in Qom, near Tehran, a good Muslim. He went through a time when ally drained. Still, Moe was not about to give in where his parents had settled as refugees from Afghanistan. “The people in he was so depressed he had no desire to live. easily. He knew some arguments and defended Qom were very strong Muslims,” Moe states, “even more religious than any “I wouldn’t even mention God due to fear,” Moe Islam as much as he could. He would argue with other city in Iran. I grew up as a good Muslim who does his prayers, fasting and everything that a good Muslim would do.” Moe did not have a happy home life. “I had a very angry father who would fight with my mom and my second mom, because my dad had two wives. It was very depressing and hard for me and I am sure for everyone else,” Moe explains. He felt very lonely, angry and depressed inside, although he never talked about his feelings with anyone. His parents never bought gifts for him, never told him they loved him, and vice versa. In 2007, Iran began to deport Afghan refugees back to Afghanistan. De- spite the fact that Moe’s older brother was born in Iran, he was sent back, and his mother was concerned that 16-year-old Moe would soon be sent back too. Life in Afghanistan was dangerous due to tribal fighting. Also, there was no future in Afghanistan and it would have meant a life of poverty. Therefore, his mom decided to send Moe to Turkey. The plan was for him to continue on to Greece and the Netherlands, where she hoped he would be safe and have a future. Moe, his half brother and his best friend walked for three weeks to the Turk- ish border, a journey of approximately 1000 km. Moe describes it as “a very hard hike, but we made it safely.” They then paid a smuggler the equivalent of $500 Canadian to guide them and nearly 80 other people across the border. Moe then tried to sneak into Greece. After dark they boarded a boat, planning to row for eight hours to reach the nearest Greek island, to sleep during the day and then to row all night to get to the mainland. No one was an experienced paddler, however, and after five hours they were utterly exhausted. At that point, the Greek police spotted their boat and deported Moe enjoys time to relax by the water. Photo from Moe Haidari 8 csc news • Winter 2017

BAPTISM - Central Campus May 21/22 2016 BEA-LAURICE AGUINEA - I knew Jesus since I was little. I knew how to pray, but I did not ask Jesus into my life yet. When I was in Kindergarten, on my fi rst Wednesday service in my school, there was a song that told about Jesus called ‘’Mighty To Save.’’ I started to realize that Jesus is not only my friend but also my Saviour, Father and my Redeemer. He died for my sins, so I want Jesus in my life and follow Him. CATE CLOAK - My two older brothers were baptized as babies, but I was not. My mom had her two boys and was looking forward to going back to teaching when she became pregnant with me. I was the child no one wanted. There is not a single baby picture of me yet there were two boxes of pictures of my brothers. This set me up for a lifetime of insecurity and feeling like I never belonged anywhere. My brothers fostered those feelings by convincing me that I was adopted. They would say, “If you don’t believe us, just try to fi nd a baby picture of yourself! There aren’t any!” They also would say, “Don’t mention this to our mom because she would be really upset!” So I kept that lonely secret for years. I have been lost in severe depression for years, then actually suicidal the Christians, and they would respond with love but also with truth. when my marriage ended three years ago. I fi nally realized that I should pray for “Isn’t it strange?” Moe pondered, “I knew I was going to hell and yet I still deliverance from the quicksand I was drowning in! The Holy Spirit lifted me up tried my best to defend Islam!” and directed me to Jesus. Since then, I have repented for all my sins and prayed One day as Moe and his best friend Ali were going to church, Ali said that for forgiveness. I believe I am now counted among His fl ock! He is guiding my they should stop going because otherwise, “They will make us Christians.” path and has led me to the CSC for baptism for which I am truly grateful. I want Totally unexpectedly, Moe replied, “I want to be a Christian!” to be baptized just like all His followers of old. “I realized I had lived all my life trying to please the Holy God, and it was impossible to please this unknown being,” Moe explained later. “After hearing about Jesus Christ, the light of the world, I realized Jesus Christ died for my sins COLTON DESGAGNE - I was born and raised Christian, but was not and took the judgment that I deserved!” baptized. I struggled with addiction and God helped me to get clean. I wish to Six months after this, Moe was accepted to Canada through the UN. On follow His will for me. Baptism is important to me because it signifi es my dedica- March 29, 2010, he arrived in Calgary. Alone in a new country, faced again with learning a new language and culture, Moe considered leaving his new- tion to our Lord and His ways. found faith behind. He felt that he could not do anything alone, and again he was being infl uenced negatively by new friends he made. God, however, had other plans. The Turkish missionaries managed to track ASTRID ECKSTEIN - Jesus’s fi nal words on the cross were, “It is fi nished.” down a mature Christian living in Calgary and told him about Moe. They ex- He died for my sin and covered my shame. When I was eight years old, I asked plained to Eldon that Moe was a young man newly arrived in Canada – and Jesus to live in my heart, as a result of the teaching I had learned at Sunday a new Christian. Eldon came to visit Moe, and Moe was overcome with how school and by reading the Bible. He has worked in my life in numerous ways, loving Eldon was. He felt loved the way he had felt with the missionaries in as a teenager, in my marriage, in having children, through various work circum- Turkey. To this day, Eldon is Moe’s spiritual father. stances, home education, and so much more. I went from a child-based faith to About this time Moe found a new place to live. Eldon did not know it, but one rooted in thoughtful consideration and deep personal experience. Getting the church he took Moe to was less than fi ve minutes from Moe’s new place! baptized today is just one step along that journey He is taking me on. Hallelujah! God was truly watching over Moe! The church was the Bridgeland Campus of CSC. Moe started going to Bible study and fell in love with the people. In that JOSIAH ECKSTEIN - From a young age I have known Jesus. He has Bible study Moe found his freedom. “I couldn’t wait for next Thursday. I had always been very close to me, showing me the way and giving me insight when such amazing strong friendships and we are still friends. I was living in dark- it is least expected. I have thought about being baptized a lot, but have never ness, but in this Bible study there was so much light. I was freed from my fears gotten around to it. I would like to get baptized out of obedience to God and to from Islam. I had been so afraid of the Koran, but one night I put it under my feet and worshipped Jesus! The Lord sent so many Christian friends to encour- start a new chapter in my walk with Him. age me.” Moe’s family is currently spread out all over Europe, Turkey and Iran. His father has passed away, but in 2014 Moe went to Turkey to visit his mom and AVA GASATAYA - I came to know Jesus when my mommy introduced siblings. He took his brother to church and shared his testimony in front of him. me to Him when I was small. She told me about who He is and how great He is. I “He was so surprised!” laughs Moe. His family is glad that he is happy, but they came to know Him more and more at home and in Sunday school. About a year don’t want to talk about religion. Recently, however, Moe’s mom had a dream ago, my mom prayed with me and I received Jesus as my Saviour and Lord. I in which someone told her, “Become a Christian.” She is resistant, but Moe will have been telling my classmates about Him, as well as my teachers. I really love continue to pray. to draw and every time I draw something, I always put Jesus in it and the cross. Currently Moe is working on his GED, as his education abruptly ended I want to be baptized because I want to let people know that I am His child and when he was 16. “Now I am going to CSC on Sundays,” Moe says. “I am free that He is my Lord and Saviour, and also to encourage other people to know from sin and Satan, and I am child of God. I am learning about God’s grace Jesus as well. I will always remember this great day in my life. and mercy, and I continue to learn!” 9 changed lives - changing lives

ing crew of derelicts, where in- sight comingled with poverty. It was a poetic utopia, mimicking the caring fellowship I imagine in early Christians – cohabitat- ing intimately, walking along- side others, caring and break- ing bread together. The Journey with conceit at the helm, Sadly, three years later depravity took hold. What had been lively conversa- tions enhanced by wine became full-blown parties BY VANESSA BISSONNETTE, and started smoking, involving heavy drugs and Contributing Writer drinking and skipping hard liquor. I worked and classes. When God rarely slipped but home whispered, instead of Vanessa Bissonnette became characterised Born in Québec, I was baptised as a baby in the Catholic tradition. My par- listening I repeatedly by vomit on the carpet, ents didn’t practice their faith, but they were making a counter-cultural state- responded with wilful, strangers passed-out on ment of faith in the 1970s. prideful, indulgent self- the couch and an unbearable As a toddler in Haiti, I almost died – twice, dramatically, by fi re and by pity. Luckily, God didn’t moodiness. I was out of place. poison. Both times, it is reported that I remained calm and sweet, hugging my let it linger long. Just long enough to feel ri- God intervened. The summer before gradu- panicked father for rescuing me from the fl ames, and thanking the doctor for diculous, and realize the love I was squandering. ation, I lost my job. It felt like a slap in the face, voiding my stomach with a pump. No screams, wails or nightmares, which is For as long as I can remember, I have felt delivered directly by God; but I soon saw the odd for a child. God simply took-over. He planted a kiss on my forehead and somehow outside of the world. This sense of sun-lit soft bend in the road. I was unemployed whispered gently, “I got this.” “otherness,” I learned through reading Janet G. long enough to fi nish my studies at a leisurely Nice. Like the people of Israel, I would come to rest in the knowledge of His Woititz’s book “Adult Children of Alcoholics”, is pace, breathe deeply, and see brilliant vistas up Providence, and then I would forget. Again and again, this pattern repeats. typical of children of alcoholics, who carry it into ahead. And God provided my next job – collect- The formative foundations of life are laid in childhood. Though my home adulthood. ing taxes for Canada. was for the most part a loving one, my father ruled the home and rum ruled God placed me in a psychology class where, Negotiating tax repayments afforded me a him. Consequently, I learned early to walk on eggshells. Our family walked the over a semester, I learned potent lessons in self- window into people’s lives, and I saw how peo- precarious line between comfort and dysfunction while I grew into my father’s awareness and inter-personal perceptions. ple struggled. How unfair the system seemed to mould of stubborn heart and biting tongue. When I let go of my pride and repented, God in the retired elderly, to the single good-wage earn- I left home at 16, to study, at the height of my family’s dysfunction. Mine His amazing grace fully forgave me and instilled ing parent, to hard working families, and to new was no dorm-house college fantasy. I moved into a fi lthy one-room basement. in me a deep conviction that I am set apart by immigrants! Yet the strong team culture at the My parents never called; I didn’t get whisked away on weekends; nor did His love, somehow – beyond all shame and con- offi ce held us to tight targets and encouraged they give me food for the week, sweet care packages or wash my laundry. My fusion. God showed me His beautiful Amazing us to demand that bottom dollar. It was a slick shelter and tuition were not paid beyond the fi rst semester, yet God provided Grace. I am His! desensitization machine. That job hurt my head a perfectly timed student loan, caring neighbours and a part-time job. But I After college, God blessed me with the job and hurt my heart. For the fi rst time in my life, I was forging my autonomy and didn’t see His hand at work. I puffed up like that would fi nance university and set my lifelong quit a paying gig. a peacock at my perceived self-suffi ciency. God must’ve been shaking His career track as a Public Servant. Walking away from stability and shirking “re- head – with a smile, I like to think. University was a blur. Not a rich academic sponsibility” in pursuit of an elusive “principle” Soon came the invigorating experience of “fi rst-love” steeped in adoles- experience – just work – racing from class to was incomprehensible to most. I imagine similar cent drama. Away from my parents’ eyes, I quickly went off the rails. My forni- class, and nose-to-the-grindstone cramming. But reactions by those closest to the disciples when cation was followed by broken-hearted self-loathing. I made myself grungy, I found a semblance of romantic academia in they dropped their nets and walked off to follow 10 csc news • Winter 2017 the downtown brownstone I shared with a rotat- Jesus. Only I was not listening to Jesus. I was an-

gry with God. Why would He put me here? If not a Public Servant, what exactly was I to be? Why toil for years to acquire a useless education and BAPTISM - Central Campus useless experience? Like the prodigal son, I took all the wealth the Father had bestowed May 21/22 2016 to me and left. I was wiping the slate clean of all that defi ned me: work, family and home. I endeavoured to rebuild the “true” me on my own terms, personality’s tower of Babel. I embarked on a journey that would take me Down-Under, through southeast Asia, to the Pacifi c Rim, then back home ISAAC KYE-IAN CHEAH - I attended VBS at CSC for two years and I ac- to corporate-Canada. There I met a man who sought to erase the last ves- cepted Jesus during VBS last year. I want to be baptized to make my relationship tiges of my person. The experience fl attened my whole self. I had strayed, I with God bigger and closer. I want to be able to call Him my Lord and Saviour, and had rebelled, and then my mind fi zzled. In 2001, I found myself in the psy- to be on the side of truth, peace and love. chiatric ward—homeless, broke and utterly broken. It was there and then, I discovered God’s dazzling faithfulness. Mere weeks before losing my mind, I had written a test hoping to secure a new CAMDEN MACDOUGALL - I have known Jesus since I was little, and government career. And I got the job! I outperformed thousands of appli- asked Him into my heart when I was eight years old, and had my sins forgiven. I cants! I discovered that God had been walking alongside me the whole time. He had allowed me to write the test when my brain was at the peak want to get baptized because it is what God says in the Bible and I need to obey. of mania. God had orchestrated my rescue. I want more of Jesus in my life and I want to be more like Him. I want to grow Getting the job afforded me the choice of where to work and live. His deeper with Jesus and have a better relationship with Him. I want Him to be the mountains beckoned, He wanted me white as snow. God wanted me in leader of my life. Calgary where I could heal, where I could fi nd Him – here in this city, in this church. I came to Alberta, and now am married to a loving man and am the ALLISON MURPHY - I came to know and believe in Jesus 11 years ago mother to three thriving children. I am established in my work, healthy in through my sister Michelle, who passed away from a brain tumor. Jesus shone body, and gloriously free in our Lord. That is my story. My road to Christ through her. Michelle told me if I accepted Jesus, I would fi nd great joy. I have was a meandering one; not fast nor straight, but twisted and full of drastic struggled all my life with addictions and depression and have never found any turns. But it often opens to beautiful vistas giving glimpses of God’s glory. kind of joy. I have recently accepted Jesus with all my heart, acknowledged Him You know them – soft bends in the road that open to light and reveal a in all my ways and my struggles have lessened. I am here to be baptized in front direction. of my friends and family. I want my sins washed away, for my old self to be buried, One very important part of my journey has been the VantagePoint3 like Jesus was. To be raised from the dead through the glory of the Father so I too, “The Journey” program offered at CSC. I have completed the second year called “A Way of Life” and am now completing the third and fi nal year of may live a new life. this series, called “Walking with Others.” This spiritual development program has been instrumental in shaping me into the fully devoted servant-for- Christ I am and blooming into. JEREMY PRINS - I was raised in a Christian home and church. I knew the Now I see. God has gifted me with spiritual sight. How does one respond stories but did not really hold them to any value growing up. As I got older I found to God’s loving mercy? My life has one focus, one response. I cry and sing myself less interested in church and more interested in what the world had to of- and work to reshape my life, however clumsily – according to His will. fer. I never stopped believing that God was Creator, that Jesus died on the cross and that the devil was out to destroy us, but my life never refl ected this. I ran from God and was wrapped up in popularity, money, selfi shness and eventually pro- gressive addictions, which became worse throughout my life. I started to turn my life around after my kids were born but I was doing it all on my own. After losing my marriage and becoming a full-time single parent, I realized I could not do it all on my own. I started attending CSC and I realized how much God loved me, and the price Jesus truly paid on that cross. It broke me down, which is exactly what I needed. I attended the Encounter God’s Presence weekend and that was when everything opened up completely. I started to understand everything that God was saying and I was being rebuilt in Christ. Since then, I have sought a relationship with Jesus on a daily basis and have been learning so much. I am truly excited! I kept feeling like the Holy Spirit was telling me to be baptized. I pushed it off at N.O.W. weekends and other opportunities. I am feeling blessed to be here and I am excited to take another step in my relationship with Jesus. JESSICA QUIJANO - Jesus has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I came to know Christ at a very young age because of my parents, and since then I have only grown stronger in my relationship with God. As I grew older, I learned to be more dependent on Him, as I encountered many struggles throughout the years. Despite my darkest moments, I know that I have hope be- cause of Jesus. He has proven Himself over and over again as being a very forgiv- ing and loving God and everyday I am reminded of this. I am inspired by the Bible to live all out for Him and to follow in His footsteps. I want to be baptized as an act of obedience to God and to take the next step in my walk with Him. JONATHAN QUIJANO - I grew up in a Christian family. My parents told me about Jesus and how He died for me. I want to be baptized today because I want to follow Jesus and trust in Him with all my heart. Various photos of Vanessa; Above: Vanessa and her daughter. Photos from the Bissonnette Family & iStock.com 11 changed lives - changing lives

“Opened my eyes and heart to “God has revealed to me the hidden the opportunities to elevate and “This weekend motivated me to deepen my walk with God and sins harboured in my heart and distinguish what voice is speaking Holy Spirit.“ how pride and perfectionism may to me and to be able to identify it. Distinguishing between my voice be a generational sin. God has “I am learning to listen for the Holy and God’s is the task I need to work Spirit’s promptings. Knowing that reaffirmed this warrior spirit He has at and a skill I need.” God knows what I need and His ways are better then mine. “ instilled in me.“ Encounter God’s Presence Weekend May 13 - 15, 2016 “I feel a release from spiritual “This weekend impacted me in oppression of past sins and a true a powerful way. I heard God’s forgiveness of these sins as they voice many times and felt His were spoken out loud. “ presence. After this weekend there is no turning back. “ “I have released many “I had no idea what to expect but “I’ve been dealing with I was nervous and anxious about burdens that I did not know depression, anxiety and suicidal all the things God might want thoughts for six years! I always to point out in me. He gently I carried. I am free of many felt abandoned by God. This nudged me and opened my eyes weekend I realized that I knew to His grace and goodness that He thoughts that were ruining God and Jesus but not Holy lavishes on me. He is a good father Spirit. But I feel that connection and He only gives good gifts.“ my relationship with Jesus.” now! “ “It was more then I expected. I received freedom from bondage. I “I was reminded of how much God feel more alive and sense a closer “I feel like I am clean, starting fresh. loves me and what He loves about relationship with Jesus. I am I have had lots of healing, given lots grateful that He came and I thank of hope, and feel deeply connected me. I was reminded that He wants God the Father for His plan to to the Holy Spirit. I have had to be with me always and he wants provide a way to be saved. I thank dreams, been given Bible verses, all the presenters/teachers for their but I have never had a vision before. me to keep moving forward and connectedness to God. Thank you Very cool experience! “ not look back. “ for well-chosen worship songs.” 12 csc news • Winter 2017

SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER 2016 Birth Announcements Dedications NAME DATE PARENTS Thomas Belts November 1, 2016 Hanna Kalea Lind August 18, 2016 Tim & Melanie Lind Elijah Kai Rivera Baker November 26, 2016 Lucas Parker Wilson August 4, 2016 Stefan & Larisa Wilson Kimora Milan Biglete November 26, 2016 Theo Jack Rygus October 2, 2016 Trevor & Michelle Rygus Donovan Real Provencher October 6, 2016 Luc & Rebecca Provencher Olit Elias Dhaba November 26, 2016 Zoey Eden Schorr November 9, 2016 Jonathan & Kristin Schorr Olujabo Christopher Olarewaju Elias John Conrad December 4, 2016 Joel & Nicole Conrad November 26, 2016 Adeline Esme Lau December 6, 2016 Josiah & Fiona Lau Isla Catherine O’Sullivan November 26, 2016 Jedidiah Asare Opoku December 22, 2016 Richard Opoku & Catherine Niikoi Rio Noble Ediger Rossler November 26, 2016 Evan Michael Wico November 26, 2016 Baptisms Mathias Megenasa In Scott Morgan Remembrance Jason Alksn Gloria Ngini Joanne Ammari Favour Ngini Albert Hixt Weddings Caleb Anthony Antony Oh August 26, 2016 TJ Smith and Tiffany Glaser Rosa Abigail Azucena Carlo Mendez Olagardy Jason Cliffe September 3, 2016 Kevin Barendregt Hilary Olfert September 2, 2106 Sachelle Berkenkamp Myra Penberthy Reuben Neufeld Allen Meakin and Heather Kubik Season Bovey Derek Pierrot September 7, 2016 September 10, 2016 Cameron Brodzki Ellayna Price Maureen McCallum Michael Tran and Lauren Volante Tricia Caballero Michelle Redwood September 23, 2016 September 16, 2016 Isaac Kye-Ian Cheah Jacqueline Rhodes Bonnie Cox Nicole Rhodes Kouros Gharagozloo Jason Cirankewitch and Kelsey Bartel October 6, 2016 Laura Creciun Juan Ruiz September 23, 2016 Pablo Davidson Derek Sailer Ruby Sherman Eric Dizon and Lovella Penaranda Doella Deonoso Yanjiao Si October 22, 2016 September 24, 2016 Miriam Guevara Krestoff Slattery Evelyn Dancey Robert Hendry Kristin Stacey November 6, 2016 Dave Tam and Rebecca Bock Harvey Hopper Shay Stokes Peter Remple October 1, 2016 Daria Jacota Carlvin Taguiam November 7, 2016 Peter Smit and Barbara Malcolm Hayley Jarvis Teodora Tomeldan Roger Falloon October 22, 2016 Shauna Kanz Brent Waddell December 4, 2016 Marimel Llamoso Kaley Wood Helen Busch Adam Froese and Claire Pedersen December 31, 2016 Emmanuel Maniraguha Sebastian Wood December 19, 2016 New Members Joyce Buschert Juliet Ibhazehiebo Michael Matthews Anne Regier Leonard Regier Kingsley Ibhazehiebo Donna Moger Bob Ardley Benjamin Boyede Mellie Caibigan Ed Kuntz Evelyn Ngala Margaret Reimer Wenceslao Caibigan Phyllis Ardley Siya Boyede Nick de Jong Brittany Leung Betty Obrigewitsch Anand Stephen Edwin Beaman Doreen Brown Nathanael Eckstein Gianna Lucente Raymond Obrigewitsch Warsha Stephen Darwin Borbon Cecil Buschert Joy Fu Dalila Mares Gold Okonny Eduardo Vazquez 13 changed lives - changing lives

Testimonies of You’re BY JAN VARNER, be problems if we consistently use them as a Contributing Writer form of escape Pastor Ken Dyck, Founder of Freedom Session, Are you tired of doing that ‘thing’ you do? says, “The common factor for all sinners (and we are all sinners) is shame,” and “Freedom Session You know the ‘thing.’ That negative behaviour or exists for the obliteration of shame.” negative thinking that keeps resurfacing despite your best efforts to push it down. The ‘thing’ you He notes that statistics within the evangelical keep telling yourself you’ll stop doing. Any day church today reflect our brokenness: now. • 40-60% of men struggle with pornography and “It’s not a problem,” you tell yourself. But every of those, 25% have an addiction now and again you wonder if that’s true. Others • 20-25% of women are addicted to pornogra- have complained about it. phy • 25% of women have been sexually abused You hate feeling badly about it. You’re tired of • 14% of men have been sexually abused promising you’ll stop. You wonder if it’s holding • 25% of women have had an abortion you back and preventing you from living a great life. Time is passing and although you are alive The need for healing is clear. (technically) you’re not really living. You’re not even sure what real living is. At Centre Street Church on May 5, 2016, 120 Freedom Session graduates celebrated their Maybe it’s time for Freedom Session. freedom. Freedom Session is a 12-step healing-disciple- Testimonies were presented in various formats: ship journey that uncovers the roots of pain in in person, via video, written in a booklet, or your life and invites Jesus Christ to heal those scrawled on cardboard signs. Every story was dif- areas of your heart. It is a 20-week program that ferent but each story shared a common theme. starts in September. It is not for the faint of heart, They all had a ‘thing’ they wanted to stop doing. but it is for those who admit they are broken and Everyone admitted they needed help and will- want to start a new healthy chapter in their lives. ingly embarked on a journey of self-examination and discovery. And everyone, with God’s help, Unhealthy behaviours such as control, anger, uncovered the truth, faced their pain, and got cutting, shopping, binging, excessive video what they came for. Healing. gaming and watching excessive television are symptoms of the pain we carry. Even seemingly Their stories were inspiring: innocent pastimes like Facebook, playing com- puter solitaire, and cell phone dependency can *Katy: “I had been a Christian for 23 years. I could 14 Top: Friends, family and participants filled the West Campus for the ninth annual Freedom Session Graduation; Bottom Middle: Pastor Greg Grunau, Bottom Right: Jan Varner. Photos by Tracy Fox csc news • Winter 2017

God’s Healing – Invited rattle off hundreds of Bible verses, I could tell you 7:11, which states that God indeed knows how a story of my own physical healing. Yet, part of to give good gifts, many graduates declared me was so disconnected and lost. I found myself they received even more healing than they teetering between depression and hopeless- originally came for. ness.” Over the course of the 20-week program, Katy’s life changed. “Where there was bitterness, Raj discovered that while dealing with the I now feel awe. Where there was lack of trust, I pain behind his pornography addiction, the feel secure in Him. Where there was shame, I feel Lord highlighted other areas that needed to priceless.” be healed – perfectionism, negativity, unfor- giveness, low self-esteem, bitterness and worry. Brian knew that lust and pornography were de- He is no longer enslaved by those things and stroying his marriage. Through Freedom Session, now lives with gratitude and contentment. he got control over his thinking and his unhealthy behaviour. The darkness in his life departed. God healed Juanita and Enrique’s marriage. Nikko found community and acceptance. Diane: “I always believed that when people hurt me, it was my fault and that I deserved it.” Since The Spirit was evident that evening, and God’s taking Freedom Session, “the bondage of those truth reigned. It was a celebration, indeed. negative voices is gone.” Freedom Session is for everyone. Whatever David was a closet drinker. Juanita and Enrique’s your age, whatever your situation, whatever marriage was destroyed. Irene was a perfection- your ‘thing,’ Freedom Session can help you get ist and she had avoidance issues. Raj was ad- on the road to a healthier, more meaningful dicted to pornography. Don suffered from ex- and more relational life. Senior Pastor Henry treme depression after losing his job. Nikko lived Schorr stated that the church would be even in isolation for two years after arriving in Canada more real and authentic if everyone were to and was tired of wearing a mask of happiness experience Freedom Session. when he was actually sad and lonely. You’re invited to the next graduation ceremo- Sharon had been a Christian for 34 years and ny on May 4, 2017 at 7pm at the West Cam- after her second divorce she could not under- pus. It will be an evening to remember. stand why God would allow such horrific pain in her life. She was filled with shame and anger To learn more about the Freedom Session min- and reached a point where she asked God to istry, check out freedomsession.org. To find out take her life. how you can participate in the next Session at CSC, contact [email protected]. As the graduation evening unfolded, the air be- came increasingly charged with a spirit of cel- *All names have been changed to protect privacy ebration and victory. In keeping with Matthew Ninth Annual Freedom Session Graduation; various participants. Photos by Tracy Fox 15 changed lives - changing lives

Experiencing God Through Tough Times Aaron Dixon’s story When Aaron was 13, the doctors told his mom that CSC STAFF she had only a short time to live due to the issues with his friends from church showed a total lack of sympathy. When Aaron quit attending, no one called or tried to get her lungs. She decided, before she died, to take her fam- in touch, not even those he had considered close friends. ily to Canada, where she had spent some happy years About this time Aaron developed psoriatic arthritis and when she was younger. The air there, being much drier, lost the ability to play ice hockey and lacrosse. It worsened BY TESSA LITTLEJOHN, was substantially better for her lungs. until Aaron was unable to stand up straight. The doctors Contributing Writer When the family returned to Ireland, the doctors were said he would be wheelchair-bound for the rest of his life, amazed at how much her health had improved; so the “but God didn’t,” Aaron declares. Many different churches Aaron was born and raised in Northern Ireland, “The best family decided to move to Calgary. “God is everywhere,” and denominations began to pray, and Aaron began to country in the world!” he teasingly says. From the time he Aaron quips, “Ireland, Europe, Asia, Middle East, South straighten up. could speak, he was speaking about God’s love for him America, USA, even Edmonton… although I’m not cer- “The lesson from this,” Aaron notes, “is the power of and was saved at age three. At the age of 11 he was bap- tain about Edmonton!” prayer! God can heal! ‘Some trust in chariots and some tized after having passed an interview with the elders of his In Canada, Aaron took up lacrosse and hockey and in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God’” church. From a young age, Aaron and his only sister were joined a church. His parents traveled a lot, as his mom (Psalm 20:7). pushed to achieve in every area of life. is very involved in show jumping. When Aaron’s sister Aaron began sitting on horses to loosen up his hips. Aaron’s mother suffered many health issues: angina, vi- chose not to go to this church, Aaron ended up attend- With his grandfather in hospital, Aaron decided to take up ral pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, blockages in the heart, ing alone. Over time it became clear that those in this show jumping to honour him. Aaron won a lot and went to several strokes, many tumors in her lungs, and surgery after church did not really care. First, people began to ostra- the hospital to show his grandfather his trophies and foot- surgery. Besides that, she broke her spine and was struck cize Aaron because his family didn’t attend with him. age. After 12 ½ years of praying, his grandfather was saved by lightning twice. Then, when his grandfather was in hospital dying, even the day before he died! ...continued on page 17 pg 16 - Photos from various competitions and training activites represent Aaron’s passion for show jumping.; Pg 17 - Aaron has made an incredible impact for Christ with ‘The Core’. Discipleship, public speaking, and celebrating baptism have been a blessing; The Core group enjoys time together on retreat. Photos from Aaron Dixon. 16 csc news • Winter 2017

Experiencing God ..continued from page 16 disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal The news media love a good story, and seeing an pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory loss and athlete persevere despite his debilitating arthritis gave mood issues. Researchers believe that fi bromyalgia am- Aaron the opportunity to bear witness on primetime new plifi es painful sensations by affecting the way the brain “I am just a normal person broadcasts around the world. “The Lord granted success processes pain signals. to show His power and glory!” Aaron said. “It was not my Depression is a common side effect of fi bromyalgia, own strength, but I was a cripple beating Olympians. Praise so doctors were amazed that Aaron showed no sign of trying to follow God. There is God!” depression. This gave him the opportunity to witness to Despite the success, this was a very lonely time for Aar- many doctors about his faith and hope in Christ, who on. He had no Christian friends, he was travelling for com- turns everything to the good of those who love Him. petitions, and his friends in show jumping openly mocked Being bedridden really limited what Aaron was able only one true living God, and him for his Christian convictions. Once, when his horse was to do, but he was passionate about the Core and knew injured and crashed through a jump, throwing Aaron and the importance of discipling people. injuring him, he found out that his ‘friends’ had gone out to “I wasn’t able,” Aaron says. “I couldn’t do it alone. everyone has access to Him dinner to celebrate his elimination from that competition. Praise God I was too sick or I might have missed what Aaron prayed and prayed for God to provide him with God was doing! ‘He must increase, but I must decrease’” Christian community, and he felt God direct him to Centre (John 3:30). ‘Each time He said, “My grace is all you Street. Undeterred by the mockery and ridicule, Aaron kept need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am through the cross. Everyone inviting those in the show jumping world to church. Finally, glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power one girl took him up on the invitation and came to evening of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure church. But as soon as she got back to the stables, she in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecu- goes through tough things, but joined other friends in heading out to the bars. Aaron was tions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am so discouraged! He felt as though he had no impact and weak, then I am strong’” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, NLT). was of no use to God. A voice inside his head told him he Reminiscing about this hard time in his life, Aaron might as well end his life. Aaron recognized this as Satan says, “Whatever you are trying so hard to achieve in life, God is with you. He is there for and called out to God. let it go! It’s never going to be as valuable as Christ. Seek The very next day Jared Harrison from Young Adults Him fi rst!! You must die to yourself and serve the one and called him and invited him to go bowling. From then on, only true God, Jesus Christ! Be excellent at whatever you Aaron had a strong network of Christian support and do for HIS glory!” anyone who turns to Him.” friendship. With the blessing of Centre Street and a friend, The Core has grown from fi ve to several hundred Tanner, Aaron started Core, a Bible study and ministry people and Aaron’s health has been steadily improving group of young professionals. for the last four years. He believes that at this point he is But then Aaron got sick. At fi rst he thought it was the fl u, about 85% back to normal. Lord willing, Aaron is hopeful but it didn’t go away. For a year and a half he was bed- that one day he will be able to compete again in show ridden. It turns out that he had developed fi bromyalgia, a jumping. 17 changed lives - changing lives

NW Campus Summer GMT - July 3-9, 2016 The Calgary GMT really impacted the way that I think about this life on earth. When my group went to the Bethany Care Centre, I met a man named Neil, who has dementia. This made me think about how the time that I have now is so valuable, I need to serve everyone that I can and that I need to be Jesus to people while I still can. - Nathania de Kluyver - (Above) The GMT (Global Ministry Team) group having some fun. Hanging outside the Youth Health Bus; and scrubbing the floors. Photos from the NW Campus Youth Team. The Calgary GMT was very impactful on my life. I loved visiting the Bethany Care Centre and talking to the seniors. It made me sad to see the seniors that had dementia and could not remember their own kids. It makes me realize how little time we have and how we need to cherish the time that we have with the ones we love. I hope I will be able to go on more trips like this in the future. -Cadence Irvine- On the Calgary GMT last summer, I realized that showing God’s love does not have to be done by fl ying around the world. Our team went to the Jesus Loves You Society, a charity that reaches out to single mothers. On the fi rst day we cleaned the home of a mother of seven children. It took us hours, but when we fi nished she shared with us some of her story. It was heartbreaking to hear that the father of her youngest two children had died of a drug overdose. We were all shocked and knowing that we had taken the day to clean her home did not seem like enough. Cleaning her house was such a simple task that probably gave her hope and love from God. Showing God’s love is not a hard job, it can be done by smiling, listening to what people have to say and helping them out when they need it. I moved schools for high school and it’s been one of the hardest things I have ever done, but knowing that I can give people hope and show the love of a Father most of my peers do not believe in, gives me strength to go back everyday. -Kirsten Kuelker- 18 csc news • Winter 2017

I was in the group who helped run a vaca- tion bible school for lesser-privileged kids in the Bridgeland area. On the fi rst service days of the GMT, I was going crazy trying to keep the kids entertained, and was not sleeping well at night. Midway through the third day, I was so exhausted I was having a hard time staying awake and fi nding it tough to motivate my- self to keep going. One of the leaders allowed me to go take a quick power nap. While I was in the basement, I was praying that God would give me some motivation and energy to keep going. Shortly after I went back upstairs, I was just playing with a little kid (who we later found out was from a home with an abusive father) and he called me ‘dad’. I realized that some of these kids have been ‘quit on’ in some way, shape, or form and I cannot be another one who quits on them, especially when some are seeing me as someone of signifi cant infl uence like a father. My prayer for motivation was defi nitely answered. - Evan Mann - This GMT meant so much to me. I grew closer to God and the others serving with me. I had no idea how much brokenness was in my own city! I loved getting to know everyone better and growing in those relationships. -Natasha Edwards- This past GMT my group served by painting apartments for Servants Anonymous and visiting with the lovely senior patrons at the Bethany Care Centre. One of the biggest impacts of this trip was seeing the beautiful joy on the young women’s faces as they saw their new apartments, fi nished and clean. They had insurmountable joy in receiving such a blessed gift. Their stories of pain broke my heart; but their hope, recovery, and joy made me stronger. Nothing is impossible with God and all the trials of life cannot keep us from His love and joy. Another big impact was at Bethany, where we helped with their rootin’ tootin’ stampede party. I had the priviledge of dancing with a lady there, all crippled and slouched in her wheelchair. She gleamed with joy and her smile burst through all her brokenness. The joy was present on her face despite her disability, as she grooved on the dance fl oor, hopelessly lost in the moment. This week showed me the importance of the little joys and helped me appreciate the moments, and memories, we make. -Mikayla Colyn- Top-Bottom: Some of the youth had a chance to meet Mayor Nenshi and volunteer in the kitchen at Bridgeland Campus; 19 GMT leaders Lana Klassen, Maggie Hiebert, and Michelle Moore enjoy a meal. Photos from the NW Campus Youth Team. changed lives - changing lives

Montreal GMT July 10-16, 2016 The 2016 Montreal GMT was an awesome opportunity to partner with VivaCité in Montreal to serve children and youth.  VivaCité is sought after in the Montreal area in helping children and youth develop their English skills.  With a team of 33 people, 22 students and 11 adult leaders, we served at a day camp in the community of Ahuntsic the week of July 10-16.  VivaCité has an amazing team of people on the ground in Montreal and is led by Pastor Michel Hurrell. It was so amazing to see how God led the week.  One of the students, Fadi was paired with a camper who was very similar to himself.  They built a relation- ship like brothers and by the end of the week, the family of this young man expressed interest in seeing their children connect more with the youth group at the church where the day camp is hosted (Eglise Chrétienne d’Ahuntsic). The students and adult leaders on our team enthusiastically engaged in the work in front of them.  The students were each paired with a camper and provid- ed opportunities for the campers to practice their English.  The students showed amazing leadership abilities and walked out their faith in Christ for the campers to see.  The adult leaders helped to teach the classes and lead the programming elements like games and crafts.  By the end of the week, there was an amazing sense of being family all together with the VivaCité team and campers. Bridges are being built with families in Montreal as teams serve there and demonstrate the love of Jesus.  “I felt on this trip that God wanted our team to really impact the kids that came to the camp.  He told me to be an encourager to my buddy, and on the first day she was pretty shy and didn’t talk a whole bunch.  How- ever, by the second day and for the rest of the week we were laughing together and it wasn’t awkward at all.  I was also impacted on this trip because I had the opportunity to get closer to the rest of the team that went and I made some friends that are amazing Christians.  I think that I will continue being friends with them because of this trip.  Another highlight was the chance to hear other people’s stories and more about their lives, which was very interesting for me to hear.   This trip ended up being a great experience because I was able to make new friends and allowed me opportunities to talk and meet with people I normally wouldn’t have gotten to know.   I can clearly see how God facilitated all of this, which truly encouraged me.  Even after the trip, I was able to keep those connections and friendship going that will last a lifetime.” - Ashley McLeod – a high school GMT team member Clockwise from top-right: GMT (Global Ministry Team) outside the church in Montreal; enjoying some gourmet ice-cream; on the plane; some team members (Ashley McLeod is second from right) 20 csc news • Winter 2017 Photos from the Central Campus Youth Team.