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CSCNEWS Celebrating God At Work Centre Street Church • Calgary, Alberta Fall 2016 “AND PRAY IN THE SPIRIT ON ALL OCCASIONS WITH ALL KINDS OF PRAYERS AND REQUESTS WITH THIS IN MIND, BE ALERT AND ALWAYS KEEP ON PRAYING FOR ALL THE LORD’S PEOPLE.” - Ephesians 6:18 - INSIDE cschurch.ca 10 A Much Bigger Story 6-8 2 Baptisms N.O.W. 19 14 18 Stampede BBQ CSCamps Family Life

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) PURPOSE: was when I was hit by a truck and survived. God Lead Pastor: Dr. Lawson Brown For all of CSC to gather together under one roof saved me.” to praise and worship Jesus and celebrate what Bridgeland Campus Sunday 10:45 am. He is doing among us. Bringing God’s Joy Gateway Church (235 - 8A Street NE) A lady wanted prayer for increased boldness. Lead Pastor: Rev. Tim Hayes As we prayed, I felt like God wanted me to WHAT WE DO: encourage her with a picture. I saw a vision of Lots of worship in song, testimonies, stories, art, a butterfly that was leaving trails of gold behind South Campus Sunday 10:30 am. the Word being preached and responding in it. I felt like God was saying that the butterfly St. Mary’s University (14500 Bannister Road SE) baptisms and declarations of faith. Lead Pastor: Rev. Wayne Smele (interim) was a representation of her, and that the trail of gold represented joy; that she was designed HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE COMING: to bring joy to those who were brokenhearted. Airdrie Campus Sunday 10:30 am. Approximately 1500 people each month. Because she has had to fight for joy in her own Airdrie Koinonia Christian School life, God really wanted to use her to declare it (77 Gateway Drive NE, Airdrie AB) over every situation and circumstance. After Lead Pastor: Pastor Travis Wilkins WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT we had finished praying, the lady said she felt N.O.W.: very encouraged, that stepping out in boldness for the Gospel could be as simple as bringing CSC News is Published by the Communications Department of CSC Wanting to Know Jesus More God’s joy to those around her. During the baptism testimonies, it was encour- aging to hear from a young boy, “I wanted to God is Moving and Healing cschurch.ca know Jesus more and what changed my life We prayed for miracles and healing in the lives Please visit cschurch.ca for our current staff directory. CSC is a member of the Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada. Arian Schorr Managing Editor Vidette Heller & Elsa Henderson Copy Editor/Proofreader Jen Airhart Graphic Design/Layout Contributing Writers in this Issue Mary Elizabeth Cooper Brad Friesen Danielle Hartung Riley Kirwan Tessa Littlejohn Gianna Lucente Sharla D’Souza N.O.W. Team Janice Richardson Janet Seever Contributing Photographers in this Issue Anderson Photo Jocelyn Bolduc Irene Chia Mary Elizabeth Cooper Sharla D’Souza Ertman Family Tracey Fox Friesen Family Michael Grimminck Brian Harris Hartung Family Kehler Family Riley Kirwan Mann Family Tara Whittaker iStock.com CSC News welcomes comments and feedback on all editions of this newspaper. Please email: [email protected] Food Trucks at a Night of Worship. Photo by Tara Whittaker 2 csc news • Fall 2016 ...continued on page 3

“N.O.W.” ..continued from page 2 of those at our Night of Worship. Here is a tes- timony of healing of pain in a lady’s pelvis: “I came to worship feeling under attack and my pelvis was in serious pain and inflamed. Getting in and out of chairs, picking things up caused nonstop pain. During the prayer time last night, I felt a lot of movement/extra pain and was not sure what was going on. I woke up this morn- ing with the whole problem gone. I have just mild soreness but all my mobility is back, the pain that would make me gasp and wince is completely gone. Praise the Lord!” Friends, God is moving and He is healing! Community in the Body of Christ An older couple has been a part of CSC for some time, but this was their first time attending the NOW service. They were outside enjoying a meal and a man walked up to them and said, “I know you, you were my camp leader 30 years ago!” He went on to share how this had made such an impact on his life. They prayed together, and a young lady who saw them praying, came and asked if they would also pray for her! She told them about her history with addictions, being newly married and expecting her first child. The older couple was so excited to pray for her. They were so encouraged and excited! Great Community Gathering Despite having the service inside due to rain, we still had the food trucks available outside. One of the vendors commented, “I have never seen such a great community gathering as I have seen here tonight. People are enjoying the food and enjoying each other, it so great to see!” As I spoke with each vendor, the sentiment was the same that it was a great environment of pleas- ant, joyful people. One of the other vendors went inside the building and was awestruck at how beautiful it was and the feeling of good- ness inside. His light in and through us is a testa- ment to those who do not know Him, they see and feel the difference. They want to know more, Musicians, Painters, Dancers... let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Adoration, testimonies, baptisms and making music. Photos by Tara Whittaker, Tracey Fox, and Brian Harris 3 changed lives - changing lives

God Will Provide BAPTISM Airdrie Campus BY JANICE RICHARDSON, July 10, 2016 Contributing Writer Kevin and Naomi Ertman’s life can be summed up in three words, God Will Provide. Naomi grew up in a Christian home primarily in south Calgary. Her life was structured and predictable – until her mom was diagnosed WENDY HUNTER - I have known with breast cancer when Naomi was 13. After treatment, her mom’s God all my life and was baptized as cancer went into remission for another 10 years. an infant. I went to church every Naomi’s sister (who is 13 months older) was outgoing and often Sunday with my family, and went to took charge of things. Naomi tended to be quieter and more introvert- Catholic school. I always knew right ed. But with the changes in her mom’s health and her sister moving on to other things, Naomi was forced to come out of her shell and do from wrong and was very aware things for herself. She has since become more outgoing, loves hang- of what sin was. I got married, had ing out with friends, and trying new adventures. children and continued to attend the Naomi has memories of a great family life, going to church and Catholic Church. My marriage ended and I serving. However, she did go through some rebellious times where she thought she knew better. Her faith was more started to struggle with church and fell away from my of her parent’s faith than her own, but that changed when Naomi attended Bible college in Camrose, AB for one year after high school. faith. With the stress of caring for three small children on my own, life Kevin also grew up in a Christian home in New Sarepta, AB. He played hockey a lot which often conflicted with began to seem hopeless. I suffered a heart attack at the age of 39 church. However, when he was in high school, there was a strong youth group that regularly attended Sunday due to the stress. My anxiety grew and I started to get more impulsive, school. These friends became his main friend group and he believes this had a strong impact in directing his life getting into unhealthy relationships with men. In 2010, I found my- towards God. self still single and pregnant. It was an all-time low. My friend invited After high school, Kevin also went to Bible college for one year in Edmonton. He then trained to be an EMT and me to CSC and I fell in love with the church and started going regu- lived in Mayorthorpe for a year. He did not like it there, so he moved back to Edmonton and started taking Agri- culture at university. He had a friend in Calgary and would often go there on weekends. He met Naomi on one of larly. In May of 2010, I answered an altar call and received healing those weekends. In his second year, he quit the Agriculture course as it did not seem to be the right thing for him prayer. I had been told that my baby was not healthy and that my and he moved to Calgary. pregnancy was dangerous for me. But, that day my heart was healed The romance between Kevin and Naomi grew and led to a marriage proposal. At the time they were planning and the baby in my womb healed. I accepted Jesus as my Savior. their wedding, Naomi’s mom’s cancer returned. The wedding date was changed from April 23, 1994 to March 12, The road has not been easy, but I have hope and a lot more peace 1994 because they were worried Naomi’s mom would not make it to the wedding. Her mom passed away on April 7, 1994. in my life. God is doing a work in me every day and I surprise myself This was a turning point for Naomi in her Christian walk. Having her mom pass away and starting a marriage at how far my faith has come. I know now that the most important was a very emotional and challenging time for her. She feels she could have gone either way – turned towards relationship I have is with Jesus Christ, and I am working hard at that dependency on alcohol or some other addiction or turned towards God. Fortunately, she turned to God. She felt relationship every day. like God was always there for her and that He would never let her go. He gave her a peace that she had never experienced before. “I always knew God was there and carrying me – like the NATALIE MILLER - Natalie in- story of ‘Footprints in the Sand’.” After Kevin and Naomi were married, they wanted a fresh vited Christ into her heart at age four. start - going to a church that was their church, not a church that “The bottom line is that She understood that Jesus was her either one had grown up in. Kevin grew up listening to Tim Volk- friend and wanted to make certain man in the New Sarepta church and loved his preaching. Since God always provided for He had a place in her heart. Over Tim was a pastor at Centre Street Church (CSC), they decided the next few years, we could see her to try it. They joined a small group and made some amazing love for Christ growing and deepen- friends. They eventually had two daughters, Carly and Jenai. us and brought us out of Kevin and Naomi had a number of challenges during their ing. In the car on our way home from married life. “We felt like the Israelites wandering in the desert,” church Natalie surprised her dad and I with Naomi joked. low points. He is sovereign a comment, “I want to be baptized.” Caught off guard, we asked Kevin went back to school to take Electronics Engineering. her “Which one of your friends is being baptized? Did someone at They moved five times in five years. They went through some and He wants nothing church ask if you wanted to be baptized?” Her response was a very financial problems with a bad investment and thought they calm and confident “No, Jesus was baptized and said we should be may lose their house. Kevin wandered from one job to another but the best for us. Every without any clear focus or direction. He kept praying for God baptized if we love Him.” Right away we knew this was not the influ- to guide him but did not get a definite answer. However, he ence of any person. It has been our daily prayer that our kids would was never without a job. It seemed when one was phasing out, grow closer to Christ, to love Him and serve Him all the days of their someone he knew (often someone from his small group) would day is a gift and I am so lives. Clearly the Holy Spirit was speaking to our barely 7 year old, offer him another one! He never remembers actually applying calling her to be set apart and to follow Christ. for and seeking a job. He had many, very different jobs including thankful for how the Lord work in electronics, manufacturing, renovations, service techni- cian and manager. However, through those jobs, he was often out of town or found the work to be unstable. One day a friend has blessed me.” encouraged him to apply with the Calgary Police Service as they were looking for more mature people with life experience. ...continued on page 5 4 csc news • Fall 2016

God Will Provide ...continued from page 4 This eventually led to a position in the surveillance unit, encompassing knowledge My Mission Field he had gained in his previous positions - electronics, mechanical and building. What seemed like random jobs for the last 20 years actually led to his dream job. God had been directing his career all along! BY MARY ELIZABETH COOPER, “I couldn’t see the wall for the bricks,” Kevin said. “I was always looking at the bricks Contributing Writer and didn’t see the wall until I got this job.” God provided jobs for Naomi as well. When Kevin was going to school, He provid- I have wanted to be a nurse since I was sixteen and I saw how much joy my mother re- ed Naomi with a good job. Then when her girls were young, she wanted to stay home ceived from being a nurse. Now, thirty-six years later, I have been a nurse for thirty years. In with them and got a job doing bookkeeping in the evenings for someone she knew. many ways I have exceeded my own expectations from when I first started. She later worked part-time for a small oil & gas company in a receptionist position, When you have done something for the majority of your life, you often wonder if you but the job became more stressful after the company was bought out by a Korean are doing what God intended for you to do. I sat through many sermons where people company. In 2014, an administrative position at CSC came open but Naomi was not were called to missions overseas and I never felt that calling. I did start to doubt whether going to apply for it at first! She was not sure about working for the church that she or not I was where God intended me to be. attended. Two people encouraged her to apply saying that Naomi did not know It was very clear that it was God’s will for us as a family to move from Nova Scotia to what God’s will was for her. She applied, got it and she loves it but God has called her Alberta in 2005. However, the daily working in the hospital resulted in challenges that over to a new adventure and she recently moved to a new job at WestJet. Centre Street time became very arduous. Church has been a stepping-stone in her journey and she will always be thankful While I was praying about whether I was where I should be, I met a family who, through for and miss the people from CSC. Something important that Naomi learned at CSC their own difficult circumstances, provided the answer I was looking for. I was caring for a was to pray first about everything rather than afterwards. She will apply this and many woman who had suffered a massive stroke. Her family rallied around her and it was soon other things she learned to her new position. evident that this was a Christian family. For the first time in a long time I was able to identify God has always provided key people in Kevin and Naomi’s life - whether it was with this family and pray with them as I cared for their loved one. people who provided jobs for them or friends they needed at certain times. Naomi’s During this time, the staff I worked with noted the difference with this family and their dad remarried a year and a half after her mom passed away, and at first Naomi faith. Although my co-workers called it religion, it allowed me to witness to them that this had a hard time with that. Her mother and stepmother were very different from each family did not have religion but had Jesus and I explained what that meant. I continued other. However, God was working in that situation as well. Kevin’s friend Duane mar- to care for this woman as I care for all my patients and families. She passed away, and ried a gal named Christy who is related to Naomi’s stepmother. Christy has become a she went home to be with the Lord. Afterwards the family thanked me for the care they great friend to Naomi and is there at family events to give her some support. The two received, but it was I who was so thankful for their encouragement and strength. I told couples started having kids about the same time and they are now part of the same them what a difference it made in my life and how, through them, God had assured me community group, which has become a that I was right where I was supposed to be, doing what He wanted me to do. marriage group. Even though nursing is my job and my livelihood it is also my mission field. What I do ev- Kevin, Naomi and their girls went on ery day is a privilege because I am in people’s lives at some of the most vulnerable times a mission trip to Vancouver this summer and they are trusting me to care for them and their families. The reason I can do this every along with 10 other families. This was the day is through the Holy Spirit who gives me strength to care and to love as Jesus does. first mission trip for Naomi and Kevin and I thank God for the journey He has led me on and all the amazing patients and fami- they were excited to do it as a family. It lies I have met who have stretched them and they were excited to touched my life. My deep- be a part of what God is doing. est prayer is that I continue Naomi sums up her walk with God to touch people as I care very simply. “The bottom line is that God for them and when they always provided for us and brought us look at me they don’t see out of low points. He is sovereign and He me, but the loving God wants nothing but the best for us. Every who has enabled me to do day is a gift and I am so thankful for how what I do for the glory of His the Lord has blessed me.” kingdom. (inset) Naomi and Kevin’s daughters; (above) A family selfie with Kevin, Jenai, Naomi and Carly. Mary Elizabeth Cooper has found joy and purpose in her work as a nurse. Photos by the Ertman Family (inset) With one of her patients; (above) at the ‘office’. Photos by Mary Elizabeth Cooper 5 changed lives - changing lives

Baptism in Israel May 11 - 23, 2016 (L-R) CSC Group waiting for baptism by the Jordan River. Photo by Jocelyn Bolduc; Entrance gate to the Jordan River. Photo by Irene Chia; By the river’s edge. Photo by Jocelyn Bolduc GUY BONNIER - My life and attitude were completely centred aroud public profession of my faith. At that time, I did not have a personal relation- me. In 1981, there was a crusade and that ministry brought me to realize ship with Jesus. My faith was one of head-knowledge, more than a heart my need for a Saviour. Coming to CSC, with the teaching and ministry, relationship with Jesus. My parents were a strong influence in my life, and has made my Christian life stronger. My life now belongs to Jesus. This they taught me the importance of reading my Bible and praying daily, affects all that I do…my focus, attitude and how I live my life. I know it as well as being part of God’s community. Over the years, the Lord has sounds cliché, but I am thankful for all that God has done. His blessings brought people into my life that have challenged and encouraged me to and provisions still humble me. Being on this trip to Israel amazes me. This, know Him personally. The ministries of CSC have continued to challenge today, is my public declaration of who I belong to, here in the Jordan River. I me in my journey to surrender all to Jesus and seek Him first in my life. would like to thank Jesus for His faithfulness to me. He has blessed me and my My life is different now, because I can trust God for everything. All I have is a family constantly. I would also like to thank my family, who encourages and uplifts me gift from Him. I thank God for my parents, for their commitment to raise me in the and who also follow the Lord. knowledge of the Lord. I am thankful for my roommate Geralda, who prays with me and speaks wisdom into my life. I am thankful for my Christian friends, who encourage and walk alongside me in my journey LYDIA BONNIER - I grew up in a Christian home, was surrounded by a to a closer relationship with Jesus. Baptism for me is a recommitment to living all-out for Jesus. God has lot of Christian people, missionaries constantly in our home, etc. I became brought me on an amazing journey with Him and each step brings me to a new and closer relationship a Christian early in life and was baptized at the age of 13. Lately, looking with Him. I want to continue that journey through adult baptism. back on life, I had a lot of regrets such as missed opportunities, and I allowed myself to be overwhelmed by difficult circumstances. I had to MICHAEL GRIMMINCK - I come from a family where the only put my regrets at the cross. I am more aware and thankful that God was mention of God was when my great grandmother died, so I knew nothing of leading and protecting the whole time. I am thankful for His patience with spirituality or God. One day, at a very young age while playing out on the me. It is important to make a public declaration of faith at this time in my hill in front of my house, I heard and felt a great rumble from the moun- life. I am a different person than I was at age 13. tains. I was captured in that moment...for a long time...I do not know for sure how long. Without understanding what prayer was at the time, I GRACE CHANG - Since childhood, I believed there was a God who con- found myself having regular conversations with God. He had reached out trolled the entire world and the life of everyone, especially my life. I keenly to me that day. Years later, I stumbled upon a small group, where I heard a looked for this God. I learned the teaching of Buddhism, Taoist, Catholic and young adult reading from the New Testament. He was reading about a man Muslim before I found Jesus, my Lord and Saviour. My Christian school named JESUS. I made the connection that day that He was the one who I had brought me into relationship with Jesus when I was in Grade 7. Being a been praying to all along. He was the one who had reached out to me! I knew His Name! I left with my first regular attendee of CSC, I have been continuing to learn about my life Bible that day, but more importantly, a relationship with Jesus that would continue to transform my life until purpose – how I can live for Jesus. Sometimes the journey is rough and today. Out of obedience to Him and a desire for a deeper relationship with Him, I choose to be baptized. tiring. I learn how to surrender, be humble and available for Jesus. CSC has brought me to a higher level of my faith, as I realized that my life is for Jesus. Everything should go for the Kingdom of God. As I accepted Jesus pretty young, I RACHEL GRIMMINCK - Before following Jesus, I was lost, anxious don’t remember much of my life before Him. I always have wanted to be a good person. I was first baptized and had a lot of anger toward people and the world. I was an atheist and strongly disliked Christianity. When I started dating Michael, who is now in 1975. As the first one in the family, I made a declaration that I am a Christian, which comes with all the my husband, he introduced me to Jesus. I was very uncomfortable with consequences. This will be my second baptism. I would like to be able to renew my commitment to be a his faith. I attended one service at CSC and planned never to go back, but faithful servant of my Lord. This place will also give me a meaningful reminder toward my faith journey. the Holy Spirit moved in me and I heard the truth. I was quite broken when I came to Christ, but now my heart is healing and I feel more whole. I have CAROL DE WIT - I was raised in a Christian home and attended church, Sunday something firm to lean on, in my faith. Baptism with CSC and my husband 6 school and catechism. My parents baptized me as an infant and on April 9, 1979, I made a ...continued on page 7 csc news • Fall 2016

Baptism in Israel ..continued from page 6 Michael is something I have wanted to do since I became a Christian, but was not able to do. I would like to CHARLEEN SCHMIDT - I was born and raised in a Christian home thank Michael and other Christian friends from home, such as Nancy and Wayne Reed from CSC. and as such, have lived a life committed to Christ. My parents and grand- parents helped to guide and deepen my relationship with Jesus. I find RUTH HARGROVE - I was a believer as a young child, and basi- that when I am more “in tune” with Jesus, my attitude is positive. I easily cally went my own way in my 20s, because I knew God would not approve live and enjoy a Christian lifestyle and my perspective shifts from myself of the way I was living. I searched for other spiritual paths, but always to others. Baptism to me is an outward sign of my commitment to Christ knew that they were not the truth. I finally surrendered about two years and to die to myself. It is significant to me, as it is like a promise and ago. I started praying a lot and saw prayers answered again and again. reminder of my bond with Christ and an outward witness to others. I saw my father’s prayers for me answered and had a friend who was a very positive Christian. My lifestyle has totally changed. I just decided STACEY SCHMIDT - I was in sixth grade and did not have the perfect that certain things would not be part of my life anymore. I am especially family, as my parents were “good” but lost. I grew up scared, without a voice, thankful that God never gave up on me and kept drawing me to Him. This is a insecure, hopeless and fearful. Jesus found me in my sad state on an eve- re-baptism for me. ning, in South Padre Island, Texas. I am now aware of the importance of Jesus and I have found my voice and confidence. I speak to thousands KIRBY HUI - Before I committed my life to Jesus, I was filled with fear of people internationally and I weave the Word into everything I teach and uncertainty. I questioned Christianity in my college years. I grew up or speak on. People say that there is a glow about me and that there is in a Christian home, but was a Sunday Christian. Through CSC, God is something special about me when I coach people. I know that all that drawing me close to Him, challenging me to seek Him and His will for my glory goes to Jesus. I find myself facing new challenges in my walk with life. I now experience peace and hope. I am thankful to God that He never Christ and I want to formally and publically recommit to Him. I cannot think of gives up on me. I was baptized before, but want to again today, as a symbol a better place to do this. of rededicating my life to God. BETTY-JEAN SIGETHY - I accepted Christ as my Saviour when I was seven. I went forward and asked Jesus to forgive me of my sins. This was CORINNA KING - I cannot remember my life before Jesus, as I was during the tent revival meetings that happened across the prairies. I grew raised in a Christian home. We went to church and Sunday school as small up in the church and served in the church throughout my early school children. My brother kept inviting me to CSC every Christmas. After attend- years. When I hit university, college and my first job posting in the Far ing Christmas Eve 2014, I attended the “Why Believe?” series and then North, I became a party-girl, trying to fit in with the crowd. I grew far from the discipleship classes with Reneyah. I am thankful that God has stayed the Lord. Until the night of Feb 11, 1985, when the Lord made it very clear with me through many hard times in my life. I want to be baptized out of to me that I needed to chose to follow Him or go my own way. I was making obedience and solidify my passion for Jesus! a mess of my life. So that night, I rededicated my life to Jesus – He became my Lord, not just my Saviour. I have been walking with Him ever since, enjoying ALAN LEE - Before I committed my life to Christ, my life was based on ma- His blessings and guidance. Being baptized today is my public confession of my faith in God, who died to terialistic and scientific protocols to abide by. I have a severely handicapped son, wash away my sin. I am so thankful that God loved me and that He pursued me, while I was still a sinner. which brought me to a relationship with Jesus. My lifestyle and attitude has changed upon realizing that there is a higher Divine power that created MALAK SMOKA - I was born and raised in a Christian home and I ac- us and is seeking an everlasting intimate relationship with us. Baptism is cepted Jesus into my life at a young age. God used the pastor of my church a declaration of commitment to the principles of a higher power and to and his sermons, as well as the teaching of my mom to bring me into tell the world that my old self has been crucified with Jesus Christ and relationship with Jesus. Since I have become a Christian, over the years I raised with Him. I thank God that through my son, I have come to realize have come to view life with more of an eternal perspectice. I have come the measure of sacrifice God has made for us, as He loved the world that to the realization through my Christian journey that the things of this life He gave us His one begotten Son. are truly meaningless without Christ in my life. I am thankful that God has given me loving and God-fearing parents who have taught me about Christ MARY LEE - Though I was brought up in a Christian home, in later years and helped strengthen my own walk with Him. I have been diagnosed with a when I left home, my attention was focused on business matters in the benign brain tumor and God has used this difficult situation to draw me closer world, as I was quite successful in what I was determined to do. A very to Him and show me that no matter what life throws at me, I can trust that He is always with me. He will unfortunate experience in our life through the birth of our severely handi- work all things out for good and the good of His kingdom. For me, to be baptized means to obey God and capped son, caused me to seek help from a very elderly godly couple who to profess my faith in Christ, and declare my love for Him to others. This is significant for me, because it is were instrumental to mentor and direct me back to God. They helped me a tangible way for me to express my love and devotion to Christ. to repent of sins and accept Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour. Having been saved by grace, I seek to have a personal relationship with God and SARA STEWART - I was raised in a Christian home and accepted am totally dependent on Him. I am especially thankful to God for His love. Christ as my Saviour as a young child. However, in high school, I was in- What a dream come true to be baptized in the Jordan River. Though I was baptized troduced to occultism and witchcraft by my psychology teacher. I did not as a teenager, now I can truthfully proclaim that my old self has been crucified with Jesus realize the dangers until satan had significant control in my life. My par- Christ and that I have been raised with Christ. It is no longer I, but Christ lives in me. ents first expressed concern and sought help from our church. Although I was a believer, I was under significant demonic bondage. Through the SARAH LEE - I was blessed to be born into a Christian family and have help of missionaries from Africa, I began the process of deliverance. It never known life without Christ. That said, after leaving home when I was was through this experience that my relationship with Jesus deepened 17, I realized that my relationship with Christ would have to be a daily, and strengthened. Since that experience, I have become more aware of the active decision on my own. My family, in particular my mom, have been a importance of spiritual warfare and I have spent the last 30 years in ministry, constant source of encouragement of my faith. Christ has always chased speaking of my experiences and helping others who are afflicted by spiritual bondage. I was baptized after my heart. I can be impatient, stubborn, skeptical, but He pulls at my in my early teens, but I do not really remember much about the baptism. At the time, I not sure I really heart and never lets go. I am grateful that God has always fought for me. understood what my faith meant to me. I have been through a lot of struggles in the past few years, and The most difficult struggles have created the most intimate relationship mo- God has brought many struggles into my life to bring me to a place of surrender. Being baptized in Israel ments with Him, as I am quickly introduced to the concept of dependence and is especially meaningful, as I see it to be a recommitment of my faith and trust in Jesus. unconditional love. Baptism is when my inner commitment is outwardly expressed. ...continued on page 8 7 changed lives - changing lives

Baptism in Israel ..continued from page 7 MULYANTI SUGITYO - I was born in a Buddhist family, however my baptized…to reaffirm that I am a fully committed follower of Jesus Christ. I want to thank God for sending parents sent me to a Christian school. I learned about Christianity and be- His son Jesus to be my Saviour and for answering my prayers, not only for a spouse who is a believer, but came a Christian due to my school. My mom passed away when I was 15 also that our children would grow up to love Him and serve Him. This is the biggest blessing of my life. Now years old. Since then, my dad has been very sick. My siblings and I pray I am busy praying for my grandchildren and their children’s children…until Jesus comes. In baptism, God for healing. Jesus healed my dad from a coma and I knew that I could calls us out of the darkness and into His marvelous light. To follow Jesus Christ, means dying to our sin trust my life to Him. I was baptized on April 10, 1988 in Jakarta, Indone- and being raised to new life with Him. It also means that we recognize the spiritual battle we are in with sia. Following Jesus has been an ongoing battle for me. However, since I satan and turn toward the truth and purity of God in Jesus Christ. migrated to Canada and attend CSC regularly, I feel my faith has grown. I have started to understand how I can be a witness for others, so people can RON WILLIAMS - I thought I was ok, having godly parents who en- see Jesus through me. I would like to have a second baptism now, to renew my rolled me in Sunday school from an early age. I was faithful in attendance commitment. I am excited to experience this baptism in the Jordan River. and God spared me from bad company. I had a smooth, carefree life, until in Grade 9, I was invited by a friend to join him at a church Easter LAURAINNE WILLIAMS - I was seeking God from the age of Youth Camp. I realized that I could never enter Heaven through any effort 12. I found religion, but missed Jesus. My life and attitude towards life of my own and that I needed to accept Christ as my Saviour. The night I was as clean and moral as is possible to be when one is a good, upright confessed my sin and invited Jesus in, I will never forget. The weight that person. God used high school friends to point out to me, for the first time, lifted off my shoulders felt almost physical. Since then, I’ve known that I that Jesus is a personal Saviour. I did not know what they meant until have never been alone and that His hand has been on me, protecting and two team missionaries I met at university explained it. Then, I met Jesus. guiding me. During the last few years, I see God’s hand in practically everything Now that I am truly a Jesus-follower, my life is guided by the Holy Spirit, who that happens to me, everyday and that brings me great joy. I am more focused on being more like Jesus, is my teacher, helper and advocate. He helps me live a life pleasing to God. I more aware of how my actions and words impact others and how my thoughts eventually lead to my am thankful to God for sending Jesus to die for my sin. My husband also loves Him actions. I am especially thankful for my wife of 43 years, wonderful children and grandchildren He has and one of the biggest blessings is that our two children follow Him and have chosen spouses who do blessed me with. Being baptized in the very river where Jesus was baptized will always have special too! I have been baptized once, but would love to be baptized again in the Jordan River, where Jesus was significance for me, as much, if not more than when I was baptized those many years ago in Grade 12. BAPTISM - Central Campus - May 21/22 2016 KENNETH BRISCOE - I was baptized as a newborn, however I had faith, who models the foundations of Christian life every day. Part of my journey has included a desire no choice in that commitment. What it did, was to set me on my journey to be baptized, as the Holy Spirit has been nudging me for months to take this step. It feels strange to towards finding Christ. One of my earliest memories of Christ occurred be a Christian and not be baptized. I want to make this right with God and receive His grace. I am here when I was around four years old and went to visit my aunt and uncle. today to obey Jesus’ command to publicly identify myself with Him and let Him know that I am all in! They were missionaries and had this big book containing beautiful art work. I opened the book to a coloured picture showing a man hang- ing on a cross with people kneeling around Him. I turned the page and LISA CUFFLEY - Before I committed my life to Christ, I had always acted there was a second picture of the same man, rising into the sky with angels and felt rather entitled. I was jealous and angry with others, and with God surrounding Him. My aunt explained that the book was the Bible and that the for being in my situation. I asked Jesus into my heart at a church camp man’s name was Jesus Christ. From that day on, I attended Bible studies, Sunday school and church. when I was 9 or 10, but until a few years ago, although I tried to con- My faith grew. I got married at age twenty-five and had a family. At forty-five, I was tempted by worldly nect with God, I always gave up and felt nothing. I met Shannon and desires and sinned. I got a divorce and struggled with relationships until the spring of 2015. At that time, Leanne, who invited me to the “Why Believe?” series at CSC and things I was encouraged to attend CSC. The singing and sermon by Pastor Ashwin brought tears to my eyes, have changed. Now that I am following Christ, I am no longer angry and tears of shame and of joy. I was inspired to get back on track with my journey to find Christ. I started at- bitter and have a desire to be a good person and do the right things. I hope tending services regularly, prayed each morning and evening for God to forgive my sins, open my eyes, to share God’s love now with others, whereas before I did not care about that. I mind and heart to His teaching. My spiritual life began to grow and I started reading the Bible. My prayer am thankful that my family trusted in God, that eventually He would speak to me and I would come to has been answered, as the Holy Spirit has opened my mind and heart to living in God’s story. I want to Him. I am thankful for my brother Kevin, as God’s work in his life has been absolutely incredible. I want be baptized again to show my commitment to Jesus Christ. Thank you Lord! to be baptized, as it is the next step for me. I want to be one with God and show my commitment to Him. I want to cleanse myself and start fresh, willing to be clay in God’s hands. I want to deepen my relationship and grow in Him. Let it be publicly proclaimed that I love Jesus! JILL DETTLING - My mother is a Christian and raised me as one as well. I haven’t always attended church regularly or followed Jesus as I should, but faith has always been with me. At times in the past, I REENY BIRD - My first exposure to Jesus was through the Centre Street have lost focus and as a result, my relationship with Jesus has gone Church sewing club at Oak Hill Estates. Nicole asked me to come to church, through many ebbs and flows. Over the last few years, my relationship and as soon as I walked in the door, I felt like I was home. I have done the with Jesus has resulted in a more mature awareness and growth in one-on-one discipleship program and it has taught me a lot. In the past, my faith and I have re-focused life towards God. As I’ve let go and al- I would think something and just do it, and would often be angry with lowed God to take control, I have experienced varying levels of change, the consequences. Since becoming a Christian, I don’t swear as much some good and some not so good. God is teaching me to love myself and as I used to. I am happier than I have ever been, because I know that others, like Jesus loves us. Through personal devotion times, and Bible study, He is showing me how I God loves me and will not desert me. It is important for me to be baptized can become my best self. I am excited to discover how He will use my life for His purpose. I thank God because I am obeying God. Baptism means my old life is buried and I am for blessing me with two beautiful daughters who wholeheartedly support me, are a source of love. For risen to live with Christ forever. surrounding me with wonderful friends and family, and for bringing into my life a man with unwavering 8 csc news • Fall 2016

Blessed Be His Name BY TESSA LITTLEJOHN, be disabling. An especially severe spinal curve Contributing Writer can reduce the amount of space within the chest, making it difficult for the lungs to func- At Centre Street we sometimes sing the song tion properly. “Blessed be Your Name.” It is easy to sing, ‘blessed Children who have mild scoliosis are moni- be Your name when the sun’s shining down on tored closely, usually with X-rays, to see if the me and the world’s all as it should be.’ But it is curve is getting worse. In many cases, no treat- much more difficult, ‘on the road marked with ment is necessary, but some children will need suffering when there’s pain in the offering.’ One to wear a brace to stop the curve from worsen- of the young people at our church has lived ing. Others may need surgery to keep the sco- this hymn and knows full well that though God liosis from worsening and to straighten severe gives and takes away, His name is glorious and cases of scoliosis. blessed. Surgery can correct curvature by about Danielle’s parents attended Centre Street 50%. In Danielle’s case, she had developed a long before she was even born. So Danielle and 100 degree curve in her spine which is very her two brothers have attended Centre Street severe. In Grade 7 it was determined she their entire lives. As Danielle says, ”My parents needed surgery. The surgeon explained that were both on fire for Christ, so I couldn’t help but they would only be able to reduce the curve want what they had. I accepted Christ as soon by half, so she would still be left with a 50 de- as I was able to understand, which was pretty- gree curve in her back. Danielle says, “I was much as soon as I could talk.” Her parents sin- a little frustrated that God would allow the cerely loved God and desired to obey and serve situation in my back to get this bad. However, Him. When Danielle was three, her family felt God gave those surgeons some help in the called to go to Romania as missionaries. Centre operating room and they were able to fix my Street Church commissioned them, blessed and back significantly more than expected. I now Danielle enjoys some quiet time with her guitar. Photo used with permission from Anderson Photo sent them. Unfortunately, within two months they have a 25 degree curve, which is like … noth- had to move back because Danielle’s dad was ing.” God did a miracle for Danielle and she is diagnosed with stomach cancer. using it to encourage others. As Danielle says, Stomach cancer is relatively rare in North “Although these have been challenges in my America and especially in someone so young. It journey, when I see the work God has done also does not always have many signs or symp- through them, I can’t help but consider them toms and so can go undetected. Like most can- joys!” cers, the longer it goes undetected the more Danielle is now in high school at a public deadly in can be. Sadly, in the case of Danielle’s school. She decided to switch to public school father, cancer took his life within the year. He to be a light for Christ in a place that so des- died on May 21st, 2004. perately needs it. She loves playing guitar, Obviously losing your father when you are singing, baking, hiking and recently God has three years old is very devastating. Danielle been speaking to her through poetry and she shares that it was certainly the biggest chal- is using her poems to bless others. She says, lenge of her life. However, she says, “Even as a “This has been amazing because poetry has little three-year-old, I was sure of the fact that been something that I have been terrible at God would take care of my dad. I would even my whole life, and the words God gives me are write songs for my dad about how God would so far beyond my own abilities I can only give take care of him. When my dad went to heaven God the credit.” we had hope that we would see him again. God God has given Danielle so many oppor- gave the whole family strength to get through it.” tunities to show His love and share her faith Danielle goes on to explain that, “Although this with people at her school who don’t know was very difficult and still is a continuous journey, Him. Also, God has given Danielle the op- God has used it to encourage so many people. portunity to help lead a group for the youth God has shown me that He is my heavenly Fa- called Deeper. At Deeper, “We teach people ther and He has filled the holes that were left in how to hear God’s voice for themselves and my life having grown up without a dad.” others. So many lives are being changed as Danielle also credits her Christian school with they learn to hear God speak into their lives having a hugely positive impact on those early (mine included) and that has been so amaz- years growing up without her dad. ing!!” she says. Another challenge Danielle has had to face Danielle says. “Because I have Christ in in her young life is scoliosis. Scoliosis is a side- my life, my life has purpose. I live for Christ ways curvature of the spine that occurs most of- and trust the plan He has for my life. God has ten during the growth spurt just before puberty. shown me what true love is and I can’t help While scoliosis can be caused by conditions but want to spread it to others! He has given such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, me joy and strength in all circumstances. My the cause of most scoliosis is unknown. Most life with Christ is an adventure. It’s always excit- cases of scoliosis are mild, but some children ing to see what new places God is wanting to An early photo of Danielle with her dad, Derek; Danielle’s mom, Jennifer and her brothers, develop spine deformities that continue to get take me next.” more severe as they grow. Severe scoliosis can Joel and Evan. Photos from Anderson Photo and the Mann Family 9 changed lives - changing lives

A Much Bigger Story BY DANIELLE HARTUNG, Contributing Writer own life and death issues. Despite this, my walk with God was lukewarm. I was involved in church ministries, went The older I get, the more thankful I am that God placed on missions trips, and spent my first year out of high school at Bible school. I loved Him me in the family He did. I grew up in a loving home, with my with a very shallow love and my doubts persisted. I did not understand the beauty of the mom and dad, an older sister and baby brother. Through- Gospel. out my life, my parents have been incredible role models to Four years ago when I was 21, I heard two sermons in the same week that God used me about loving and following Jesus. From a young age, to open my eyes to the depravity of my sin and my intense need for Him. He showed me I can remember them teaching me about the Lord, and my rebellion against Him and I remember praying aloud, more broken than I can ever recall many instances where the Holy Spirit was working in remember being in my life. I called out to God, realizing my need for Jesus and my total my heart. inability to save my wretched self. I came face to face with the Gospel, Jesus coming to I clearly remember the day that my mom sat my sister earth to save me, rescue me from my brokenness and my depravity. I remember every- and me down to tell us that my grandfather, who had been thing seeming different. It was like I woke up. an abusive alcoholic, had surrendered his life to the Lord. In the months following, I felt more reassurance than ever before, because I could see As Mom told this story, I remember my heart pounding and this urgency that I, too, need- the fruit of knowing Jesus begin in my life. I asked Him to give me a love for His Word, to ed Jesus. At that moment I realized the importance of needing to follow this conviction make me want to know Him more, and He did. The Bible suddenly felt so alive to me. Mike and praying in repentance and putting my trust in Him. and Becky Schorr baptized me in the Bow River, which was so special, as I professed my For a long time, my assurance of salvation came from remembering that day. As I faith in front of friends and family. I knew with such clarity on that day, that no matter what grew up, though, I began to experience doubts and fears that persisted for many years happened, Jesus was enough. and became all-consuming. There was the physical fear of darkness and spiritual fears. Then, the accident happened. September 2014, I was driving back from hiking with Did God really accept me? I remember feeling so hopeless. my brother and friends and we hit a moose. The whole front of the car caved in. I was There were also some other difficulties in my home at the time. When I was 10, my awake the whole time and I will never forget those first few moments afterwards. My first sister developed severe anorexia, to the point where she was very close to heart failure. thought was that I was alive but I realized that I almost had my first second in eternity. This led to a variety of other eating disorders and behaviours that she dealt with and that There was an urgency that my life had almost been over. Was I satisfied with what I had my family had to cope with. I had always been “the good kid” in my youth group and at done with it? Was I satisfied with how I had used the time that God had given to me? my school and even at home. I think this contributed to me feeling the responsibility of I was in extreme pain. I remember feeling so afraid and wondering if I was going to be keeping everything in my life together, as I was watching my sister’s life fall apart and my paralyzed. Shortly after the accident, a car pulled over. We had not seen many cars all family quietly suffering. I became angry, hurt and bitter during this time. Many of these dif- day, and it turned out that the driver was an emergency room nurse. A few minutes later, ficulties, 15 years later, continue in the life of my family and sister, and they are a constant another car pulled over and it was an emergency room doctor. Shortly after that, the emotional and spiritual battle. ambulance arrived and I was taken to the hospital. When I arrived, they almost released When I was 16, doctors found a mass the size of a grapefruit on my mom’s chest me thinking that it was only whiplash. I’m so thankful that they decided to take scans and told her the prognosis looked extremely bleak. My world was thrown upside down. and realized that my C1 vertebrae had been crushed and was broken in three places. I was so afraid and remember praying for God to heal her. After more tests, the doctors My neck was unstable and one wrong move could have resulted in paralysis from the said that in the few weeks between the first and second set of tests, the mass had com- neck down. I had to lie flat on my back in emergency for 52 hours waiting to have a halo pletely disappeared. There was absolutely no medical explanation for it to disappear. installed. I was in so much pain, so afraid, but God’s mercies were evident everywhere. A What an amazing God I serve! Throughout the whole ordeal, where I had fear, my mom nurse found out that I was a Christian and she would come by and whisper prayers in had peace and a deep trust in the faithfulness of God, no matter the outcome. Little did my ear. The first time that the halo doctor came to tighten my screws, I don’t think I have I know, how important her modelling of this would be for me later in life when facing my ever experienced so much pain. But it turned out that he was also a believer and, even 10 csc news • Fall 2016 After hitting a moose, Danielle Hartung’s car was written off; Danielle in hospital, following the accident. Photo from the Hartung Family

as he tightened the screws in my head, he whispered in my ear to remember that Christ had gone before me and felt this pain and understood my suffering. I was in the hospital for three weeks. They were not sure if I was going to be paralyzed and any movements caused me to scream in pain. About a week in, I had a pulmonary embolism - a blood clot on my lungs. These are very serious and can often result in death if not caught and treated quickly. So often in my pain all I could think to pray was just to “OUR PRAYERS MAY BE whisper Jesus’ name over and over. I was so thankful for the Holy Spirit interceding on my behalf for the words I could not say and also for the countless people who were praying for me at that time. The way that the church came together and rallied around me was AWKWARD. OUR ATTEMPTS MAY such an encouragement to me and was a testimony to the people in the hospital. One nurse told me that she had never seen someone get so many visitors. I got to tell her that it was my church community who were rallying around me. God gave me other opportuni- BE FEEBLE. BUT SINCE THE POWER ties to share Him. In my pain and fear, I could not imagine what that would be like without having Jesus Christ. My first roommate was a sweet 93 year-old woman named Golden who would try to take care of me when my family was not around. When I switched rooms, OF PRAYER IS IN THE ONE WHO I got to tell her that I really love Jesus and that I wanted her to know that He really loved her. God brought two other people to mind that I knew I needed to ask outright where they were at with the Lord. He gave me opportunities to say to both of them that I loved HEARS IT AND NOT IN THE ONE them and ask them if I would have seen them again if I had died. We were even able to hold a worship night in the foyer of the hospital. When I reflect on my time in the hospital, it is so emotional for me – such painful memories but also such sweet ones in seeing the ways that God provided. My best friend WHO SAYS IT, OUR PRAYERS DO flew in to be with me for a few days and I was having a really painful day. In my hospital room as the curtains were closed, she prayed and said, “God, we need your help. Please send encouragement.” Literally as she finished speaking, there was a knock on the door MAKE A DIFFERENCE..” and Tim Volkman stuck his head in and said, “Danielle. I won’t stay long, but I just wanted to encourage you and share with you a passage from the Bible.” He then read one of my favourite chapters: Psalm 27. There are many more stories I could tell, but the last one I will - Max Lucado - share is that we had a prayer service and I was anointed with oil. We prayed for healing and saw God miraculously move the ligaments and bones in my neck and I was fully healed. A year ago in September, on the one-year anniversary of my accident, we held a service to remember what God had done. People shared ways that they had seen God moving during my accident and laid a rock in the Prayer Chapel. My family and I went out to the accident site later and took those rocks and built an altar in remembrance of God’s goodness and faithfulness during that time. Twenty-three years is almost all the time I had. My mom and I laugh a little bit when we think about what happened when she first saw me in emergency room after the ac- cident. I grabbed her arm and I was almost panicked and I said “Mom, we need to live for Jesus. We don’t have much time. I’m trying to tell all of the nurses that God protected me tonight.” As I think about that time, I am often reminded that the breath that I have been given is from Him. There is a much bigger story going on - God’s story. I am praying that God will continue to help me live with this urgency. I’m so thankful. Ready to head home after a lengthy stay in the hospital; gratitude for God’s protection; Danielle with some of her family; parents, Garth and Karen and sister Rochelle, building a stone altar to remember God’s goodness and faithfulness. Photo from the Hartung Family 11 changed lives - changing lives

A Hope and dark time, she found her identity in God. At first she went to people for help, but she found When she was dealing with depression, she switched to an online school. During this that wasn’t helpful for her. “When I went to other people,” Jenise says, “hoping they would make me feel better or a Future give me attention . . . a lot of the times that didn’t happen and I just got more depressed. People aren’t perfect. They can’t give you what you want all the time. It’s best to just find your identity in God.” Then she went directly to God, listening to Him and talking with Him. “Tell Him when it’s hard,” she says. “At first I thought I couldn’t tell Him, ‘God, I don’t like this, I don’t like what’s happening to me.’ He created me and I felt that was an insult to Him. But He’s OK with hearing when we’re struggling.” BY JANET SEEVER, Contributing Writer ATTENDING CSC When she was in middle school, her family tried a number of different churches, but they just didn’t connect. “We tried doing home church,” she says, remembering the time they Jenise Kehler is a blonde 19-year-old who is looking forward to a bright future, as she is at- had no church connection. “It was a nice goal, but it just didn’t work. We usually just slept tending college this fall. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) is her favourite verse: “‘For I know the plans in on Sunday.” I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to Jenise and her cousin wanted to find a youth group together. They looked at a bunch give you hope and a future.’” That’s exactly what she wants in life—a hope and a future. of different ones and then found the youth group at the Centre Street NW Campus. Her After graduating from high school in 2015, Jenise has been working at a donair shop whole family started attending the church. in Cochrane to earn money to attend Bow Valley College. Her goal is to earn an Educa- In 2015, she went on a memorable missions trip to Trinidad with the CSC youth group. tion Assistant Certificate. She loves working with children and looks forward to someday “I was struggling with my faith at the time,” she recalls. “I still believed in Him, but I wasn’t assisting a classroom teacher. “Sometimes there are students who struggle a little more hearing from Him as much as I used to. I wasn’t feeling as close to Him, so I went expect- with their school work,” says Jenise. She will be working with children who have a devel- ing some big miracle to kind of happen and draw me back. I realized the whole time I opmental delay. was just waiting for God.” A life-long Calgarian, Jenise lives in Bearspaw with her parents, a 16 year-old brother, Jenise was looking for some high point or event to draw her back to close fellowship and a 13 year-old sister. She grew up in a Christian home and heard about Jesus all her with God. She later realized that she should have just been enjoying the beauty of Trini- life but didn’t understand what it meant to follow Him. She accepted Jesus into her life dad - the culture and seeing God in the people there - and not be waiting for something at age six, but it was later at the age of 14 at camp when she really understood her faith huge. Those little things were enough. Once she realized that, the trip ended up being a and committed her life to God. Jenise was baptized a year later. lot more fun and she drew closer to God. The 2015 trip to Trinidad was her third missions trip. On one missions trip she went to MEETING CHALLENGES WITH FAITH Vancouver, and for the other one she stayed in Calgary and volunteered at the Mustard When asked what difference her faith has made in her life, Jenise responded, “It gives Seed. That was the summer of the flood, so a lot of her group was involved in cleaning me hope, I guess. I struggled with depression for about a year and a half or two years. up after the flood. And that was two years ago now. I was able to pray and still have something to place “All three missions trips were awesome,” Jenise says. my hope in. I had a reason to live. Without that, it probably would have turned out very With the Lord in her life, she’s looking to an awesome future as well. differently.” Jenise during the missions trip to Trinidad; the Kehler family at Jenise’s graduation; hanging out with a great group of friends.. Photos from the Kehler Family 12 csc news • Fall 2016

A Life Made for Discipleship BY BRAD FRIESEN, heal the sick, cast out the demon. That’s Contributing Writer proof. Bring the miracle or go home. Wow. During that trip, our church planting team I grew up in an awesome Chris- journeyed to a specific village. As we entered tian family and I’m a third gen- the town, we saw it was full of idols. One lady eration pastor. My grandfather who was willing to speak with us through a was a preacher and my dad was translator told us that it had not rained in a a pastor and ministry adminis- year and this caused great hardship as their trator. We are of the Mennonite lives depended on growing food. We asked background and from Saskatoon if we could pray for her, so we prayed for originally. I have been married to rain. Although I believed God could do it, I Krista for over 21 years now and had no real faith that He would. Within half CSC STAFF she works in the Oil & Gas indus- an hour the dark clouds gathered and God try. We have two daughters, Ti- answered our prayer - even a prayer of little faith! It rained for almost three days! It shook anna, age 10 and Tiegan, age 8. I was raised to know Jesus me to my core. Since then we have heard and accepted Him at about the age of four. Gradually Christ became real that a small group of Christians has grown up to me through the Holy Spirit. I began to follow Him passionately and God around this lady. The fact that my faith was called me as a pastor at 21 years old. I started as a youth and college pastor based not on what I know, but on Who I know and have also lead worship for years. In 2000, Krista and I moved to Calgary. I became truly real to me that day. I know found myself back in ministry immediately and resumed my theological edu- Jesus and He changes everything. cation. I received my Masters of Divinity in 2005 at Canadian Theological I have come to know that the Christian Seminary (Ambrose College now), and then began a doctorate of ministry faith is based totally on intimacy with Jesus in Global & Contextual Leadership, graduating in May 2015. I have been in Christ. If we know Him and walk with Him, all ministry now for 21 years and have also taught at Alberta Bible College and else falls into place and lines up. As you get to Rocky Mountain College where I was the Coordinator for Inter-Cultural Studies know the Lord on the most intimate and hon- and a Bible teacher. est level, He will interact with you every day. Three years ago I came to Centre Street Church to serve. I immediately Be honest with Him - do not be political - and saw that CSC put high priority on discipleship, and this excited me as my He will draw so close to you. Jesus is such an passion is in this area of ministry. Although ministry can be hard, when I see amazing and practical friend, I could never God moving and making disciples it inspires me to press on. I have been live a moment without Him. involved in global missions for just over ten years now. I have always been a big dreamer and in the field, have traveled through Canada, the US and India doing Bible teaching. I also have gone to Israel, Palestine and Malaysia in my work. In India, I worked alongside missionaries, train- ing them and doing research. While studying many cultures I have learned how to communicate more effectively cross-culturally with new Canadians. I was able to learn under a variety of leaders to un- derstand how to lead in many different cultures. This has helped me to learn how to lead others from different cultures, living here in Calgary. God has been so faithful in how He has taught me to lead. Two years ago, while in India with CSC, we vis- ited many villages that had already experienced the ground preparation needed in order for church planting to take place. But this was different than I had experienced previously. Our partner pastors (the farmers) would ride their bikes into these vil- lages that they had been praying for, and try to find that person of peace that we read about in the scriptures - that one person who will let them tell their story. In these villages, literally surrounded and infused by idols, this job alone is deadly seri- ous. Once they found the person of peace, they would share their story. But here is where it deviates from our Western planting models. No theological or Biblical message will change the village at the beginning. Plain and simple - if you can not prove your God is bigger than theirs, in real time, do not even bother coming to the field. Raise the dead, Brad with his wife, Krista and daughters Teigen and Tianna. Photos from the Friesen Family N.O.W. speakers and leaders. Photos by various 13 changed lives - changing lives

CSCamps - CaveQuest BY GIANNA LUCENTE AND RILEY KIRWAN, Contributing Writers Tuesday saw the start of strong friendships. The groups spent the morning together and then went bowling as their afternoon field trip. They were learning that Jesus gives us CSCamps this year was a huge success! courage, and many went out of their way to make new friendships within their small groups. The connectivity and community between kids and leaders grew by leaps and Monday started us off on a good note, even with the power going out for nearly forty-five bounds on Day 2. The video was especially impactful; the story focused on a little boy minutes! The kids were excited and nervous that the building had gone dark, but they who had lived through a hurricane, but was given courage by Jesus. A few of the children were excellent listeners through the whole thing and behaved just as well as they did with had moved to Canada from other countries and could relate to what the boy in the the lights on. When the power came back and the lights lit up, they were super excited video was going through. at the timing – we had just been learning that Jesus is the light of the world, and that He gives us hope. The kids loved how Jesus had given us back our electricity on Day 1. By the end of the first day, our campers were eager for the rest of the week. One child in par- ticular told their leader – Dorothy Martin – that they thought VBS was the greatest camp in the world, to which Dorothy agreed. Wednesday was amazing. We learned that Jesus gives us direction, and the children had a great time with their morning activities. The spelunker game, a maze, was a huge hit with the kids as they guided teammates through to the other side. We spent the af- ternoon at the zoo, and leaders had the opportunity to speak individually with their kids about inviting Jesus into their hearts to be their friend forever. The children responded really well to such conversations, and had a lot of fun with their leaders. Also at the zoo, one woman noticed all of our kids in their bright purple t-shirts, and she made a point of talking to Heidi Ratz (our coordinator) when the kids were getting on the bus. She said that she had been watching our groups all over the zoo, and she was amazed at how kind, patient, and excited our leaders were while they were working with the kids. She was especially impressed with how organized our younger leaders were, and she wanted to know which camp we were so that she could enroll her child next year! Heidi was more than pleased to tell her, and was thankful that God was using our camps to influence children outside of VBS. Cave Quest Main stage; Cave Guide (and CSCamps leader) Matt Schorr; The maze was set-up in the Atrium and offered a great lesson about God’s direction, Volunteers prepare a tasty snack for campers. 14 csc news • Fall 2016 Photo by Riley Kirwan

CSCamps - CaveQuest Thursday was our best day. The children spent the morning in their groups going through One of our staff, who had been a leader, was contacted by the mother of one of their their various activities, and they were presented with the opportunity to ask Jesus into group members. The mother wanted to tell us that her daughter had had so much fun their hearts and begin to follow Him. We had thirty-six children commit their lives to Christ! at camp that she wanted to start going to Children’s Ministries every week. The mother There were also twenty others that asked for further discipleship, and asked if they could agreed, and the whole family will now begin to come to Centre Street. begin to attend Centre Street Children’s ministries regularly. We were so thankful to God for the amazing work He was doing, and for opening the hearts of so many children to The weekend allowed the children to sing their camp songs during the adult worship His love and support. services, giving them the opportunity to show how much they loved learning about Je- sus as the light of the world. Friday was our half day, and the kids were sad to go. Many of them were already talking about next year, and promised they would be back. We formed incredibly strong con- God did amazing things through our camp this year. We were super blessed by His nections between our volunteers and our kids, and it showed when the parents came to presence! watch our children perform the worship songs. Worship was a powerful time; the children sang their hearts out for God, and it was one of our volunteers’ favourite parts of camp. Crafts, fun and exciting lessons about God; An amazing starry night; a camper shines a light in the darkness. Photo by Riley Kirwan 15 changed lives - changing lives

A God who is Trustworthy and Faithful BY SHARLA D’SOUZA, Contributing Writer I grew up as a believer but not a disciple. I had an understanding of Jesus - what He had done for me and the general morals of the Christian lifestyle, which I thought consisted of becoming a better person. I attended church very sporadically in my younger years. I went to a few Sunday school classes and would occasionally sit in on church services. I was a good kid and I never got into anything too crazy - no sex, drugs or rock and roll as is the clas- sic North American understanding of sin. I kept myself fairly occupied with sports, friends, school, family and work. My family has a small business. We sell and repair small high-end appli- ances. I started working at a very young age. I spent most of my time at work with my parents or helping out at home as much as I could. I grew up in an area where I was exposed to drugs, drinking and gangs but never partici- pated in any of it. Work and sports kept me distracted from all of that. I still went to parties and hung out with the same people a fair amount but would always be the sober one, and I was respected because of how I carried my- self in those situations. Sharla D’Souza is proof of God’s faithfulness; Living a life filled with friends and laughter. Photo from Sharla D’Souza My parents both came from Catholic back- a youth pastor noticed. She came up to me dur- grounds. My family would classify themselves as ing the service and sat with me. After the service, Christians but most of them have no relationship she talked with me about my story and where with God or His church. We were believers but my good friend who brought me had disap- not disciples. God and church were never huge peared too. She loved me by acknowledging parts of my life until late into my teenage years. me. Throughout the next year, this pastor kept inviting me to come on a mission trip to Trinidad. I grew up thinking I had to earn everything I told her she was nuts. I had a Bible but had nev- and am now learning that Christ’s love is not er opened it, I had heard prayers but never actu- earned but it is gifted. I always understood this ally prayed. I was just getting to know Jesus and in my head but am just starting to accept it in thought I had nothing to offer. I decided very late my heart. - after the deadline - to go on the trip because I believed in all the things that were being said In Grade 11, my best friend from school in- in the sermons week after week and I wanted to vited me to youth group at Centre Street Church test this faith that everyone kept talking about. Central Campus. I went six times that year and really enjoyed it. At that time I had been dat- I committed to going and did not end up ing an older guy for almost two years. I really raising enough funds for the trip so I used my wanted him to start coming to church as well. He tuition money to pay for a chunk of it but did not came once and hated it. This put a lot of strain tell anyone about it. On the trip we did devotion- on the relationship. We had originally agreed not als every morning, prayed, and I encountered to have sex until marriage and had some firm God. physical boundaries in place. Although I did not have a relationship with Christ at the time, I had I came back a completely changed person. strong convictions about what was right and I also met Mike Schorr on that trip which is how wrong. After two years of dating, his outlook on I later got connected with leading young adults this changed. He started pushing for more and at NorthWest Regional Campus. When I came ended up cheating on me with my best friend - home I trusted God and asked Him to provide for the same girl who had brought me to church. I my school. I was worried but wanted to see how was so broken and devastated at the time. I felt things would play out. So I continued to take it to betrayed and completely alone. Him in prayer. Three days before my tuition was due, some family friends called me and told me I continued to go to church. I would come they wanted to give me a scholarship for univer- Sharla enjoys time with some of the CSC Youth. Photo from Sharla D’Souza late and leave early so that no one would talk to sity because they always saw me helping out in 16 csc news • Fall 2016 me. After doing this consistently for a few weeks, our community. I would often dance or be the

means to live in His Kingdom and how He wants me to be a light wherever I am. I still struggle a lot with giving up control and trusting people. I have my own insecurities and am still dealing with past and present hurts and pain. I find I still sometimes try to earn God’s grace and am learning about what it means to invite Him and people that love me into my brokenness in order to do life together. I have never had a healthy relationship with the male figures in my life, especially my dad. I know this affects my view on guys in general, and has influenced my expectations of God and what He wants from me. I am still trying to reconcile the fact that God loves and accepts me for who I am and I do not have to earn His affection. I am learning that I can have people in my life who love and accept me for who I am and I can be myself around them. My story is a testament to a God who is trustworthy and faithful and has proven Himself time and time again. Sharla with a great group of friends who offer support, encouragement and community. Photo from Sharla D’Souza MC for our cultural events. They dropped off a strong enough to do it. I ended up applying Bonnie Harris and Sharla. Photo from Sharla D’Souza cheque for $2000 and together with a scholar- and getting into nursing, knowing it was some- ship I had received, my entire semester was paid thing tangible I could do to serve God. Since for! I saw God’s hand in my life and experienced I was not able to go to Bible school, I eagerly Him in such a real way. Each summer after that I studied on my own, started prayer groups at went on a mission trip and every time God did a school and used school as my own personal similar work and provided for me in miraculous mission field. I thank God for that because ways. now I see work as a mission field and not just a job. When I began going to church regularly, I “BE JOYFUL ALWAYS, PRAY became invested and involved so quickly and Since I was so invested at church, I also began consistently going on missions that my started taking up a lot more responsibility at father became very concerned. All the Chris- home to show my dad that I was not going CONTINUALLY, GIVE THANKS tians he knew that were very involved in church to leave my family and to prove my loyalty were complete hypocrites and often neglected towards him. Through all my struggles, disap- their families but would go out and help every- pointments and setbacks in life, I have been IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES FOR one else. We often had a lot of fights about me able to see God’s hand moving through it all. I attending church. I believe he had a lot of fear believe He will continue to use it all for his glory. and thought that I wouldn’t be invested in the THIS IS GOD’S WILL FOR YOU family anymore. At this time, I had just gradu- When I think of my life I often relate to Jo- ated from high school and was fighting to go to seph. He went through so many various strug- Bible college. I begged my parents to let me go gles in his life; be it family, work or relationships. IN CHRIST JESUS.” but my dad was firmly against it. He told me to He stood firm in his faith through all his trials. get an education and a real job first and then I He may not have always understood the rea- could do missions, even though I was paying for sons for going through them but he knew the my own education. He would often tell me that God he served and trusted Him. What others - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - even Jesus was a carpenter before he went into intended for harm, God used to shape him ministry. I struggled so much with that. I ended and place him exactly where He wanted him up going into kinesiology, thinking I was going to be which was to accomplish His kingdom to be a gym teacher. After a year of that, I went purposes. I know God has the same purpose on a mission trip to China with a guy who was a not only in my life but in yours as well. nurse and had been actively using his degree to serve. This trip really inspired me to become I am still so broken in so many ways. Know- a nurse as well. I had considered being one be- ing this makes me depend on Christ that fore but never thought I was smart enough or much more everyday. I daily seek out what it 17 changed lives - changing lives

MAY - AUGUST 2016 Birth Announcements Dedications NAME DATE PARENTS Luwi Musumadi June 26, 2016 Addison Willa Timmons May 12, 2016 Barron & Becky Timmons Jayne Charlotte Gullacher May 16, 2016 Darcy & Joelle Gullacher Taonga Musumadi June 26, 2016 Maya Bakare May 17, 2016 Rolawe & May Bakare Skylar Ezekiel Rafael June 26, 2016 Kamsiyochi Ogbuneke May 21, 2016 Kelechi & Kimberly Ogbuneke Abigail Oluwamayamomikum Daniel-Ayoade Liam Michael Schorr July 3, 2016 Michael & Becky Schorr June 26, 2016 Elise Grace Schorr July 11, 2016 Matthew & Arian Schorr Sidney Gagnon June 26, 2016 Shiloh Aeoneth Jacoby July 24, 2016 Pete Jacoby & Laurie Griffin Kamsiyochi Willow Ogbuneke June 26, 2016 Emily Adji July 31, 2016 David & Melissa Adji Damien Michael Diep June 26, 2016 Abigail Joy Holterman August 31, 2016 Jeremy & Chantel Holterman Annabella Grace Gradinaru July 3, 2016 Matteo Anthony Maraj July 7, 2016 Elias John Conrad July 17, 2016 Baptisms Carmela Estrella Chibum Onyekonwu* Malachi Paul Enns July 24, 2016 Allyson Ganiban* Kodi Onyekonwu* Everline Aboka Charles Ganiban** Jimuelle “Jim” Oria** In Bea-Laurice Aguinea* Ava Julianna Gasataya* Jesther Oria** Fay Allison Tracey Giesbrecht** Jarenz Oria Remembrance Weddings Wilma Almonte Timmy Giesbrecht** Seth Petersen* Susanna Driedger Joanne Ammari* Michael Grimminck Peter Phillips May 2, 2016 Bryce Jorger & Heather Peters May 28, 2016 Virginia Asefa Rachel Grimminck Jeremy Prins Patricia Chow Enrique Morales & Amor Patron May 28, 2016 Nikki Dyana Bell Robyne Danielle Guba Jessica Quijano** May 7, 2016 Bill Sheldrick & Kathy Phillips May 29, 2016 Reeny Bird Ruth Hargrove Jonathan Quijano* Jonathan David & Yee Chan June 18, 2016 Guy Bonnier Toshi Hirai** Jacques Radder Bruce Dubbin Darshan Siew & Amy Puszkar July 4, 2016 Lydia Bonnier Kirby Hui Jennifer Rivera May 16, 2016 Brent Olsen & Lorraine Matchett July 9, 2016 Kenneth Briscoe Wendy Hunter Sonya Samuel** Sean Roberts Jerry Song & Angela Lai July 15, 2016 Kheiara Canales* Daria Jacota** Philip Schachtner** June 12, 2016 John Nguyen & Tanya Chan July 16, 2016 Peter Chang Hayley Jarvis** Charleen Schmidt Daryl McAvena & Amanda Popp July 16, 2016 Veronica Chang Corinna King Stacey Schmidt Doreen Block Grace Chang Tirta Kusjanto BJ (Betty) Sigethy June 20, 2016 Sean Wynne & Christine Proctor July 30, 2016 Cate Cloak Eva Lai Ashley Smith** Donna Garrick Timothy Saunders & Ashley Lazette July 30, 2016 Nathaniel Cormier** Ricky Latanafrancia Kassidy Smith-Arcand* June 21, 2016 Chris Coyne & Sarah Brandt August 6, 2016 Lisa Cuffley Alan Lee Kennedy Smith-Arcand* Diana Armstrong Ryan Leung & Jennifer Leung August 6, 2016 Julie D’Silva Mary Lee Malak Smoka July 6, 2016 Timothy MacDonald & Abigail Llamas Pablo Davidson* Sarah Lee Sara Stewart August 20, 2016 Carol Ann De Wit Abigail Llamas Julia Sugityo Sara Baillie & Taliyah Marsman Sam Woelke & Karen Lantin August 27, 2016 Colton Desgagne Dario Dominic Lucente** Mulyanti Sugityo July 11, 2016 Ken Briscoe & Ruth-Anne Seerattan August 30, 2016 Jill Dettling Timonthy MacDonald Jasmine Taburada* Alec Remenda Matthew Dobrota** Reece MacDougall* Marilyn Tryon July 26, 2016 Blessing of Marriage Larissa Dobrota Camden MacDougall* Amy Wanvig Eugene Rast Petero Dauniseka & Aruna Patel May 7, 2016 Louvenby “Luke”Dorcely* Nolwenn Manabat* Laurainne Williams August 15, 2016 Alexis Izai and Ornella Mukele July 23, 2016 Kherby Dorcely** Ryan Mueller Ron Williams Nicole Dupont Allison Murphy Braeden Henry Wolf** Nathanael Eckstein Bellemide Naudet Stanley Wong Josiah Eckstein Glory Ngini ** Jue (Joyce) Zheng New Members Ethan Eckstein** Favour Ngini** Matthew Zondervan Astrid Eckstein Tim Ocampo Travis Airhart Melanie Nelson John Quijano Mark Eckstein Anthony Oh** * child Imelda Fergel Cameron Pearn Fong Seto-Eng Christianna Eckstein Yvonne Onamade ** youth Andrew MacDonald Katie Pearn Jennifer Smit Gloria Mejia Emily Poffenroth Joseph Smit 18 csc news • Fall 2016

On July 13th Central Campus hosted our annual Stampede BBQ Lunch for surrounding businesses and partner agencies. This is an outreach that allows us to bless our neighbours and ministry partners as we invite them into our church home. We have made this a yearly event so that we can continue to establish relationships with these individuals and help introduce them to Jesus. Members of our Central Campus staff team personally delivered invitations for the lunch, welcomed over 500 people who came, and served them a wonderful BBQ meal. Throughout the event, we had staff engaging in relational conversations with the attendees, allowing Jesus to speak through them and to show His care and love for them. We also led tours of our building for any individuals who were interested in learning more about us as a church. These were great opportunities to share our mission and answer questions about our ministry. While some were attending the event for the first time, others remembered coming last year and expressed excitement at being able to return. We can celebrate that this outreach to our neighbours is making an impact. Not only do they remember and anticipate our connection with them, but a number of our staff have been able to share testimonies of how God is moving. (Top) Stampede Decor welcomes guests; (Bottom left) Time for some barbeque; (Bottom Right) A birds-eye view. Photos by Riley Kirwan 19 changed lives - changing lives

(Clockwise from top left) Room for everyone in the CSC Atrium; Time to visit; Cowboy hats created the table centrepieces; Serving up some grub; A welcome sign to greet guests; Building community; Opportunity for prayer; Guests came dressed to celebrate stampede. Photos by Riley Kirwan 20 csc news • Fall 2016