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CSCNEWS Celebrating God At Work Centre Street Church • Calgary, Alberta Spring 2016 “YET GOD HAS MADE EVERYTHING BEAUTIFUL FOR ITS OWN TIME. HE HAS PLANTED ETERNITY IN THE HUMAN HEART, BUT EVEN SO, PEOPLE CANNOT SEE THE WHOLE SCOPE OF GOD’S WORK FROM BEGINNING TO END.” - Ecclesiastes 3:11 [NLT] - INSIDE cschurch.ca 8 Family Life 4, 7 5 Fred Stenhouse N.O.W. Baptisms 15 13 10 Love & Suffering Encounter God’s Presence

“On Mission” in the INTRODUCING PEOPLE TO JESUS AND HELPING THEM World Around Them BECOME FULLY DEVOTED FOLLOWERS OF JESUS. Wayne & Cheryl Smele Senior Pastor Dr. Henry Schorr Central Campus Saturday 6:30 pm Sunday 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 6:00 pm study in his community where an influential Children’s Mininstry provided for all services except Sunday 6:00 pm. youth leader led him to the Lord. Romans 10:9- 10 spoke to Wayne that night: “If you declare 3900-2nd Street NE, Calgary, AB T2E 9C1 with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in Tel: 403.293.3900 Fax: 403.520.2698 your heart that God raised Him from the dead, Lead Pastor: Pastor Kent Priebe you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with North West Campus Sunday 9:30 am. your mouth that you profess your faith and are Crowfoot Crossing Theatre saved.” (91 Crowfoot Terrace NW) That was a turning-point in Wayne’s young Lead Pastor: Dr. Lawson Brown life. Prior to coming to Christ, he was always look- ing for approval from the world around him. Bridgeland Campus Sunday 10:45 am. CSC STAFF “I was a very insecure kid always wanting Gateway Church (235 - 8A Street NE) people to like me and doing whatever I could Lead Pastor: Rev. Tim Hayes do to earn love and acceptance. I was not a BY LORI KLAUS, bad kid or trouble-maker but trying to find my Contributing Writer place.” South Campus Sunday 10:30 am. From that kid always searching for belong- St. Mary’s University (14500 Bannister Road SE) Lead Pastor: Pastor Tim Volkman Few pastors at Centre Street Church have as ing, Wayne says the Lord transformed him into much history here as Wayne Smele, who would the man he is today. be first to share what a blessing it has been to “He replaced my insecurities and doubts Airdrie Campus Sunday 10:30 am. call CSC home for the past sixteen years. In that with love, peace and direction. He took my Airdrie Koinonia Christian School time he has been responsible for overseeing a raw gifts and talents, and as I submitted them (77 Gateway Drive NE, Airdrie AB) variety of ministries at the church. to Him, He began to use them for His kingdom Lead Pastor: Pastor Travis Wilkins Wayne, who was raised in Surrey, BC, started and glory, starting with having me work with kids his full-time ministry here in January of 2001. in Sunday school and then moving into youth East Edge Home Churches He and his wife Cheryl moved to Calgary from ministry.” Visit www.eastedge.ca for service Toronto, where Wayne had served with the Over the years, Wayne’s ministry focus gatherings and times. Nazarene Church as On-Site Coordinator for evolved and God used his giftings in a variety of Lead Pastor: Rev. John Pritchard a large international youth event. It was great roles. The people here always remained “family,” preparation for his first role at CSC as Divisional but for a time, God even led him to serve in a cschurch.ca Pastor of Youth Ministries. capacity apart from CSC. “After helping with the move to the regional Ministry to young people is something Wayne has always been passionate about, campus model and moving down Please visit cschurch.ca for our current staff directory. partly because it was para- to Bridgeland to provide CSC is a member of the Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada. mount in his own sal- leadership as they vation as a young became CSC’s man. Raised in a second region- non-Christian al campus, CSC News is Published by the Communications Department of CSC home, it I had the Arian Schorr Managing Editor was at a opportu- Vidette Heller & Elsa Henderson Copy Editor/Proofreader y outh nity to Jen Airhart Graphic Design/Layout Bible Contributing Writers in this Issue Encounter God’s Presence Team Lori Klaus Brian Kuervers Tessa Littlejohn Janel Molnar N.O.W. Team Janice Richardson Janet Seever Contributing Photographers in this Issue Bridgeland Campus Colin Brown Encounter God’s Presence Team Harris Family Brian Harris Riley Kirwan Varun Shaji Kumar Terra McKinnon Jo Samaniego Russell Sellick Smele Family Stenhouse Family Ravi Subramaniam Shelley Sylvester Tara Whittaker iStock.com CSC News welcomes comments and feedback on all editions of this newspaper. Please email: [email protected] 2 csc news • Spring 2016

“On Mission” ..continued from page 2 ing the tough times. I realized I limit God in my teach at Rocky Mountain College and to work life by not letting the Holy Spirit have control. I with the EMCC denomination and do some praise the Lord for the change that has taken consulting. So I resigned in late 2009 and left my place in my life and I give Him all the glory.” pastoral role at CSC.” Both Cheryl and Wayne say it’s important to Fast-forward to 2012 when the Missions be real and authentic about how life is going department was looking for a new leader after rather than putting on a front of “everything Ron Irwin stepped down. being perfect,” not only Wayne met with Pastor because other believ- Henry, who had been ers can play a role in praying for him and felt Ministry to youth, the healing process that Wayne was the right (as they did in Cheryl’s fit for the role of Execu- ministry in the context of life during the Encoun- tive Director of Global ter God weekend), but Ministries. In addition to also because when this, Wayne would serve regional campuses, and we allow others to see as Director of the New our struggles and vul- Canadian Friendship ministry to the global nerabilities, they feel Centre. more freedom to share “Cheryl and I accept- their own inner hurt. ed the position I now community have all “By being honest,” hold and started at CSC says Wayne, “it gives in January of 2013 for characterized the work and other people the the second time. To say opportunity to be real.” we are blessed would This is something be an understatement. I the life of one of Centre that Cheryl has expe- do believe that God was rienced first-hand at in control of each move work. Rather than put- and prepared me and Street’s longest-standing ting on airs that she helped me mature for has it all together, she the role He would move pastors has sought to build me into next.” authentic friendships The road has not with her co-workers, always been easy, but sharing her life with a that too has shaped and prepared both Wayne cluster of women over regular coffee dates and Cheryl for each stage of God’s plan for and getting to know the young people who their lives. work at the Starbucks in her office building. “I struggled with depression and burn-out,” “I believe that God is using me to be a says Wayne, “along with my weight and dealing mentor/mother-figure to some of the young with pain from the past by eating.” ladies I am in contact with. I also have great The Smeles have dealt with other challenges relationships with the girls at work and they Wayne & Cheryl Smele; Cheryl, Wayne and Kerry Belt spending time together enjoying as well. The heart-wrenching loss of Cheryl’s know that I’ll pray for them during the tough biological and adoptive mothers to cancer and times.” God’s creation in nature. Photo by the Smele Family the death of Wayne’s dear grandmother – highly Recently, that even led to the great privi- influential in his life – were events that took a lege Cheryl had of leading one of her co- Holy Spirit.” It starts with one person – one relationship – at a time, and it grows particular toll. workers to Christ. This woman was struggling into sharing Christ with the entire world. Cheryl, who grew up on a farm in Saskatch- personally and recognized her need for new As he oversees the Global Ministries department at CSC, Wayne loves ewan and works as an Executive Assistant at people in her life. That resulted in Cheryl “encouraging others to think in a global manner and bringing awareness to Statoil, says the three years surrounding the loss sharing her faith and telling her about a the church at large of the good work CSC is doing by supporting partners all of her moms to cancer was a very low time in small group she was part of. Cheryl’s friend over the world.” her spiritual journey. Struggling with depression, attended, gave her heart to the Lord and is so CSC has partner churches in Mexico, Ukraine, India, Nepal, South Africa, loss and personal issues, Cheryl says, “I felt like thankful today for her newfound faith and the Cambodia, Moldova and Kenya. Global Ministries is an exciting adventure to my joy in the Lord was gone.” support of other believers. Cheryl’s friend was be part of! It was an “Encounter God” weekend that recently diagnosed with breast cancer and “I have led the most blessed life I can think of,” says Wayne. “I married a began to lift the heavy cloud of darkness for told Cheryl that she cannot imagine going godly woman who has walked with me for over 22 years in ministry. I have been Cheryl. She had prayed that the Lord would help through this journey without God! on over 25 mission trips to many different countries, delivered shoeboxes, built her deal with her issues and it ended up being Both Wayne and Cheryl say that relation- homes, visited the sick, the lonely and dying. I have had the blessing of lead- an incredibly healing experience. ship is key in sharing the good news of Christ ing youth in three different churches, organizing an international event for over “There was a lot of self-reflection on things with others and making disciples. You have to 9,000 students, directing camps, running major youth events, teaching and from your past as well as the present. I went to know people, walk with them and love them. directing in the role of professor and working with some of the best volunteers, this retreat with two special girlfriends. We did In recent years, the couple has intentionally parents and staff, along with three direct supervisors that helped mold me over lots of sharing and praying together, which was woven this missionally-focused relationship the past 25 years.” awesome. The first night, the Lord revealed to me building into the fabric of their lives. Ministry to youth, ministry in the context of regional campuses, and ministry one of the areas I had to let go of. The second “We’ve always believed in it,” says Wayne, to the global community have all characterized the work and the life of one of day, during our worship time, the Holy Spirit filled “but now it’s more than just a said belief ... it’s Centre Street’s longest-standing pastors. The road has had its ups and downs, me from the top of my head to the pit of my becoming a lifestyle. Ministry fads and themes but Wayne and Cheryl remain committed to the Lord’s calling and are tremen- stomach with His warm presence. Wow, what a come and go, but it’s really clear what Jesus dously proud of Centre Street Church. feeling! There began the return of my joy. I was said to do.” “This place operates with a mantra of prayer,” says Wayne. “We’re on track!” reminded that weekend that daily I need to ask Matthew 28:19 tells us to “Go and make “I can’t imagine being anywhere else,” echoes Cheryl. the Holy Spirit to be with me during my day and disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the to remember the power He has to help me dur- name of the Father and of the Son and of the 3 changed lives - changing lives

River Baptisms - Bridgeland & Central Campus - March 2016 RYAN HOFER - I have heard about Jesus ever since I can remember. ADAM RYAN - I first came to know Jesus as a child. I was raised in a Christian home and was When I was seven, my mom and I talked about Jesus dying on the cross exposed to age-appropriate teachings, Bible stories, books, tapes and teachings from my mother. My for my sins and rising from the dead. I said a prayer to invite Jesus into mother has been the most influential person in my spiritual journey, and I do not think I would be my heart. here today without her. Even though I grew up in a Christian home, some events I really knew God was real when I began praying for a classmate who happened in my life that caused me to stop believing in God. I wanted things was bothering me and then he stopped. Another time, I fell and chipped to happen in my timeframe and I did not allow them to happen in God’s my tooth. I was crying a lot and was very upset. My sister prayed for me timing. I started relying on myself and found myself living in a way that and immediately God gave me peace and helped me to calm down. I was causing me pain and suffering. One day, when it just got to be too know He is my helper. much, I called out to God and I said, “If You are real, show Yourself to me. If You take me out of this, I will come back to You.” Around a week later, One of my favourite verses is Romans 6:23. “For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal God showed up in my life and He did it in a way that I could no longer deny life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” I want to be baptized so that everyone knows that I want to follow it was Him. He took me out of the life I was living and I felt I had to follow Jesus. Him. Matthew 7:7-8 says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one TIFFANY REIMER - I was born and raised in a Christian home and who seeks finds, and the one who knocks the door will be opened.” I love this scripture because all we came to Christ at an early age, though I do not remember exactly when. have to do is seek Him and we will find Him. I am thankful for a great family, who have been a great encouragement to me as I have watched their journeys with God. The last five years or AMELIE STEWART - When I was three years old, I woke up one morning so have been when I have seen the most growth in my own relation- and told my mom and dad that I asked Jesus if I could go to Heaven. We ship. God has been there through all the ups and downs and provided prayed and I asked Jesus to be the Lord of my life and forgive me of my what I needed in ways I did not always expect. Psalm 46 has been one sins. When I was young, I barely ever ate, until I became a Christian. I of my favourite passages lately, as it speaks of God’s power and control changed. I started eating and listening to my parents. One day, I came over every situation. All we have to do is trust Him. up to my dad and said that I want to get baptized, because in the Bible, people who know God get baptized. I want to show everyone that I died to my old self and came up as a person closer to God, a person who works KIM SUAN - My parents took me to several churches since I was for Him. I know Jesus has forgiven my sins, saved me from God’s wrath and a child. I believe Jesus is my personal Saviour. Jesus said in Mark given me eternal life because He died on the cross. I know God made me and I 16:16 that anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. I want know He helps me. I want to live for God. My baptism verse is Matthew 2:11-12. John said, “I baptize to get baptized to show repentance for my sins and my acceptance of salvation through Jesus Christ. you with water for repentance, but after me, will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Today I want to get closer to God! ALAN WELLER - I am so grateful to the people who have helped me ASHLEY POPOFF - My world was always a dark and stormy place, and was come to Jesus. One person whose love, persistence and exemplary Christian a challenge to grow up in. Religion was always around and available to me. life have impacted me in a powerful way over the last 10 years is Arnold When I was little, my mom would read the Bible to me. I wish I could tell Magnus. Arnold has patiently walked with me out of the darkness I you about a wonderful person that brought me to church or gave me a was in, leading me to God and never abandoning me, even when I Bible, that helped me find Christ, but unfortunately I cannot. I did not just was willfully continuing to follow and worship satan. My debt and come to Jesus, we sort of collided and I crashed into Him. I was being my gratitude to Arnold are impossible to adequately express in words. tossed around in a storm that I walked right into. In the middle of the God bless you, Arnold! I am also grateful for the loving support of Pas- chaos, I started to search for a rock to grab onto. That is when I found CSC. tor Barry Danylak and others at Centre Street Church who have prayed At that time, I went because I was looking for a place to escape to. I was for me; also for the love and support of my dear Christian friend Joan sad after my first visit because when it was over, I did not want to leave and go Glasgow and her husband, the Reverend Bob Glasgow. God bless you all! I back home to the mess that was waiting for me. Right there, I finally heard Him. In want to be baptized today to show my repentance of my sins and my complete acceptance of Jesus that crazy storm, where everything was blowing around, I found a rock to hold onto. It was like a hand Christ as my Lord and Saviour, and to be fully open to the Holy Spirit. reaching out and catching me. I realized that I did not have to go back; with Jesus I can go forward. He can calm the storm and He did. I want to get baptized because I want everyone to celebrate with AYREN TAYLOR - God has always blessed me by placing me in com- me this new life that I have been given. The old me is dead and gone, and I have been born into this munities of godly Christian people. I thank Him for my parents and grand- new life where I know that Jesus is in me, creating something amazing. I hope everyone gets to see parents, the many camp staff and the teachers who have taught me who and will be excited with me. God is and what His will for my life is. God is my source of joy in life, peace in distress, fellowship in loneliness, love when I am too proud, JESSIE WALLACE - I was not raised in a religious household, so it was truth when I need direction and ultimately my source of life in death. He not until about nine months ago that I came to know Christ. My best friend, has, by His grace, removed my sin and my guilt. My eternity is created by Lindsay, introduced me to Him when she gave me her Bible. From the very Him. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1:7-9, “For the Spirit God has given us does first random passage I opened up and read, I knew He was trying to reach not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. Do not be me. I continued to open the Bible and read every day, and every time I ashamed of the testimony about our Lord. Rather, join with me in suffering for read, it related to what happened in that day. God reached me through the Gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a Holy life, not because of anything the words of the Bible. Even though it took me 34 years to find Jesus, I we have done, but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus, know He has always been with me. All I had to do was open my heart to before the beginning of time.” I gave my life to God a long time ago, but I want to be baptized today to Him. As soon as I cracked the door to my heart open, He pushed through as if a tell all of you that I love God and have committed my life to Him. floodgate had been opened and filled my heart with His love. Since finding Christ, 4 csc news • Spring 2016

Learning to See Baptisms - March 2016 - Cont. my life has changed dramatically. I no longer suffer from depression and am off all medications for it. I am happier and feel more at peace than I ever have (The Story of Fred Stenhouse - Part 1) before. I have become more patient and compas- sionate and I am looking forward to loving the rest of my life following in His footsteps. BY JANICE RICHARDSON, Contributing Writer MELINDA GRAVELLE - Before I committed On June 2, 2005 Fred Stenhouse was do- my life to Christ, my attitude toward life was to try ing what he enjoyed most, coaching his to enjoy it. My friend Jennifer brought me to CSC in two daughters (aged 7 and 10) in soccer 1999. I listened to the sermons to learn about God. I and spending time with them. Early the next joined a small group. I have morning, he woke up with a severe ocular been greatly impacted migraine in his right eye. Having had two pre- vious attacks, he headed downstairs to get by Pastor Henry’s some painkillers. He suddenly collapsed and sermons. When tumbled the rest of the way down. His wife ran I would leave down to see what happened. church, I felt that “My eye! My eye!” was all he could blurt I had received in- out. sight on something His wife called 911, but Fred fell into uncon- that had been on sciousness before the phone call was over. By my mind. My life has the time the ambulance arrived, he was no changed since becoming a longer breathing. The paramedics resuscitat- Christian, as I feel wiser. I feel that I understand more ed him twice because he had physically died about the world, people and why things happen. I try for a few minutes. Fred descended into blackness and his hu- to live an obedient life. I want to be pleasing to God man sensations started to disappear. Fred felt and I am thankful that God loved me. I am thank- the emergence of his spirit. An unbelievable ful for the trials I have endured because I learned a presence of love and peace overwhelmed Fred Steinhouse celebrates his baptism at CSC in 2013. Photo by Jo Samaniego lot. God showed me where I needed to work in my him - like a mother’s love as she snuggles her life, and He protected me. I am thankful He blessed child, as well as a fatherly presence of strength This experience created a spiritual awakening within Fred and he started to me with children. To me, baptism means that I am and security giving him the will to live. “You pray, read the Bible and talk with visitors about Christianity. With renewed deter- confirming my love for God. Because God loves me, must go back,” he was told. “It is not your time mination, hope and confidence, Fred worked vigorously in all areas of therapy I guess it is my way of showing that I love Him too. to die yet.” and was able to walk with just a cane. By the end of September, his dream of This was the first of several miracles that being able to be home with his family again seemed closer as he was granted changed the direction of his life. weekend visits. He could not hold back his tears as his youngest daughter ran His condition was an aneurism on his right into his arms crying, “Daddy’s home!” He spent precious moments hugging his optic nerve. The result was a massive vascular girls. He had missed them so much. He truly cherished the involvement he previ- hemorrhage filling the right side of his brain with blood causing a serious brain injury. While Fred ously had in their lives - reading with them, cooking, swimming, taking them to was in a coma, the doctor said that he would probably not live through the night. Fred was put on dance lessons and coaching their soccer teams. life support because he had no brain activity. His wife gathered his siblings for final farewells as the Unfortunately, his wife did not receive him as openly and Fred endured diffi- decision had been made to disconnect his life support and harvest his organs. A neurosurgeon cult circumstances in his marriage. This hardship and pain left him feeling alone arrived and convinced his siblings to let him perform a surgery in an effort to save him, which it and abandoned. To help him deal with this, his psychologist helped him find did! Fred remained in a coma for a week to let his brain heal. When he woke up from the coma, a church close to his home. The first day he attended, he was overjoyed to be he could not speak but immediately proceeded to write about his supernatural experience. At warmly welcomed by friends, Scott and Ute Simpson and their daughters, Emily this time he did not yet understand it all, but later came to believe that Jesus was the motherly and Julie, whom he had coached in soccer. This experience gave him a piece presence and God was the father. of his memory back. Fred had been exposed to Christian teachings as a child through his mom, but once he left Reading his Bible and being part of a loving supportive congregation home, he left Christ behind. helped him to grow spiritually. Unfortunately, the situation with his wife grew The magnitude of his injuries from the aneurism overwhelmed Fred. At the age of 44, he had worse. Feeling worthless after a difficult Christmas, his depression deepened partial paralysis on his left side, significant visual loss in his right eye, memory loss and serious and he felt suicidal. Fred could not understand why God had let him live after cognitive impairment. Having been a Project Manager and Operations Manager, Fred was dev- the aneurism. He could not see what his purpose was for living. On Dec 28, 2005, astated to know that he would never be able to work or drive again. He felt as if his former life had he prepared to end his life by jumping off a pedestrian overpass. Just before been ripped out from under him! taking the fatal jump, his cellphone rang! It was an unexpected call from his Learning to do basic skills again - such as hygiene, walking, talking and eating with utensils - friend and former employee, Glen. was physically and mentally exhausting. A month and a half after his aneurism, he was transferred Through tears, he poured out his emotions to Glen explaining why he was to the Rehabilitation Ward and enrolled in speech and occupational therapy and physiotherapy. feeling suicidal. Feeling the tremendous impact these disabilities caused on his life, he developed severe depres- “No, Fred! No! Can you go somewhere safe? Is there a motel near you?” sion and anxiety. Glen caringly talked Fred into checking in to the nearest motel, at Glen’s One night, Fred woke up to see a small dark woman at the foot of his bed. She exuded a loving expense, and promised that he would meet him there in the morning. Upon motherly presence similar to what he experienced in his coma. checking in, Fred was even more surprised to see that the front desk clerk was She reassured him, “Don’t worry. You’re going to be OK. You are loved. Be strong. Be brave. You a former business associate of his, Eddie Ho! Eddie eventually helped Fred find will get better.” a townhouse close to where his girls lived where he could live on his own. This Fred felt a deep sense of peace and fell back to sleep. The next morning, anxious to find out divine intervention from God saved his life (for a second time). who the lady was who spoke to him in the night, he made his way to the nurse’s station thinking ...continued on page 6 it must have been a nurse. They told him there was no one by that description who worked there. Eventually, he understood that this apparition was an angel sent by God. 5 changed lives - changing lives

Learning to See - Part 1 ..continued from page 5 Once Fred had moved into the townhouse, his wife refused been in despair not knowing what he was going to do but to grant him visitation with his daughters saying they would be told Fred that his story gave him the courage to continue unsafe with him. This caused him great anxiety and he was very on. lonely without his girls. At an all-time low and unsure of his abili- Once he was back home, Fred attended group ther- ties and life as a disabled person, he cried out to God. On his Fred had been exposed to apy sessions. There was one man in the group who also knees and with tears streaming down his face, he prayed, “Lord, had a brain injury from an industrial accident. He was liv- I give you my life! My former life is gone, even my family! You are ing in his parents’ basement and was scared to leave the my only hope! Please direct my life and please bring me the Christian teachings through his house on his own. Fred’s trip to Scotland inspired this man family that I need!” to be braver and do more. His sister, Barb, sacrificially offered to visit every second week- In 2009, Fred started speaking at University of Calgary end so that his daughters could stay with him. Through the help mom as a child, but once he in the Neurology faculty. He talked about what happened of friends, he hired a lawyer. Eight months after he moved into to him to give the students an understanding of what the townhouse, the courts granted him visitation rights with his patients are going through. Many students told him they girls. The assessment stated that he was a better father than left home, he left Christ behind. were inspired by his story. He continues to speak there ev- many fathers without brain injuries! This was a breakthrough for ery summer. him and wonderful times began again with his girls. Fred started volunteering with the Disability Fitness Pro- Another great achievement that Fred experienced was a gram at Village Square Leisure Centre in 2011. He helped trip to Scotland in 2007 to visit his heritage. This was a major a boy for about four or five months who had been in an accomplishment with his disabilities. He took transit a lot and accident. Fred’s encouragement helped motivate the boy strangers were always willing to help him. He was able to visit to work at his rehabilitation to improve. When the boy was places his grandfather lived and the church he attended. The trip meant so much to Fred done rehab, he gave Fred a hug and said, “I want to be like you.” because it helped him discover a little bit about who he was since he did not remember The angel from the hospital room told him he would get better. Although he had sig- much because of his memory loss from the aneurism. nificant improvements physically, his emotional and spiritual growth were enormous. He One incident on the trip was very impactful. Fred shared his story with a tour driver not only came to know Christ but has been able to experience the strength He provides. who was driving Fred back to his bed and breakfast. The driver thanked Fred and then God has given him the spiritual vision to see what is most important in life and Fred has broke down telling Fred that he was getting a divorce and about to lose his job. He had been able to encourage others and give them hope. God showed him a great purpose for his life. The Perfect Match (The Story of Fred Stenhouse - Part 2) BY JANICE RICHARDSON, Contributing Writer Fred. After much prayer, God prompted her to write a letter to Fred helping to give her the right words about how she felt. On the envelope, she wrote, “Please pray before reading As told in Learning to See – Part 1, through God’s help, Fred Stenhouse recovered from a this.” This indicated the value they both put on prayer. Fred prayed and read the letter with terrible brain aneurism, a divorce, and he experienced divine interventions that saved his great happiness and invited her for tea. The romance blossomed from there. life on two different occasions. Fred inspired others who were going through challenging Sheryl had three girls from a previous marriage, the youngest having special needs times. Although he gained partial custody of his daughters, when they turned 15, they from birth. For 13 years, Sheryl raised her daughters as a single parent. Having been began to pull away from Fred. This was devastating for him as his daughters were a huge through a very difficult marriage, she certainly understood what it was like to go through part of his life. challenging times. In 1999, after moving several times between Alberta, Quebec and Heartbroken and lonely, he prayed again for a family. He tried dating through inter- Ontario, she moved to Calgary. Sheryl moved to the north part of Calgary and started net sites but discovered that brain-injured applicants are not well received. After a nine- attending CSC. She became part of a life group who became the family she needed. month relationship ended, he believed he would never be able to have a relationship Many of them helped her with her children and were a great support to her. with a woman and decided that God was all he needed. In order to make ends meet, Sheryl worked very long hours at two jobs – as a legal But God had other plans. In 2012, Fred started attending the Ironman group for sup- assistant and a transit driver. Her job changed locations to south Calgary so she decided port at Centre Street Church (CSC), a different church than he had been attending. That to move to the south end of the city. God miraculously helped her get a house that was led to him eventually attending the Sunday evening services. On October 21, 2012, Fred in high demand. was taking Access taxi (disabled transit) to CSC and they picked up a lady, Sheryl, and In 2011, Sheryl had a series of seizures while at home. She fell down the stairs and suf- her special needs daughter, Christina, only a block from his house. They talked all the way fered a major concussion. Fortunately, Christina woke up and called her sister, who had to church and kept looking at each other during the service. After the service, they talked just left for work. The girls got her immediate medical attention, but it took quite a while for some more; and although they did not reveal it at the time, they both felt an instant love Sheryl to recover. Sadly, she was not able to return to work because the concussion was for each other. very severe and it affected her cognitive functioning skills and her ability to do shiftwork. A few days later, Fred was reading the Bible in his living room. He glanced out his front This was upsetting to Sheryl at first, but she now realizes that she had been working too window and saw Sheryl walking her dog right in front of his house! He was so excited to hard. Perhaps this was God’s way of getting her to slow down and spend more time with see her that he flew out the front door as best as he could and surprised her with a hug. Him and her family. She is also able to do more volunteer work with various ministries at A few days later, Sheryl dropped a note in his mailbox offering to help him rake his leaves. church and at Special Olympics. The other blessing is that these events led Sheryl and Unfortunately, her note slipped out when Fred picked up his mail and fell unnoticed to Christina to take the Access taxi to CSC the night she met Fred. the ground. Several days had passed before he discovered it. He was horrified that he Six months after they met, Fred planned a romantic marriage proposal in front of the may have missed his chance with her! His immediate phone call to her resulted in an fountain at CSC. Fred got down on his knee, sang Sheryl “Love me Tender” and read her invitation for lunch. a poem he had written. He arranged for Sheryl’s daughters to spread rose petals on the Sheryl had never felt like this for anyone before and had not been actively seeking a floor and hand over the ring. They were married six months later, in a traditional Scottish relationship. She wanted to make sure it was God’s will for her to have a relationship with wedding, complete with a professional bagpipe player, tartan decorations and a wed- ...continued on page 7 6 csc news • Spring 2016

Perfect Match ..continued from page 6 ding kilt for the groom. Harry was honoured to be with Fred on God clearly orchestrated their meeting be- March 17, 2013 when Fred was baptized at cause Sheryl had recently moved to his area of CSC. the city to be closer to her job and Fred had just Fred continues to discover how he can as- started attending CSC. Sheryl was still recover- sist others. Sheryl has a compassionate heart ing from her accident when they met. She has for helping the less fortunate and volunteers lo- a greater understanding of his brain injury and cally and abroad on mission trips. Fred joined resulting disabilities because of the experience her in Monday Night Evangelism, a ministry in she had just gone through with her seizures and which they meet with the homeless. Fred has a concussion. special understanding for them. He sees them God answered Fred’s prayer for a family. He not as alcoholics, but instead as ordinary provided him with a Christian loving wife, three people who have had to go through tough fun-loving daughters, a son-in-law and two ador- circumstances. Fred knows that he could eas- able grandchildren; all who accept him as he is. ily have been in their place. He tells them his He could not be happier! The family continues to story to encourage and give them hope. One pray for Fred’s daughters and know that one day guy, Jimmy, whom Fred and Sheryl met, asked they will return to him because God has been so for them because he said they were like family faithful to answer their prayers! to him. God also answered prayer through Harry “Always love them,” Fred says. “Jesus tells us Wollen, a long-time member of CSC. Harry was to love each other as He has loved us.” a friend and former colleague prior to Fred’s an- The journey for Fred has been long and eurism. They had many discussions about Chris- arduous, but God brought him through it and tianity and faith, which led Harry to pray daily for he knows he is in a better place now. If Fred Fred. had not turned to Christ but instead had given One Sunday, when Fred and Sheryl were up when things were tough, he would never still dating, Harry was amazed to see the two of have experienced all the blessings that God them sitting in the cafeteria at CSC! Harry knew has for him, nor would he have been able to Sheryl because their daughters were friends. bless others. “Fred, is that you?” he asked. “What are you “Have faith. Have hope,” Fred encourages. doing here?” “With God, anything is possible.” After Fred told him his story and how he had Some special verses that Fred and Sheryl met Sheryl, Harry was led to tears. love in their walk with the Lord: “I have been praying for you for ten years!” he “I can do all things through Christ who cried. “I placed a prayer stone with your name strengthens me” Philippians 4:13 and “Trust in on it under the stage of this church in 2003 when the Lord with all your heart and lean not on (Top) Fred and Sheryl Stenhouse at their wedding in 2013; and enjoying their the church was under construction!” your own understanding” Proverbs 3:5. honeymoon in Greece (bottom). Photos by The Stenhouse Family Baptisms - Airdrie Regional Campus - April 2016 DANIKA LIVINGSTONE - I asked Jesus into my life in my bed with (and still is) constant, feels like someone is ripping apart my legs. I was unable to do the things I once momma last year. We were reading the part in the Bible when John the loved to do. I felt like I was robbed of my teenage years. I became very depressed, which eventually led Baptist baptized Jesus. I told my mommy I should maybe be baptized. I to self-harm and then a suicide attempt. I felt numb and worthless. I had nothing to live for. accepted Jesus into my life then and have been waiting to be baptized That attempt was the turning point in my life and my relationship with God. I did not die that day be- since. Jesus is my BFF. I love him so much. Jesus helps me to love oth- cause God had a plan for my life. He showed me that suicide was not the answer, HE was. God used all ers. I love Jesus. of the challenges and obstacles in my life to bring me back to Him. There are daily struggles that I face with my disease, pain in my legs and depression, but no matter what I go through, God is there. He has shown me that through Him I am a strong person and I am a AMBER KNUDSON - I grew up in a Christian home and was five child of God. I am so thankful for the support of my parents, my sister who is and will always be my when I got saved. I remember sitting in Sunday school, hearing the teacher best friend, my boyfriend Paul who has stuck by me, and all of my extended family who is here today. talk about hell and I was terrified. I did not want a life without Jesus. My I want to continue growing in my relationship with God and am excited for this next step in our relation- parents have always been there for me and have taught me to love oth- ship. To me this is a symbol of the old is gone and the new has come and that I no longer want to live ers and that a relationship with God is the most important thing. for myself but for Jesus. Because of his grace and mercy, I am made new! I felt close to God as a child, but as I got older that changed. I did not feel His presence as often, began questioning instead of trusting and stopped trying to build a relationship with Him. I worried about things EVAN WEENINK - that did not matter. The more I strayed from God, the more my attitude When I was younger my Dad and Mom encouraged me to speak to God and personality changed. I slowly became someone I did not want to be. and listen for His voice. They said I could get baptized when and if I Grade 7 was the most challenging year for me but also the turning point in wanted to. I told them I wanted to wait for God to tell me when I should my life. My school was not a positive place and my friends were not good ones. I was bullied and my get baptized. In October of last year, I told my parents that I heard confidence began to crumble. I was teased for being a Christian, about my weight and was nicknamed God’s voice speak to me and that I should get baptized. In the begin- “elephant!” I was mocked because of my stutter and was slapped in the face by a guy, as part of a ning of this year, I told Grover that I wanted to be baptized. We went out “truth or dare” game. I was diagnosed with a Chronic Pain condition called RSD. It started in my right together and talked about baptism and what it means. I am proud to get leg and eventually spread to my left, putting me in a wheelchair for over three months. The pain was baptized today and start a new life with Jesus. 7 changed lives - changing lives

PURPOSE: WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT For all of CSC to gather together under one roof N.O.W.: to praise and worship Jesus and celebrate what He is doing among us. “Before we came to church, I had an issue with a friend and I said to my kids, “We are go- ing expectant. God is going to do amazing WHAT WE DO: Lots of worship in song, testimonies, stories, art, things. The Holy Spirit is going to show up in the Word being preached and responding in our lives and He is going to touch our lives.” baptisms and declarations of faith. They were talking about judgment against my friend and I said, “We are not judging. We are forgiving, we are releasing, we are blessing.” HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE COMING: That night Pastor Henry spoke exactly what I Approximately 1500 people each month needed to hear. What a testimony to my kids! I said we were going to come expectant and here we are. God totally showed up! Before you come, prepare your heart for what God is going to show you when you are here.” - Naomi - “During the N.O.W. service, as I was standing on stage interceding, I saw all of the seats filled and how God has brought so many people here.” - Gail - “All of the energy that is there – from a lot of people. It is really obvious that God is there and flowing through all the people.” “The songs and how powerful they are, and how strong they sing them, makes the ser- vice more powerful. Anything you are feel- ing – like sadness, or sorrow - that is going to stop, because Jesus is with you right now.” “I think that everybody has a story and every story can affect somebody else’s life. You don’t know what they are going through. You have to let go of control – you have to be vulner- able. You have to say, “God, this is where I end and You begin.” You have to get to that place. “ Right Top to Bottom: Joining together to worship and celebrate our Saviour; The leadership and worship team prepare for a Night of Worship. Photos by Brian Harris Pastor Warren speaking at the N.O.W. service “The more testimonies that are said, the more people will come to Jesus.” on March 6, 2016 Photo by Brian Harris 8 csc news • Spring 2016 ...continued on page 9

N.O.W. ...continued from page 8 Ravi Subramaniam AS TOLD TO JANET MOLNAR, Contributing Writer I grew up in a town of one million people called Ipoh, Malaysia, which is considered a small town there. I am the youngest in a family of seven - my parents, two brothers and two sisters. Mine is a very loving Hindu family and a true blessing to me. I must explain that if you are Hindu and you become a Christian, you are generally disowned. But when I told my mother I had accepted Christ eight years ago, she never withdrew her love and support. She came to Canada to be present for my baptism. Such is our loving relationship. My family is respectful of my belief and allows me to pray in their presence. My sister also has come to Jesus as a believer, and in God’s timing I know that the rest of my family will come to faith in Him. My father has now passed on, but he became a believer before that. I left Malaysia around 22 years ago to pursue my education as a geol- ogist, first in New York, then finishing my graduate studies in Newfoundland. Later, after working with the federal government, a private head-hunter contacted me and invited me to come to Fort McMurray, Alberta, to work with the oil sands there. It was an adventure in a new place I had never heard of, for a large company called Canadian Natural Resources. There I worked with regulators in management. During this time I met an Alberta girl who worked there as a lead in one of our departments and we became friends. I was touched by her person- ality and countenance, always happy, peaceful and she never seemed to get upset or mad. She was so different from anyone else I had ever met. I wanted to know why. I was influenced by the quality and traits she had and did not know that it was the Holy Spirit I saw working in her life. I wanted to let the Lord lead our friendship according to His become like her so asked her what her secret was. She gave me a Bible will. The biggest challenge I have encountered for my birthday which started my journey. As I read the Bible, my friend and is giving up my earthly desires, understanding her family became a great influence on me. She had previously attended His ultimate plan and trusting Him fully. Being Bible school and could answer my questions. This was about 10 years ago single and having no family here, whenever I and I have never ever looked back! The Lord has been watching over me am rushed with deep emotions and feelings and blessing me ever since and He has brought monumental change to concerning matters of the heart, it is prudent to my life. make sure I turn to the Lord and avoid racing my In Malaysia, I had been exposed to the Bhagavad Gita and the Quran. thoughts along with my desires. Some of the key Hindus have many gods, but I could not know them and was lost spiritually. verses He led me to are: Psalm 27, 130 and 37:7. But in the Bible I read God’s words speaking to me and teaching me. We He said, “Wait for Me.” So I surrendered and said, can KNOW Christ and have a living relationship with Him! We carry the Holy “Lord, You’re in charge.” I am trusting in God’s tim- Spirit in us and others see that manifested. I saw kindness, gentleness and ing that He will fulfill all my needs and desires. humility in my friend and that is what I wanted. You cannot win a person of Hence for now, the church is my family. another faith by forcing your beliefs on them. They must be led by the Spirit I enjoy praying, getting closer to the Lord and of God in you, and when they see that, they will want it. They will see your looking forward to His plans on a daily basis. You LOVE at work in you. just cannot go wrong if you place Him before ev- I keep a spreadsheet of prayer requests and God’s answers. I can look erything else in life. I have realized that the Bible back and see the hand of God leading me and clearly see Him working in is a tool provided to us to resolve every single my life. Three years ago an opportunity to move to Calgary was presented problem imaginable in life. The answers are there to me. The economy in Alberta had not yet tanked and we had no idea and we just need to spend some time finding of the future. I spoke to my manager and everything worked out for me to the solutions using our Lord’s direction. I enjoy get a house in Calgary. However my house in Fort McMurray would not understanding and following the Lord, praying, sell and I wondered if I had made the right choice. I had a dream, prayed listening to music, connecting with people and about it and called up a friend. He texted me with advice to change my having meaningful conversations. I meditate on realtor and so I met his brother-in-law who was a realtor who then sold my the Lord during my walks and drives. house in Fort McMurray in only three days. God made everything work out Before Christ there was no purpose to my smoothly! He was taking care of me and my future. life, but now I have not only purpose but direc- I had met a fellow brother in Christ in Fort McMurray at our men’s study tion, too. God provides faithfully when we walk group. He was originally from Calgary and when I relocated here, he intro- with Him, bringing us peace and comfort. Now duced me to CSC. I got connected through Pastor Henry and Gwen. by caring for others, sharing, spending time with I am learning that the Lord will test you to grow you and build your them and giving generously in every way with character. Our God is a game changer. He actively lives and moves in us. believers and non-believers, I have contentment. Life can be challenging at all levels with roles and responsibilities - like most We can share meals and experiences and in Alberta oil and gas. My friend had left a great impression on me from share God’s amazing blessings also. I have been the very beginning. She lives in Edmonton now working as a geologist after asked by Pastor Jacob to lead a new group in furthering her education (and I am very proud of her), I do still see how the SW Calgary, for which I am very excited. Lord works in everyone’s life, leading us through all the challenges we face. More images that capture N.O.W. Photos by Brian Harris We are still best friends and continue to praise the Lord for that and will ...see even more photos from N.O.W on page 15 9 changed lives - changing lives

Love and having. He began to feel that God was pursuing him and that God actually did care about him. “I could see that He is real, loving (rather than cruel), and I soon accepted Jesus as my Lord and Saviour.” In October 2013, Varun was baptized! However, it was not a smooth road. Varun faced a lot of opposition from some Hindu Suffering friends and family. It is considered shameful to one’s family to convert to another religion. There were many times in that first year when Varun felt hopeless, misunderstood, sad and lonely. However, under Pastor Ashwin’s mentorship and by reading more of the Bible, Varun found peace. He gained hope that the times of trials would strengthen his faith, build perseverance and character, as Paul says in Romans. Through Bible studies, he also made some very good friends who were able to come alongside him and offer encouragement. BY TESSA LITTLEJOHN, In April 2014, he faced yet another trial. Varun had a cousin who was like a brother to Contributing Writer him. They were very close and it was this cousin who had helped him through his father’s death. They shared a passion for motorcycles and one evening Varun offered to let his cousin try his new bike. His cousin was to drive around the circle in the neighbourhood. Varun was born into a Hindu family in Kerala, India but has moved almost every two years When he had not returned after five minutes, Varun went to investigate. He came upon since then. He spent several years in Saudi Arabia as a child before moving to Ontario a scene of five police cars and an ambulance. Somehow his cousin had gotten very far and then Calgary. over on the road and hit some gravel, which caused the bike to skid and his cousin hit Varun enjoyed a happy childhood. Although his family was not rich by North Ameri- a lightpost. Varun says, “The world just felt like it was spinning and I just lost sense of any- can standards, he says, ”My family was always full of love, and I had the best parents any- thing that was going on – it’s very hard for me to explain the emotion. It felt like the news one could ask for. Love, hard work, honesty, loyalty and discipline were all values instilled in about my father all over again.” me throughout my life.” Varun lived these values and thought of himself as a good person. The family rushed to the hospital and waited for what seemed like an eternity, continu- As a Hindu he believed in karma, and figured that if he continued to do good things and ously praying for his life. Varun felt so guilty and full of shame. He regretted lending his pray, God would bless his family with health and happiness. Even when his beloved father cousin the bike. He felt that he had caused this pain for the family. His aunt and uncle, became seriously ill, Varun believed that with prayer he would be healed. For a time it who had always shown such love and kindness and support to Varun, were now crying seemed as if those prayers were being answered, as his father’s health slowly improved, in the hospital for their son because of him. Eventually a doctor came out and told them but eventually, the doctors advised him that he could return to work. Unfortunately, that that his cousin had passed away on the way to the hospital and they could not revive very same weekend he received some bad news from India that his father passed away him. The police told Varun that it was not his fault; it was a freak accident. from cardiac arrest in February 2012. After his father’s passing, Varun felt angry at God. It took several days and a very close friend speaking truth to Varun to remind him He felt as if God just played with people’s lives and did not care. He began having night- about God’s love and strength, and that ultimately, God is always in control. With God’s mares about God taking other people in his life. strength, he was able to cast away Satan’s lies and help his aunt and uncle when they At the invitation of a friend, Varun attended his first Christmas Eve service at Centre needed him most rather than avoiding them out of guilt. Street. That same evening he spoke with Pastor Ashwin about his feelings and questions Since becoming a Christian, Varun has spent a lot of his time doing what needs to be regarding God, and why He allows suffering. They talked for many hours and Varun de- done through volunteering. He has been involved with the Alpha Course at the New Ca- cided to start attending Centre Street to find out more about Jesus. Varun says, ”Those nadian Friendship Centre and missions trips. Currently he is volunteering as a math tutor first few months, I found that if I had a significant question on my mind during the week, with high school students at risk of dropping out. He says, “It’s extremely rewarding to see that very same question would be answered in the sermon on Sunday. In the begin- students who used to get 50 or 60% on their tests have their marks jump up to 85%. I love ning, I thought it was just a mere coincidence, but later as it continued, I started to think being able to be a mentor to someone younger, with whom I can hopefully share Christ.” someone had told the pastor about what I was thinking and that he had used it for the There are likely to be more ups and downs as Varun runs his race, but undaunted he sermon.” This was impossible because Varun was not telling anyone the thoughts he was says, “At the end of my life, I want to look back and know that I served God to my fullest.” Varun Kumar participated in the CSC medical missions trip to Bolivia in 2015 and was able to try his hand at puppeteering; helped with dental care in a clinic for the people of Bolivia; 10 csc news • Spring 2016 and had fun testing his strength against this young boy. Photos from Varun Kumar

Russell Sellick and his wife Carol at a family wedding; The Sellick siblings with their mother; a family Christmas in 2010. Photos from Russell Sellick Uncle Cameron at the same time. During the church service, we sang “We Believe.” Tara had tears streaming down her face because, as she told me later AS RECORDED BY BRIAN KUERVERS, when we were singing this worship song, it be- Contributing Writer came a heartfelt prayer for her that Uncle Cam- eron could know the Lord. How incredibly pow- Cameron was the youngest brother of my wife Tara’s father, Russell Sellick. At erful that song was at that moment as the Holy the beginning of August 2015, Tara received the unfortunate news that her Spirit used it to prompt us! After getting home uncle Cameron, aged 59, had been admitted to the hospital. Earlier that from church, Tara continued to feel an incred- day, Cameron had attempted to mow his lawn, but simply did not have the ible heaviness in her heart and broke down in strength. Up until that point, Cameron’s slowly declining strength and gradual tears as our family was about to eat lunch. She weight loss had not been too much cause for concern. However, everyone asked if we could gather and pray as a family now knew that there was something seriously wrong. together. The unfortunate diagnosis came quickly – cancer. The doctors deter- As Tara began to pray, I knew immediately mined that Cameron’s liver was filled with cancer. Not only that, the cancer that God’s Holy Spirit was prompting both Tara had already metastasized and spread into his spine, stomach and lungs. and me again. “God wants us to go,” I an- There did not seem to be much hope, and the only question left to ask was, nounced to Tara, my voice and body shaking. “How much time does he have left?” Without hesitating, Tara and I arranged child- Although the news had come as a shock to us all, Cameron had never care and got the address of the hospice where been particularly close to us. We did not see him or his wife Joan often - Cameron was staying. This was the final nudge only at family funerals and weddings. So, it was all too easy to simply offer we needed from God. our prayers to the family and periodically check-in with Tara’s parents to get We arrived in his room and his wife Joan the latest update. Unlike the Good Samaritan, we were choosing to “walk by” was present. Cameron, a stocky man for most of Cameron by only offering our sincerest prayers. his adult life, had deteriorated to nothing more Little did we realize, God would answer our prayer in a way we least ex- than a skeleton in less than three months. Bed- pected. Cameron did not have a relationship with Jesus throughout his life, ridden, he struggled for breath, had lost his abil- and when his health started to deteriorate, I began to quietly pray that an ity to speak and barely had any movements. angel would visit Cameron. As Cameron’s decline began to accelerate, the Tara explained that we had felt a strong need to urgency for Cameron to make a decision for Christ became more and more come and pray with him on that day. We shared apparent. God placed the burden of Cameron’s salvation on my heart. beautiful pictures of crosses with rainbows in the At this time, Tara was reading a book called, “Before Amen: The Power of a background that our children had drawn for Simple Prayer” by Max Lucado. Tara had just finished a moving chapter about him and hung them in his room. We then joined the power of persistent and intercessory prayer. I decided to read the chapter hands and prayed with Joan and Cameron, as well and sensed that God was inviting me to pray for Cameron’s salvation and I read scripture. more fervently. I did just that and committed to privately praying the same After sharing Romans 10:5-13 and Revela- request – for God to send an angel to Uncle Cameron. tion 3:20-22, I told Cameron that anyone who There was definitely a sense of optimism in the air when I heard the news calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. By that Cameron was open to having Russell, his brother, pray for him at his the grace of God, I was given the courage and bedside. With tears in his eyes, Russell reported that Cameron had squeezed boldness to ask Cameron if he would like to re- his hand with affirmation as Russell prayed over him. Despite the fact that ceive Jesus Christ into his heart as his Lord and God was beginning to soften Cameron’s heart, time seemed to be running Saviour. With a nod of his weary head, Cameron out. There had been no news regarding whether or not Cameron had sur- became a new creation in Christ that day as I rendered his life to Christ, and Russell shared the news that Cameron’s body led him in a simple prayer of surrender. was beginning to shut down. His wife Joan received news from the doctors I now know what it means when God moves on October 26, 2015, that he likely had two more weeks to live. When would mountains. God not only moved a mountain of God answer my prayer? doubt in Cameron’s heart – He moved a moun- On Sunday November 1, 2015, God did just that. God spoke into my heart tain of fear in my own! that morning with such clarity that I had no doubt what He wanted me to do. We ended our visit by Tara kissing Uncle The Holy Spirit told me he would not be sending an angel to Cameron. God Cameron’s forehead and saying with tears wanted to send me instead. Shamefully, I did not want to accept this. God streaming down, “We love you, Uncle Cameron, was stretching me far outside of my comfort zone. Why would Cameron listen and we will continue to pray for your peace and to me? I hardly knew the man, only having met him a handful of times in my comfort.” married life. The Lord reminded me of my own moment of conversion years God’s timing is perfect. On our way home, ago, when a stranger came beside me through Campus Crusade for Christ Tara got a call from her mom. Cameron left to and led me into a personal relationship with Jesus. go home to be with the Lord 10 minutes after That morning, God was silently wrestling with my heart, unbeknownst to Tara and I left. Nothing is impossible with God. N.O.W. musicians. Photos by Brian Harris Tara. What I did not realize was that God was doing the same work in her 11 changed lives - changing lives

Where God Wants Her to Be When she discovered she was pregnant, has mentored and coached these girls, and Bonnie and Brian are eternally she dropped out of school to marry her fi- grateful for the amazing impact he has made in each of their lives! We feel as ancé, Brian, whom she had been dating for parents that if your children are not connecting at church - they will not WANT four-and-a-half years. It was a difficult situation, to come. So find a place that they can serve, using their talents, gifts and pas- which Bonnie now shares with others who are sions - and become a part of community in some way! facing difficult choices in the hope that it will Bonnie loved serving in Youth Ministry until two years ago when she stepped be an encouragement to them and let them back from leadership because of too many other commitments. know that God is able to redeem situations. “I have been so blessed hanging out with these amazing teens,” says Bon- Without a strong model of a Christ follower, nie, “and felt so privileged to be able to serve in this capacity. I’ve been hon- Bonnie did not really grow in her faith until her oured to have gone on three mission trips with the youth— to Trinidad in August early 20s. She has since come to a fuller un- 2012, the Calgary MTO in July 2013 and San Diego in July 2014. My heart is derstanding of the cost of her salvation and passionate for the youth and being able to use my gifts of compassion and CSC STAFF deeply desires to know God more. She enjoys discernment.” Although she has now moved on from her leadership role, she is her quiet time with God every morning, and aware that working with youth was where God placed her at that time in her life. while she drives around Calgary, she talks to In September 2014, she graduated from Freedom Session at CSC North Jesus. West, then she served as a facilitator and now is a sponsor. Bonnie is enthusias- BY JANET SEEVER, “When I feel burdened with all of the ex- tic about the program: “This has really proven to be a time of growth and shown Contributing Writer pectations the world puts on me and those I me how to lean harder into God when I don’t have the answers. I feel privileged put on myself, I know it’s time to bring it to Him. to walk through challenging times with my FS ladies’ group. It’s not an easy road, “I just want to be where God wants me to be,” He can handle my problems so much better but I am so encouraged by the determination they are showing to make the says Bonnie Harris. Bonnie serves as the church than I can! In the past 10 years, my love for the changes necessary to walk in freedom!” administrator of the North West Campus of Cen- Lord has grown exponentially! “I am passion- tre Street Church, a position she has held since ate about studying God’s Word, recently chal- GREATEST PASSION June 2013. Mike and Jon Schorr, who knew her lenging myself to memorize more and hide His Bonnie Harris’ greatest passion in life is children—especially her own. That pas- well, thought she would be perfect for the job. Word in my heart.” sion comes through in the areas she has served at church. She says, “Children They referred her for it and she was hired. She loves reading and listening to Bible are at the top of my heart. It’s a delight to see them grow and learn - it’s inspiring It has been a steep learning curve for her, a teachers such as Beth Moore, Max Lucado to watch them spread their wings and see where God is going to take them!” time of stretching and growing. She deeply ap- and Charles Swindoll, who spur her on to a She loves their vitality and energy. She and her family sponsor three Compas- preciates having the supportive team of Pastor deeper understanding of Scripture. sion Canada children, one for each of their three daughters. Lawson and Mike and Jon Schorr to serve along- “I just love hanging out with my family,” she says. She also likes to keep in side. Working with them has helped her tremen- COMING TO CSC touch with her extended family who live in Winnipeg. They get together at least dously in her own walk with God. Bonnie and her husband Brian married in 1993 once a year. A warm, caring person, Bonnie radiates and now have three daughters - Britt (22), When her children were younger, Bonnie was a stay-at-home mom. A cre- compassion. “I feel so very blessed to have this Becca (20) and Jillian (18) - whom they great- ative person, Bonnie loves to create artwork and used to own her own art for opportunity to serve in this capacity,” she says. ly love. Bonnie’s family started coming to CSC an on-line business, Joyful Heart Creations. She painted children’s art for more “I think I serve best behind the scenes, so it’s a North West in September 2011. Her youngest than eight years. good fit.” daughter, Jill, had come to the youth group Now that her children are grown, Bonnie will not rule out going back to with a friend a few times and just loved it! So school someday to complete her degree and/or using her art in some way in GROWING IN GOD’S GRACE as a family, they felt they needed to change the future. The youngest of four children, Bonnie grew up churches to focus on helping their daugh- in Winnipeg, where she attended a small Breth- ters grow in their faith and ‘want’ to come to ren church with her family. She met Jesus at the church. young age of five through her older sister. When Mike and Becky Schorr got the girls in- her sister came home one night from a youth volved immediately. When Mike found out that Bible study, she shared that she had become a they loved to sing and play guitar, he connect- Christian. She then told Bonnie that if she died, ed them to the Centre Street Music Academy she would not be going to heaven with her. That and soon they were participating in worship alarmed Bonnie, who did not want to be left be- services. Brian is also very involved at NW and hind, so that night she accepted Christ as her Central campus in photography and behind Saviour as well. the scenes at events - Bonnie feels so blessed As a young child, Bonnie lived in a dysfunc- that the entire family serves in some capacity tional family, where alcoholism was present. She at church! had a very strong gift of discernment about the Now both Britt and Becca are co-worship darkness in her home and frequently felt anx- leaders, and Jill is playing bass. They are all us- ious and insecure. She could sense evil and was ing their gifts to serve the Lord. What a blessing often under attack by the enemy, but no one and honour this opportunity is for them! Bec- could understand what she was talking about. ca is now studying with Hillsong in Australia. The drinking in her home stopped when she was “We don’t think there is a better youth 18, but her nightmares did not. group out there,” says Bonnie. “Personally, Brian “It wasn’t until I got married at 24 and left and I have developed some wonderful friend- home that I finally didn’t have nightmares or the ships at NW Campus, and we feel so blessed presence of darkness overshadowing me,” says to be able to volunteer and work in several ar- Bonnie. At that time, she was studying psychol- eas in ministry.” ogy at the University of Manitoba and had com- Britt is also a Youth leader as was Becca pleted her third year. until she left for Hillsong, but will certainly be Bonnie Harris with her daughter Jillian, husband Brian and daughters, Britt, Becca. stepping back into that role on her return. Mike Photo by the Grant Family 12 csc news • Spring 2016

Encounter God’s Presence HISTORY THE MOST RECENT RETREAT Over 500 people have attended the Encounter God’s Presence Weekend through During the last weekend of October, 2015, we met at the Radisson Hotel in NE Cal- Centre Street Church over the last four years. We as a church, were given the original gary. We had a full schedule – Friday from 3:00 to 9:00 pm, Saturday from 9:00 am content and have been refining the schedule, the timing, the teaching points and to 9:00 pm, and Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm – eating lunches and dinners everything to optimize the weekend for the attendees. This is not a retreat where you together and going home to sleep in your own bed at night. We went through eight can hide away and spend lots of time in quiet with God. This is a weekend where major areas. Starting with Worship, teaching sessions were less than 30 minutes and we magnify God through worship, we practice how to hear from God for ourselves, then we worked through what God was speaking to us about in our Sacred Com- and we learn about the spiritual world we live in - how to be freed from destructive panion group of three. attitudes, temptations, bondages and ties holding us back from enjoying God’s pres- ence in our lives. There is time for healing prayer, for hearing from God and to work in WHAT HAPPENED a Sacred Companion Group where you will be taught the weapons we have at our Encounter God’s Presence was led by a team of about 15 people who arrived to pre- disposal to daily win with God. pare the conference room to be a sacred space. Every detail had been designed to help people encounter God deeper than they have before and to help them THE PURPOSE learn to re-enter that deep relationship. Every time we run the weekend, people We can find it hard to hear or to encounter God in our daily life. Sometimes we have arrive with some trepidation - not quite sure what to expect but fully expecting to things holding us back, so we deal with that. At other times we do not know how to encounter God. At the end of every retreat, people have created new friendships, use the tools available to us to engage with God every day, so we learn about them they have heard more clearly from God, they feel lighter due to less baggage and and how to use them. CSC wants to help Christians become fully devoted followers ties to the past, and they commit to working to encounter God in a deeper way daily. of Jesus, and Encounter God’s Presence is one of the best ways to take that next step People show the signs of enjoying God’s presence more and more as they move to fully encounter and be devoted to God. through the weekend. ...continued on page 14 Above: Group photo of participants at the Encounter God’s Presence Weekend; Right Top to Bottom: The room was set up beautifully and displayed artwork and resources to enhance the weekend. A flag stand. Photos by the Encounter God Team 13 changed lives - changing lives

Encounter ...continued from page 13 Encounter God’s Presence Our survey results indicate that many people leave saying this is the most important weekend in their spiritual life. FEEDBACK FROM THE ENCOUNTER GOD RETREAT “What I experienced on Encounter God Weekend was profound, and a few lines on the bulletin cannot even do it justice. To make a long story short, I had willfully cut off all ties from Jesus and the Christian faith after a series of disappointments and fail- ures in my life from job loss after job loss. I felt that God owed me something for all the hard work I put in while I was in school, and I was never really prepared for the harsh reality of the working world. One night, I had just had enough. I prayed the last prayer I would utter for two and a half years, and I basically told God to leave and never come back. During that period of isolation, I was increasingly angry, bitter and cyni- cal over everything. I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t connect with anyone because I hated and mistrusted people. I was fighting a losing battle, and I was all alone. The enemy loved every second of it, because I was completely and utterly taken out of the fight. What I experienced on Encounter God Weekend was profound. Beneath all of the burden and the baggage I carried in me, I was crying out to God for help. Even as I cursed Him every moment that I could, I was really acknowledging that I was not in control of my life, and I needed someone bigger than me to take over. For the first time in a while, in the two nights and three days that I had with complete strangers with whom I had nothing in common except a desire to find and encounter God, I felt Him and heard Him. Not in a sudden rush, but in gradual measures. I heard Him through the stories of the men and women there. I felt him through the prayers and encouragement of the volunteers, the participants and the pastors. I could no longer deny that God felt so real to me after what felt like an eternity of isolation and hope- lessness, that I prayed for forgiveness and rededicated myself to Christ. I still keep in touch with my sacred companions, sharing in each other’s praise reports and growing together in faith. I encourage anyone who wants to have a unique and profound encounter with God to come and be blessed in this ministry. Your expecta- tion is your invitation!” By Chester Flores “Encounter God’s Presence weekend was a turning point in my life. God has shown Himself strong and faithful. He showed Himself to be my healer and deliverer. I am going home filled with the Holy Spirit to fulfill God’s calling and purposes in my life. One thing I know is that I am changed and everything is different now.” By Elizabeth Sombrio “It is a life-changing weekend. I remember and felt what it was like being saved the first time many years ago. It was great to be able to let go of the baggage of fear, anxiety, guilt, destructive feelings and attitudes and release it all to God.” By Jessica Taburada “This is a weekend where freedom from bondage can be guaranteed. It is a week- end where your power over the devil is reinstated because we have authority over the devil through Christ. I wish more would experience this event.” By Michael Taburada “The Encounter God weekend has impacted me by connecting me with others and breaking some bonds and chains that have been holding me down. It is an oppor- tunity to break from the regular business of life and focus on the ways of God and how much He loves us and wants us to walk in freedom.” Gloria Agbeyakah The weekend encourages deeper faith and the opportunity to encounter God is a new way. “I am truly overwhelmed by the happiness I now feel. I feel ready to take on the world Photos by the Encounter God Team again now with God at my side.” Chad Livingstone 14 csc news • Spring 2016

SEPTEMBER 2015 - APRIL 2016 Birth Announcements Dedications NAME DATE PARENTS Evelyn Elisa Marie Tubbesing October 11, 2015 Levi George Escott July 6, 2013 Ben & Esther Escott Vivienne Apron Barte February 6, 2015 Ella Nyaboke Mutheu Makori September 9, 2015 Joe & Jacqui Makori Ella Nyaboke Mutheu Makori February 21, 2016 Evelyn Elisa Marie Tubbesing September 28, 2015 Philipp & Allison Tubbesing Wyatt Timothy Hayes November 2, 2015 Ben & Marcella Hayes Corwin Adam Henry Dees February 21, 2016 Vanessa Mae Matthews November 26, 2015 Michael & Sandra Matthews Zoey Elizabeth Martin February 21, 2016 Danielle Oghenemaero Odoko December 30, 2015 Emmanuel & Ijeoma Odoko Noah Joseph Markus February 21, 2016 Talitha Sophya Ladouceur January 3, 2016 Lonny & Nadja Ladouceur Lars Douglas Warner February 21, 2016 Zoey Elizabeth Martin January 30, 2016 Paul & Channah Martin Jedediah Asare Opoku March 20, 2016 Sable Anna Escott January 31, 2016 Ben & Esther Escott Chanessa Faith Schmidt April 17, 2016 Damien Michael Diep February 2, 2016 Khin Diep & Irene Chia Andrew Gomezya Kamanga April 17, 2016 Audrey Friesen February 17, 2016 Shane & Christin Friesen Rachel Emily Zapanta Tram April 17, 2016 Samantha Jane Lau February 26, 2016 Paul & Andrea Lau Alyssa Margaret June Gunn April 24, 2016 Sierra Grace Mackenzie March 21, 2016 Jason & Kelsey Mackenzie Jaren James Henry Bryce April 2, 2016 Mike & Leanne Bryce Scarlett Elizabeth White April 3, 2016 Jeff & Faye White Annabella Grace Gradinaru April 19, 2016 Tiberiu & Jessy Gradinaru In Remembrance Shae Kirk January 2, 2016 Baptisms Peter Jackson** Faith Riegel** Weddings Dave MacGregor January 2, 2016 Kyle Kinghorn Adam Ryan Alta Mae Hannah January 8, 2016 Nancy Alinsaingan Shelley Klumpp Luke Saunder Travis & Dawn Airhart Megan Buss** Amber Knudson Alexander Schober** February 20, 2016 Michael Karazub January 17, 2016 Stefan Campbell Karen Lantin Lydia Schober** Jeffrey Lechelt January 27, 2016 Dave Castley Danika Livingstone Jimmy Scott Brent & Siobhan Hogg Diana Savinkoff February 5, 2016 Ricky Chan Viola Luba Amelie Stewart * March 12, 2016 Gerold Claricia Nathan Masson Kim Suan * Michael & Roxalynn Pickles Evan Caldwell February 6, 2016 Agape Clemente Khalid Nazar Celine Surjanto * March 12, 2016 Jordan Caldwell February 6, 2016 Agatha Clemente Aaron Palin Ayren Taylor Dale Lieske February 9, 2016 Sean De Koning* Joy Pittens Jessie Wallace Troy & Stephanie Wiebe Sandra Garratt February 18, 2016 Jesse De Wispelaere Evella Po Evan Weenink March 19, 2016 Faith Fowler** Ashley Popoff Allan Weller Annie Simpson February 20, 2016 Joseph Gorospe Alireza-Morady Rahdar Jacob Wituoet Joseph & Tanya Schreiner Wilfrid ‘Wilf’ Hall March 4, 2016 Melinda Gravelle Tiffany Reimer * child ** youth April 23, 2016 Donald Jung March 5, 2016 Ryan Gudwer Rebecca Richardson Mark & Ashley Banks Louise Nelson March 23, 2016 April 23, 2016 Sheila Vuksanovich March 24, 2016 Stephen & Stephanie Green Britni Joyal April 2, 2016 New Members Katelyn Patterson April 23, 2016 Juan Migotti April 6, 2016 Grace Cruz Francois Lacroix Alina Pop Stuart & Pearl McCallum Sophie Nelson April 13, 2016 Erik Isfeld Debra Matiko Sebastian Pop April 30, 2016 Susanna Gregoire April 27, 2016 Julie Kandalaft Sandra Matthews Faye White Ronald Kinch Adeline Maxim Jeff White 15 changed lives - changing lives

N.O.W. baptisms on February 7, 2016 included Jimmy Scott and Shelley Klumpp, Photos by Brain Harris 16 csc news • Spring 2016