Christian Living Magazine September 2013

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

JOSE P H

Evaneski

Owner of Loyal to One helps former prisoners

AN AFRICAN

Perspective Vincent Kituku Helps Young Kenyans

JEAN

Lockhart City Light’s

‘Out Of the Box’ Director

Joseph Evaneski

Contents September / October 2013 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

— 2 Timothy 1:7

Features Vincent Kituku:

Benefactor to Kenyan schoolchildren

4

Kituku Nonprofit

Jean Lockhart:

8

14 18

6

10

‘Out of the box’ believer

Cover Story — Joseph Evaneski:

Columns

12

22

Outdoors with Dougherty: First-time hunting trip with Dad Consider This: Adopted dog blesses its owners Faith & Finances: Clarifying advisor compensation Maximum Health: Healing the body from within

Departments 7

Creativity in the Kitchen: Sopa de Quinua

19

Q & A: The value of corporate fasting

20

Loyal to One, helping many

Christian Businesspeople: Kim Shoecraft sells ‘treasures’

In Each Edition

Frank Wyant: Captain, coach, Christian

16

3

Editor’s Intro: Ordinary people, extraordinary work

3

Quotes & Scripture: Quotes from Love INC of Treasure Valley

Faith: 21 Lifelong ‘Dr. Mamie’ goes

Volume 1, Number 2 Publisher Sterling Media Ltd. Editor Gaye Bunderson gayeb@sterlingmedialtd.com 208-639-8301 Sales & Marketing Melva Bade melvab@sterlingmedialtd.com 208-501-9024 Sales Manager Sandy Jones Graphic Design Denice King Contributors Dan Dougherty, Dan Woodworth, Joel Lund and Rosie Main Cover Photography Pearman Photography Distribution Assistants Doris Evans and Shawna Howard

Christian Living is committed to encouraging and instructing individuals in their daily lives by presenting stories of people in the Treasure Valley who are living on a foundation of faith in Jesus Christ and who serve as uplifting examples to others. Views expressed in Christian Living do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Every effort has been made by Christian Living to insure accuracy of the publication contents. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy of all information nor the absence of errors and omissions; hence, no responsibility can be or is assumed. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2013 by Sterling Media Ltd. Christian Living is published every other month and is available in high traffic locations throughout the Treasure Valley.

from prof to pastor

September / October 2013 | Christian Living

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EDITOR’S Intro

Amazing people among us

By Gaye Bunderson Some amazing individuals live in the Treasure Valley, and they’re not well-known apart from a circle of family, friends and the people they’ve influenced in the local area (or, in the case of one person, the people they’ve touched well beyond the state’s borders).

I admit it’s cliché to criticize our celebrity-obsessed culture, and I know as well that many famous people are notable for their philanthropy. But the kind of people who garner so much attention for acting in over-hyped movies don’t hold a proverbial candle to the people I’ve met over the past few months, who live so-called ordinary lives in quiet Idaho.

Let me give you some examples: • Joseph Evaneski helps former prison inmates get back on their feet. He recognizes what many people in society don’t: people who’ve served time behind bars are still, like the rest of us, loved by God. What’s great is that while Evaneski helps these men reintegrate into society, he requires them to give back by serving others in the community.

• Frank Wyant has devoted many years of his life to the Caldwell Police Department. In his free time he’s coached boys’ baseball and basketball and formed a girls’ softball league. As a devout Christian, he feels his faith is a 24/7 lifestyle. “I want to live my life at work the same way throughout the week as on Sunday,” he said. “The only Jesus people will see is through me.”

• Jean Lockhart selflessly helps women and children in crisis through her work at City Light, a part of the Boise Rescue Mission.

Jean doesn’t toot her own horn, but her boss, Rev. Bill Roscoe, likes to sing her praises. “She does things that are so absolutely out of the box to help people,” he said.

• Vincent Kituku is a familiar face in the Treasure Valley — he just stands out, with his Africa-inspired stories of lions, gazelles and buffaloes. When the affable Kituku suffered despair over the well-being of young people in his homeland of Kenya, his answer was to form a nonprofit that would give financing to students lacking the neces-

sary funds to attend high school.

There’s no time in Kituku’s life to just sit and stew when wrongs can be righted through action.

These are just some of the people featured in this edition of Christian Living, and there’s no shortage of similar stories to present to our readers in subsequent editions — just one of the things that makes doing this so worthwhile.

But we don’t hold to the position that there are two kinds of people: big deals and nobodies. God sees everyone’s life as having immense value. The individuals highlighted in this edition are examples of what a service-based life can be like, and I’m certain they’d all readily admit they’re far from perfect.

Christian Living would like to hear from its readers. Please share your personal achievements — however “small” they may seem to you — by sending them to me at gayeb@ sterlingmedialtd.com. Space allowing, we’ll print them from time to time, giving God the glory for all the things He does for us. n Gaye Bunderson, Editor gayeb@sterlingmedialtd.com

QUOTES & Scripture

Quotes from Love INC of Treasure Valley Love INC is a national organization, and in southwest Idaho there are two branches: Love INC of Treasure Valley and Love INC of the Boise Community. Despite its business-based model and the business-sounding name, the INC stands for “in the Name of Christ.”

The overriding philosophy of Love INC, as described on its website at www.loveinc.org, is that it takes churches working together across denominational lines to meet multifaceted needs.

Love INC of Treasure Valley is located at 16446 Franklin Road in Nampa. The organization inhabits a number of spaces there, with offices, a resale shop called The Grace Place, and a donation center that takes used clothing and other items.

Lois Tupyi is the executive director.

The following are quotes by just a few of the employees who make Love INC of Treasure Valley function effectively.

Continued on page 11

www.boisechristianliving.com

“Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

— James 2:15-16 Love INC of the Boise Community has a similar organizational structure, and along with its partner churches contributes hundreds of hours of service to the local community through its many programs. Located at 2000 N. Eldorado St., Kathy Drabek serves as its executive director. For more information, visit www. boiseloveinc.org; for more information about the Treasure Valley chapter, visit www.loveinctv.org.

Christian Living | September / October 2013

VINCENT Kituku

Motivational speaker confronts his own life challenge

By Gaye Bunderson Throughout his more than 50 years, Vincent Kituku never experienced a shakeup of his faith until the recent past.

“I never questioned God about the purpose of living until four years ago while visiting Kenya. I suffered from depression and thought, ‘What is the use of getting up in the morning?’”

Kituku said.

The cause of his despair was seeing people in his native land who could not pay the cost of sending their children to high school, relegating the youths to a substandard life. There were other troubles in his homeland, and Kituku was not a man for whom feeling despondent was a frequent occurrence.

“I discovered that I am not immune to being depressed by witnessing human suffering,” he wrote on his website at the time. “I have been an emotional wreck since traveling to Kenya and witnessing firsthand the devastating effects of three years of drought, pathetic government leadership, and AIDS.” Kituku — whose full name is Vincent Muli Wa Kituku — makes his living as a motivational speaker to businesses, individuals and the Boise State Broncos, uplifting and inspiring people, frequently using metaphors from African life such as his “spearing buffaloes” analogy for conquering difficulties.

He had undertaken his African trip as a way of dealing with the economic downturn in the U.S., where he has lived since the 1980s, by “thinking globally” to find new clients. While he did hold paid seminars in Kenya, his contact with the less fortunate people in the African nation is what stayed with him.

Long ago, he himself was one of the underprivileged residents of the former British colony. Now highly educated, an author and the owner of Kituku & Associates, he grew up poor in Kangundo, Kenya, suffering

Boise’s Vincent Kituku, in back, stands with some of the young Kenyans he has worked with through his charitable organization, Caring Hearts and Hands of Hope. The children are: in red sweater, Pauline, an orphan; in blue jean jacket, Mueke; tall boy in gold and blue, Kimani; and the smaller boy, Dominic, who is visually impaired. (Courtesy photo)

from chronic illness and lackluster academic performance. He lost five siblings by the age of 40.

But rather than being defeated by his troubles, he allowed them to shape his ability to empathize with others.

It is how he is able to connect with people — all kinds of people — on an “if I can do it, so can you” level.

So when Kituku found himself melancholy over the plight of his fellow countrymen, he sought to slay his personal “buffalo” the way he often has in life — by piercing it with a spear of compassion. He launched a nonprofit called Caring Hearts & Hands of Hope in 2010.

The idea behind the philanthropy is to help disadvantaged children get the money they need to complete their educations.

“Orphans, children of widows and/or single mothers and from poor

September / October 2013 | Christian Living

families have no future in Kenya unless God performs miracles,” Kituku wrote at www.caringheartsandhandsofhope.org.

Without fanfare, he tells the story of giving $106.70 to a stranger in Nairobi in 2010 after seeing the man in tears over his lack of funds to send his child to high school. After receiving Kituku’s money, along with $26.70 for school books, the man said in his native language: “This is a miracle.”

Since launching the foundation, Kituku and other generous, caring contributors have helped 240 young people in Kenya fulfill their dreams for a good education. He has also given 34 students personal care supplies, including hygiene products.

“Turn it into something inspiring,” Kituku said of his own personal trial, in the same vein as he has encouraged so many with his literature and presentations. “I see success (for the young people) every day.”

And the young people, and their school superiors, respond. Kituku has received grateful emails from many of them, such as the one below. (Remember, English is not their native language.)

Dr. kituku, thanks for ur concern for poor girl child education...Let me say that CHHH has given hope where there was none. it has given a new lease of life to very needy students and especially in misyani girls. Their future which was blink is now assured. You will never regret this noble initiative which u have undertaken. long live vincent. long live CHHH. — Angelina Munyasya, Principal Misyani Girls High School (in Kangundo) Kituku seems to have recovered from his depression, largely because he attacked it head-on through a selfless project.

“Find something you can do with your heart,” he said. “I have always thrived when I am doing things that are dear to my heart.”

(For more information, visit www. caringheartsandhandsofhope.org or www.kituku.com.). n www.boisechristianliving.com

www.boisechristianliving.com

Christian Living | September / October 2013

More than 200 students helped by Kituku nonprofit ers whose daughters are sponsored by CHHH. We also provide four HIV-positive mothers with monthly support for medical and immune-boosting foodstuff.”

Kituku has been aided in his work on behalf of needy Kenyans by generous sponsors throughout the Treasure Valley, as well as sponsors in eastern Oregon and a few other states.

On average it costs $350 to $500 per year to send a young person to high school in Kenya, depending on school level. According to Kituku, levels include national, provincial and district, with costs at the national level averaging more than $800 per year. The funds provide a student with room and board, books, uniforms, shoes and all other expenses for school-related activities.

CHHH also helps provide personal hygiene products at a cost of roughly $25 for three months of school. In this way, CHHH works to meet a student’s every need where possible.

Each donor is given a photo and name of the student he or she is sponsoring, as well as the school, the principal’s name, and contact information. Sponsors are also updated at least three times a year on their student’s academic progress.

“A leader needs to learn to bounce back from the effects of his ‘buffaloes’ and help those around him bounce back from their ‘buffaloes’ as well,” said Kituku.

(For more information, visit www.caringheartsandhandsofhope.org.) n

September / October 2013 | Christian Living

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By Gaye Bunderson Americans’ familiarity with buffaloes — or bison, as they are more accurately called — is quite different from that of African villagers’ experiences with the animals. Americans see them as beasts hunted

by Native Americans years ago for food and clothing but which are now the seemingly benign creatures that wander around Yellowstone Park.

The African water buffalo, however, didn’t just wander about a national park. It posed a real threat to human life when it made its way into a hamlet.

“Water buffaloes invaded villages without warning, disturbing harmony and leaving villagers insecure and stressed,” according to Vincent Kituku.

Kituku, author of “Overcoming Buffaloes at Work and in Life,” relates how villagers would slay a buffalo and uses that as an analogy for slaying the symbolic buffaloes that prevent us from making the most of our lives.

Faced with despair over the plight of young people in his native Kenya, Kituku overcame his own “buffalo” in 2010 by starting a charity: Caring Hearts and Hands of Hope. One of the primary purposes of CHHH is to help young people pursue their high school education by providing them with the funds they lack to do so.

So far, 240 students have received help through CHHH. “And we have 34 in destitute condition,” Kituku said. “We will help construct at least four houses, each with a living room and two bedrooms for single moth-

www.boisechristianliving.com

CREATIVITY In The Kitchen

Try a flavorful — and spicy soup Sopa de Quinua

This flavorful soup is inspired by a traditional quinoa dish eaten in South and Central America.

Adjust the amount or type of chile pepper to make it as spicy or mild as you like.

www.boisechristianliving.com

1 tbsp oil 1 cup diced onion 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 serrano chile, minced 1 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp ground black pepper 1/2 tsp salt 2 tomatoes, diced 1 medium Yukon Gold potato, cubed 8 cups vegetable broth 1 cup yellow corn kernels 1 cup diced red bell pepper 3/4 cup quinoa 1/4 cup chopped parsley 2 tbsp chopped cilantro 2 tbsp lime juice

Heat oil in soup pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 10 minutes. Add garlic, serrano chile, cumin, black pepper and salt.

Cook until fragrant, 1–2 minutes. Add tomatoes, potato and broth. Cook over medium to medium-low heat until potato is soft, about 40 minutes. Add corn, bell pepper and quinoa. Cook, stirring occasionally, until quinoa begins to soften, about 8 minutes. Add parsley, cilantro and lime juice just before serving. Makes 6 servings.

(This recipe is provided courtesy of Bob’s Red Mill, a natural foods, whole grain and gluten-free products company based in Milwaukie, Ore.)

Christian Living | September / October 2013

OUTDOORS With Dougherty

A boy’s first duck hunting trip with his dad

By Dan Dougherty It is amazing how quickly the years fly by … grade school, high school, college, work, marriage, kids, and retirement. I could go on, but the inevitability of the future is somewhat depressing, something we all must face: “The thought of death I do not mind, it’s missing those I leave behind.”

So, it’s live life to the fullest and enjoy each day, come what may.

My life’s focus has been on Faith, Family, Friends and Funting. I mean Hunting. (I got caught up in a moment of alliteration!) It all started way back when as a boy of 9 I went on my first actual “Big Boy” hunt with my father.

Dan Dougherty taught school in the Treasure Valley My father was the minister of for 40 years and retired in May. He now has plenty a church in Pendleton, Ore. My of time to enjoy the outdoors whenever he wants. mother, two teenage brothers, and my little brother of 4 were gone to a boots had been laid out the night Church Youth Convention in Walla before and I quickly dressed.

Walla, Wash. I stayed home to keep Following my father’s reverent my father company with a promise voice, I found him in his morning of going hunting and getting to ritual on his knees in front of the shoot the model 12, 20 gauge. couch praying for, as it seemed that No Gun Safety Program in those morning, everybody and everydays. We were trained and hunted thing. I waited impatiently, not at the discretion of our father. I wanting to disturb him and get knew my father would be shootthat “look.” He must have sensed ing his model 12, 3 inch 12 gauge, my presence. His deep blue eyes which I considered a heavy “canopened and with a loving smile, he non.” motioned me to kneel beside him.

My father made me go to bed He asked me to pray. I hurriedly early because we were going to be muttered something about a great up well before sun-up. Normally, I day, safety, and killing lots of ducks. would have balked at getting up so I heard a distinct chuckle from my early, but I could hardly wait. It was father. like Christmas Eve. The anticipaSoon the car was loaded and we tion was keeping me from slumber. headed out. We left Pendleton and It wasn’t the thought of Sugar headed down the Umatilla River Plums dancing in my head; it was towards Rieth. Near a small sawmore like Flying Ducks. mill with a glowing incinerator we The next morning, with some parked and headed toward a pond effort, my father roused me from a alongside the river. A few stars were deep sleep. (Don’t you hate going still out and the sky was starting to to bed wide awake and waking up lighten. asleep?!) It only took a few moWe proceeded through thick, tall ments for the cobwebs to clear and grass to the pond’s edge. My father propel me out of bed with great whispered, “Ducks. ... I’ll count to excitement. My hunting clothes and September / October 2013 | Christian Living

three and we will get up and shoot them as they rise.”

I nodded my head, but for the life of me I saw no ducks. On three we jumped up to shoot. Luckily I did not fire. My gun was pointed about 15 yards at the water in front of us. I greatly under-estimated the range of my weapon. As Dad fired, my vision was drawn halfway across the pond as two ducks were taking flight. In rapid progression two shots were fired and both ducks dropped at the edge of the pond.

I blurted out, “Great shots, Dad!” (Trying to make it appear it was my plan all along to let him do the shooting.)

Before Dad proceeded around the pond in his chest waders to retrieve the ducks, he told me to sit quietly and keep my eyes open. He said to always be aware of where he was and watch for any circling ducks.

I sat by an old stump surrounded by tall grass. I had two shells in my gun. (Old timers may remember those green cardboard Remington shells with the yellow inserts in the end with the shot number and powder charge labeled.)

My dad collected his birds and was just disappearing through the grass heading toward the river when I saw three ducks circling. As they passed overhead I raised my gun to fire. Nothing happened. I had forgotten to take off the safety.

Fearing I had missed my chance, in anguish I reverted to my family training: praying.

“Dear Lord,” I prayed, “let me shoot a duck!”

Almost instantly I saw that the three ducks were coming back with wings set for landing. When I raised to shoot, they flared and I fired.

To my astonishment and joy, I saw feathers fly as one duck started an uncontrolled decent toward the river. To my dismay it landed in a head-down heap about five yards out in the gentle flowing water. www.boisechristianliving.com

Not having on wading boots I helplessly followed it down the river, hoping it might float closer to shore. I was almost in tears realizing I wouldn’t be able to get it. Suddenly, my dad appeared. Seeing my dilemma he waded out into the water, and using his gun like a long stick, pulled the duck within his grasp. On shore with a huge smile he handed me my duck and said, “Pin-tail.”

With two ducks in the trunk and mine in my lap in the front seat we headed home. My dad said we would have duck to eat for Mom and the boys when they got home Sunday afternoon. I felt so proud.

I asked, “Are we going to eat my donkey duck?”

He just laughed. Not remembering what he had called it and not knowing my ducks that well I associated its name with a childhood party game.

On Sunday, with the return of the rest of the family, we sat down to eat. After the blessing, as the food was being passed, one of my brothers asked what kind of duck we were eating. With a twinkle in his eye and humor in his voice my father Photo courtesy USGS. www.usgs.gov answered, “Donkey.”

Way back when, first duck shot, Nov. 29, 1958. n

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Christian Living | September / October 2013

JEAN Lockhart

City Light’s ‘out of the box’ director

City Light Director Jean Lockhart stands near a just-planted spring garden earlier this year at Boise Rescue Mission offices in Boise. (Photo by Gaye Bunderson)

By Gaye Bunderson Visit City Light Home for Women and Children in the downtown Boise area and see firsthand what God and people can do together.

City Light is part of Boise Rescue Mission Ministries. The majority of funding for City Light, which offers food, housing and counseling to Treasure Valley women and children in need, comes from citizens in the community; many of the services offered are provided by volunteers.

Take a tour with Director Jean Lockhart and see babies safely

sheltered in an environment of love.

Talk to some of the residents and hear them boldly tell their stories of triumph over deeply dark pasts.

On a recent weekday in May, there were 120 women and 40 children availing themselves of the help at City Light, including temporary housing.

Lockhart has been the City Light director for five years. In the past three years, she said, the ministry has significantly expanded its children’s programs.

“We’ve done a lot with the kids and for the kids,” Lockhart said.

10 September / October 2013 | Christian Living

“The community has stepped up and donated goods, services and money.”

Programs broadened to include a homework club, as well as summer and after-school activities while mothers seek employment or pursue GEDs. But despite the many successes at City Light, Lockhart will also tell you that much remains to be done.

She also serves as chief operating officer for the Boise Rescue Mission and is well aware of the overall ministry budget; she is equally aware of the scope of need faced by the many people seeking assistance at the Mission’s three facilities: City Light, River of Life Men’s Shelter at 575 13th St. in Boise, and The Lighthouse Rescue Mission at 472 Caldwell Blvd. in Nampa.

Even though the ministry functions by faith, Lockhart admits that, even then, it’s still difficult.

“We don’t know how much money we’re going to have. We can predict or forecast, but we don’t really know. With trusting God, I may have a plan and it doesn’t work out. … But with trusting God, his way is better,” she said. “It’s hard to see people suffering, or making bad decisions. There’s a lot of need, but resources are always tight.”

Lockhart said it takes about $4 million a year for the Mission to function effectively. Because it is a nonprofit, it depends on donations; 72 percent of contributions comes from individuals, 14 percent from businesses, 12 percent from foundations, and the rest from churches.

“We don’t take federal or state money because we couldn’t talk about Jesus if we did,” Lockhart said.

In 2012, the Mission served more than 340,000 meals at its three shelters, as well as provided 125,000 nights of shelter for men, women and children, including 2,333 firsttime homeless. www.boisechristianliving.com

Love INC Quotes continued from page 3

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“We really believe people need to tell their stories, and they need to think about the positives in life. … We want them to understand it’s really God that’s working for them, providing for them. That’s where the future is for them.”

— Nancy Daniels, coordinator of The Clearinghouse “I have no degree for this; you have to be called. I’m a social worker for Jesus. … It’s been a privilege. I get to see miracles on a daily basis. You have no doubts how big God is. You can’t do this without him.”

— Hilary Ford, transformational program coordinator

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“On the positive side, we helped 598 people out of homelessness and into their homes,” Lockhart said. “We have children’s programs, veterans’, trauma, education, mental health and lots of other programs designed to help our folks move out (of Mission facilities) and keep their homes. We’re here for them so that after they leave, if they need something they can always ask us for help. Sometimes it’s the smallest thing that means the difference between staying in their homes and losing that home.

“We love and care for the people who come to us with the love of Christ, just trying to show them His love, like He showed us.”

While roughly 4,000 people volunteer annually to help out at the Mission, there are 30 paid employees also, each of whom are as dedicated as Lockhart. Some of them are former residents, while others are individuals who have worked in corporate and industry jobs, leaving that world behind to serve God and people through faith-based work.

“It’s a calling. If you want it to be just a job — well, people like that are disappointed and leave,” Lockhart said, admitting she has occasionally confronted those same feelings herself.

“Sometimes it’s tempting to leave. The work is very draining. I have to pray and say, ‘God, what do you want me to do?’ No matter how hard it is, you have to wait. But I love it here, I love my job, I love my boss,” she said.

Her boss is the Rev. Bill Roscoe, executive director of the Boise Rescue Mission. Lockhart said one of the great things about Roscoe is his ability to value everyone on the same level.

“Bill likes everybody equally, from major donors to the homeless,” she said.

“She does things that are so absolutely out of the box to help people,” Roscoe said of Lockhart. “We had a woman one time who was suicidal, and in the middle of the night Jean was called at home and told, ‘We are dealing with this woman...’ She came down to City Light and slept alongside her bed — and the lady is still alive.”

Roscoe praised other staff as being among the most committed people he has ever worked with, and he commended the local community for always stepping up when called upon to help the Mission meet its goals.

“Every year I have a new sense of wonder that we did all we did and helped all the people we helped,” Roscoe said. “And people in the community funded the effort, and it’s really remarkable.” n

“Everybody has a purpose in life. We want to help people find their purpose. What do they have that they can offer back?”

— Craig Eshelman, operations/store manager of The Grace Place

Christian Living | September / October 2013 11

COVER STORY

Ex-inmates get fresh

By Gaye Bunderson Joseph Evaneski makes his home in an RV and lives on just enough money to buy food. Throughout his 56 years he has known both immense prosperity and profound failure. What he learned through it all is that the thing he really needs most in life is God. As a young man, he was told by his father to shoot for the top, be self-sufficient and provide well for his family. For a long time, he lived out his father’s creed. By age 23, he was so successful in the construction industry, he built himself a fourlevel home in Spokane.

“Success through work was something I was very familiar with. ‘I can’t’ wasn’t in my vocabulary,” Evaneski said.

He is reluctant, for matters of personal privacy, to relate how years later he ended up homeless in Boise with only $114 to his name. He was also incarcerated for a time, and all he will say about that is, “I made a bad decision. … I made a decision in my life, and I lost a lot.”

Now he lives a lifestyle that is more selfless than selfish and serves as an illustration of what God can do with a broken life.

“God allowed me to be homeless to break the yoke of self-sufficiency. Self-sufficiency is just as dirty a word as any other ‘self ’ word,” Evaneski said.

Evaneski is known by many in the Treasure Val-

12 September / October 2013 | Christian Living

ley as Pastor Joseph. In 2011 he started a ministry that centers on men released from the Idaho prison system. He sometimes takes them straight from the penitentiary, buys them their first postprison meal and gives them street clothes. He then takes them to one of the halfway house-type residences that, in his view, he was only able to establish through grace.

“God owns and operates this ministry, and he uses one man’s obedience,” he said.

With God’s guidance, Evaneski started Loyal to One Ministry — referring to his loyalty to God — and Safe & Sober Homes. There are now three such homes, with a total of 18 former inmate residents hoping to turn their lives around.

“God has never put it on my heart to be a fundraiser,” he said. “People of faith — including men of faith in government — are providing a way for me to purchase the homes in non-conventional ways.”

He has a lease-to-own arrangement on one home, for example. He got the houses with no money down, just through trusting God, he said.

His Safe & Sober Homes operate under strict guidelines.

“I select a certain type of person for the program,” Evaneski said.

The inmates are required to fill out an application, which includes a post-prison life plan. Then, Evaneski interviews the men themselves, as well as family members and prison counselors.

“I take each man on an individual basis,” he said.

No women are allowed in the safe houses, and though some of the men have violent criminal records, no sex offenders live in the houses. (Evaneski sometimes works with them in another setting.)

“This is a very difficult ministry,” Evaneski said.

“Some of these men have been incarcerated for 21 years. They look to me as a father, brother, pastor.

Prison beats you down; they give you a number.

I try to say to them, ‘You have worth.’ Crime doesn’t define them, but some of them will never be done doing their time in society’s eyes.”

www.boisechristianliving.com

start with Pastor Joseph He’s trying to help the men re-integrate in “It’s ‘floorboarding’ to see him interact with the healthy, pro-social ways, and he requires them to men,” Hutchins said. “ They adore him and they contribute some of their time to helping others in speak to him on whatever level they’re on, and it’s the community. just amazing to see him do this.” n “I’m teaching them to be Christian men of integrity,” he said. “We were saved to serve.”

This past March, he also opened a thrift store at 232 N. Main in Meridian to raise money as well as give inmates employment opportunities and provide furnishings for them as they pursue independent living.

Evaneski chose as his store manager Kasidy Gooch, a young man who was once incarcerated for, in his own words, “choices that I made.”

Gooch professes profound admiration for and loyalty to Evaneski.

“He’s done a lot; he’s a selfless man that has continued to provide for not only me but the guys that are part of the ministry, and the homeless and needy. He just continues to help anyone and everyone,” Gooch said. “As far as my personal relationship with him, I look at him as a mentor and a father figure; and now that I’m working for him, I’m looking at him as a boss.”

The thrift store is far more than a place to buy inexpensive merchandise, according to Gooch.

“We do more ministry with people who come into the store than we do sales,” Gooch said. “We give a word of advice — we give whatever they come in seeking. Some people come in looking for a new church, or a closer relationship with God. I tell them what we’re about and that kind of sparks something in them.”

Evaneski said he has only a 3 percent recidivism rate among his ex-prisoners. Loyal to One Ministry board member and counselor, Jim Joseph Evaneski — known by many as Pastor Joseph — works with men fresh out of the prison system. He lives on faith, obedience, and “every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Hutchins, thinks he knows why.

(Photo by Laurie Pearman)

www.boisechristianliving.com

Christian Living | September / October 2013 13

CONSIDER This

Big lessons from a tiny dog

By Dan Woodworth On Sept. 21, 2012, my wife and I adopted a 14.2-pound dog from the Idaho Humane Society. He has perfect patterns of black, brown and white colorings. He is 18 inches around and 18 inches long. He is half Dachshund and half Chihuahua.

He was found by the Oakland, Calif. police and taken to an animal shelter. He was quite traumatized; eventually, he was brought to a Boise shelter under the care of a foster family.

Who knows what he has seen and heard and felt in his six or seven years of life? Whatever he has experienced has given him fear and trust “injuries.” How many of us have been traumatized? All of us have! Some more than others, but we have all been shocked by harsh circumstances.

Well, little did we know how much this little dog would teach us during the past months. We have been consistent in our actions toward him. We pet him, cuddle with him and take him on rides in our cars.

It took three weeks to train him to go in and out of a pet door we installed. He has been fearful of doorways, but now he trusts us more.

We named him Taylor. It was my father-in-law’s suggestion.

But he is not just Taylor.

Dan Woodworth holds Tiny Transforming Taylor, the dog he and his wife Irene adopted from an animal shelter. Woodward recently released a book titled “Disappointments Transformed into Destiny.” It is an autobiographical look at how he overcame some of life’s most difficult trials. (Photo by Gaye Bunderson)

He is Tiny, Transforming Taylor. He is teaching us how to be dependent on the One who created us.

TTT has fallen in love with us so much that he wants to be close to us all the time. When we take him on a trip in one of the cars, he will press his whole body weight into us as he sits on our laps. He wants to get as close as he can to us.

When we leave him at home and come back, his tail not only wags, the whole lower half of his body wags. We are amazed at how much he misses us and wants to be with us.

The lessons he is teaching us are “living lessons.” Our Creator made us to depend on Him. He wants to take care of us the way we take care of TTT. Psalm 23 declares in the original Hebrew language: “The Lord is my

14 September / October 2013 | Christian Living

shepherd. I will not lack or want.”

Just like TTT depends on us, our Lord wants us to depend on Him. He knows how to take care of us.

“He beds me down in lush meadows, pastures of tender green grass.”

TTT knows we will give him food.

Our Lord wants us to depend on Him to be our Provider. He will give us what we need when we need it.

“He leads me beside waters of quietness and rest. He finds me quiet pools to drink from.”

Sheep are created to have “still” or “quiet” waters to drink from. Moving water scares them. We are like sheep. He is our Peace. When TTT is with us, he feels safe and relaxed.

Our Lord wants us to feel safe with Him. “He lets me catch my breath. He restores my soul.” www.boisechristianliving.com

The One who made us knows how to refresh, renew and restore us. TTT feels encouragement, hope and renewal from us. Our Lord wants to do the same for us. All we need to do is be close to Him. “He leads me in paths that are right.”

As we are repairing TTT’s trust injuries, he trusts us that we have his best interests in mind. Our Lord will heal our trust wounds by being in His Presence, and with “safe” people who will love, accept and value us.

“Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil for He is with us.”

TTT is terrified of unusual noises and movements.

When I take our car through the car wash, he will panic unless I hold him very close to me. He feels my protection, and he feels safe. As we allow our Lord to hold us safe, He will remove all fear.

“He prepares a table for us to feast in the presence of our enemies.”

TTT feels safe with us when he is close to us even though danger is around him. If we hold him, he feels calm and safe. Our Lord wants to hold us close through danger. In fact, He wants to bless us beyond our wildest dreams. All we need to do is trust Him completely, just like TTT trusts us.

“He anoints our heads with oil to refresh us. He gives us overflowing joy.”

TTT is so happy when we are near him. Our Lord has a deep desire to fill us with His joy. Just like TTT enjoys us, we need to enjoy our Lord. We need to get close to Him by praying, singing and rejoicing in Him. “Goodness and love will follow us wherever we go, and we will be with Him forever.”

As TTT stays with us, he knows that only goodness and love will follow him. He knows that we will always love and bless him. We must trust our Lord the way TTT trusts us.

He won’t leave us.

So think about TTT depending on us for his life. Let’s do the same by depending on our Lord to be our identity and security. n Dan Woodworth is an advisor, author and inspirational speaker. He is well known for his uplifting messages, and in his own life has overcome illness to become what he calls “a healthy and happy man.” He recently completed a book titled,“Disappointments Transformed into Destiny.” Copies may be obtained by contacting him at dan@ danwoodworth.org. For more information visit www.danwoodworth.org.

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Christian Living | September / October 2013 15

FRANK Wyant

Police captain went to bat for girls’ softball

By Gaye Bunderson Capt. Frank Wyant of the Caldwell Police Department has had an impact on his community as a policeman, a Christian, and a coach — especially as a girls’ softball coach.

Wyant played semi-professional baseball with the San Diego Stars before coming to the College of Idaho in Caldwell on a baseball scholarship. But he got tossed a curve ball when a sports injury that damaged his shoulder threw his sports career out of alignment.

“It ruined some of the dreams I had,” he said.

But like any tough ballplayer, Wyant walked it off, dealing with the disappointment and pursuing new goals. In 1991, he took his first job with the Caldwell Police Department and started coaching boys’ baseball teams in his spare time. Eventually, he would play a pivotal role in building a girls’ softball league, but that was a ways off.

Along with his ball cap, he also wore many hats at work.

He started out on patrol, later worked on the SWAT team, then moved on to the repeat offenders program, focusing on ways to reduce crimes committed by habitual lawbreakers. In 1993, he established CPD’s first K-9 unit with a German shepherd named Biji who lived at home with him, his wife Susie, and their two daughters Katie and Kylee.

Next, Wyant was named a school resource officer, a job he held for six years.

“It was my favorite job I’ve done,” he said.

He liked the interaction with the students and how they were able to view him as a person, not just a policeman. In about 2001, he started coaching boys’ baseball and basketball as a volunteer at Vallivue High School.

When he was eventually offered the chance to become a sergeant with the Caldwell Police Department,

“Keep looking through Kingdom glasses and look for all the God moments in everything you do.”

— Frank Wyant

Frank Wyant has risen to the rank of captain with the Caldwell Police Department. He takes great pride in both his job and his volunteer work with girls’ softball teams. (Photo by Gaye Bunderson)

he faced a difficult decision: keep a job he loved working with youth or accept a promotion and move up the career ladder. He chose employment advancement. After one year as a sergeant, he was named a lieutenant and then a captain.

“I love it,” he said. “I want to work where I live and live where I work. I see the heartbeat of the city all the time.”

It was during this time he also switched his sports emphasis because of his daughters.

“I switched from a tiny round ball to a bigger yellow ball. My daughters moved from T-ball to coach pitch to softball,” he said. “That’s when I got involved with softball.”

Around 2007, in the “bigger city” of Boise, he said, girls participated in the GALS program, or Girls Ath-

16 September / October 2013 | Christian Living

letic League. Team members were hand-picked, according to Wyant, who said that on his side of the valley, in smaller communities such as Caldwell, there wasn’t much going on in the way of girls’ softball. Because of that, the teams from Boise generally played better.

“I wanted to give everyone a chance,” he said.

He started the Caldwell Chargers softball team and pulled together players from Nampa, Middleton, Emmett and Melba as well as Caldwell. They played teams from all over Idaho and entered tournaments such as the Park City Triple Crown World Series in Utah. A long glass case near Wyant’s office at the Caldwell Police Department holds the many trophies his girls’ teams won. www.boisechristianliving.com

“It was harder to play with me, being my daughters,” Wyant said.

“There were life lessons; I learned things. My wife would say, ‘Treat your daughters like everyone else.’

She was a sounding board for me.”

His oldest daughter, Katie, now 20, is also at TVCC on a softball scholarship. His youngest daughter, 17-year-old Kaylee, plays softball in high school and on a summer league.

“He’s been my coach since I was really little,” Kaylee said, admitting he could sometimes be a taskmaster.

“If we were doing bad, he took it out more on us. He wasn’t mean, but he was a lot more rough on us. He wants us to do better than everyone else; he has higher expectations for us.

“But he’s the reason I’ve been in softball for so long. He gave us really inspirational speeches and kept us motivated.”

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Kaylee is considering becoming a church pastor when she’s older, and that’s another thing both girls learned from their dad — faith.

Wyant regularly attends church and holds fellowships with other believers on the police force. ”As a Christian, your work is your mission field,” he said. “I want to live my life at work the same way throughout the week as on Sunday.

The only Jesus people will see is through me.”

Wyant still coaches softball but has stepped back from his work with the Chargers. There are now four teams and four other coaches. He currently spends most of his time coaching the Caldwell High School Varsity Cougars girls’ softball team.

“Girls’ softball has just grown so much,” he said. n

spec 08-08

“We were very competitive,” Wyant said, “but we also had the main focus to have fun and build memories.”

One of the 350 or so young women who were coached by Wyant was Cierrah Eirvin of Caldwell, who is now 19 and a sophomore at Idaho State University.

“He’s really strict and stern, and it’s nice with a bunch of girls because we sometimes get a little crazy when we’re around each other. We get a little distracted, and he always kept us focused,” Eirvin said.

“He was serious, but I liked playing for him,” Jody Hoagland of Melba said. The 18-year-old is enrolled at Treasure Valley Community College on a softball scholarship.

If he expected a lot of the girls, he expected even more of his own children.

Christian Living | September / October 2013 17

FAITH & Finances

Understanding your advisor’s compensation ment deposit or insurance premium.

However, many financial professionals are compensated through fees.

These may be asset-based fees, such as 1 percent a year of whatever the client has invested. It might be a fee based on specific research for the client. Most professionals are compensated in both ways, while some are paid employees, earning a salary or wage (“base”) with potential for a Three More reduced payout of fees and/or comMisconceptions missions.

5 “They all sell what their firm wants 4 “They all get paid by (blank).” Not them to.” While this is generally a all finance pros are compensated the misconception, it is too often the same way. Many are paid a comtruth.

With a high level of certainty, mission for assisting their client with whatever the firm creates for their implementing a financial solution professionals — agents or adviof some kind, either insurance or sors — to sell, the payouts for these investment related. “home-grown” products will almost This commission can vary considalways be higher than other options. erably, depending on the product Financial professionals working delivering the solution. Some can go for national, well-branded compaas high as 10 percent of the client’s nies — especially insurance investfirms — may only be allowed to offer their firm’s products. This is true, even if the professional’s licensing allows them to offer solutions their company doesn’t provide.

In other words, offering anything other than their firm’s options can run the professional afoul of their firm, and even get them in trouble with the regulatory agency(ies) covering their area of specialization.

6 “They all have it made.”

Clearly, a great attraction to the industry (either side) is the potential to make a good income, with the prospect of making a tremendous amount of money. With some degree of success, the financial professional will likely be in the top 2 percent of all income earners in North America. However, there is a dark side.

By Joel Lund In part one on our series about what you, the consumer, need to understand about the people in the financial services industry, we began the process of demystifying the business of professional money guidance. Below, the conversation continues.

18 September / October 2013 | Christian Living

Joel Lund is an experienced financial advisor, author, and former youth minister. He is also CEO of his own company, Prepare For Rain, LLC. He may be reached at (208) 514-8607; by email at Joel@PrepareForRain.com; or on Twitter, @ PrepareForRain.

Virtually every financial company “incents” their sales force with quotas. Either their professionals need to hit a minimum income level or a minimum sales volume, often a mix of both. Consider for a moment what this means: towards the end of the year, if your advisor or agent is shy of their minimum requirement, you can rest assured they are under considerable pressure to “exceed their bogey,” “exceed their target,” “clear their threshold,” or risk termination as a New Year’s Eve gift.

Alternately, they may face a “haircut” on the next year’s payout scale until they meet the New Year’s minimum. Worst of all, many firms include a minimum sales volume for their proprietary products. Consequently, these professionals may have a difficult time keeping the best interests of their client in mind, when they may risk losing their own ability to pay a mortgage.

Next time, we’ll look at the final four consumer misconceptions about financial advisors. n www.boisechristianliving.com

Q &A

Going without can help you gain what’s important

By Gaye Bunderson Matt Hyde is a pastor/elder at Discovery Church in Boise (formerly known as Boise Valley Christian Communion) located at 1177 N. Roosevelt Street. Earlier this year, Hyde answered questions about the value of corporate fasting. Like many churches, BVCC had undertaken a 21-day fast at the beginning of the year that involved the entire congregation. Here’s what Hyde had to say about the experience:

Q. When did the church decide to take on an all-congregation fast?

A. Last year was the first time. Not the first time we’ve called for a corporate fast, but starting out the year in 2012, we’d spent time in prayer and were seeking the Lord for what He wanted for us in 2013. We did a 21day fast. We had started initially praying in 2011, and it was early in the fall when we started talking about it.

There were churches around the country that we had been aware of that had started off the year with a fast, and we found a whole bunch of resources online, books such as Jentezen Franklin’s “Fasting” and a book titled “Fasting Forward” by Billy Wilson. And we didn’t develop any of our own resources. The things we pointed folks to were different things we found, with the idea being a “heart motive” of denying ourselves things.

When we think of fasting, we think of food, but there’s lots of other things; in fact, we had people fasting from using social media and other things we give lots of our time to. The goal is “not to give all of my time to these things, but to put my time with You, Lord, ahead of those things.” We spent time preparing people for that.

Q. What kind of fast did you personally undertake?

A. I did a juice and broth fast — a juice, “smoothie” and vegetable fast.

It’s one of those things . . . I think so often we say that we trust God, but there’s things that we build into our lives consciously and unconsciously that are by our own strength and our own wisdom. The fast also really exposed those areas of weakness, fear and shame for the things that we turn to instead of God. When we talked about, “What is God saying to you personally and what do you hear Him saying to us collectively as a congregation?” I would honestly say that what we’ve experienced over the last year is God has just expedited some things collectively as a congregation and as a leadership.

(We were) stepping out in faith. To tell someone to go without food, something that seems so necessary to our survival, is absolutely counterintuitive and contrary to our culture. Jesus went into the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights without eating anything. That would be extreme for us, but He also said that when we think we need all of these things to survive, we forget that he is the Bread of Life and the One we need to turn to for all of our needs.

Q. Were congregants reluctant to participate?

A. You would think that for people to engage in a 21-day fast sounds like a big thing, but what we found all throughout the testimonies people were sharing that God did some powerful things in people’s lives. I think there may have been a few people who grumbled a little bit, but I didn’t hear that. I had never done that myself (a 21-day fast), and I was a little bit leery and I didn’t know if I could do that and the Lord said, “Trust Me and you’ll see.”

A number of folks on their Facebook page were sharing how God had worked in their lives. It built a collective idea that God’s going to do something and we’ll trust Him for it. www.boisechristianliving.com

Christian Living | September / October 2013 19

CHRISTIAN Businesspeople

Kim Shoecraft sells ‘treasures’ at thrift store

By Gaye Bunderson The fact that Americans live in a society where material goods are ubiquitous creates problems in the form of high credit card debt and landfills bloated with discarded junk.

But there’s some enterprising people who are making the best of consumerism gone wild: thrift shop owners.

Thrift stores are places where shoppers can buy gently used, barely used and, occasionally, never used merchandise at low prices, saving landfills and helping pocketbooks.

There are dozens of thrift stores in Kim Shoecraft launched her own business, called Kim’s Treasure Chest, at 6017 W. Franklin in Boise. the Treasure Valley, the largest and (Photo by Gaye Bunderson) most well known are Idaho Youth Ranch, Goodwill and Deseret Indus- miums as well as other expenditures fridges, as well as smaller goods like tries, among others. These stores use associated with the business, includknickknacks, DVDs and paperbacks. cast-off goods to help raise funds to ing building permit fees and signage “We have very little clothes bebenefit others. costs. cause we don’t have room,” she There are many smaller, lesser She said that after rent, utilities and said. known resale stores in the area as other financial outlays, there’s not What clothing she does have are well, such as Kim’s Treasure Chest much left in the way of a paycheck dress-up articles, such as shirts and at 6017 W. Franklin in Boise, that are “right yet.” ties, for people who are job-hunting. run for profit.

“We’re doing all right,” she said.

She will sometimes let a customer Kim Shoecraft and her husband “I feel pretty blessed. Giving tithe haggle over the cost of an item, Scott opened the thrift store roughly to our church helps. God gives back but most of the time she’s pretty 18 months ago after Kim left her what you give.” firm about the marked price. And career as a home health care nurse.

Her stepfather, to whom she was Mondays are 10 percent off days, so They began acquiring saleable items very close, was a minister, and she customers can always find a barfor the store about a year prior to still attends church regularly. gain, she said. that by attending closeout sales and She enjoys being a thrift store She visits other resale shops incogstorage unit auctions. owner, but acknowledges it requires nito.

Storage space businesses occasion- a great deal of labor.

“I do frequently go around to ally auction off stored contents when “It’s fun, but a lot of work,” she check prices at other thrift stores,” people have abandoned their units said. she said. “We’re one of the most for long periods and not paid their She has to purchase, pick up and well-priced. I make a profit, but I storage fees. Shoecraft said she paid haul items to the store, clean and/or try to give the best deal.” for entire storage-unit inventories in paint them, and arrange them on Competition is stiff among secondthe $800 and up range, but passed shelves on a regular basis to stay hand shops, according to Shoecraft. on one unit that sold for $8,000. frequently stocked with new mer“Six thrift stores have opened in Scott runs his own business, B&W chandise. roughly the last six months,” she Auto Salvage Yard in Boise, and She said the for-sale content she said, noting that some have closed as Kim has acquired some knowledge carries changes from month to well. “Times are tough; everyone is of business management through month, depending on what she’s just trying to do whatever they can.” that. Still, she said, it’s a learning able to obtain. She occasionally has So what was the appeal of opening process for her. people donate items to the store and a thrift shop, what with the competi“We’re still building our thrift busi- said, “I wouldn’t turn down someone tion, the hard work and the expense? ness,” she said. who brought things in.”

“I’ve always shopped at them. We She pays substantial rent for Some of the merchandise the store buy from our own store — and I has had for sale includes large ticket mean we buy from our own store. the space where Treasure Craft is We don’t take it for free,” she said. n located and must pay insurance pre- items such as washers, dryers and 20 September / October 2013 | Christian Living

www.boisechristianliving.com

LIFELONG Faith

Mamie Oliver goes from academia to the pulpit She became an ordained minister in 1998. Six years ago she was named pastor of the Mountain View Community Fellowship at 3000 Esquire Drive in Boise, where she leads a multi-cultural congregation.

“It’s God’s church, not mine. I hope all people come to find the peace of God in their hearts,” she said.

Mountain View Community Fellowship Church was founded in 1954 as Mountain View Baptist Church.

It was started by a group of Southern Baptists and is considered the mother of Southern Baptist churches within the Treasure Valley, according to Oliver.

She changed the name of the church because “Baptist churches are free; we can do what we want.

“The church is not just Baptists, but Christians — folks of all races and ages, with a like belief in Christ.

Denominations are man-made. God is not LDS, Baptist, Methodist. He is a God who loves everybody.”

Starting in 1981, she and her husband opened several Community Ministries Centers, including one now located at the church and offering a food bank and other social services.

Though she is highly educated and, in her words, “knowledge affects the way I live,” she converses comfortably with everyone.

“I meet people where they are. I don’t meet them as educated or not educated.”

At 77, Oliver is not slowing down much.

“Relaxing to me is just living. I love to cook. I wake up every day and say, ‘This is the day that the Lord has made.’”

She’s seen trouble, and she’s been treated unfairly.

“God’s love makes forgiveness possible. If I tried to fight a battle for everything that was a battle for me, I’d have been dead a long time ago. God has forgiven me so much, it helps me forgive others. Christianity changes us inside. Give things to Jesus,” she said.

Again, she repeats the lessons gleaned from her parents: “Don’t buy things you can’t afford, be responsible, be honest, be just to other folks. … We live giving honor to God. Be good to God’s creation.” n

www.boisechristianliving.com

Christian Living | September / October 2013 21

8-2013

By Gaye Bunderson Mamie Oliver was born blessed. She came into the world in 1935 in Natchez, Miss. and flourished under the daily examples of her family’s values and kindness toward others.

“I thank God for my mother, father and grandmother, who said, ‘Make a difference in the world.’ I saw my family helping people. My grandmother would pray, plant gardens, clean the church — whatever was needed,” Oliver said. “God is love. If His love is in you, you love and help people.”

Subsequently, when she started to think about what she wanted to do with her life, she thought first of serving others. Though she originally leaned toward mission work, she was dissuaded by others from pursuing that avenue because of her gender.

“I wanted to be free to serve God as a person, not as a woman,” Oliver said.

Thankfully, her family also imparted to her the value of a good education, and she wholeheartedly pursued the scholarly life. Deciding social work would be a gratifying career, she first obtained a bachelor’s degree from California State University in Los Angeles, then a master’s degree in social work from Fresno State University, and a Ph.D. in education from Washington State University in Pullman.

Now, she was Doctor Mamie Oliver. She had picked up the last name when she married Rev. H. Lincoln Oliver.

In 1972, Mamie became the first African American professor at Boise State University. She left Idaho to teach at Rhode Island College in Providence from 1988 to 2000, and she returned in 2001 to teach at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, retiring in 2012.

Oliver has lived out her parents’ creed to make a difference in the world, and she has made a notable impact on Idaho. She wrote the grant that got the original building that housed the state’s first African American church, St. Paul Baptist Church, on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

In now houses the Idaho Black History Museum, located in Julia Davis Park.

Oliver has written extensively on the history of blacks in Idaho and been appointed by various Idaho governors to serve on prestigious committees, such as the Council for Families and Children.

She has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors. But her success did not always come easily.

“I had to work at it … reading, studying. Experience is the best teacher. My parents taught me to struggle, to work,” Oliver said.

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bad news is that it comes at a price.

Our bodies were not created to run off of french fries and donuts, and this new diet of convenience is posing a serious threat to healthy cell life.

Essentially, we are what we ingest, and the sugary colas, coffee drinks and artificial “juices” are causing just as much distress on our bodies as the fast food down the street.

Dousing your organs and cells with these beverages and other processed foods does not allow them to properly function and attain optimal performance. If a fish cannot survive in a bowl filled with those types of beverages, what makes you think your cells can?

Eliminating or reducing processed foods and replacing them with whole foods rich in nutrients is one

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way to ensure cell performance and survival. Nutrition is not about fad diets that don’t work. Rather, it is a sustainable way to eat for a lifetime of optimal health.

“Maximized living” promotes foods based on tried and true principles of healthful eating that are centuries old.

It’s simple: if it is natural, eat it. If it’s not, stay away from it. This really helps cut through all the “noise” in the world when it comes to nutrition.

To maximize your potential, become educated on what you’re putting in your body by following these three basic steps: 1. Remove the bad fats, replace them with good fats.

Bad fats such as hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils, trans fats, soybean oil, canola oil and vegetable oils cause heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, chronic fatigue and neurotoxic syndrome. Bad fats create chronic inflammation throughout the body, inducing disease. Good fats are essential to hormone production, cancer prevention, brain development, weight loss, cellular healing and anti-inflammation.

2. Change the meats that you eat. There are hundreds of studies that link commercial meats with cancer and heart disease. The grain fed to animals that were created to eat grass changes fatty acid ratios (too much omega6, not enough omega-3) and denatures good fats, leading to modern-day diseases.

The bioaccumulation of commercial pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics and hormones in meats are causing a toxic onslaught, which leads to many cancers, neurological disorders and chronic illness. Grass-fed and free range meats offer many fatty acids missing in the Standard American Diet (SAD) such as: aracodonic acid, congegated linoleic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids.

3. Remove all refined sugars and grains from your diet. This includes white rice, white pasta and white bread.

One-third of sugar comes from soft drinks, two-thirds from hidden sources including: lunch meats, pizza, sauces, breads, soups, crackers, fruit drinks, canned foods, yogurt, ketchup, mayonnaise, etc. High glycemic or refined sugars cause elevated glucose, which elevates insulin, leading to premature aging and degenerative diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease (inflammation of the arteries) and cancer.

Sugar is an anti-nutrient offering insignificant amounts of vitamins and minerals and robbing your body of precious nutrient stores. This inevitably leads to diseases such as chronic fatigue, ADD, ADHD, heart disease, diabetes and cancers.

Low glycemic carbohydrates in the form of fruits and vegetables have high amounts of fiber, enzymes, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help you age slower, improve energy levels, lose weight and naturally detoxify your cells. n

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Christian Living | September / October 2013 23