Christian Living Magazine July August 2025

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July/August 2025

CELEBRATING OUR 12TH YEAR!

CHRISTIAN

Motorcyclists Wheels of service

KAIROS A prison ministry

BRANDON

Swain The youth field

MISSION AVIATION

Fellowship Marking its 80th year

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Contents July / August 2025

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.”

— 1 Timothy 2:1 (NIV)

Volume 14 | Number 4

FEATURES

COLUMNS BRIEF:

COVER STORY

Free tickets for tap dance performance

5

6

Mission Aviation Fellowship: Marking its 80th year

16

Exploring God’s Great Outdoors: ‘Filthy lucre’

PUBLISHER

Sandy Jones • 208-703-7860

christianlivingmag@gmail.com

18

The Renegade Psychiatrist: A special helicopter pilot

28

Real Man’s Toolbox: Leadership and unconditional love

30

Maximum Health: Summer hydration

12

The Navigator: Your heavenly road guide

14

Footprints on Campus: Praying for students

20

Kairos: A full prison ministry

22 DEPARTMENTS

Brandon Swain: The youth field

24

No training for marriage

COVER PHOTO

IN EACH EDITION

Maxx Girr from Pixabay.com

CONTRIBUTORS

editorgaye@gmail.com Submit story ideas, article submissions & press releases

Larry Banta, Steve Bertel, Rick Chromey,

GENERAL INFO

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208-703-7860

ADVERTISING & SALES

Kimberly McMullen • 208-703-7509 kim.bcliving@gmail.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Denice King • 208-918-5190 www.greentreedkdesign.com

29

‘Which is easier?’

EDITOR

Gaye Bunderson

10

History, Culture & Faith: ‘The Hand of Providence’

Understanding Christian A Story from Mark Part 3: Motorcyclists Association 26 Relationships: Wheels of service

8

“I Get To!”®: Get your house in order

Tom Claycomb III, Roxanne Drury, Joan Endicott, Cory Freese, Leo Hellyer, Natalie Holsten, Rosie Main,

Publisher’s Corner: An ambulance wait

4

Bible Blanks: The man the NIV says…

29

Need Prayer?

Gary Moore, and Bethany Riehl

WEBSITE DESIGN

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DISTRIBUTION D&S Distribution • 208-985-6904

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 2025 by Christian Living Ministries Inc.

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Christian Living is published every other month and is available in over 600 locations throughout southern Idaho, including grocery stores, convenience stores, medical waiting areas, and churches. If your church would like additional copies please email us today at christianlivingmag@gmail.com Annual subscriptions available for $13/year. To start your subscription or give one as a gift send your check or money order, along with complete address information, including which issue to begin with and a phone number to call in case there’s questions about your subscription to Christian Living Magazine, PO Box 867, Meridian, ID 83680.

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Christian Living | July / August 2025 3

PUBLISHER’S Corner

Ambulance wait becomes a lesson

Soon I saw the flashing lights on the ambulance Beep. Beep. Beep. and accompanying fire truck coming around the My husband’s IV is occluded...again. corner at the end of the block. Apparently they Beep. Beep. Beep. don’t run with sirens at 3:30 in the morning. How The lady across the hall is waiting for a nurse to thoughtful for our neighbors. I no longer cared that respond.

I couldn’t hear them; I could see them. They were Beep. Beep. Beep. there. Help had arrived.

Someone’s heart rate is too high.

Why share this? Because my actions that morning You may have already guessed my dear sweet hubremind me of Doubting Thomas and his conversaby has been back in the hospital. He’s actually been tion with Jesus. in the hospital three times, and spent two weeks in Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger subacute rehab since my last column, so I’ve had here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and ample time to get accustomed to these beeps. put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Why beeps? It’s to draw attention to something Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” that could be potentially urgent. Each one sounds Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen a little bit different, just as each one has a different me, you have believed; blessed are those who meaning or cause. have not seen and yet have believed” ( John 20:27Sandy Jones This all started the first week of April when my 29 NIV). husband was quite suddenly so ill in the wee mornAll too often we get caught up in the moment, and ing hours that I had to call the paramedics for aswe take our eyes off Jesus. We forget to believe just sistance. I spoke with the efficient dispatcher, giving because our eyes don’t see, or as in the case of the her our address and sharing his symptoms. She ambulance, ears don’t hear. assured me paramedics were on the way.

And as I have had ample time to hear those I put the dog in the office and closed the door. “beeps” for attention, I also had time to reflect on Secured the cat. Unlocked the front door, and how an emergency, or serious illness, can sudmoved the exercise bike out of the way. All while denly impact our prayer life. Our prayers may go running back and forth to check on Steve. up with the fervency of those continual beeps, one “Where are they?” I frantically asked myself. on top of the other; or one might become so caught “They should have been here by now!” up in the urgency of it all that they might become I grabbed my phone and dialed 911 once again. overwhelmed and suddenly their prayer life is as dry The same dispatcher answered the phone. “Can as the desert we live in. you check to be sure they’re actually on the way, Let me assure you that I knew then, just as I know please? We don’t live that far away, I should at now, that God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the least be hearing sirens by now.”

Holy Spirit are with us in both the good times and “They are on the way, ma’am; they’ll be there as the bad. Unlike my shaky faith in the ambulance that morning, I knew that Steve and I were not alone. soon as they can be.” She rang off.

If you are going through a time of trial, like so many are right now, I opened the bedroom curtains and went back over next to Steve please know that God is with you. Regardless of whether you talk to to reassure him that they’d be there soon, while watching him gasp Him all the time, or even if you haven’t reached out to Him in years. for air, regardless of the fact that the pulse oximeter said his O2 He’s there waiting to hear from you, and He will see you through no levels were just fine.

By Sandy Jones

Who is in this week’s

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Free tickets to tap dance performance matter the situation or its outcome. He wants to be there for you.

Steve continues to recover and gets a bit stronger each day. So many of you have prayed alongside of us these past 19 months, and we appreciate every single prayer that’s been uttered on our behalf. This is not our first tough chapter; we learned 10 years ago, through our daughter-in-law’s battle with cancer, that God is always faithful.

His promises then in Romans 8:28 are as true today.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28 NIV).

Until next time…

God Bless! n I just want to take a moment to thank all of our readers who consistently shop our advertisers. When you do support our advertisers please be sure to thank them for the part they play in this ministry — we simply could not do what we do if it weren’t for their support!

BOISE — Tickets are officially available for Dark Night, the groundbreaking immersive tap dance performance poised to redefine perceptions of endurance. Even better? This once-ina-lifetime opportunity is absolutely free to attend.

Conceived by acclaimed tap dance artist Andrew Nemr and directed by Tony Award nominee Tony Yazbeck, Dark Night is set to make its world premiere at 7 p.m. Friday, August 8, at TRICA, 1406 W. Eastman in Boise. Audiences may now secure their free tickets by visiting https://darknightlive. eventbrite.com.

Dark Night is a living performance piece that delves into the profound human experience of navigating moments when all familiar anchors are stripped away. Through a 12-hour solo improvised tap dance performance by Nemr, coupled with stunning immersive projections by Stephen Proctor, the audience — both in-person and online — will be invited into a space for contemplation, reflection and, ultimately, to honor the choice to endure.

Inspired by the concept of the “dark night of the soul,” a period of deep spiritual struggle and uncertainty ultimately leading to profound spiritual growth and transformation, this performance aims to forewarn, guide, and encourage those who may be encountering or have encountered such an experience. Throughout history, giants of the faith have struggled with the “dark night” and come through stronger and better for it. “It's often seen as a necessary part of spiritual growth and transformation, a time when old beliefs and identities are shed to make way for new ones,” according to information at “Dark Night of the Soul Meaning.”

The performance will be accompanied by prompts designed to spark introspection on personal resilience and hope. n

Give us a high five! Being awarded #1 in customer satisfaction 5 times in a row. (That’s driving joy.)

Andrew Nemr is a tap dancer who will perform Dark Night at 7 p.m. Friday, August 8, at TRICA. The performance is free to attend. (Photo provided by Andrew Nemr)

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Christian Living | July / August 2025 5

MISSION Aviation Fellowship

80 years of service at the ends of Earth

One of the highlights of an MAF tour is viewing aircraft from the mezzanine. Said Tour Director Alyssa Busse: “This is where the whole mission is made real for many people — they’re seeing the tools of our ministry, smelling the aroma of maintenance work, and hearing equipment being used by expert hands.” (Photo provided by MAF)

By Natalie Holsten

Tours at the headquarters of Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) in Nampa start with a history lesson.

Just inside the entrance stands the rusted frame of the Piper Family Cruiser flown by MAF pilot Nate Saint in the jungles of Ecuador in the 1950s. Visitors learn how Saint, along with four other missionaries, lost their lives in 1956 when trying to take the good news of Jesus to the Waorani people, a people group steeped in animistic beliefs.

Alyssa Busse, who directs tours for MAF, says when people see Saint’s plane, reactions range from wide-eyed stares of students studying giants of the faith, to a single emotional moment from a young woman who held Nate Saint’s story as a significant part of why she pursued mission aviation.

“I have met some who don’t know the story, but also those who were alive when the news reached the U.S. and remember hearing about it,” Busse said. “Either way, this tends to evoke awe in our visitors.”

Service spanning 80 years MAF celebrates 80 years of service this year. The organization was founded in 1945 by World War II pilots who dreamed of using aviation to help support missionaries around the world in reaching isolated people with the gospel.

One of MAF’s founders, Betty Greene, was also its first pilot, and flew the inaugural flight in 1946, carrying two Wycliffe missionaries to Mexico in a red Waco biplane.

Today, with a fleet of 42 single-engine aircraft, MAF supports the work of close to 300 church, mission, and non-profit organizations working in hard-to-reach parts of Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Eurasia.

To get a sense of the impact MAF planes and staff have around the world, visitors can step into the rotunda at the center of the ministry’s main office building. On one side is the vision: To see isolated people changed by the love of Christ. Opposite is the mission statement: Serving together to bring help, hope, and healing through aviation.

“The heart of MAF’s ministry has not changed in 80 years,” said David Holsten, MAF’s president and CEO. “At its core is sharing the love of Jesus Christ so others can be physically and spiritually transformed.”

A video monitor in the rotunda scrolls through recent images from countries like Lesotho, Ecuador, and Indonesia, showing how MAF continues to make a difference today. A photo flashes of a smiling child with a bandaged head. MAF flew him from his village in Papua, Indonesia, to a hospital where he received lifesaving surgery.

The photo changes to a group of Bible teachers in front of an MAF plane in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They plan to teach at a remote Bible school for several weeks before MAF picks them up.

Another photo shows a group of missionaries in Mozambique left stranded after a cyclone damaged roads and wiped-out bridges. MAF safely transported them all, making a tangible difference in the lives of those living in hard-to-reach places.

Supporting from the Treasure Valley

MAF has around 600 staff members worldwide, with a third of those working at MAF headquarters in Nampa supporting the overseas programs. Located on 22 acres next to the Nampa airport, the campus includes administrative offices, short-term apartments for missionaries who come through for training, and an RV park to accommodate MAF’s many volunteers.

The campus also includes aircraft maintenance hangars, which, according to Busse, are a highlight of tours.

“There’s a mezzanine overlooking one of the hangar floors that offers a great view of several planes from above,” she said. “This is where the whole mission is made real for many people — they’re seeing the tools of our ministry, smelling the aroma of maintenance work, and hearing equipment being used by expert hands.”

MAF’s fleet includes Cessna 206s, Cessna Caravans, an amphibious Cessna Caravan, a Pilatus PC-12, and several Kodiak aircraft, manufactured in Sandpoint, Idaho. Airplanes are purchased with funds from donors and prepared for service at MAF’s hangars in Nampa.

Preparations might include avionics upgrades, installation of a cargo pod on the belly of the plane, and the addition of mud flaps in anticipation of serving on unimproved airstrips. Once an airplane is prepared, staff surround the plane for a prayer of dedication, asking the Lord’s blessing on the airplane and all those who will fly in it.

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Ferry pilots fly the plane to its place of service where it’s put to work transporting medical teams and supplies, delivering disaster relief, and flying teachers, Bible translators, evangelists, and ministry teams.

“Our planes are tools, not jewels,” said Chad Irwin, MAF’s director of operations in Nampa. “While we work hard to keep them in the best shape possible, we also recognize that they are tools to be used for God’s kingdom work. So, getting them dirty, sweaty, and even bloody at times is a big part of reaching isolated people with His love, and that makes these machines important to us.”

MAF relocated to Idaho in 2006 from Redlands, Calif. The lower cost of living and Idaho’s landscape were major draws. Idaho’s backcountry serves as the perfect training ground for MAF pilots.

Learning how to maneuver in tight mountain valleys and landing on dirt and grass airstrips prepares them for the type of flying they’ll be doing in rugged, remote areas of the world.

Training at the Nampa facility is enhanced by two turbine aircraft flight simulators installed in 2023. With safety a high priority, the simulators allow MAF pilots to practice real world scenarios and emergencies that can’t be done in actual aircraft due to the danger involved in allowing an aircraft to spin or stall or have an engine failure.

In addition to the training pilots and mechanics receive at MAF, all staff heading overseas — including IT and finance workers, teachers, and spouses — take classes in stress management, cross-cultural living, spiritual warfare, and security practices.

Into the future

Looking ahead, MAF leadership anticipates a need for mission aviation for many years to come.

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“MAF operates in many parts of the world with governments that haven’t been able to effectively improve infrastructure,” Holsten said.

“In many places, MAF is the only way for people living in hard-toreach areas to get supplies or help quickly.”

Holsten said MAF leadership is always on the lookout for new ministry opportunities and remains open to how the Lord might lead the organization to serve in new places, including the country of Nigeria.

“There is a mission hospital in Nigeria that would like us to serve there, and we have had some visits with the civil aviation authority in the country,” he shared. “They are very interested in having us start a commercial service there. It is a long process but it looks like we will be adding Nigeria as one of the countries where we serve in the future.”

Powered by prayer

Tours at MAF end where they started, back at Nate Saint’s plane.

It’s not unusual for Busse to hear visitors make comments like, “I didn’t know MAF went to all these places,” or “MAF serves in more ways than I knew about.”

As visitors prepare to leave, Busse often prays with them, and asks them to remember to pray for the ministry of MAF, for the partners and people served, for the safety of the pilots, mechanics, and their families living in far-flung corners of the globe.

“MAF is operating in risky parts of the world meeting the most dire needs of the isolated and downtrodden,” Busse said. “To have the public share the burden of prayer with us is the strongest impact anyone can have.” n

To learn more about MAF, visit maf.org. To schedule a tour, visit maf.org/tours.

Christian Living | July / August 2025 7

I GET TO!®

Is it time to get your house in order?

By Joan Endicott

“A Spanish father, desperate to reconcile with his son, placed an advertisement in the local newspaper, El Liberal. The ad read: ‘Paco, meet me at the Hotel Montana at noon on Tuesday. All is forgiven. Love, Papa.’ Paco was a common name in Spain, and when the father arrived at the Hotel Montana the next day, he found eight hundred young men named Paco waiting for their fathers, all hoping for the forgiveness they so desperately needed.” — Ernest Hemingway, shared in his collection titled, “The Capital of the World.”

Friend, pause, take a deep breath and ponder this scene and its profound meaning. In that moment, we witness the raw vulnerability and unyielding hope of a heart that desires restoration. It’s quite an emotional picture in our mind’s eye, imagining these eight hundred young men demonstrating the universal longing we all have for forgiveness — a call planted deep within our souls by our Heavenly Father. Psalm 34:14 tells us to “seek peace and pursue it,” a command that not only guides us in our relationships but also in our walk of faith.

Our hearts yearn for reconciliation. Forgiveness is not a one-time act; it is a continuous journey. Whether we are reconciling with a loved one or facing the internal battles that come from past hurts, it all affects our peace.

Recently, on a coaching call with one of my all-time-favorite clients who I’ll refer to as “M,” I was again reminded of the power of reconciliation. M’s life is one of remarkable honor, integrity and character — a man whose faith, family, and charitable work are among his highest priorities. Not only is he a very successful author, speaker and business leader, but he also navigates unimaginable situations in the Middle East and across multiple countries as he travels. Over the seven years I have had the honor of coaching him, I have witnessed transformations borne out of trials and moments of deep introspection.

On that call, M recounted the staggering challenges he’d faced just in the week since our last call. He lives in places where freedom is only a dream, not reality. Countries where decisions are made for you — decisions that could shatter a life overnight; and once again, M’s faith was put to the test. Though the situation was shocking, traumatic, scary and filled with uncertainty, he responded with the unwavering resolve of someone who has learned the true meaning of peace. In his own reflective words, he said: “Joan, I am so grateful to God and to you for this journey. With all the things we’ve worked through, I’m in a great place!

Everything is set so my family would be well taken care of financially and otherwise — most importantly, my family relationships are great!

It’s a wonderful feeling, my friend. I’m so grateful my house is in order!”

I could hear and feel the deep, abiding peace in his voice — the freedom in declaring, “My house is in order!” This declaration is not just a statement about financial stability or external success; it is about the inner order that comes when you commit to healing relationships and live out God’s call for reconciliation.

It is precisely in the fire of adversity that God refines our character.

Our struggles have a way of clarifying what is most important. When chaos surrounds us, our hearts cry out for order and peace. And God, in His mercy, provides us with opportunities to restore what has been broken.

In my desire to stay focused on what matters most, I often remind myself: Crisis Creates Clarity. In the midst of uncertainty, pain and crisis, what truly matters becomes crystal clear. Whether it’s the poignant story of Paco and his father or M’s brush with uncertainty in some harsh and repressive environments, the truth remains the same: our hearts hunger for genuine connection. We long for the peace that comes when every mistake is confronted, every hurt addressed, and every conversation held in love.

Ask yourself today: Can you declare, “My House is in Order!” with the people and relationships that matter most to you? Just imagine the transformation if every unresolved issue were met with intentional and courageous conversation. Picture the peace that would fill your heart if every stone of resentment were removed from the foundation of your relationships. Just think about it — each step of resolution not only mends bridges but also strengthens the very structure of your life.

I encourage you, dear one, to take a moment and examine your innermost relationships. Are there conversations you’ve been avoiding? Does it feel like something has unraveled or things are left undone or unsaid?

Have unspoken words slowly eroded the foundation of your trust? In these moments, God is calling you to action. The path to a “house in order” is paved with these Truths: forgiveness, courage, and the humility to extend grace even when it is hard.

No relationship can ever be perfect on this side of heaven. We live in a world where, unfortunately, hurting people — hurt people. There will always be those who, because they are unhappy, want others to be unhappy and seem to thrive on creating discord. When I first read the following statement a few years ago, it had a visceral effect: “Never feel guilt over cutting ties with someone who handed you the scissors.” – Anonymous It was as if I’d suddenly been granted permission to protect myself from unhealthy people who try to control, criticize, manipulate and bully those around them. In fact, just last year I signed a contract with a client who I didn’t know but was a referral from someone I absolutely adored.

Naturally, I thought birds of a feather flock together and all that jazz. Unfortunately, it was the absolute worst client experience of my 40 years as a speaker, for some of those very reasons. I share this simply to let you know that if people have tried to control you, devalue you and take advantage, you are not alone. I hope this serves to encourage and empower you to ensure you are taking steps to protect your well-being. While you are called to love and value others, you also get to live in the value and worth God gave you, as His image bearer!

I felt that was an important point to make even though in this context I’m focused more on what we can do when it comes to those relationships that truly matter. I call these interactions Courageous Conversations.

They are the discussions that require us to be vulnerable and strong at the same time — to let go of past hurts and embrace future hope.

It takes courage to initiate these connections. We must pause, reflect, and then step forward, with no guarantee of our desired outcome. But if our motivation is love and if we are anchored in God’s Truth and wisdom, then every step is a step toward a future where our heart’s foundation is intact, where our “house” is truly in order. The Bible is not only God’s Holy Word, it is overflowing with practical counsel for living our best life.

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builds the foundation of trust and opens your heart’s • “If your brother offends you, go to him.” — door to more.

Matthew 18:15 5. Embrace Comfort and Confidence-building • “Don’t let the sun go down on your anger.” — courage. As you experience the therapeutic release Ephesians 4:26 from solving the smaller issues, you’ll naturally grow Remember, these conversations are not meant to equipped to address those relationships that require a police the actions or reactions of others. They are bit more bravery. Remember, every courageous step about owning our part and about pursuing the peace is a leap toward a more ordered and peaceful life that God intends for us. As Romans 12:18 exhorts us, 6. Control Your Controllables-focus on what you “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peacecan control. You are not responsible for how others ably with all.” Our focus must always be on what respond. Focus on your attitude and actions, knowing we can control — our attitudes, our words, and our that you are accountable to God first. He calls you to willingness to forgive. simply do your part, trusting Him with the rest.

Here are some steps I recommend for those ready No matter how our story began, we are writing do their part in restoring relationships: Joan Endicott the next chapter right now. Since God’s mercies are 1. Lead with Love-if you’re not acting in love, pray new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23), then so is opportunity for and wait until you can. Before engaging in any challenging conversarestoration through faith, courage, and grace. tion, seek God’s guidance. Allow His love to be your compass, making - If reconciliation is possible, pursue it. each interaction one of grace and truth.

- If healing is needed, seek it.

2. Evaluate Everything-ignore nothing! Begin with a thorough assess- If letting go is necessary, release it. ment of all the relationships that matter most to you. Write down the Before this day ends, ask God and yourself: “Is my house in order?” names, the memories, and even those seemingly insignificant details If anything feels undone, simply take that first step. You are not alone that speak of areas where peace is missing. This honest self-audit is the in this journey. The Prince of Peace Himself loves you more than you first step in understanding where you have opportunities to mend a can imagine and desires to walk with you. Let today be the day you broken bond. take the first step. n 3. Heart Dump-write everything out. Allow yourself the freedom to express your emotions and frustrations on paper. Let every unspoken Grab your FREE copy of Joan Endicott’s “I Get To!”® book word and every unresolved grievance find its way onto that page. By and be one of the first to be notified when her 2nd one if available doing so, you begin to sort through the clutter of your heart, making “I Get To!”® Own My Worth! at www.JoanEndicott.com. space for healing and forgiveness.

Joan is an Award-Winning Keynote Speaker, Author and Coach 4. Reach Out-start with the smallest. Choose one relationship to whose coaching has reached over 30 countries. Find out more at mend. Sometimes, beginning with the most minor can build the confidence you need to tackle deeper wounds. Each small conversation www.JoanEndicott.com.

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Christian Living | July / August 2025 9

EXPLORING the Great Outdoors

All they really wanted was ‘filthy lucre’ Shortly thereafter I received another invitation to God has a way of cutting to the chaff in a minimal an upcoming event at the Boise basketball stadium. amount of words. So to follow His suit, hence the There was going to be a lot of big-name speakers title. I dropped my consulting deal, where for five that I’d heard a lot about and respected. years I flew out for three weeks and then home for a They told me that they’d help my ministry hit new week, then the last five years flew out for two weeks levels. I’d have a bigger platform and be taught how and home for a week. to be a better and more effective witness for Christ.

So consequently, I now have a more flexible This one really sounded good. schedule. So it hit me: I want to be used more by D-day finally came. Whoa, the first few speakGod than ever before. I mean come on, if we’re goers started off basically on how they did this, that ing to be Christians then why halfway do it? When I or another and made a lot of money. This event got my life right with God I told Him I didn’t want was totally about making money. They had totally to go to church on Sunday and that was it. I wanted misrepresented the purpose of their program. They a relationship with a God that sent fire down from spoke a little Christianese to make it sound Chrisheaven and blew up stuff. You know, like a red-hot tian but it was all whitewash.

Tom Claycomb III relationship that was on fire. (Turns up, that’s also The veil was torn wide open by noon though. This what He wants.) one guy told how if you bought his software to make I want to be used more. You know, hit another level. Don’t get me good real estate buys — not for the normal $1,099 per month but for wrong, things are great; but once you’ve tasted the things of God, a special deal. We’d get rich and could give more money to God’s you always want more. I wanted more Christian writing/speaking work, have more money to travel, have more free time and could opportunities. I get to give a lot of outdoor seminars around the leave more money for our kids and, oh yeah, be used more by God country. By the time you’re reading this I’ve probably conducted as a side note. Then he said, come down to one of the designated over 20 seminars this year, mostly at the big shows. areas right now and sign up for only $99.99 per month.

But now I had a more flexible schedule and a desire to do more.

There was one speaker that I was really wanting to hear but by Well, suddenly out of the blue I received an invitation to do a twonow I was up to here and could handle no more. I looked at my day Zoom call in which I’d be taught how to hit a new level, have a buddy and said something about filthy lucre. He didn’t say a word bigger outreach and more witnessing opportunities. Great! Just what but handed me his cell phone which had a pertinent verse of the I’d been praying for! same manner pulled up on it. I got up and left, regretting wasting The Zoom call started off with the lady giving her testimony but half a day and paying $20 to do so. shortly thereafter it turned into a sales pitch to pay a monthly fee for I don’t care if you want to do a seminar on how to make money. her software -- then I’d become rich, which would give me a bigger That’s why we work. But don’t use God’s name and your ‘being a platform and have more money and then God could use me more.

Christian’ to do so. Someone needs to pull the sheepskins off the What? I’ve missed a lot of witnessing opportunities because I was backs of these wolves that have infiltrated the church! ashamed of the gospel because of a bad lifestyle, but I’ve never not A month later a marketing firm contacted me. They said they hunt gotten to witness because I didn’t have enough money. After 1½ for people they can do something with. They said they could help hours I hung up. me get more publications, speaking engagements, etc. They had

By Tom Claycomb III

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various levels you could do. At one level they’d fly me to New York and I’d be on five TV shows and get in Forbes magazine, etc.

They were good, no doubt.

After 1-2 Zoom calls, one of their reps asked me what I wanted.

I said well, sure, I’d like to write for more outdoor publications and get more outdoor speaking engagements, but what I really wanted was to write for more Christian publications and have more speaking engagements but… I didn’t want to get paid for the speaking.

Maybe if I had to fly somewhere they could pay for the plane ticket but I could stay with someone in the church.

This group sounded good but suddenly I got thinking. You know, if Eve hadn’t have eaten the apple, the devil would have come back with a caramel apple! Was this third deal just a watered-down version of the first two? If I want more money I’ll just go back and do more consulting. I don’t want a lot more money. I want to be used more by God. So I’ve come to three conclusions if I’m going to be used by God. 1. I don’t want what influence I can gain by hiring a glitzy marketing company. I WANT WHAT ONLY GOD CAN DO. 2. 2 Chronicles 16:9 teaches us that, “The eyes of the Lord are running to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.” Hmm… So the hold-up is I need a perfect heart.

3. I need to abide in Christ. n For more information about anything in this column, contact Tom at tomclaycomb3rd@gmail.com.

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MAXIMUM Health

Summer importance of minerals and hydration

supports restful sleep, helps with muscle recovery, and plays a vital role in blood sugar regulation.

Signs of deficiency: Muscle cramps, anxiety, poor sleep, fatigue, irregular heartbeat.

How to add it: • Epsom salt baths (transdermal magnesium) • Leafy greens like spinach • Pumpkin seeds • Magnesium glycinate or malate supplements

By Rosie Main

As the warm rays of summer shine upon us, many of us find ourselves outdoors more — gardening, walking, playing with our kids, or gathering for church picnics.

It’s a beautiful season of life, growth, and connection. But with rising temperatures and increased activity, there’s a greater demand placed on our bodies — especially when it comes to hydration and the vital minerals that support it.

God, in His perfect design, created our bodies to thrive when given the right resources. Just as a plant wilts without water, so do we. And Image from Pixabay not just any water — but hydration that nourishes the body on a cellular level, infused with the minerals He created in the earth for our vitality and balance.

Why Hydration Alone Isn’t Enough: We’ve all heard that we should drink more water. And it’s true — water is life! Our bodies are made up of about 60% water, and every single cell relies on it for proper function. But here’s something many people don’t realize: Drinking plain water without minerals can actually dehydrate you.

That’s right. When you drink a lot of demineralized water (like purified or reverse osmosis water), it can flush out the very electrolytes your body needs to retain that fluid in your cells. Minerals are the keys that unlock hydration at the cellular level.

Without minerals — like magnesium, potassium, sodium, calcium, and trace elements like zinc and selenium — water can’t do its job fully. These essential minerals work together to: • Support nerve and muscle function • Balance pH in the blood • Regulate heart rhythm • Support detox pathways • Maintain healthy energy and endurance So if you’re tired, sluggish, cramping, dealing with headaches, or feeling “off” during the summer months, you might not just be dehydrated — you might be mineral deficient.

Mineral Depletion Is Real — and Common: In our modern world, even the best diets often fall short of providing the minerals our ancestors once enjoyed. Why? 1. Soil Depletion – Today’s crops are grown in over-farmed soil stripped of natural minerals.

2. Processed Foods – These are devoid of nutrients and can further deplete minerals.

3. Water Filtration – Most city water (and even bottled water) is stripped of beneficial minerals.

4. Sweating – When we sweat in the summer, we lose electrolytes.

Without replacing them, we risk imbalance.

This is why it’s so important — especially during the hotter months — to intentionally replenish our bodies with both clean, mineral-rich water and supportive whole foods.

Created for Balance: The God-Given Role of Minerals: Minerals are not just nutrients; they are God-given conductors of life.

Just as a symphony needs each instrument to play its part, your body needs each mineral in proper balance.

Magnesium

Often called the “miracle mineral,” magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical processes in the body. It calms the nervous system,

12 July / August 2025 | Christian Living

Potassium

Potassium is crucial for muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and maintaining fluid balance. It also helps regulate heartbeat and blood pressure.

Signs of deficiency: Fatigue, muscle weakness, constipation, heart palpitations.

How to add it: • Avocados • Bananas • Coconut water (look for unsweetened varieties) • Sweet potatoes

Sodium (Natural Salt)

Contrary to what the world says, natural salt (like Celtic sea salt or Himalayan pink salt) is essential — not harmful — when consumed in moderation. It works with potassium to balance fluids and support adrenal health.

Signs of deficiency: Dizziness, lightheadedness, brain fog, especially after sweating.

How to add it: • Sprinkle high-quality sea salt in your water (1/8 tsp per 8-12 oz) • Use real salt on your food (not table salt) • Homemade electrolyte drinks

Calcium

Calcium is best known for bone health, but it also plays a role in nerve function, blood clotting, and muscle contraction.

How to add it: • Sardines (with bones) • Dark leafy greens • Raw dairy or quality calcium supplements with cofactors like vitamin D and K2

Trace Minerals

These include zinc, selenium, copper, and chromium, all of which are vital for immune support, thyroid function, blood sugar balance, and more.

How to add them: • Add a few drops of concentrated trace mineral drops to your water daily • Eat a wide variety of organic fruits, vegetables, and grass-fed meats • Supplement with a high-quality fulvic or humic acid mineral complex Faith-Filled Hydration: Honoring the Temple: 1 Corinthians 6:19 reminds us: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the

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Holy Spirit, who is in you…?” God cares deeply about our health — not just for our comfort, but so we can fulfill His purpose in our lives.

When we are nourished and hydrated, we can serve better, love more fully, and walk out our callings with energy and joy. Let your hydration this summer be an act of worship — of stewardship of the body He’s entrusted to you.

Summer Reminders to Stay Mineral-Rich and Hydrated:

• Start each morning with a full glass of water + a Rosie Main pinch of salt • Drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily (e.g. 150 lbs = 75 oz) • Replenish electrolytes after sweating or exercising • Use trace mineral drops or natural salt in your water bottle • Focus on whole foods from the earth — just as God made them Let this summer be a season not just of sunshine and activity, but of replenishment, rest, and renewal. Just as the Psalmist writes in Psalm 42:1, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” May we seek Him as our living water — and steward the physical water He’s given us with wisdom.

As you drink deeply, may your body, mind, and spirit be refreshed, equipped to walk out the good works He has prepared for you.

To your health and His glory. n

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Add ice and fresh mint for a refreshing twist!

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Christian Living | July / August 2025 13

THE Navigator

Consult Him throughout life’s travels

we are headed back where we came from.” We When my husband and I travel out of town by car, continued along the same route until we came upon I usually take on the role of navigator. Although we Route 20. Wait….what???? Pulling over to the side often rely on GPS, I provide a heads-up before the of the road, my husband looked at me and said, annoying voice from our phone does. My husband “Well, we have been driving for over two and a half wants to know how many miles until the next turnhours. It looks like we looped back on a different off and which direction we will be turning long route because we are now 20 minutes from home. before we reach it.

What do you want to do?” “Let’s go home!” the A couple of months ago, in a spur-of-the-moment navigator responded. So, we did. decision, we decided to take a 1,400-mile trip to There are so many lessons in this story. Lesson surprise the family for our granddaughter’s birthone: we should have used our GPS. We should have day. Now, you must understand that we are NOT trusted the expert in directions: Google’s annoying spur-of-the-moment people by any stretch of the voice. Lesson two: we justified our fiasco by thinking imagination. We are planners. that maybe God was protecting us from something On a Thursday late afternoon, I was talking bad that might happen while we were on the road. on the phone with our son. He mentioned that In His mercy, He acted on what He knew lay they were having a birthday party for our soonahead. That could be true. He’s like that! But more Roxanne Drury to-be 25-year-old granddaughter on Saturday. importantly, lesson three: I hadn’t stopped to pray As I hung up the phone, a wild idea crossed my about the trip beforehand. I hadn’t asked the real mind: wouldn’t it be fun to surprise her and show up at her party?

Navigator if we should go or not and to give us directions. I hadn’t I enthusiastically shared the idea with my husband, who was game asked the real Navigator to show us the way. Even when we realized for an adventure. He immediately got on the computer and printed we were lost and heading in the wrong direction, I did not turn to directions and a map. I shot a quick text to our son-in-law about the real Navigator. It wasn’t until my husband asked me, “What do our plans so someone knew what we were doing and insisted that you want to do?” that it struck me. I needed to go home; my plan he keep it a secret. We scurried around packing our bags, locating was not God’s plan. items we absolutely needed to bring for our family, and preparing Proverbs 16:9: “In his heart a man plans his course, but the just-in-case winter weather items like blankets, boots, and coats, plus Lord determines his steps.” pillows, things to do in the car such as knitting, books to read, and Proverbs 19:21: “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is my computer, and plenty of snacks. the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

Having packed the car ahead of our estimated departure time so God’s plans and purposes for us are always the best. He is a true we could just hop in and head out, we looked at everything we had expert in directions. It is in our best interest to consult the true packed and burst out laughing. The backseat and the trunk were Navigator. Even when we forget, His plans will prevail. There is jam-packed, as if we were heading out for three weeks instead of freedom in knowing that we can trust Jesus to guide and direct us in three days. But we were ready for literally anything! every situation. When we rely on Jesus instead of our own judgment, Heading to bed early, we set our alarms for 4 a.m. Printed direcwe can be worry-free and won’t get lost on dark roads or take wrong tions and map in hand, we were on the road by 5 a.m. Still close to turns. town, the driving was clear sailing. As we ventured further out of In John 14:6a, Jesus said, “I am the way.” He is the exclusive road town, into the more rural areas, there were no lights except for the we can follow. We can trust Jesus to lead us, provide direction, and blinding headlights of oncoming cars. Road signs became harder to give us a thumbs-up or thumbs-down for everything we do or plan to read without light, as they were covered in winter dirt and dewdo. I am so grateful that Jesus possesses infinite patience and wisdom laden. But onward we drove with determination, not knowing that as we travel this road called life. n many miles back, we had unintentionally taken a right instead of a left. One hour. Two hours. “Hmmm? This doesn’t look right,” Roxanne Drury is a wife, mother, grandmother, and retired the driver said. “I think we were supposed to turn back there,” the Christian preschool teacher who served the Lord in children’s navigator replied. ministry for over 45 years. She has written a group study guide But on we drove. Eventually, we came across a conveniently located Chevron station. “Let me see that map,” the driver said. “Yep, on Psalm 23, as well as other books. She may be reached at glorylandbooks@gmail.com. we are heading in the wrong direction,” he confirmed, “it looks like

By Roxanne Drury

Image by Jan Alexander from Pixabay

14 July / August 2025 | Christian Living

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Christian Motorcyclists Association

50 years of sharing fun

“There are many riders that won’t darken the door of a church but will go to a motorcycle rally.

And if CMA is there to serve, I might get the opportunity to share or plant a seed that will lead that person to Christ.”

- Jim Caulk Photo courtesy www.cmausa.org

By Gaye Bunderson

A local group called Christian Motorcyclists Association loves its wheels, and loves to use motorcycles as a means of fellowship.

They’re a bunch of believers who know how to have a good time — all while acknowledging and serving the Lord.

A number of CMA chapters exist in Idaho, and the names of each chapter reflect the faith of each. For instance, the Boise chapter is named R-Wheels-R-His, and the Nampa chapter calls itself the Narrow Road Riders after Matthew 7:14: “For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”

The association launched in the U.S. in the ‘70s and was founded by a man named Herb Shreve, who felt that God was calling him to be a preacher, according to Bev Amos, who serves as Road Captain (ride planner) for CMA in Boise. About Shreve, she said, “He and his son had drifted apart, so to help fix that, they decided to travel together.”

That meant getting some motorcycles, Amos explained. But the pair found that motorcycles had a negative connotation in the church; and when they went to motorcycle rallies, there was no mention of God. Shreve wanted to fix that situation, and that’s what he did. He started the association, and in 1975 it was ‘legally formed,’ with paperwork and legal filings.

16 July / August 2025 | Christian Living

He and his son lived in Arkansas and likely never perceived how their original motorcycle bonding experience would grow. Over the years it became huge in the U.S. and eventually jumped oceans to become an international phenomenon. CMA is now in 36 countries, with 1,500 chapters and 180,000 members in the U.S. alone, according to Amos. And this year marks the 50th anniversary of the association dedicated to people who ride motorcycles. But not for the thrill of speed or daring but for Jesus, in His service and with ministry to others.

“We consider ourselves a servant organization,” Amos said.

An example of their service includes their visibility — with their cycles — all along Harrison Boulevard in September. “We meet with the people. They come out and greet us, kids and parents alike,” Amos said, continuing that, “in early May, we held a Run for the Son weekend; it’s to help raise money for the Jesus Film Project, which makes the film in various languages for people throughout the world — even for some of the poorest countries, where organizers may backpack in and use a generator to power electricity for showing the film. And even if it’s only on a hung-up sheet rather than a screen. They show the film in the people’s native tongue.”

She explained that in some of the places the motorcycle missionaries go to, the indigenous populations there may peek behind the sheet or screen expecting to see the people in the film back there.

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COVER STORY

and spreading faith Other funds from CMA go toward purchasing transportation Hammond said, “We are interdenominameans for pastors in Third World countries, such as motorcycles, tional and are from diverse backgrounds. We bikes, boats, and even horses. strongly encourage our membership to be One of the members who personally experienced traveling for grounded in a home church. There are no Christian Motorcyclists Association is Tom Hammond, Idaho State dues or membership fees to be a member. We don’t even require CMA Coordinator who went on a mission trip this past May. “The anyone to own or ride a motorcycle or ATV. We do require agreemission trip allowed me to participate in the distribution of transpor- ment with our doctrinal statements, which include: tation vehicles to pastors in Guatemala, enabling them to grow their • The Bible as the inspired and infallible Word of God churches, reach further into outlying areas, and also for basic emer• One God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and gency transport for their church families. 150cc motorcycles may not Holy Spirit seem like much here in the U.S., but to them it is life-changing.

• The virgin birth and deity of Christ, His explicit atoning death, “Look up Run for the Son on the CMA website (cmausa.org) and bodily resurrection, and ascension watch our videos. I get to pray with the pastors and families, share • Salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ their stories and sit at the dinner table with them to better under• The sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit, who enables a believer stand the challenges they face. Often we service older motorcycles to live holy • The second coming of Jesus Christ and conduct minor repairs when possible.

Hammond continued: “As a servant The first-hand view we get on these trips ministry, we earn the right to speak. Building helps us to communicate to our friends, relationships with motorcyclists and their neighbors and other members why it is families, we are then able to share the good important to support them in prayer and news of salvation through Jesus Christ.” through finances.”

Jim Caulk, president of Narrow Road RidHammond explained how funds are ers in Nampa, said about his membership raised for the mission outreach. “Each in CMA: “CMA means a lot to me because year on the first Saturday in May is our I can use my passion (motorcycling) as a ‘Run for the Son’ event. Our only CMA ministry tool among motorcyclists to share fund-raising effort culminates on this day Eagle Peak Lodge/RV Park my faith. There are many riders that won’t to enable financial support; 60% of the darken the door of a church but will go to funds raised are distributed to our part164 White Pine Rd., a motorcycle rally. And if CMA is there to ners to enable continued support of their Ashton, ID 83420 serve, I might get the opportunity to share missions. CMA partners with them in or plant a seed that will lead that person to reviewing and approving their use of the Public is welcome & encouraged Christ.” funds we provide. Last year, each partner Idaho CMA chapters will hold their anreceived over $1.25 M from our fundto come join in on the fun! nual Idaho State Rally July 27 in Ashton, raising efforts.”

H Idaho, eating, hearing messages of faith, Along with the Jesus Film Project, CMA going on rides, and camping out together or partners with Missionary Ventures InterBike Show staying in hotels. Hammond said the annual national and Global Christian Relief.

H rally is always open to anyone and everyone, The CMA chapter in Fruitland offers and non-members may attend for free. a prison ministry. “Our national motto Family Games Praise and worship, a scavenger hunt, and is, ‘Changing the World One Heart at a H ice cream are all on the agenda. Saturday at Time’,” Amos said. dusk the children’s version of the Jesus Film There are activities to enjoy with CMA Hot Dogs & A Movie At 6 p.m. will be shown in the Ashton city park, followmembership. “We go out on rides,” Amos H ing hot dogs and drinks for all who attend. said. In May, they hold a Dinner Ride, The kinds of cycles that are welcomed in then a Day Ride on the second Tuesday of Family Friendly – Bring Your Kids CMA are not limited and include Harleys, each month. They go to a motorcycle shop Honda Gold Wings, and other makes and in Meridian called Cycle Gear and greet models. Amos herself rides an adult tri-wheel cycle; other configurations people. They give “bike blessings,” which entails going up to a man of cycles are welcome as well. and his cycle and asking if they can pray for his safety, and also pray “It covers the gamut,” Amos said. for the cycle. It’s all voluntary for Cycle Gear’s customers, but the CMA is not the only biker group, and is not even the only Christian response is positive. biking group in the area or across the country. “CMA is not all by Have members of the group experienced motorcycle accidents? itself,” Amos said. There is Bikers for Christ, for instance, and she said Amos said yes, though not many. CMA stresses safety at all times. there are 28 groups nationwide, as well as various other local groups, People of all ages are members in the Idaho chapters of Christian proving that cycling and Christianity can be a match made in heaven — Motorcyclists Association. Many members are retired and are ages 50 and above; however, any person of any age is welcome. There are not so negative now, Herb Shreve. n singles, couples, and families with Mom, Dad and the kids behind To join, go to cmausa.org and find a nearby chapter. Many local them. There are also older people who used to ride motorcycles but chapters may also be found on Facebook and, as stated, there’s no longer can due to age limitations, yet who come to group events no fee to join. anyway and are always welcomed.

Christian Motorcyclists Association

Idaho State Rally 2025 July 25-27 2025

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Christian Living | July / August 2025 17

HISTORY, Culture and Faith

‘The hand of providence’: Expedition Part 3

By Dr. Rick Chromey

“...the hand of providence has been most wonderfully in our favor...” (Meriwether Lewis, July 15, 1806)

Sacagawea’s Healing Water

On June 10, 1805, near Great Falls, Mont., the teenage Shoshone interpreter for Lewis and Clark was dying.

Her health had been deterioAmerica had one burning rating for five days. Clark had question for the expedition bled her twice, drawing over members upon their return: a pint of blood, further weakHow did you do it? ening her. Then, Sacagawea At an 1807 gathering in stopped eating on June 16.

Fincastle, Virginia, Clark Clark was out of ideas. answered that query with But Lewis was arriving seven words. His reply satiswith the cure: sulfur water fied the crowd and brought from a spring across from the discussion to a close.

Clark’s camp. It was Lewis’s Clark explained their success only idea for the diminutive wasn’t luck, fate, or even teen mother with barely a their own “wisdom.” Instead, pulse, high fever, and nervous Clark pinned their success to twitching. Sacagawea drank the “singular interposition of heartily of Lewis’ medication 1 Providence.” and soon found herself getGod uniquely intervened ting better...fast!

Painting of the Lewis and Clark expedition in a canoe meeting some Native Americans to rescue, heal, provide, and Sulfur water appeared to be key to (1905), by Charles Marion Russell, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons protect.

Sacagawea’s mystery illness.

Lewis echoed a similar Many historians believe she suffered from advanced venereal dis2 reason following yet another near-death escape from a grizzly. ease, which she picked up from the French. However, a new theory has gained ground recently: a mistreated urinary tract infection. The Miracle Whipped argument contends Clark’s “bleedings” further weakened and dehyMany readers think it miraculous that Lewis and Clark completed drated Sacagawea’s small frame. In contrast, Lewis’s mineral water this mission with but one death. treatments hydrated and healed her quickly...within hours.5 The And yet several moments in this story are miraculous. Merriamnext day, Sacagawea ate “heartily,” convincing Lewis he had “every Webster defines a “miracle” as an extraordinary event that shows rational hope of her recovery.”6 Divine Intervention beyond natural laws and lacks a reasonable The miracle in the odds: explanation. Miracles are supernatural and unexplainable.

• How fortunate was Clark’s party to camp opposite a sulfur And there are three events described in Lewis and Clark’s journals spring, precisely when Sacagawea needed its remedy? that fit this rule.

• And that sulfur spring was the Missouri River’s only pool and Meriwether Lewis was involved in all three. one of only two high-sulfur spring pools in Montana?

• How did Lewis know to use it as medication?

Which is more plausible? A random series of events and places Air Rifle Resurrection The first “miracle” happened near Pittsburgh on August 31, 1803. colliding accidentally to produce healing? Or did God bring Clark’s party to the right place and provide Lewis the right solution to It’s the first entry in the journals...and it’s a head-scratcher. medicate Sacagawea?

Lewis stopped at an island to visit a friend. But his friend was more interested in his new high-tech gun, a .46 caliber Girandoni repeating air rifle.3 Lewis hadn’t fired it yet, and it was time to break A “Mysterious” Miracle it in. Lewis nailed his target fifty-five yards away seven times.

A final incident was in the nearby plains only a few days earlier However, when his friend shot the rifle, it got the upper hand and ( June 14). “accidentally” struck a woman forty yards away in her head. She In the late afternoon, Lewis shot a bull bison, but he wasn’t alone. “fell instantly, blood gushing from her temple.” Everyone, includA large grizzly also caught wind of the kill and was targeting Lewis. ing Lewis, rushed to her. But it was too late. “She was dead,” wrote By the time Lewis saw the bear sneaking towards him, his uncharged Lewis. weapon was a problem.

Except she wasn’t.

Lewis had only one option: run!

Mysteriously, after several minutes, the woman awoke and had an The nearest tree was hundreds of yards away. The Sun River was unexpected recovery. Lewis examined her head wound and deter80. Lewis flinched. The grizzly charged, and the chase began! mined the formerly “gushing” bloody wound wasn’t “dangerous.”4 But this is where the miracle lies.

She walked away. Lewis wasted no time either. He boarded his The fastest human is lucky to run 24 or 26 mph. Grizzlies top out barge and headed downriver. at 35. And yet Lewis somehow galloped 80 yards, breaking world Leaving dozens of questions for inquiring minds, including: record speeds, fully geared. Once at the river, he decided to fight the • How can a lifeless, presumed-dead person revive without treatbear. But what happened next confounded the captain. He wrote ment (Lewis was a field doctor)? later, “It still remains with me mysterious and unaccountable.” 7 • How does a military-grade rifle create a deadly, gushing wound The grizzly, which had charged fiercely to the river’s edge, sudthat heals on its own? denly stopped, turned, and sprinted away. When Lewis saw him, the It’s irrational and unexplainable...with biblical overtones... bear was still running miles away. What could scare a grizzly just twenty yards from attack, making it flee at full speed? a miracle?

18 July / August 2025 | Christian Living

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Certainly, something spooked that grizzly, sending it scampering back into the woods. Lewis was stumped.

Mysterious. Unaccountable. A miracle from the “Hand of Providence”?

Maybe Lewis has seen the light.

A Matter of Faith

Following the Expedition, many others ventured into the American West. However, these mountain men, fur trappers, and emigrant wagon trains encountered a more challenging path.

Maybe that’s why Clark claimed the Corps of Discovery succeeded by the “singular interposition of Providence” — an interesting phrase found in the works and speeches of many Founders, including John Jay, Benjamin Franklin, and George Washington.

It means God intervened to protect and provide for us alone.

Lewis and Clark believed God’s Hand was upon their venture. To them, and many others, it remains the only rational explanation for how they did it.

It’s a matter of faith. Believe it...or not. n

Dr. Rick Chromey

Dr. Rick Chromey is a historian and theologian who speaks and writes on matters of religion, culture, and history. He’s also a Lewis and Clark historian for American Cruise Lines (Columbia and Snake rivers). Rick and his wife Linda live in Star, Idaho. www.rickchromey.com Sources:

1. “Clark to the Citizens of Fincastle,” January 8,1807, Letters of the Lewis & Clark Expedition with Related Documents, 1783–1806, ed. Donald Jackson (Urbana, IL: University of Illinois Press, 1978), 359–60.

2. Meriwether Lewis., July 15, 1806 entry in The Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, ed. Gary Moulton (Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska Press / University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries-Electronic Text Center, 2005), https://lewisandclarkjournals.unl.edu/item/lc.jrn.180607-15#lc.jrn.1806-07-15.02 3. The Girandoni air rifle was likely a .46 caliber, however, a .51 caliber gun was also produced. “History of Girandoni Air Rifle” by Airgun Depot, June 4, 2021: https://www.airgundepot.com/vault/articles/girandoni-air-rifle/ 4. Lewis, August 30, 1803, https://lewisandclarkjournals.unl.edu/item/lc.jrn.1803-08-30#ln01083006 5Dr. James Alexander wrote “oral hydration...as well as the potential bacteriostatic agent in the sulfur water, can clear the infection very rapidly...especially in the case of a young, otherwise healthy person.” Private email exchange with Elizabeth Alexander and Rick Chromey, March 13, 2025.

6. Lewis, June 17, 1806, https://lewisandclarkjournals.unl.edu/item/lc.jrn.1805-06-17 7. Lewis, June 14, 1805, https://lewisandclarkjournals.unl.edu/item/lc.jrn.1805-06-14#lc.jrn.1805-06-14.01

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Christian Living | July / August 2025 19

FOOTPRINTS on Campus

Why we must pray for America’s youth

A movement called Footprints on Campus invites all interested parties to pick a school and start praying during August 11-15. This effort is being undertaken by the National Network for Youth Ministries and other organizations and individuals who care about students in America. (Courtesy photo) (Submitted by Cory Freese, Idaho State Coordinator, National Network for Youth Ministries)

In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus describes a traveler beaten and left by the side of a road — a road known for its dangers.

The powerful twist in that story isn’t just about the man who stopped to help; it’s about the fact that someone saw the need and chose to act.

Today’s students are on a similar road. They’re navigating bullying, anxiety, social pressures, and deep questions about identity and worth.

Some face physical danger; others endure emotional wounds that are just as damaging. In 67,000 public schools and nearly 1,300 juvenile detention centers across America, our young people are crying out for guidance, compassion, and hope.

What if the Church became the Good Samaritan in this story?

81% of the teen population spends three-fourths of every year on a campus.

Join the Movement: Footprints on Campus

Footprints on Campus is part of the Symphony of Prayer, a nationwide initiative running through August and September to surround schools and students with prayer. Just as a symphony combines unique instruments into one breathtaking composition, this movement brings together churches, ministries, parents, students, and prayer warriors from every background in unified, powerful intercession.

85% of people who follow Christ do so before the age of 15. In 2024 alone, nearly 2,000 schools were covered in prayer during Foot-

20 July / August 2025 | Christian Living

prints week — and more than 1,000 were adopted for yearlong prayer.

It’s working. Students are being reached. Culture is shifting. Hearts are softening. But we need more voices. More prayers. More footprints.

How You Can Place Your Footprints

This isn’t about launching a massive program or adding more to your plate. It’s about a simple act of faith: showing up and praying.

Here’s how to get started: GO: Go to a local school and claim that ground in faith. Show up in person and cover a school or detention facility in prayer during August 11–15. This invitation is open to all leaders, ministers, parents, and community members who want to see teens’ lives radically changed by Jesus. We know it’s ambitious — but we believe we can do it together.

Not sure where to start? Email footprints@nnym.org to get in touch with a prayer coordinator in your area.

GROW: Grow our prayer coverage by adopting a school for yearround intercession. We want to see every school prayed for and every student within an arm’s reach of the gospel. We’re partnering with Every Student Every School to mobilize prayer warriors who will cover schools across the country throughout the year. Adopt a school for prayer.

GIVE: Give to support the student ministries on that campus. Help launch this school year with prayer and purpose by investing in youth leaders committed to reaching students. You can give toward our national fund — or directly support a team member’s ministry by selecting their name in the dropdown menu at nnym.org/footprints.

www.christianlivingmag.com

Why It Matters: A Legacy of Gospel Impact

Since 1979, National Network of Youth Ministries (NNYM) has existed to shape the faith of the next generation. We unite and empower more than 37,000 youth leaders across the U.S., fostering collaboration, discipleship, and longevity in youth ministry.

In partnership with grassroots prayer movements like See You at the Pole, Prayer Walk Projects, and now Symphony of Prayer, NNYM supports youth leaders reaching tens of thousands of schools with the good news of Jesus. And in collaboration with ministries like Moms in Prayer and Campus Alliance, we are mobilizing believers to cover every school in prayer — laying the foundation for gospel-centered relationships and transformation.

Claim the Land in Prayer

Joshua 1:3 says, “I will give you every place where you set your foot.” What if the next revival begins not in a stadium, but on a sidewalk in front of a public school? What if your prayers today lead to a student’s salvation tomorrow?

We are inviting you to claim the ground for Christ — one campus at a time. Pick a school.

Google one nearby. Start praying. Mark your calendar and join us August 11–15 for Footprints week. Invite a friend or small group. Prayer is stronger in unity. Download prayer resources from NNYM to guide your journey. n Have questions? We’ve got answers. Email us at footprints@nnym.org or go to www.nnym.org/footprints.

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Christian Living | July / August 2025 21

KAIROS

An Inside and Outside prison ministry

By Gaye Bunderson

Q. When did you first become involved in Kairos Prison Ministry and what motivated you?

A. I started about 10 years ago. At that time I was working, but God was speaking to my heart to become involved in some kind of ministry. My wife was a support volunteer for Kairos Inside (KI). She also was part of the Kairos Outside (KO) program.

So I first volunteered as a support volunteer for KO. When I saw the transformation of some of those involved in that program, I signed up to go into prison with KI for men. Just for reference Kairos Prison Ministry is one ministry, three programs.

Kairos Inside is a prison ministry with a mission to develop a Christian community on the inside for men and women incarcerated in prison. Kairos Outside is a ministry for women who have been impacted by prison by either their spouses, parents, or relatives. Kairos Torch is a mentoring program for incarcerated youth, ages 25 and under. Idaho currently has one KI for men and members are praying to get a KO started again, as well as a Torch ministry up and running.

prayer and share, monthly reunions, quarterly gatherings, and bringing other residents to Christ. Not every resident who goes through Kairos changes, but many do, and others at least have heard the Word and hopefully will come to know Christ.

Q. How would you encourage others — inside or outside the church — to get involved in helping those in prison? And what is the best and safest way for people to do that?

A. I cannot speak for other ministries and/or programs involved with prisons, but for Kairos there are several ways to become involved either inside the prison or out with the ministry. A person can be a team member going into the prison involved in KI, and/or Torch, and/or be a team member of Kent Smith KO. A person can also be involved in all three as a prayer partner, support volunteer, financial supporter, or board member. Anyone can be involved in Kairos without going into the prison. In other words prayer, time, and financial support are important.

As I hear from a lot of ministries and programs, “The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37-38). The best and safest way for Christians to get involved would be start with prayer. Pray for what God is Q. What does the word Kairos mean in this context? calling you to do for Kairos. Then whether Christian or outside the A. The Greek language delineated two types of time: Chronos and church, Idaho Department of Corrections has a protocol and trainKairos. Chronos refers to sequential, quantitative time (seconds, ing a person has to go through to be able to enter the prison. The minutes, hours, years). Kairos does not care about how many ticks Idaho Kairos team would love to have you join our team to spread of the clock have passed. Instead, Kairos is the perfect moment or the good news. the best time to do something amazing. It is not about how long you wait but catching the right moment when it comes. So I would say Q. What are some other specific guiding verses for the ministry? it is the timing of when God calls and one answers. The Kairos proA. I would say there are several that pertain. The main one is grams start with a 3½ Day Weekend which is “God’s perfect time,” Matthew 25:36. The other that God put on my heart was one Jesus or Kairos time for that participant. It is then followed up by weekly prayer and share groups, monthly gatherings, and quarterly one-day asked his disciples to do: “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole of creation” (Mark 16:15). retreats.

Q. Could you tell me what happens when you walk into a prison to visit inmates?

A. I cannot speak for everyone, but 10 years ago I could not just walk in and start talking to a resident about Christ by myself. The first time I walked into prison it was a little intimidating, and to be honest I was a bit nervous. The one thing that helps when going in with Kairos is that it is with a team of men that is led by Jesus.

Spreading the good news the first time one goes in is easier with fellow Christians, with Christ leading us. After 10 years it is not intimidating and I do not feel nervous. I am now very comfortable and would feel comfortable going by myself, but I fully enjoy going in with my fellow Kairos brothers and sisters.

Q. Could you tell me one of the more inspiring stories about an inmate who was saved?

A. There’s so many. One that really stands out to me was during the second year I was in KI. We let any resident come into Kairos and it starts with the 3½ Day Weekend. The 3½ Day Weekend is held every year for up to 42 residents. It is where we tell them about Christ and do a short course in the Christian way to live. At the end of this program, residents have a time where they can stand up and tell the audience what the weekend has meant or done for them.

One of the residents who attended that year confessed, “When I came in on Thursday, I was the leader of the devil worshipers at this facility and after these three days I am giving my life to Christ.”

Since then, he has been an active participant in the Kairos weekly

22 July / August 2025 | Christian Living

Q. In what ways are people in prison both like us and different from us?

A. They’re like us in that they’re human and have faults. Once they become Christians they also struggle with faith and hope, but it’s harder in prison. We are all exposed to negativity, but from what I have seen in talking with residents it feels like one can’t (just) get out and get away from that negativity. Also, many people in prison come from very difficult backgrounds. Just like us, though, we all have to look towards Christ and let Him lead us to His way of life for us no matter the circumstances.

Q. What is particularly unique about Kairos?

A. We are in 39 states and 15 countries. We work with both men, women, and with juveniles when there are available and willing volunteers. We are ecumenical. We come from various denominations, but we put those denominational differences aside and focus on Jesus. We’re just showing Jesus Christ.

Our motto is simple: LISTEN, LISTEN, LOVE, LOVE. We work to exhibit the total agape love of Jesus, while at the same time speaking truth. I would say for me Kairos emphasizes it’s not about religion; it’s about relationship. We’re following Christ’s lead. You find further information on the Kairos website at kairosprisonministry.org. n Kent Smith is Idaho Kairos State Chair. He may be reached at krs052558@gmail.com.

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NNYM in Idaho

Brandon Swain: ‘Cultivating the youth field’

a party culture,” Brandon recalled. But then, when Brandon was going through some tough personal the couple relocated to Portland, Oregon — because struggles.

McKinsey landed her first job out of school there — On one front, three close members of his famtheir lives changed. For the better. They connected ily had all passed away in a short period of time. with another group of twentysomethings who were On another front, his parents were divorcing; his more directly plugged in to God’s Word. “And that’s mother, struggling with his father’s battle with when my wife and I found something we hadn’t realcoholism. ally experienced before. We joined a Life Group, we He had found at least a modicum of solace, sitting started studying the Bible regularly … it was like a on the shoulder of a remote dirt road, deep in the real church community!” he explained.

Idaho wilderness, where he and other teens from a Through the new group, “We learned how each nearby church camp had been hiking. Their youth of us could become a better person, and how we leader had sent the others on ahead, while he stayed could better deal with our struggles. It was an behind with Brandon, sitting with him, comforting amazing time! We even learned how to reach out him, consoling him; the man reassuring the boy to communities in need. For example, we went on that, despite the challenges he was facing, God is a mission together to help those whose homes were still in control. And that God still loves him. Very destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. That was a real Brandon Swain much. faith builder for both of us.”

However, little did Brandon realize back then that, As he and McKinsey built their family (they now years later, those roles would be reversed. And he would become the have three adopted children), Brandon decided to pour himself into comforter to youth. youth ministry. He felt that’s where God was calling him. Or, as he Brandon Swain grew up in the little wilderness town of Challis, pointed out, “Even before I was a Christian, I really enjoyed being Idaho. around young people, teenagers. I’ve always had a youthful spirit He was raised in the community’s Catholic church — serving as an about me. I’ve always loved hanging out with kids, playing games, altar boy; in fact, his grandmother even regularly played the organ doing goofy stuff with them. I felt, if that’s the direction God wanted in the church. But he fell away from his faith when he was about me to go, He would open doors.” eight years old, after his parents’ marriage ended. “At that point in And He did. my life, even though I always enjoyed being a part of the church, I When Brandon first got called into ministry, “I became involved in didn’t understand that much about God,” he admitted. “I was not the worship music and youth ministry of a very small restart church reading the Bible, so I really didn’t know how to follow Him. And in Santa Rosa, Calif.,” a city about sixty miles north of San Francisthen, after a while, I simply didn’t go to church anymore. But I still co, near the California wine country. “However, the church was so believed in God.” small, the only on-staff person was the pastor. So, some of the other He met McKinsey years later while he was attending school in parents — whose teenagers were in my youth group — and I got Boise and, in 2001, the couple got married. “We went through [the together and decided to do a ‘co-op,’ where we would rotate giving required] pre-marital counseling so we could be married by a pastor, the Message to the kids, involving them in a Bible study, or simply because we wanted our marriage to be before God, not the state,” he playing games with them. I really enjoyed it. We all did. Our own kids were even involved in the program.” said. “But, as for my faith, I was only going off what I had learned After serving in the Santa Rosa church for some eight years, God back in Sunday School.”

The couple later moved to Seattle. “At first, we were on our own. It opened another door for them. “My family and I were very involved was just the two of us. We’d hang out with friends, but it was more of in our church. The members were like family to us,” said Brandon.

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WILLS & TRUSTS at One Flat Fee But, when his in-laws left California and moved back East, “We didn’t have any biological family in the Santa Rosa area anymore. My wife and I wanted our kids to really get to know their grandparents better, who live in Idaho. So we took it to God. If He wanted us to stay in California, we knew He would make a way for us. Or, if He wanted us to return to Idaho, we knew He’d make a way for us there. So we knew God was giving us His blessing, when He made it so we could return to Idaho.”

Settling in Kuna in 2018, Brandon continued his ministry work — this time, as youth pastor assistant at Stonehill Church, a nondenominational church in south Meridian. There, he had his first exposure to the group known as the National Network of Youth Ministries (NNYM) Steve Bertel which, since 1981, has been working throughout the country to bring churches, pastors, and especially youth ministers and youth leaders together in neighboring geographic areas to network, share ideas, share resources, to learn from each other and, most importantly, to pray for each other.

“I immediately knew it was a good thing,” Brandon recalled. A good thing he wanted to be a part of. “I’m very much a networker. I love connecting people. I love sitting down and strategizing with other leaders. So I began praying about it, asking God what He had next for me.”

Brandon started his own network in 2020, when he became youth pastor at the E3 Church in Kuna. He served there for four years “with much success,” as he pointed out.

But, when he decided it was time to move forward from that pastoral position, he felt led to help other youth pastors — and joined NNYM as an Idaho Area Coordinator. “It was definitely a calling from the Lord for me to take it on. I knew I was ready to pass my position [at E3 Church] to a new youth pastor. Not that I can’t relate to kids anymore. They’re super energetic … and I just don’t have the energy I used to,” he chuckled, “since I’m getting a little older now.”

And, just as in Matthew 9:37, where Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few,” “There is plenty [for NNYM] to do here in Idaho,” Brandon said, with an estimated 1,100 youth pastors in the state, 1,174 churches, and 522 middle and high schools.

But, keeping with NNYM’s mission to create “collaborative spaces for youth leaders to be personally encouraged, professionally equipped, and spiritually strengthened for faithful and effective ministry with the next generation” can be a bit of a challenge at times.

Many of Idaho’s small-town or outlying-area churches have minimal staffs, so taking on another ministry effort — even if it means helpfully networking with other churches in their areas — can sometimes be intimidating. “Some pastors think, ‘Well, this is just another time commitment for me’,” Brandon admitted. “So I work to help pastors and youth leaders see the vision behind NNYM, and how it can significantly benefit and bless their churches — and their youth. And why it’s so important for churches and youth ministries to work together to share resources with each other, to exchange ideas like ‘How did you handle such-and-such an issue?’ And, really, to have the mindset that it’s okay to share that you’re struggling with something as a church, it’s okay to ask for help; because, especially in churches with small staffs, both pastors and youth leaders oftentimes feel like they are carrying the entire weight of the church.”

Social media has an obvious significant impact on kids today. And not in good ways. It can create anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, even pornography addiction. So, as his statewide church network expands, Brandon is looking to set up more roundtable discussions, pastoral-specific training, virtual (video) conferences, and even more large-scale worship events where a number of youth groups can come together at a host church; all in the universal effort to not only help churches collaborate, but to encourage and support youth leaders and, in turn, to strengthen kids’ resistance to the social temptations and pitfalls prevalent today. And it’s working. Or, as Brandon pointed out, “At a recent local youth worship night event, we had some 100 kids show up, and about twenty came forward to give their hearts to the Lord. When you see that, it makes it all worth it.” n If you’d like to partner with Brandon and help support his work with the NNYM (93% of every dollar donated goes directly into the communities where the team member serves), or to join his prayer team, you can reach out to him at bswain@nnym.org.

Steve Bertel is a multi-award-winning professional radio, television, print media, and social media journalist, who retired after a 30-year broadcasting career. Now a busy freelance writer, his debut suspense novel, “Dolphins of an Unjust Sea,” is available on both Amazon and Kindle. He and his wife of 42 years live in Meridian, Idaho. He can be reached at stevebertel65@gmail.com.

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Christian Living | July / August 2025 25

A STORY from Mark Part 3

‘Which is easier to say?’ Jesus asks

I was surprised at how average He appeared. I The more they dug, the more my heart began to could have passed Him every day in the street and pound, and my thoughts ran circles while I lay there not looked twice. There was authority in His stance limp and helpless. and eyes, yes, but not arrogance. Care but not Were the owners of this house, Simon and Anworry. Peace paired with action. I desired to fix my drew, home? I heard that they had stopped fishing eyes on His but also felt too ashamed to look upon — abruptly left their nets, even — to follow Jesus of His face.

Nazareth. Simon was a well-known hothead; what The ends of the ropes dropped, landing with a would he do when he saw what they had done to his thud on either side of me. roof?

He laughed a little, and, shaking the dirt from Then a different kind of excitement rushed his hair with one hand, looked up at my friends, all through my veins — if the reports were true, I kneeling now, watching expectantly, smiles on their would soon be healed. Then I could help to repatch faces. the roof.

I swallowed. How could they look so confident?

I imagined it, standing on my own two feet, climbThey must not be as big of sinners as I was. I ing, carrying supplies up the stone steps I’d just been couldn’t look at Him. If He knew how I’d sinned, carried up; straightening to stretch my sore back would He — Bethany Riehl muscles and pausing to wipe my brow with the back “Son, your sins are forgiven.” of my arm to clear the sweat from my eyes.

I blinked. Looked up into His face, into the firm The sweat of hard work and effort. Of a man that would no longer assurance in His eyes. My sins were forgiven? To my shame, even be called lame. Worthless. Hopeless. now, I felt the heavy weight of disappointment settle on my chest. So Then suddenly, I realized the sound around me had shifted. I not even this miracle worker could make me walk again. The soaring couldn’t hear the shink of their shovels sinking into hard clay or the height of my hope crashed down around me, landing with a dull thump of dirt being piled at my feet. Instead of the steady drone thud, just as the ropes had. of Jesus’ teaching in the room below, I heard a rush of gasping and But then I thought of those long nights thinking, those reports that shouts of surprise as dirt rained down below. had come back. He’d made the leper clean. Who but God could Jesus was no longer talking. do something like that? If He declared my sins were forgiven then, My friends gathered the ropes that they had brought into their maybe — hands, wrapping it around their strong arms, leaving a tail behind Before I could finish my thought, Jesus turned suddenly to look at them, then arranged themselves, two at my head, two at my feet, the group of men I recognized as scribes. They were sitting together, and lifted me up and over the crude hole. My heart hammered to a brows drawn, faces set in hard lines. stop before it began to race.

He said to them, “Why are you questioning these things in your And then I was lowered — slowly — down into the house. hearts?”

The men glanced at one another, and although they shrugged as Faces appeared, one, then another, then five more. Simon indeed if they didn’t know what He was talking about, their eyes betrayed looked annoyed, Andrew confused. I looked around for Jesus, realthem. izing I’d heard everything about Him except what He looked like. It “Which is easier to say to the paralytic?” Jesus continued, “‘Your took a moment to pick Him out among the crowd, but as I reached sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’?” everyone’s knees, my friends must have slipped a little and I landed A small stream of dust showered down from above and I glanced on the floor with a thud; wincing from my inability to do more than up. My friends had shifted, leaned close, eyes expectant. My heart put my hands out for stability, I saw one expression of compassion began to pound and I licked my lips. among the mixtures of annoyance, pity, and confusion.

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“But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,” again Jesus fixed His eyes on mine, “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.”

Over the years I’ve been asked about that moment more than anything else: Did I feel something like lightening course through my body? Did I test one foot, then another? Was I afraid to try and stand? Did I doubt?

I never know quite how to answer. Because all I did was stand. I don’t know how; I just obeyed. And when I stood up, it was with the fluidity and confidence of a man that had never been lame. My feeble legs were immediately strong, corded with muscle, just like the men who had carried me to the roof. My core moved with ease as I bent to retrieve my bed, as if I hadn’t spent my life unable to use it.

But while gasps of astonishment and amazement filled the room, as I straightened, lifting my now rolled bed to my shoulder, all I could think of were His words: “…that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…”

From that day forward, I’ve walked with the peace of one who has been made well, not only in flesh, but in spirit. Those around me then had cried out and glorified God, shouting, “We never saw anything like this!”

Jesus came back to Simon and Andrew’s house often in the three years of His ministry and I always went to listen. I stood in the back, never tired of the amazement I felt in being able to lean against a wall and look over the heads of those around me. Not until after Jesus was resurrected did I completely understand how He had forgiven my sins.

The weight of that truth still stops my breath.

He traded His perfect life for mine. He didn’t make my sins disappear; He took the wrath that I deserved. He died the death that I deserved to die.

And because He rose from the grave, I know that someday I’ll walk with Him in paradise when He calls me home at last. n

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CHURCHES IN YOUR AREA BOISE

The Sanctuary

Cowboy Church

Sunday Service 10 AM 912 W. Linden Street Caldwell, ID 83605 208-614-1085 Scowboychurch.com

Bethany Riehl lives in the Treasure Valley with her husband, three kids, and a dog. She writes articles and fictional novels when she can, and her one desire is to point others to the love and sufficiency of Jesus Christ.

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THE RENEGADE Psychiatrist

Helicopter pilot lived as light in the dark

Shortly thereafter, I was informed by the U.S. As an ordained minister (another claim to my State Department that an autopsy was needed and renegade status), so far I have had the privilege of had to be done by an American doctor. So, for one doing only two funerals. One was my good friend, of the more difficult tasks of my life, I proceeded to Rick, the other my father-in-law. Rick was from do the autopsy on my good friend. He had been hit in the back by a portion of the helicopter blade that western Oregon. He was divorced but had since had broken off. The blow caused instant death. rededicated his life to serving God. After the autopsy, a funeral was needed. I thought He was a very accomplished pilot and pilotthe best way to honor him was to provide a short trainer who decided to use his skills for a mission history of his life and ministry. This was followed in Kenya. He was assigned to a helicopter mission by a short gospel sermon on the plan of salvacalled Heli-mission. His job was to train the local tion, something Rick would surely desire. After the pilot in mountain flying, which is an advanced skill. sermon, people came forward to offer testimonies We were living in western Kenya in the bush at of Rick’s impact on their lives. They came one after the time. We came upcountry for supplies and rest another, from many denominations and backabout every three months. Rick would come by and grounds. There were those he had helped with the hang out with my family, especially enjoying our young children. My oldest, Ethan, was totally taken Dr. Larry E. Banta helicopter, and others he had helped just by being there to assist them when he was not flying. One with Rick. He was able to sit in Rick’s helicopter local Asian woman was flown urand play with the controls, which as gently to Nairobi to save her vision; a 5-year-old was totally awesome. the operation was successful. The Rick served the local community entire back two rows of the church in any way he could. He would travel with and were filled with members of the loencourage the local pastors, going with them cal Asian community. They were so to remote bush preaching locations. He grateful, and loved him very much. helped needy families and encourThis was also likely the first time aged the missionaries. He flew they heard the gospel. emergency cases to Nairobi when The next week, one of our co-workers was asked to baptize a needed. He was truly a shining light, liftfamily of four who were so touched by Rick’s life and his funeral Bell 206 on www.aviastar.org ing up all those around him. that they all decided to follow Jesus. They were from Scotland, with Our mission used the helicopter to go to two lovely girls about the age of my children. They were teachers in mountain areas to hold clinics. In these areas there was a good bit of a local private school and had come to know Rick in the commuillness and no road access. Some villages had never seen a wheeled vehicle but had seen a helicopter up close. We also hitched rides into nity. They had not really heard the gospel before. Their lives were changed, forever, by his testimony. They later moved to Australia Nairobi with Rick at times to pick up supplies. It was much faster and I am sure would shine their light there. than our Toyota and the scenery was amazing.

Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A city set On one occasion, I had not been feeling well for about a week. I on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put could not eat; food did not taste good. I started to become yellow. it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the I did not notice but everyone else did. I had one long case to finish house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that that day. A young man was slashed in the eye with a machete. The they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who eye was okay but the eyelid was not. It took about five hours to sew is in heaven.” him back together. Finishing that and feeling exhausted, I went to do Rick was a shining light in a dark world. He demonstrated that our daily check-in on the ham radio, our only form of communicaour job as light-bearers is very important. Once we have the light of tion. I informed our contacts all was well.

Christ in our lives, we must be able to effectively shine. If we have Returning to the house, my wife asked me if I had asked for help. drawn away from God, if there is persistent sin in our lives, our light “Why would I need to do that?” I asked, “all is fine.” She rushed does not shine brightly. It becomes quite dim and does no good. back to the radio just in time and called for the helicopter to come James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to take me out of the bush — I was very sick. I finally realized at that you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, point that I really WAS sick. (Doctors and nurses are not the best pa- you double-minded.” tients.) While awaiting the helicopter, the villagers gathered around Our light shining brightly in worship and service — whatever our our home and began the death wail. That was rather disconcerting. profession, job or activity — can make such a difference to those Rick arrived with the helicopter in time to take me to the hospital around us. and barely in time to save my life. I never would have survived if not Colossians 3:23-24: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your for Rick having dropped everything to come. I was in a coma for heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you two days but made it through. Rick went back to the mission station know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a to bring my family out. reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

I recovered well and went to stay in a home we rented upcountry.

And in Daniel 12:3 we read: “Those who are wise will shine Very soon after I was discharged, one of the other missionaries came like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to by with an urgent message. He stated sadly, “There was a helicopter righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” crash and Rick was killed.” This was devastating to all of us. He Rick was a shining example that still inspires even many years later. n was on the ground while the pilot-trainee was sling-loading building supplies for a remote church building. I was asked to come to the he- Dr. Larry Banta is an author of several books, a retired psychialicopter crash site and then to examine the helicopter. Details of the trist, and a former missionary. He served in India, Mexico and crash can still be found online: https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/ Kenya. He and his wife, Evelyn, a counselor, travel together to provide consultation and training in various international locations. wiki.php?id=32989

By Larry Banta

28 July / August 2025 | Christian Living

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UNDERSTANDING Relationships

Marriage: a hard thing no one trains for

In his book “Sacred Marriage,” author Gary Thomas Counselor and author, Deborah Fileta, says that challenges men and women to realize that marriage isn’t when she surveyed more than 1,000 married men just about happiness; it’s about holiness. Through the and women, more than 96 percent of them said they un-replicated commitment and intimacy of marriage, we believed the average person does not understand the have the opportunity for lifelong growth and maturity, cost of marriage going into it. practicing selflessness, forgiveness, and grace as we learn That’s a staggering number. It tells me we’re given to love each other unconditionally. Two imperfect human the blanket statement that “marriage will be hard,” beings exposing their realness yet loving each other still. but we’re not really prepared to tackle those hardMarriage makes us better because we learn to receive ships when they come. We’re not trained. We’re not that kind of love for ourselves. For us to truly become equipped. We’re not even aware. We don’t know what better, we must learn to receive love as readily as we give to look for. And I’d say that in the 16+ years that I’ve it. Marriage isn’t just about becoming happier and feeling been coaching couples that I agree with her findings. better; it’s about becoming better — becoming everything We assume that two good people trying to do the right that God designed us to be. But ironically, in becoming thing will always equal a good, strong marriage. But better, we often find that we’ve also become happier and unfortunately, that’s simply not the case. feel better.

Even though marriage is one of the most significant Feelings come, and feelings go. And those who build Gary Moore choices we make in life, it’s the only one you’re given the foundation of their marriage on how they feel will a license to do before you’ve actually learned how to eventually find their marriage crumbling. I choose mardo it! Every other major, licensed accomplishment comes by way of a riage because although I know my feelings are fickle, my faith is not. My substantial amount of time, energy, education, and preparation. You emotions may fail me, but my choices are always up to me. I choose to love, go through at least eight strenuous years of training to get a medical to trust, to forgive, and to remain. It’s easy to follow our hearts, but it takes license. You have to clock numerous hours of driving to get a driver’s real courage to lead our hearts. n license. But marriage? For marriage you get a license first and hope you somehow learn to succeed along the way. I don’t know about you, but Gary Moore served as associate pastor at Cloverdale Church of God for that seems a little backwards to me.

15 years. He does couples’ coaching and leads couples’ workshops and Just like anything worthwhile, marriage requires knowledge, training, retreats called MUM’s the Word. He has a weekly radio program – Life effort, and sacrifice. It requires daily choices — sometimes big, mostly Point Plus – on KBXL 94.1FM at 8:45 a.m. on Fridays. His website at small, and often hard — that lead to a lifetime of love and a fulfilling www.mutualunderstanding.net has video teachings and other resources marriage. But if you’re not prepared to make those choices, you can for couples. He may be contacted at glmoore113@gmail.com. end up making the wrong decision every single time.

Most people go into marriage with the goal of what marriage will do

by Steve Bertel for them, rather than what they will do for their marriage. And then there’s that thing of thinking that marriage is about your happiness. It’s Fill in each answer, one letter per square. not about your happiness. It’s not even about you. It’s about unconThen arrange the letters in the highlighted squares ditional love, which we choose to give time and time again. It’s about to reveal the name of … sacrificing, serving, giving, and forgiving, and then doing it over again.

And when the cost of marriage becomes too great, we convince THE MAN WHO THE NIV SAYS “ … WAS TRUSTWORTHY ourselves we have nothing left to gain, and therefore nothing to give.

AND NEITHER CORRUPT NOR NEGLIGENT.” It could be after a silly argument. It could be a heated moment, when words have been said that can’t be taken back. It could be in the middle 1. Boaz’ son of a misunderstanding. It could be in an instant when trust has been broken. It could be a time when your needs have not been understood.

But no matter what it is, there will be a moment when you are given 2. The Book of Psalms reassures us that “The Lord is trustworthy in the option of two choices: self or marriage. Me or we. And in every all he promises and ___ in all he does.” single moment like this, a choice will have to be made.

We live in a culture that is currently questioning the very foundation of marriage, from both within the church and without. According to a survey by the Pew Charitable Trust, many millennials are on the verge 3. Moses’ floating basket was made of this of believing that marriage is a lost art –- rebelling against the idea of a permanent, lifelong relationship with another human being. They wonder, “Can I even handle marriage?”

But wait a minute. Isn’t marriage God’s design? And when God designs something, He puts the laws in place that make that something 4. In an alphabetical listing of Bible Books, this follows Ecclesiastes work. And in God’s economy, if you don’t follow the laws, it won’t work as it was designed to. Think about it. We were made for love by a God who made us in His image. We were made for commitment by a God who entered covenant with us. We were created to do this thing called marriage and created to do it well.

And THE MAN WHO THE NIV SAYS “ … WAS TRUSTWORTHY Marriage is work, but working on your marriage is the best work you AND NEITHER CORRUPT NOR NEGLIGENT.” IS … will ever do. Why? Among other things, because marriage makes you better. Real marriage is not about being happy and fulfilled for the rest of our lives; it’s about the two of us becoming the best we can be from this day forward. Proverbs 27:17 teaches that, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” But be forewarned — when you sharpen iron with iron, sparks can and do fly.

By Gary Moore

BIBLE BLANKS

ANSWERS: 1. OBED (Ruth 4:21) 2. FAITHFUL (Psalm 145:13) 3. PAPYRUS (Exodus 2:1-8) 4. EPHESIANS And THE MAN WHO THE NIV SAYS “ … WAS TRUSTWORTHY AND NEITHER CORRUPT NOR NEGLIGENT.” is …DANIEL (Daniel 6:4)

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Christian Living | July / August 2025 29

REAL Man’s Toolbox

Leadership includes unconditional love

We need to pay a considerable amount of attenBy Leo Hellyer tion to our mindset and to develop our mindset We are living in a world of conflict. As men we as close to Christ Jesus as we can. When we lead, are called to lead. We are called to lead in our wherever we are, whoever we are leading, we families, churches, businesses, ministry, politics, need to get our direction, foundation, insight, etc. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, some and compassionate love from Jesus Christ. As men have vacated their leadership role. A lot of we lead, as much as we can we must take on the times, leadership is not fun, or easy. We all need habit of obeying God and expressing His unconto step up to the plate and become leaders in our ditional love. Once again, in Colossians 3:12-14, part of society. Unfortunately, quite a few men did Paul instructs us that “As God’s chosen people, not have a good role model in their lives of what a holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with man looks like as they lead. compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and For men to lead, they must be present, physipatience. Bear with each other and forgive one cally, and emotionally. If we, as men, do not acanother if any of you has a grievance against cept our role as leader, those around us suffer and someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And must pick up what we are not doing. For those over all these virtues put on love, which binds men who did not have a good role model to follow Leo Hellyer them all together in perfect unity.” while they were growing up, there is a significant It is not productive if we do not lead with love. role model who is available 24/7 and his name is Without love, our leadership is off course. Without love, our leadJesus. ership becomes overly directive and judgmental. Without love, Ken Blanchard, Phil Hodges, and Phyllis Hendry, in their book “Lead Like Jesus” state that: “Leadership happens anytime we in- our leadership becomes divisive instead of unifying. Without love, fluence the thinking, behavior, or development of another person, our leadership destroys instead of building up. How we lead can affect those who we are leading for the rest of their lives either and that Jesus is the greatest leadership role model of all time. positively or negatively.

Jesus was the epitome of Servant Leadership.” In Mark 10:45 we We need to lead as God directs us, not how the world skews read, “Even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to us. We must live in this world, but we cannot allow this world serve, and to give His Life as a ransom for many.”

As Christians, every day we are to strive to become more Christ- to direct our path. Paul addresses this in Romans: 12:2, when he says “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be like. We will never achieve that divine end, but we should always transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be be moving toward that goal. Paul gives us great direction in Coable to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleaslossians 1:10 when he says, “Live a life worthy of the Lord and ing and perfect will.” please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, As we interact with people around us, and as we react to the growing in the knowledge of God.” “stuff of life” that we face, we have choices to make. There is a As men, it is extremely easy for us to get distracted. Our minds great statement that applies perfectly: “Life is 10% what happens wander, our eyes wander, our feet wander. Particularly when we to you and 90% how you respond to it.” are tired, it is easy for us to turn from the servant leader mindset When less than desirable things happen to us, that should not and become self-centered and egotistical. We must make a condefine who we are or how we react to other people. If our foundacerted effort to stay on the course that God wants us on and not tion of life is based on Jesus Christ, we can follow His direction, allow anything to veer us off course.

30 July / August 2025 | Christian Living

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exercise His compassion, and react to life situations and relationships with His grace. If we will go to Jesus as a mentor, as the blueprint for manhood, then our life and our leadership — in all facets of our existence — will be based on a solid foundation of compassion, service, grace, consideration, and love.

Near the end of the book “Lead Like Jesus,” the authors include the words of Paul from 1 Timothy 1:5 when he says, “The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” When we lead, we need to lead from our Christ-based heart, not our ego. Our leadership must be built on a foundation of godly love, not on a power trip. We need to lead with understanding and compassion instead of power, might, and anger.

Many greatly influential men are openly sharing who is the foundation of their leadership style. Football coaches and players, generals and admirals, political leaders, CEOs, musicians, the military’s tier one special missions units, to name a few, are all making it clear that the foundation of their lives is Jesus Christ.

Men, let Jesus be your mentor, guide, and savior, and the foundation for your life in all its facets. n Leo Hellyer is a non-staff pastor with a local church and has been married to his wife Norma for 50 years. The couple volunteered with the Boise FamilyLife Ministry Team for 20 years. Leo has also been serving with Boise Rescue Mission Ministries for more than 20 years and is currently serving at the River of Life Rescue Mission. He is president and chief firearms instructor with Helping Hands Firearms Training LLC. If you have questions about Real Man’s Toolbox, or need other assistance, he may be reached at silverplate426@msn.com or (208) 340-5544.

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