March 2021 Connections

Connections Proclaiming the GOSPEL

LOCAL & GLOBAL STORIES, NEWS AND EVENTS of COLLEGE CHURCH

“Continued prayer is a balm of scented,

healing oil and its brightness opens doors with rays of warmth.”

Bring the Light by Virginia Hughes on page 12

MARCH 2021

Global Voices

Side by Side

Locally Sourced

Lives Well-Lived

Out of Isolation, Into Community

As an Atheist, I Became Pro-Life

JIM AND BETH TEBBE | 7

SUSAN ZIMMERMAN | 14

CHRIS IVERSON | 18

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Connections March 2021

March Highlights

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Prayer Gatherings

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Lives Well-Lived JIM AND BETH TEBBE Return to God SENIOR PASTOR JOSH MOODY

Out of Isolation, Into Community SUSAN ZIMMERMAN

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Shower of Grace LUIS ORELLANA

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As an Atheist, I Became Pro-life CHRIS IVERSON

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New Members

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At the Bookstall

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Milestones

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Looking Ahead

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Church-Planting Update ZACH FALLON

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Bringing the Light VIRGINIA HUGHES

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332 E. Seminary, Wheaton, IL 60187 (630) 668-0878 | www.college-church.org

Connections is a monthly newsletter published for and about the people of College Church. Send news items and suggestions to: connections@college-church.org. Keep Connections in mind to promote a community event to the College Church family. Send event information by the following dates: For the April issue: March 9 | For the May issue: April 9 | For the June issue: May 9

1 Brian Blackburn contributed the image on the cover of this

month's issue. He also contributed the cover image for the May 2020 issue. He and Warrie have been College Church missionaries since 2002 serving with Mercy Ships since 1994, so Brian's images come from all over the world. You can see more of his images at www/boubakaraexplores.com.

CONTRIBUTORS

2 Virginia Hughes consistently gives the pages of

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Connections words of grace, humor and honest insights. Her article, "Bringing the Light," on page 12 provides devotional insights on a classic hymn. She also contributed "Joy Unspeakable" in our December 2020 issue. She has served the church in many capacities, including the board of deaconesses and a variety of children's ministries.

3 Chris Iverson serves on the Sanctity of Human Life Task

Force. His article, "As an Atheist, I Became Pro-life," appears on page 7 of this issue. This is his first time writing an article for Connections. He and his wife, Emily, have been attending College Church since 2016.

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4 Josh Moody,

our senior pastor, is also founder and president of God Centered Life, that engages culture, trains churches, and reaches colleges by providing solid, biblical teaching through its sermons, devotionals and the One Night Centered on God conference. The article, "Return to God," on page 8, first appeared in the articles section of godcenteredlife.org. We look forward to more article insights in the future.

5 Luis Orellana serves on the evangelism committee at College

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Church. This is the second time he has written for the I Believe column of Connections. His previous article, "The Broken Generational Curse," appeared in the July 2020 Issue.

6 Zach Fallon, known as our high school pastor, is now the pastor of our next church plant. So he and his family are headed to Georgia. Watch for updates about the new church in future issues of Connections.

7 Susan Zimmerman's

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article on page 14, "Out of Isolation, Into Community" brings out the many facets of Mom2Mom. It's an inspiration for young and old, men and women. Her previous Connections article "21 Prayer Insights for 2021" appeared in the January 2021 issue.

8 Chris Arndt provided the photographs in our article “Out

of Isolation, Into Community". Chris and his wife, Sherri, have been College Church members since 2003. He has used his photographic gifts through the years to capture the memories of church, youth group, STARS, and music and worship ministries and events. See more of his work at ChristopherArndtImages.com.

Our Pastors, Directors and Residents: Eric Channing, pastor of congregational care and family ministries | Cheryce Berg, director of children’s ministries | Julie Clemens, director of disability ministries | Erik Dewar, pastor of worship and music | Zach Fallon, senior high pastor | Dan Hiben, middle school pastor | Tim Hollinger, technology director | Diane Jordan, director of visitation and care | Howard Kern, facilities director | Josh Maurer, pastorial resident | Curt Miller, missions pastor | Josh Moody, senior pastor | Ben Panner, college pastor | Mindy Rynbrandt, director of women’s ministries | John Seward, executive pastor | Nancy Singer, director of administration and finance | Mike Solis, pastoral resident | Josh Stringer, pastor of discipleship | Wil Triggs, director of communications | Michael Walker, pastoral resident Our Council of Elders: David Bea | Howard Costley | Dave Gieser, vice chair | Randy Jahns| Heinrich Johnsen | Dan Lindquist | Josh Moody, senior pastor | Phil Nussbaum | Tom Nussbaum | Jeremy Taylor | Mark Taylor, chair | Tad Williams | Rob Wolgemuth, secretary

MARCH HIGHLIGHTS

Sunday Morning Services Visitors are welcome in any and all services; no registration required. Feel free to invite people to worship with us. Registration for members and regular attenders for the 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. services opens at noon on Tuesdays of each week. No registration required for the 8 a.m. service. You can access the sign-up form here: college-church.formstack.com/forms/worship_signup Join us at 8:00, 9:30 and 11:15 a.m.

Livestream broadcast is at 9:30 with a rebroadcast at 11:15.

You can watch it at college-church.org/livestream Senior Pastor Josh Moody is preaching through 1 Thessalonians, “The Coming of the Lord” • March 7: 1 Thess. 2:1-12, An Exemplary Ministry (Communion) • March 14: 1 Thess. 4:1-12, A Life that Pleases God • March 21: 1 Thess. 4:13–5:11, Encourage One Another • March 28: Palm Sunday—1 Thess. 5:12-28, Asking and Urging

Adult Communities—in-person and Zoom options • Veritas meets Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. with Dr. Daniel Block teaching Ezekiel. Attend in person or via Zoom.

• Greek Class meets Sundays at 9:30 with Dr. Jon Laansma teaching 1 John. Available in person or via Zoom.

• Logos meets Sundays at 9:30 with Dr. Victor Kuligin teaching on the doctrine of salvation. In person or via Zoom.

• Forum 15 meets Sundays at 9:30 with David Fetzer teaching 1 & 2 Peter.

• Joint Heirs meets Sundays at 9:30 with a rotation of teachers teaching from the Book of Psalms. Available in person or via Zoom.

• All Nations meets Sundays at 9:30 with Steve Krogh leading their discussion of the sermon.

For connection via Zoom, email sarndt@college-church.org for your link of choice.

Congregational Events We are pleased to announce the following opportunities for publicly expressing faith in Christ: • Infant baptisms will be observed Sunday, March 14.

• Infant dedications will be observed on Mother's Day, May 9 • For believers baptism or confirmation contact Christy at baptism@college-church.org To move forward with any of these commitments, contact Christy at cchiodras@college-church.org or call the church.

Children’s Ministries • Sunday morning nursery, preschool and Bible school (grades 1-5), weekly reservations required.

• Wednesday Evening Clubs (Boys Brigade and Pioneer Girls) for grades 1-5.

Registration required at college-church.org/children/weekly-programs

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Middle School • Middle schoolers are meeting in Commons Hall on Tuesday nights beginning at 6:45 p.m. On Sunday mornings, plan to attend worship services with your family.

High School • March 7: One Day Retreat from 1 to 8 p.m.

• Sunday Night Live for HYACKS meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m., in Commons Gym. We will begin the month continuing the worldview and apologetics study called Gospel Glasses—Seeing All Things Through Christ.

LORD'S SUPPER March 7, April 2

STARS • Zoom Sunday morning class | 9:00 a.m.

• Zoom Wednesday music | Wednesdays 7-8 p.m., March 3, 10, 17, 24 (not 31) • Zoom Friday Night Fun | 6:30 p.m., March 19

College Group Student Service: With COVID limitations, we are creating space for students to easily worship at 10:15 a.m. in the Commons each Sunday. Join us!

Men’s Ministries—Men's Bible Study

Tuesday, March 30 Watch for the signup link this month

Men’s Bible Study: Wednesdays, 6:45–8:00 p.m.

• In person C002, request Zoom link here: my.college-church.org/?page=3640 Men, we invite you to join us in a study of hermeneutics, which is about studying and interpreting the Bible. Dr. Victor Kuligin and Pastors Josh Stringer and Ben Panner will lead and teach our way through questions of translation, interpretation, context, and several different genres. We’ll also look at application and how the gospel runs through the entire Bible. We’ll discover how each of these areas will lead to more fruitful personal times in the word as well as teaching and preaching. Our guiding book for this year will be How to Read the Bible for All its Worth by Gordan Fee and Douglas Stuart. You can find the paperback fourth edition at 10ofthose.com/us/products/2156. Each week stands on its own so please join us when you can.

Women’s Ministries Women's Bible Study: Wednesdays, March 3—April 21 | 9:15-11 a.m. or 6:45–8:15 p.m.

We have begun our study of Genesis 12-50 using Matthias Media’s Salvation Revealed. Want to join us by studying on your own and following our weekly online teachings? You may purchase your materials at ow.ly/Zbmw50DGGAr and listen to the weekly teachings at ow.ly/6wjl50DGGAs. If you have any questions, please contact Sherri Arndt at sarndt@college-church.org.

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Mom2Mom: March 1 & 15 | 7-8 p.m. Sanctuary Narthex Join us Monday evening, March 1 to discuss the book Glory in the Ordinary by Courtney Reissig. We’ll be looking at chapter 6 and considering the importance of rest. Rest can be hard to come by when you have little ones, so let’s consider together why it is important and how we can carve out time for rest.

On Monday evening, March 15, we’ll meet to enjoy a panel discussion on the topic of prayer. We’ve invited a panel of women to talk about their experiences of regularly praying with other women for their families. We hope you’ll join us!

Monthly Gathering: March 13 | 9-10:30 a.m. | Commons Hall Join us in person or by Zoom for our Monthly Gathering discussion on spiritual disciplines. This year we’ve looked at the spiritual disciplines of Bible intake, worship, prayer and in March we’ll consider together the spiritual discipline of fasting.

Multi-Nations Fellowship Compañerismo Multinacional Testimonies, Worship and the Word of God When? Saturdays at 4 pm March 27, April 24, May 29, June 26 Where? College Church Commons Building 332 E. Seminary Ave in Wheaton

we hope to see you there!

Questions? Contact Emmanuel: (630) 456-0910 or Emmanuel.Tahear@gmail.com

IMPRISONED FOR CHRIST A virtual event by Voice of the Martyrs featuring formerly imprisoned Christians Dan Baumann (Iran), Andrew Brunson (Turkey) and Petr Jasek (Sudan).

Friday, March 5, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.

Register for free here: persecution.com/event/?_source_code=WEBB21A3

PRAYER GATHERINGS ONLINE & IN PERSON Call the church office or email info@college-church.org for details on these prayer meetings.

Sunday Morning Prayer (Online) 8-8:40 a.m.

Led by Pastor Eric Channing Monday Morning Prayer (In person) 6:15-7:15 a.m. in C104A. Led

by Elder Rob Wolgemuth Wednesday Night Prayer (Online) 7-8 p.m.

Led by the Missions Office • March 3: Phil Smith, Accessible Hope International • March 10: Emmanuel and Adugna Tahear, refugee & immigrant ministry • March 17: John & Elsa Maust, international Christian publishing • March 24: Steve & Lois Dresselhaus, community development • March 31: Speaker TBD Friday Lunch Prayer for the Persecuted Church (In person) 12-1 p.m. in C103.

Lydia Prayer Fellowship will not meet this month.

Hannah Prayer Fellowship

will meet on Wednesday, March 10, at 1:30 p.m. in the Commons C103.

Sue Kelly, serving with Leadership Resources International (LRI), will be sharing with us. LRI trains pastors to read the BIble well so they can lead their congregations and encourage God's work among the nations. We hope you are able to join us.

Aaron-Hur Prayer Fellowship will meet on Thursday, March

25, at 7 p.m. at the home of Jim Locke, 1428 E Thomas Road in Wheaton (301-580-4961). Our “virtual” guests will be Paul and Mary Adams, serving worldwide with LRI.

Abigail Prayer Fellowship will meet Thursday, March 11, at 1

p.m. in C005. The speaker will be Janet Blomberg, serving with Asian Education Resource Consortium. For more information, call Carole O'Hare at (630) 765-7725.

Our Prayer Pulse email goes out every Monday. You can get prayer updates via that email. Sign up by clicking "Enews signup" on our website. If you already receive other emails from College Church, click "manage my preferences" at the bottom of any email and select Prayer Pulse to add yourself.

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GLOBAL VOICES

Lives Well-Lived Jim and Beth Tebbe

College Church missionaries Jim and Beth Tebbe retired in November of last year. Jim sat down with the board of missions, to talk about his and Beth's journey in serving God. Becoming College Church missionaries is a reason for celebration.

Being married for 25 years is also worth celebrating. For Jim and Beth Tebbe, those two celebrations converged when, in 1997, they celebrated their silver anniversary and were interviewed by the Board of Missions over two days. Both their marriage and career missionary service have flourished.

The Tebbes began serving as missionaries with College Church when Jim was executive director of InterServe, from there, they transitioned to InterVarsity and eventually to leadership at Forman Christian College in Lahore, Pakistan.

At the end of February, we celebrated God’s faithfulness to the Tebbes as they retired from their most recent assignment at Forman. Jim recalled some special memories of College Church coming alongside them in two key short-term trips.

Jim and Beth served with InterVarsity from 2002-2010, where Jim directed three Urbana student missions conferences. In 2015, College Church sent a team to help at the conference. That team was made up of former missionaries, educators, a lawyer and a nurse.

“At Urbana,” recalled Jim, “we introduced a new way to do Bible study, and students attended training on how to hold evangelistic Bible studies on their campuses. Also, some students had brought non-Christian friends to Urbana, and in the evangelistic session, some 450 people stood to make a commitment to receive Christ.”

This was the beginning of a new wave of Bible studies on campuses all over the country geared for outreach. At Jim's last Urbana in 2009, around 4,800 students made commitments to lead evangelistic Bible studies.

When Jim and Beth left InterVarsity for Forman Christian College, it was like going home for Jim. “I was born and raised in Pakistan,” Jim explains. “But when Beth and I went out as missionaries, we didn’t really know what we were doing. People asked what they could pray for. I told them to pray for us to not be distracted from Muslim ministry and that it was God who brought us to Forman.”

Jim became rector of the college in 2012 and under his leadership, the student enrollment grew by more than 50% to 8,000. The campus has had many building programs for academics and academic support. They are moving toward accreditation in American educational standards.

On the Friends of Forman website, you'll find an apt description of the college that it provides "an environment where Christians and Muslims are allowed to live and study side-by-side, many for the first time." In a country where Christians are less than two percent of the population and are often mistreated by neighbors and employers, Forman Christian College provides scholarships to 80-85% of the Christian students. And Jim is quick to thank College Church for its faithful support toward the scholarship fund for these students.

In 2015, Brad Bailey, chair of the board of missions, was part of a College Church short-term team of five to Pakistan. The team worked and helped with one of the campus building projects. Jim pointed out that the team worked alongside people who were poor and without status in Pakistan. The team's ministry was life-changing for them, and it went well beyond the actual physical work they performed. “Those same people that the STAMP team worked with we are working with still today,” says Jim. “The boys in their teens and 20s—the best they can do is the sweeping job. We are reaching out to them and developing mercy health centers.”

In November 2018, Asia Bibi, a follower of Christ, was finally released from prison after false accusations of blasphemy (Pakistan continues to violate human rights with its arcane blasphemy laws.)

When Beth and her housekeeper heard the news, they sat side by side and wept as they thanked God for her release.

In 2019 Jim was awarded the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, or Star of Excellence, award from Pakistani president Arif Alvi. This is similar to the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom. At the time of the award, Jim said it was really an award for the entire Forman Christian College community.

Jim describes his position as rector of the college as "the hardest and most rewarding" job he has had, but throughout the hard times and the good times, Jim and Beth have been steadfast in serving, and retirement won't slow them down as they look forward to serving College Church.

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LIFE LESSONS

Return to God Senior Pastor Josh Moody

In the present circumstances with which the whole globe wrestles, Christian leaders have utterly failed to issue the clarion call that the world (and the church) needs to hear. We have pointed to the mystery of suffering, and the practicality of caring for those who are suffering. Some have bemoaned political drift to the right, others political drift to the left. Few, precious few, if any, have pointed to the crystal clear biblical teaching about such obvious providences of God. Our forebears would have known what to say. Listen to John Owen: “There is a voice in all signal dispensations of providence… The fingers that appeared writing on the wall the doom of Belshazzar did it in characters that none could read, and words none could understand, but Daniel; but the present call of God in these things is made plain… If the heavens gather blackness with clouds, and it thunder over us, if any that are on the journey will not believe that there is a storm coming, they must bear the severity of it…”

Those who have rung the alarm bell, though, have tended to blame others. This is a mistake of gargantuan proportions. Listen again to Owen: “The cause of the present storm may as well be the secret sins of professors [that is those who profess faith in Christ] as the open provocations of ungodly men. God will punish with severity those which he hath known, Amos iii.2 [‘You only have I known of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for your iniquities’].”ii This response to disaster was known in the past as a “Jeremiad,” from the example of the prophet Jeremiah. When a famine or earthquake or plague hit a city—let alone a globe—the preachers of the gospel called for fasting and prayer for repentance among God’s people. They viewed these “signal dispensations” as signs of God’s displeasure. They did not merely call upon the “worldly” non-Christian to repent; they called upon God’s people to repent.

Who has done that this time? Which preacher or pulpit has made their response to Covid-19 a call for public repentance? Instead, we have warred foolishly about the science and the politics of the matter. Instead, we should return to God—before it is too late.

The Bible makes it very clear that if we return to God, he will return to us.

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Listen to God’s Word: So couriers went throughout all Israel and Judah with letters from the king and his princes, as the king had commanded, saying, “O people of Israel, return to the Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, that he may turn again to the remnant of you who have escaped from the hand of the kings of Assyria.” (2 Chronicles 30:6) Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 3:7) Therefore say to them, Thus declares the Lord of hosts: Return to me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts.

(Zechariah 1:3) And unless you think this is only “an Old Testament thing,” listen to Jesus: And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way?

No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem?

No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:2-5) Return to God… and He will return to you. How? 1. Repent of any known sin. Ask the Lord to convict you of faults and failures regarding which you may not be aware.

Ask him to show you if there is any way in you that is displeasing to him. And turn from those sins and ask God for his forgiveness.

2. Humble yourself under God’s mighty hand. Don’t rail and complain about the hardness of your life. Kiss the rod; accept his strange dispensation in these awful days. Humble

The Service and Engagement Committee is spending the month of March “reaching out” to connect with members and regular attenders of College Church. This is just a way for them (and us!) to say hello to as many people as they can. Whether or worshiping via livestream or in person, we want to connect with you!

Visit Pastor Josh’s Bible-teaching ministry at godcenteredlife.org. You can have daily devotionals delivered right to your inbox. There is also a daily teaching program streamed online, through podcasts, and at over 50 radio stations nationally. You can listen locally on Moody Radio (WMBI) at 10 p.m. M-F and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Your prayers and partnership with this ministry are greatly appreciated.”

yourself and instead of moaning about others and their problems, ask God to do a new work in your life through these circumstances for your own good and for his glory.

3. Ask God to have mercy upon you and upon his church and his world. Our God is a merciful God, slow to anger; ask him to show mercy to you and those you love, your friends and neighbors, your church and the world.

4. Ask him to create in you a clean heart and renew a right spirit within you. Ask him to give you new desires

and delights in him and his work. To turn from ingratitude and bitterness to sweetness and the fruit of his Spirit.

5. Commit your life to him in wholeness of devotion. Put him first and foremost, seek first his kingdom and his way, let God be God in your life, and come back to be the person that he wanted you to be, to become the person he has designed you to be, in fullness of life in Jesus’ name. [i] The Works of John Owen (Edinburgh, 1965), Volume 7, page 309. [ii] Ibid

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SIDE BY SIDE

Church-Planting Update Zach Fallon

AN UPDATE AND PRAYER REQUESTS The Lord's Doing February 11, 2021 "This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes." —Psalm 118:23 As conversations began to develop last summer around the idea of us being sent by College Church to plant a new work of the gospel, the main recurring prayer we asked of the Lord was, "If this is your will, help us to see your hand of providence leading and guiding along the way." Looking back on my life, I now see how often I tried to move forward and make progress in life full of self-reliance and short on prayer and waiting. The Lord has been kind in helping me see this, and he stirred within Christine and me a strong resolve to have our first plan and strategy for discerning his will to seek him in prayer, and then wait on him to reveal what he wanted us to see and when he wanted us to see it.

Over the last six to eight months we certainly had moments where we defaulted to trusting in our own wisdom and understanding, and then experiencing the internal chaos that comes from impatience, but more than ever before in our lives we prayed and waited. If we were going to be a part of seeing a new work of the gospel, we wanted the blessing of the Lord's hand and to see him at work in it. What good are ministry plans and strategies apart from his Spirit? Now, as these last months have passed, our experience of praying and waiting has left us full of confidence that this new work we are moving into is all his doing and it truly has been marvelous to watch it unfold.

So what are the grounds of our confidence in his providence for these particular circumstances? There truly are too many things to mention for this article, though I am happy to share more details with anyone who is interested in hearing! I will mention a few things though.

• Last summer a man who served as an elder with Pastor Josh Moody in Connecticut contacted him with the idea of College Church sending a plant to where he now lives. Josh shared this with me because he knew I was interested in this kind of ministry. When I asked where the man lived, it turns out that he is currently living in my hometown. Well, that certainly got our wheels going, and it seemed like a spiritual breadcrumb worth following to see where it might lead.

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• As we began the exploration process, I approached Steve Krogh to see if he and Lois would be interested in partnering together. Steve agreed to pray about it, but in the meantime he said he would connect me with a pastor friend of his who led a church in the next county over in South Atlanta.

Steve sent an introductory email to connect us, and it turned out, his church had recently decided to plant a church in the same place we were exploring as we followed that first spiritual breadcrumb. Along with the College Church elders, we began to wonder if the Lord wasn't putting all of this together right before our eyes.

• As we continued to explore and discern the Lord's will, new relationships and potential partnerships began to emerge.

In one of the most marvelous things the Lord has done, in December, Steve and Lois committed to partnering with us in the church plant. Their partnership has not only been an encouragement, but also their previous relationship with the other church in the area has opened up a potential partnership and we are hopeful about that prospect.

More could be shared, but I wanted to make our church family aware of those key spiritual breadcrumbs the Lord graciously showed us as we prayed and waited on him. We have never had a greater sense of being in the Lord's will and to see his providential hand at work right in front of us is marvelous in our eyes!

HOW CAN WE PRAY? Many of you have reached out and assured us of your prayers and support these last few weeks. This has been a source of great encouragement to us. Please continue to pray for the progress of the gospel through this new work the Lord is preparing for us.

MOR E CHURCHPL A N T I NG U PDAT E S Update from LaPaz, Mexico On November 15, Steve and Lois Dresselhaus launched a new church in their neighborhood. The dream for this church is that enough people in the immediate neighborhood will be transformed by Jesus to the point where their streets become cleaner, substance abuse declines, families are strengthened and people become physically healthier. These all become possible as people are made new creations in Christ. They write, “In a way, this new fellowship is going retro. We meet outside, have nothing that needs to be plugged in (except for light bulbs hanging from trees) as we study the book of John. Because of COVID restrictions, we meet outdoors and limit the group to 20 people. We eagerly long for the time when there will be no more Here are some ways you can pray: • That good partnerships would continue to be formed with others engaged in gospel ministry in the south metro Atlanta area.

• That the Lord would bring godly, mission-minded people to join us in this work.

• That we would see the power of the gospel at work in the months and years to come in the hearts of God's people.

restrictions because the interest in this front yard, 'walk-to' church is high.” **As of January 25, they are currently shut down due to increased restrictions.

Update from London, England The Board of Missions recently partnered with London Trinity Church Central

Stay in touch with us and sign up to receive our updates. We want as many people as possible on our prayer team, and you can join us in prayer by scanning the QR code.

London beginning the fall of 2020. This

With love in Christ,

plant a church within the next three years.

Zach Fallon

church has seen many from various countries and backgrounds come to know Jesus and be discipled in the faith. Though the church is just five years old, they hope to

LIFE LESSONS

Bringing the Light Virginia Hughes

HERE IS LOVE Here is love, vast as the ocean, loving-kindness as the flood, when the Prince of Life, our Ransom, shed for us His precious blood.

Who His love will not remember?

Who can cease to sing His praise?

He can never be forgotten throughout heav'n's eternal days.

As I pray for revival in my heart, renewal in my mind and words to express ideas, there are times when I come up short, ideas don’t come together, energy is absent, my faith sits flat and uninspiring. I may be tired, burnt out, in mourning or otherwise convinced I have nothing left to give. Numbness repels the healing words from Scripture, a dazed malaise keeps me from reaching out to an encouraging friend of the faith.

Not wanting to remain in a stuck kind of place, I ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit and strains from an old hymn come to mind, reminding me of truths I know well. The beautiful old hymn, “Here is Love,” has a history of revival ties.

The hymn was written by William Rees, a minister from Wales and gained momentum when sung during the great revival of Christianity which swept through Wales in 1904. At that time, thousands of new converts came to Christ, church buildings overflowed, other revivals came about, and this particular movement became known as the Welsh Revival of 1904.

The hymn was eventually translated from Welsh into English by William Edwards, additional stanzas added over the years and the lyrics set to the tune most recognized today. Contemporary Christian artists have rediscovered the hymn and added a few verses and style tweaks, while older versions of the hymn are also available online.

The lyrics stand as one of the most powerful hymns ever penned describing God’s unmeasurable love through the imagery of vast oceans, floods of mercy and rivers of grace. I hope you will allow this beautiful picture of God’s love to wash over you and may his Holy Spirit ignite, revive, and help us bring the light to our families and neighbors.

Following are the words to the first two stanzas standing alone and then the hymn printed again with my thoughts interjected.

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On the mount of crucifixion fountains opened deep and wide; through the floodgates of God's mercy flowed a vast and gracious tide.

Grace and love, like mighty rivers, poured incessant from above, and heav'n's peace and perfect justice kissed a guilty world in love.

Here is Love Vast as the Ocean In all directions blue, white, grey, salt spray.

Jesus grilled fish by the sea and today, my hands could be Helping Hands, as I take a simple meal to one knocked down by life.

I may offer sustenance and joy.

There is always some way I can help and share.

When brothers and sisters care, his love is here.

May I love far better in the ways I feed his sheep.

Loving kindness as the flood Floods of loving kindness enter, family disagreements heal when gentle understanding replaces hasty words.

Continual prayer is a balm of scented, healing oil and its brightness opens doors with rays of warmth.

Kindness dances down the street as neighbor shovels neighbor’s snowy driveway, and greetings share with one who lives alone.

Here is love like a warm blanket. Here is a fresh loaf of bread.

Here is an invitation to be included.

Let me be the church who practices loving kindness. Let me be the town who loves the state, and the state who shows the country how to love.

When the Prince of Life, our Ransom Shed for us His precious blood.

His outpouring covered my sin’s disobedience.

His obedience cancelled my debt, cancelled my sin, and bought my soul.

He intervened to overcome. “Redeemed not the half, but the whole.”

Who His love will not remember?

Remember him in word and deed. Allow someone else to go first. Encourage the harried cashier. No need to be a grump behind the mask as my glasses fog and freeze. I literally “See through a glass darkly, but then face to face,” the verse will bring me home. As I walk my path today, help me sow seeds of grace.

I will be more aware of needs around me.

I will make a phone call and write a note.

I will remember to be salt and light.

I will renew the promise daily to worship with my life.

“Do this in remembrance of me,” was a direct request from Jesus.

Remember, remember, remember.

Who can cease to sing His praise?

Worthy is he to be praised.

Notes of song resound to the sky.

“In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus.”

He can never be forgotten Throughout Heaven's eternal days, I lean not on my own understanding while seraphim keep chanting, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come."

On the mount of crucifixion Fountains opened deep and wide, Little children sing with hand motions, “Deep and wide, deep and wide, there’s a fountain flowing deep and wide,” with great joy they sing about this grave fountain.

Here Is Love, Vast As the Ocean

3 & b 4 œ œ œ .. œ œ œ

j j œœ œœ œœ œ œ . œœ œ œ.

œœ

j ú œœ .. œœ œœ œœ ú

1. Here is love, vast as the o - cean, lov - ing - kind - ness as the flood, 2. On the mount of cru - ci - fix - ion, foun -tains o - pened deep and wide; 3. Let me all Your love ac - cept - ing love You ev - er all my days.

? 3 œ œ œ. b 4 œ œ œ. &b œ œ

œ œ .. œ œ

?

œ œ. œ œ.

j œ œœ œœ œj œ . œ œ œ œ. œ

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j œ œ. œ œ.

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j œ . œ œ œ úú œ œ œ œ.

j œœ œ œ . œ œ œ œ œ. œ œ œ

ú ú

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ú ú

when the Prince of life, our ran - som, shed for us His pre-cious blood. through the flood - gates of God's mer - cy flowed a vast and gra-cious tide.

Let me seek Your king - dom on - ly, all my life be to Your praise.

œ b œ

& b œœ

j œ œ. œ œ.

œ œ œœ .. œœ œœ œ œ J j j œ œœ .. œœ œœ œœ œœ œ .. œ œœ œ .. œj œ œ œ œ œ œ œ

œ úú œ

Who His love will not re - mem-ber? Who can cease to sing His praise?

Grace and love, like might - y riv - ers, poured in - ces - sant from a - bove, You a - lone shall be my glo - ry, noth - ing in the world I see.

œ . œœ œœ œœ .. œœj œœ œœ ú ú J œ.

&b œ œ

œ œ

œ. œ.

œœ .. œœ

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œ œ œ œ œ œ J j œ œ œ œj œ œ œ œ

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He can nev - er be for - got - ten, through-out heavn's e - ter - nal days. and heav'n's peace and per-fect jus - tice kissed a guilt - y world in love.

You have cleansed and sanc - ti - fied me, You a - lone have set me free.

œ b œ

Words: Sts. 1-2 William Rees, 19th c; St. 3 anon.; tr. William Edwards, 1900 Music: Cymraeg, Robert Lowery, 1876

œ œ ú œ œ ú

8.7.8.7 D

Through the floodgates of God's mercy Flowed a vast and gracious tide.

When my thoughts run dry, his mercy floods.

Grace and love, like mighty rivers Poured incessant from above.

And Heaven's peace and perfect justice Kissed a guilty world in love.

God’s love is greater than my lowest point.

From Isaiah 40:31 (KJV): “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

13

SIDE BY SIDE

Out of Isolation, Into Community Susan Zimmerman

If, as the old cliché goes, motherhood is right up there with apple pie, then being a mom must be as sweet as America’s iconic dessert.

Motherhood can be a wonderful and deeply satisfying experience, especially for the believer who desires to shape young lives to love and follow Jesus. But, being a mom, especially of babies and young children, can also be enormously challenging and isolating.

Here’s how a few College Church moms, both experienced and younger, describe how motherhood felt initially: “Being a mom to young kids was a very hard season for me.”

“I felt very isolated the first few months and had no mom friends.”

“I have found this time of life to be quite isolating.”

A VISION FOR MOM COMMUNITY IN THE CHURCH While these comments don’t reflect the overall experience of all mothers, every mom needs connection and community. The desire to meet such needs by bringing moms into community within the embrace of the local church was part of what led one mom to launch Mom to Mom (M2M) at College Church in the fall of 2014. Janet Click (former College Church member who has since moved to the Madison, WI area) had long felt God planting “the seeds of a mom’s ministry in my heart.”

Janet saw a vision for a ministry that would be more than simply a place for young moms to meet and share their common experience. Because, as one young mom explains, play dates and outings at the park, helpful as those can be, frequently turn into “so many potty-training conversations!”

Moms want more. Jesus wants more for them.

Janet adopted Hebrews 10:23–25 when she proposed the ministry to College Church: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Looking back on how M2M came to be, Janet says, “Through too many miracles to name, M2M was born at College Church, a ministry with a mission to reach young moms for Christ and equip them in their God-given roles for ministry.”

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MENTORS ARE KEY M2M started with a simple structure, one that has been largely retained since 2014 (though has been adapted to evening meetings during the pandemic): once-monthly Monday morning meetings at church where moms bring their little ones, oncemonthly open gym times in the Commons gym and occasional “Mom’s Night Out” gatherings for presentations, panel discussions, group table times and fellowship.

During 2014, M2M averaged about 20 moms each with one or more children, and by the beginning of 2018, the meetings were averaging 35-40 moms and 55-65 kids. Significantly, according to Janet, the attendance shifted from core College Church moms to some College Church moms plus some moms new to the church, some moms from other churches and some moms who did not go to church at all.

“It became a good landing spot,” says Janet.

Why? From the start, M2M incorporated a key component missing from many other young mom communities: experienced moms who commit to being mentors and to walking alongside the younger women in the shared journey of motherhood from a biblical perspective.

College Church director of women’s ministries Mindy Rynbrandt describes the mentoring role this way: “As directed in Titus 2:3-4 [“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior. . . .and so train the young women to love their husbands and children”], it is a joy to see more seasoned Christian moms caring for and investing in young moms who are earlier on their motherhood journey.”

Mindy continues, “Using the shared experience of motherhood, and agreeing on the common desire to be faithful followers of Jesus in their motherhood, I see mentors and moms mutually blessed in relationship. In our society when families tend to be more geographically spread out, it is beautiful to see the family of God functioning as a true family.”

WHY MENTORS VOLUNTEER Shelly Wildman was inspired to be a mentor (and a co-leader with Janet and now a lay leader of the ministry) because when she was a young mom, “I desperately wanted a mentor. I had noticed a woman at church who I really would have liked to meet with, but I never had the courage to ask her. Then, one day, she moved away. I had lost my chance. It would have been

so nice to have someone to bounce off my questions . . . to have someone to encourage me in my walk with Jesus.”

Now, Shelly sees M2M as “a perfect fit for me. I want to help provide a place for young moms to come together, to connect with one another and to bounce ideas/questions/concerns off an older, seasoned mom.”

For Shelly, “M2M has been such a special place for me to be able to give back to the moms of our church. I’ve been so encouraged to see women pursuing Christ in their families and reaching out for friendship and mentorship with other women.”

Allison Bonga volunteered to be a mentor “primarily because I love people! I love that this ministry gives young moms a space to build community, a place for them to receive encouragement, make connections with older women and a place for their kids to play and socialize (in a normal year).”

Allison sees M2M “encouraging community, godly marriages and parenting, and [the young moms’] walk with Jesus.” She has seen her relationships develop naturally through time. “Two in particular just started from being in a small group together at a M2M, them asking to hang out sometime, and from there, other times together, checking in, meeting at a park, etc.”

Holly Setran became a mentor because she remembers “how much I valued the advice and wisdom of older moms when I was a young mom. I love how this ministry ministers to moms right where their needs are―young moms are often desperate for community, often feeling isolated at home caring for their children, and also how it is a great place for the church to engage with moms who aren’t believers.”

Holly shares honestly with young moms from her own experience. “It is very fulfilling to be able to share with young moms who are struggling that they are not alone, as I can remember and identify with their struggles and share how I saw God work through those struggles.”

Currently Holly is mentoring a young mom as they together read a book on prayer. “I am learning so much myself as I read through the book with her, and we discuss it. We pray for one another and talk about how we see God at work in our lives.

Getting to know her sweet children is a fun added bonus.”

WHY YOUNG MOMS ATTEND Elizabeth Larsen started attending M2M shortly after moving to Wheaton from Chicago. “I didn’t know anyone in the area, so initially it was just a way to meet others in the community. Now, as a member of College Church, I see M2M as an opportunity for regular fellowship with peers. I also value the opportunity to connect with and learn from moms in later stages.

“There’ve been times when I’ve felt like I am alone in terms of a particular challenge I’m facing, but M2M has helped me realize that many of my struggles are common to motherhood.”

During the pandemic, M2M has been meeting one evening a month for moms and mentors to together discuss Courtney Reissig’s book, Glory in the Ordinary. Despite the shorter and socially distanced format, Elizabeth has thoroughly enjoyed the book study. “It’s given me a new perspective on my work in the home and helped me see how I can image and glorify God in the mundane happenings of the home.”

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Gisela Gottlieb has especially appreciated the resources she has received from panel discussions with mentor moms. “I don’t have time to research so I have been so blessed by quality books/podcasts/articles that have been presented. The variety of subjects covered has been great!”

One of Gisela’s favorite past sessions was a presentation by former children’s ministry director Diane Jordan on disciplining and discipling children. “It is so easy to despair that our children’s hearts will never change, but it is essential that we understand we can’t “hammer” it in. We are to persevere, pray and be good custodians of these lives, but it is God who softens the heart.”

Gisela comments that other moms in the community outside College Church can feel welcome at M2M. “I could bring a new Christian mom to the group, and she would be able to follow what is going on and feel comfortable joining in.”

A young mom who started attending M2M when it first began in 2014 went initially to build friendships with other young moms. She found friendship but discovered far more. “I have been to many moms’ groups, but these moms [at M2M] are by far the most transparent, and the messages are always grounded in biblical truths that transcend the how-to-raise-mybaby books.”

This mom especially appreciates the mentor moms, their “hearts of service.” She has experienced this personally with one mentor who has been “very good at reaching out, generous with her time and resources,” and has become “a grandma figure to my kids, talking with them about how much Jesus loves them.”

Mindy counters with reassurance for both young moms and mentors. “I wish that young moms could be reassured that every mom has fumbled her way through life with little ones. And I try to remind experienced moms that the empathy, perspective and even wisdom they can offer can be a gift during a challenging season.”

Current participants echo Mindy’s reassurances. “I can feel inadequate,” says mentor Allison Bonga. “But I have learned that these moms are just eager to talk about their lives.” “M2M is a great way to connect with moms in varying stages and be encouraged in your motherhood journey,” says young mom Elizabeth Larsen.

Adds Allison, “We’d love to have you join us!”

COMING UP AT M2M Mom’s Night Out! Join us for our book discussion on Glory in the Ordinary by Courtney Reissig. No problem if you don’t have the book, you can still join in. All meetings from 7-8 pm in the Fireside Room.

M2M, says this young mother, “is a place where they don’t tiptoe around the gospel. At M2M I was challenged to not let go of my quiet time just because I am so busy with my kids. It’s refreshing to be challenged in this way.”

Monday, March 1: Chapter 6, “Miles to Go before I Sleep,” finding rest in the midst of motherhood.

READY TO JUMP IN?

Monday, May 3: Chapter 8, “Our Work Is Taking Us Somewhere,” discovering how our work is for the good of the world now and in the world to come.

Whether you are a young mom or potential mentor, there are many good reasons to get involved in M2M. Now is a great time to start by attending one of the upcoming Monday evening meetings (see list below). Simply join in if you are a young mom, and if you want to get a taste of what it means to be a mentor, contact Mindy Rynbrandt at mrynbrandt@college-church.org Even with a warm welcome, some might hesitate. “The two most common barriers to involvement that I see are time and insecurity,” says Mindy. “Women at all stages of life are busy, often caring for the needs of others. As for insecurity, young moms often feel intimidated by more experienced moms who seem to have already figured things out. More experienced moms [potential mentors] say, ‘I’m not sure I have anything of value to offer, and besides, I don’t think they’d want to hear what I have to say.”

Monday, April 5: Chapter 7, “Am I Getting Fired?” moving from guilt to freedom in the never-ending work of the home.

DISCOVERIES MADE AT M2M “I’ve been reminded that our kids are not products but are themselves individuals and image bearers. It is so easy to get caught up in the false idea that I need to do ‘everything right’ to ensure my child will turn out to be an intelligent, Bible-believing adult. I think my love of control is always highlighted in one way or another through being a mom.” ―Gisela Gottlieb, M2M participant “When I first became a mom, I thought that it was all about me molding and shaping this child, with God’s help, into a healthy, functioning adult that loves God and lives for him. While that is true, God also taught me that parenting is just as much about Him refining me and growing me in Christlikeness. Parenting has shone a spotlight on the idols of my heart.” ―Holly Setran, M2M mentor

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I BELIEVE

Shower of Grace Luis Orellana

My family came from Cuba and Guatemala. I felt intense pressure to become someone in life since childhood, I was in search of meaning and purpose.

Yet, sadly, my home was broken. My parents separated many times. I often felt neglected. As I started middle school, my life began to really shift toward my becoming a young man who could not find his identity. I didn’t know who I was and instead focused on immediate pleasures. My immediate escape was romantic pursuits with women. I often sought to help fix broken girlfriends who were insecure and felt they never amounted to anything in life, and I would come in and restore them. I wanted to rescue them.

This gave me a sense of meaning and purpose. I remember dating my first girlfriend whose mom was always doing drugs and neglecting her daughter. I made my girlfriend feel valuable and provide an escape from the drama of her home life. Yet, the relationship only lasted about a year.

My next girlfriend had a noticeable birthmark on her face.

Imagine the great insecurities she carried because of that! I made her feel beautiful . . . for all of six months.

Then came the 16-year-old mom. She came from a Jehovah Witness background and was excommunicated from the Kingdom Hall. So, I made her feel valued. This lasted three years. I suppose playing the father figure gave me the most meaning and the most work which held me in that relationship the longest. Yet, at the end, I really felt the void.

At that point, I realized I needed repairing. I realized I was empty and falling apart. How could I rescue anyone, let alone myself?

I tried volunteering with immigration attorneys, working as a CNA, flying to New York for acting school, working for Toyota in New Jersey, working as a painter in Pennsylvania, volunteering at hospitals as a transporter, working as a salesman for countless T-Mobile locations, working with my father in a steel company, and, yet, I would leave them all. It was not what I wanted. I was feeling like my life was meaningless.

some friends from my past—drinking, marijuana, cocaine and Adderall were all part of my story on weekends.

Yet, when the loud thrill was gone and the weekday came and all had gone to work, there came that nostalgic hopelessness. I wasn’t paying my rent anymore, my mother was. My parents begged me to get my act together. I had labored with all my might to do what they wanted. I even tried college but all you would find are pure dropouts on my transcripts. What would have become of me if my life continued like this? I have no idea.

All I know is that I felt like I tried everything there was to try to rid myself of such void and hopelessness. Yet, God in his mercy sent a Christian who invited me to a youth group. I was 22 years old. I walked into that service mocking Christians and viewing the event a laughingstock.

When I walked out, I was born again. I didn’t experience anything drastic, but as I drove home, I found myself speaking to God in a way I had never before.

By the time I arrived home and was in the shower, I found myself sitting in prayer for hours begging God to forgive me and save me. I had this sense of God’s presence that I had never felt.

It was a sense of God listening to my cries. When I walked out of that shower, I knew God was with me. I was certainly clean outside, and now inside as well. My life has changed entirely.

Today, I am a graduate of Moody Bible Institute (and seeking to pay off my debt), married to my beautiful wife, Rebecca, and have just applied to seminary—talk about meaning and purpose.

May God get all the glory!

Many times, suicidal thoughts roamed my mind, but the screaming whisper of the conscience shouting, “Hell is certain for you,” kept me away from such an act. I was enclosed in a room after quitting my job. I had been renting a townhouse with

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LOCALLY SOURCED

As an Atheist, I Became Pro-life Chris Iverson

I have been doing pro-life work since 2004. I have worked on changing public opinion, helping women choose better options and pushing back on bad legislation. Today, I am grateful to be part of the Sanctity of Human Life Task Force at College Church.

However, I wasn’t always pro-life.

When I was 19, I was an atheist. That was the natural result of my own human nature and not growing up in church. Watching many hours of MTV probably didn’t help my worldview. I did not know the differences between Catholicism, Protestantism, Judaism or any other religious tradition. I had never read the Scriptures.

At that time, I didn’t know anyone who opposed abortion. Also, my own lifestyle was such that abortion could benefit me if there was an unplanned pregnancy. Therefore, I was pro-choice.

One of my friend groups were guys who played speed chess, a game I still love. One day, two of those guys got together, a Protestant and an agnostic. I wasn’t there, but I heard they were in an apartment, drinking coffee, playing speed chess, and having a great time. Then, they started talking about a variety of subjects and abortion came up.

The conversation got passionate. My Protestant friend said to my agnostic friend, “If a woman is nine months pregnant, and you don’t think that’s a baby in there, you’re either lying or you’re an idiot!” The agnostic was upset. He dramatically got up, said he would not have his intelligence insulted and walked out!

Of course, I don’t suggest using my friend’s one-liner as a way of sharing your convictions. My Protestant friend later apologized for saying it. Thankfully, they got over it.

I heard about this little drama later when I was at Caribou Coffee with my Protestant friend. I said to him, “So wait, you’re against abortion? Why would you be against abortion?” I was genuinely confused.

He responded, “Chris, abortion kills a baby.” I was stunned. I asked him to clarify because I didn’t understand what he meant.

He said, “It’s very simple. Take a newborn. Can you kill a newborn?” I responded, “Well no, that’s terrible.” Then he asked the question that got me thinking, “Okay, one day before they’re born, can you kill them then?” I again was surprised. I said he had a good point and I had to think about it. He asked, “Really?

You have to think about it?” This exchange showed how far apart we were in our thinking.

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At that time, open-mindedness was lauded as a virtue in our culture. I took it seriously. So, the next day, I went to Caribou by myself and thought about it. I kept asking myself, “What’s the difference between killing a human just after the human is born and killing that same human the day before?” There was (and is) no significant difference. I went back further. I couldn’t think of any relevant difference one month earlier or two months earlier. I realized that permitting abortion anytime during a pregnancy was discrimination in the law that resulted in killing a human. The only line that avoided discrimination was fertilization, when each human comes into existence.

I became pro-life as an atheist. Since then, I’ve read a variety of arguments on both sides of the debate by very intelligent people, and it still comes back to the principle that the unjustified taking of human life is always wrong and should always be illegal.

My change of mind about abortion helped me gain respect for my Protestant friend. Later, when he would make claims about Jesus or the Bible, I listened more closely. I reasoned that, if everyone I knew was wrong about abortion, maybe they were wrong about other things. I was eventually saved through the witness of my friend and his wife!

Local Pro-Life Prayer Every Month The Sanctity of Human Life Task Force invites you to pray and sing outside Planned Parenthood Aurora one Saturday a month from 1 to 2 p.m. in cooperation with 40 Days for Life.

What is 40 Days for Life? Peaceful prayer outside abortion facilities for the babies, clients, workers, our community and nation to end abortion locally through prayer, fasting and all-day peaceful prayer vigils outside of abortion businesses. 40 Days for Life's first coordinated campaign was in 2007 and has now expanded to 63 countries. Founders of 40 Days for Life are depicted in the movie, “Unplanned.” 40daysforlife.com/ Why pray in person? There is up to a 75 percent appointment cancellation rate when women see peaceful prayer outside an abortion facility.

Where? In Aurora. Waterleaf, an inviting Christian pregnancy resource center, was completed across the street from the abortion facility in fall 2019.

I know from experience that people do change their minds when it comes to abortion. The narrative that everyone is locked into their positions is not true. My change of mind fits my analytical personality, but each person has his or her own unique personality, and a different path to the truth. I know that people do not need to be religious to be pro-life or to oppose any injustice. Lastly, I know there isn’t a conflict between sharing the gospel and speaking out on issues that are labeled controversial politically or culturally. Being salt and light is part of our calling as is helping a pregnant woman keep and care for her baby.

Let’s continue to save lives and save souls.

If you have any questions or are interested in participating in the Sanctity of Human Life Task Force at College Church, please email sohl@college-church.org.

Pregnant? Need help?

Call (630) 493-1340 or email pat@caringnetwork.com

What can I expect? According to Sarah Lindquist, "We pray on Waterleaf's property across from Planned Parenthood. There is plenty of room to socially distance. I like to have a folding chair and blanket with me. I also bring a peacefully oriented pro-life sign with me each time. Sometimes, people will drive by and yell a curse or give a rude gesture, but they have never been very close to me. Other times, they honk in approval.

In the past few years, I've been going, nothing creepy or intense has happened. I do bring my children with me regularly. Parking is behind Auto Zone or by Mariano's."

When? Sarah guides prayer on one Saturday a month throughout the year. If you can't come this time, we hope you will join us soon or sign up to pray when you are available through Aurora's 40 Days for Life site (where you'll be able to see if others have signed up to pray). 40 Days for Life began a year-round prayer effort in Aurora in summer 2020. 40daysforlife.com/aurora Visit college-church.org/sohl to sign up for the Sanctity of Human Life task force monthly emails to stay up to date with life-related news and events. You can also find out more at facebook.com/40daysforlifeaurora

19

NEW MEMBERS

Caleb & Marisa Duttweiler

Jim & Julianna Gieser

Rebecca Fox

PLACES LIVED: Caleb grew up as a missionary kid (MK) in Dakar, Senegal; Marisa grew up in a Christian family in Japan.

PLACES I’VE LIVED: Cape Town, South Africa, Germany; Julianna grew up in Durham, NC.

PLACES I’VE LIVED: Grew up in Zambia; has lived in Israel, China and on the east coast of the U.S.

FAMILY: Children are Timo, Mattias, Hawkins and Ruth (daughter Gemma is in heaven); Jim’s parents are College Church members Dave and Mary Gieser; Julianna’s parents are College Church missionaries Scott and Jenny Hawkins.

FAMILY: mom, Lois Logan, a regular attender at College Church.

FAMILY: Caleb's parents are College Church missionaries Rod and Kathy Duttweiler.

9 TO 5: Caleb and Marisa are mid-term missionaries in Cape Town, South Africa.

Caleb has taught elementary school; now is a house parent at East Mountain in South Africa.

PASTTIMES: Caleb enjoys playing and watching soccer, creating rap music and traveling with Marisa; card and board games. Marisa enjoys hiking, running, soccer and going to the beach, reading and writing.

9 TO 5: mid-term College Church missionaries with The Student YMCA at the University of Cape Town, South Africa; have also taught at Black Forest Academy, an MK school in Germany. Julianna has also taught high school, worked as a barista, soccer coach and an admin assistant at College Church, and is currently a fulltime homemaker.

Ruth Feldmann PLACES LIVED: Grew up as an MK in Pakistan; served with TEAM for more than 20 years in the Arabian Gulf as an ultrasound tech and making relationships.

9 TO 5: Works and volunteers as an ultrasound tech for crisis pregnancy centers.

PASTTIMES: Reading, puzzles and movies.

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PASTTIMES: volunteers at Twice is Nice and with STARS. CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: Joint Heirs, small group, Women’s Bible Study.

Dan & Lauren Holhut PLACES LIVED: St. Louis, Chicago FAMILY: Married in 1992 and have two adult daughters 9 TO 5: Dan currently teaches middle school in Aurora; Lauren has worked in philanthropy for more than 20 years and currently works for an educational association.

PASTTIMES: Enjoy taking walks, reading and watching classic films.

Sarah Kang

Dawn Knopp

Jonathan Larson

PLACES LIVED: Iowa City, IA, Wheaton.

PLACES I’VE LIVED: Lombard and Glen Ellyn.

PLACES LIVED: Grew up in Wheaton.

FAMILY: Parents and older brother in Iowa.

9 TO 5: Works in online marketing and in photography.

PASTTIMES: Spending time with friends, learning drums, playing guitar, taking walks, watching movies, reading and baking.

FAMILY: Dawn is the mother of four and grandmother of two.

9 TO 5: Before becoming a mother and homemaker, she worked in social service and sales.

PASTTIMES: Reading, gardening, walking, music, coffee and conversation.

CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: HYACKS and helps with logistics for a 20s ministry small groups.

9 TO 5: Son of College Church members Ken and Laurel Larson; sisters Monica, Joanna and Natalie. Jonathan is engaged to marry Taddie Cook, another new College Church member.

PASTTIMES: Enjoys pickup sports, and time outside.

CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: Men’s Bible Study, College Group, children’s ministries.

Thomas & Dyanne Martin PLACES LIVED: Tom in Florida and Rhode Island; Dyanne grew up in Jamica.

FAMILY: Tom and Dyanne married in 2013.

9 TO 5: Tom is a professor and chairs the English department at Wheaton College; Dyanne is an assistant professor at Wheaton College, and a former dance member/choreographer for Florida International University, Florida Atlantic University, the Orlando Magic Dancers and the Miami Heat Dancers.

PASTTIMES: Tom enjoys reading and writing; Dyanne loves to read, dance, swim, cook and travel.

More new members in our next issue!

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BOOK FEATURE/RIGHTNOW MEDIA

At the Bookstall

SCRIPTURE TO GIVE AWAY

BOOKLETS/RESOURCES

We aren’t quite ready to sell books just yet, but we do have a shelf of Bibles, books and resources free of charge to everyone.

Biblical Generosity

Missionary & Evangelist Prayer Guide

Bibles and New Testaments are available for giveaway in the following languages: • Arabic

• German

• Swedish

• Chinese

• Kiswahili

• Tagalog

• English

• Korean

• Ukrainian

• Farsi

• Russian

• Vietnamese

• French

• Spanish

THE TOP 50 COUNTRIES WHERE IT’S MOST DIFFICULT TO FOLLOW JESUS

DEVOTIONALS

2021 World Watch List

Bible Reading Plan

rightnowmedia.org/Library

MILESTONES Condolences

Marriages & Births

• Pray for Julie (Matt) Litfin and family as they grieve the loss of Julie's father, Jerry Johnston, who passed away on February 3 in Memphis, Tennessee.

• Pastor Eric and Sara Channing welcome Blake Daniel to their family, born on January 27. Blake joins his siblings Will, Claire, Malcolm, Louis and Tyler.

• Pray for Bill ( Joleen) Billingham and family as they grieve the loss of Bill's mother, Katherine, who passed away on January 30.

• Ross and Meredith Neuman welcomed Paige Jane to their family with big brother Henry. Maternal grandparents are long-time members Alan & Linda Rooney.

• Pray for Gail (Rick) Pflederer and Ellen ( Jim) Elwell and families as they grieve the loss of Gail and Ellen's father, Bob Banks, who passed away on January 27.

• Missionaries Stanley and Marjorie Okoro celebrated the birth of Norah Ayooluwa Kaneka Adaugo Okoro on December 15. The Okoros serve in Lille, France.

• Pray for College Church missionary Stan (Faith) De La Cour and family as they grieve the loss of Stan's brother, Ed, who passed away on January 26.

Celebration • Congratulations to Dr. Gerald "Jerry" Edmonds who received the 2021 Alumnus of the Year Award from Moody Bible Institute during its online Founder's Week last month.

Jerry was also on the faculty of Moody Bible Institute in the music department. He and his wife, Patty, are members of College Church, and his daughter is long-time member of College Church, Debbie (Tim) Hollinger.

LOOKING AHEAD

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