November 2021 Connections

Connections Proclaiming the GOSPEL

local & global stories, news and events of College Church

“God does some of his strongest and most evident work in the hard times.”

Read Praying for the Persecuted

by Yousaf Sadiq on page 6

NOVEMBER 2021

Life Lessons

Face to Face

Side by Side

Making Sense in a Senseless World

A Smashing Welcome

Let the Children Come

WALLACE ALCORN | 8

VIRGINIA HUGHES | 13

JUDY BLUMHOFER | 16

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Connections November 2021

November Highlights

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From the Editor: Wil Triggs

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Praying for the Persecuted YOUSAF SADIQ

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Prayer Gatherings

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Making Sense in a Senseless World WALLACE ALCORN

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Sanctity of Human Life Update: What People are Saying about Caring Network

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This Year's Thanksgiving Eve Offering Recipients

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

A Smashing Welcome VIRGINIA HUGHES

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27th Annual Christmas Store Outreach Community Center

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Let the Little Children Come JUDY BLUMHOFER

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Milestones

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Bookstall: Gift-Giving Season is Coming Soon

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Looking Ahead: December Ministry Preview

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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 December issue: November 9| For the January issue: December 9 | For the February issue: January 9

CONTRIBUTORS

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After years of teaching New Testament on undergraduate and graduate levels, Wallace Alcorn now focuses his thinking, research, and writing on a theology of the Christian experience, which he terms teleological realism.

2 Judy Blumhofer is a pediatrician and a foster parent, living

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in Honduras. Serving through Christian Health Service Corps and has been living there since 2012. Currently on a sabbatical year, Judy is exploring how to better serve the foster community going forward from both the medical standpoint and the developmental standpoint.

3 Anita Deyneka serves with Mission Eurasia, an organization

she and her husband, Peter, founded. She works with A Home For Every Orphan to help promote in-country Christian adoptions around the world. She has authored several books including A Song in Siberia and Christians in the Shadow of the Kremlin.

4 Liita Forsyth is an artist, designer and owner of The Little

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Bits Workshop, a very popular makerspace for kids of all ages based in River Forest. She and her husband, Paul, daughter Miika and son Nathan recently moved back to Wheaton after living in Chicago and River Forest for the past 20 years.

5 Virginia Hughes serves as a Helping Hands volunteer.

She gardens as much as possible and assists her husband, Roger, in his software company. They relish visits with their three lovely daughters in Chicago, Brooklyn and Ann Arbor; and delight in their year-old grandson.

6 John Maust is president of Media Associates International,

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a ministry that helps encourage and develop Christians to communicate for effectively through print and electronic media.

7 Yousaf Sadiq serves as a member of the Board of Missions at College Church. He teaches at Wheaton College and is passionate to be a voice for the persecuted church. Yousaf give voice to his passion as he writes about the global church.

COVER IMAGE: Liita Forsyth

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 | Baxter Helm, high school pastor | Dan Hiben, middle school pastor | Tim Hollinger, technology director | Howard Kern, facilities director | Bruce Main, interim pastor of visitation and care | Josh Maurer, pastoral 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 | Wil Triggs, director of communications | Michael Walker, pastoral resident Our Council of Elders: David Bea | Mark Berg | Howard Costley, chair | Dave Gieser, vice chair | Randy Jahns| Heinrich Johnsen | Dan Lindquist | Josh Moody, senior pastor | Tom Nussbaum | Jeff Oslund | Roger Sandberg | Jeremy Taylor, secretary| Tad Williams

NOVEMBER HIGHLIGHTS Sunday Morning Services

CREDO in the old gym (301) - 11 a.m.

Dan Godoy teaching the Heidelberg Catechism

FORUM 15 in CL01 Bruce Main teaching the Book of Judges

GREEK CLASS in the Board Room Jon Laansma (knowledge of Greek is not required for this class.)

Feel free to invite people to worship with us.

Join us at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Masks and social distancing required for 8 a.m. Mask-optional services at 9:30 and 11 with no registration or social distancing needed.

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

You can watch it at college-church.org/livestream • October 31 A Better Future Hebrews 11:39-40 with Pastor Baxter Helm and Communion • November 7 A Better Future Hebrews 12:1-2 with Pastor Dan Hiben • November 14 A Better Future Hebrews 12:3-11 with Senior Pastor Josh Moody • November 21 A Better Future Hebrews 12:12-17 with Senior Pastor Josh Moody • November 28 A Better Future Hebrews 12:18-29 with Senior Pastor Josh Moody • December 5 A Better Future Hebrews 13:1-6 with Senior Pastor Josh Moody • December 12 A Better Future Hebrews 13:7-25 with Senior Pastor Josh Moody

Adult Communities

Meet during the 9:30 hour, except for Credo, which meets at 11 a.m.

ALL NATIONS in C101 Jim Tebbe teaching the Book of Ruth Focus: Developing globally minded Christians through teaching, discussion and fellowship for the purpose of gospel impact.

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Focus: People of any age and background coming together to listen faithfully to God's Word through discussion of the original Greek wording.

JOINT HEIRS in Commons Gym Michael Walker teaching the Sermon on the Mount

LOGOS in Commons Hall Dan Haase teaching the Psalms of Jesus Focus: Strengthening knowledge of and relationship with God through interactive Bible teaching. Strong emphasis on building fellowship through weekly share and prayer time and social events.

LIVING WORD in Commons Hall Doug Moo teaching the Book of Hebrews Young parents welcome!

VERITAS in Commons Hall Neil Wright teaching the Book of Revelation

Visitors Lunch Are you new to College Church?

If so, come to a casual lunch in the Narthex (the Sanctuary Lobby) catered by Jason’s Deli on Sunday, November 14, at noon. Lunch is on us! Come and meet pastors and staff, learn about College Church and find out how you can get involved. Help us plan by checking the box on the online connect panel, or by emailing welcome@college-church.org.

Sunday Evening Service

who struggles with these issues. For the schedule and more information, check the appropriate box on the online connect panel, or email gracegroups@college-church.org.

Thanksgiving Eve Service 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary followed by Sweet Time

5 p.m. services in the Sanctuary or Commons as indicated week by week.

• November 7 Exodus 21-24 Community Celebration in the Sanctuary • November 14 Exodus 25-31 in Commons Hall • November 21 Exodus 32-34 in Commons Hall • November 28 No Evening Service

Grounds Days—Call for Volunteers November 20 We will get outside and serve together, side-by-side. The morning begins at 7:30 a.m. with light refreshments in the Commons and by 8 a.m., we’ll be ready to help Howard Kern and his team with a fall clean-up around the church grounds. Bring a pair of gloves and a servant’s heart; tools provided. Once we get these projects knocked out, we’ll conclude with a sub sandwich lunch. This is a great chance to get to know others while serving together. You won’t want to miss this!

Please register at: college-church.org/events

Grace Groups

Mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety and other problems with mood stability are real and need compassionate support. Living Grace and Family Grace are support groups that will meet approximately twice a month on Monday nights from 7-8:30 p.m. Living Grace is meant for the person who is living with the pain of difficult mental and emotional issues; Family Grace is for the person who has a loved one

Stay after the Thanksgiving Eve Service and head over to Commons Hall for Sweet Time. Enjoy pies, cakes, cookies, brookies, brownies, shortbreads, shortcakes or any other sweet our College Church bakers wish to share with us on Thanksgiving Eve. Chocolate-covered, yes. Cinnamon-drenched, for sure. Caramel-drizzled, hope so. Nuts, absolutely not. As good as this all sounds, the sweetest part is just being together.

Sign up to share on the Sweet Time sign-up form link. https://college-church.formstack.com/ forms/sweet_treat_signup

Surviving the Holidays

Has the loss of a loved one left you wondering how you will survive the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas? Come and be encouraged about dealing with loss during the holiday season. This special GriefShare seminar will be held Monday, November 15, from 7-8:30 p.m. in Commons Hall. For more info, contact Christy at ext. 175 or griefshare@college-church.org.

55+ Keenagers in the Commons Join Keenagers as we meet on Friday, November 19, at 5:30 p.m. for punch and fellowship, followed by a delicious meal at 6 p.m. Then, we enjoy an outstanding musical program (in the Sanctuary) presented by Redekopp & Edwards, as they dazzle us with their piano and organ artistry—not to be missed!

Evening cost is $10 per person. Please make reservations (or cancel) no later than Tuesday, November 16, by emailing Keenagers@college-church.org or calling (630) 668-0878.

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International Thanksgiving Celebration

Men’s Ministries

Saturday, November 13, 3-6 p.m. in the Commons

Join us Wednesday at 6:45 p.m. in the Commons (C002A-B) as we dive into 1 Peter

Christianity Explored

• November 3 1 Peter 2:11–17

Starbucks in the COD Resource Center Discover what our faith is all about on Tuesdays at 2 p.m.

• November 10 1 Civil Authority and the Question of Christian Compliance

Women’s Ministries

• November 24 Thanksgiving Break – no meeting

MONTHLY GATHERING

• December 1 1 Peter 3:1–7

Saturday, November 13 in Welsh Hall from 9 to10:30 a.m.

MOM2MOM • November 1, 9:30 a.m. Large Group Gathering in Commons Hall, Topic: The Best Story Ever Told, childcare provided • November 8, 9:30 a.m. Triangle Park, Wheaton

BIBLE STUDY

• November 17 1 Peter 2:18–25

• December 8 1 Peter 3:8–12 Can’t make it in person? Join for a Zoom discussion group here: Join Zoom Meeting https://bit.ly/3EdxMsZ Meeting ID: 832 4290 7599, Passcode: 530315

MEN’S GATHERING

• November 15, 7 p.m. Book Discussion in the Fireside Area

Saturday, December 4, at 7:30 a.m. in Commons Hall.

• November 22, 9:30 a.m. Gym Play Date at College Church

Enjoy breakfast, hear encouraging testimonies and cultivate a greater hunger for God as we sit under teaching from Psalm 146. We look forward to seeing you!

BIBLE STUDY The Storyline of the Bible.

Wednesday mornings: 9:30-11 a.m.

Children’s Ministries

Wednesday evenings: 6:45-8:15 p.m.

SUNDAYS

It's not too late! Are you interested in joining Women's Bible Study this semester, or adding your children to our childcare wait list? Please email us at women@college-church.org or reach out to Mary DeMoss at (630) 668-0878.

• Nursery (0-2) at 9:30 and 11 a.m.

APPLES OF GOLD—A Seven-Week Nurturing Program for Women

• Children’s Church (preschool) at 11 a.m.

Thursday evenings—January 13-February 24, 2022. 6-9:15 p.m. at a home nearby. Women, if you are a newlywed, a not-so-new mom or somewhere in between, come to

• God’s Children Sing and Children’s Choirs at 5 p.m.

• study biblical topics from Titus 2:3-5 for personal growth as a Christian woman.

• watch cooking demonstrations to learn new recipes and techniques, with lots of inspiration and laughter along the way.

• enjoy adult conversations over sit-down meals as you meet new friends in a warm, caring environment.

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver."

Proverbs 25:11 Cost is $20, space is limited.

Contact Mary Gieser for further information: maryegieser@ gmail.com or (630) 668-5773

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• Bible School (preschool-5th grade) at 9:30 a.m.

• Wonders of Worship “WOW” (K-third grade) during second half of 11 a.m. service • Preschool at 5 pm.

WEDNESDAYS Wednesday club programs at 6:45 p.m.

Middle School (KMs) SUNDAYS Foundations (CL02) 9:30-10:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAYS Large-group gathering (CL02) 6:45-8:15 p.m.

SPECIAL EVENTS • KM Girls Night, November 12, 7-9 p.m.

• Thanksgiving Lunch, November 22, 12-1:30 p.m. in Commons Hall

High School (HYACKS) SUNDAYS At the Crossings for Rhythms on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m.

• November 7 no Sunday Rhythms or Slam (retreat) • November 14 Slam Groups

From the Editor Wil Triggs

• November 21 Sunday Slam meet in the Gym • November 28 no Sunday Slam

WEDNESDAYS Bridge Fellowship on Wednesday nights at 7:30 p.m. at the Crossings.

SPECIAL EVENT • Fall Retreat November 5-7 at Dickson Valley

College Group SUNDAY MORNINGS

This Issue’s Bounty The first Sunday in November is both Orphan Sunday and the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. What a great way to start the month that ends with Thanksgiving and the start of Advent. We should be on the lookout all the time for how we can help people in need. Even in horrendous times of division and suffering, we need to keep our hearts open, and an open place at our tables for people in need.

COLLEGE CONNECT

Food for thought. Wallace Alcorn’s “Making Sense in a Senseless World” (page 8) tackles how God can allow all that’s going on these days. It gives us all something to think about in a way that might help us should we find ourselves in that kind of a discussion over Thanksgiving.

Sundays: November 7 and December 12 in Commons at 10:45 a.m. Come for breakfast and fellowship with other students after the 9:30 worship service.

An almost full table. Welcoming a guest to the dinner table has never been more precariously delightful than in Virginia Hughes’s “A Smashing Table” (page 13).

in the Commons at 10:45 a.m.

Grow in community and hear college-geared teaching that shapes biblical convictions for a lifetime of serving Christ.

HOME GROUPS Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, 7 p.m. locations vary

STARS SUNDAYS • Teen Stars at 9:30 a.m.

• Young Adult/Adult Stars at 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.

• Inclusion Classes at 9:30 & 11 a.m.

• Stars Choir at 5-6:15 p.m. Teens and adults with special needs learn to praise God through singing, drama and signing.

DURING THE WEEK • Praise in Action—Teens and adults with special needs enhance their musical abilities and praise God through drums and hand chimes on Wednesdays, 6:45–8:15 p.m.

• Friday Night Fun—An evening of fun, friendship, recreation and worship for teens and adults with special needs on Friday, November 19, 6:30–9 p.m.

• Buddy Break—For young STARS and their siblings under 15 on Friday, November 19, 6:30–9 p.m.

Bread from heaven. Judy Blumhofer’s “Let the Little Children Come” gives us all an honest account (page 16) of how she got where she is today in relation to foster and orphan care in Honduras. It is a feast of godly care for the least of these. Her story reminds me in a good way that God takes us places we never would imagine apart from him.

Prayer and action on behalf of those in need runs through many of our pages this month: • Helping local families in need celebrate Christmas through our partnership with the Christmas Store of Outreach Community Ministries • Providing training for Christian communicators worldwide • Providing care and forever families for children orphaned by COVID-19 • Reaching out to Afghan refugees coming into Chicagoland • Praying for persecuted Christians and churches around the world Thankful for the growing number of artists and writers helping fill this issue with life. Thank you, Yousaf, for your article on persecution and prayer (page 6). Thanks, Liita, for your cover art. I’m hoping this issue will help you give thanks to God not just on Thanksgiving Day, but every single day.

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FACE TO FACE

Praying for the Persecuted Yousaf Sadiq

many other places from doing what they are called to do, which is to share Christ with others. They remain faithful and pray for their persecutors. God provides them supernatural peace and comfort that supersedes human understanding.

PERSEVERANCE IN THE FACE OF PERSECUTION International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church 2021

Persecuted believers have come to understand through experience that suffering creates perseverance “perseverance, character; and character, hope (Romans 5:4, NIV). The Greek word (hypomone) for perseverance carries the notion to remain firm, constant and patient. The suffering church stands firm and faithful to the greater purposes of God. Through his Word, they learn to persevere, for in Matthew 5:11-12 it says, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (NIV) Persecution leads to perseverance where these believers do not lack in anything.

The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is a special time to pray for our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted for their Christian faith. The mark of their suffering is a proof of their faith. The Bible says that the immense suffering for the sake of Christ is not to be considered astonishing, for “all who desire to live a godly life will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12) These words of Paul provide Christians with a realistic perspective on the cost of discipleship to follow Jesus.

Asia Bibi exemplifies the story of a woman who faithfully chooses to love Jesus despite the cost which led to even greater flourishing of her faith and encouragement to the world. She spent nine years in a solitary confinement in Pakistan, still receives threats, and has forgiven her persecutors. Maryam and Marzieh faced extremely cruel and dehumanizing conditions in Iranian prisons, where the temperature was sweltering in the summer and freezing in the winter. What brought these Christian women hope in an environment of fear was knowing that their fellow believers around the world were praying for them.

God does some of his strongest and most evident work in the hard times. Amid trials and pain, God’s people keep growing and flourishing. Our North Korean brothers and sisters when discovered to be Christians, have been arrested and deported to labor camps as political criminals where they work like slaves and are brutally tortured. Hundreds and thousands of Iraqi Christians had to flee for their lives from the radical ISIS group, faced with displacement from their homes and separation from family members for years. When a pair of suicide bombers blew themselves up outside a 130-year-old Anglican church in the city of Peshawar in Pakistan, 127 were martyred and 170 were badly injured in this deadliest attack. Despite these circumstances, persecution does not stop Christians in these countries and in

The persecuted believers courageously talk about their faith with others.

Romans 1:16 says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” Despite challenging conditions and dangers involved, they enthusiastically and passionately speak of

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their Christian faith to others. They don’t keep it to themselves.

Stories of the persecuted church ought to give us encouragement and motivation to share our own faith with others.

As one body of Christ, we ought to feel the pain of our suffering brothers and sisters. When one hurts, the whole body feels it. We must not forget to remember those who are in prison. We should strive to be aware of the hostile conditions that other Christians live in and advocate for those whose voices are taken away.

As part of our call to love and stand in solidarity, we need to recognize the repression, persecution, and identify the struggles that so many Christians encounter. Second Corinthians 1:5 states that “For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” (NIV) God calls us to comfort the suffering believers. On this International Day of Prayer, let us pray for those who are persecuted for their faith in Christ, because prayer acts as one of the main avenues to support the suffering church.

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

Sunday Morning Prayer 8-8:40 a.m. in C101 Monday Morning Prayer 6:15-7:15 a.m. Board Room Wednesday Night Prayer (Fireside/Zoom) 7-8 p.m.

Led by the Missions Office • November 3: Wil Triggs, Persecuted Church • November 10: Loulwa El Maalouf, Arab Baptist Theological Seminary • November 17: Speaker TBD • November 24: No Meeting (Thanksgiving Eve service) Friday Prayer for the Persecuted Church (Board Room) 12-1 p.m. Led by Wil and Lorraine Triggs. The weekly prayer guide is also available at our website: https://bit.ly/2ZkqQLA

Hannah Prayer Fellowship will meet on November 10 at 1:30 p.m. in C104E. Jeff Dusek will share about his work with the Chicago Eagles. He shares the message of Christ through soccer. Join us as we pray for Jeff and our missionaries.

Dorcas Prayer Fellowship will meet Wednesday, November 17, at 1:30 p.m. in the Learning Center at Covenant Living at

Windsor Park to hear about the work of Chad and Leanna Wiebe in Ukraine. Men and women are welcome to visit or join the group for the presentation and for the prayer time for our missionaries.

Aaron-Hur Prayer Fellowship will meet on Thursday, November 16, at 7 p.m. at the home of Eric and Marilyn Enstrom, 1460 Stoddard Ave. in Wheaton, (630) 682-8341. Our guests will be Daniel and Julie, preparing to serve in Asia.

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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LIFE LESSONS

Making Sense in a Senseless World Wallace Alcorn

How can a loving God permit all this evil in the world?

I find this to be a reasonable question often, though not always, asked earnestly in an effort to make sense of a senseless world. The less one knows God, the more senseless his actions themselves appear and the more difficult it is to understand anything.

An answer can be put simply, almost as self-evident, even though this isn’t a simple matter. The reason the loving God tolerates (not “permits”) evil is precisely because he is the loving God who loves the world he created. What pleased God most of all he created was man (Adam), whom he created in his own image.

What is distinctive of humans is choice, volition. God created humans with the choice to remain as he purposed and designed to be humanness. But from the very nature of choice, the ability to choose for necessarily includes the ability and opportunity to choose against.

This is to say that God could not (from the nature of things) be pleased to be obeyed and worshipped by the one creature for whom he created the ability to obey and worship without also creating the ability to rebel and scorn. It is not so much that it is a sin to reject God as it is that sin is the rejection of God. All this evil in the world that God tolerates, he does so in order to receive the love and fellowship of those who choose rightly.

The astounding thing about God’s love is that he loves the world so much that he is willing to endure the millions who will choose against him for the enjoyment of the few who choose for him.

The world God had created to the point of creation of man was wonderful and beautiful and right—while it remained the world God created. Mineral, vegetation and animal functioned as he purposed and designed them. It worked perfectly, but this was because it was a mechanical necessity of functioning according to the Creator’s design and for his purpose alone. Creation had no choice but to be what it was created to be or not be at all.

(Neither can birds swim as fish do nor can fish fly as do birds. If either should try, it would die.)

God appraised what he had created and became satisfied it was “good.” As pleased as God was, he was not yet fully pleased. He wished to crown his created pyramid with a grand apex after

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his own image. To achieve this, he designed one final being with choice or will or volition. This being he named Adam (man).

When he looked again at what he had created, he saw that it was “very good.” With this, God rested from his creative activity.

While man was living as God purposed and designed humans to live, God was fully pleased with him, and he was fully pleased with himself. In order for man to exercise freedom fully, God provided an opportunity to use free will negatively. If man would choose against God, he designated that one tree in the garden to symbolize that choice, there then being no natural way to do so.

The proposition Satan made to Adam and Eve is that if they would as much as take fruit from this designated tree, they would know by experience the difference between good (what God has created, which they already knew) and evil (the corruption of what God had created, which they would thereby come to know).

Satan suggested they should be dissatisfied with being only human despite their being fully human. Man was already, by his unique nature, the highest of all creatures and the creature in all creation most pleasing to the Creator and of all most like him. The only way he could become higher was to become God himself, and this is precisely what Satan suggested.

What Satan did not mention and what Adam did not consider was that to become God, he would no longer be human. When Adam chose to try for divinity to replace humanity, he failed to achieve what he craved and lost what he had. Claiming to be The Wise, he became the fool.

Some years ago, two fire fighters sat on the bumper of their fire engine trying to recover from what they had seen and gone through for several hours. In addition to arson, a family beat and killed each other. One commented, “How can a loving God put up with such evil in the world?” His partner asked the better question: “How can God put up with people who do such evil?”

The answer, of course: He loves us no matter what we do to ourselves.

SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE UPDATE

What People are Saying about Caring Network The Apostle Paul wrote that the message of the gospel is "of first importance." The message that "Christ died for our sin, was buried, and was raised" is the very foundation of the church and of the Christian life. It is this message that all of God's people "have received," "stand in," "are being saved by," and "hold fast to." (1 Cor 15:1-4) It is no wonder, then, that Paul felt the need to remind these dear believers of this message. You know that Caring Network provides loving, Christ-centered counsel to the woman who has

like abortion, they stand with hands out, offering love and care for all.”

an unwanted pregnancy and may be tempted to choose abortion. You also know that Caring Network clients are offered maternity clothes, diapers, baby clothes and other material assistance, if necessary. And that counselors share the gospel whenever they can.

century may have just been saved. Job is one of the oldest books in the Bible, written thousands of years ago, but Job 10:10-11 says this:

But did you know that Caring Network’s Restore After Abortion helps those who have been involved in a decision to abort a baby to embrace fully God’s limitless healing and forgiveness? Whether it’s in a small group setting or oneon-one, Restore helps people know the God who loves them unconditionally. Visit www.restoreafterabortion.com Read what three College Church members have to say about Caring Network.

“Some accuse the pro-life movement of caring only about the baby and not the woman who has an unplanned pregnancy. As the hands and feet of Christ, the Caring Network comes alongside and empowers women who experience an unplanned pregnancy with unconditional love, counsel and resources to make a lasting difference in the lives of women and their families.”

— Brian Wildman “Pro-life organizations can be caricatured by opponents as caring for people only before birth. Caring Network breaks that caricature by providing care and counseling for women and men who live in the aftermath of abortion as well as caring for those choosing to carry life to birth and beyond.

They come alongside mothers after they have given birth and help them on many levels. Dealing with a volatile issue

— Wil Triggs “One of the best things Caring Network does is share ultrasound images and video of a young woman’s child with her so she can see the tiny little life God is creating within her. In that moment, if she can make a connection with her baby, then a person who may live to see the twenty-second

Did you not pour me out like milk, And curdle me like cheese, Clothe me with skin and flesh And intertwine me with bones and tendons?

“Meditate on that for a moment, then watch this one-minute video of the first 100 hours of human embryo development: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Min1l1SIOCQ. Strange as it may sound, it looks like curdling cheese – doesn’t it? It is God who creates new life, and it is an awesome thing!”

— Michael Jones

Praying Together You are invited to join the Sanctity of Human Life Task Force as we pray that God will change the hearts of those entering the Planned Parenthood office in Aurora. November 13 from 1 to 2 p.m.

For more info: https://bit.ly/3js5uTP

Important Upcoming Event: Join College Church and thousands of others as we raise our voices for those who have no voice at March for Life Chicago on Saturday January 8.

You can register here: https://bit.ly/3BEHPG3

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GLOBAL VOICES

This Year's Thanksgiving Eve Offering Recipients THREE PROJECTS

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Media Associates International/ LittWorld 2022

Missionary: John Maust

Bringing Christian Truths to Life Around the World

Given the fresh challenges and opportunities for Christian publishing in our pandemic world, we face a particularly strategic time for global Christian communicators to gather for mutual equipping, encouragement and vision-sharing. Next year’s LittWorld Conference 2022 “Stronger Together: Publishing Hope Beyond Crisis” will provide fresh vision and skills for some 200 publishing staff and writers from 40-plus countries as they gather in Hungary this coming April.

Many participants will have worked for months in relative isolation due to the pandemic, so the conference will provide a desired return to in-person interaction between Christian publishing peers from around the world. LittWorld is primarily targeted to Christian publishers and writers from difficult countries with little access to local training or encouragement.

Many of these participants will need some form of scholarship assistance to attend.

The gifts of College Church’s Thanksgiving Eve Offering will provide full conference scholarships and partial travel assistance for scholarship recipients to attend the conference.

Each scholarship candidate will complete an application and be

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thoroughly vetted by Media Associates International (MAI) staff. We will give priority to candidates with little access to local or Western funding sources, who have not previously attended a LittWorld, and who demonstrate gifting and commitment to serve the Lord and their nations through Christian publishing or writing.

One full conference scholarship, including all meals and lodging for the five-day event, is $850. The cost of travel will vary depending on the candidate's point of departure.

“I never imagined God would bless me so abundantly,” said a 2018 scholarship recipient from Bhutan who published two books after the conference.

“I never met so many talented men and women of God. I was awed. I was humbled. I was joyous. I was overwhelmed and, yes, I was exceedingly refreshed and rejuvenated.”

Christian communicators who attend a LittWorld often refer to themselves as part of the MAI global "family," and stay in touch with MAI and with one another. Our global ministry has grown at the grassroots level as a result of holding LittWorld conferences in the various world regions—formation of MAI regional boards in Europe, Africa and Asia being a prime example.

The gifts of this special offering at Thanksgiving will help connect Christians often working in isolated countries with their global family and help give voice to the church as we speak to new opportunities and unchanging gospel truths.

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Mission Eurasia/A Family for Every Orphan

Missionary: Anita Deyneka

Caring for Children in India, Bangladesh, Ghana and Uganda As of August of this year, two million children have lost a parent and/or grandparent caregiver as a result of COVID-19 associated deaths across the globe. Children are being orphaned at an alarming rate and more likely to end up in an institution, even if they have only lost one parent. However, we know institutions are not the answer and that children who are cared for in a loving and stable family, as God designed, show great resiliency, attachment and development.

• provide monthly food boxes to bridge a gap in income • respite care in a family-style home while a parent recovers • assist with medical needs and counseling services • provide school supplies and resources for a child to attend school • working with appropriate authorities to ensure the well-being and safety of a child • guide and assist more parents through daunting, and oftentimes overwhelming, foster and adoption processes Our partners ensure the process is not a roadblock for parents moving forward in their call to foster or adopt. Foster and adoptive parents in trauma-informed care to prepare and help them meet the unique needs of their child with a history of trauma. Post placement support and child therapy would be expanded which is critical to a child and family’s success.

Praise God at-risk families are reaching out for support, and foster and adoptive families are stepping up to care for orphaned and vulnerable children during this deep time of need, but they desperately need guidance, counseling and resources to provide for their needs. With additional resources, our partners can minister to more children and families; meeting their needs to ensure more children can remain in their families or safe and loving foster or adoptive families.

The current needs are so great that governments are reaching out to churches and Christian leaders, including our partners, asking for assistance. All of our partners share our Christian faith and many are pastors themselves. The pandemic is giving them, churches, and the rest of the Christian community the unique opportunity to rise up and care for the vulnerable. People who had not before interacted with the church, or our partners, are experiencing the message and love of Christ, and governments are recognizing them as a primary pillar of support!

Gifts from the people of College Church will provide for at-risk family support and foster and adoption-related family services due to COVID-19. Our support at this time will provide help in the following areas: • expand support to meet the rising needs • help children remain in their families, out of institutions, and in school

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Mission Partner: World Relief Chicagoland

From Afghanistan to Chicagoland Helping to resettle our Afghan neighbors Many of us have watched the situation in Afghanistan and felt heartbroken and powerless as thousands of families fled for their lives. Watching their fear and grief has been heartbreaking.

World Relief offices across the country are expected to resettle thousands of Afghan evacuees, and World Relief Chicagoland (WRC) has already begun resettling new arrivals who fled for their lives from Afghanistan in recent months. WRC is resettling over 130 Afghans in addition to the more than 750 refugee families from other parts of the world. These new Afghan arrivals have little more than carry-on suitcases.

They already have an urgent need for: • stable housing • food • medical care • mental health support, and more In addition to those immediate needs, these new arrivals will need help to: • learn English • secure stable jobs • access legal services • build the relationships that will help them adjust to life in a new community The Thanksgiving Eve Offering will help tangibly meeting their needs. WRC estimates that supporting a family of four for the first 90 days following their arrival will cost $10,000 per household.

That $10,000 will ensure that the entire family has access to the resources and relationships needed for them to begin working toward stability so that they can rebuild their lives.

From global writers and publishing staff to vulnerable children in India, Bangladesh, Ghana and Uganda to Afghan people newly arrived in Chicago, our Thanksgiving Eve Offering gifts this year will show the love of Christ in global ways.

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FACE TO FACE

A Smashing Welcome Virginia Hughes

The table was set, the glasses of water poured, and our family of ten hungry people in place as Mother set the last dish on the table. Just then the doorbell rang and nine-year-old me sprang from my chair, “I’ll get it!”

I clearly had called it; yet a sibling had just as quickly ducked under the table darting out, tripping both of us in the race to answer the door. Our combined explosive energy, so unwanted in the house, bent the table legs on one of end of the table. The table, now a kneeling camel, slid its dinner plates, silverware, glassware and delicious supper contents down the table. Down, down, down; everything was delivered toward the floor.

It was a multi-bowled, favorite dinner of ours as well as a group project to prepare. Under Mom’s supervision, one of us chopped lettuce, peppers, onions, garlic, cilantro and tomatoes. Another shredded a tall pile of cheese. Older siblings warmed tortilla shells and browned the seasoned beef. Mom prepared rice and beans while another mashed avocados into fresh guacamole. Spicy salsa was poured into the center of the chip and dip bowl surrounded by crunchy tortilla chips. Each carefully prepared bowl now tipped to its limit dripping into the bowl alongside as they sat precariously shoved against each other; but not emptied out, not completely ruined.

“Don’t anyone move,” Mom commanded in a calm voice, while grabbing bowls and setting them upright. The emptied water glasses had created a small river flowing between the bowls onto the laps of damp siblings struggling to remain in their chairs. As soon as Mom grabbed the last item, Dad shifted the legs back into place and straightened out the table while siblings squirmed free to survey the damages.

Mom looked at me as I shrank from the blame I had earned and asked, “Well, who was at the door then?” We all turned toward the front door which framed an elderly gentleman from the church whom I thought of as Charles Dickens, because he said things a certain way; and was ever dramatically garbed in a long black waistcoat topped off by a black hat. “Brother Crabel, you are here!” Dad called out cheerfully moving toward the door to quickly shake the hand of our unexpected guest and lead him to a dry seat in the living room while the kitchen crew salvaged dinner.

As Mother handed out both dish towels and jobs to help reorganize the meal, Dad assured Brother Crabel that right now was the best time to join us for dinner. Brother Crabel, widowed member of our church, now in his nineties, had been often invited to dinner. Dad relished conversation and keen insight shared by Brother Crabel, who spent time studying and walking in the Word.

We had heard Dad extend open invitations to many in the church. “Just show up!” was Dad’s policy and Mom’s patience did not break even though she never knew exactly how many open dinner invitations Dad had sent out into the world. This was the night Brother Crabel chose to join us and Dad extended the welcome, “Come right in; you are welcome; we’re just getting a few things straightened out.”

Brother Crabel chuckled, “That was really something to see.

A smashing welcome indeed, if you don’t mind me saying so.”

Then Dad laughed and we repeated, “A smashing welcome, a smashing welcome indeed,” and giggled as the meal was being righted. Silverware, glasses and plates were quickly washed and dried, glasses refilled, and scattered contents spooned back into their appropriate bowls. No one had to tell us we were hungry.

We had twice prepared this meal. No one had to tell Brother Crabel he was lonely. He lived alone and felt it keenly before walking into an open invitation to fill up on good food, laughter and enough family shenanigans to lighten his heart.

Thinking of this table scene as Thanksgiving approaches brings a desire for that fullness that comes when gathering times are here. Another leaf is added to the table, folding tables stretch out to make more room. The aroma of an herb-filled turkey that roasts in the oven, the traditional meal of sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green bean casserole, fresh rolls, pumpkin pie, pecan, French silk, cherry, four berry; oh, the pies!

Thanksgiving pulls us to the table, and we list our gratitude to Jesus who came and told the truth of his love through his death and resurrection. Jesus pulled us in and set us free when he literally turned over the tables in the temple, brought the communion feast and increased the table in size to include all. All who recognize their needs, that is. When someone’s need is known, it is time for the knocking on the doors. We knock that the door may be opened to us. But wait, before we realize to knock on the door, a knocking is heard on our door from the other side. Someone is at the door and the path to the door becomes the most important thing. “I’ll get it!”

The door must be opened to Jesus.

What is inside the very best door? A smashing welcome in the form of tables filled with grace, mercy, salvation and us sitting there gratefully pouring out our thanks. All obstacles are removed.

We can see, jump up, walk, run, bow down, anoint with perfume, praise the Lord, be loving and be ready. Let’s eat.

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LOCALLY SOURCED

27th Annual Christmas Store at the Outreach Community Center on December 11, 2021

in Carol Stream

The Christmas Store at the Outreach Community Center (OCC) in Carol Stream celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ by offering an affordable and dignified way for families served

by OCC to provide Christmas gifts for their children. The impact of COVID-19 in the neighborhood served by OCC was dramatic and devastating. At its peak, the unemployment rate was estimated to be near 30% in southeast Carol Stream.

As a result, many families experienced significant loss of income for several months. A lot of families have since returned to employment, but months of lost income continues to impact their ongoing financial position. Fifty-seven percent of the households in the neighborhood served by OCC have an annual income below $27,000, and over 50% of the households are paying 75% of their income in rent to maintain their housing.

The vision in 1994, when the Christmas Store was launched, was for families to have access to affordable Christmas gifts while maintaining the dignity of parents in the process.

Having the option for parents to choose each gift for their child and pay for it with their hard-earned money is how the store operates. That year, OCC staff arranged for the store to happen on a small scale (65 families were served in 1994), and the demand grew in the community. As the demand grew, volunteers started helping with the event, and 27 years later, it’s still going strong—we are anticipating over 350 families representing just about 1,000 children in 2021. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has changed some safety protocols at the Christmas Store (face coverings and social distancing), the vision for the store remains at its core to this day—to give community families access to affordable gifts in a way that maintains their sense of dignity and use the proceeds to assist the community throughout the year.

You are invited to be a part of this wonderful Christmas tradition by donating gifts to the Christmas Store and/or to volunteer for the festivities. Here are ways you can get involved!

• Volunteer to help with the event.

Register after November 1.

• Donate toward event expenses.

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• Give a gift in one of the following ways: Target and Amazon gift registries Drop off your gift(s) at one of the College Church locations from November 1-December 5.

— Kids’ Harbor — Commons main floor dropbox — Sanctuary fireside area Drive by the front of the church building on December 4 from 12-2 p.m. Pull into the cutout, and someone will meet you at your car.

Be a part of the 27-year tradition and bless someone’s Christmas this year! For more information, contact outreach@collegechurch.org

JOIN US FOR THE FIRST SEMINAR IN OUR NEW SERIES

Faith & Culture: FAITH, FREEDOM & PUBLIC SCHOOLS Equipping Christians in Public Schools

NOVEMBER 12 & 13 COMMONS HALL

FRIDAY, November 12, 7-9 p.m.

Geared toward parents, grandparents and students, topics Include: • Promoting and protecting students’ religious freedoms at school • Successfully addressing concerns with teachers • Talking with school administrators about concerns • Teaching children to be discerning about what they are learning

SATURDAY, November 13, 9 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. (doors open at 8:30 a.m.)

Geared toward educators and school leaders: • Legal support for teaching about the Bible and Christianity, applying “separation of church and state” • Illinois state academic standards related to the Bible and Christianity • Practical ways to teach about the Bible and Christianity • Students’ and Educators’ freedom of religious expression— what the U.S. Department of Education guidance says • How to respond when pressured to teach or say things that violate your conscience and religious convictions HOSTED BY THE EVANGELISM AND CULTURE IMPACT COMMITTEE

TO REGISTER

visit www.GoGateways.org/illinois

SIDE BY SIDE

Let the Little Children Come Judy Blumhofer

As a child, my family had an illustrated children’s Bible that depicted Jesus sitting in the shade of a tree, on a rock, with children surrounding him. The caption below the picture stated: “Let the little children come onto me and deny them not, for to such as these belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

I was always drawn to that picture. I have always loved working with children, even when I was still a child. At one point in my medical training, I debated whether I should pursue a career in pediatrics or geriatrics, but when I learned that pursuing a career in geriatrics meant I would have to go through various years of treating the general adult population before I’d be allowed to start my geriatrics training, the geriatric option promptly got eliminated.

From then on, I made the decision that my career would focus exclusively on children. I would become a pediatrician and my career would be set. There are clearly plenty of people who become physicians and do that for their life, right?

Note to self: Never assume.

Towards the end of my medical training, I learned about a post-residency program that was part of Samaritan’s Purse.

The program partnered with graduating physicians to place them at missions hospitals around the world that needed medical staff. I never in my life had considered serving overseas in a long-term capacity, but I couldn’t get the thought out of my brain. Upon completing my pediatric training, I found myself on the ground in northeastern Honduras.

Note to self: Life is never what you have planned for it to be.

I completed my two-year term with the post-residency program in Honduras and figured I still had a little bit left in me, so I moved over to serve with Christian Health Service Corps, a long-term sending agency, and re-upped to continue in Honduras. Remember, this was me who was never planning on living overseas.

Note to self: God very clearly had different plans.

Shortly after this, a premature infant who had initially been my patient was placed in foster care. I had always been interested in foster care but, when I left the States, I thought that dream had been laid to rest. To my surprise, I discovered that foreigners

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were allowed to be registered foster parents in Honduras. Casa Santuario, the residential children’s home associated with our hospital’s ministry, got the necessary approvals and that onemonth-old baby boy came to my house. He was only supposed to come for a few months, yet somehow has now been with me nearly seven years.

Note to self: Those months of sleepless nights with newborns are no joke.

Soon, I had other children in my home—sometimes teenagers, sometimes infants. Some stayed for a week, some stayed for a year. Some were physically healthy, some had medical needs.

The reasons for coming and the reasons for leaving ran the gamut. But in those years, the Lord started to do a work and grow a passion in my heart not just for the children served in the foster care system, but also for the families caring for them.

In the middle of this, I agreed to do respite care for a malnourished, developmentally delayed six-month-old. For a weekend, mind you. I figured, how hard could 48 hours with an extra baby be? Well, he came for the weekend, and he never left.

I kid you not. It has now been 4 1/2 years.

Note to self: I think God’s still chuckling over this one.

As I cared for children in my home, I grappled with so many emotions as I heard their stories and saw how their needs affected my home. I grappled with how the joy I felt at the honor of mothering them came at the expense of another mother’s pain; I grappled with their intense emotional and developmental needs, and not having the resources to provide them; I grappled

with severe loneliness as I walked a path that no one else seemed to be walking; I grappled with how I should respond to their big emotions as they tried to make sense of their lives. I also saw, first-hand, how children with so many challenges stacked against them could thrive with the consistent love, routine and attachment that living in a family-setting provided. Do they still struggle? Yes, but thrive, nonetheless.

Note to self: Be careful when you have these big realizations. It usually means God is about to do something.

So, there I am, loving in-home foster care, all about wanting to provide residential care for babies and focus on neuro-socialpsychological development, when the directors of our children’s home announce their retirement. Would I consider serving as the interim director once they left? Me, the pediatrician for life, the one whose career was set. I agreed to the interim position.

I had a whirlwind introduction to my new position as the director of a long-term residential care center (learning admin, legal, educational, social and psych aspects of care plus so much more), and very quickly learned I could not be both the director and a full-time pediatrician if I valued my sanity. I stepped out of my clinical duties at the hospital.

Note to self: Directing a children’s home is more than a full-time job. Waaay more than a full-time job.

Charles Dickens best sums up my “interim” position (which somehow lasted nearly four years) at the children’s home: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” — the joy, the heartbreak; the victories, the losses; the life, the trauma; the courage, the fear. No matter how early children come into care, there are nearly always scars from the circumstances that occurred before they came.

Take that fact and multiply it by a whole bunch of kids and, well, it’s a lot.

Yet the Lord used that time to grow something great in me. He opened my eyes to needs that plague the foster system in general and took my eyes from focusing solely on my home to planting a vision in my heart of how to partner with others on this journey and provide them resources, training and understanding as they walk what is so often a hard, complex path. Most of us go into foster care to help; little do we expect that the traumas our children have suffered will traumatize us, and we will become more broken than we have ever been.

Note to self: God never allows brokenness in his children that he will not ultimately use for his glory.

It’s hard to sum up what I have lived, experienced and learned during these years in working within the foster care system. And I am by no means done. I am sure there will be many more lessons to come! The system itself is fractured; over-burdened, under-resourced. Those working in that system face some of the most traumatic stories that exist and have the daunting task of deciding and then administering what is for the best “good of the child,” all while working with other imperfect systems. The need in Honduras is great and overwhelms the system. There are days I am tempted to despair at the dysfunction of it all. But God faithfully reminds me that there are good people working inside this system, and that he is sovereign over it all. For all its dysfunction, he is still in control. And he is caring for these children. Never lose sight of that. The story doesn’t end where the system reaches its limits.

Having foster children has brought some of the truest realities to the stark center of my life. Realities like We are never promised tomorrow. I know that, but I know it on a whole new level when every day could be the day. I receive notice that a child might be leaving my care. It challenges me to live this day to the fullest; if this is the last day I have with my child, did I faithfully show them God’s love for them today?

What does it mean to steward those God places in our care?

When tomorrow is not guaranteed, I put a whole lot more thought into what that means for right now.

There is no such thing as remaining “unattached.” When I started my foster care journey, many well-intentioned people counseled me not to become too attached to the children for Continued on next page

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which I cared. Yeah…that doesn’t work. Children need to be attached. And they can’t be if their adults don’t show them how.

But let me assure you: God is more than enough to handle your pain if/when that child leaves your care. He can heal you fully.

And not just in heaven, but here and now. Go ahead and love.

Love with abandon. Love with all the love of Christ.

The love of the Father for the orphaned and fatherless is beyond compare. Loving these children has opened my eyes even more to the heart of the Father for them. “To the fatherless he is a Father…the lonely he makes part of a family.” (Ps 68:5,6, TPT) Being part of the family he forms to care for the fatherless is a sacred privilege. It is not a path that comes without great cost; but it is a path that is well worth it.

foster children and their families. Is this uncharted territory for me? Yes. Am I somewhat unsure if I’m competent for this? Yes. But the Lord has chosen me; he has made that abundantly clear.

And I rely upon him to establish my steps going forward.

Obeying the Lord never looks how we imagine it will. I never planned on being an overseas missionary. I never planned on long-term foster care. And I really, really never planned on all the heartache, tears and brokenness I would experience as I walked those paths. Yes, the Lord provides. Yes, he is abundant in wisdom and gives freely to those who ask for it. Yes, he blesses obedience. Yes, he draws us closer to him as we seek him and obey him. Yes, he binds up our wounds. Yes, he never looks to break a bruised reed. But rest assured, following him on the journey, you will be bruised. You will be persecuted. You will be mocked. You will be hurt. Know his voice. Know his call. It is the only thing that will keep you going.

In this month, as we mark world Orphan Day, what can we, as the body of Christ, do for this most vulnerable, beloved population?

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. (Prov. 16:9) There have been so many unplanned circumstances/decisions along the way. At each point, as the life I thought I would have dies a little more, I remind myself it is okay to mourn that loss. But I also must keep my eyes on the Lord and all he is doing. I assumed my medical license would have me providing general, clinic-based care for my entire career. Then, I walked away from clinical practice. For a bit, I thought all that training and learning and work had had its hey-day. Instead, the Lord has used my profession to open doors to me. I have a voice where others don’t. I am called into situations that others aren’t.

And now, I find myself being replanted with a new vision that combines medical care with the mental and emotional health of

If you pray for someone you know doing foster care, reach out and tell them. Let them know you see them and you care.

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Pray Pray for these children. Pray for them to know their Heavenly Father. Pray for their needs to be met. Pray for others to step up and answer the call and give them families.

Pray for the caretakers. Pray for the Lord of all comfort to be so real to them, and for the wisdom, stamina and faith they will need to care for these children.

Encourage

Be Hands On As a single foster mom to young kids, the number one thing I long for is a night off of bedtimes. Some states have strict rules about who can care for foster children, others, not so much. But offer those foster parents a break. You might need to be creative depending on the regulations but trust me…it will speak volumes that words never will be able to.

Listen and Offer Empathy Guaranteed, every family caring for foster children has had some rather harrowing experiences during their journey. Part of how we make sense of those experiences and continue to move on is to share our stories. Take those parents out, show them you care and are genuinely interested, and let them tell their stories. Also, please assure confidentiality. As much as we need to talk, we are also fiercely protective of our kiddos’ stories.

Hand in hand with listening is to trust the story you are told.

No one knows the journey of foster care better than those living it. When those living the journey celebrate a win, celebrate it with them (even if you don’t quite get why it’s a win). And when they’re overwhelmed by difficulties, offer empathy and validation.

Many challenges of foster care happen within four walls and behind closed doors; from the outside, life can look normal. Kids can seem healthy and functional. But rarely are kids in foster care operating at their prime, and the families live that reality.

Offer Community Foster children bring additional needs with them, some visible, some not so visible. Those needs can be challenging, timeconsuming and exhausting. Often, it’s just easier to stay home than try to grapple with those needs in public. But foster families need community. Be that community. Don’t give up on inviting them. Including them. Loving on them. Your investment will not go unreturned. And when they do show up? Welcome them (and their children) with open arms.

My story is both incredible and, at the same time, it is not. To the end that it glorifies the Lord and bears witness to his incredible grace, power and love, it is unparalleled. And yet, to the degree that it makes me out to be anything other than a sinner saved by grace, it is quite ordinary. In the end, my story is one of obedience. Of going where the Lord leads; of submitting plans to him; of being open to his leading; of coming back to him each time I stray and trust him to receive me, remake me, use me.

For reasons known only to him, the Lord put me on this path as the one that would best glorify him. Whatever the specifics of your path, the mandate to care for the fatherless is clear.

Wherever and however the Lord might use you, there is no greater joy than helping the little children come unto Jesus.

MILESTONES Births • Gunnar James was born to Dave and Lindsay Terhune on September 21. He joins his older siblings Davey, Riley, Emery and Ronny Mac and a lot of cousins. Gunnar’s maternal grandparents are Donna and the late Ron McAlister.

• Joanna Hope was born to Michael and Annelise Thrasher on October 9. She joins her big brother, Ezekiel. Her paternal grandparents are Bill and Penny Thrasher.

• Julian Michael, first child of former pastoral resident, Michael Sole and his wife, Melissa, was born on September 25 in Duluth, MN. Julian’s paternal grandfather is Anthony (Genia) Solis.

Deaths • Pray for Barb Shoemaker and family as they grieve the loss of Barb’s husband, Kent, on October 26. Services were held.

• Pray for College Church missionary Amy ( Jonathan) Harris and family as they grieve the loss of Amy’s mother, Jean Boyd, who passed away on October 21 in Michigan.

• Pray for BJ Kettinger and his father, Burt, as they grieve the loss of BJ’s mother and Burt’s wife, Sharon, who passed away on October 14. The Kettingers have been part of the STARS ministry for decades.

• Pray for Mark and Joy Trieglaff and their son, Josh, as they grieve the loss of their daughter and sister Janell, who passed away on October 8 after a brief illness.

• Pray for Laura Vossbruch and family as they grieve the loss of Laura’s father, Fred, who passed away recently in Florida.

God Centered Life 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.

• Pray for Gloria (Stann) Leff and family as they grieve the loss of two family members recently—Gloria’s sister-in-law, Elaine, as well as her younger brother, Robert.

• Pray for Paige ( Jay) Cunningham and family as they grieve the loss of Paige’s brother, Jay Comstock, who passed away on October 5 in Dallas, TX. • Pray for Al and Mary Duvel, family and friends as they grieve the loss of their daughter Belinda, who passed away on September 30.

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BOOKSTALL

Gift-Giving Season is Coming Soon Stop by the bookstall or visit our online bookstore at https://us.10ofthose.com/collegechurch/ for these books and more!

Check out our selection of books for the gift-giving season. You can purchase books on Sunday morning at the corner bookstall, or visit our online bookshop at https://us.10ofthose.com/collegechurch/ for a wider selection.

FOR EVANGELISM:

The Greatest Gift

by Paul Williams

A Very Messy Christmas

Are You Ready for Christmas?

The Promise and the Light

The Weirdest Nativity

by Jago Wynne

by Roger Carswell

by Katy Morgan

by Andrew Sach and Jonathan Gemmell

And don’t forget to check out our gospel tracts and pray about how you might use them during the Advent/Christmas season.

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LOOKING AHEAD DECEMBER MINISTRY PREVIEW

DECEMBER Dec 6 at 9:30 a.m.

Large Group Gathering Topic: Come Celebrate Jesus’ Birthday!

Dec 13 at 9:30 a.m.

Cosley Zoo, Wheaton

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