“I was placed against the wall with a machine gun pointed at me.”
Read “From the Very Heart of Mariupol” by Tymur Kosmbekov on page 6.
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March Highlights
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From the Editor WIL TRIGGS
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From the Very Heart of Mariupol TYMUR KOSMBEKOV
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Artist Spotlight— Barbara Elsenheimer
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Opportunities for Prayer
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The Changing City KEITH BODGER
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On Being a Sophomore without Remaining Sophomoric WALLACE ALCORN
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Our Vision
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When Your Middle Name Is Livingstone ESTHER WALDROP
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Finding the Quiet in a Noisy World PAT CIRRINCIONE
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New Members
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“Come sit with me.”
SUSAN ZIMMERMAN
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You or Your Baby
JILL TWEETEN
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At the Bookstall
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Serving Opportunities
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Milestones
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I Don’t Want to Go RICHARD MOOMJIAN
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Under the Radar
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Looking Ahead
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Campus Maps
Our Pastors, Directors and Residents: Josue Alvarado, pastoral resident | Matt Anthony, pastoral resident | Cheryce Berg, director of children’s ministries | Roger Burgess, pastor of visitation | 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, pastor of visitation | Josh Maurer, pastor of discipleship | Curt Miller, missions pastor | Josh Moody, senior pastor Richard Moomjian, pastoral resident | 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
Our Council of Elders: David Bea | Mark Berg | Howard Costley, chair | Dave Gieser, vice chair | Randy Jahns | Heinrich Johnsen Josh Moody, senior pastor | Jeff Oslund | Roger Sandberg | David Setran | Jeremy Taylor, secretary | Chad Thorson | Brian Wildman
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
Wallace Alcorn has always been a teacher, and he doesn’t seem able to stop. He taught scouting recruits as senior patrol leader in his church’s troop and Sunday school while a high school student. In the army, he was an instructor at The Adjutant General’s School, US Army Chaplain School, and Command & General Staff College. He has taught from kindergarten through doctoral students.
Keith Bodger has lived in Wheaton since he married his wife, Mel, 28 years ago. He and Mel have been at College Church since 2012 and they lead a small group. Keith greatly enjoys winter. For his day job, Keith is an environmental scientist for a local utility.
A regular Connections contributor. Pat enjoys reading, baking, crocheting and knitting. Her greatest joys are God and her family, and spending time with both makes for much joy, fun and laughter.
is a pastoral resident at College Church, serving in college ministry. He and his wife, Shelby, moved to Wheaton from California this past summer and love their College Church family. In his free time, Richard enjoys reading theology, writing poetry and cooking meals at home.
Jill is a member of College Church who enjoys hiking, being outdoors, music, teaching kids, telling and hearing stories, Bible study, and being with her family. She is currently singing in the church choir and directing the musical, Mary Poppins, at Wheaton Christian Grammar School.
A first-time contributor to Connections, Esther and her husband, John, have enjoyed serving the church in Ukraine, Czech Republic, and most recently the Middle East.
moved to Wheaton with her husband five years ago to be near family. She has taught art and art education to people of all age levels. Barbara loves the creative process, no matter what the medium. Currently, she has been painting in oils as well as mixed media. She is this month’s featured artist.
was born and raised in Mariupol in a family of farmers. He served in youth ministry for 15 years and is now preparing for missionary work in Uganda. Tymur won first place in a MAI writing contest for writers from war-torn Ukraine.
Susan serves as a deaconess and M2M mentor. In addition to reading Bible stories to her young grandchildren, she especially enjoys reading alphabet books and Dr. Seuss. Current favorites are “A was Once an Apple Pie” and “Theres’s a Wocket in My Pocket!”.
COVER IMAGE: Barbara Elsenheimer
Everyone welcome.
Join us at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Livestream broadcast is at 9:30 a.m. You can watch it at college-church.org/livestream
MARCH 5: The Feeding of the Five Thousand and the Feast of Faith , John 6:1-35, Pastor Josh Maurer preaching Communion Sunday.
MARCH 12: Faith and Forgiveness, Luke 5:17-26, Pastor Dan Hiben preaching
Everyone welcome.
In the Crossings at 5 p.m. unless otherwise indicated.
MARCH 5: Psalm 126, Pastor Baxter Helm preaching
MARCH 12: Psalm 127, Pastor Josh Maurer preaching
MARCH 19: Psalm 128, Pastor Dan Hiben preaching
MARCH 26: Psalm 129, Pastoral Resident Richard Moomjian preaching
ALL NATIONS Sundays 9:30 a.m. in C104F
• TEACHER: Jim Tebbe
• STUDY: The Mission of God in Scripture— Daniel 1-6, signs in John’s gospel, end of Acts after Paul’s arrest, messages to the seven churches in Revelation
Pastor Josh Moody preaching.
MARCH 19: The Heavenly Places, Ephesians 1:1-2
MARCH 26: God’s Purpose to Bless Us, Ephesians 1:3-14
• DESCRIPTION: Exploring the mission of God in Scripture through Bible study. There will also be testimonies, information about and prayer for the church in different parts of the world.
FORUM 15 Sundays 8 a.m. in C104F
• TEACHER: Bruce Main
• STUDY: JESUS NOW: Where is He? What is He doing?”
• DESCRIPTION: Major events of Jesus earthly life and what is he doing after the ascension from heaven.
GREEK CLASS Sundays 9:30 a.m. in the Board Room
• TEACHER: Jon Laansma
• STUDY: 1 John
• DESCRIPTION: Walk through the Greek text and message of 1 John in discussion format. Knowledge of Greek is not required for this class.
LIFE TOGETHER COMMUNITY Sundays 9:30 a.m. in Commons Gym or join by Zoom in C101
• TEACHER: Teaching Team
• STUDY: Varying Topics
• DESCRIPTION: Authentic, biblical community for adults ages 25–40
LIVING WORD Sundays 9:30 a.m. in C104A & C104C
• TEACHER: Doug Moo, Josh Maurer and Felipe Chamy
• STUDY: 1 & 2 Thessalonians
• DESCRIPTION: Fellowship and exposition of 1 & 2 Thessalonians, with application to life today
LOGOS Sundays 9:30 a.m. in C104E
• TEACHER: Dan Haase
• STUDY: The Gospel of John
• DESCRIPTION: Appeal of Jesus
THRIVE Sundays 9:30 a.m. in Crossings-Clapham Main Area
• TEACHER: Teaching Team
• STUDY: Varying Topics
• DESCRIPTION: Biblical community for 40s to mid-50s, including: single/married/widowed/divorced. Join us to be encouraged and thrive.
VERITAS Sundays 9:30 a.m. in C104B & D
• TEACHER: Dan Block “Hearing Galatians with Moses.”
• STUDY: Book of Galatians—All ages welcome!
SUNDAY MORNING
NURSERY (0-2) at 9:30 and 11 a.m.
BIBLE SCHOOL (preschool-fifth grade) at 9:30 a.m.
WONDERS OF WORSHIP
“WOW” (K-third grade) during second half of 11 a.m. service
CHILDREN’S CHURCH (preschool) at 11 a.m.
PRESCHOOL at 5 p.m.
GOD’S CHILDREN SING (Kindergarten and Pre-K)
CHILDREN’S CHOIRS (grades 1-6) at 5 p.m.
WEDNESDAYS
KIDS’ HARBOR WEDNESDAY CLUBS at 6:45 p.m.
The Wednesday clubs include Pioneer Girls (grades 1-5) and Boys Brigade (grades 1-5). Pioneer Girls 3-4th grade class is full and no new registrations are being taken.
SUNDAYS
INCLUSION CLASSES at 9:30 a.m.
CHILDREN/TEEN STARS: at 9:30 and 11 a.m. in C001/C003
Commons Tunnel Level
ADULT STARS: 9:30 and 11 a.m. in C002 & C005 Commons Tunnel Level
STARS Choir at 5 p.m. in Commons Main Level
WEDNESDAYS
PRAISE IN ACTION at 6:45 p.m. in Welsh Hall Sanctuary Building
FRIDAYS
FRIDAY FRIENDS on March 31 at 6:30 p.m. in Commons Tunnel Level
FRIDAY NIGHT FUN March 31 at 6:30 p.m. in Commons Gym Level
SUNDAY MORNING FOUNDATIONS, 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the KMs room
WEDNESDAYS large group gathering, 6:45-8:15 p.m. Crossings East
SUNDAYS at 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Crossings
Sunday night Discipleship in the Crossings at 7-8:30 p.m. on specific Sundays
WEDNESDAYS from 7:30-8:30 p.m. in the Crossings—Clapham main space and small groups in host homes
SUNDAYS at 10:45 a.m. in the Crossings
Building Gospel Friendships, Shaping Biblical Convictions
THE TABLE Tuesday night event, March 21, 6:30 p.m. in the Crossings.
HOME GROUPS: Monday-Thursday at 7 p.m.
A landing place for you to grow in Christian community and launching pad to send you out in the ministry and mission of the church. Weekly gatherings and events. For more information, contact Kaitie Girgis at kgirgis@ college-church.org
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MONTHLY GATHERING
SATURDAY, MARCH 11: in Commons Hall, 9-10:30 a.m.
This year we are looking at Matthew 22:35-40, seeking to better understand what it means to love God fully and how this impacts the way we love our neighbors. These mornings are open to all women and include a short teaching, testimony and time around tables with discussion questions.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY
Wednesday Morning: 9:30-11 a.m.
Wednesday Evening: 6:45-8:15 p.m.
This semester we are diving into Luke’s Gospel and getting an up-close look at the compassion of Christ. We anticipate a joyful and fruitful journey together. To register, visit our website. We’ll observe spring breaks this month on March 8 and March 29.
LARGE GROUP— Monday, March 13 9:30-11 a.m. in Commons Hall
GYM PLAYDATE— Monday, March 27, 9:30-11:30 a.m. in the Commons Gym
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY
6:45-8:15 p.m. Commons C002 (tunnel level) This semester we will study the Gospel of Luke together. Our hope is to cultivate a hunger for God and an ability to handle God’s Word in daily life.
Celebrate Easter and the coming of spring by entering the New Beginnings Art Show, which will run from March 26-April 30. Please submit your artwork, of any discipline, for the Spring/Easter Gallery Exhibition. Use this QR code to register. Registration is due by March 19, artwork is due in Crossings by March 22.
Tuesday, March 14, in Crossings.
Our once-a-month fellowship centers around our creative efforts and the insights and ideas of others. This month we are reading a short book, Art for God’s Sake. If you missed last month’s meeting, we have copies. It’s a short book, but will make for great discussion. Stop by the bookstall on Sunday to pick up your copy. It’s a fast read. For more information email artspace@college-church.org.
Psalms in Writing and Singing, a workshop with Wil Triggs and Kevin Casey (second workshop on this topic). Tuesday, March 28, in the Crossings at 7 p.m.
Join the senior adults (55+) of College Church on Friday, March 17, as we enjoy a delicious dinner together, followed by an entertaining program. Our program for the evening will be a trip Down Memory Lane with baritone soloist Burt Kettinger. There will be something for everyone to enjoy as he presents a unique blend of hymns, gospel songs, traditional and contemporary music. The evening begins with a reception at 5:30, dinner at 6, and the program at 7 p.m. Reservations are required by March 14 by emailing keenagers@college-church.org
MEN’S GATHERING
Saturday, March 4, at 7:30-8:30 a.m.—Commons Hall
You are invited to the March Men’s Gathering. Enjoy breakfast, hear encouraging testimonies, and cultivate a greater hunger for God’s Word.
Are you new to College Church? If so, you’re invited to our Visitors Lunch on Sunday, March 19, at noon in the lobby outside the Sanctuary. Come and meet pastors and staff, learn about College Church and find out how you can get involved. Lunch is on us!
“When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.”
Luke 9:51
When Jesus set his face to go to Jerusalem, there was a resolve and a determination that humbles me. When he went to the cross, he went there for us. This is a truth that should always amaze us, and one we should never take lightly.
The stories in this issue of Connections are a special collection, interesting on their own, but even more interesting as a set.
A pastor from Mariupol, Ukraine.
A congregant revisiting his past in Ottawa, Canada.
A missionary in Botswana.
A teacher and his sophomore students.
A grandmother with a grandchild or two on her lap.
An expectant mother being counseled to terminate.
An introverted extrovert or an extroverted introvert.
The stories in this month’s Connections bear witness to Jesus at work in the lives of people in different continents and in different decades. They’re sticking with me. Times change across time and around the world. But these stories point to the timeless love and care of Jesus for people. He will never let us down. He will never be far away. Read these in pairs or all at once and appreciate the witness of Jesus in so many different places and lives—whether in a brutal war or a safe family home, a hospital bed, a classroom or a back road revisited. Jesus having taken that journey to Jerusalem is with us always, his Spirit working wonders everywhere all at once and it’s not science fiction.
This article won first prize in the recent writing contest in Ukraine, “My War Story,” of which Media Associates International was a co-sponsor. “The judges of the competition received 38 entries,” said author Serhii Solohub of the contest organizing team. “Each of the works proclaimed once again that God continues to care for people even in the midst of pain and suffering.” Informed that his article won first place, he wrote, “Glory to God! The main goal of my story is to proclaim to young people, ‘Live so that you are not afraid to die and that the expectation of meeting Christ fills your heart with joy and light.’” John Maust sent Connections the translated article.
I was placed against the wall with a machine gun pointed at me. I didn’t know if I was going to be alive the next minute. Later, sitting in the basement, I stared at the gunshot marks on the
wall: there remained human blood and chunks of flesh.
On February 24 [2022], I was awakened by loud explosions a few kilometers away from my house. The clock showed about four in the morning. Mariupol. One would think that here, in Donetsk province, over the last eight years we should have already gotten used to the war. In fact, we didn’t yet know that that morning would divide our lives into “before” and “after.”
The doors of our church had been open for anyone since the first day of shelling. The Sunday school classrooms had been turned into a dormitory. They became living quarters for those whose houses were damaged by heavy shelling. Our utility facilities which were supply warehouses became a bomb shelter—floors were covered with bags of clothes. When a new round of shelling
would start, everyone went down there to hide. The whole neighborhood where we lived, including my house, was one of the first to come under fire. At that moment, my sisters with their husbands and children were already in the church, and I sent my mother there, as well. But my father and I stayed home to take care of the farm because abandoning the livestock wasn’t an option.
Because I had been a youth leader in my church for many years, every evening I would go there to meet the youth, encourage them, and simply pray together. Every morning I returned home to take care of the animals. The shelling intensified daily, so the number of people in the church increased with every passing hour. Under the flying bullets, the brothers drove around and gathered church members, as well as others who simply needed shelter. The Russians were encircling the city. Unfortunately, our food supplies began to run out, there was very little food, and something had to be done.
We realized that Mariupol would soon be completely occupied. After much doubt and long discussions, we decided to try to relocate women and children to the area of the city of Chernivtsi1. On our cars, we placed big signs that read “Children,” and we covered the windows with pieces of white sheets. And then we wept and prayed fervently, sending them off goodbyes. Only God knew whether they would manage to pass through the military roadblocks, as we sent them away under constant fire.
On March 2, the first motorcade left.
The situation worsened by the day, with shelling of the city never stopping for more than half an hour. Then there was no electricity, running water, or gas. Eventually, the moment came when leaving the basement meant almost certain death. But we continued to help people as much as it was possible — drawing water from the well in the yard next door and delivering it to house basements where people hid, as well as to the maternity hospital, and doing everything else that we could to help people survive.
Every morning I would go back to our farm to feed the animals, milk the cows, and then deliver the milk to mothers with young children. Finally, when all the roads were ruined, I switched to a motorcycle. On my way back home, I would see dead bodies being eaten by dogs. People were afraid to leave their shelters to bury the bodies. The flow of people coming to the church was only increasing, with more and more of them added daily. There were injured and sick, and we provided medical care as much as it was possible. One of the men had cancer and needed urgent surgery, so I gathered enough courage to ask for it at the military headquarters. This is how I ended up in captivity of one of the DPR 2 units.
They put me against the execution wall, saying that I was a scout and that if they let me go, I would report their whereabouts, so I wasn’t going back alive....
They locked me in a basement under the supervision of a soldier. Close-range combat was going on nearby, so the soldier was told not to waste time on me and just shoot me. In those moments, I reflected on my life and how I had lived it — happy that I had devoted it to God. I prayed for
my father to get saved. After some time, they put another man in the same basement where I was. He cried, yelled, and writhed in hysterics. But in my heart, there was peace. Later, they took us to a nearby village, put us on our knees, and pressed their machine guns against our backs. I was ready to die, but God had other plans. Someone from the DPR Prosecutor’s Office arrived and they checked my phone and documents. Finding pictures on my phone from my mission trip to Uganda, they let me go. It was around 4 p.m., and at 5 p.m. the curfew would begin. I ran as fast as I could to get home, not knowing that the whole church was praying for me.
The next motorcade of women and children left the city, but more and more people were coming to the church. Going outside was becoming increasingly dangerous. In the church building was a long length of black fabric which had previously been used to decorate the stage for youth evangelism meetings. Women from our church used that fabric to sew a clerical robe for our pastor, so there was at least a slight chance that he wouldn’t be shot when militants saw him on the street.
1A city in western Ukraine.
2Donetsk People’s Republic, the occupation puppet regime established by the Russian Federation in the occupied territory of the Donetsk oblast of Ukraine. It is a terrorist quasi-state entity recognized only by the Russian Federation, Syria, and North Korea.
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One day, when I arrived at the church, I saw Russian soldiers there. Some civilians remained in the basements, and others were in the building, but no one could go out, even to go to the bathroom. There was an armed fight going on in the churchyard. Many were wounded and killed, and they were left to lie there. Among us was a young woman who studied at a medical college. Russian soldiers ordered her to go and bandage the wounded—all the while under fire. The pastor placed his hand on her shoulder and said, “I am praying for you, go ahead and fear nothing!”
for many years. By that time, many had already managed to leave the city. However, some people stayed because they couldn’t tell what was more dangerous: to flee the city under fire or to stay home. When I arrived, my friends told me that they hadn’t dared to leave, and so they were praying that God would send them an angel as a sign... this was when I knocked on their door. They decided to go, and God kept them safe.
After our church was directly hit once again, we too decided to leave. There was no cell connection, so I didn’t know how to inform my father (who was staying on the farm all the time). But God Himself directed him to us. My father simply left the house and walked to the church. Normally, walking that distance would take around 40 minutes. My father still wonders how he got there alive, being under constant fire, and how God protected him.
We knew that on the road that leads from the church property, there were many unexploded shells, and we knew about it. Right next to us there was a mine in the middle of the road. Before departing, we reminded ourselves that we needed to go around it, but due to the excitement and nervousness, all of us forgot about it as soon as we started the engines. A motorcade of 15 cars drove directly over that mine and, by God’s mercy, it never exploded!
During the time that we spent in Mariupol from February 24 to March 16, I witnessed much. Much terror, pain, and death... But God’s miracles I saw even more. Every day I prayed that God would prepare my heart to meet Him, but with each new day, I also wanted to continue being useful. We have truly experienced many miracles being in the very epicenter of the war. When the cell connectivity disappeared in the whole city, it was there, in one of the corners of our church where for some reason one could get a signal and even connect to the Internet. So there was the possibility of writing to our families.
When there was no running water in the whole city, we used a well that had been drilled in our churchyard just a few weeks before the war. The water was salty, but there was no other water at all. Every day hundreds of people came for this water, and we never missed an opportunity to testify to them about God.
None of those who were in the church was killed! Even when the missiles hit the sanctuary where people constantly tried to get the cell signal. Even when an artillery round hit the bathroom where one of the boys had gone, but stepped out just in time to go back to the basement where he had left something.
One time I felt led to go visit the pastor of one of the Pentecostal churches with whom we have been friends
One terrible image still remains before my eyes: a young man with despair in his eyes, under fire, running from one bomb shelter to another in search of baby food and never finding it. Remembering everything we went through, I see God’s mercy that covered me as a shield. I don’t want to stop looking for God’s will for my life. Perhaps He brought me out of that horrendous darkness so that one day I might return with renewed strength to carry His Light to Mariupol.
I am Tymur. A little man with a Great God. And this is my war story.
(Article translated from Ukrainian to English by Kos Ivantsov)
I have lived most of my life in a rural community in upstate New York, with several wonderful art schools nearby that I have taken full advantage of. For as long as I can remember, I have been exploring different venues in the visual arts. I have a passion for the creative process, and love to see how others express themselves visually. Now, I am enjoying the extra time I have and hope to continue exploring the world of art, giving God the glory for all he has done.
Call the church office or email info@college-church.org for details on these prayer meetings.
Sunday Morning Prayer 8:15-8:40 a.m. in C101
Monday Morning Prayer 6:15-7:15 a.m. in the Board Room
Wednesday Night Prayer (Zoom only) 7-8 p.m.
MARCH 1: Daniel & Charis S.
MARCH 8: Emmanuel & Adugna Tahear
MARCH 15: Jeff & Ann VanDerMolen
MARCH 22: Chuck & Anita Howard
MARCH 29: Stephen & Karis Rigby
Friday Prayer for the Persecuted Church (C101 or 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/3vzdcAz
AARON-HUR PRAYER FELLOWSHIP
will meet on Thursday, March 9, at 7 p.m. at the home of Everett and Marcelyn Peterson, 127 Westminster Drive in Carol Stream, (630) 784-0569. Our guests will be Stephen and Karis Rigby, serving in Kenya.
BARNABAS PRAYER FELLOWSHIP
meets in the Centrum (2nd floor) of Covenant Living at Windsor Park to pray for our missionaries and hear from one of them. Details for March meeting will be in the enews.
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.
My family moved to the Ottawa, Ontario area in August 1975, just days before my eleventh birthday. As we entered the city, the population sign read 350,000. On my most recent drive to Ottawa, the population sign now boasts: 1,000,000. The city has changed. Yet some of it is the same. I lived in the Ottawa area from 1975 to 1987, 12 very formative years. The family home was actually about 30 miles outside the city, but we would drive in for groceries, Christmas shopping and restaurants. As a teenager, Ottawa was for concerts, drive-ins, McDonalds, and bars. Then, I worked in the city as a truck driver and construction laborer. I knew the city well.
This recent drive to Ottawa was to drop off my brother at his home. We had just gathered with my sister to celebrate our dad’s 85th birthday. It was nighttime and snowing when we drove in, and there were accidents on the Queensway, the main highway. After dropping off my brother, I didn’t want to return via the Queensway. I didn’t have snow tires, and there were no salt trucks on the road, so I opted for the back way to return to my sister’s home, where I was staying.
Thirty-five years ago, I would have made my way back from memory. No map. I just knew the way. Thirty-five years later that memory has faded so I consulted Google Maps. Its suggested route made sense and was familiar.
I drove through the residential neighborhood where my brother lived and noted the snow-covered streets. The streets were quiet save the crunch of snow under my tires. There was a kid walking with a hockey stick over his shoulder and his skates hanging off the stick in a bag. That brought back so many memories of walking home from the rink or toboggan hill on a silent winter’s night.
The quiet winter streets reminded me of my teens, driving through neighborhoods to get to the rollerskating rink, listening to on CHEZ 106 FM. The roller-skating rink is now Lee Valley Tools, which I’ve patronized more as an adult than the roller rink of my youth. And CHEZ is still on the radio, but it would never play Kate Bush today. A shame.
Google sent me to roads with familiar names: Blair, Innes, St. Laurent. Roads I once drove for fun or for work. There was St. Laurent Boulevard, a road along which I used to live, work and shop. Driving past the Science Museum, I saw the red and white lighthouse. But there were buildings of glass and steel that weren’t there 30 years ago. And there were more lanes than before.
I followed the signs for St. Laurent and came to Walkley Avenue. Glancing at my GPS, it said to turn west. I didn’t recall Walkley when plotting my route earlier. I missed a turn or shouldn’t have turned earlier. Alas, Walkley it is. It wasn’t one of my “usual” roads. I continued west and
approached an intersection that looked like Bank Street, the artery that leads to the heart of downtown Ottawa. The road signs came into focus, and it was Bank Street. Relief! After Bank Street, the Airport Parkway should be coming up. And it was. Familiarity and comfort. There were shadows of distant memories coming to mind. Yet not everything looked like it once did. Then I saw Uplands Drive and thought the airport should be nearby. I came upon the Hunt Club Bridge, which is at the end of the airport runway. There was a sense of satisfaction.
The Hunt Club Bridge opened in 1986, when they expanded Hunt Club Drive to the east. I turned right and went over the Rideau River and was ready to turn left onto Prince of Wales Drive, which I’ve driven since 1975. It hadn’t changed but the namesake had. Every previous time I considered Prince of Wales Drive, I thought of Prince Charles. But he’s now King Charles and it’s not “his” road anymore. Now I picture his son Prince William, the new Prince of Wales.
I drove along and saw the red brick Ramada Inn that’s been there for decades and anticipated the stalwart Tim Hortons that has been there just as long. Instead, sacrilege—the Tim Hortons is now a Starbucks. Is nothing sacred? How could something so Canadian become something so American? Shaken, I drive on. There are new mansions along the unchanged Rideau River. Past the town of Manotick, the roads are clear and dry. I pick up speed and am mostly alone on the road, alone with my thoughts and memories.
Red lights of the four radio antennae flash rhythmically in the distance. I watched the same flashing pattern in the 70s, from the back seat of my parent’s car. I go over the hill in Carsonby and recall the time my brother and I pulled over to see Halley’s Comet through our binoculars on a cold January night in 1986. I think of my son, Colin, because, in recent weeks, we’ve been searching for the green comet C/2022 E3, also with binoculars. I go through North Gower then onto Roger Stevens Drive toward Smiths Falls. That was a road taken so many early mornings when delivering explosives to a faraway quarry. I finally come to Smiths Falls and find my sister’s place. “Home” safely but mentally drained from the snowy roads, the distant memories, and how the once familiar has changed.
But who I am? I am not the same person who drove into Ottawa on the cusp of my eleventh birthday, or in my teens or 20s. In my mid-20s, I met this guy named Jesus and he has been rebuilding me ever since. He’s torn down buildings of sin and built structures of righteousness. He has re-routed my travels, steered me away from troubled areas, and guided me down the paths I should go. I haven’t always been a willing participant in his work. I’d write petitions to him to not change anything. He’d work on me
anyway. Sometimes I build my own façades to block the views of my sin. But he sees right through them, although some people might not.
Jesus has made changes in me but I’m still recognizable. And he’s not finished (despite my petitions). I need a new main thoroughfare built to my heart to receive his Word every day. Other parts of me need to be torn down and other parts built up. On some days, he tells me to take a new road, one upon which I’ve never traveled. A road that scares me. I’ll say, “What about the Queensway?” And he responds, “Have faith.” I proceed, hands gripped tightly on the wheel. Slowly, but surely, my hands relax as I recognize that’s he’s guiding the way. Lately I’ve been going back to a condemned structure of sin that was demolished upon salvation. But the foundation still exists. It’s familiar. It’s what I know. Jesus says to me, “Don’t go back down that road, Keith. There’s a better way.”
As I drive down a new road, I see the sign: Keith Bodger, Population 2: me and him.
the teaching ministry of Pastor Josh Moody, features Bible teaching, both online and on the radio. This exciting ministry with a global reach continues to grow in impact. Here in the U.S., the program is heard on the radio in about 70 locations. Globally, the ministry also has a mission impact. The teaching is heard online through the OnePlace and TWR360 platforms, which have extensive listenership outside North America. Imagine! More than 35,000 people have been touched with some form of gospel content through this outreach, either an online audio message, a spiritually encouraging article, or a devotional reading. You can listen locally on Moody Radio (WMBI) at 10 p.m. M-F and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday and can have daily devotionals delivered right to your inbox.
Your prayers and partnership with this ministry are greatly appreciated.
godcenteredlife.org
Wallace Alcorn
Sophomores are amused that freshman seem to look up to them with, if not actual respect then at least, curiosity. They notice juniors treat them dismissively, and seniors hardly notice at all. They feel uncomfortably, or at least confusingly, in the middle of things—neither here nor there, this nor that.
What they are is sophomore. The English word comes from two Greek words. One is sophos , from which also comes the English adjective “sophisticated.” Its basic meaning is “wise.” The other is moros , from which comes “moron” and means “foolish.” So, there you have it: a sophomore is a wise fool.
Not to worry. This is just the way it is, has been, and always will be. Take courage: you’ll get over it. Give it about a year, and you yourself will be glad you were once a sophomore but no longer am—until you’re a senior when you’ll hardly notice. More important and serious is that it’s also quite necessary, if awkward and confusing. This is the way we grow.
I was a sophomore in high school and once again in college. Even in my graduate schools masters’ and doctoral courses of one to three years there were sophomoric phases that lasted about one-fourth of the course and came at about the same point. Moreover, every time I have learned another professional skill or tried something new, I went through a sophomoric phase.
Being a sophomore means this. You began your greenhorn/ rookie freshman year knowing nothing. At least you quickly learned all that impressed you as you graduated from middle school promptly seemed like nothing against all that confronted you the first year in high school. During that year, nonetheless, you learned a lot. In fact, you didn’t know there was that much left to be learned. So, you completed your freshman year rather much with the same presumptions with which you left middle school. You really did learn, and you have every reason to be proud of your accomplishment (though gratitude is the better word). Then you entered your second year of high school, and here you are: a sophomore, sophomoric. You look at this year’s freshmen, and they seem so young. In your lesser moments, you feel a tad contemptuous of them. In your
better moments, you think they’re kind of, well, “cute.” You hope you weren’t that way last year at this time and wonder if this year’s juniors thought you did. You did and so did they. It’s just this way. You by now know a lot, but you know more than you know what to do with what you know. You know a lot of things, but you have yet to learn the meaning, purpose, and use of the things you but know.
The “foolishness” of sophomores is actually a learning opportunity if used honestly and humbly. During this your sophomore year you are becoming wiser and less foolish. You use what you learned as freshman to learn what sophomore know. You are beginning to recognize you never know it all and that there is yet more to learn—there always is. You learn how to learn. You learn to love learning. You learn that learning is often its own reward. You are not content with not learning. Learning is becoming a way of life because you live by always learning.
Very much of life must be learned this very year, your sophomore year. This is the best time in your life to learn those things best learned in the sophomore year. Some of these things might be learned effectively later, but they are learned most efficiently this year. Go ahead and make the mistakes sophomores make but learn from sophomoric mistakes so they’re out of your system prior to becoming a junior. That year will have its own mistakes, and such would then be an over-load. That’s how you get beyond sophomoric stages of any learning experience. Get out of this year everything there is in this year for you. It’ll be a good year.
I’m in the nineth year of telling this to Wheaton Academy classes of sophomores, visiting four times each semester. But I end with one final thought from an old man: Grow up—but not too fast. I like you the way you are.
The vision of college church is summarized in three words: “Proclaiming the Gospel.” This higher purpose elevates and focuses all our activities. We have identified 5 initiatives for the purpose of proclaiming the gospel.
Pathway. We structure our ministries so that you can Discover Jesus, Grow in Your Faith, and Impact the World. Our goal is to call a pastor of evangelism by June 2023 to lead the discover portion of this pathway.
Community. We are a community that cultivates care, encouragement and connection. Our goal is to mobilize us all to care for each other, call a community life pastor, and have increased use of counseling with designated space in the Crossings.
Discipleship. We will elevate biblically rigorous and practical discipleship. Our goal is to explore more adult communities and two churchwide educational seminars on matters of current discipleship importance by December 2023.
Campus. We will increasingly activate our campus. Our goal is to utilize the Crossings as a crossover space to reach our community, for student and family space, with phase 2 plan established and capital campaign launched by December 2023.
Planting. We will leverage the church’s history of church planting, training programs, and connections across the country and world. Our goal is to plant multiple new churches in partnership with likeminded churches by 2030.
LONDON: Our university ministry at Trinity Church Central London exists for the spread of the gospel both in the students and through us, to campuses across the city. It’s such a joy to be part of this work. My day-today responsibilities include teaching, small group Bible studies, meals, hangouts, leader equipping, evangelism, and I even hosted an American missions trip. According to pastors here, building friendships among students who live miles apart from each other has been historically challenging in. We’re praying for more growth in this but are encouraged at positive signs. More broadly, we pray for God’s power to be poured out on these campuses and in this city. —Michael
WalkerGEORGIA: We continue to pray for a ministry of gospel clarity in an area that desperately needs it. We are praying that the Lord would make our local fellowship a loving and gracious people that witnesses to the truth of the gospel. Pray that God would give our church family a heart for evangelism and that He would use us to reach the lost.
—Pastor Zach FallonCURRENT JOB OPENINGS AT COLLEGE CHURCH INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS:
• Ministry Associate for STARS Respite Care
(10-16 hours per week) See details: https://bit.ly/41b1fQB
• Administrative Assistant for Student Ministries— College/Middle School
(10-16 hours per week) See details: https://bit.ly/3Em9vno
• Sales Associate for Twice is Nice Resale
(10-15 hours per week) See details: https://bit.ly/3kcKST6
• Sales Associate for Stars Resale
(10 hours per week) See details: https://bit.ly/3XFKJoN
• Facilities Manager
(40 hours per week) See details: http://bitly.ws/AS6q
AUSTRIA: Our mission is to make disciple-making disciples, who gather in a healthy local church and spread a passion for the glory of God in the Wipptal and beyond. By this we grow in Christlikeness and draw people from our neighborhoods. What we love to emphasize is that the Spirit of God uses the Word of God to call the people of God to him and transform their lives. —Pastor
Alex RiendlStay updated by visiting our job opportunities webpage: www.college-church.org/job-openings
For more information, please contact Ann Karow at: akarow@college-church.org
We are back in the Botswana heat and dryness again after two weeks of colder temperatures, lots of green grass and trees, and rained-out picnics and shopping. We had left Botswana a little bit tired—both from busy days and many people in our lives, but also because of very hot weather, with the constant awareness of dry yards and gardens, and even water holes, rivers, and dams. We have been boiling, freezing or filtering all our drinking water since our return to Gaborone in July/ August. Sleeping is not very easy, and tiredness and the hot temperatures give opportunity for Satan to mess around in personal mental, emotional, physical, spiritual and interpersonal relationships too. We especially appreciate your prayers . . . for all of our AEF staff here. . . . Please pray . . . for more workers. Pray that Satan will be ineffective in the temptations that come to our fellow workers [in the Kalahari desert, working among the bushmen] in these very hot and sometimes primitive situations. ... It is often difficult to have any privacy or quiet for Bible study and prayers, or for language study or letter writing. Also, when you are carrying water, washing clothes by hand, and doing things more like 50 years ago in the USA, it takes a lot of time to just “live” each day, and sometimes there is frustration, or feelings of guilt because it seems like so little is being accomplished and so slowly, at that. (Genheimer Gazette, January 1984)
After one of his many trips, Don Genheimer returned to the field office and noticed a message from the home office: They were sending him an airplane! As field director, he thoroughly enjoyed trips to outposts in the nine different countries he was responsible for, sometimes flying, sometimes driving— and now he had his own plane and could travel wherever, whenever he needed to go. Though not a pilot, Don’s daughter Patti said that he learned to fly, because “he was always ready to do whatever needed to be done.”
Last fall, I wrote to Don, who was now in his 90s, and asked if we might talk by phone. Patti agreed to set up a call, explaining that her father had had a stroke and was not always as able to communicate. But Don was very lucid, and eager to share some of his memories from his early work in South Africa and Botswana.
Having grown up in South Africa to missionary parents, Don developed a deep love for Africa and a desire to see it reached for Christ. In 1952, after graduating from Wheaton College with both a BA (1950) and a BS (in 1951), Don returned with his new bride, Eileen, to serve with what was then the South Africa General Mission (renamed AEF in
1965, later merging with SIM). College Church was an early supporter of the young missionary couple and continued its support even after their retirement in 1995. Don first job was at the Evangelical Teacher Training College in Vryheid, Natal, a South African coal mining and cattle ranching town. There, he served as professor, board member and eventually president. Two children, Patricia and Peter, were born during these years in Vryheid. In 1956, they spent a year in southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), where Don filled in as high school principal, and their daughter Barbara was born there in September.
On furlough in 1957, Don studied at Detroit Bible College, and on returning to South Africa taught at Johannesburg Bible Institute, where he later served as board member and then as president. In 1959, Don became assistant field director of their mission, and during these years their son Robert and daughter Rebecca were born. With each furlough he continued to further his education, studying mostly via distance learning at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL. He continued to serve as assistant field director, traveling around to encourage and support missionaries and national workers. It was here, he earned his small aircraft pilot’s license and flew to mission stations to support the workers scattered about. His family remembers that although administrative work and preaching in township churches often took him away from home, he enjoyed nothing more than to be with his family. The Genheimer home was “a hub of activity for youth, fellow missionaries, family and friends from near and far.”
Don desired to see a work develop with the bushmen of the Kalahari Desert, and many of their prayer letters articulated a hope to see more people come to live among these people and show them Christ. In 1978, Don was invited by a local pastor and appointed by AEF to start a new field in Botswana. He set to the task of learning Setswana (he was already fluent in Zulu and Afrikaans), and the family (now seven) lit off for a new adventure. In the guest house that they built in Gaborone, they hosted many new and transitioning missionaries, both to and from fields across Africa. It was from there Don took trips, three or four times a year, into the Kalahari.
When I asked Don what he wanted to be remembered for, he said he wanted to teach people to “deal directly with God,” and hoped all those who followed after him would “learn to make the Bible the basis of all the decisions they make, and to match their lives to it.” He wanted his trademark to be “real, true spiritual life that changed people completely.” When his son Robert came with his wife, Esther, to serve alongside them in Botswana, they saw firsthand that Don was committed to knowing exactly what God had to say about everything.
Robert describes his father as “always gracious, always displaying wisdom that was beyond worldly wisdom, from God’s Word.” Whether training national pastors or encouraging and supporting missionaries from the States, Don’s focus was never on making much of himself, but always on infecting others with his contagious love for Africa and bringing them on board to serve. He wanted to help them find joy and beauty in their daily work as he did, even as they joined in the large task of sharing the gospel with those who had never heard, and training national leaders to carry on the work. Now, most of the work Don started is still going strong, and carried on by national workers, from hospital work to teaching in the Bible College.
The legacy that is already hinted at in his name, Donald Livingstone Genheimer, was vividly brought to life as his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren remembered him at his memorial service. (Don entered the presence of Jesus on January 5.) Stories and fond memories all spoke of consistency, patience, faithfulness. In the prayer letters I read, and in our phone conversation this fall, I clearly saw and heard a contented and thankful spirit, a willingness to do whatever is needed, and most of all Don’s desire to make much of Jesus. His family emphasized his honesty and sincerity; and most of all his contagious love and respect for family, friends and children, and especially for the people of Africa. They spoke of his consistent habits, his focused mind, and his authentic personality, along with his fun-loving and playful spirit, his love of adventure, his enjoyment of nature and wildlife.
His consistency came out in stories of his love for numbers, puzzles and games; his careful accounting; his faithful prayers. Before flying, he would sit down with topographical maps and a protractor, and plan out each trip, taking into consideration the wind patterns and the weather. He would fly below the clouds when possible, and when there was too much cloud cover or any bad weather, he would postpone the flight. He would account for every penny spent and would not go to bed until all the books were balanced. His children and grandchildren appreciated “his dedication in praying for so many of us; I loved hearing his voice as he spoke to our Lord,” one shared. “The sound of it comforted, uplifted, gave me peace.” Don prayed daily through a folder that included his own family and the missionaries he served and watched over, a number that grew over the years. His children remember having devotions every day before heading off to school, reading through a passage in the Bible and praying through the requests of the day.
One granddaughter remembered going to game parks with him in Africa, noting how he knew how to read the continued on next page
elephants, how he loved to get close to them, but also knew when to back away. Great-grandchildren remembered him as “the coolest,” fun and funny, making faces that would make people laugh, playing table games and practical jokes.
Don’s grandson Luke put it like this: “Apart from faith in Christ there is no explanation for such character, . . . no explanation for such peace and contentment, no explanation for us, his family, the way we do family, the way we speak, the way we gather together, the way we remind each other we should be honoring the Lord and living according to his Word.”
One of his great-grandsons said it was a puzzle to him how Don combined such a relentless pursuit of adventures, passions and joys, with a “resolute contentment.” To his final days, Don’s answer to the question of how he was doing was “same as always!” From his family’s perspective, their father, grandfather and great-grandfather lived his whole life out, serving the Lord.
Whether on one of his beloved road trips, being chased by a hippo, or having devotions with his children or praying for his grandchildren, his character and priorities remained consistent. Even after Don and Eileen retired in 1994 for the sake of Eileen’s health, Don became a representative for SIM in the U.S. and led vision trips to Africa, continuing to captivate people with his love for and passion to reach the people there for Christ.
He always encouraged Christian workers in remote villages to be open-minded and openhearted. “We need to know them in order to communicate respectfully. We need to really get to know their lifestyle and point of view. If we don’t, we might hurt them and turn them off to the gospel. They need to know we are bringing something better to and for all cultures. We are not trying to destroy their culture, but to offer the perfect culture,” Don wrote in one of his prayer letters.
Don’s advice for people who are just headed out to serve among people of other cultures and nations, was surely borne out of his own experience: “We need to learn all we can about the people first,” he said, “so we don’t tread on their beliefs or lifestyle. We need to know exactly what they are like so that we know how to communicate the Word of God and a Christian lifestyle.”
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)
All information and quotes are taken from the Genheimers’ prayer letters from 1978 to 2004, one phone conversation, Don’s obituary (the timeline and details--https://www. skywaymemorial.com/obituaries/Donald-Genheimer/#!/ Obituary), and his memorial service on January 21, 2023).
Look for the donation crib as we collect diapers (newborn to size 6, partially opened diaper packs also accepted), wipes, baby lotion, shampoo and wash, diaper cream and formula.
• March 5—outside the Sanctuary
• March 12—Kids’ Harbor
• March 19—outside the Sanctuary
The Caring Network Baby Supply Bank in Wheaton serves 25-30 Caring Network clients who lack support and finances for baby items. It costs on average $2,000 to stock the Baby Bank every two weeks. For parents and grandparents, this is a great way to teach children about the value of life in the womb and helping those who have chose life despite hard situations. Scan the QR code to order on Amazon. Select “Church of the Resurrections’ Gift Registry Address” for where to ship.
Saturday, March 18, 1-2 p.m. Join the Sanctity of Human Life Task Force at 40 Days for Life’s yearround peaceful prayer vigil. Meet on the Waterleaf pregnancy resource center’s property across from Planned Parenthood Aurora’s driveway.
Sign up to receive SOHL monthly e-newsletter to receive events schedule and life-related news. https:// college-church.org/impact/sohl/
Pat Cirrincione
I am pretty much an introvert. (Now for those of you who know me, please stop laughing.) I discovered this about myself in a few ways. First, my sixth-grade teacher told my parents; second, every personality test I have ever taken has said this about me. When I first heard the word out of my father, I asked him what it meant, and he told me to look the word up in a dictionary. Here is what it said: “a shy, reticent person; a person concerned with their own thoughts and feelings rather than with external things; we seek out and enjoy opportunities for reflection and solitude.” Yep, that’s me all right! Yet it didn’t seem like my teacher thought it was a good trait, Maybe, it’s because I never spoke or answered questions? My nose was always in a book? I had a secret wish to become a cloistered nun? And yes, there was more talked about at that parent/ teacher conference, but after reading those words in my dictionary I knew that I had to make some changes—gulp!
Why couldn’t I just hide and be left alone? I now had to make an effort to join the noisy world, which wouldn’t be hard to do in my large family of grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins, cousins, cousins! However, family was the easy part, making friends at school and joining clubs, and putting myself into the outside world was a whole different story.
I began by becoming the class librarian. I know. A quiet job but it did get me interacting with fellow classmates. Then I forced myself to try out for the yearly variety show, and next I began campaigning and running for the school office of vice-president. It was also during this time that I began a neighborhood newspaper called The Busy Bee Chronicle, which meant I had to go to neighbors on our city block and gather stories of their family members (new babies, job promotions, trips, etc.).
My conversion to extroversion became non-stop at that point forward. I won’t go into details. Suffice it to say, that from that time forward, I’ve had a busy, fun, hectic, adventuresome life and met many wonderful and interesting people. There was only one problem, all my extroversion took me away from my Creator God. It kept me in a noisy world until one day I had had enough. I was
missing the quiet, and the serenity it brings, the calmness and the world of no drama and high emotions and inner peace. I didn’t go on a soul-searching quest quite like Elizabeth Gilbert in her book Eat, Pray, Love , but I did begin my search for God and peace. However, even this led me on a noisy journey.
It began with visiting churches of all different denominations. I wanted to hear the noise of Jesus, but all I heard was blah blah, blah blah, blah blah, and music that was played in the church I attended. Next, a close friend in my high school home room had a book—the Gospel of John. Every day I heard his voice telling me something, but my inner noise of doubt kept shutting his words out of my mind. This went on for years, my quest for the quiet of the Lord in a noisy world. I learned to chant, to hum, to drum—meeting with people whose voices were trying their best to force me into the Christian lifestyle. They took me to their churches, to programs, to church services with loud music, to live concerts with Christian pop stars. Noise everywhere! And the constant push to convert. I’m lucky I didn’t go deaf.
Then I met someone, a quiet person, an introvert like I used to be, pre-extroversion. She brought me to a meeting one evening where the speaker was expounding on God’s Word, and again I didn’t understand a thing; however, what I saw was the quiet excitement of the women around me. She brought me to College Church, where a quietness prevailed in the Sanctuary. Then I heard beautiful music which fit into the words of the sermon, and little by little, as I kept returning, I began to hear the quiet in a noisy world.
The quietness of God’s Word, the quietness of Jesus when he spoke to his disciples, the crowds, those he healed. The quietness of what his eyes must have looked like when he looked at someone. He gave one such comfort and hope, that it took my breath away. All of this made me begin to realize that it was okay to be an introvert. It was okay to be concerned with my own thoughts as I gave them quietly over to Jesus. That it was okay not to be so wrapped up in the noisy world, and that it was okay to be content in the quietness of God’s voice.
The Margasons are newlyweds, marrying just last year. Andrew works as a geologist as part of an environmental firm. Nicole began attending College Church as a freshman at Wheaton College and kept attending because of the church’s dedication to teaching the Bible. She is a third-year student at the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago.
Tony is very involved in the STARS ministry and enjoys Praise and Action and the STARS choir. He works at FedEx full-time. Tony competes in powerlifting with Special Olympics, and enjoys bowling and playing the drums.
Daniel is from Wheaton and grew up at College Church. Besides being involved in the 20s group and a small group, Daniel volunteers with the middle school ministry on Wednesdays and in Kids’ Harbor on Sundays. He teaches fifth grade at a Christian school in Schaumburg.
The Morgans live in Elmhurst and have three adult daughters and three grandchildren. Joe is retired from operations and sales for a meat processor, and Sue is a retired dietitian. At College Church they attend the All Nations Adult Community. Sue and Joe enjoyed bringing their grandchildren to Tuesdays Together last summer. A DIYer, Joe is currently painting the interior of their middle daughter’s house. Sue enjoys making handmade cards, and hasn’t brought one at a store in 21 years!
Jacob was born and raised in a Mar Thoma Syrian Church family in India. He has had an interesting journey as a missionary-pastor for more than 10 years. He is currently a PhD student at Wheaton College in historical/ systematic theology. He is part of the Living Word Adult Community at College Church.
The Riners have been married for just over a year and have four adult daughters. Doug spent 38 years in law enforcement, with the last 14 years in Winfield as chief of police where he retired in 2004. Marilyn retired from Tyndale House Publishers in 2016 after 26 years of service as publishing services administrator. Marilyn enjoys jigsaw puzzles, reading, the outdoors and table games.
Rick and Cathy have been married more than 40 years and have two adult daughters. Rick’s parents were missionaries in Mali, West Africa; he has a brother and a twin sister. Cathy was born in what was then Belgium Congo and grew up in Senegal, East Africa, also as a missionary kid. They met at a missionary academy in Dakar, Senegal. Rick works as an investment advisor representative and has been with the same company for 41 years. Cathy manages her husband’s financial services office. She enjoys reading and visiting thrift stores.
David is involved in the 20s group. He has also contributed to Connections and plans to be part of ArtSpace. He is a technical writer, currently at Chronos Imaging. His father teaches at Wheaton College and his mother is an elementary school teacher in Wheaton.
The Sheppards have been married for more than 40 years and have four adult children and one grandson. They both enjoy singing in our adult choir. Shirley enjoys Women’s Bible Study. Isaiah was born and raised by his single mother in Chicago. He is a graphic designer for World Book. Shirley is a registered nurse. She retired from her hospital job but now works part time as an elementary school nurse. Shirley knits and enjoys Pickleball, mysteries and loves to iron! They love to cruise and see the world.
Karen is widowed and has three adult children and 10 grandchildren! (Her cousin is fellow new member and College Church usher Mark Weeden.) She grew up in Wisconsin as a pastor’s kid. Karen attends Women’s Bible Study. Karen is a retired elementary school teacher, which she loved. Her favorite things to do are walking, reading, traveling and time with friends.
The Smiths have been married just over 30 years. They both have spent a lot of volunteering with the College Church grounds and gardens. Lynn has worked in real estate property management. Raynie is a homemaker and has worked as a professional gardener for many clients.
The Stojics are closing in on 50 years of marriage and have four children and five grandchildren. They attend the All Nations Adult Community. Peter is a bank examiner for the Federal Reserve Bank. Debbie’s father had the “wanderlust,” so by the time she left home at age 18, Debbie had lived in 16 different places.
Georgina has been married to David Johnson since the summer of 2019. She was born in the Dominican Republic and is the oldest of six children. She met David when he was serving as a College Church missionary in the Dominican Republic. She now serves remotely with Trans World Radio as global media services administrator for Latin America.
In May of 2017, three months from becoming a first-time grandmother, I clipped and saved (literally, from a print edition of the Chicago Tribune ), an op-ed titled, “Being Nana,” a piece that praised the “joys and opportunities” of being a grandparent, while implying that the role is quite different from being a parent. The writer, author Judy Gruen, shared a story of taking her two little granddaughters for a stroll, “with red wagon and kiddie car in tow.”
“Molasses will pour faster than we will circle a single residential block,” she wrote. “Twenty-five years ago, I would eventually have become impatient on a similar stroll with the father of these girls . . . Sure, I’d enjoy the moment... but I’d feel pressure about starting dinner, paying bills, finishing an article.” Now, Gruen says, with her children grown and her time largely her own, she wants “to spend as much time as I can with my grandchildren.”
I can relate. Since that day in 2017, God has blessed my husband and me with four grandchildren, with another due this June. Our house has more baby equipment that I care to admit, our family room has been largely taken over by toys, and I am once again considering meal plans with the thought, “Will kids even try that?”
Lately, though, I’ve been reflecting on how I as a grandparent can fulfill the instruction in Deuteronomy 11:19, passing on God’s commandments, his Word, to the next generation: “You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
I’m not always “walking by the way”, or “lying down” or “rising” with my grandchildren, but I am privileged to spend a good amount of time with them. And like the writer of the Tribune column extolling the joys of “Being Nana,” I marvel at the newfound patience and ability to be in the moment that I experience with my grandchildren, quite different from the days as a young mom when I often felt pulled in sixteen directions at onc e.
We pray for our grandchildren, and pray with them, simple prayers when we have opportunity. We point out the wonders of God’s creation, from the full moon on a late October evening walk to a dusty beetle crawling on the picnic table at the playground. We try to model thankfulness, sharing,
kindness, especially when the going gets tough between little siblings or cousins, and try to remember to mention this is what Jesus wants. And we work to be as supportive as we can of the young parents of these little people, praying they will have the wisdom, energy, and focus to raise their kids to love the Lord.
But my favorite way to share God’s Word with my grandchildren are those priceless opportunities when they are ready to sit for a story, and we can make that story one from the Bible. This is easier said than done, because sometimes it’s hard to sit still, or the toy cars or train set is more inviting, or, even if it’s a good time for a book, perennial favorites such as “Go Dog Go” or “Ten in the Bed” are insisted upon.
But when I can pull out a Bible story and grab attention, the rewards are immense. And not just for the kids. Their reactions are unfailingly honest and thought-provoking for adults like me who have heard and read these stories my entire life. And those revelations present great opportunities for unexpected conversations that I pray have spiritual weight.
One time, while reading to my older grandson, I chose two stories from the gospel accounts I thought he would relate to especially well, “The Boy Who Went Away,” (the prodigal son) and “The Boy Who Shared His Lunch” (the feeding of the 5,000).* As we went through Jesus parable of the prodigal son, my grandson was especially fascinated that “The Boy Who Went Away” ended up feeding pigs. After all, how many times have the two of us enjoyed watching the pigs roll in the mud at Wheaton’s Cosley Zoo?
When we came to the page about the prodigal returning to his father, I paused and asked my grandson, “What do you think is the first thing the daddy did when he saw his son?”
“He cleaned him!” he said.
I was puzzled. “You mean he gave him a bath?”
“Yes,” he said. “He was with pigs!”
We turned the page, and my little grandson was thrilled to hear that the father hugged his (very likely) dirty, smelly son, gave him new clothes (and probably a bath), and threw a huge party (maybe complete with balloons) to celebrate his homecoming. I got to explain that this is just what Jesus does for us, even though we have done bad things that displease him, things just as bad as leaving home to live with the pigs. But yes, I then realized and went on to say, God does clean us when we come to him, from the inside out. It was a fresh perspective on a familiar story.
The story of “The Boy Who Shared His Lunch” placed the obvious question for a little child directly onto the page picturing the little boy clutching his bag of bread and fish
opposite Jesus with open hands. “Do you think that boy let Jesus have his LUNCH?” I added, “Would you have given Jesus your lunch?”
I love how honest kids are, especially when just hanging around grandma. “No,” my grandson said firmly. “I won’t give away my lunch.”
Reading on to see how Jesus made the bread and fish grow to feed a big crowd (including the little boy!) and how that shows how strong and kind Jesus is, changed my grandson’s mind. “I’d give my lunch to Jesus!” Which made me think, while lunch is not near as important to me as it is to my grandson, what about the other things in my life Jesus is asking to have? Can I trust him to multiply and use them to bless others? We enjoyed a little chat about how we can trust Jesus with everything we have, lunches and more.
Children are notorious for begging to reread a story you’ve already read to them countless times, but I’ve learned anew with my grandchildren that repetition is your friend when it comes to reading Bible stories. My younger grandson has listened to his favorite, “Jonah and the Big Fish,”* so many times he recently repeated the entire story, word for word, to his other grandmother on a Facetime call. Right now, that’s heartwarming and cute, but I love to think that the story of the disobedient prophet, recorded so well in his toddler memory, will someday be a reminder to him of how God pursues us, even when we try to run away.
My two-year-old granddaughter nodded off into a nap as we finished reading her chosen story, “The Sheep that was Lost”* (from Luke 15:3-7), but not until we talked about how Jesus loves us so much that he is just like that shepherd, caring for every single one of us, no matter how big or little we are. A comforting thought to still an anxious mind and go to sleep on, no matter what age you are.
I’m looking forward, God willing, to reading longer chapterstyle Bible stories and books to my grandchildren as they grow older, as well as Scripture itself. I have a “Family Bible Library” set my parents passed on to me, books that can give older kids a great foundation in God’s Word. I’m also excited about finding newer series meant to pass on Bible truth to children. Reading them together will be an opportunity to let all my grandchildren know just how important God’s Word is to them now and as they grow up.
And because I’m a grandmother, the investment of time will be pure pleasure, virtually without distraction on my end. Just like sharing a slow, lingering walk around the block, where you kick every pebble and pick up every stick. It’s a Nana thing.
*Stories mentioned are from Read-Aloud Bible Stories , a 5-volume set by Ella K. Lindvall, Moody Publishers.
After two difficult pregnancies, my mother was told not to have any more children. But surprise! She found out she was expecting me.
She spent the first trimester in a darkened hospital room with no visitors, including my dad. Only the doctor could visit. She was unable to eat or even keep down ice chips, so she lived with nutrients coming through an IV. Any movement made her nauseous.
Under these conditions, she lost 30 pounds leaving her at a whopping 80 pounds. The doctors recommended an abortion. They said, “Either you will die, or the baby will.” She refused.
Although this was the hardest time of her life, this was also the time when she felt God’s presence most profoundly.
After she was released from the hospital she inadvertently stepped on a nest of red ants and was stung all over, causing her face to swell and depriving her and me of oxygen. Again, the doctors recommended an abortion. They said, “You will not have a healthy baby.” Again, she refused.
The days preceding my birth were rainy and gloomy. My parents did not know what to expect. But, in God’s providence, when I was born the rain stopped and the sun came out. There were robins pecking for worms on the green grass outside my mom’s hospital window. Much to everyone’s surprise I was born healthy scoring a 9 on the Apgar test, higher than both my brother and sister.
So, my mother named me her Robin, a symbol of new life, Jill. And in Gods great humor, I married a man with the last name Tweeten. So, this Robin is tweeting her story of God’s grace in her life.
Knowing that God purposed me to be here has brought me through difficult times in my life. So, if you feel like you’re going through the hardest time of your life right now, I pray that you would feel God’s presence profoundly like my mother did, and that God’s favor, like the sun would shine on you, as it did on me. Thank you, Lord.
Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid plan to dispense the abortion pill to patients in states where abortion remains legal. In January, the FDA dropped long-standing restrictions that prevented retail pharmacies from offering Mifepristone, also known as RU-486, the primary drug used in abortion. The FDA will now permit retail pharmacies to apply for certification to dispense abortion pills. Walgreens and CVS have already applied to the FDA to sell these abortion pills. Rite Aid Pharmacy is planning on dispensing abortion pills in “some stores.” A woman must still obtain a prescription and that prescription cannot be legally filled in a state where abortion is illegal.
• Personally ask your pharmacist if that store will be getting into the abortion business by providing abortion pills.
• Encourage your pharmacist not to participate in facilitating the death of preborn babies.
• Call or write the store manager.
• Send an email to CEOs of Walgreens, CVS or Rite Aid by signing the petition at Live Action website or call Walgreens at (800) 925-4733; CVS at (800) 746-7287; Rite Aid at (800) 748-3243
Please encourage your contacts to consider open positions in administration, medical, affiliate center leadership and client services at Caring Network pregnancy centers as they are expanding to meet rapidly increasing need.
Caring Network provides free pregnancy services such as pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, consultations, resources and referrals, gospel witness, as well as support and counseling for post-abortive women and men in our community.
Visit our selection of Easter books and tracts this month.
Hope in Times of Fear
By Timothy Keller
The Kind, The Cross and the Meaning of Easter
By Jonathan GriffithsThe Day That Christ Died
By Bruce McLennan
Your Verdict on the Empty Tomb
By Val Grieve
Darkest Night, Lightest Day
By Marty MachowskiIs Easter Unbelievable?
By Rebecca McLaughlin
Heaven How I Got Here
By Colin S. SmithLove Story: The Myth That Really Happened
By Glen Scrivener
TRACTS:
• Three Days the Changed the World
• What is a Christian?
• Who is Jesus?
• Things God Wants us to Know
• Real Hope
Join the Gardening Team! There are 42 landscape plots at College Church in need of tender loving care. You can make a difference and help bring to life an exterior area here on the grounds of College Church.
Requirements: A servant’s heart/teachable spirit.
To find out more, contact Howard Kern at hkern@collegechurch.org or (630) 668-0878 ext. 136
There’s an exciting change for this year’s Run for the STARS. In celebration of our 20th anniversary, the Race will be on May 20! In order to keep the race running and viable for the future, we want to expand our leadership team and need help in the following areas:
• Marketing/Race Promotion/Advertising
• Fund Raising
• Logistics
• Race Day Registration
• Social Media
If you are interested in serving on the Run for the STARS leadership team, please email Julie Clemens at jclemens@ college-church.org or call (630) 668-0878. Our first meeting will be in early February.
Looking for ways to serve at College Church that can be flexible with your schedule? Be part of the Go Team! Within our church family, there are frequent requests for help in a variety of ways—taking a meal to someone after a hospitalization, providing transportation to a medical appointment, helping move a piece of furniture, minor maintenance work or handyman help, or even help with a computer problem. Consider being part of the team so that we can show love and serve one another well! Follow the link and Join the Care Team https://college-church. formstack.com/forms/care_team
Have you been thinking about how you can serve, but prefer doing it behind-the-scenes? Consider joining Kitchen Fellowship. We meet every Monday in the Commons Kitchen from 10:30 a.m. to noon. We do light cleaning and organizing to keep the kitchen ready for the next event. Don’t miss out on this fun way to serve. Email Dstephen@college-church.org you’d like to serve.
Ian Gabriel was born to John and Lauren McKenna on February 7. Ian’s paternal grandparents are Steve and Lisa McKenna.
Eden Salome was born to Colin and Becca Zimmerman on February 2. She joins her big brother Micah at home in Chicago. Paternal grandparents are Todd and Susan Zimmerman .
Adam Billingham married Danielle Pelletier in Orange County, California, on January 28. Adam is the son of Bill and Joleen Billingham .
Pray for Jim Eickhoff and family as they grieve the loss of Jim’s wife, Carol , who passed away on February 27. Services were held.
Pray for Valerie (Gary) Chase and family as they grieve the loss of Val’s mother, Beverly Anderson , who passed away on February 15.
Pray for Helena (“Stella”) Boyd and family as they grieve the loss of Stella’s mother, who passed away recently in Colombia.
Pray for Brad (Teri) Hiben and family as they grieve the loss of Brad’s father, Milan, who passed away on February 2.
Pray for global worker Janet B. and family as they grieve the loss of Janet’s mother, Sarah (“Sadie”), who passed away on February 1.
Pray for Josh (Amy) Sherrard and family as they grieve the loss of Josh’ mother, Mariel , who passed away on February 1 in the Washington D.C. area.
On February 6, the City of Wheaton honored City Attorney Jim Knippen , who retired after 20 years of representing the city. City Manager Michael Dzugan praised Jim’s work, “His work is impeccably researched, reasoned and supported and I appreciate his decades of service to our community in this role.” Jim and his wife, Tallya, have been part of College Church for many years. Congratulations, Jim, on your fine service and retirement.
By Richard Moomjian
I don’t want to go to church today
I don’t want to sing or stand or pray
I wonder if anyone else feels this way
But I don’t want to go to church today.
I hope my whole day falls through
To stay at home doing what I want to do
I give enough already, too
So I hope my whole day falls through.
I’ve got enough already on my plate
And, you know, she always shows up late
I’m tired of always walking straight
‘Cause I’ve got enough on my plate.
But then the Spirit made me recall
The reason why I do it at all— Church is more than a building, tall— The Spirit made me recall.
That church is not made for me
It’s made for Him, and tragically I slip into this selfish mood
Forgetting wherefrom comes my Food And He convicts me, sweet and good, That church is not made for me.
I still don’t want to go to church today.
But I have learned that that’s okay
I’ll show up and praise Him when skies are grey
He’ll give me the strength to sing and pray
Plus, the pastor has good Words to say
To steer me clear whenever I stray
There’s blessing when God’s people stay In His house to worship each Sunday.
That feeling, at times, does make me sway:
“I don’t want to go to church today.”
And I have learned that that’s okay— I go anyway.
It’s no fun to hear about an event after the fact. That’s why we’re Introducing Under the Radar. If you know of a local event that includes College Church members or attenders or may be of interest to them, email connections@college-church.org with the details and we may be able to include your event in this space.
Hansen Lecture 3: March 23, 2023
LECTURER: Jeffrey Barbeau, professor of theology at Wheaton College
Saturday, March 11, and Sunday, March 12, 1-4 p.m. at Klein Creek Farm.
Discover how sap becomes syrup as you try tapping with tools from the 1890s, check the collection buckets, watch sap thicken over the fire, and try a taste of real maple syrup. All ages. The program is free, suggested admission donation of $5 per person ages 3 and up to enter the farm.
RESPONDENT: Keith Johnson, professor of theology at Wheaton College
This event is free and open to the public. Masks are optional. The Marion E. Wade Center is located at 351 E. Lincoln Ave. For more information, contact the Wade Center at wade@wheaton.edu or (630) 752-5908.
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra will perform at Wheaton College on Friday, March 31, 7:30 p.m.
MARCH 31 7:30PM
Spanish guitarist Pablo Sáinz-Villegas joins the ensemble in two pieces with bright Mediterranean character. Bernard Labadie, making a welcome return to the CSO, conducts the program, which also features dark-hued symphonies by Mozart and Boccherini.
The concert will take place in Edman Chapel and tickets are available at cso.org/wheaton or by calling 312.294.3000 .
Are you new to College Church?
If so, you’re invited to our Visitors Lunch on Sunday, March 19 at noon in the lobby outside the Sanctuary. Come and meet pastors and staff, learn about College Church and find out how you can get involved.
Lunch is on us!
