Tsv winter 2015

Metro NY

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EDITION

2015: The Year to Stand Strong Page 4 Having an Affair and Unaware Page 16 CityServe Page 21

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PASTORS’ PRAYER SUMMIT Concerts of Prayer Greater New York will host the Pastors’ Prayer Summit, Mon., Jan. 19, 2 p.m.Wed., Jan. 21, 2 p.m. at the Dolce Conference Center, 32 Weed Ave., Norwalk, CT. Featuring: Dr. Bill Hybels, Dr. A.R. Bernard, Dr. Luis Palau, Dr. John Boyd, and Bishop Robert Stearns; 24-hour prayer room; and worship. For registration information, call (718) 721-2626, email jfusco@copgny.org or visit www.copgny.org.

FCA SUPER BOWL BREAKFAST The Fellowship of Christian Athletes of New Jersey hosts its 19th Annual Superbowl Breakfast, Sat., Jan. 31, 8:30 a.m., at Branches, 123 Monmouth Rd., West Long Branch, NJ. Features: Scott Galyon, former NFL linebacker; all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast; and silent auction. Tickets: $35 (in advance).

Call FCA at (732) 219-5797.

RE:NEW FEATURING LUIS PALAU, FRANCIS CHAN CityServe presents Re:new, featuring Luis Palau, Francis Chan, and the Passion band, Tues., Feb. 10, 7 p.m., at Calvary Temple, Wayne, NJ; Wed., Feb. 11, 7 p.m., at Crossroads Tabernacle, Bronx, NY; Thurs., Feb. 12, at Salvation Army, Manhattan, NY; and Fri., Feb. 13, at Brooklyn Tabernacle, Brooklyn, NY. Re:new is free, but ticketed. Visit www.nycityfest.org/renew. For more info, call (971) 475-1799.

WOMEN’S, COUPLES’ RETREATS AT TUSCARORA Tuscarora Inn & Conference Center, 3300 River Rd., Mt. Bethel, Pa hosts its Women’s Retreat, Feb. 27-March 1. Features: Lisa Whittle (www.lisawhittle.com); workshops; cooking demo; and massage therapy. Registration: $133-$245; a Couples’ Retreat will be held March 13-15. Featuring Pastor Pete and Patti Shambrook. Registration: $375-$476 per couple. Visit www.tuscarora.org or call (800) 500-8872.

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Christian Health Care Center Hosts Educational Program on Teen Suicide

By Dan Hubbard aylor Jay Sefcik had it all. His family loved him. He was a two-sport athlete and honors student at Montville High School.

But inside, for T.J. as he was known, it was a different story. He had been battling depression and mood swings for several years.

His behavior became erratic and unpredictable. He would snap at the littlest comment or question. His parents, Wendy and Steve, did everything they could to help him.

Sefcik was confined to a psychiatric hospital and was in the care of a psychologist and psychiatrist. Counselors, teachers, friends, and coaches looked out for him.

Nothing worked, though.

Sefcik stepped in front of a tractor-trailer on Route 287 in December 2010. He left a text message on his phone, which said he was “giving up” and was sorry for “all the trouble I’ve caused.”

Sefcik’s parents talk to groups about T.J.’s life, death, and what people can do differently to ensure other families don’t experience the pain and loss theirs has. In recognition of Mental Health Month, they spoke at a special program about teenage suicide at Christian Health Care Center on October 1.

“We want to tell his story,” Steve Sefcik said to the group of a few dozen attendees.

“People need to know that there is a lot they

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Wendy Sefcik, who lost her son T.J. to suicide, speaks at the Christian Health Care Center.

can do to help their kids and they need to know the warning signs.”

About 11 percent of adolescents have a depressive disorder by the time they turn 18, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. About one in eight teenagers will experience some degree of depression in their lives.

“T.J. had his good days and he had his bad days,” said Steve Sefcik. “One day, he would be this happy kid and the next, he would be yelling and screaming.”

Walking in Unity

By Angelo Durso n 2009, a coalition of eight atheist organizations purchased advertising space on the billboards of a dozen New York City subway stations. The ads simply proclaimed, “A million New Yorkers are good without God. Are You?” To the atheist coalition, this seemed like an effective approach to raise awareness within a large city that life, without God, was fine. But as the law of unintended consequences would have it, the ad campaign actually sparked public proclamations of faith, mainly by young teenagers and adults, across the United States, Canada, and several countries across different continents.

Shortly after the campaign was launched, a youth group passionate for God in New York City saw the atheist ads within their subway lines and brought this to the attention of their youth pastor, Daniel Sanabria, from the 150member Park Slope Christian Church in Park Slope, Brooklyn. The group was hit hard by the notion of so many people in New York being “good without God” and what that implied about the church, its effectiveness, and unity.

After discussing what their response as Chris-

The highs and lows of teenage depression can often be mistaken for normal mood swings associated with teenage behavior.

Behavioral changes include: • Tiredness and loss of energy • Insomnia or sleeping too much • Changes in appetite and eating habits • Poor performance in school or being absent • Cutting or burning themselves The Sefciks urged parents to, more than Continued on page 18

DANIEL SANABRIA LEADS A YOUTH REVOLUTION

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The NYC 2014 God Belongs In My City prayer walk

tians should be, Sanabria gathered his thoughts and simply wrote these words in his notebook: God Belongs In My City.

He and his team let those words sink into their hearts as they prayed for unity both within New York City and within its churches, and from there, a movement was born.

Communicating through Facebook, cellphones, and a network of youth pastors and leaders, youth from across the city were quickly connected and mobilized. And on November 15, 2009, over 1,500 young people wore tee-shirts which read, “God Continued on page 9

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FROMTHEPUBLISHER

Stand Strong. Stand Together. Stand Out. A CHRISTIAN NEWS & E V E N T S P U B L I C AT I O N

Commentary by Tom Campisi Happy New Year!

Last year in this space, I wrote about “2014: The Year to Persevere.” This year, there will be no fancy rhyming, but I would like to encourage you and fellow believers in the Metro New York region to stand strong; stand together; and stand out. And some conferences and banquets that I attended in the fall, along with current events, have really reinforced these thoughts.

STANDING STRONG “Do you love the Word of God?” That was the question posed to me and other parents at Hawthorne Christian Academy’s back to school night a few years ago. Mr. Rod Innis, who teaches Bible, passionately described his love for God’s Word and how if we wanted our teens to have a hunger for the Scriptures, we must likewise set an example by being faithful in our personal devotions.

Bible engagement was one of several topics at Movement Day, which was held October 23 at the Marriott Marquis in Manhattan. The New York City Leadership Center hosted the 5th Annual Movement Day, which brought together 1,500 ministry and lay leaders from 250 cities and eight countries. The theme was “Leaders. Cities.

Gospel.” In addition to plenary speakers such as Tim Keller and Luis Palau, Movement Day also featured a wide range of afternoon tracks, from missions to marketplace ministry to art to urban compassion, to name a few. I attended “Activating Cities in Prayer and Scripture Engagement.”

Jason Malec, of the American Bible Society, noted that our nation is trending away from Bible engagement. In the last 10 years, the number of Christians who read the Word on a regular basis has dropped from 21 percent to 19 percent. Also troubling is the fact that 19 percent of Americans are also skeptical or opposed to the Bible.

“It’s truly a God-sized task to reverse the trend,” Malec said.

In order to spark more Bible reading, the American Bible Society, Concerts of Prayer Greater New York, and the New York City Leadership Center are sponsoring “Now Is the Time: Luke,” a 25-day devotional for adults, teens, and children. In February, a wide range of churches and organizations, both locally and nationally, will commit to reading the book of Luke.

If we are going to stand strong in 2015, we must become fervent people of prayer and dedicate ourselves to reading the Bible on a daily or regular basis. Well, how about you?

Do you love the Word of God? STANDING TOGETHER Psalm 133:1, “How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!”

It’s obvious that we are living in perilous times. In the Middle East, Christians and Jews are being attacked, persecuted, and even slaughtered. Here at home, there is a concerted effort to remove God from the public square and to marginalize believers.

In Long Island, a teenage girl had to enlist the help of the Liberty Institute just to exercise her Constitutional right to assemble a faith-based club (Page 11).

In the Garden State, the New Jersey Family Policy Council has, for many years, been a voice for Christians and all pro-life and profamily citizens, working for public policy that preserves traditional marriage, defends the unborn, or ensures religious freedom.

The Tri-State Voice is an independent Christian newspaper, holding forth truth and traditional Judeo-Christian values as found in God’s Word, the Bible. We seek to increase awareness and activism among our readers in regards to biblical, moral, ethical, and political issues which affect the greater New York Christian community. Most of all, we are here to serve you.

How do I list an event?

Simply send a press release or announcement

by February 18 for the Spring 2015 Edition.

E-mail: tristatevoice@aol.com.

How can I advertise my ministry or business?

Advertising in the Tri-State Voice is affordable and effective and open to anyone seeking to reach the Christian community. Rates begin at $20 per quarter. To request an advertising rate card, call (201) 644-7062.

How do I subscribe?

To have the Tri-State Voice delivered to your home each quarter, send an e-mail request to tristatevoice@aol.com.

Tim Keller (left) and Dr. Mac Pier at the Movement Day press conference

At the New Jersey Family Policy Council banquet in November, Allen West, a former member of the United States House of Representatives and a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, said it’s time to embrace our Judeo-Christian heritage to restore God’s blessing on our nation.

“We are facing what appear to be insurmountable spiritual and social needs throughout the world. I am convinced that the only true remedy is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If our leaders will come together in prayer, in unity, and in effort, I truly believe that we can positively impact our cities for the kingdom of God.” “Like Joshua (1:9), we must be strong and courageous,” he said.

“It’s time we understand that faith is part of who we are. If we separate from this heritage, we are devaluing our independence, because our Constitution says our rights come from our Creator. Government will become our ‘god’ and will give us our rights.”

Yes, Christians need to unite, pray, and trust in the Lord with all our hearts when it comes to our great nation. Bishop Joe Mattera writes about the confessing church vs. the compromising church on page 23.

This is no time for compromise, but a time for unity and the power that comes when Christians stand together.

I applaud the Assemblies of God for its recent decision to stand with the Church of God in Christ in observing “Black Lives Matter Sunday” on December 14.

“America is racially divided and needs the Church to heal its divisions,” said George Wood, general superintendent of the Assemblies of God. Additionally, the annual Pastor’s Prayer Summit is a greatest display of unity and diversity. Hosted by Concerts of Prayer Greater New York, hundreds of pastors and leaders will gather on Jan. 19-21 at Dolce Conference Center in Norwalk, Connecticut for 48 hours of Bible teaching, worship, prayer, and fellowship.

And the power of unity for Movement Day or any movement is not lost on Dr. Mac Pier, who founded Concerts of Prayer

Greater New York before launching the New York City Leadership Center.

“We are facing what appear to be insurmountable spiritual and social needs throughout the world,” states Pier. “I am convinced that the only true remedy is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If our leaders will come together in prayer, in unity, and in effort, I truly believe that we can positively impact our cities for the kingdom of God.” STANDING OUT Lastly, if we are going to do our part in fulfilling the Great Commission, we need to stand out. Our light needs to shine before men and women. What good are we if we are just as dark as everyone else?

In closing out Movement Day, Pastor Tim Keller spoke about empowering Gospel movements in cities and necessary elements like church planting, indigenous leaders, and love and cooperation.

City Movements are “empowered by the Gospel,” he said.

And when people hear the true Gospel, not a religious version, they will respond.

He brought home this point by talking about the Prodigal Son parable and how the elder brother was just as lost as the younger one because of his pride, self-sufficient attitude, and attempt to control his father by his good behavior. “[Both brothers] loved the things of the father,” said Keller, author of The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith and several other books. “And they found two strategies to get them-one by being bad and one by being good.”

Similarly, some Christians act like Pharisees, condescending and judgmental; while others have a sense of entitlement and get angry with God if things don’t go their way. But for us to really stand out, we must rely on Jesus alone for salvation.

Christ, the ultimate elder brother, left his home because we were lost and restored us to the Father.

“Jesus Christ did what a true elder brother would do,” he said. “He took our judgment. We have the father’s robe. When you understand what it cost, it destroys the elder brother in you.”

And that quote deserves a standing ovation.

Tom Campisi welcomes your comments about this article or anything that is happening in the Metro New York Christian community.

E-mail him at Tom@Tristatevoice.com.

For mailing address: Please inquire by sending an e-mail to: tristatevoice@aol.com.

How can the Tri-State Voice be delivered to my church?

The Tri-State Voice is delivered to churches within its coverage area at no charge. Churches outside the area must pay a postage fee. For info, call (201) 644-7062.

How do I submit an editorial?

Editorials should be 200 words or fewer and sent via e-mail or mail. E-mail: tristatevoice@aol.com.

Publisher: Tom Campisi Assistant Editor: Rachel Mari Art Director: Dawn Massa, Lightly Salted Graphics Views expressed in the Tri-State Voice are those of the respective columnists and writers, and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, or the Tri-State Voice. Advertising in the Tri-State Voice is open to anyone desiring to reach the Christian community and is subject to approval, revision, and/or rejection at any time by the publisher. Publication of any advertisement does not constitute, either implied or inferred, an endorsement of services, products, or businesses advertised.

ADVERTISING DEADLINES Advertise in the Voice and tell a loyal, responsive audience about your business, ministry, or event!

Deadline to reserve space in the upcoming Spring 2015 issue is:

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Advertise in the Tri-State Voice Print Edition and Our Online Blog/News/Events Site: TriStateVoice.com, for one low price!

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Walking in Unity

Continued from page 1

Volunteer Child Advocates Sought in Passaic County ou can make a difference in the life of an abused and neglected child in Passaic County by becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Passaic County CASA is currently serving 159 abused and neglected children, which is approximately 20 percent of the children in foster care in Passaic County. With your help, CASA will be able to reach more children in need. CASA volunteers serve as the voice of the child in the court and child wel-

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“It was a risk to publicly proclaim faith in Christ in a hostile environment, and young people like risk….”

Belongs In My City,” and began their first prayer walk from Battery Park to Times Square to Grand Central Station, ending on their knees praying for God’s presence in New York City. Shortly after this walk, young people from other cities began calling Sanabria stating they, too wanted to do a prayer walk in their cities. Now, five years later and still growing, God Belongs In My City prayer walks occur annually in approximately 25 cities across the Unites States and a half dozen countries abroad.

So what compels urban youth to be part of a prayer walk?

“It was a risk to publicly to proclaim faith in Christ in a hostile environment, and young people like risk…..they want to be examples, rather than protestors, and they also don’t want to be silent about their faith anymore,” said Sanabria. “Local area youth are beginning to recognize they live within the middle of the greatest city on earth, and they want Christ to be paramount within their city; but they want to accomplish something new; something different than traditional evangelism and church activities.”

Sanabria believes one of the greatest accomplishments of the prayer walks has been the unity that is spreading amongst local churches and communities. He states, “no one church can change a city; it takes the body of Christ coming together to serve a city.”

As part of this vision, Sanabria founded Urban Kingdom Youth Ministries , a network of youth leaders and pastors from over 100 churches across metropolitan New York with a common passion to mentor urban youth and serve their communities. Leaders from Urban Kingdom Youth Ministries (UKYM) not only help coordinate the God Belongs In My City prayer walks, but also a handful of other ministry channels that touch upon different aspects of urban life. This includes a 13-week leadership program in urban ministry; nine months of discipleship training for community leaders; hosting of community ath-

letic leagues and tournaments; community service projects; partnerships with public schools; inter-faith community relations development; student conferences; and an arts & music studio for local area artists.

“Jesus gave disciples opportunities to believe and serve,” Sanabria said. “Urban Kingdom is giving its youth similar opportunities to improve their communities and city with acts of service.”

A more recent development for UKYM is its role in working with CityServe and the Luis Palau Organization, which is bringing to Metro New York its success of collaboration amongst civic, corporate, and church leaders. Sanabria believes CityServe “is the direct answer to the ongoing prayers by members of Urban Kingdom for acts of unity and service to cover our communities.”

While Sanabria laments that “while we are not there yet in terms of a truly unified body of Christ, revival is developing and that leaves me very hopeful.”

To learn more about Urban Kingdom Youth Ministries please visit http://urbankingdomym.com or contact Daniel Sanabria at (917) 744-4945 or sanabria16@aol.com.

fare systems. The goal of the CASA program is to ensure that each child reaches a safe and permanent home as quickly as possible, while receiving the needed appropriate services. CASA volunteers play a critical role to ensure this happens by visiting their assigned child monthly, interviewing interested parties, reviewing records, attending court hearings, and providing reports to the judge. Passaic County CASA hopes to recruit new volunteers in order to increase the

number of children they serve.

CASA volunteer advocates must undergo 36 hours of training, a thorough background check, finger printing, court observation, and a swearing in ceremony prior to being appointed to a case. Training classes, which are five weeks long, are offered periodically. All information, sessions and classes are held in the Wayne office. To RSVP or for additional information please visit www.passaiccountycasa.org or call our office at (973) 832-4002.

Shiloh Bible Camp to Host Network Conference for Youth Pastors and Young Adult Pastors he Network Conference, for pastors of youth and young adult ministries, will be held Wednesday, Feb. 4, 7 a.m., to 4 p.m., at Shiloh Bible Camp in Hewitt, New Jersey.

Conference attendees will learn, grow, and network with other leaders in the Tri-State area.

With experienced speakers, exciting breakout sessions, and intentional times to connect with other leaders who are “out there in the trenches with you,” youth and young adult pastors will come away refreshed, encouraged, and excited to reach out to those in their circles of influence.

Additionally, there is also a presession on Tuesday evening with an extended time of worship, an open

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gym and game room session (with Shiloh’s new wally ball court, climbing wall, and brand new high ropes course), and a Q&A session with some of our speakers, including keynote speaker Jason Ostrander.

While the conference on Febru-

ary 4 is free, there is a charge of $50 for the optional pre-session.

This charge helps to cover the cost of dinner, lodging, staffing, and activities for the night. For more details, please email: thenetworkconference@campshiloh.com.

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Phillips Journalism Institute Launches at The King’s College

Nyack College Hosts Nelson Mandela Day

.S. business editor of The Economist Matthew Bishop, talked about the increasing risks to journalists around the world during his keynote speech at the launch event for The Phillips Journalism Institute at The King’s College in New York City on September 18.

Bishop talked about the importance of journalism work, the physical risk to reporters covering military conflicts, and the importance of mentorship of the kind John Phillips provided. He also spoke about his book, Philanthrocapitalism, and the role of global philanthrocapitalists such as Bono and Bill Gates who are changing the approach to problems, including the decline of the news business. For example, he described how some philanthropists are funding journalism sites such as ProPublica.org, which are hiring investigative reporters to report on topics of the public interest at a time when many newspapers and magazines cannot afford to fund this kind of work as heavily as they did in the past. Bishop also discussed the differences between the U.S. and British press and the future of the media industry in the U.S. Professor Paul Glader presided over the event, welcoming dozens of journalism professionals from around New York City and beyond to 56 Broadway. The Institute is named after John McCandlish Phillips, a former New York Times reporter who passed earlier this year. Phillip’s friend and fellow church congregation elder Jaan Vaino shared about Phillips’ life and career, highlighting how he was a devout Christian, excellent journalist, and a committed mentor.

“John has left us a rich, teachable legacy,” Vaino said. “The John McCandlish Phillips

n recognition of the one-year anniversary of the death of Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa (1994-1999), the Nyack College Center for Scholarship and Global Engagement hosted a celebration of Mandela Day on Tuesday, December 2 in President’s Hall (Shuman Hall) on the Rockland County campus.

The film, “Mandela,” was screened and followed by a panel discussion on the legacy of statesman, anti-apartheid activist, and philanthropist—Nelson Mandela. The panel was moderated by Prof. Scott Reitz, director of Global Service-Learning at Nyack. Presentations included: Dr. Fernando Arzola, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences on “Pragmatic Prophet: Reflections on Mandela’s Quiet Faith;” Dr. Vilma “Nina” Balmaceda, director of the Center for Scholarship and Global Engagement on “Truthtelling and the Challenge of Seeking Justice after Apartheid”; and Dr. Mayra LopezHumphreys, associate professor of social work, on “Madiba and Forgiveness and Reconciliation.”

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Institute at The King’s College gives us hope that what powered him can be gathered, grasped, and carried forward by a new generation.”

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“The John McCandlish Phillips Institute at The King’s College gives us hope that what powered him can be gathered, grasped, and carried forward by a new generation.”

King’s alumna Meagan Clark ‘13 spoke about meeting Phillips during an intro to journalism class at King’s: “He exuded this almost tangible sense of purpose. He was this legend of a reporter in my mind, and yet, he was so humble.” She further reflected on the role King’s classes, mentorship, and hands-on experience helped prepare her for her job now at the International Business Times. “I’m so thankful for the way King’s and you all as supporters are building this journalism institute, because I know from experience what a difference the training, internships, and mentoring can make in a student’s life.”

King’s President Gregory Thornbury introduced Universal Syndicate columnist Terry Mattingly, announcing that Mattingly will join King’s as a Senior Fellow of Religion and Media. “Through his highly regarded leadership over the years at The Washington Journalism Center and through his pioneering column at GetReligion.com, I can think of no more articulate voice speaking to place religion in the pub-

Matthew Bishop, the U.S. business editor of The Economist, speaks at the launch event for the Phillips Journalism Institute.

lic square, than Professor Terry Mattingly,” Thornbury said.

The Phillips Journalism Institute exists to provide Christ-centered multimedia journalism training to students at King’s, in New York City, and nationwide. Students are welcome to apply for the 2015-2016 class of the NYC Semester in Journalism, which includes a 6-credit internship at a media outlet in New York City, along with a select mix of courses on journalism and faith integration. Students from partner schools will be able to attend for a combined tuition and housing cost of $10,000, an incredible value in New York City.

Interested students, parents, and faculty can visit www.phillipsjournalism.org to learn more, or call the Phillips Journalism Institute director Paul Glader at (212) 659-0742.

Ivy League Bible Memorization Veritas Christian Academy Student Receives Commendation Challenge Will Be Held in NYC on April 12 hristian Union will host spokenWord2015, the Ivy League Bible Memorization Challenge Finale, on Saturday, April 12, 7 p.m., at the Scholastic Auditorium in New York City. The event will feature presentations by students who will creatively bring God’s Word to life. The public is invited to attend.

The spokenWord2015 Challenge is designed to encourage Ivy League students, guests who attend the Finale, and all who will watch the presentations online, to discover the value and beauty of memorizing God's Word. Students—or teams of up to four students—who enter the contest and are selected as finalists will present, in a creative spoken word format, from memory, a Biblical text from one particular passage or

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Veritas Christian Academy Administrator Sean Bevier presents Joshua Kuperus with his commendation from the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program.

n November, Joshua Kuperus, a senior at Veritas Christian Academy in Sparta, NJ, was named a Commended Student in the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program.

A Letter of Commendation from the school and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, was presented by Veritas Christian Academy Administrator Sean Bevier during a chapel assembly.

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2015 competition for National Merit Scholarships, Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5

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million students who entered the 2015 competition by taking the 2013 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

“The young men and women being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”

from a range of passages in the Old and/or New Testaments.

Christian Union sponsors spokenWord as a means to encourage students to embrace the value in memorizing Scriptures.

“Our prayer is that it will inspire people across the nation to see the beauty and power of this and be motivated to do the same,” said Jim Black, Christian Union’s director of ministry at Columbia. “We want students to take in God’s Word, to allow it to bear fruit, and abide richly in them.”

The presentations will be judged, and a winner selected, at the conclusion of the evening. As the judges deliberate, guests will enjoy uplifting music.

For information or to purchase tickets, visit www.christianunion.org/spokenword.

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Religious Freedom Organization Helps Long Island Teenager Start Faith-Based Club in High School

By Tom Campisi 15-year-old Long Island high school student “dared to believe” in her Constitutional rights in the midst of adversity and possible persecution this fall. And her faith was rewarded.

In September, Liz Loverde, a sophomore at Wantaugh High School, submitted a proposal to principal Carolyn Breivogel to start a faith-based club called Dare to Believe.

When her proposal for the Christian club was denied, the teenager shared with the principal about the Equal Access Act—a law passed in 1984 that ends discrimination against religious speech in public schools and provides protection for student-initiated and student-led meetings.

After the school continued not to recognize Dare to Believe, the Liberty Institute, a national religious freedom organization, got involved. A few days after attorneys sent a demand letter challenging a principal’s wrongful rejection, school officials announced their intention to allow the group to meet on campus as an official student club.

“We are glad the school district has announced that it is doing the right thing by recognizing Liz Loverde’s club, Dare to Believe,” said Jeremy Dys, senior counsel

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with Liberty Institute. “It took a lot of courage for a 15-year-old girl to come forward to reveal that her principal said Christian clubs are illegal. It is always a scary position for students to take a stand against government or school authorities who hold significant power over their everyday lives.

We look forward to Wantagh High School respecting Liz’s religious liberty at school.”

Although it was reported that the school district initially denied the request due to concerns over the legality of a faith-based club, the Christian Post reported that Wantagh officials denied having rejected

FCA HOME TEAM REPORT

Building a Network in North Jersey

Loverde’s request to grant recognition to Dare to Believe.

“As it is required with all student clubs, proper protocol and procedures must be followed and implemented before the club can be formally recognized,” stated the school district.

According to the Liberty Institute, Loverde sought to create a club where she and other teenagers could meet together and learn biblical principles to help with life struggles—like depression, divorce, selfharm, suicide, bullying, and anxiety. In her proposal for the Dare to Believe club, she stated: “(At one time) Life appeared to me as something not worth having or living.

Maybe, right now, teenagers are feeling the same way I did, and saying that life has nothing for them and that no one would care if they lived or died. Through “Dare to Believe” Christian Club, I want students to know that while they’re going through these tough times, Jesus Christ offers them another view of life; a view that is truly beautiful.”

Dare to Believe members will also reach out to the community by visiting the elderly in nursing homes, coordinating food drives, and doing other charitable acts.

Boy Scout Troop Seeks New Members

oy Scout Troop 77 of Bethany Church in Wyckoff, NJ is actively recruiting new members. Troop 77 plans monthly group activities and trips for the scouts such as camping, hiking, rafting, mountain biking, and skiing. Scouts have attended Philmont Ranch, Floodwood Reservation, and Northern NJ Leadership Training Conference. This year, a highlight will be a tour of the Naval Academy.

Troop 77 celebrated its 25th Anniversary and received recognition from the Township of Wyckoff for it’s community service, including a ceremony of the retirement of over 3,000 tattered flags at Wyckoff Fire Company 1 on Flag Day. Troop 77, which has graduated over 40 Eagle Scouts, meets on Thursdays from 7:30-9 p.m. at Bethany Church, 568 Wellington Drive, Wyckoff, NJ. For further info, go to www.troop77bsa.org or contact Terri Ahlmeyer at tahlmeyer@msn.com or 201-739-6575.

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Athletes in Action Travel Basketball League is Off and Running hile working at the YMCA, James Naismith, an ordained minister, invented the game of basketball as a vehicle to teach Bible truths to a bunch of rowdy boys. Recently, Athletes in Action in New Jersey established a travel basketball program for 7th and 8th grade boys with the same goal in mind. The idea was borne out of conversations between two parents, Elmer Velasquez from Ridgewood and Rob Skead from Wyckoff. With Rob serving as an affiliate staff member with Athletes in Action, it made perfect sense to create the team under the ministry banner. Together, with George McGovern, Athletes in Action’s area director and chapel leader for the New York Yankees and New York Football Giants, they established a different kind of basketball program and team.

Elmer now serves as assistant coach with his son, Rafael, playing point guard.

The Athletes in Action All Stars started this fall with a team in the Hoop Heaven league in Waldwick. The boys came from Ridgewood, Wyckofff, Franklin Lakes, and Paterson.

On Saturday, December 13, Athletes in Action launched its own travel basketball invitational league comprised of four other local travel teams—Wyckoff YMCA, coached by Pat O'Hagan; 3D Cougars, coached by Dell Bethea; Eastern Christian Eagles, coached by Sal Poliandro; and IYB/Blaze Basketball Club, coached by Kent Culuko and Kevin Moran.

League games are played on Saturday mornings throughout January and February, concluding with playoffs and a championship game. Some of the special aspects of the league are devotionals during practice times and an inspirational message between each game. The speakers (which include several former and current professional athletes) address the players and fans on the importance of having character and virtue in one's life. All practices and games are played at Eastern Christian Middle

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By Drew van Esselstyn North Jersey Director s Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s network gets deeper and wider in northern New Jersey, I’ve found out a few things. First, I am so blessed and encouraged to continue meeting people who have hearts for Christ and for sports.

Second, there’s a significant amount of education needed about how FCA stitches those two passions together.

For instance, we’re creeping toward the time when families make decisions about summer camps. Largely untapped by North Jersey’s sizable population is FCA’s Mid-Atlantic Sports Camp at Kutztown University.

It’s hard to beat all that’s offered there, from top-level instruction, to powerful testimonies and discipleship throughout the week. Mark your calendars for June 29-July 3.

As we move into more and more communities throughout North Jersey, the growth and health of FCA hinges on fervent prayer and five strategic items: • Financial partners. Monthly donors and end-of-the-year giving will not only launch me into the field full-time, but it will also build a foundation to get more ministry up and running immediately. (www.my.fca.org/ 4695-van-esselstyn-drew.aspx)

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• Relationship builders. Doors continue to be opened throughout the region, especially thanks to generous and expert guidance from those who “get” the mission and vision of FCA — to see the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes. These are relationships with individuals, with churches, and with businesses.

• Volunteers. It is absolutely part of the vision for North Jersey to have outreach, and larger-scale events in our backyards. Whether it’s a banquet, a golf tournament, or anything like that, we’ll need hands and feet. If it’s a service project at one of our schools, we’ll need hands and feet. You get the picture.

• Board members. In order to be discerning and wise with how we do ministry, FCA believes in building boards to support staffers and areas. That first will happen for northern and western New Jersey -- and eventually will be raised up for each county.

• Future staff members. FCA’s long-term vision includes at least one staff member for each county in the state. We’re praying about the timetable for that expansion, as well as asking God to reveal who those people might be.

I feel confident that one (or more) of those items jumped out to you. I humbly request and eagerly await more new partnerships. Reach me at (973) 943-9780 or dvanesselstyn@fca.org.

The Athletes in Action All Stars travel team

School’s gymnasium, with Eastern Christian supporting the new concept of a faithbased travel basketball team.

The Athletes in Action All Stars operate under head coach Will Michaels, who will be joining the AIA ministry as an affiliate staff member with the goal of building the Christian travel basketball program. Will played basketball from grammar school through high school and into college as a walk on at Kings College, until an injury ended his basketball career. He lent his assistance in the start up of the Jersey Jayhawks AAU team over 20 years ago with camps and pre and post-season training programs, and has coached in various leagues.

“The team had a tremendous start this fall under Will’s leadership,” says George McGovern. “The boys had a ton of fun as they improved in their basketball skills, grew in their faith, and even won a local tournament. Many reported this was their favorite team they ever played on, so we feel we’re heading in the right direction.”

Volunteers and coaches are needed for this new league. For more information, contact Will Michaels at wmichaels10@gmail.com or Robert Skead at rjskead@aol.com.

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The following businesses and organizations support Tri-State Voice.

Please support them and connect with them. To advertise on Tom’s List, call (201) 644-7061 or email: Tom@TriStateVoice.com.

BUSINESS Ditto Upscale Resale Clothing, Furniture, Appliances...

965 Belmont Ave. North Haledon, NJ (973) 423-4886 www.dittonj.com Paramus Chevrolet New and Used Cars 194 Route 17 North Paramus, NJ 07652 (201) 261-7100 www.paramuschevrolet.com Roy Heerema/ Northwest Mutual Financial Advisor Serving NJ, NY, CT, PA (201) 505-4180 www.royheerema.nm.com Sal Poliandro/Remax Real Estate Consultant Serving NJ & New York Wyckoff, NJ (201) 632-3001 www.bchometeam.com Bug Doctor, Inc. Pest, Animal Control 585 Winters Ave. Paramus, NJ (800) 825-1151 www.bugdoctorinc.com TNTMAX (technology) IT Services 253 Madison Avenue Wyckoff, NJ 07481 (201) 891-8686 www.tntmax.com Kayal Orthopaedic Center Medical Group Ridgewood, NJ Franklin Lakes, NJ (201) 560-0711 www.kayalortho.com Yee Medical Group Comprehensive Medical Care Englewood, NJ Wyckoff, NJ (201) 569-9005 www.yeegroupmedical.com Gerry Cantalupo/ Northwest Mutual Financial Representative Serving Metro New York (973) 531-2222 www.gerardcantalupo.nm.com Rodan+Fields Dermatologist-Created Skin Care Clinically-Proven Results Dawn Massa, Consultant (201) 843-0047 www.dmassa.myrandf.com

Lightly Salted Graphics Art Direction & Design Saddle Brook, NJ (201) 843-0047 www.lightlysaltedgraphics.com Wellsprings Counseling Christian Counseling Fair Lawn, Manhattan & Washingtonville (201) 956-6363 www.wellsprings.org Young Living Essential Oils Miriam Cariglia, Distributor (973) 229-7110 miriamcariglia@yahoo.com www.MiriamsOils.marketingscents.com Bossart Builders Churches, Housing, Commercial Construction Serving the Tri-State area (201) 404-2264 www.bossartbuilders.com Glass Gardens Florist 180 Central Ave. East Orange, NJ 07018 (973) 674-5114 www.flowersbymarlo.com

WORSHIP Community Baptist Church Baptist 224 First St. Englewood, NJ 07631 (201) 568-6369 www.cbcofe.net Abundant Grace Church Non-Denominational 70 Home Ave. Rutherford, NJ 07070 (201) 933-1191 www.iwantgrace.com Crossroads Tabernacle Assemblies of God 1320 Castle Hill Ave. Bronx, NY 10462 (718) 904-0202 www.crossroadstabernacle.com Cornerstone Church Non-Denominational 495 Wyckoff Ave. Wyckoff, NJ 07461 (201) 891-1651 www.cornerstonenj.org Primitive Church Non-Denominational 207-209 East Broadway New York, NY 10002 (212) 673-7868 www.primitivechurch.org Christ Church Non-Denominational Rockaway, NJ Montclair, NJ (973) 783-1010 www.christchurchusa.org

Hawthorne Gospel Church Non-Denominational 2000 Route 208 N. Hawthorne, NJ 07506 (973) 427-6960 www.hawthornegospel.com

CARE Ministry Drug/Alcohol Abuse Recovery Christian Community Church River Edge, NJ 07661 Joe Brennan (201) 385-4396 www.joeybrennan.com

Pillar College Christian College Newark, Zarephath, & Somerset, NJ (973) 803-5000 www.pillar.edu

MINISTRY

Market Street Mission Meals-Shelter-Hope 9 Market St. Morristown, NJ 07960 (973) 538-0431 www.marketstreet.org

Happy Day Learning Center Serving children 6 weeks Through Kindergarten 1111 Preakness Ave. Wayne, NJ 07470 (973) 694-3584 www.hdlcnj.com

Next Level Coaching NYC Leadership Center P.O. Box 9157 Long Island City, NY 11103 (347) 382-9237 www.nycleadership.com Leadership Fellows Program NYC Leadership Center PO Box 9157 Long Island City, NY 11103 (347) 382-9237 www.nycleadership.com

Metro World Child Children’s Ministry P.O. Box 409 Brooklyn, NY 11237 (718) 453-3352 www.metroworldchild.org

EDUCATION

Solid Foundation Skate Park Skateboard Ministry Skate park: 445 Godwin Ave. Midland Park, NJ 07432 (973) 650-5412 www.sfnj.com

Eastern Christian Schools Preschool - High School Campuses: Midland Park, Wyckoff, & North Haledon, NJ (973) 427-4729 www.easternchristian.org

Bethany Christian Services Adoption Fair Lawn, NJ New York City (201) 444-7775 www.bethany.org

New York School of the Bible Bible Courses 123 W. 57th St. New York, NY 10019 (212) 975-0170, ext. 123 www.cbcnyc.org/nysb

New Jersey FCA Sports Ministry 6 Drummond Place Red Bank, NJ 07701 (732) 219-5797 www.fcanj.org

Abundant Life Academy K-3 through Grade 12 390 Washington Ave. Nutley, NJ 07110 (973) 667-9700 www.abundantlifeacademy.net

Concerts of Prayer Prayer Network PO Box 9157 Long Island City, NY 11103 (718) 721-2626 www.copgny.org

Hawthorne Christian Academy Preschool through Grade 12 2000 Route 208 N. Hawthorne, NJ 07506 (973) 423-3331 www.hca.org

Touch the World Missions 1 Maple St. Allendale, NJ 07401 (201) 760-9925 www.touchtheworld.org Street 2 Street Youth Outreach Ministry 555 Goffle Road Suite 212 Ridgewood, NJ 07450 (201) 445-8555 www.street2street.com

Nyack College Christian College Nyack, NY NYC (Manhattan) (845) 358-1710 www.nyack.edu Alliance Theo. Seminary Seminary Nyack, NY NYC (Manhattan) (845) 358-1710 www.nyack.edu

MEDIA CirclesofFaith.org Where Faith, Life, and Community Intersect Montclair, NJ circlesoffaith@gmail.com www.circlesoffaith.org The Bridge FM Christian Radio 127 White Oak Lane Old Bridge, NJ 08857 (888) 861-6100 www.bridgefm.org Star 99.1 FM Christian Radio P.O. Box 9058 Zarephath, NJ 08890 (732) 469-0991 www.star991.com

CONFERENCES/ RETREATS Spruce Lake Christian Retreat Center 5389 Route 447 Canadensis, PA (570) 595-7505 www.sprucelake.org Pinebrook Bible Conference & Retreat Center “Where God’s People Meet” 5339 Pinebrook Rd. East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 (570) 424-1212 www.pinebrook.org Tuscarora Inn & Conference Center Retreat Center 3300 River Rd. Mt. Bethel, PA 18343 (570) 897-6000 www.tuscarora.org

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I Was Having an Affair and Unaware

By Elise Daly Parker Editor, CirclesOfFaith.org re You Having an Affair?

Well I was. I didn’t know I was. In fact, it came as quite a shock…

It was one of those periods when I was particularly critical of my husband; every little thing he did bugged me. He got his hair cut too short. He wasn’t loving enough. His chewing was bothering me. And appreciation that he was willing to empty the dishwasher wasn’t my first thought…

No, instead I thought about how annoying it is that he always leaves that one lone bowl out.

• Have you ever experienced annoyance over every little thing your husband does?

• Or do you concentrate on the things you don’t like about him?

• Or wish he were a little more like Jacquie’s husband… more laid back? Or more like Beth’s husband… the life of the party?

I mean, if we’re honest, there are things we don’t like about our spouses…yes? Or is it just me?

I knew I was being negative, circling lower on the downward spiral. And I started to think I really didn’t like Chris.

I puttered around my house, thinking, “Why does he have to be so annoying?” “I can’t believe Chris didn’t change that light bulb.” “Who is supposed to hang up this wet towel? What am I—the maid?”

There was a battle going on in

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my mind. At the same time, I was being critical of Chris, I was also thinking, “What’s wrong with me?

Why am I being so negative?”

“Why am I so hard on Chris?”

I wasn’t happy with my husband, but I wasn’t happy with me, either.

Then I heard that small inner voice… “You’re having an affair!”

“What? That’s ridiculous…I’m not having an affair.”

“Yes, you are. You are having an affair with an idealized version of your husband…It’s Chris, only better, newer, funner, more loving, neater…So the real Chris can never measure up. You’ve got your eyes on another man…and he doesn’t exist.”

How awful! Here I had my real, live husband, a good man. But I convinced myself he wasn’t good enough. I set him up to be a disappointment, to be less than. He couldn’t possibly measure up to my expectations.

It was a moment of reckoning. I had developed a habit of criticizing my husband. I was in a rut.

In Made to Crave, Lysa TerKeurst describes the reality of this pattern: “Brain research shows that every conscious thought we have is recorded on our internal hard drive known as the cerebral cortex.

Each thought scratches the surface much like an Etch A Sketch.

When we have the same thought again, the line of the original thought is deepened, causing what’s called a memory trace.

With each repetition, the trace goes deeper and deeper, forming and embedding a pattern of thought.

When an emotion is tied to this thought pattern, the memory trace grows exponentially stronger.

“How awful! Here I had my real, live husband, a good man. But I convinced myself he wasn’t good enough. I set him up to be a disappointment…

He couldn’t possibly measure up to my expectations.”

We forget random thoughts that are not tied to an emotion. However, we retain the ones we think often that have an emotion tied to them.”

Wow. Guilty! Every time Chris did something I didn’t like, there was a feeling attached to it—annoyance, anger, frustration, impatience. I dug in deep to the path that led from one negative thought to another. He couldn’t win.

As I processed the idea that I was having an affair with an idealized version of my real husband, a scripture flashed in my mind: …whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8) This was my way out! Instead of

camping on the things I didn’t like about Chris, I would simply start thinking about the things I did like. This would create a new thought pattern. I started focusing on the positive…Chris’s kindness, his helpfulness, creativity, faith.

(I could go on…)

There are a lot of things I like about my husband, but I had to change my stinkin’ thinkin’.

And that’s just what I did…

As I concentrated on what was true about my husband—that he’s kind, helpful, servant-hearted.

And as I thought about what was praiseworthy about him—he is a hard worker, determined, faithful, a man who helps with dishes, and is even willing to cook—I had a whole new perspective. Now the same guy I was disappointed in

and critical of started to look pretty darn good. Because in truth, there is a lot about my husband that is noble, right, admirable, and that I appreciate.

So how about you? Are you having an affair with an idealized version of your husband? Or are you thinking good thoughts? Concentrating on what he does, instead of what he doesn’t? What do you like most about your husband? What are you most grateful for in your husband?

Make a list of at least five traits you like… and think about such things!

I’d love to hear about your list.

Elise Daly Parker is the co-founder of CirclesOfFaith.org, a website for women where “Faith, Life, and Community Intersect.” Contact her at: circlesoffaith@gmail.com.

Oasis Will Host Annual Valentine’s Event for Singles he annual Oasis Singles Valentine’s Event will be held Saturday, February 7, 6 p.m. at The First Evangelical Free Church, 6501 Sixth Avenue, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

Hundreds of singles of all ages from different denominations and from all walks of life from throughout the New York metro area attend each year.

The event features dinner and dessert and guest speakers Joe and Cherri Freeman, who will share their testimony of how they met later in life with a funny and touching message entitled “Love Broke Through.” A

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time of Q and A will follow. Musical guest Aaron Louie is worship leader at Grace Christian Church in NJ. Oasis suggests that attendees arrive by 5:30 p.m. because tickets cannot be reserved ahead of time. Admission is $15 at the door. Attire is casual, but neat. If you have questions, call (718) 836-0029 or e-mail: Cindy@CompleteinChrist.com.

For directions, visit www.CompleteinChrist.com. Free parking is available in the church parking lot (or take the R train to 69th Street and 4th Ave, Bay Ridge Avenue).

Justice NYC Men’s Conference Addresses Sexual Narcissism n Saturday, November 1, more than 130 men gathered at the Justice NYC Conference at Trinity Baptist Church in Manhattan.

The conference equipped men on how sexual narcissism is harmful to women. Pastors, academics, and non-profit leaders addressed the consequences of men treating women like sex objects.

Paul Horrocks, the founder of Justice NYC, launched the day by challenging men to treat sexual narcissism as a justice issue, rather than just a problem of morality; Dimas Salaberrios, president of Concerts of Prayer Greater New York, reminded attendees that God has called them to be leaders and protectors; Pastor Sean Quinlan of Calvary Baptist Church addressed the beauty of biblical sex.

Additionally, Dr. Bill Struthers, author of Wired for Intimacy, presented research showing how pornography impacts both male and female brains. He shared brain scans that show why exposure at a younger age is leading to greater pornography consumption among women as they get

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Paul Horrocks, the founder of Justice NYC, leads his organization's first conference at Trinity Baptist Church in Manhattan.

older. Susanne Metaxas, CEO of Avail (a New York pregnancy support center) and Kevin Ryan, CEO of Covenant House participated in a panel that examined the how sexual exploitation harms women.

Matt Bennett, president of Christian Union, followed by emphasizing the need to start with prayer when looking for the strength for sexual integrity.

The day closed with a challenge to attendees to discuss sexual narcissism with other men in their

churches and to be leaders in repenting for this sin. Many attendees commented that the information presented was new for them and appreciated the frank discussion and fact-based presentations.

Justice NYC plans to make this an annual conference and continue to equip men to discuss sexual narcissism through social media, webinars, and events in the coming year.

For more information on future Justice NYC events, visit www.justicenyc.com.

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Penn Student Reached out to Classmates After Suicide of Freshman from Bergen County

By Eileen Scott ollowing the tragic suicides of two promising students at the University of Pennsylvania in the winter of 2014—including Madison Holleran of Allendale, NJ—one upperclassman reached out with a message of hope on a school blog.

Jack Park, a senior from Seoul, South Korea, knows all too well the anguish these students felt. He attempted suicide twice during his freshman year.

“Please, Penn undergraduate students, talk to one another about your weaknesses and insecurities. Listen to each other’s struggles, and help each other out,” Park wrote on Pennsive, a blog that focuses on mental health.

He also posted his phone number, encouraging students to call if they needed to talk or wanted to share a cup of coffee, “Please, please, do not attempt to kill yourself and call this number if you want to hear me out.”

Holleran, a freshman, was a popular young woman and member of Penn’s track and field team. She took her own life on January 17, 2014, leaping to her death from a Philadelphia parking garage.

A gifted athlete who attended Northern Highlands High School in Allendale, NJ, Holleran achieved a 3.5 grade point average in her only college semester. In her final hour, she snapped a scenic photo and posted it to Instagram.

“She was bright and well-liked, with an incredible future ahead of her,” said Penn President Amy Gutmann in a statement.

Sophomore Elvis Hatcher, a gifted mathematician and treasurer of Pi Lamda Phi fraternity, hung himself in February.

In The Daily Pennsylvanian, Hatcher was described by Penn instructor Sophie DegatWillis as one of her “brightest and funniest students.”

With his blog post last winter, Park attempted to shed light on the silent suffering that often hides behind façades of smiles and successes.

In some ways, the sad stories of Holleran and Hatcher are similar to those of fellow

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Madison Holleran achieved a 3.5 GPA at Penn, but took her own life following her first semester.

Ivy League students who lost battles with despair in recent years.

In 2010, just hours before he took his life by jumping from the Empire State Building, Yale student Cameron Dabaghi shared an umbrella and a light-hearted conversation with a professor. In 2012, Columbia

“ I hated the system that obliged me to run myself into the ground for a grade point average… I felt like I wasn’t afforded the time to take care of myself physically, mentally, or emotionally, while maintaining the academic performance expected of me.” freshman Marta Corey-Ochoa leapt to her death just hours after a meet and greet at school.

Somehow, these students came to believe that perfection is attainable, and that failure is unacceptable.

Sadly, at the start of the fall semester this year, two more Penn students committed suicide.

In an article in the New York Post, James Holleran, Madison’s father, cited the pressures of Penn as a contributor to her death.

“There was a lot more pressure in the classroom at Penn. She wasn’t normal, happy Madison. Now she had worries and stress,” he told the Post. “She knew she needed help. She had lost confidence in academics and she also lost confidence in her track abilities.”

Teen Suicide Is Topic of New Play

ether Regions: The Musical (A Divine Comedy)”—a play that looks at teen suicide from a spiritual perspective—made its debut in October at The Journey Church in West Milford, NJ. The play was presented by Heavenly Realm Productions and written by William D’Andrea, whose step-daughter, Kim, took her own life three years ago. D’Andrea was pleased at the response from the opening performances and said that Nether Regions received a standing ovation. He is hoping to bring the play to other venues.

“Sadly, youth suicide has reached epidemic proportions in all of our communities,” said D’Andrea. “It is my extreme hope that I may be able to help some young per-

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son on the brink of suicide to consider a different philosophical outlook that may help them, as we say in the play, ‘Go on with their life.’ ” D’Andrea wrote the play to create a spiritual outlook and opinion “that guidance counselors and crisis intervention counselors can't approach because of the politically correct strangle-hold guidelines of our high school curricula.”

Because of the subject matter and battles between angels and demons, the play should carry a PG-13 rating, but there is “a very inspiring conclusion.”

More information, email billy@heavenlyrealmproductions.com; website: www.heavenlyrealmproductions.com

Last year, her family started the Madison Holleran Foundation to help raise awareness and encourage those who are suffering to ask for help.

“Unfortunately Madison suffered from depression, and kept it very locked up within herself,” said James Holleran. “She was getting therapy and making progress, but she needed more therapy and medication in order to get better.”

In February, Columbia student Chayenne Mia wrote a first-person account for the Columbia Spectator about her struggles with stress and anxiety.

“I hated the system that obliged me to run myself into the ground for a grade point average… I felt like I wasn’t afforded the time to take care of myself physically, mentally, or emotionally, while maintaining the academic performance expected of me,” she wrote.

Park talked about the pressures at Penn.

“Penn has a culture of trying to appear put-together all the time,” said Park. “Students want to be likable. They want to look like they know what they are doing all the time.”

As he considered taking his own life a couple of years ago, he looked around and saw futility.

“I saw no point in studying or making money for a living, since there was no purpose of my life anymore,” said Park, who couldn’t understand how God could create “such a sad, messed-up world.”

Thankfully, Park’s attempts to take his life failed. Today, he cites God’s purpose and the love of his parents for his triumph. “[God] had a purpose for me to overcome depression and end my suicidal thoughts forever: it is to share a powerful testimony… and to spread the Gospel,” he said.

Now, Park is sharing his story and standing in the gap of despair, offering friendship and hope to his peers.

What students need most is love, said Park, “love from parents, friends, family, and ultimately, Jesus.” They also need hope and the Word of God and a willingness to talk to family, friends, and pastors about their struggles.

“Life is beautiful,” he said. “I have so much hope. I want to spread His Word as best as I can [through] a vivid personal testimony of how I met Christ.”

This story was reprinted with permission from Christian Union: The Magazine.

Christian Union (www.christianunion.org) is a leadership development ministry based in Princeton, NJ.

Teen Suicide Continued from page 1

anything, talk with their children. Ask them what’s going on in their lives.

“The most important thing you can do for your kids is to talk to them and be a parent to them,” Wendy Sefcik said. “Don’t be their friend. Be a parent and ask questions.

They might push you away and yell, but you keep asking them and you keep talking to them.”

T.J.’s brother Matt, who has also sought help for depression, talked about the impact his brother’s death has had on him.

“When there are police at your house and someone has to tell you, ‘I’m sorry, he’s gone,’ that’s unbelievable. I remember being numb to it all and scared because I thought maybe I’m capable of doing the same thing,” he said. “But I got help. I talked to my family and friends and to people who listened to me. That’s all you need sometimes, people to look out for you.”

A member of the audience said that her daughter once contemplated committing suicide. She didn’t because someone asked her how she was doing and if she was alright.

“Someone saw that she was hurting and nobody else did. We all didn’t see it,” said the woman, who asked not to be identified.

“You never know who the person is who will throw you a lifeline, but sometimes all it takes is ‘how are you doing today?’”

“As an organization that provides a full range of mental-health services, we feel strongly about bringing this subject to the forefront,” said Cathy Pilone, vice president of mental health services at CHCC. “We so appreciate the Sefcik family sharing such a personal story to benefit the community.”

For more information about Christian Health Care Center’s counseling services, call (201) 848-5800 or e-mail khockstein@chccnj.org.

ATTENTION STUDENT WRITERS: The Tri-State Voice is seeking articles from student writers at Christian high schools and colleges for its new Web site, www.TriStateVoice.com — “Metro New York’s Online Source for Christian News & Events.”

For information and story requirements, e-mail: tom@tristatevoice.com.

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Can Christians Suffer from Depression?

By Dr. Lisa Steiner hen I initially accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I did not believe that a Christian could suffer from depression. After all, the Bible is filled with many scriptures on joy: “But the fruit of the spirit is…joy” (Galatians 5:22, NKJV); “in your presence is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11); and “my soul shall be joyful in the LORD” (Psalm 35:9).

Scripture clearly supports that God’s desire for His children is to experience joy. However, in reality, many Christians do battle and suffer from depression. One just needs to continue reading in the book of Psalms and ponder passages such as Psalm 69:20: “Reproach has broken my heart, and I am full of heaviness; I looked for someone to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.”

As the director of a New Jersey and New York-based counseling center, leading a team of 12 licensed clinicians trained at integrating the Christian faith into professional counseling, and as a full-time faculty member at a Christian college educating Christians pursuing their Masters in Mental Health Counseling, I hope to begin to demystify depression in the Christian community.

In the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (2013), the American Psychiatric Association explains that a major depressive episode occurs when there are symptoms that “cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning” that are “not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition (e.g., hypothyroidism).”

Furthermore, depression consists of at least five of the following nine symptoms that “have been present during the same two-week period and represent a change from previous functioning” where “at least one of the symptoms is either (1) depressed mood or (2) loss of interest or pleasure:” 1. Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day for adults.

For children and adolescents, it can be an irritable mood instead.

2. Significant reduction of inter-

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est or pleasure in nearly all activities, most of the day, almost every day.

3. Substantial weight gain or weight loss (when not dieting), or

What can a Christian do when he or she or a loved one suffers from depression? Seeking God first through prayer and Scripture is always a wise strategy. After all, God is omniscient and omnipotent; He can provide direction and/or divine intervention. Second, if the symptoms are moderate or severe, seeking professional help is essential. a substantial change in appetite almost every day. For children, it could instead be a failure to reach expected weight gains.

4. Difficulty sleeping or too much sleep almost every day 5. Observable feelings of restlessness or being slowed down 6. Energy loss or fatigue almost every day 7. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt 8. Indecisiveness or reduced ability to concentrate almost every day 9. Recurrent thoughts of death and/or suicide either with or without a specific plan or prior attempt (Paraphrased from APA, 2013).

What can a Christian do when he or she or a loved one suffers from depression? Seeking God first through prayer and Scripture is always a wise strategy. After all, God is omniscient and omnipotent; He can provide direction and/or divine intervention. Second, if the symptoms are moderate (e.g., affecting functioning in

social and/or occupational settings) or severe (e.g., suicidal thoughts with or without a specific plan), seeking professional help is essential. A collaborative working relationship with a licensed therapist (e.g. psychologist, counselor, social worker) might be all that is needed to alleviate the depression. Licensed therapists must meet rigorous state-approved educational and experiential requirements; therefore, they have been trained to facilitate the treatment of depression. For example, they can help the individual: (a) cope with the feelings of depression; (b) recognize and improve thought patterns and beliefs that might be contributing to the depressed mood; (c) set firmer boundaries with unhealthy relationships and situations; (d) seek connections with emotionally safer people; (e) improve interpersonal approaches; (f) reduce relational conflict; and/or (g) appropriately grieve a loss.

When the depressive symptoms are more severe, a psychiatric evaluation (conducted by a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner) is necessary to further evaluate the individual’s mental health needs and determine if and what medication should be a part of the treatment plan. Unfortunately, many Christians fear and/or reject the possibility of medication.

However, we need to remember that our earthly bodies are mortal.

Sometimes a season of medication may help replenish the depleted brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in our mortal bodies that affect our moods. However, because there is no readily available blood test to accurately measure the level of neurotransmitters in the brain, medical doctors (MDs) have to prescribe based on a patient’s symptoms. This unfortunately has created a stigma and

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misunderstanding regarding the medication used to replenish neurotransmitters.

Meanwhile, if an individual had been suffering from an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) where his/her thyroid gland was not producing enough chemicals (known as hormones), the corresponding symptoms could mimic many of those associated with depression. However, there is a blood test to determine if the thyroid chemicals are depleted, and then the MD prescribes a medication to elevate them. There is no stigma because the diagnosis was based

on a blood test. Yet unfortunately, there is not a blood test to diagnose depression, and many Christians do suffer from it. Not only do they have to battle with the corresponding mood disorder, but they often have to overcome the fear and stigma associated with pursuing the treatment needed to get the relief they so desperately deserve.

Dr. Lisa Steiner, Ph.D., LPC, LMHC is the director of Wellsprings Counseling Center, LLC (www.wellsprings.org), leading a team of 12 licensed counselors in Northern NJ, New York City, and Orange County, NY.

Proceeds of Bereavement Book to Be Donated to Suicide Prevention hris Ann Waters, an author, speaker, and bereavement specialist, recently announced that proceeds from her latest book, Seasons of Goodbye: Working Your Way Through Loss, would be donated to suicide prevention causes.

In her book, Waters addresses the emotional facets of grief, and guides readers in the healing process.

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“Life’s transitions impact everyone. They include tragic, anticipated, natural, and distinct losses that incite emotions which require attention and time to understand,” she said.

Waters is available to speak to large and small groups about loss, grief, and its influence, and the way of healing through Jesus Christ.

Contact her at (732) 822-4781 or via email: cawaters3@aol.com.

Book Seeks to Reach People Facing HIV/AIDS, Other Challenges n December 6, Christian Fellowship Center in sPaterson hosted a book launch and signing event with Elder Michelle Braxton, author of Living with Him in Victory.

Elder Braxton, who also spoke at the event in her home church, wants to use the book as a ministry outreach to those who are fac-

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ing HIV/AIDS and other issues that may hinder people from “living with God in Victory.” She has lived with the HIV virus for over 20 years and credits prayer, praise to God, and the power of the Holy Ghost as the sustaining force in her life.

For more information, visit www.himinvictory.com.

To encourage people to seek, follow, and receive Jesus Christ as Saviour and Healer

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A Holy Spirit Ice Bucket Challenge

By Juan Galloway President, NYC Relief n the summer, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge swept through the social media world like wildfire. People responded to the fun challenge and, in addition to dousing themselves in ice water, gave millions of dollars to help fund research to help find a cure for ALS. Jesus gave an even bigger challenge 2,000 years ago that also went viral. It was the HS Fire Bucket Challenge. Sound dangerous? It’s extreme, but it won’t burn you.

Let’s look at what He said leading up to the challenge: Then Jesus said to His disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!…“Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it….” Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to

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give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:2224, 27, 29 NIV) Jesus said to stop worrying about money, because his Dad was happy to give them His best. He said that the animal kingdom doesn’t plant or reap crops (like His listening audience), but they

Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Luke 12:32-34 NIV) seem to do okay. He also pointed out that birds don’t save for tomorrow and they do just fine.

Jesus went on to tell us that we shouldn’t get obsessed with wearing the coolest, most expensive clothes or dining at the finest restaurants. In other words, He said not to make spending more

money and shopping our greatest heart’s desire. He said that His Dad wants to give us true riches from His kingdom. He’s talking about the best things in life. The best things in life aren’t things, and you can’t buy them with money. What is this great kingdom stuff to which He referred?? His extreme challenge points to the answer: Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Luke 12:32-34 NIV) Jesus tells us in this verse to give our best to the least. In His economy, giving is actually its own reward.

Giving leads to true riches. What are true riches?

The best things in life aren’t things, and you can’t buy them with money.

Jesus is describing a deep, generous life that is about loving others, not a shallow life of consuming for our own pleasure.

When we give, we get God’s character. We get connected to the source of all good. We get to partake in His divine nature.

On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came and what did people do? They sold their posses-

sions and gave the money to the poor. When a bucket of Holy Spirit fire fell on them, they couldn’t resist the urge to love others the way that God was loving them.

This challenge Jesus gave was not symbolic. This means that we should take something we own and sell it on Craigslist or Ebay.

Then we can take the money we made and instead of buying some more stuff for ourselves, give it to the poor.

Pray right now and ask God what you should sell. Take a picture of the item and post it on Craigslist or eBay for sale. Ask God to whom you should give this money. Give it the way God shows you to, in a way that gives dignity, not shame. Consider giving anonymously to keep your motives pure. (Matthew 6:1-8) I will risk half my anonymity, but lead by example by selling a fretless

bass guitar. You know about it, but the people receiving the finances won’t. They are a married couple who are homeless, senior citizens, and disabled. Interested in a bass?

Contact me at juan@newyorkcityrelief.org or check it out on Craigslist under Fretless Michael Tobias Artist Bass.

Will you join me and take the Holy Spirit Fire Bucket Challenge?

Let me know at juan@newyorkcityrelief.org. Flame on!

Conflict of interest disclaimer: part of my job at New York City Relief is raising funds to help the poor and homeless… and I love it.

Rev. Juan Galloway is president of New York City Relief, a mobile outreach that feeds the homeless and connects them to resources and places where they can find help.

Consider making a donation or volunteering at www.newyorkcityrelief.org.

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The Launch of a Gospel-Driven Service Movement in New Jersey and NYC

By Rev. Jim Bushoven o your neighbors know that you are a minister of hope? How do they see you or perceive you, especially if they know you are a follower of Christ?

When you reflect on your faith, do you connect with the reality that the Gospel is the ultimate hope and source of life, the best message anyone could ever hear? Would you say society recognizes you more for what you are against as a follower of Christ or what you are for? What ARE you for?

There is a collaborative service movement beginning to stir throughout the Church in New Jersey and New York City that seeks to challenge believers to respond to these kinds of questions. Inspired by the “CityServe/ CityFest” efforts of the Luis Palau Association in Portland,

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Feeding the Need with Two Million Meals even days. Eight thousand volunteers. Two million packed meals.

Countless children’s lives changed … for eternity.

This February, New Jersey churches, businesses, schools, and other organizations will mobilize more than 8,000 volunteers to pack two million vacuum-sealed meals for those suffering from severe food shortages in West Africa as a result of the Ebola crisis.

The event, Feed the Need, is scheduled for Feb. 16-22 at South Ridge Community Church in Clinton, NJ. Volunteers of all ages are needed to fill 28 different 2-hour shifts during that week to pack dry ingredients, assembly-line style, in a fun, fastpaced environment.

Now in its sixth year at South Ridge, Feed the Need has grown from a local 100,000meal event into a statewide effort of the body of Christ.

“It is deeply moving to see the Church come together to extend God’s love in such a powerful way,” said Steve Sargent, the event’s coordinator and director of Extend Ministries at South Ridge. “I especially love seeing young children tangibly impacting the lives of other children who are suffering.”

The cost of these meals is $380,000, but thanks to a generous matching contribution, only half that cost – $190,000 – needs to be raised.

Two specific areas of need for the event: • Volunteers: Adults and children will measure and scoop ingredients, seal bags, and prepare boxes for shipping. This is a great TEAM-BUILDING opportunity.

• Event sponsorship: To help meet the $190,000 goal, please consider partnering with Feed the Need through an event sponsorship, offering a matching grant, or check on other creative fundraising ideas.

Both registration and event sponsorship can be done at helpfeedtheneed.org or by contacting Sargent at ssargent@southridgecc.org.

Help make a difference in the fight against hunger and starvation, especially among children and specifically in one of the world’s most beleaguered regions.

“Feed the Need not only meets physical needs of the meal recipients, but spiritual needs are also addressed through a number of Christ-centered distribution channels,” Sargent said. “Additionally, this is an opportunity for every church in New Jersey to ignite in their congregations a fresh passion to serve and then to carry that momentum back to their local communities.”

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Oregon, CityServe is here. Local churches are currently engaged in discussions of involvement and development, with a “Season of Service” planned for spring 2015, followed by celebratory festivals with great music and teaching expected in the summer of 2015.

On September 21st during the Collyde Summit in Rockaway, NJ, a leadership team launched New Jersey CityServe with this challenge: Our hope is to unify Christcentered churches, ministries, and corporations to become a valuable resource to the state of New Jersey in the areas of Justice, Mercy, and Education. We intend to celebrate many of the great things you are already doing and help accelerate with you and others in these areas to make a difference state-wide.

The current co-chair team includes myself (Jim Bushoven, Hawthorne Gospel Church), Steve Sargeant, Southridge Community, Clinton; Jinu Thomas, Collyde Ministries; Raul Burgos, Communidad Cristiana; Leigh Platt-Gonzalez, The Hope Center, Jersey City; Frank Dupree, Transformation Newark; Mark Avery, Zarephath Christian Church;

Maria Cortes, Evangel Church, Scotch Plains; and Ryan Faison, Christ Church; and two representatives from Luis Palau Association, Levi Park and Mychal Larson.

Our leadership team has spent the last two months working on spreading this vision into more communities through local consultation gatherings, of which YOU can be a host. Simply put: We’ll bring the vision, you bring your local leaders, and together we share stories about what we are doing or hope to do in these three areas of focus. This leadership team is evolving and needs and wants more leaders at the discussion table with us to build a state-wide collaborative service movement.

Discussions are sprouting up in Paterson, Wayne, Hawthorne, Jersey City, Newark, Elizabeth, Scotch Plains, Mountainside, Morristown, Plainfield, Sparta, Princeton, Trenton, Clinton, Old Bridge, Ocean Grove, and beyond. There seems to be some clear direction developing out of church stories in areas of hunger/homelessness; drug awareness and suicide prevention; anti-sex trafficking; school partnerships; not to forget immigration justice,

adoption efforts, prison ministry, and more.

Supporting honorary chairs, so far, include Tim Lucas, Liquid; Dr. David Ireland, Christ Church; John Minnema, Hawthorne Gospel; Nathan Tuckey, Southridge; Boyd Hannold, Princeton Alliance; Chris Morante, Evangel Church; Rob Cruver, Zarephath; Lloyd Pulley, Calvary Chapel Old Bridge; Bernard Wilks, Dominion Fellowship Ministries Newark; Tom Keinath, Calvary Temple, Wayne; and Ryan Baitzel, Emergence, Totowa.

Imagine what it would look like if the State of New Jersey began to see what the Church is FOR and not just what we are against, to see us as a reliable resource to do the good things that are on Christ’s very heart, even to those far from God. It would need to be a Gospel-driven, collaborative strategy, soaked in prayer, and motivated by love—the very sacrificial love of Christ—for it to be transformational and sustainable.

We believe this is what’s to come of NJ CityServe. Come, tell us your story.

For more information, visit www.njcityserve.org or email Jim Bushoven at Jim@hgcusa.org.

To connect with NYC CityServe, visit www.nycityserve.org.

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Standing in Babylon, Sam Cintron’s Theatrical Concert Series, Will Be Held in Jersey City Jan. 30 & 31 ope Center Arts is pleased to announce Sam Cintron’s Standing in Babylon concert series at Hope Center Jersey City.

The audience will get to travel “a road of introspection and discovery,” as Cintron calls it, through songs from his latest album (also titled Standing in Babylon), as well as through performances in dance and drama, in combination with fine art and stunning visuals. The concert, which is an hour and 45 minutes, is most importantly a call to national repentance.

“The framework of the message of Standing in Babylon is drawn from the songs on the album and my visual art, as well,” says Cintron, a former fine art gallery own-

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er in Jersey City.

“It is a story of intimacy with God and devotion. It’s also about self-deception, betrayal, and redemption,” he says.

Two showings of the Standing in Babylon concert will be held in Jersey City on Friday, January 30, at 8 p.m. and on Saturday, January 31, at 7 p.m. at The Hope Center, 110 Cambridge Ave., Jersey City, NJ. Cintron, a New Jersey resident, has written over 150 songs to date in English and in Spanish under the Vida label. He has shared the stage with various artists, including Martha Munizzi, Paul Baloche, Rita Springer, and Marcos Vidal. To date, the Standing in Babylon Theatrical Concert has

played to audiences ranging in size from 350 to 2,000 people.

Cintron has also been asked to take the concert to an arena in South Florida in May 2015.

Cintron is a co-founder of Hope Center Arts and currently

Pastoral Trainers To Convene at Global Congress r. Ramesh Richard, president of RREACH and founder of Training of Pastors International Coalition (TOPIC), is calling together pastoral trainers across the world for a historic gathering in June 2016.

The Global Proclamation Congress for Pastoral Trainers (GProCongress) will be convened June 15-22, 2016 at the IMPACT Center near Bangkok, Thailand.

Throughout the world, especially where the Church is growing the fastest, a great need exists for pastoral training. It is estimated that less than 6 percent of the world’s pastors have any formal training and two million pastors are considered undertrained. This adversely affects the health of the Church and therefore the health of global cities and communities.

Dr. Richard, in explaining the objective of GProCongress, shares that “Healthy pastors lead healthier churches, and healthier churches are more able to reach their communities for Christ.” The Congress is designed for pastoral trainers to build community, expand opportunity, discover resources and receive encouragement from others fulfilling the 2 Timothy 2:2 imperative to entrust the Gospel to reliable and well-trained pastors.

To apply or for more information, visit www.GProCongress.org.

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www. lightly salted graphics .com

pastor of worship arts at Hope Center Tabernacle, serving under senior pastors Mario and Leigh Gonzalez.

The album Standing in Babylon is available at The Hope Center and on iTunes and Amazon, as

well as other outlets.

For tickets, go to www.samcintronconcert.eventbrite.com or call (201)677-8130. Please leave your name, number, and which concert you would like to attend. Tickets range from $20 to $40.

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The Confessing Church vs. the Compromising Church

By Bishop Joseph Mattera uring the days of Nazi Germany, a Confessing Church movement arose against the German Church movement, which became the religious arm of the Fascist Nazi Socialist party.

Of the 18,000 pastors in Germany during that time (from 1933 to 1945), less than 5,000 were aligned with the Confessing Church. Hence, only a remnant held fast to the biblical position, while about half of the churches conformed due to political and societal pressure. Unfortunately, this demonstrates that, when push comes to shove, a large percentage of pastors, churches, and so-called Christians will probably bow to pressure and allow the norms of culture to become their credo for Christianity.

We see the same thing happening today in churches in the USA and beyond. With the accelerated pace of the attack on religious liberty, there could develop a great divide in the Church between confessing churches and compromising churches, similar to what happened in Nazi Germany.

This will not be a divide based on denominational affiliation, but one based on the degree of loyalty to biblical fidelity. It is sad, but true, that more and more believers will compromise core biblical values and standards rather than be stigmatized or persecuted, and lose influence in society.

In John 12:42-43, we see that many contemporaries of Jesus believed in Him but would not confess Him because they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. The following are contrasts between the confessing church and the compromising church.

1. In the confessing church, Christ is over culture. The compromising church accommodates Christ to culture.

The confessing church believes Jesus is Lord over all creation. Hence, it attempts to reflect Christ in every area of culture. The compromising church has a posture of accommodation. Hence, the Christ in which they believe is shaped by the culture in which it lives.

2. The confessing church holds fast to the Word of God in spite of opposition. The compromising church alters the Word of God because of opposition.

Soon, in America, it is quite possible that it will be illegal to preach from certain passages of the Bible dealing with human sexuality. Because of this, many will alter their theology to fit the culture, while the confessing church will preach the word of God in spite of governmental fines, penalties, lawsuits, and even serving time in jail.

3. The confessing church puts the Kingdom of God above its culture and ethnicity.

The compromising church puts its ethnicity before the Kingdom of God. During the Nazi era, the German Church put nationalism and its Aryan heritage above the Word of God. Today, many pastors and believers also view the Bible more through the lens of their ethnicity and national heritage, than through a proper exegesis of scripture. When, and if, our nation officially makes biblical Christianity illegal, we will soon see who will be the confessors and who will be the compromisers. In many ways, practicing biblical Christianity is already illegal when it comes to believers attempting to walk out their faith in the marketplace, because private, Christian-owned businesses do not

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have the same level of protection today as do local churches.

4. The confessing church alters its methods of preaching. The compromising church alters the message it preaches.

While it is wise and biblical for the body of Christ to be relevant to culture regarding the preaching of the gospel, it should never put being relevant above being faithful. The compromising church puts being relevant before biblical faithfulness. Hence, it not only changes the method of preaching, but also the message it preaches.

5. The confessing church is a remnant in the minority of church and state. The compromising church wants to be in the mainstream of both church and state.

The confessing church endures long seasons of feeling like an alien or stranger in its own community. The compromising church wants to be in the mainstream of culture more than living in the divine flow of God’s favor and presence.

6. The confessing church is penalized by

the state government. The compromising church is applauded by the state government.

While the confessing church is hunted down and ostracized by the humanistic state, the compromising church is celebrated by the far-left radicals and used as a model of how church and state should function together.

7. The confessing church prophetically speaks truth to power. The compromising church conforms to those in power.

The confessing church knows that, at various seasons in its existence, the church will not gain a lot of converts and/or experience societal transformation. The best it can do is to maintain a prophetic witness to the cultural elites and surrounding communities.

Since the compromising church enjoys the power and prestige the elites elites grant it, it always conforms rather than confronts.

8. The confessing church desires the praise of God. The compromising church desires the praise of men.

Ultimately, at the end of the day, it boils down to this: are we living for the praise of men or the praise of God? If things don’t change in the coming days, we will be shocked at how many megachurches, midsize churches, and smaller churches compromise the Word of God so they can continue to keep their doors open.

At some point, we will all have to stand the ultimate test, which is whether we desire God more than we love our lives, or whether we love our pleasures, conveniences, and material goods more than God. Truly, if we confess Christ before men, He will confess us before His Father in heaven, but if we deny Him before men, He will deny us before His Father in heaven (Matthew 10:32-33).

Joseph Mattera has been in full-time church ministry since 1980 and is currently the presiding bishop of Christ Covenant Coalition and overseeing bishop of Resurrection Church in New York. For more articles, visit www.josephmattera.org.

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EVENTS DECEMBER 31: NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA & SERVICE Love Gospel Church Without Walls hosts a New Year’s Eve Gala and Prophetic Service, Dec. 31, 7 p.m.-1 a.m., at The Sanz Banquet Hall, 815 Allerton Ave., Bronx, NY. Event features: worship, prayer and the Word, dinner, dessert, midnight toast, New Year’s Eve party favors, and countdown to midnight.

Tickets: $40 couple; $25 individual; $10 child. RSVP by Dec. 20. Call Pastor Pura at (718) 863-2345.

JANUARY 19: PASTORS’ PRAYER SUMMIT (Through January 21) The Pastors’ Prayer Summit is held Mon., Jan. 19, 2 p.m.-Wed., Jan. 21, 2 p.m. at the Dolce Conference Center, 32 Weed Ave., Norwalk, CT. Features: guest speakers Dr. Bill Hybels, Dr. A.R. Bernard, Dr. Luis Palau, Dr. John Boyd, Bishop Robert Stearns, and others; a 24-hour prayer room; and worship times. Registration (depending on single/couple, meals, and lodging): $475$1,000. To register, contact Jaime Lynn Fusco, Concerts of Prayer Greater NY, at (718) 721-2626 or jfusco@copgny.org.

refreshments. Free-will offering received.

For more information, contact (201) 2658585 or oasis.apc@gmail.com.

FEBRUARY 27: TUSCARORA WOMEN'S RETREAT Tuscarora Inn & Conference Center, 3300 River Rd., Mt. Bethel, Pa hosts a Women’s Retreat, Feb. 27-March 1. The event features: guest speaker Lisa Whittle (www.lisawhittle.com); workshops; cooking demo; massage therapy sessions; and relaxing environment.

Registration (includes meals for Friday dinner through Sunday brunch and lodging): $133-$245 per person.

Visit www.tuscarora.org or call (800) 500-8872.

FEBRUARY 28: LISA BEVERE ‘GIRLS WITH SWORDS’ Realife Women of New Jersey hosts the conference, “Girls with Swords,” featuring guest speaker, Lisa Bevere, Feb. 28, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at Fountain of Life Center, 2035 Columbus Rd., Burlington, NJ. Registration: ($50; $30 individuals under 18; lunch included while seating is available) at www.njag.org/realife-women.

JANUARY 31:

MARCH 13:

FCA SUPER BOWL BREAKFAST The Fellowship of Christian Athletes of New Jersey hosts its 19th Annual Superbowl Breakfast, Sat., Jan. 31, 8:30 a.m., at Branches, 123 Monmouth Rd., West Long Branch, NJ. Event features: guest speaker Scott Galyon, former NFL linebacker for the NY Giants and Miami Dolphins, and former team captain for the University of Tennessee; all-youcan-eat buffet breakfast; and silent auction of sports memorabilia. Tickets: $35 (must be purchased in advance). For reservations, call FCA at (732) 219-5797.

COUPLES’ RETREAT (Through March 15) Tuscarora Inn & Conference Center, 3300 River Rd., Mt. Bethel, Pa hosts a Couples’ Retreat, March 13-15. Event features: guest speakers Pastor Pete and Patti Shambrook (www.orange.rockharbor.org), a pastor and therapist who help couples break the damaging cycle of emotional disconnection; worship; Saturday banquet; optional massage therapy; and plenty of time to relax.

For couples of all ages and stages of life.

Registration (includes meals from Friday evening through midday Sunday and lodging): $375-$476 per couple.

Visit www.tuscarora.org or call (800) 500-8872.

FEBRUARY 7: SINGLES VALENTINE’S DAY EVENT Oasis Singles hosts its Valentine’s event for hundreds of singles, Sat., Feb. 7, 69:30 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 for tickets) at The First Evangelical Free Church, 6501 Sixth Avenue in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY. Event features: a café atmosphere; a catered Italian dinner; guest speakers Joe and Cherri Freeman, missionaries with Grace Fellowship International, with a funny and touching message, “Love Broke Through”; musical guest Aaron Louie and worship; and dessert and fellowship. Admission: $15 at the door only. Volunteers for set-up, serving, and clean-up are welcomed. For directions, visit www.CompleteinChrist.com. Free parking available or take the R train to 69th Street and 4th Ave., Bay Ridge Ave. For additional information, call (718) 836-0029 or e-mail Cindy@ CompleteinChrist.com.

WOMENS LENTEN RETREAT Oasis: Faith, Fellowship, Life, the women’s ministry of Armenian Presbyterian Church, 140 Forest Ave., Paramus, NJ hosts its 7th annual Lenten Retreat for women, Sat., Feb. 7 (snow date: Feb. 21), 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (registration 8:30 a.m.). Features: guest speaker Lucinda Secrest McDowell (www.EncouragingWords.net), storyteller and author. Event includes: message, music, lunch, and

ONGOING EVENTS:

CROSSROADS TO RECOVERY Bayside Chapel, 965 West Bay Ave., Barnegat, NJ hosts Crossroads to Recovery, a biblically-based, 12-step program for addictions, every Friday night, 7:30 p.m. Call (609) 607-8323.

GATEKEEPERS’ GATHERING Metro Apostolic Network hosts a Gatekeepers’ Gathering every fourth Tuesday of the month. Held at Living Water Church, 119 Biltmore St., N. Arlington, NJ. Call (973) 338-6627, or visit www.MetroApostolicNetwork.com.

GEM’S GIRLS’ CLUB Little Falls United Methodist Church, 139 Main St., Little Falls, NJ hosts GEM’s Girls’ Club, two Friday evenings per month. For girls, grades K to 4th and their moms. Features: lessons, crafts, fellowship, field trips, fun activities, and an opportunity to earn badges for completing service and mission goals. Visit littlefallsumc.org or call (973) 256-0993.

GRIEF SHARE GROUP Second Cape May Baptist Church, Marmora, NJ hosts a non-denominational Grief Share group, Tuesdays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Grief Share is a international group that features nationally recognized experts on topics such as: “The Journey of Grief,” “The Effects of Grief,” “Your Family and Grief,” “Why,” and “Stuck in Grief.” Call Second Cape May Baptist Church at (609) 390-0681 or Jim or Dottie Schmidt at (609) 390-7771.

KOINONIA BIBLE FELLOWSHIP Koinonia Bible Fellowship, an interdenominational men’s ministry, is held Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., at Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims, Hillis Hall, 75 Hicks St., Brooklyn, NY. Contact Kirk D. Lyons, Sr. at info@koinoniabiblefellowship.com or visit www.koinoniabiblefellowship.com.

‘THE LION, THE WITCH, & THE WARDROBE’ St. Luke’s Theater, 308 W. 46th St., NYC presents the play "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," based on C.S. Lewis’ book, Saturdays, 11-11:45 a.m. Tickets: $35. Visit www.telecharge.com or www.narniaoffbroadway.com.

CALVARY TEMPLE LIFE GUIDANCE CENTER Calvary Temple’s Life Guidance Center, 1111 Preakness Ave., Wayne, NJ offers a variety of nurture groups: Anger Management--God’s Way, Biblical Health & Wellness, Divorce Care, Divorce Care for Kids, Grief Share, Healing for the Wounded Heart, Marriage Builders, Turning Point A & B (for those addicted and their families), and Men’s Pure Life Support Group.

E-mail ctagwayne@ctwnj.com, visit www.calvarytemplewayne.com, or call (973) 694-2938, ext. 252.

LIVING WATER HEALING CENTER Living Water Ministries and The Healing Center, 377 Livermore Ave. (off Victory Blvd.), Staten Island, NY present the following workshops: “The Confident Woman: A Time of Refreshing Prayer, the Word, and Fellowship,” Mondays, 10 a.m.; “Attacking Anxiety and Depression: Will Medicine Stop the Pain?” Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. Call (718) 876-5860 or visit www.livingwatermin.com.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY Celebrate Recovery, a rehab-type group program, is held every Tuesday, 7 p.m., at 451 Ringwood Ave., Wanaque, NJ. Open to all. Contact Rev. George Bambera at (862) 248-6036 or pastorcftv@msn.com.

MOPS IN HASBROUCK HEIGHTS MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) is held at Bible Baptist Church, 31 Passaic Ave., Hasbrouck Heights, NJ.Child care provided by reservation. Contact bbcmops@biblebaptist.net or (201) 288-4139.

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MOPS IN NORTH HALEDON MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) of North Haledon, NJ meets the first and third Wednesdays of each month at the 6th Reformed Church, North Haledon. Child care available. Cost: $5 per meeting. Call Carrie Johnson at (973) 423-2322.

Palmer Ave., Middletown, NJ hosts Steps, an ongoing, free group for men and women struggling with issues such as addiction, self-esteem, divorce, loneliness, anger, and more, Mondays, 7 p.m. Led by Mike Brevetti. Visit www.middletownassembly.org, or call (732) 495-8300.

PIONEER GIRLS Grace Community Church, 886 Franklin Ave., Franklin Lakes, NJ hosts Pioneer Girls, Fridays, 4 p.m. For girls in grades 2-6. Features: crafts, songs, and fun.

Call (201) 337-8088.

COFFEE HOUSES:

S.A.V.E. WOMEN’S GROUP Fountain Baptist Church and Wallace Chapel of Summit host the S.A.V.E. (Suffering And Violence Erased) women’s group, the third Monday of every month, 7 p.m., at the Wallace Chapel Community House, 142 Broad St., Summit, NJ. Contact Rev. Angelita Clifton or Sis. Beverly Delaney at (908) 273-1199.

STEPS Middletown Assembly of God, 628

CAFÉ ABLAZE Café Ablaze Christian Coffeehouse (www.resgc.org/pages/caféablaze) is held at 420 Stewart Ave. and Emmet Pl. near Clinton Rd., Garden City, NY. Features: live music and ministry; refreshments. Tickets: $10 for one; $15 for two. Free-will offering received for performers. Parking available. Contact Lori at (516) 739-1537 or cafeablaze@gmail.com.

THE CROSSROADS CAFE Bayside Chapel, 965 West Bay Ave., Barnegat, NJ hosts Crossroads Café.

Features: live music and refreshments.

For dates and times, Call (609) 6078323www, or visit BaysideChapel.org.

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Calvin’s January Series Offered At Cedar Hill Reformed Church

alvin College presents a series of thought-provoking and entertaining presentations in January. The January Series, held January 7-27, will be broadcast at sites around the country, including locally at Cedar Hill Christian Reformed Church in Wyckoff, NJ. The lectures will be video-streamed live at Cedar Hill Christian Reformed Church, located at 422 Cedar Hill Ave., from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. EST Monday through Friday. The lectures are free and open to the public.

The schedule is as follows: Wednesday, January 7, Bobette Buster, “Storytelling and the Arc of Transformation”; Thursday, January 8, William Hurlbut, “Chemicals to Consciousness: the Mystery of the Human Mind”; Friday, January 9, Bryan Stevenson, “Why Mass Incarceration Defines Us as a Society”; Monday, January 12, Craig Detweiler, “iGods: How Technology Shapes our Spiritual and Social Lives”; Tuesday, January 13, Tova Friedman, “Kinderlager:

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Reflections of a Child Holocaust Survivor”; Wednesday, January 14, Richard M. Daley, “CEO of the City”; Thursday, January 15, James Fishkin, “When the People Speak: Deliberate Democracy”; Friday, January 16, Roxana Saberi, “On the Streets of Tehran”; Monday, January 19, Alyce Claerbaut, “Jazz Great Billy Strayhorn: Beyond the Peaceful Side”; Tuesday, January 20, David Katz, “The Rational Un-fattening of America’s Families”; Wednesday, January 21, Elizabeth Dias, “Covering TIME”; Thursday, January 22, Adm. James Stavridis, “A Navy Admiral’s Thoughts on Global Security”; Friday, January 23, Larry Louters, “Discovering God’s Majesty in the Minuscule”; Monday, January 26, Paul Marshall, “The Global Assault on Christians”; Tuesday, January 27, Jerry Sittser, “Adversity and Spiritual Formation.”

For more information on the Calvin January Series, call Cedar Hill CRC at (201) 6524277 or visit www.calvin.edu/january.

College and Career Group Meets Weekly, Will Host Coffee House race Bible Church, 369 High Mountain Road, North Haledon, NJ hosts a weekly college and career group every Tuesday at 8 p.m. This weekly Bible study includes prayer, time in God's Word, and an "activity" (indoor soccer, volleyball,

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Applebees run, etc.). On Saturday, January 3, Grace will host a coffee house for college and career young adults, featuring live music by Rich Tienken and a message by Kirk DeBoer.

Contact Eric de Leeuwerk for more information at outreach@gracebiblenj.org.

Prospect Park Church Offers Before and After School Program nity Church, 339 North 11th Street, in Prospect Park, NJ is now offering a child care program during both before and after school times.

Before school care starts at 7 a.m. and after school care continues until 6 p.m. The program is open to children from kindergarten to 5th grade, and features: a licensed program and facility; program di-

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rection from a licensed educator; and individual drop-off and pick-up for children from school by a staff member. The after school program offers homework time with assistance, snacks, games, outdoor play area, weekly children’s choir, and crafts and movies on Fridays. For additional information on the program and enrollment fees, call (973) 595-5513.

82 E. Allendale Ave. Saddle River NJ 07453 (201) 259-2187

Pastor Anthony & Sister Pat Ventola