Session IV, Issue I
July 24, 2011
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ELLERSLIEPOST
Gaining a Burden for the Persecuted Church
Photo by Heleena Winter
By Gabriel Yeadon - Student
CULTIVATING THE SET-APART LIFE
Table of Contents Gaining a Burden for the Persecuted Church..................………….....… 1 Eyes for Others........................…. 3 Come Away................…...…......... 4 The Proof of Desire..…......…......... 5 Breaking Up Fallow Ground……… 6 Bravehearted Quote ..................... 7 God Stories............ ................…. 8 Greek Words..........................….. 9 Dust at His Feet..........………...… 9 Defining Moments of Existence ... 10 Silence ....................................... 11 Kiddo Korner .............................. 12 Ellerslie Picks ……………………. 12
June 19, 2011 Around 7:00 p.m. the students and staff of the Ellerslie School gathered in a dark and solemn building, lit only by the light of three candles on the floor. The night started out with Ben Zornes sharing with the students about the deep pains and burdens of the persecuted church in China, India, Nigeria, and North Korea. In the past five years, the persecution in China has been steadily escalating. The attacks on house churches have risen, and pastors are under constant threat of being put in prison for their faith (Voice of the Martyrs). As the night went on, God seemed to be coming down in a very special way. The burden of our brothers and sisters in bonds, suffering daily for the name of Christ, became so heavy upon our hearts that many cried out to God on their behalf. The amazing thing was that the prayer was not mainly for the freedom of our brothers and sisters, but that God would flow so powerfully through them that their persecutors would be won for the glory of Christ through the Christians’ testimonies. This is the heart and cry of our brothers and sisters in chains. Come with us as we
bring you a little closer to the reality of persecution in the world today: NORTH KOREA Religion: Non-Religious 64.31%, Traditional Ethnic 16.00%, Chondogyo 13.50%, Christian 1.69%. Ideology: One-man dictatorship; Communism Head of State: Chairman Kim Jong Il. North Korea is one of the most repressive and isolated regimes in the world. Government officials deny the country’s citizens even the most basic human rights. The country’s previous leader, Kim Il Sung, founded an ideology called Juche, which centers on the worship of the country’s leaders, making them some sort of deity. Governmentorganized religious activities exist solely to provide the illusion of religious freedom. The largest number of Christian worshipers in North Korea exists in concentration camps. Experts estimate that of the 200,000 people incarcerated in political prison camps, at least 40,000 are Christians. Many North Korean Christians have fled to China, where there are an estimated Continued on page 2
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ELLERSLIE POST July 24, 2011
200,000 to 300,000 North Koreans. The Chinese government offers a bounty for North Korean refugees equal to one year’s salary. When refugees are caught, they are returned to North Korea, where they face torture, imprisonment and often death. (Voice of the Martyrs) With the reality of what is happening in North Korea, the thought comes to mind—what if that were you or me? What would you do? What would you say to the prison guard who threw you in prison for your faith in Christ, sometimes holding your family for up to five generations? Would we be found faithful until the end? I am reminded of a song called More Love to Thee. This is the story behind it— The year was 1950. In the small village of Gok San, North Korea, a small group of Christians and their pastor (around 27) were brought before a crowd of 30,000 people to publicly denounce the name of Christ, or face execution for being Christians. When they were brought to trial, the commanding officer came up to Pastor Kim and commanded, “Deny Christ or you will all die!” But one by one they all refused, even the four young children who were there with their parents. Ruthlessly, the officer ordered that all four children were to be hanged in front of their parents. The order was carried out. Soon the temptation to relent and deny the name of Christ was offered again, but, overflowing with love for their Savior, how could they? Again they stood for the Name that meant so much to them. In utter frustration and bewilderment, the officer called out for them to be crushed with a large road packer. As the roar of the engine started up, a soft yet strong and solid song was heard over the din. And as they were being crushed by the sheer weight of the machine, these words flowed from the dying Christians’ lips—“More love, oh Christ, to Thee; more love to Thee. Thee alone I seek; more love to Thee. Let sorrow do its work; more love to Thee. Then shall my latest breath whisper thy praise. This be my parting cry my heart shall raise more love, oh Christ, to Thee. More love to Thee.” (Voice of the Martyrs) BURMA (Myanmar) Burma, with a population of about 56 million, occupies an area slightly smaller than Texas. Eightynine percent of the population is Buddhist, 4% Christian, and 7% follow other religions. Religious
persecution is common. There is little doubt that the acts against the Karen [people] in Burma are acts of genocide. A military official once stated, “By the year 2012 the only place you will see a Karen is in a picture in a museum; we are going to wipe them off the face of the earth.” To date, over 2 million Karen have fled the country; and over 600,000 have been killed. (Vision Beyond Borders) Despite the persecution, murder, and other atrocities that are going on, the Word of God is more powerful than anything that this world will throw at it. In the past few years, God has started a work that is reaching the poorest, most desperate people groups in Burma. The cry of His people has not gone unheard—the cry for help that has echoed for generations, that the Burmese people would have a Bible in their own language and that their brothers and sisters around the world would not forget them in prayer. God’s work is rapidly spreading throughout the country. It is estimated that forty percent of the two million Karens are devoted Christians. The constant love and forgiveness that flows out of the orphans and those who have lost everything is staggering. Our brothers and sisters in Burma, North Korea, and countless other countries have found something so grand and precious that no matter what Satan throws at them or how much they are wronged by their persecutors, they continue to echo the anthem of righteousness that was proclaimed two thousand years ago, that Jesus Christ has bought all and suffered for all, and that by His shed blood all may enter into that eternal life through Him! This is how our brothers and sisters are able to suffer so much and yet forgive so freely. It is not by their own strength or merit, or because they are imitating the life of Christ, but because Christ is living through them, pouring out His love, strength, and forgiveness. These facts and stories are not meant to discourage or depress you, but to challenge you to take an honest look at your life and ask the question, “What am I doing with the life that God has given to me? Is what am I doing furthering the Kingdom of God and bringing glory to Jesus Christ alone?” Are we willing to suffer alongside our brothers and sisters with the complete joy and forgiveness of Jesus Christ working in and through us? And thus, on that precious night in the Everitt Center at Ellerslie, a burden was born in our hearts. We saw the great difficulties that our persecuted brothers and sisters face every day and that God wanted us to share in that burden with them in prayer. So what will be our response? Will we continue to live our lives disconnected from the reality of what most Christians face every day, or will we stand and bear the Cross of Christ alongside them? Lord, give us the heart of a martyr-servant.
Bravehearted Quote:
“Never forget what Jesus did for you. Never take it lightly
what it cost Him. And never assume that if it cost Him His very life, that it won’t cost you yours.”
–Rich Mullins 2
By A Watchful Eye
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24) The women here at Ellerslie are continually serving, but Kaila goes beyond the normal duties of servitude. When Kaila notices dishes that need to be washed or things that need to be done, she jumps right in without ever being asked to help. Always encouraging people and lifting them up, she is continually pointing others to Christ. Kaila serves with a cheerful heart and a contagious smile that radiantly exudes Christ’s joy.
ELLERSLIE POST July 24, 2011
Eyes For Others
Kaila, we want to commend you for a selfless attitude and for displaying Christ and His joy through your humble actions. Thank you for being an example of a servant to us.
Kaila Lloyd Nimpanin, Saskatchewan, Canada Photo by Annie Wesche
“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1Timothy 4:12) While all the men pick up dishes, Jacob will literally go out of his way to assist the women as they carry dishes to the kitchen, and he will stay after his lunch shift to help put cups of water on the tables. His eyes are constantly looking for ways to help, and he always serves with excellence. Jacob often assists the ladies with their outdoor chores if they involve lifting and carrying, and he does so with a humble attitude, without looking for recognition. His good sense of humor makes others laugh, and he has given all the guys endearing nicknames. Thank you, Jacob, for showcasing Christ in your daily way of living and serving others. Press on!
Jacob Priest Ada, Oklahoma Photo by Annie Wesche
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ELLERSLIE POST July 24, 2011
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Come Away By Heleena Winter - Student
Come away with me… It is the gentle whisper of our King, tugging at our hearts. He asks us to withdraw from the day and spend time alone with Him. He beckons us to come. This is not just a dreary task that we must accomplish so we can get on with our lives. Instead, when we consider Who is asking for our time, it becomes a great joy and privilege. He is the Sovereign Ruler of the universe, Who was and is and is to come. He created all things and yet was not Himself created. He is the Rock of Ages and the Bread of Life. He is the Savior of our souls; Conqueror of the flesh; and the Almighty Holy God. This is the One who asks for our attention. He is all that matters. He is all that remains. And He wants time with each one of us. He wants us to know Him, rest in Him, trust in Him, love Him, and give our very lives to Him. Despite this, it isn’t something we are naturally inclined to do. Our flesh protests loudly, telling us it would be more relaxing to spend the evening in front of a movie or out with friends. We have too many tasks to complete and not enough hours to do them. We need more sleep. We have too many people depending on us. We can’t miss this activity. The justifications are endless. But for most, the true reason is, “I just don’t feel like it.” We’re tired so we don’t “feel” like praying. We’re distracted so we don’t “feel” like meditating on God’s word. We’re burdened so we don’t “feel” like raising our voices in worship. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my time here at Ellerslie, it is that the Christian life is not about how we feel. Our feelings will always lead us astray. We must not hunger after the fleeting things of this world, for they will only leave us hungry still. When we ignore the voice of the flesh and turn to our King, we find incredible fulfillment in Him that we never thought possible. When we make a habit of daily drinking of His streams, we find those things that once brought so much pleasure can no longer satisfy. All we want is Him. We can learn a lot from David, a man who knew the treasure of spending time alone with God. In Psalm 16:11, he writes, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence [is] fulness of joy; at Thy right hand [there are] pleasures for evermore.” Again, in Psalm 63, he says, “O God, thou [art] my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so [as] I have seen thee in the sanctuary… my soul followeth hard after thee…” David thirsted for God from the depths of his being. He knew how desperately his soul needed to be fed from the table of Heaven. He knew the pleasure found when one sits at the right hand of God. He looked at God and said, “I want You. I need You. I can’t live without You.” He found the fullness of joy in God’s presence. So, how do we grow to love and long for that time with God like David did? First, we have to ask God to do that work in us. We can’t just stir it up on our own. It is only by the power and grace of God that rebellious sinners would ever turn to Him. Also, although it may sound obvious, we just have to do it. If we keep turning away and feeding the flesh, we will kill the soul. We need Him first
and foremost in our lives. The more we spend time with God, the more we will treasure that time. When He asks us to come away, we have to remove distractions. One of the biggest temptations may be sleep. Don’t buy the lie that you can pray in bed, thinking, “Tonight will be the night I stay awake!” Trust me, you’ll fall asleep every time. We should jealously guard our sacred time with God and never let anything – especially not sleep – get in the way. We must do whatever it takes for Him to have our undivided attention, away from the buzz of text messages, the allure of the internet, and the diversion of our friends. It means going away to a solitary place where we can sit in peace and focus on God. Often, the best time of day is early in the morning, when it is quiet and we can be free from thinking about everything that has already happened that day. Once we find that secret place, we can turn to God in prayer. When we pray, we are entering a two-way conversation with the Lord of Hosts. It is a rich time of sharing a deep intimacy with Him. However, prayer is like a muscle which must be exercised. If we don’t make a practice of it, it becomes weak and half-hearted, often ending in heavy eyelids. We have to be consistent, building up spiritual strength and giving no room to the flesh. We also need God’s Word, often described as a stream of living water. We need God and His Word as desperately as we need water to survive. We have to come before Him, seek after Him, and know His promises. As we grow in our understanding of the Bible, we grow in discerning when God is speaking to us or when it is the voice of our flesh. As we learn more about who He is, our love for Him increases even more. Meditating on Truth is another way to enrich our relationship with God. Often, our minds are so crowded with thoughts of what we have to do that it’s hard to sit down and dwell on the grandeur of God. When coming before Him in prayer or preparing to spend time in His Word, it is helpful to first take time to think about Truth – to ponder who God is, what He is like, and what the Cross accomplished. Memorizing Scripture also helps posture our hearts towards Him. It is often overlooked, but having God’s Word hidden in our hearts is one of the most effective ways to fight against the enemy and encourage our souls, as well deepening our relationship with God. Journaling is also a good way of staying on track. It keeps our minds focused and causes us to think more deeply about what we have learned. Finally, we should worship God. When we spend time in His presence, adoration is the only appropriate response, praising Him in prayer or song for His greatness. He is worthy to receive honor and exultation, not just on Sunday mornings, but in every day of our lives. Let us join with David saying, “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.” (Psalm 98:4) Make a practice of spending time with Him and allow it to become your pure delight. Take heed of that gentle whisper: Come away… The King is calling.
By Cristina Driscoll - Student
Photo by Heleena Winter
A wise and mighty man of God once said, “The proof of desire is pursuit.” The more you want something, the more you’ll press after it. That’s a simple fact of life. If you really want a plant to grow, you’ll nurture it. If you really want a good grade, you’ll study hard. If you really want to learn a skill or improve your abilities, you’ll practice. If you really want to get in shape, you’ll work out and watch what you eat. Do you see all the “if-then’s”? Nine times out of ten, desire is an if-then equation. If you truly desire something, then you will pursue it. If you don’t pursue it, then more than likely you don’t deeply desire it. You can say you want something until you’re blue in the face, but if you don’t do anything about it, your words are empty and meaningless. What if a man said he loved a girl and then didn’t try to win her, woo her, and overcome the obstacles that stood in the way of their relationship? What if he only spoke with her now and then or only if he needed or wanted something in particular? What if he never listened to her? What if, to her near or complete exclusion, he spent valuable time on the computer, playing video games, talking on the phone, texting, reading, fussing with his wardrobe and appearance, sleeping, participating in ministry, hanging out with friends, studying, or doing some kind of hobby? What if he kept on getting distracted from her? What if he chased after and focused on other people? Would it be true that he really loved her, truly desired her? Probably not. His actions would show that he loved and desired himself and his agenda more than her. The proof of his desire for her would be his pursuit of her. All those other things would fall by the wayside and he would do all in his power to prevent them from coming between him and the pursuit of his beloved. The same is true when we say we desire God. How much do we truly want to know Him? How much do we sincerely long for more of the Holy Spirit of Christ? Are we pursuing Him? Are we seeking after Him with all our hearts? Are we building our lives around Him instead of just trying to fit Him in? Is He central or secondary? Is Jesus the aim of our lives or is something else? How do we spend our time, our money? Are we using our time, resources, and abilities to glorify and grow closer to Him and advance His kingdom or to gratify our fleshly wants
and invest in things, even good things, that won’t last? How much are we pouring into Him? Is there anything in our lives that we are not willing to give up to be better able to pursue God? Is there anything we’re pursuing above and more than Jesus Christ? The Lord said, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jer. 29:13 NASB) We say we want to know Him more, but are we seeking with all our heart? Are we “laying aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us” and running “with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith” (see Heb. 12:1-2 NASB)? Paul not only penned those words with his hand, he demonstrated them with his life, setting an example for us to follow. Once he beheld the risen and glorified Christ, he pursued Him as zealously as he had previously persecuted Him. Paul let nothing stand in the way. He laid down his position for the prestige of His King. He gave no thought to his reputation for the honor and exultation of Jesus. He traded worldly riches for the treasure of knowing Him more. He presented his body to be inhabited and filled by the Spirit, spent for the praise of his Lord and the building up of Christ’s body so that His excellence would be shown forth. He bowed his natural intellect to possess the mind of Christ to think His thoughts. He didn’t seek his own glory but the glory of Jesus. Paul didn’t strive to protect his own comfort because he wanted to know Jesus in the fellowship of His suffering and advance His kingdom no matter what the personal cost would be. He surrendered his will to know and do the will of his Lord. He put aside earthly pleasures and relationships to delight in and become intimate with the One his soul loved. He counted “all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus [his] Lord, for whom [he had] suffered the loss of all things, and count[ed] them but rubbish so that [he] may gain Christ, and may be found in Him….” (Phil. 3:8-9a NASB) Paul desired Him above all else and proved it by following hard after Him, His purposes, and His renown, saying, “Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:13b NASB) What about us? What are we proving that we desire? Is it really Jesus? Do we draw near to Him with our words and honor Him with lip service but have our hearts far from Him (see Isa. 29:13)? Like Paul, let’s make Christ our goal. May He be the Treasure that we search out, the Pearl of great price that we forsake everything to attain. He is our exceedingly great Reward, our inimitable Portion, and our consummate Prize. Is there anything greater than the surpassing value of knowing Him more? May our passionate pursuit of Him echo throughout the generations as a resounding, “No! Nothing compares,” and prove the unsurpassed worth of the matchless King we so deeply desire.
ELLERSLIE POST July 24, 2011
The Proof of Desire
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ELLERSLIE POST July 24, 2011
Breaking up the Fallow Ground By Philip Hartman - Student
In Jeremiah 4:3 the Lord commands the men of Judah and Jerusalem, “Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.” The fallow ground is a field which is unplowed and, as a result, rampant with weeds and thorns. Several times in Scripture the Lord says to break up the fallow ground. If the fallow ground remains unplowed it is unusable to the farmer. It actually becomes a hindrance because the thorns will begin to spread and choke out neighboring fields. The fallow ground signifies hearts which are harvesting the cares, riches, and pleasures of this life and thusly cannot bear fruit unto righteousness. These thorns must be removed from our lives. Because we are essentially serving them above God, they are idols and we are committing idolatry. Let’s follow the pattern set forth in Scripture and break up the fallow ground in our lives.
“And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.” (Luke 8:14)
Ellerslie is based off of the concept of cultivating a set - apart lifestyle. Being set apart includes the process of removing all idolatry from our lives. Ellerslie is a practice ground so that we may be strong to resist idolatry in our day to day lives. The definition for an idol in the Webster’s 1828 Dictionary is “any thing on which we set our affections; that to which we indulge an excessive and sinful attachment.” Idols are nothing more than a counterfeit for the true God that we were created to worship. If we are worshiping idols, we cannot worship and serve God at the same time. The seeds of righteousness will not co-exist with the thorns of idolatry. We must choose between the idols in our life and the Lord Jesus Christ.
“And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (1 Cor. 6:16)
In today’s culture there are boundless different idols that we may choose to serve. Anything placed at a higher priority than the Lord is an idol. I am going to point out several common idols in today’s society. Allow God to prick your soul where you have compromised or grown complacent. Ask Him to show forth anything in your life which is not after the pattern of the Kingdom of Heaven. If
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Photo by Ana-Maria Cirstea
we submit ourselves to His will, He will lead us in paths of righteousness and reveal to us the areas where thorns must be uprooted. Appetite - Our appetite is a wonderful part of our being and was created by God. However, when controlled by our fleshly lusts, it is pernicious to our soul. We must exalt the Lord above our appetite and give him the rule and control of it. How long are we willing to go without food if the Lord asks it of us? Are we willing to give up our delicacies and eat only what is necessary to keep us alive? Technology - Being a young man, I like technology. Technology in and of itself isn’t inherently evil, but many people have allowed it a place of rulership in their lives. All of us who use email know the pull of checking our inbox w h e n w e h e a r t h e “ y o u - re c e i v e d - m a i l ” s o u n d . Nevertheless, we must allow technology to become subservient to the leadership of Jesus Christ. Social Interactions – One of the key principles of the Church is fellowship. I love fellowship with believers and believe it to be a great thing. Notwithstanding, we must not esteem our fellow human beings above Jesus Christ.
Sleep – I know the attraction of sleeping in an extra hour or taking a long nap in the middle of the day. If we are truly bought with Jesus’ blood and have surrendered our lives to Him, though, we must not allow sleep to get in the way of His will or glory being manifested in and through us. Sleep was created by God and is a great thing, but let’s be vigilant over our souls to make sure that it doesn’t impede us from gaining more of God or hinder the accomplishment of His purposes. Athletics – The Human body was created for Gods pleasure and glory. It is evidenced throughout Scripture that the Lord instructs us to be good stewards of the bodies He has placed us in. However, we have taken what God meant for His glory and have stolen the glory for ourselves. Many times athletics and sports are focused on the glorification of man. Athletic activities often become time wasters as well. Let’s allow God to use our time for His will, purposes, and glorification. May we fully submit our bodies to the King of kings, withholding nothing.
American Dream – The American dream has become an idol in our culture today. We spend the majority of our time and resources chasing after wealth, happiness, and successful retirement. We must break out of this mold and seek the Lord first and foremost. The Lord is to be fervently sought after as our first priority; the American dream predominantly seeks to gain comfort first and to add God in as an afterthought. If we wish to gain authentic Christianity once more, we must forsake all and follow hard after Jesus Christ. Media – The average Christian spends far more time watching TV, playing video games, and listening to music than seeking the Lord. This is a shame to the name of Jesus Christ. We claim to be fully surrendered to Jesus Christ and yet we spend our lives which He purchased with His precious blood on frivolous and harmful activities. We must be careful not only to monitor what media we allow ourselves to intake but also the amount of media we intake. Even Christian music can quickly become an idol. Let us not be dependent on anything for our joy and pleasure aside from Jesus Christ.
ELLERSLIE POST July 24, 2011
Although we state that we care more about God than we do people, why is that we spend far more time serving humans than we do God? It is important that we do not allow social interactions to infringe upon our relationship with Him.
“Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.” (1 John 5:21)
Bravehearted Quote:
“
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Do not let y"r consci"sness of y"r unwo$hiness keep y"
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from believing what God has said concerning y". If y" are a believer in % Lord Jesus, &en &' preci"s p(vile) of being in pa$ner*ip
wi& % Fa&er and % Son ' y"rs.
– Geor) Muller
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ELLERSLIE POST July 24, 2011
God Stories By Caleb Baumgarm & Gabriel Yeadon - Students
J.J. Wong How did God lead you to Ellerslie? Back in January 2011, Mr. Ludy and Ben came to Indonesia to do a conference called Godly Dating. Apparently, Mr. Ludy is a good friend of my senior Pastor Indri Gautama, and I guess my worship Pastor Erlyn Widjaja got a hold of Mr. Ludy's book When God Writes Your Love Story in a secular bookstore in Indonesia. After she read it, she leased it out to her other pastor friends.] Pastor Indri invited Mr. Ludy to come to Indonesia to give the conference on godly dating, because we have a lot of single men and women in our church. So I went to the meetings, and I liked it, so I went onto the website and decided to come, with the support of my mom. What are you desiring for God to do in your life these nine weeks? by Annie Wesche To be honest, I am not the most ladylike person—I'm not dainty at all— I want to have the Photo right attitude, the right character. I want to be shaped and humbled so that I can be the real godly woman, to be that woman of steel and honor. I want to be taught through the teachings and also by a season alone with God. I cannot contact my friends and I am secluded — this is one small town, but I think that it's good for me to take a season in my life and spend it with God alone. What is your testimony in a nutshell? My mom came to God first before my dad; he came through later, and my parents really started getting serious about God and going to church. I just tagged along, and it was not like I knew anything, all I knew was all these Bible stories that I liked, — David and Goliath, Jesus and the twelve disciples, and so on. My mom became more serious about the Lord with the help of Pastor Indri. In 1999, right before the New Year on December 31, my mom and I were attending a conference that Pastor Indri was having in Java, Indonesia, and she asked a question — “Do you know that when you die whether you going to go to heaven or hell?” She said that she knows the ticket to heaven, which is through Jesus Christ, because He is the only way! She said one thing that broke my heart, “No matter how much you hate Him, no matter much you hurt Him, He will always love you.” He came and died for me and rose again that I might live, and in 2000 I gave my heart and life over to Jesus Christ and He lives in me to this day.
David Ingram How did God lead you to Ellerslie? Originally through Eric’s book, God’s Gift to Women; from there I just followed him on the website. In the end it came down to me realizing that there was more to Christianity than what I was seeing. What Eric was preaching was truth. Jesus was missing and I just didn’t know how to get to Him. What are some of the things God has done in you so far here at Ellerslie and what do you hope to continue to get out of your time here? The biggest thing He has done in me is shown me that I can’t and He can; the emptying of myself and being obedient to His every word. For the rest of the nine weeks I just want to fall more in love with my Savior and to know more about Him. What is your testimony in a nutshell? Photo by Annie Wesche I grew up in a Christian home, and was raised in the Word of God, but I just never believed it. I was more of the rebel child in the family who turned from God. I didn’t really care about God things and cared more about myself. After I graduated from high school, God started to get a hold of my heart. He really grabbed me when I went to Rwanda, Africa last summer. I saw the street children and the poverty there, and I knew then, there was more to Christianity than what I was being taught. Now He has led me here.
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Uncovering the True Meaning of Misunderstood Biblical Words By Philip Hartman and David Ingram - Students
Shâbar (shaw-bar): to scrutinize, by implication of watching, to expect with hope and patience “And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well, and to the dung port, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire.” (Nehemiah 2:13) This word is used eight times throughout the Old Testament, two of these being found in Nehemiah. In this context, the Hebrew word shâbar has been reduced in the English language to “viewed.” Nehemiah was not merely viewing the wall but looking upon it with a patient expectation of what the Lord was going to accomplish. The city of God, His very dwelling place, is supposed to have a wall about it that it might be closed to attack. The wall in the book of Nehemiah is symbolic of the wall of fortification which we are to put up around our souls (ironically, the very dwelling place of
The Dust of His Feet
God) that we might resist the enemy. When we behold the breaches in the wall of our soul we are not merely to observe them as an onlooker, but we are to view them with an expectation that they will be built up by the strength of Zerubbabel, who is a depiction of Jesus Christ. This verse is also found in Psalm 119. In this circumstance, the word is translated as “hoped”. “LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.” (Psalm 119:166) David is not simply hoping for the salvation of the Lord but is patiently watching with expectation for the coming of the Lord’s salvation—Jesus Christ. Not only was David to watch for the Messiah, but he was also responsible to scrutinize Him against the Scriptures that He might be proved the true Messiah. May we faithfully “shâbar” the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and the accomplishment of His work on earth.
ELLERSLIE POST July 24, 2011
Aletheia (al-ay-thi-a)
Photo by Corrie Ladd
By Morgan Springer - Student
I love a good storm: lighting streaking across a midnight sky, thunder rolling like an impending stampede, rain striking the ground resembling tiny grenades. There is something exhilarating about watching a powerful storm and, I cannot ignore the chills that an intense storm sends up my spine. The first half of Psalm 18 can intimidate me because God is likened to this terrifying storm as He comes to David’s rescue. If God’s “pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies,” (See Psa. 18:11) then how does one find comfort in Him? Clouds and darkness represent two different concepts in Scripture. The idea of darkness is one that we are most familiar with. Darkness is the kingdom which we are being called out of as Christians. Aspects of this kingdom include gloom, misery, sorrow, and wickedness. As the children of light, we do not participate in this kingdom. The enemy sends darkness, which brings confusion, fear and destruction. Yet, God promises to “bring to light the hidden things of darkness” (See 1 Cor. 4:5), and as His people we have been called “out of darkness into His marvelous light” (See 1 Peter 2:9). Despite the dark nature of these clouds, we should not fear them for His light has triumphed over them.
Clouds, however, are not always of a bad nature; in fact, the Word uses them frequently in connection with God’s glory and presence. Remember that God met with Moses on Mt. Sinai in the form of a cloud (See Ex. 19:9). The Lord guided the Israelites with a pillar of fire by night, and a pillar of a cloud by day (See Ex. 13:21). They knew that God had filled His tabernacle when they could see a cloud covering it, evidencing the glory of the Lord (See Num. 16:42). Because love is a principal part of God’s nature, we often assume that God visits us only in the form of rainbows and ponies, while in actuality, “the LORD hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet” (See Nahum 1:3). The storms from the Lord yield growth and new life, despite their dark countenance. When storm clouds gather and the air has that static feel, before I allow a single chill up my spine, I always to stop and remember that I enjoy full confidence in the Lord and storms are exciting. If the storm is of darkness, then His light will prevail and I am on the Victor’s side. But if the clouds are of the Lord, then I can bet His glory and my growth are on the other side and that the clouds are just the dust of His feet.
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ELLERSLIE POST July 24, 2011
Defining Moments of Existence Chapter Two: To Trust By Tiffany Gingerich - Student
Photo by Corrie Ladd
She was twelve years old. They were young and innocent, anticipating an evening of fun. It was six o’clock, time for the party to begin. Excited girls began to arrive as the three sisters welcomed them. After a delicious snack and various activities, they decided it was dark enough to swim. The evening was cool, the stars were bright and after several games of Marco Polo and lots of splashing, they decided it was time for some music on the deck. Now, these were the days of bulky stereos and all things plugged in. Middle sister went to gather a cord for this need. In the darkness, she walked to the place where the pool filter was connected, knowing there would be a cord nearby. She reached down and grabbed the nearest one, “ZZZINNGGG!” Her body fell to the ground as her fingers wrapped tightly around the bare cord. “Unplug the cord!” She yelled frantically, “Unplug it!” But her sisters were unsure where the source of power was located. Helpless and terrified, they ran frantically back and forth. “God, HELP me!” the desperation caused her to cry out, even as a voice in her head whispered, “There’s power in the Name. Call out to Him.” Fear stepped boldly forward, “Don’t do it. You’ll look ridiculous. Who said He can even help you, anyway?” “But I have no other options!” Her heart cried. The words rolled off her lips, as with each passing second powerful volts of electricity coursed through her arm, “JESUS! HELP ME!” Immediately, the shocking ceased, her fingers loosened their death grip, and strength returned to her body. She picked herself off the ground and walked shakily up the hill. The girls surrounded her as she ran to the house.
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“Mom!” her voice carried up the stairs as her parents sleepily appeared around the corner, “You’ll never guess what happened!” “Yes? Why don’t you calm down and tell me,” her mother spoke. “I just got shocked. It was horrible! And I said ‘Jesus, help me.’ Then, the shocking stopped and I walked away,” The words tumbled out as the excited girls all shared their side of the story, “And see, here on my hand. Those two black burn marks are where it shocked me.” The exclamations continued for another half hour before the little party finally quieted down with hearts full of amazement. Years later, the girl recalls that eventful July evening and realizes the spiritual truths tucked inside its storyline. In much the same way that sin entangles and destroys, the electricity coursed through the girl’s veins, throwing her to the ground and rendering her completely helpless. As she lay paralyzed, the still, small voice was speaking to her. She realizes how easy it would have been to laugh off the thought as simply another crazy notion, or how totally un-profound it may have sounded when she cried out in that Name. In keeping with the pattern of the Accuser, all Hell broke loose as she stood on the brink of decision. The fiery darts carried this message, “Don’t do it! It’s a ridiculous notion, besides, there are no guarantees. How can you know this will actually work? The whole belief thing might just be a hoax and you’d end up looking very stupid. Don’t do it!” Ironically, the realities of those lies descend daily upon our souls. How often we dabble in the questions, wavering in unbelief! We are tossed with the winds; our souls are overwhelmed with the fears. We find ourselves utterly inadequate to fight even one battle victoriously. Yet, the solution is so simple, the Voice so sure, “Trust Me.” Just as the girl placed her complete confidence in that one word, we too must place our full weight upon the Almighty’s strong right arm. He is faithful, and He is true. Today, whenever the girl glances at those two small scars on her right palm, her eyes are pointed upward. And she smiles because she knows the One who is worthy of her complete trust. His name is Jesus. “By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead... , neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:10b, 12)
Silence By Marlene de Vente - Advanced Student
The LORD is in His holy temple, Let all the earth bow in silence. The LORD judges from the heavens, Let all the earth fear in silence. Idols have mouths, yet they do not speak, They answer their worshipers in silence. But You are my God; oh, give ear to my pleas! Do not answer Your servant in silence.
ELLERSLIE POST July 24, 2011
ADVANCED PAGE
From You comes my salvation, For You alone my soul waits in silence. I have set watchmen upon my walls, I will give You no rest in silence. Grant not the desires of the wicked, LORD, End their screams in silence. Destroy the adversaries of my soul, Let their mouths be stopped in silence. Then He calmed the storms, And my heart was at peace in silence. “I am the LORD of hosts”, He said. “Know that I am God” in silence. Oh, if the LORD had not been my help, my soul would soon have dwelt in silence. But now I will give thanks to Him forever! May my soul sing praise, and be found never in silence!
Photo by Ana-Maria Cirstea
“Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.”
- Psalm 107:30 11
ELLERSLIE POST July 24, 2011
Q: What is faith? A: Chloe, 7: Ren, 3: Loe, 7: Annalia, 9: Caleb, 7:
"Believing and trusting in the Lord." "God" "Trusting in God." "God and Jesus" "Trusting."
Q: Why is faith important? A: Ren, 3: "Because Jesus said to trust Him" Loe, 7: "So we can obey God." Annalia, 9: "He loves us." Caleb, 7: "’Cause God does it."
By Melinda Kruger - Student
Q: What is the greatest thing faith does? A: Ren, 3: "We worship God." Loe, 7: "We get to be saved—friends and family. How he made us and the entire world." Caleb, 7: "I don't know."
Ellerslie Picks
Photo by Kayla Priest
The Indwelling Life of Christ - Major Ian Thomas “This book revealed my need to encounter the risen Christ who shares His Life with us so He may accomplish what He began two thousand years ago. Christianity is Christ! You will discover what that means when you read this book.” – Corrie, Ellerslie Student The Great Divorce - C.S. Lewis “The Great Divorce showcases, through various people’s lives, the excuses we as humans make to keep “the old man” alive and on the throne. The reality is, our best just isn’t good enough. Throughout the book, different “ghosts” give excuse after excuse as to why they should not make the journey to the Fountain of Life. May it never be said of us! After reading and meditating on this great work,confidently say that there is no situation, excuse, or circumstance that can keep me from the ever - flowing fountain of our King.” – Kaylee, Ellerslie Student Head Writer Tiffany Gingerich
Head Editor Diana Arvizu
Lead Writers Caleb Baumgarm Mariah Fowler Philip Hartman David Ingram Rebecca Kinabrew Austin Middleton Morgan Springer Heleena Winter Gabriel Yeadon
Editors Cristina Driscoll Maria Alejandra Pinilla Philip Hartman Sara Dutton Maria Fehr
Contributers Cristina Driscoll Marline de Vente
Photography Ana-Maria Cirstea Corrie Ladd Rebecca Kinabrew Christina Driscoll Kayla Preist Heleena Winter
Design & Layout Daritza Alvarez Kate Hudson Daniel Rangel
www.ellerslie.com Want to submit a comment or article? E-mail Ben Zornes at ben@ellerslie.com Unless otherwise noted, all quoted scripture is from the King James Version.