Reclaim | Fall 2015

RECLAIM F R O M T H E N E I G H B O R H O O D T O T H E N AT I O N S

FALL 2015

MARRIED TO MISSIONS Three couples, two continents, one chance for every person.

SLEEPING GIANTS

Awakening a movement of men.

FIGHTING HUNGER Where you live shouldn’t decide if you live.

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RECLAIM FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD TO THE NATIONS SENIOR PASTORS | Wendell & Lynda Vinson EDITOR | Jenifer Watts ASSISTANT EDITOR | Elexa Henderson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Katie Blodgett, David Donaldson, Elexa Henderson, Evan Henderson, Allison Petrissans, Jon Slagle, Brooke Vinson, Wendell Vinson, Jenifer Watts CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Shannon Castro, Mary Davis, Elexa Henderson, Evan Henderson, Randy Loveall, Heidi Parra, Lisa Rountree, Jean-Luc Slagle, Jon Slagle PUBLISHED BY Canyon Hills Assembly of God 7001 Auburn Street Bakersfield, CA 93306 canyonhills.com QUESTIONS/COMMENTS/IDEAS Write to us at reclaim@canyonhills.com CAMPUSES

Canyon Hills Assembly of God 7001 Auburn Street Bakersfield, CA 93306 Riverview Assembly of God 315 May Street Bakersfield, CA 93308 New Life Assembly of God 25 Arden Avenue Wofford Heights, CA 93285 COMING SOON Canyon Hills at City Center 3201 F Street Bakersfield CA 93301

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IN THIS ISSUE 5|

RUTHLESSLY ELIMINATE HURRY

8| 10 |

MARRIED TO MISSIONS

MISSION ONE ELEVEN UPDATE

12 | 15 | 17 |

SLEEPING GIANTS

THE MISSION AT HOME

EVERY NUMBER HAS A NAME

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FIGHTING HUNGER

22 |

LOVE THAT HEALS

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WELCOME HOME

Canyon Hills Assembly of God exists to inspire and equip people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

We accomplish our purpose as we grow together in INTIMACY with God, in COMMUNITY with other believers, and in INFLUENCE in our world.

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Be still, and know that I am God . . .

Psalm 46:10

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RUTHLESSLY ELIMINATE HURRY

by Wendell Vinson, Pastor Reclaim peace and joy!

My favorite season of the year is the fall. I’m always ready for cooler weather after a long, hot summer and really love it when the color of the landscape begins to change. In our neighborhood, there are some magnificent trees that make for inspiring morning or evening walks.

The thing I love most about fall, though, is how our pace and focus seems to adjust from running so very fast to fit all the activity of summer in to a more reflective pace where we turn our hearts more intently toward thankfulness to the Lord of the harvest. You see, hurry is a robber. It robs you of peace and it robs you of perspective. But when you slow down, have deeper conversations with those you love and reflect and meditate more on the goodness of the Lord in your life, it renews your soul.

It’s funny how we sometimes feel like we’re getting more done when we’re hurried, but in reality we’re not. We’ve become masters at multi-tasking, but I’m convinced it’s often at the expense of true progress. I see all kinds of people running like crazy, but actually accomplishing little. The thing about slowing down the pace and being more intentional about prayer, reflection and thankfulness is you hear more clearly God’s voice. Hearing God’s voice and getting into His pace puts us in a place to experience the supernatural. God is able to cause more to happen supernaturally in a moment than we are able to in weeks, months or even years of striving on our own.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m a firm believer in hard work.

I dislike very much when there is a lack of progress in my life or those I lead. But I’m advocating here for that which brings true supernatural progress.

The fall is going to be as spectacular in the spiritual realm as the beauty we will enjoy with the change of seasons. God is doing some amazing things in and through His people as we reclaim neighborhoods and nations for His glory. But my admonition to you, as your pastor, is that you intentionally turn your heart and mind toward entering into the supernatural timing of God by getting rid of the hurry, slowing your pace in prayer and reflection and turning your attention toward all that you have to be thankful for. It will bring fresh joy and meaning into your life. I promise!

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whetever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:15-17 This fall we are excited to see what God is going to do through His church as we follow His lead in reclaiming neighborhoods and nations for His glory!

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STAND STRONG with Nick Vujicic

LOVE WORTH FIGHTING FOR with Kirk Cameron

“My trip to Haiti was truly a life-changing experience.

The people of Haiti are so generous and loving! I can’t wait to go back.”

Haiti Missions Team 2015

Baptisms & Burgers at Riverview

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- Lindsay Book, Haiti Team 2015

Haiti Team 2015 Lindsay Book

VBS at Riverview

Who I Wanna Be Kids Crusade at Fort Faith

Kids Summer Camp

Middle School Summer Camp

“The children come to Riverview for many reasons, but I know that when they are here they are safe and learn so much. They receive so much more than a Bible lesson.�

- Shannon Castro, Riverview VBS Director

Love Lamont Outreach

High School Summer Camp

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MARRIED TO MISSIONS

by Katie Blodgett and Elexa Henderson The honeymoon. Buying the first house. Thinking about starting a family. Working eight to five. Taking the occasional vacation together. In today’s American culture, this list of to-do’s is pretty normal for couples in their first year of marriage. But moving to a foreign country, setting all the norms aside, and risking their lives for the sake of sharing the Gospel with those who have never heard it before? Definitely atypical for newlyweds.

The Petrissans, The Thorntons, and the soon-to-be Sartorises are setting a trend for young adults at Canyon Hills: saying yes not only to each other, but to missions as well. For these three young couples, overseas missions is a lifestyle, and one they are determined to live.

For Matthew Petrissans, it began in 2011 when he first heard about unreached people groups (people who have never heard the Gospel before). Soon after, he joined Mission One Eleven on a 6-week trip and knew that he had found his calling. While the couple originally met through the young adults ministry at Canyon Hills, Allison and Matthew started spending time together when she was at college in La Mirada, CA, and he was in a nearby city starting a Mission One Eleven training

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center. During this time, their combined passion for missions and for each other grew. During Allison’s own trip with Mission One Eleven to Indonesia, she felt that her “heart had collided with God’s heart”. Allison relates, “I have heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ virtually every day for the past twenty-two years.

Knowing that there are approximately 2.7 billion people who have never had one opportunity to hear of this same Good News that has changed my life caused me to wonder how I could play a part in bringing it to unreached places.” Now, hearts united, Matthew and Allison find that the best part about doing missions together is that they are able to live out the main purpose of their marriage: serving Christ together.

Along with their leadership with Mission One Eleven, the Petrissans are currently in pursuit of obtaining their credentials to be fully licensed missionaries. On August 24th, the couple departed for more work in Indonesia. Their current three-month trip entails further establishing relationships with Indonesian nationals, surveying different tribes, and preparing for the Thorntons and the rest of the Mission One Eleven team to meet them there in early November.

While passionate and adventurous, these young couples do not deny the obstacles they may encounter and the sacrifices they may be called to make while on the field. Spencer Thornton shares, “During my time in training I had to ‘count the cost’, and I came to the conclusion that even if something happened to Tyler, I would still continue on the work that the Lord has called us to.” Tyler says it well that, “We have come to the realization that the Gospel has everything to do with you and nothing to do with you at the same time. True love doesn’t seek its own, but it seeks and saves the lost.”

The Thorntons, believing that Jesus will make His triumphant return soon, know that laying everything down and picking up the task of reaching the unreached, is worth it all. “I think the best part about it all is that we build these friendships with people that don’t even speak our language and we might never see again while we’re on earth, but we will get to see them again in heaven. There’s no words to describe the satisfaction that gives us,” Tyler shares.

In order to become better equipped for their task and eventually go full-time on the mission field, Tyler plans on going to helicopter pilot and mechanic school in order to work with the organization Helimission and also AG World Missions. Spencer Thornton plans to earn a degree in religion with a minor in Christian ministry.

Like Matthew and Allison and Tyler and Spencer, Nick and Jacqueline met in Upper Room at Canyon Hills. Now the USA directors for Joshua Campaign International, an organization that focuses on hosting Gospel Festivals all around the world, Nick and Jacqueline heard the call of God to go before they even met.

“Moments before meeting Nick, I was crying at the altar telling God that I would go to the ends of the earth. My mind was not thinking about getting married….”, says Jacqueline. “I went to Ethiopia with Mission One Eleven, and then pursued Bible College, while Nick pursued full-time missions. We went in different directions for over two years.”

Nick grew up in the small town of Ayer, MA. He eventually became a firefighter and landscaper but felt God tugging on his heart after he accepted Him as his Savior. At age 23, he came to California and met Karl Hargestam, the leader of Mission One Eleven at the time. After going to Ethiopia and seeing the lame walk; the blind healed; and many come to know Christ, Nick was forever changed and committed his life to missions. While doing what they knew they were both called to do, Nick and Jacqueline met, and will be united in marriage this September for the Lord’s purpose.

Matt and Allison Petrissans will spend August through November in Indonesia making inroads for the team that will arrive in November.

Tyler and Spencer Thornton will lead the Mission One Eleven team this fall and will spend a month and a half embedded in a tribe in Indonesia.

Jacqueline shares that she can remember being a child and listening to different missionaries speak and share what God was doing around the world. “I never thought that I could be used in that way.

When I joined Mission One Eleven, my life changed…. The day I accepted the call on my life, I decided that I would not look back in 20 years and say, ‘I didn’t go to Africa because of money or because it’s scary…etc.’”

Nick says, “I am no different than you. God can use anybody who is willing. We are ordinary people who simply said yes…. A life following after Christ will have its ups and downs, but it will always be worth it. Jesus is always worth it.”

Nick Sartoris and Jacqueline Dickson will be married in September 2015. They plan to return to Ethiopia in October.

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MISSION ONE ELEVEN

by Allison Petrissans and Jon Slagle New Training Centers Opening It’s an exciting time at Canyon Hills and for Mission One Eleven. Canyon

Hills opened the first Mission One Eleven training center in 2011 with the assignment of reaching unreached people groups and taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth. This model has been so successful that in 2013, we launched new training centers at Covina Assembly of God, one of our sister churches in the Los Angeles area, and another in Vastearas, Sweden. We are so excited to announce the opening of two additional training centers in Brampton, Canada and Brentwood, California this fall. Mission One Eleven gives tremendous opportunity for a new generation of laborers to rise up and reach people groups who have never had one chance to hear the Gospel.

Expanding Our Borders This year, opportunities were presented to us to train leaders in other countries with

our unique method of story-telling as a way of sharing the Gospel. These leaders then become evangelists, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ, right in their own country. Some of these countries would be nearly impossible to penetrate with a large team of American missionaries, but local Christians are begging for resources to be able to minister within their own borders. It is amazing to see God at work in these hard-to-reach places.

MISSION ONE ELEVEN: MADAGASC AR

Michele Turner is teaching local Christians the chronological story-telling method for sharing the Bible. One of the men in class thanked Michele for teaching the Gospel in a way he could understand and said the teachings would stay in his heart forever.

M I S S I O N O N E E L E V E N : PA K I S TA N

Marcus Johnsen came to Canyon Hills as an MOE student last year. Now, he teaches a group of Christians in Pakistan via Skype. As soon as the lessons are finished, they take the Gospel into the mountains of Pakistan. Please remember these brothers and sisters in prayer. Sharing the Gospel puts them at tremendous risk for persecution.

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SLEEPING GIANTS

by Brooke Vinson

What comes to mind when you hear the word, “missions” or “unreached people groups”?

Tents?

Tribes?

Exotic countries?

Bugs?

Crusades?

What about men?

“Men have become one of our largest neglected people groups,” says Jeff Whitehurst, director of Men’s Ministries at Canyon Hills.

They call it the “men problem”. It has been well researched and documented by sociologists, psychologists and statisticians. This phenomenon has resulted in a cultural crisis, leaving policy makers and leaders stumped.

“Divorce courts are at capacity. Social services are overwhelmed. And instead of addressing the root problem, our society continues to invest in treating the symptoms – teenage pregnancy centers, substance abuse programs, counseling programs, homes for battered women, more jail space, and metal detectors for schools,” Jeff continues.

Some people would say this is a father problem; absent or harmful father figures neglecting their role. Yet even deeper than the father problem lays the bedrock issue of identity.

In every age group of men, there is an ominous unknowing of who they are and what their purpose is. Because, who has time to answer such weighty questions? The rat race is running at full speed. If men aren’t caught up in the statistics they are instead caught up in exhaustion, stress, depression and burnout. And Christian men aren’t immune. The result is unexamined lives that are unaligned with Biblical truth.

Even young men, like Jeff’s friend Sam, are fighting to find their identity.

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After briefly attending college, Sam joined the military and served for 5 years. Sam is now working in his first civilian job. Coming from a home where his mother struggled to provide emotionally, economically and spiritually, Sam really never had a male role model who could show him what it means to be a man.

“So here he sits, in his mid-twenties, wondering what a man really is and how to become one. You might be thinking, ‘What’s so remarkable about that?’ The remarkable thing is that his story is not remarkable at all. We’ve created a culture where what should have been the exception, (young men drifting through life without mentors, training, or direction) has instead become the norm,” Jeff shares.

Now, more than ever, there is a desperate need for men to raise up other men in godly character and conviction. There is no substitute for men in the spheres of the church, family, and society. God has given men a distinct and irreplaceable role that if left void, can ail an entire nation.

Canyon Hills Men’s Ministry is taking a bold step in confronting this universally felt need. In early May, the conversation of how to respond to this problem began. Bill Duncan, a head usher and core member of the church, led a team of men in the process of researching and developing a men’s discipleship and mentoring initiative. This was not something that the team took lightly.

As part of their preparation, these men read the Navy Seals Mentoring Handbook. Yeah, they did their homework.

After months of planning and training men, September will mark the launch of this powerful discipleship initiative. This is not one of those, onehour-coffee-date-share-your-feelings-type of commitments. The purpose is to create disciples; real, honest, strong, loyal, transformational disciples.

Disciple making takes time, courage, resilience, and commitment. And this is a commitment that men of great faith like Jeff, Bill, and so many others have resolved to see through. These men of action are multipliers and influencers. They are reaching an overlooked and underestimated segment of our society. Our city and our nation is filled with sleeping giants; men who have a divine destiny in waiting. And though politicians and social services may be at their wits end, the Church is rising, armed, and ready to wake some giants.

MAN CAMP: FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11-12 AT FRAZIER WOODS CONFERENCE CENTER Guest Speaker: Doug Green, Pastor of North Hills Church To register, click here or call Jeff at 661-871-1150 or email jeff@canyonhills.com MEN’S BIBLE STUDY: EVERY THURSDAY AT 6:00 AM & 7:00 PM AT SUMMIT COFFEE What do great men of God have in common? An encounter with God that changed their lives forever. Join us this fall as we study the book of Romans in our series, New Normal.

When you have your own encounter with God and receive new revelation, you’ll experience new thinking, a new way of living . . . a new normal.

MEN’S MENTORING KICK OFF Our new Men’s Mentoring program kicks off this year at Man Camp. If you are interested in learning more about Men’s Mentoring, call Bill Duncan or Jeff Whitehurst at 661-871-1150 or email jeff@canyonhills.com

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THE MISSION AT HOME

by Evan Henderson

As the body of Christ, we are called to live as Christ lived. To love as Christ loved - unconditional and without expectation. We are called to be missionsminded wherever we go, whenever we are called, and to whomever is in front of us. Mission at Home’s vision is to achieve this through sharing the Gospel in our own backyard.

The vision for Mission at Home was given to Louie Wright during the Fall of 2013 while on a trip with Mission One Eleven to Ethiopia. During his twelve-week missions training and expedition sharing the Gospel with the Kwego tribe, Louie’s heart began to break for his own city more than ever before. Louie spent hours on the bank of the Omo River with a pen and paper writing down strategies the Lord was showing him. Those strategies would be for something called Mission at Home. Louie shared the Gospel with unreached people groups across the world, but his heart broke for Bakersfield.

Immediately upon his return home, he formed a weekend outreach team called Church Under the Bridge, visiting homeless camps throughout the riverbeds and under major overpasses in Bakersfield. Louie’s goal was simple: go where the hurting are and be the love of Jesus. Every weekend, his family and team (whether 1 or 20) met in the Arby’s parking lot, next to Highway 99, prayed over the day, purchased food, and met the needs of whomever they encountered. From providing a dollar cheeseburger to offering a new tarp to replace a busted shelter, Church Under the Bridge met the need as best as they were able. But most importantly, they never left an area without sharing the love and hope of Christ. Each area and every person they came in contact with was covered in prayer. Relationships were built, and hope began to spread throughout pockets of our city most never even knew existed. Louie and his team discovered that unreached people groups were not just thousands of miles away, but also right in his own city. Louie answered the call on his life, and God began to put people in his path that shared his same heart, passion, and commitment in seeing transformation take place. Today, those areas are not only still visited, but now, bus routes have been established to pick up those who want to attend the Celebration Service hosted by Louie, his wife Jarris, and the entire Mission at Home team.

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The opportunity to shower and recieve a clean change of clothes is one of the things most looked forward to by those who attend the Mission at Home Celebration Service.

In 2014, Louie and his wife Jarris founded Mission at Home, and they have never been more passionate about bringing hope back to Bakersfield. They have partnered with the Golden Empire Gleaners, Flood Ministries and countless volunteers from Canyon Hills and our community to serve our city once a month on the Golden Empire Gleaners property. Starting at 1:30pm, Mission at Home sends out a bus to designated areas that have been invited prior to the event to be picked up for the Celebration Service at the Golden Empire Gleaners. Once guests arrive, they have the option to choose clothing they may be in need of. Clean showers are available for those who would like to use them. From 3pm to 5pm, guests are offered food, prayer and an inspiring worship service with a presentation of the Gospel. In addition, community resources such as housing opportunities and other programs are offered throughout the day. Mission at Home loves without limits.

But the success of the Every 3rd Saturday Celebration Service is only by the commitment to our city and through building lasting relationships with those in it by meeting needs and infusing the hope of Jesus everywhere.

Mission at Home meets people where they are and establishes lasting relationships.

They are unafraid of broken people and choose instead to infuse them with the love and hope that can only come from Jesus Christ. This hope does not judge, does not pity, and does not ignore.

Ericka Moore and Ruthie Barber are among volunteers who prepared and served a delicious hot lunch at a recent gathering.

Mission at Home is you and anyone who is passionate to see our city changed by the love of Christ. Whether today is your first time on one of our campuses or you have been coming for decades, Mission at Home welcomes anyone who is willing to accept and love everyone. From giving a hug, serving food, and setting up chairs to praying over someone or driving a bus, Mission at Home is not only a great opportunity to see God move in your own city but to see Him accomplish it through you. The only requirements are a smile and an openness to see God use you.

To find out more about how you can volunteer with Mission at Home, click here or visit Guest Services on Sunday.

Cliff Tomlin serves at the prayer tent where volunteers are ready to pray and minister to those who have come to the Celebration Service.

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EVERY NUMBER HAS A NAME

by Jenifer Watts

The Center for Disease Control reports that on average in the United States, an estimated 99 young people die each day from preventable causes. That number, 99, becomes more than a statistic when it represents someone you love. That’s why when Denise Deamann heard about The 99 coming to Canyon Hills in 2011, she knew she wanted to help in any way she could.

This October, Canyon Hills is bringing The 99 back to Bakersfield for what we believe will be an incredible opportunity to reach the lost in our community with the Gospel. We need your help. Robin Robinson says, “The 99 will transform how you feel about sharing the Gospel as you see people come to know Jesus through this outreach.”

In 2003, Denise’s daughter, Tricia, snuck out on the night before her 14th birthday to meet up with some friends. There was an auto accident and Tricia was not wearing a seatbelt which ended up costing her life. Denise wants others to know how they can take simple measures to avoid this tradgedy happening to their loved one.

Each night that The 99 is open, there are over 200 volunteers working to make it happen. Teams are forming now to help with setup/tear down, drama, costumes, make-up, prayer partners, security, tickets, hospitality, merchandise, follow up and more.

One of the great aspects of hosting this event this year is the ability to engage all of our campus congregations in this effort.

Serving together in this way provides an opportunity to connect with your church family in a unique way.

Denise says, “I was blessed to be a volunteer at The 99 event. Hosea 4:6 says, ‘My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge.’ I spoke to so many teens and parents who were gratefully impacted by the truths of The 99. The 99 event is a powerful visual tool that gives life changing knowledge to teens and parents of teens.”

Patricia’s funeral service was held in the sanctuary of Canyon Hills and our pews were filled with students mourning the sudden loss of their friend. Sadly, this wasn’t the first or last time our church would minister to those left behind when a life was cut short all too soon. This is one of the reasons bringing The 99 to Bakersfield is so important.

The 99 is a state of the art walk-through experience where several scenes are portrayed showing the danger of things like texting and driving, drugs and alcohol and gang life. It helps students, who feel invincible because they are young, realize that they are risking their lives by engaging in these types of activities.

The 99 also sends a clear message that someday, we all face death.

It’s important to be ready for that day when it comes by having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. When The 99 came to Canyon Hills in 2011, more than 16,000 people attended and over 3,600 people responded to the call for salvation.

Four years ago, Ian Gilles was fairly new to Canyon Hills, but he signed up to help the setup team as they put up the large tent that houses The 99. Through that experience, Ian connected relationally and has become one of our key leaders in our Guest Connections team.

Ian says, “I had just become a church member eight months earlier. The experience of working with other members from different areas of the church during the setup opened my eyes to all the work that goes on behind the scenes. During the production, I also got to see church members and interact with them on a more personal level. My time with The 99 made me want to be a part of the great team that serves to make everything Canyon Hills does an experience to remember for everyone attending all for the glory of God.” The 99 will be open October 16-18, 22-25 and 27-30 at City Center. On Sunday, November 1st, we will host a baptism and celebration night that you won’t want to miss! If you are available to help one or more nights of this outreach, visit Guest Services on Sundays or email 99@canyonhills.com for more information.

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Pray for Our Missionaries Around the World.

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North America Convoy of Hope | Springfield, MO Dale & Patti Coad | Caribbean Dan & Janell Campbell | SoCal Network Irvine, CA David Jenkins | RR International Springfield, MO Ed & Jeanette McCallie | Mexico Kern Coalition Against Human Trafficking | Bakersfield, CA Mission at Home | Bakersfield, CA Mission One Eleven | Bakersfield, CA Royal Family Kids Camp | Bakersfield, CA Steve & Julie Kramer | Chi Alpha University of Oregon, OR Steve & Rebecca Donaldson | Rural Compassion Springfield, MO Steve & Rebecca Preston | SoCal Network Irvine, CA Teen Challenge | Bakersfield, CA The Gathering LA Church Plant | Los Angeles, CA The Mission at Kern County | Bakersfield, CA

South America Allen & Joann Martin |Ecuador David & Margot Woodworth | Columbia Jason & Cindee Frenn | Latin America Leyve & Bonnie Hernandez | Nicaragua

Europe Ann Steward | Turkey Jim & Darlene Rossi | Netherlands JJ & Nella Ferrell | Romania Reagan Glugosh | Romania Travis & Tedi Corbell | Romania

Africa Carrie Johnson | Ethiopia Michele Turner | Madagascar Nicholaus Sartoris | Ethiopia Steve & Trina Pennington | Africa

Asia Dale Cuckow | China Gary & Birdie Shuck | Philippines Holy Land Missions | Israel King of Kings Ministry | Israel Lauren Becker | Thailand Project Rescue | India Matthew & Allison Petrissans | Indonesia Sara Whitehurst | Thailand Tyler & Spencer Thornton | Indonesia Wayne & Judy Cagle | Asia Pacific Theological Seminary, Philippines

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Libson Joseline is one of the children enrolled in the Convoy of Hope Feeding Program in Honduras

FIGHTING HUNGER

by David Donaldson, Co-Founder of Convoy of Hope

Thank you Canyon Hills family for all you are doing to help us feed children around the world.

Undernourishment is worth fighting because it negatively affects people’s health, security and ability to think and be productive. It also steals their hope.

Here’s a sobering fact: If you add the number of children who died this week because they lack clean water and nutritious food, they would almost fill two times the largest stadium in America, Michigan Stadium, which has a seating capacity for 107,501 fans. I know it’s hard to grasp that so many innocent children are dying because they lack the basic necessities of life.

Bono says, “Where you live shouldn’t decide if you live.”

Nutritious food, the kind Convoy of Hope distributes, can derail

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the realities of malnourishment. We know well-nourished kids perform better in school, grow into healthy adults and in turn, give their children a better start in life.

Most importantly, these children are introduced to the eternal hope found in Jesus. And for nations closed to the Gospel, compassion is a door Jesus walks through with the Good News of salvation.

Think about it. We can literally bend the heart of generations toward the love of Jesus and His church. I know you agree, that’s worth fighting for, and I am so grateful you have chosen to partner with Convoy of Hope in this mission of hope.

It’s a fight that can be won for children like Lisbon Joseline, who is enrolled in our Children’s Feeding Program. Lisbon is one of the 150,000 reasons that we are fighting malnutrition.

At her school in Honduras, the eight-year-old pulls out an art tablet from her bright pink backpack and starts flipping through drawings she is obviously proud of.

“This one is for my mother,” she says, pointing to a drawing of apple trees. “I know she will like this one.”

Lisbon lives with her mother and three siblings in an impoverished region of Honduras. Her mother struggles daily to put food on the table for her family.

One Day to Feed the World

“My father does not live with us, so it is very hard for my mother,” says Lisbon, her eyes welling up with tears.”That’s why I am so happy I can come to school to eat.”

This precious little girl is fed every day at her remote school which is one of 29 schools and orphanages in Honduras partnering with Convoy of Hope. Every school day, nearly 3,000 children are fed a nutritious meal and taught the Bible. This is all made possible because of generous people like you.

“I like to come here to eat and spend time with my friends,” adds Lisbon. “They serve me good meals.”

Let me conclude with a personal note: Kristy and I are so proud to say that we served on staff under Pastor Wendell & Lynda Vinson for several years at Canyon Hills. While there, a heart for the lost and least was stirred, and the vision for Convoy of Hope was birthed.

Now, over 70 million people around the world have been helped.

From where you live, the Lord is using your prayers and generosity to change the world.

“If your life is not about you, it will live beyond you.”

Dave Donaldson and his wife Kristy served on the pastoral staff of Canyon Hills in the 1990s. Dave, along with brothers Hal and Steve, founded Convoy of Hope, an international organization providing disaster relief, sponsoring health and job fairs, drilling water wells, and nutrition programs that feed over 150,000 children worldwide daily.

Nutritious food and clean drinking water are the power behind a healthy childhood. By giving One Day’s wage, you help bring these life-giving necessities and a clear Gospel message to more children throughout the world with Convoy of Hope.

Give one days wage to fight hunger. Your ONE DAY can change a child’s every day.

Sunday, October 27

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LOVE THAT HEALS

by Brooke Vinson In the summer of 2015, Canyon Hills hosted their 21st Royal Family Kids’ Camp (RFKC). RFKC is a one-week camp for abused, abandoned and neglected children in the foster care system. Camp is five guaranteed days of fun, love, and belonging.

They experience swimming, fishing, crafts, sports, and they even have a camp-wide birthday party where all the kids receive cake and gifts. This safe-haven is a place where kids find positive adult role models and are allowed to just be a kid for a week.

Joe and Janessie Barajas have been veteran counselors for RFKC, but in 2014 everything changed. There was a particularly challenging boy at camp who had fully embraced the role of camp bully. This young man made use of physical and verbal punches to get what he wanted. Yet, something drew Janessie to this boy.

“Somehow we just connected, and my heart broke for this kid.

It was his last year, and I saw how much he still needed love and positive people in his life. I was crying on the last day of camp, and I knew I had to do more. I knew there was a mentoring expression of RFKC, but I never thought we would take that on. I can’t mentor a 12-year old boy! God had to speak to my husband. On the last day of camp, the boy had left and at the RFKC banquet, Joe looked at me and said, ‘We will do this. We will do this together.’

And now it’s been a year since we started mentoring him.”

In October, Joe and Janessie will be launching the Bakersfield branch of Royal Family Kids Club. The club has two parts. The kids meet up once a month with everyone from camp. In a way

it’s like a family reunion! They see everyone they know and have relationship with and do all the things they did at camp. The mentoring portion of the club happens for one hour a week on an individual basis. It is a nine-month commitment beginning in October and lasting for the duration of the school year. Royal Family Kids Club allows for a year-round camp experience and an opportunity to deeply invest in the lives of foster youth. The club is a continuation of camp and camp culture, so anyone who has already been to camp is qualified to apply for a mentoring role.

Joe and Janessie have seen the transformation of a young boy who once hurt others to protect himself to a boy who trusts and has learned to give and receive love without stipulation. It has been consistency that broke the barriers. Many of these kids have lived lives built on the disappointment of broken promises.

“There were times that he wouldn’t come out of his room. We would just tell him, ‘We’re here. We said we were going to be here whether you come out or not.’ And we just kept coming back.”

The Barajas have shown a kind of love and faithfulness that is foreign to many foster youth. Good things and good relationships are often a fading mirage; too good to be true. But the consistency of one positive voice has proven to be enough to break walls and birth hope. With a bigger heart for this ministry than when they began, Joe and Janessie are thrilled to open up this ministry opportunity to Canyon Hills Church. Will you be the heart and hands that heal?

Joe and Janessie Barajas will launch Royal Family Kids Club this fall.

Geoff and Kirstie Ruud are the Directors of Royal Family Kids Camp for Canyon Hills.

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WELCOME HOME

by Jenifer Watts One of the greatest rewards for our church staff is to see someone from our congregation embrace their calling. When the Lord opens the door for them to come back and serve as a part of the ministry team at Canyon Hills, it’s the icing on the cake!

This fall, we are excited to welcome home to Canyon Hills a couple who met and married and recieved their ministry training right here in our church. Chris and Stephanie Wenzel will be officially installed as the new campus pastors of New Life, our Kern River Valley campus on September 6, by Pastor Wendell.

Chris and Stephanie met in 1993 when they were both a part of the student ministries of Canyon Hills. They became great friends and served together as part of the worship ministry. While traveling with a team from our church leading worship out of town for an event, Chris popped the question (while the rest of the worship team stood on the sidelines cheering them on) and Stephanie said yes! The following year, they were married by Pastor Wendell.

Chris felt called to pursue ministry full time, but was not able to put everything on hold to attend Bible school. Chris says, “I desired to go to a Bible College but my options were slim. I had started correspondence courses, but it was difficult to stay on

task on my own, and going to a college campus was financially impossible. When it was announced that Canyon Hills was starting Canyon Hills Bible College, I was super excited! I enjoyed having the structure of a class, teachers to interact with, the fellowship of working with other students, and studying the Bible on a deeper level. After two years of hard work, I was part of the first class that graduated from CHBC in 1998.”

Since graduating from Canyon Hills Bible College, Chris and Stephanie have gone on to serve on staff at a handful of congregations in California, Oklahoma and most recently as senior pastors of a church in Lovelock, Nevada. Both say that they were overjoyed at the opportunity to join the ministry team at Canyon Hills. Chris says, “When I think about coming back to Canyon Hills to serve again, it’s like I’m coming back home to where ministry and our calling all began for Stephanie and me!

Back then, we were a part of something bigger than we could ever imagine church could be. Today, we are so honored and excited to continue being a part of the vision and ministries of Canyon Hills, to serve alongside great leaders, and to make an even greater impact throughout Kern County.”

Welcome home, Chris and Stephanie!

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Summit Coffee | Open Daily at 6:00 AM | 7100 Auburn Street Bakersfield, CA 93306

ENJOY YOUR FAVORITE FLAVORS THIS FALL! 24

TRY A PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE, A CARMEL APPLE CIDER OR A MAPLE BROWN SUGAR SCONE

IN THE KNOW

CANYON HILLS CAMPUS STU D E N TS SEE YOU AT THE POLE “UNITED” Wednesday, September 23 “They all met together and were constantly united in prayer.” Acts 1:14 Ozone Middle School students will meet at their campus flag pole at 7:00 AM for prayer. Then at 7:00 PM we will have a celebration service during Ozone Live in the Gym at Canyon Hills.

Contact: 661.871.1150, ozone@canyonhills.com

FANTASTIC FALL FRIDAY September 25 at 5:00 PM at Murray Family Farms Middle School students are invited to join us for a fun night including hay rides, jumping pillow, pumpkin patch, corn cannon, animal garden, fall fruit picking, ball toss and more!

Signed permission slips are required and will be available on Sundays at Guest Services. If you would like to ride the bus with us from the church to Murray Farms, please meet at the church at 4:15 PM. Cost: $8 Contact: 661.871.1150, ozone@canyonhills.com

OZONE REVOLUTION Sundays at 10:00 AM in Room 101 Our Middle School Sunday School class taught by Lalo Cavazos is a great way for students to grow deeper in their faith through relevant Bible Study and fellowship.

Contact: 661.871.1150, ozone@canyonhills.com

SERVING AT THANKSGIVING November 21 at 5:00 PM Students, show your thanks to our seniors this Thanksgiving season.

Help us serve a great meal and music. This event is free and is open to all seniors to attend. RSVP at Guest Services on Sunday so that we can prepare for you. Contact: 661.871.1150, ozone@canyonhills.com

MEN MAN CAMP September 11-12 at Frazier Woods Conference Center Men are invited to get away to the mountains for an encounter with the Lord. Our speaker this year is Doug Green, Pastor of North Hills Church. Spaces are limited. Contact: 661.871.1150, jeff@canyonhills.com

WO MEN LADIES BOOK CLUB & BIBLE STUDY Tuesday Evenings: at 7:00 PM in Room 203 Thursday Mornings: at 9:15 AM at The Summit Ladies are invited to join us this fall as we study Gideon by Priscilla Shire. Childcare is provided for the morning Bible study. Contact: 661.871.1150, women@canyonhills.com

PROJECT HOPE BUNCO Thursday, October 22 at 5:00 PM at Christine’s Dress Shop on Stockdale Hwy. Help raise funds for Project Hope and have fun at the same time!

For ticket information contact: 661.871.1150, women@canyonhills.com

LIVING PROOF LIVE WITH BETH MOORE Saturday, September 12 at The Summit Join us for our 2015 Imagine Women’s Conference. This year we will be attending a live simulcast of Living Proof Live with Beth Moore.

Small groups will be launched from this event to continue studying the material from the conference.

Childcare is provided for children ages 3-12. Tickets are limited and include a contenintal breakfast and lunch. Contact: 661.871.1150, women@canyonhills.com

WOMEN’S MENTORING September 24 at 6:30 PM at The Summit Women’s Ministries is hosting a celebration dinner for those who participated in mentoring over the summer. This will be an evening to share testimonies of our mentoring experience. Contact: 661.871.1150, women@canyonhills.com

THE C LI M B THE CLIMB: A JOURNEY TOWARD MEMBERSHIP September 26 at 9:00 AM at The Summit Discover who we are, what we believe and why we do things the way we do at Canyon Hills.

This class is a pre-rerequisite for membership. RSVP on Sundays at Guest Services. Contact: 661.871.1150, morgan@canyonhills.com

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IN THE KNOW

CANYON HILLS CAMPUS O UTREAC H HARVEST CARNIVAL October 31 at 5:00 PM Food booths, games, bounce houses, free candy and free hot dogs for kids under 12. Invite your friends and family to join you for this fun and family friendly event.

Our Champion’s Club will be open to host a party for children with special needs from 6:00 - 7:00 PM. Contact: 661.871.1150, guestservices@canyonhills.com

COMM UN I T Y THE GREAT PUMPKIN RUN October 3 at 8:30 AM Join us for a 1 mile walk or 5K run to raise funds to research a cure for Friedreich’s Ataxia and our own Jerod Laird. Registration fees include a t-shirt, breakfast and prizes. Register online at www.bakersfieldtrackclub.com

CHA MPI ONS C LU B LITTLE CHAMPS & BIG CHAMPS Sundays at Canyon Hills We have programs every Sunday that are specially designed for children and adults with special needs. Little Champs meet in the Champions Club and Big Champs meet in the Gym. For information about how we can help your family or to RSVP for your child, call the church office.

Contact: 661.871.1150, guestservices@canyonhills.com

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CHAMPIONS CLUB COMMUNITY OUTREACH Our ministry to kids and adults with special needs and their family goes beyond Sundays. Throughout the year we host support groups for adults on the autism spectrum, lego workshop dates and support groups for parents. For a complete listing of how we can help you connect, or if you are interested in serving families with special needs, please call the church office.

Contact: 661.871.1150, guestservices@canyonhills.com

GO I N G PU BLI C WATER BAPTISM Sunday, September 13 If you’ve never been baptized in water, what are you waiting for? Water baptism is the public confession of your faith in Jesus Christ. We will be celebrating with those who have decided to GO PUBLIC with their faith on Sunday, September 13. RSVP here or get more info any Sunday at Guest Services or by texting GOINGPUBLIC to 24587.

F IR S T W EDN ESDAY FIRST WEDNESDAY PRAYER The First Wednesday of Every Month at 7PM at The Summit First Wednesday is the gathering where we share all of the new and exciting ministry initiatives that are happening at Canyon Hills and pray over the doors that God is opening for us. Join us for a powerful time of prayer and praise on the first Wednesday of each month.

WEEKLY EVENTS SUNDAYS

<<WORSHIP SERVICES 8:30 & 11:00 AM | Sanctuary 10:00 & NOON | The Summit Nursery and Kids Church available during every Sunday morning service <<CHAMPIONS CLUB 10:00 & 11:00 AM | Champions Club For kids and adults with special needs

<<SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES 8:45, 10:00 & 11:30 AM

Visit Guest Services for a list of topics and locations

<<UPPER ROOOM YOUNG ADULTS 7:00 PM | The Summit

WEDNESDAYS

<<MIDWEEK BIBLE STUDY 7:00 PM | The Summit <<NURSERY CARE, ROYAL RANGERS, GIRLS CLUBS, MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL GROUPS 7:00 PM | Preschool Wing, Fort Faith, the Gym and Room 202

THURSDAYS

<<FRESH HOPE 7:00 PM | Room 103

A support group for those with mood disorders

FRIDAYS

<<CELEBRATE RECOVERY 7:00 PM | Room 202

Help for those struggling with hang-ups, hurts and habits

QU E S TION S ?

Have questions about these events or anything else going on at Canyon Hills? Visit Guest Services on Sundays for assistance or call the church office during Tuesday through Friday at 661-871-1150.

IN THE knOW

HIGH FIVE

RIVERVIEW CAMPUS WEEKLY EVENTS SUNDAYS

<<WORSHIP SERVICES 9:00 & 11:00 AM | Sanctuary Nursery Care available during the 11AM Service

<<SUNDAY SCHOOL 10:15 AM | Fellowship Hall <<CHILDRENS CHURCH 9:00 & 11:00 AM

TUESDAYS

<<CELEBRATE RECOVERY 6:30 PM | Sanctuary

WEDNESDAYS

<<GROCERY MINISTRY In Partnership with Word Alive 12:00 PM | Courtyard

THURSDAYS

<<FREE SHOWER MINISTRY In Partnership with FLOOD 11:00 AM | Parking Lot <<MIDWEEK BIBLE STUDY 6:30 PM | Fellowship Hall <<STUDENT MINISTRIES 6:30 PM | Sanctuary <<KIDS CHURCH 6:30 PM | Courtyard

Q U ES T I O N S?

Have questions about events at our Riverview Campus? Contact Pastor Craig at 661-903-1895 or by email at craig@canyonhills.com

NEW LIFE CAMPUS KERN RIVER VALLEY SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE Sundays at 10:15 AM We are excited to see what the Lord has in store as we partner with a great church, New Life, to reach the beautiful mountain community surrounding Wofford Heights. Be sure to join us on Sunday, September 6th, as Pastor Wendell Vinson installs our new campus pastors at New Life, Chris and Stephanie Wenzel. Stay tuned for opportunities to get involved!

ALL CAMPUS WOMEN’S EVENT LIVING PROOF LIVE SIMULCAST with

BETH MOORE

Saturday, September 12 at The Summit at Canyon Hills Tickets include a continental breakfast and boxed lunch.

Childcare available for children ages 3-12. Tickets available at the church office or online at canyonhills.com

SCOTT & BRIDGET CUNNINGHAM Scott and Bridget have attended Canyon Hills for over 14 years and are an integral part of the ministry efforts of our church.

Scott serves as a deacon of Canyon Hills. He is a part of the group that prays and strategically plans for the doors God is opening for our church in the community. By serving as a deacon, Scott helps our church walk in our calling to come alongside churches that are struggling and partner with them to effectively reach their neighborhoods. Scott is also involved in our Men’s Ministry and serves as a part of our tech team on Sundays and for special events.

Bridget serves on our Women’s Ministries leadership team and is key in coordinating events year round to help stop human trafficking. She has a heart to serve the women of our congregation and can often be found making a meal for someone who is recovering, hostessing our guests and green rooms, ministering as a part of our worship team or being involved with student ministries.

Scott and Bridget, you are a blessing to our church. Thank you for so generously giving of your time and talents to serve the Kingdom!

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