INSIDE
LOOKING BACK TO MOVE AHEAD LIMITLESS LIVING CC.CHURCH | 2016
JUNK IN THE TRUNK AND MORE
FEATURES 11
JUNK IN THE TRUNK Levi Lusko
It’s Up To You What You Bring Into Your Relationships And Marriage. What You Live Now, You’ll Lug Later.
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LIMITLESS LIVING Kevin Gerald
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You Experience Growth and Success, But Then The Pause. Find Out What It Takes To Push Past The Pause In Your Success.
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IN THIS ISSUE
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02
WELCOME
From Pastor Kevin And Sheila Gerald 03
REFRESH AND RECHARGE Five Of Seattle’s Best Spots 05
MODELING CHRIST
The Life Of Mariah, A Champions Center Volunteer 08
ANXIOUS OVER NOTHING Overcoming The Anxiety Battle 09
LOOKING BACK TO MOVE AHEAD
AGE OLD ATTITUDE
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Kevin & Sheila Gerald
Take A Look Back At 30 Years, What Makes Champions Centre Who We Are, And Who We’ll Always Be.
Attitude, Not Age Required For Success
ENJOY THE RIDE
Enduring The Ups And Downs Of Parenting 15
SEARCH AND RESCUE
Impact Update From Champions Foundation
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RARE BEHAVIOR
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How the Trajectory Of Skyler Norris’ Life Changed From One Decision.
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5 REASONS TO START TODAY, TONIGHT The Importance Of Sleep 20
MOVING LIFE FORWARD
4 Guest Articles Strengthen Your Life 34
ON THE EDGE
Jonathan Yadon Steps Out In Faith 36
BRINGING WORDS TO LIFE A Better Way To Love Jesus 37
NO CASH NO PROBLEM
Give Your Time Without Breaking Your Budget
Explore Rattlesnake Ridge on page 28.
CHAMPION LIFE MAGAZINE | CC.CHURCH
EXECUTIVE PUBLISHERS
Kevin Gerald and Sheila Gerald
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jodi Cameron
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER Paula McFadden
MARKETING DIRECTOR Jen Mueller
ART DIRECTION
Circle Fifty Creative
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Judi Shackett Susan Wilson Paula McFadden Leslie Powell
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kevin Gerald Levi Lusko Bianca Juarez Olthoff Chris Brown Ryan Cameron Jodi Cameron Jonathan Yadon Stef James Nichole Moore Paula McFadden Corianne Burton Susan Wilson Skyler Norris Rebekah Mandt Stephanie Young Serina Clark Sarah Stanton Mickey Elliott
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHY Scotty Augkhopinee Andy Mueller Renee Biscarret Ardorlit Photography Adrian Sims
TO SUBSCRIBE
cc.church/clm Phone: (toll-free) 888–935–6914
TO SPONSOR
If you are a business who would like to partner with our magazine through distribution or sponsorship, please contact us at: 253–475–6454 x365
QUESTIONS / COMMENTS / IDEAS
Let us know. We welcome your feedback. Please write us at: championlife@cc.church.
Champion Life Editorial 1819 E. 72nd St. Tacoma, WA 98404 Produced by Champions Centre Publishing © 2016. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without expressed written permission is prohibited and a violation of applicable laws. 2016 copyright Printed by Capital City Press
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CHAMPION LIFE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2016
WELCOME
W
E MOVED TO THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST OVER 30 YEARS AGO WITH EVERYTHING WE HAD, NOT HAVING A CLUE OF WHAT TO EXPECT.
Sheila and I just knew we were meant to be here. Looking back on our years of ministry, I’m proud of where we have been and am excited to see where we are headed. As we continue to move life forward, we have seen so many lives changed in the process. We’ve seen people step into their calling. We’ve seen relationships restored. We’ve seen life happen in this church, and we expect to keep advancing in every area of our lives. My hope is that wherever you find yourself today, this issue of Champion Life Magazine will inspire you to take that next step forward with stories and insights of people just like you sharing what they have learned and discovered along the way.
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EXPLORE | CC.CHURCH
REFRESH AND RECHARGE
We’ve gathered some of our favorite spots in Western Washington to unwind, relax, dine, or just plain unplug.
Shown here is Rattlesnake Ridge.
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CHAMPIONS LIFE MAGAZINE | SPRING
EXPLORE
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RUSTON WAY WATERFRONT
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The new resort-style village at the end of the well-known Tacoma staple (Ruston Way) features a movie theatre, a playground, walking paths, a handful of great restaurants and coffee shops, and a delicious Sicilian bakery.
B SHARP COFFEE HOUSE
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This hidden gem in Tacoma’s Opera Alley has handcrafted coffee drinks and a quiet, dimly lit atmosphere perfect for getting work done. The staff is incredibly accommodating (We love the great customer service.), and if you visit on the right night, you can enjoy some live music too.
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RATTLESNAKE RIDGE
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KERRY PARK
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Nestled in Seattle’s Queen Anne Hill, Kerry Park offers classic views of downtown Seattle, day or night.
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KIRKLAND WATERFRONT
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Just 10 minutes north of Bellevue on Lake Washington, Kirkland is a quiet waterfront town with incredible views and dining. Grab dinner along Lake Street (We love Trellis or Milagro Cantina.), or pick out a treat from Aura Bakery and wander down to the dock for the sunset.
If you’re up for a hike, you must visit Rattlesnake Ridge located just outside North Bend. Reaching your destination means you’ve logged a great workout (a four-mile hike round trip) and now have the ability to enjoy sweeping views—don’t forget your camera!
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CHAMPION LIFE MAGAZINE
SERVING
MODELING CHRIST As an outsider looking in, it may appear that Mariah’s life is picture perfect. She has a great supportive mother, family, and friends.
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MODELING CHRIST | CC.CHURCH
Mariah is gifted in singing, dancing, and is gorgeous both on the inside and out. However, it’s important to remember every book has a story inside. This is Mariah’s story of how she has overcome adversity and challenges in her life, but has made the decision to rise above it all by continuing to press forward to the plans God has for her life. Although Mariah was primarily raised by her mother, she was very close to both of her parents. She lived with her father in New Orleans for a period of time when Hurricane Katrina hit. Like thousands of other people, Mariah, her Dad, and his family were displaced. When Mariah was in third grade, her father passed away during what should have been a simple surgical procedure. Mariah recalls having her dad drop her off at dance practiced two days before his untimely passing. She describes how even though her dad was raised Catholic, he never practised Catholicism. She had this fear of not knowing if her Dad went to heaven, but after laying her Dad to rest, she found a prayer her father had written to the Lord on his coffee table the day before he died. In the letter he asked God to forgive him of all of his sins and come into his heart. “To see the prayer was comforting,” she said. Raised in church, Mariah says her mom never had to make her go. She remembers how her mother loved helping people get back on their feet if they had fallen on hard times, so there was always someone living in their home. As she grew up, her first love was dance. She was a part of a dance company as a child. By the time she hit eighth grade, she still loved to dance but had lost a sense of passion for it and felt God was leading her towards a future in modeling. Then her mother began looking for good youth programs for her to be a part of when they were invited
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to attend Champions Centre. Mariah describes her first impression walking through the doors as, “It was so big, but it was AWESOME!” She knew without a doubt that this was going to be her home church. Since coming for the first time, Mariah has made positive lifelong relationships with people like Stef James, who is a student ministries lead pastor and who has been a driving force in helping encourage, nurture, and cultivate Mariah’s talents and abilities. She has made incredible friendships with people who speak words of encouragement and life that have helped her see who she is in Christ. She also found another talent: singing. She said, “I didn’t know I could actually sing until I tried out with a friend for the worship team a couple of years ago.” Worship provides an outlet for her to communicate with God. For her, it’s a time to be humbled before the Lord and lead people in worship with a humble heart. Now at nineteen, she uses her God given talents to reach other young people through dance and worship. She is a member of the student and adult worship teams and is also volunteers in the kids ministry. She is a part of City Groups, which was hard for her to be a part of at first. She thought that no one could relate to her story, but she found that church is made up of people who she can do life with. When asked what Champions Centre means to her, she said, “We are family. Champions Centre is where I run when I face problems. It’s sad when people think this place is too big of a church, because they miss out on the opportunity to be a part of a great big family once they get plugged in. I wish everyone could experience this place where I can truly be myself.” Mariah sums up her experience at Champions Centre as a place she can come when she’s on her highest mountain top or deep in the valleys of life. She knows that Champions Centre is not a place where she will be judged, but a safe haven where grace can renew her soul to help her through whatever God takes her in the next chapters of her life’s story. “My hope is that through modeling, I can be a role model for women. I want people to see how fun it is to be myself and serve God.”
We are family. Champions Centre is where I run when I face problems. ___
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CHAMPION LIFE MAGAZINE | CC.CHURCH
ANXIOUS OVER NOTHING
O
RESOURCES
MENTAL HEALTH
ver 40 million adults in the United States are affected by anxiety disorders—which are the most common mental illnesses in the country.
That’s about every two people out of ten who deal with issues like chronic stress, shame, phobias, panic, or depression. And, women are twice as likely to struggle with some type of anxiety issue. It’s a real thing that real people deal with. Experts show that they develop through a complexity of factors including genetics, personality, life events, and brain chemistry. If you can’t put your finger on why you’re overly nervous or afraid often or you know someone who shows signs of an irrational fear or anxiety, it may be worth talking to a doctor about it. Anxiety disorders are more common than we realize and often are treatable when diagnosed properly. The first step to take is to get God’s word in you by memorizing a few key verses that can affirm a peace of mind daily: Philippians 4:6–7 (ESV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV) For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. John 14:27 (ESV) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. ___ Author Bio: Jodi Cameron is a wife and a mom of two amazing boys.
EVERYDAY, WE ARE BOMBARDED WITH NEGATIVE MESSAGES—FROM SOCIETY, THE MEDIA, AND EVEN FROM SELF-TALK IN OUR OWN MINDS. TAKE A MINUTE TO THINK ABOUT THESE QUESTIONS: ___ Do you lack peace because of your perspective? ___ Do you focus on the problems around you? ___ Do you have trouble recognizing the good things in your life? ___ Do you feel despair or depression, despite your blessings? Answering yes to questions like these is evidence of mind monsters: those negative thoughts we all battle, the creeping shadows in the corners of our minds that feed our insecurities, worries, and fears. They will steal your life . . . if you let them. But there is good news! You can take control. In Mind Monsters, Kevin Gerald shows you how to recognize destructive thoughts, take them captive, and use biblical truths to overcome them. Today, you have a choice: Will you allow your mind monsters to take up residence, affecting who you are and God’s plan for your life, or will you conquer them and experience a life that is positive, abundant, joyful, and overflowing with peace?
She is the Executive Director of Ministries at Champions Centre and Bellevue Campus Pastor along with her husband Ryan. Her passion is to empower and unite people to move life forward.
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CHAMPION LIFE MAGAZINE
MOTIVATION
AGE OLD ATTITUDE
MARK ZUCKERBERG CO-FOUNDER OF FACEBOOK
These 10 notable people remind us that what makes extraordinary achievement noteworthy has nothing to do with age, and everything to do with attitude.
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Identified early on as a prodigy, it’s reported this prolific programmer likely drew inspiration for Facebook from his former prep school student directory, known as the “Photo Address Book.” Working with a few of his Harvard classmates, the site launched from his dorm room when he was 20 years old.
J.K. ROWLING
HARLAND SANDERS
ROBBY NOVAK
AUTHOR
[AKA COLONEL SANDERS] ENTREPRENEUR
[AKA KID PRESIDENT] ACTOR
With the first manuscript in the Harry Potter series rejected by no less than 12 publishers, this author finally found success at age 32 when one last publisher gave the first chapter to his 8-year-old daughter to read, and she begged him to find out what happened next.
While working a string of jobs including steam engine stoker, life insurance salesman, and gas station operator, he perfected a fried chicken recipe that would come to be known as ‘finger licking good.’ He sold the first franchise of Kentucky Fried Chicken at age 62, and the rest is history.
This young actor has inspired young and old alike with positive messages about making the world a better place. With his first engaging YouTube video airing when he was 8, he is still going strong at the ripe old age of 12. Positivity gone viral—it’s a good thing!
AGE OLD ATTITUDE | CC.CHURCH
JOEL OSTEEN LEAD PASTOR AT LAKEWOOD CHURCH When Joel Osteen was 36, he became lead pastor of Lakewood Church when his father passed away. Now, Lakewood Church reaches 100 million homes in over 100 countries across the world in their television ministry, and in 2005, the church moved into the Compaq Center, which seats 16,000 people.
BILLY GRAHAM
HARRIETTE THOMPSON
CHRISTIAN EVANGELIST
OLDEST WOMAN TO COMPLETE A MARATHON
Spending six decades on television, the Billy Graham Crusades started when he was 29, and the last show aired when he retired at the age of 87. During his career, Billy Graham served as a spiritual advisor to several presidents of the United States.
In June 2015, this cancer survivor and grandmother of 10 finished the San Diego Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon in 7:24:36, breaking the previous senior record set in 2010. Harriette says if she can do it, anyone can do it and plans to continue running the race as long as she’s able.
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART
STEVIE WONDER
MALALA YOUSAFZAI
COMPOSER
MUSICIAN
ACTIVIST
In 1764, at the tender age of 8, this icon composed his first symphony. Before his death at 35, he would compose over 600 works including nearly 50 symphonies. Fellow composer Tchaikovsky once said, “Mozart is the highest, the culminating point that beauty has attained in the sphere of music.”
Never considering his blindness a disadvantage, this talented musician signed with Motown’s Tamla label when he was just 11. With a career spanning 5 decades, he has more than 30 top ten hits, 25 Grammy Awards and has been inducted into both the Rock n’ Roll and Songwriters Hall of Fame.
At 17, she became the youngest ever Nobel Prize laureate for her struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education. Today at 19, she continues her efforts in human rights advocacy for education and for women in Pakistan.
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FEATURE
JUNK IN THE TRUNK Levi Lusko
DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN PROTECT YOUR FUTURE BY LIVING CAREFULLY RIGHT NOW? IF YOU CHOOSE, YOU CAN SAVE CURRENT AND FUTURE RELATIONSHIPS FROM EXCESS BAGGAGE. IT’S UP TO YOU WHAT YOU BRING INTO YOUR RELATIONSHIPS AND MARRIAGE. WHAT YOU LIVE NOW, YOU’LL LUG LATER.
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JUNK IN THE TRUNK | LEVI LUSKO
D
When it comes to marriage, it’s easier than you think to marry a stranger. We make the mistake of judging a book by its cover and not looking at the most important parts of a person—which are invisible. The easiest way to marry someone you shouldn’t is to rush. You must give it time for the true colors to come out. Getting married in the midst of infatuation is dangerous. Those feelings are real, but they aren’t enough to build a life together. You have to wait for that to pass and make the choice to love when you start to see who they really are, when you see imperfections and love them anyway. If you have gotten physical, the infatuation lasts even longer, and you’ve lost objectivity. Sex is binding and blinding. If you’re in a relationship or thinking about one, ask yourself what do trusted, godly people in your life think? If they’re all saying the same thing—even if it’s not what you want to hear, there’s a reason. If they say they don’t like the impact this person is having on you, that you’re being pulled away from Christ, it’s a warning flag. Pay attention. Where and when did you meet him or her? At the bar on a Friday night? That’s probably not the kind of place you want to meet a godly man or woman to build a life with. What do you have in common that your relationship is being built on? What did you attract them with? They have an appetite for the same bait you attracted them with. If you don’t like what you’re attracting, ask yourself, what are you using to attract them? Is your relationship honoring God— specifically as it pertains to you two sexually and emotionally? Are you taking something from each other that actually belongs to their husband or their wife someday? If you say, “’it’s okay to sleep together now. We’re going to get
married anyway,” I would say you are actually teaching your significant other during your single years whether or not you honor God’s standards and boundaries. You’re telling them what type of husband or wife you’re going to be. You’re also letting them tell you whether or not they respect and honor what God has to say about sexuality based on how they’re handling you. If you don’t take the time to do your due diligence, you will end up making mistakes. There’s no rush. If he or she is “the one,” they will be the one in six months. Marrying the wrong person isn’t the biggest problem, being the wrong person is. When you are not living the life you should be, you will attract and look for the type of people you shouldn’t be. In our single years, we should be less concerned about finding the right person and more concerned about being the right person. If you take care of your character, God will take care of your destiny. If you focus on your purity, God will take care of your platform. Work on your integrity, and he will make sure you make an impact. When your relationship is right with God, your relationship with others will fall into place. Live carefully right now, and watch God take care of your future. Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added to you! Young girls used to be given something called a “hope chest” by their parents. Inside would be things that had been stored up for marriage. It was similar to a modern day bridal registry. It contained things that the future
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Getting married in the midst of infatuation is dangerous. Those feelings are real, but they aren’t enough to build a life together. ___
bride and groom would need to bring into the marriage. We don’t do this anymore, but make no mistake, we are all still preparing an invisible box to bring into marriage. We’re making choices right now about what we are putting in that box. We’re choosing what baggage will or won’t be brought into our relationships. What about sex before marriage?
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JUNK IN THE TRUNK | CHAMPION LIFE MAGAZINE
marriage. Sex is not just physical— it’s emotional and spiritual. It impacts you on the deepest possible level. Sex is two becoming one, and this can’t be un-done. You can’t unone yourself from someone. Sex is like adhesive—the more you apply it the more it loses its stickiness . . . and its significance. As I said before, it’s binding and blinding: you can’t make clear, wise decisions about your future when you’re blind. Do not be deceived, there’s no such thing as casual sex. You are giving away a part of yourself meant for your future husband or wife and taking these encounters into your future marriage. Are you spending your whole single years teaching your body not to be satisfied by one real person? Staring at the bodies of thousands of people and having these virtual encounters, you will bring this into your future marriage. You are making a decision now not to be satisfied by your spouse. What about reckless spending habits? Chronically overspending when you’re stressed, buying things to fill the hole in your heart. You put that in your invisible box and carry it with you. What about those romance novels? Those are no different. Turning to alcohol to fill emptiness, the wild bachelor party, the night in Vegas, it all goes in the box. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked: for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap,” (Galatians 6:7). The devil wants our lives to be so wracked with bad decisions and foolish choices that we can’t enjoy what Jesus died for us to have. It’s one thing to caution a single person who hasn’t put any of this excess baggage in their box yet, but what about those who have some stuff in their box already? Maybe you feel like your box is full of just a gory story. You might feel condemned and feel like there’s no hope. That couldn’t be fur-
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Do not be deceived, there’s no such thing as casual sex. ___
ther from the truth. In the Book of Exodus, when God was giving commandments of how to approach Him as fallen people, he asked them to make a box full of the worst things they’d ever done. Inside the box, he asked them to place different things that symbolized their disobedience. He said that he wanted them to cover this box in gold and make two angels to spread their wings over the top of it. He wanted them to put it in the holiest room on earth as a reminder of why they couldn’t approach him. But then he said that one day a year the holy, high priest will enter into the holy of holies with the blood of bulls and goats and sprinkle this blood all over the golden seat. What happens is this box of failure transforms itself into the throne of Almighty God. This box containing these reminders of failure and disobedience has become the mercy seat. This is a picture of the throne of God that Jesus came to with his own blood after he died on the cross and sat down on it with angels over him, worshipping him. This is a picture of what could happen when you have the blood of Jesus on top of the gory details
of our story. You see, when we take the blood of Christ and we put it on top of our failures, our gory box becomes the glory box. Jesus Christ is better than sin and bigger than sin and bigger than failure. Yes, it would have been better to never have to go there. And yes, we should have just listened because Father knows best, and he has our best interests at heart. But we don’t, because we fall short. We can come to Jesus with whatever we have in our box. When the enemy wants to condemn you, his goal is to dig out these things from your box. But the only way he can do that in your life is to dethrone Jesus, and that‘s not possible. Like Psalm 29:10 says, “The Lord sat enthroned at the Flood, and the Lord sits as King forever.” No matter what you have behind you, all you have to do is remember to keep the blood of Jesus on top of you, and he’ll be able to turn your mess into a message, your sin into a song, and your pain into a microphone. And then where you are at your darkest, you can shine the brightest. Thank God for the blood of Jesus Christ that covers over our gory box and turns it into a glory box. ___ Author Bio: Levi Lusko is the Pastor of Fresh Life
Church in Montana, the author of Through The Eyes of a Lion, and the father to four girls with his wife Jennie.
PARENTING
ENJOY THE RIDE
Stefani James
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few weeks ago, I was enjoying lunch with my friend, and we were chatting about kids and all the fun, silly things they do. The look of terror quickly began to show on her face. Mostly due to the fact that she doesn’t have children, and the thought of being a parent terrifies her.
The best way I could describe parenthood to her was to say, it’s like going on one of your favorite rollercoaster rides. There’s crazy anticipation, and there are highs that feel so amazing and lows that make the pit of your stomach sink. There are also times when you just coast along and it feels so good and so natural. My kids are young (ages 6 and 12), and there is still so much for me to learn, but here are three things I know that have helped me along the way: LOVE. Love your children in their best behavior when it should be rewarded and in their worst behavior when it needs to be corrected. Show them what it means to experience the unwavering love of a parent. Teach them how much God loves them, and that his love is infinitely larger than anything we can fathom.
EMBRACE THEIR INDIVIDUALITY. Try your best never to compare your child to another child—most importantly their siblings. Teach them that God has a purpose designed specifically just for them and that they are beautifully and uniquely made in his image. RESOURCE YOURSELF. Never stop learning as a parent. Read books about parenting. Listen to podcasts about parenting. Join a parenting group. Be intentional about creating relationships with other parents not only within your children’s age demographic but also with parents of older and younger children. Wisdom can come from each life phase and knowledge is power. At the end of the conversation with my friend, I told her to remember you are not in this alone, and it truly takes a village to raise children. Being a parent is one of the scariest most amazingly rewarding things you will ever do. Just remember to buckle up and enjoy the ride. ___ Author Bio: Stefani James is a long time member of Champions Centre and is passionate about building up the kids and youth of this now generation.
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CHAMPION LIFE MAGAZINE
IMPACT
SEARCH AND RESCUE Champions Foundation
AT A HEIGHT OF 6’6”, JACOB TOWERED OVER MY SHORT FRAME, BUT SOMETHING . . . A STILL SMALL VOICE . . . TOLD ME THAT HE WAS NO THREAT. I SENSED THE OPPOSITE OF THREAT IN HIS NEARNESS. THIS MAN, CURRENTLY HOMELESS, LOOKED DOWN AT ME WITH A SWEET SMILE AND ASKED FOR SOMETHING TO DRINK OR EAT . . .
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SEARCH AND RESCUE | CC.CHURCH
C
onnecting with someone on the streets of our city is an incredible privilege. Every Friday and Saturday night, the Tacoma Rescue Mission sends out the Search & Rescue team of staff and volunteers. Their aim is to simply love and build relationship with God’s children currently struggling with homelessness. As an often overlooked group of people, the homeless population of Tacoma, WA is surviving in the underbelly of our bridges, highway overpasses, alley ways, and forgotten brier fields. The safety of these people is foremost in our minds. Perhaps the simplest offer of a hot chocolate, sack lunch, and new pair of warm socks will make the difference. While we distribute needed items, we also offer a ride back to the shelter where a warm bed and hot breakfast awaits. The felt needs of our friends living on the street don’t compare to the relational needs deep within each heart. Studies show that negative effects of childhood trauma and neglect directly relates to the likelihood of becoming homeless. This breakdown in trust for people is a delicate and unstable foundation for so many, often resulting in mental illness and substance abuse as a coping mechanism. “If the goal is to end homelessness we must succeed in allowing God to restore love, trust, and hope.” According to a 2012 survey in Pierce County, there were 1,997 people homeless. Of that number, it is estimated 40% are chronically homeless (defined as an individual with a disability having been homeless for more than 1 year or 4+ times in the past 3 years). The numbers can be easily glossed over and even forgotten, but once you meet face to face with a real person, shake their hand, hear their story, pray and
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Our faith is in sync with our actions when we step out of our comfort zone and seek to love the ‘least of these’ in the name of Jesus. ___ offer hope . . . suddenly the number comes alive and has true value. The culture of these individuals is very strong. Many form alliances or street families in order to look after each other. There is a deep sense of loyalty and community. Many take on a persona through a street name as a way to gain identity within street culture. At the center of this topic is a great truth: Every person, no matter their address or lack of address, has a story that’s worthy of being heard! God dearly loves his children, each and every one. As we gathered some needed items for Jacob, including hot chocolate, a meal, and some hand warmers . . . I heard the Lord speaking about Jacob’s original design. Looking up, I stated God’s great love for Jacob, how he sees his tender heart that cares so much about everything, and how God sees him as a son. This gentle giant’s eyes welled with tears. God was doing a mighty work in his soul. This experience may very well be the most real encounter with a loving God that Jacob had ever known. In a rush of emotion he thanked our team and said he had to go. I, for one, will
never forget Jacob! May he be in our continued prayers. Beautiful moments, like that with Jacob, are a regular occurrence for the Search & Rescue volunteers. Sometimes at the end of the night, we ask ourselves, “who needed who more?” As the coordinator for this outreach and a member of an incredible church family at Champions Centre, I never tire of witnessing believers have that Aha breakthrough while serving others. “Our faith is in sync with our actions when we step out of our comfort zone and seek to love the ‘least of these’ in the name of Jesus.” Public perception of the homeless community is a sore subject for many, but we are changing that one van-load at a time with Search & Rescue. This is largely due to a fear of the unknown. What we can’t understand scares us, so if I can communicate one thing, it is simply that having made some great friendships on the streets of Tacoma, I recognize that I’m better for it, and I would ask you to spend one evening out with my crew . . . you’ll never be the same again! Champions Foundation has partnered with several other area churches and the Tacoma Rescue Mission to launch the new Search & Rescue program. For information on how to get involved in volunteering or donating needed items, please contact info@championsfoundation.com. ___ Author Bio:
Stephanie Young is the Search & Rescue Coordinator at the Tacoma Rescue Mission. She serves on several teams at Champions Centre, including the Care Team, Champion Life Groups, and Celebrate Recovery.
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FEATURE
LIMITLESS LIVING Kevin Gerald
For many of us, we can get to a place where we are content with where God has gotten us. We are satisfied that we got the job, started the business, lost the first 10 pounds, or whatever we can insert on the list. And it is at this point that we stop pressing on and seeking God to do more.
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LIMITLESS LIVING | KEVIN GERALD
But when we do this, we actually place a lid on the possibilities that God has in store for us. We end up being the ones who tell God that he shouldn’t, or even worse can’t do anymore for us. Look no further than Ephesians 3:20 as to what God has in store for us: “God is able to do immeasurably more than we ask for or imagine.” I don’t know about you, but I can ask for a lot, and I can imagine a lot. And just so we are clear, immeasurably, can’t be measured. So why do we place limitations on what God has in store for us? Why do we try to figure out and measure what God clearly tells us can’t be measured? For most of us, it is because these limitations put us in a place of comfort. We feel comfortable and we feel in control when we are within these limits. Can I let you in on a secret? God has more in mind for you and your life. First of all, being comfortable, is way overrated. We are not called to live in our comfort zones. Getting caught up in being “just enough” to make it from here to heaven. No, we are called to be bold, faith-filled risk-takers who think big. Second: we are partners with God. Make no mistake—God is God: he built you, designed you, and wrote your story. And he knows that story from beginning to end, before you lived one single day. So he is in control, but he also wants you and I to partner with him in becoming all that he’s marked out for us. So, what holds us back? The answer is limits. Sometimes, it’s hard to recognize the limits we have been living with. Some people welcome them and see them as a form of comfort, while others feel constricted by limitations.
For example, we have speed limits to keep us safe, and credit limits to keep us from over spending. But those same speed limits keep us from going just fast enough to get to work on time, and credit limits that keep us from paying that speeding ticket we just got. There are limits placed on us by authority that should be respected. They are in place to protect us. But the truth is that there are other limits that keep us from reaching our full potential and can even keep us from realizing the
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The truth is there are other limits that keep us from reaching our full potential and even keep us from realizing the true nature of God. ___
true nature of God. Some limits are created when we were young children, before we were even mature enough to know what was happening. Other limits sneak up on us as we go through life. But left unchecked, we can carry these limits for decades into our families, our careers, and even our relationship with God. It may have been a teacher, neighbor, co-worker or even a parent that told you what your limits were. What they said was based on either what they saw in you, maybe what they saw in themselves, or what they carried over from past experiences. The good thing about God is that he goes beyond our ask and our imagina-
tion because he is limitless. God is able to surpass any human limits we place on ourselves or him. When Christopher Columbus was growing up, most of the people in Spain limited themselves to where they were. They believed that there was nothing beyond Spain. As visitors entered Spain, there were signs that said “Ne Plus Ultra.” In Latin, this meant “no more beyond.” Many people would arrive and soon realize that they had reached the end of the known civilization. To a lot of people, Spain became a place to settle since it was the “end of the earth,” but there was an entire area of the world waiting to be discovered. For us today, that same mentality to settle in our own lives can cause us to quit “asking” and “imagining” and eventually create complacency. However, settling was not the case for everyone in Spain, because Christopher Columbus along with a few others dared to believe that there was more. They dreamed that God had a big plan for their lives, and they took a bold step to ask for an opportunity to explore territories that others could not even imagine. By pushing beyond their limits, they changed a nation, even the country’s mantra changed to “Plus Ultra.” Taking away the limit set by the no, and pushing past boundaries to more. How awesome to be a part of changing the mindset of “this is it” to “there is more”—this is limitless living. We like to be content with where we are at, and sometimes that’s okay. But maybe, God is calling you out of your own version of Spain right now. He’s calling you to consider how you can move forward to your next level of growth. For someone, it could mean getting out of your comfort zone and doing something new. For others, moving forward can mean doing the same thing you’re doing in a new and fresh way. Think about if you have settled in
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LIMITLESS LIVING | CHAMPION LIFE MAGAZINE
are at, and sometimes that’s okay. But maybe, God is calling you out of your own version of Spain right now. He’s calling you to consider how you can move forward to your next level of growth. For someone, it could mean getting out of your comfort zone and doing something new. For others, moving forward can mean doing the same thing you’re doing in a new and fresh way. Think about if you have settled in areas of your life. What can you do to move out of complacency in that area? What if you changed your mindset to, “there is more beyond?” If you woke up this morning, God still has a plan for you. If you are reading this article, God still wants to speak to you. People can retire from their work, but no one can retire from the purpose of God. A life without limits means we never stop moving. We never stop growing.
In order to truly experience God and his best life for us, we must learn to live beyond the boundaries that limit our potential. There is always something more around the corner for us. This is why you and I must never settle. A life without limits is being faith-filled, big-thinking, risk-taking dreamers. Imagine if all of us adopt the mentality that there is no limit to what God can accomplish in us and through us. What would our families look like? How would our businesses and our workplaces change? What kind of impact could we have on our cities and the next generation? Let’s choose to be full of vision and live with a hope for our future as a church and as a people. Whatever you were told when you were younger, wherever you are are right now, it is time to partner with God to move your life forward. Live your life beyond your own limitations and set your eyes on his limitless po-
tential. We often hear the saying, “the sky’s the limit,” but even something as high as the sky could not contain people who lived without limits. ___ Author Bio:
Known for a ministry that imparts practical, Biblical principles, Kevin Gerald is the Lead Pastor of Champions Centre, one of the largest congregations in the Pacific Northwest. In leadership and life, Pastor Kevin purposes to locate and communicate wisdom, and those who know him value him for his relevant, practical approach to ministry.
MOVE LIFE FORWARD TIPS
Prioritizing sleep is an important factor to living a healthy life. What does the proper amount of sleep improve?
5 REASONS TO START TOMORROW (TONIGHT)
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A tired body is more prone to sickness. Get an adequate amount of sleep to ensure your body is strong and ready to fight off any bugs.
Good sleep improves brain function, concentration, and productivity.
Studies show that an extra two hours of sleep burns almost 300 calories and significantly reduces your cravings.
Growth hormones released during deep sleep gives us better skin and muscle mass.
Poor sleep habits can cause irritability and stress, while healthy sleep habits improve your well-being and social interactions.
YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
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YOUR BRAIN
YOUR WEIGHT
YOUR LOOKS
YOUR MOOD
MOVING LIFE FORWARD
It takes a life of intentionality, determination, and insights from others to move forward in all areas of life. These four guest contributors will help you step toward God’s best in all areas of your life.
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GUEST FEATURE | MOVING LIFE FORWARD
PHYSICALLY
SWEAT THE DETAILS Mickey Elliott
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ork. Hustle. Win. These are the key ingredients to achieving my goals. I’ve been doing jiu-jitsu for just under three years now competitively with the goal of becoming a world champion.
Sure, everyone wants to become a world champion. Physically, I know what that involves, but I had no idea how much God was about to wreck my approach. I hope you’re able to see all the things God showed me through my physical trials in the things that follow. I learned very quickly as a white belt that sometimes it’s impossible to win, but that has nothing to do with losing. jiu-jitsu is a submission wrestling art where everything but striking is legal. If you don’t surrender when you should, something’s going to break, and it’s not only going to be your pride. Surrender isn’t the same as giving up, though. One makes you stronger, the other weaker. But in order to have a “never give up” attitude like so many encourage, it takes a kind of focus I’ve found by surrendering my desires to who God has called me to be. You have to go on the offense. This is a very real battle. When I step onto the mats, it is a non-negotiable for me to think about anything less than my best. You see, the competition isn’t really with your opponent—it’s with yourself. Be careful not to compare yourself to others. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 4:7, “Focus on pushing your own limits.” During training when I don’t have anything left in the tank, I keep moving forward with heart. But most of the time I
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train my mind for that moment. It’s in these moments when I’m so exhausted physically, I become emotional, because my thought of WHY I must go on trumps every pain in my body. And I know the only reason to stop moving is to give up. I am determined to reach my goal because I want to show my daughter and son that dreams don’t just happen. Pain is the passport to places others only have knowledge of. Experience always speaks louder. I’m aware of the privilege I have, and I don’t want to waste it. “Put God in charge of your work, then what you’ve planned will take place,” (Proverbs 16:3). I love this scripture so much that I tattooed it on my arm. For me, it means work on your plan. God is in charge. He’s your coach, so hustle when he says move! Now go win! Are you brave enough to live the life God has called you to live? Move your life forward! ___ Author Bio:
Mickey Elliott is a web developer and Online Campus Media Director at Champions Centre. He earned his associates degree in Church Leadership and ministry at Champions Centre College. He is a freestyle state champion wrestler with a career record of 105 wins and 5 lossess which has given him many opportunities to teach in the athletic community. He is currently competing at a national level in the sport of jiu-jitsu. He is passionate about reaching people for Jesus through his athletic abilities.
GUEST FEATURE | MOVING LIFE FORWARD
EMOTIONALLY
OUR RESPONSE TO FEAR Sarah Stanton
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ver the last several months, Champions Centre has been singing “No Longer Slaves” by Bethel Music. The lyrics “I’m no longer a slave to fear; I am a child of God” spontaneously spring from my heart throughout each day.
My family will look at each other and giggle, because God did not bless me with a beautiful singing voice. But I don’t care—I’ve got a song in my heart to sing (even if it’s loud and off tune). These are powerful truths that remind me that I need not fear about failing my children, failing my husband, failing my clients, or failing God. As a Mental Health Counselor, I listen to many people overwhelmed by the voice of fear in their minds. They confess thoughts that paralyze their creativity, kill their Godbreathed dreams, and rob them of their ambition. Their feelings of fear appear as truth, but are often just distorted beliefs. Fear is defined as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. Fear is a natural response to emotional or physical danger. It’s an incredible system God created within us to protect ourselves. However, we often allow our minds to fear that which is not life or death. We create an association that triggers a fear response, even when the situation does not warrant it. Fear is one of the most powerful weapons the enemy uses against us. He twists the truth of God’s perfect plan, promise,
and purpose for our lives. The familiar verse of John 10:10 states, “The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the fullest.” God’s promise is not a fullness of fear, but an abundant life that is full of joy, strength, peace. Research is now validating the power of prayer in healing and recovery. Dr. Koenig, director of Duke’s Center for Spirituality, Theology, and Health, conducted an analysis of more than 1,500 reputable medical studies. His research found that “people who are more religious and pray more have better mental and physical health.” Everyone has the same choice in a fearful situation; succumb to the fear or prayerfully surrender it to God. Today, I choose to believe what God tells me in Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am YOUR God; I will strengthen YOU, I will help YOU, I will uphold YOU with my righteous right hand.” What are you choosing to believe today? Find your truths. Find your freedom. Remember, you do not have to be a slave to fear, YOU are a child of God. ___ Author Bio:
Sarah Stanton is a licensed Mental Health Counselor and serves as the director alongside her husband, Roger, of Champion Centre’s Celebrate Recovery program.
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GUEST FEATURE | MOVING LIFE FORWARD
FINANCIALLY
3 THINGS THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT MONEY Chris Brown
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So what’s in those 2,350 verses? Way more than we have time to talk about here. But I do want to highlight three of my favorites. These are the verses I turn to when I need a little guidance in my own financial decisions.
we really want later, we realize how temporary satisfaction pales in comparison to a legacy of purpose and generational fulfillment. And an inheritance is not limited to money. It also includes godly character qualities like integrity and trustworthiness. Combining a financial inheritance with wisdom and godliness ensures that the next generation will also manage God’s blessings God’s way for God’s glory long after I’ve graduated to heaven.
1 Timothy 6:6: “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” (NKJV)
Proverbs 22:7: “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” (NIV)
It’s interesting to me that in God’s economy, we actually have “great gain” when we’re not driven by the quest for more. We all have different vices. Mine has always been discontentment. I’ve always wanted to accomplish more, better, faster. But here’s the crazy thing: I’ve experienced the greatest gain when I was content regardless of the outcome. It’s okay to be driven to succeed, but it’s unhealthy when success dictates our happiness. Let’s not confuse contentment with apathy or lack of ambition, but let’s also not become so consumed with any pursuit that overshadows our pursuit of God himself. Contentment is the most important characteristic of people who are successful with money. That’s because they think long and hard about the purchases they make and therefore have more money left over to save, invest, and give.
I like this one because it speaks honestly about the relationship between a debtor and a creditor. God wants us to be in a position to hear from him and to serve people in his name . . . not to be in bondage to payments. He wants us to have freedom and options. Many of us sense God calling us to do great things for him, but when we’re in debt, we can’t. What verses do you turn to when you’re seeking financial guidance? God has provided us with so much wisdom in this area as an act of love because he is for us, not because he wants anything from us. It’s worth digging into and finding some financial insight that motivates and inspires you!
hristian financial expert Howard Dayton has said that the Bible references money and possessions 2,350 times. That’s a lot. It’s more than Jesus talked about love, and more than He talked about heaven and hell combined.
Proverbs 13:22: “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” (NKJV) This verse keeps our life goals, our vision, and our legacy front and center when we’re choosing how to use our money today. When we weigh what we want now against what
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___ Author Bio:
Chris Brown is a nationally syndicated radio talk show host, pastor, and dynamic speaker carrying the message of stewardship and intentional living nationwide as a Ramsey Personality. Available on radio stations nationwide, Chris Brown’s True Stewardship provides biblical solutions and sound advice for questions on life and money. You can follow Chris online at Stewardship.com, on Twitter at @ChrisBrownOnAir, or at facebook.com/ChrisBrownOnAir.
GUEST FEATURE | MOVING LIFE FORWARD
LEADERSHIP
I AM SECOND Bianca Juarez Olthoff
I am second. No, it’s not religious humility or self-deprecation. I’m literally second. I am a second born twin in the shared role of first child. I am the second wife to my husband. I’m the second mother to my kids. I am second in my role at work. I am second.
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MOVING LIFE FORWARD | GUEST FEATURE
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uotes like, “Either you’re first or you’re nothing,” and “Second is the first place loser,” reinforce the belief that secondary and subsidiary roles are insignificant. They aren’t. In fact, they are needed. In life, liberty, and the pursuit of Jesus, you can’t lead if you don’t know how to follow. In the business world, church life, or home domain, leadership can be identified by focusing on certain skills or characteristics by people leading in front. But if leadership is influencing people like John Maxwell says, we each have a powerful role to play as we mobilize and influence people in all spheres of our life. Sometimes before we can know what something truly is we need to evaluate what it is not. Therefore, let’s clear up some of the common misconceptions about being second. Leading second does not mean I am neglecting my responsibilities or influence because I am not leading at the front or making the final decision. Rather, leading as second means we harness the collective power of the team to support the main vision or objective, whether that is in your college, church, community or cubicle. For example, I can’t stay on budget to
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If we understand that we are contributing to something larger than just ourselves, it calibrates our heart and attitude. ___
“ save my life, so my husband manages our finances. (My idea of budgeting is buying a gorgeous purse and surviving off of celery and saltines for the month.) When I think we should do this or buy that, I give my opinion, but understand that he’s responsible for the cash flow of Casa Olthoff. He isn’t controlling or selfish in his decisions (he wants me to help and steer the vision for our family), but ultimately he incurs the weight of making sure we are fiscally responsible. Finances are not my strength, but that doesn’t mean I abdicate my role in the flow of our funds. If we understand that we are contributing to something larger than just ourselves, it calibrates our heart and attitude. We cultivate purpose, values, and mission when we move together and willingly submit to the collective whole. Leading second is not abdicating our responsibility because of our position or title. You may never get the recognition, but you get to speak into the vision and further the mission. Leading second is not passive. Whether you are an intern, student, stay-at-home mom, or new hire, you are part of the decision making process whether you want to be or not. You might not have the biggest vote or loudest voice, but don’t sit idly by and watch the vision happen; you make it happen. Leading second is not an excuse to do little because you are new, shy, or don’t have a corner office. Laziness and inattention are by-products of people who don’t see their value or care to change. The common theme that begins to rise to the surface is that being second doesn’t mean that you aren’t seen. In fact, we know that what God sees in secret, He rewards openly (Matthew 6:4). Leading second lends itself to doing things that may not be rewarded in the moment. Late hours at the office, kind words spoken in return for harsh words, saying yes to another project when your time is already maxed are just some scenarios we may find
We are all second to the One, followers to the greatest leader of all. ___ ourselves in. Therefore, leading second is an opportunity to be faithful with what you are called to, and allow God who sees all things, to bring about future promotion, blessing, and favor. Leading second is purposeful not accidental. We step intentionally into our role in domestic decisions, boardroom policies, or academic pursuits. We lead purposefully, not accidently. Leading second is collaborative and cooperative. We build family/team/coworkers to lean in and build the collective vision, instead of building individual agendas. Ultimately, we are all second. Paul, an apostle and amazing leader, summed it up best: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). We are all second to the One, followers to the greatest leader of all. When you learn to carry the vision, you will learn to lead the vision. But you need to be willing to learn, listen, and lean into being second. Learning to follow will prepare to you lead. ___ Author Bio:
Bianca Juarez Olthoff is Creative Director for Propel Women and Chief Storyteller for A21. She has spent five years in nonprofit work and has ten years of ministry leadership experience. As a bible teacher and communicator, she’s passionate about gospel truth, relevant application, and lots of fun. She lives in California with her husband Matt, two stepkids, and cute Dachshund dog. For more information, you can visit BiancaOlthoff.com or follow her on social media.
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CHAMPION LIFE MAGAZINE
FEATURE
LOOKING BACK TO MOVE AHEAD Kevin & Sheila Gerald
Growing up, Sheila and I saw so many people who went to church on a regular basis, but they were still living defeated lives. They weren’t living a successful Christian life, and it bothered us. These great people were loving God and full of potential, but they lacked the knowledge they needed to have better marriages, be better parents, be better on the job, and do better with their finances. So when our ministry began, our mission was to equip people to live successful Christian lives. And we have been able to see this live out in the lives of people coming to Champions Centre. As we reflect back on 30 years as a church, we wanted to understand what makes us who we are as well as continue finding ways to connect the mission in a way that resonates with people’s hearts and minds. We always want to articulate what it really means to live successful Christian lives in a fresh way that resonates with today’s generation. 26
LOOKING BACK TO MOVE AHEAD | KEVIN GERALD
It’s easy to see as you look around that we’ve changed as a church over the years, and even as leaders . . . we’ve evolved. But what we love is that we see remnants of who we have been remaining year after year. We feel moments that feel like moments we’ve felt before, because there are constants that we built on. Just like when we moved across the country to the northwest 30 years ago, we still preach the practical truths found in God’s word, we still believe in worshipping God with music and singing. God is honored by the tithes and generosity of so many in our church family to this day. We want to contin-
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We want to be a church that expresses life in our environments and in our experiences with each other. We believe church is more than a weekend obligation. Church is much more than just a boring religious ritual. Church is exciting, full of energy, and packed with people who are genuinely excited to see you, worship together, and collectively make a difference in this world. And, we want to be a church that considers everyone, the imperfect, the broken . . . regardless of backgrounds or lifestyles. We value diversity—we want to see men AND women active in our church family, and all races, and all economic backgrounds, and all ages— EVERYONE is welcome. Anyone who doesn’t know Jesus deserves that chance to say yes to him. We know that Jesus loves us enough to accept us just as we are. And he also loves us enough to not let us stay just as we are, which brings us to our last promise. We want to be a church that keeps advancing spiritually, relationally, and with opportunity for growth . . . no matter what. Champions Centre has been a place where we have the audacity to make the choice to not settle. Instead, we put Christ at the center of everything, and keep choosing to go to the next level in every area of life. With those promises as our constants—Express Life, Consider Everyone, and Keep Advancing—our mission has never changed. Only now, I just think we better understand what success really means. Success is Kiel who could have been defined by his choices, but instead he found confidence here and now serves
Champions Centre has been a place where we have the audacity to make the choice to not settle. Instead, we put Christ at the center of everything, and keep choosing to go to the next level in every area of life. ___ ue to reach each generation by sharing God at their level as well as reaching beyond our walls to impact our communities both locally and globally. The methods may change, but the mission remains. And as we look at who we are as a church and who we’ve been, we see a lot of what we hope we will always be. We’ve identified three promises that capture who we’ve always been, who we are, and the future of Champions Centre that we will protect.
in our kids ministry teaching young boys what being a man of God looks like. Success is Serina who after almost losing her life to a rare blood disorder found hope and healing at Champions Centre. Before, she did church on the sidelines, leaving as soon as service was over, and now she leads a small group and volunteers on several teams, using her story to impact the people around her. Success is Roger and Sarah who in their marriage dealt with pornography addiction. Their marriage was restored here, and now they are helping others find healing as they now lead our Celebrate Recovery Program. And, a long list of others who faithfully serve their families, and our church. It is through people like these where we see pictures of God’s definition of success. And I would echo the words of Paul in Philippians, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” As Christians, that’s success. Not having it all together, but rather, running toward the goal. So after 30 years, it’s so clear. Success for this church isn’t about the arrival, but rather the decision and commitment to move our lives forward in all areas of life: relationally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. We want to help people move life forward toward God’s best.
That’s Champion Centre.
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Champions Centre has been a place where we have had the audacity to make the choice to not settle. Instead, we put Christ at the center of everything, move life forward toward God’s best for our lives, and inspire others to move forward toward God’s best for their lives too.
1986 _____
Sheila and I moved to the Pacific Northwest in 1986. After serving as volunteers at the annual production of Jesus of Nazareth in Puyallup, we were voted in to serve as Pastors at that church of 70 people on Meridian.
1991 _____
In 1991, Pastor Owen Shackett in Tacoma reached out to us, and we created a plan to merge our churches together: Meridian Christian Ministries and The People’s Church. We became Covenant Celebration Church in 1992.
2003 _____
In 2003, we launched Team Church Conference to encourage leaders and pastors in their ministry and bring church volunteers together to represent the Local Church at large.
1998 _____ In 1998, we launched a Bible and leadership college to give people an opportunity to not only understand the Bible better but also to be trained as effective leaders.
2001 _____ In 2001, we completed the 40,000 square feet student and kids addition to the East Side of our building. We named the space “Champions Centre,” because we wanted to raise up the next generation of champions.
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2006 _____
In 2006, we felt the call to expand our reach to Bellevue so that we could be within a 30 minute drive of most of the population in Western Washington. So we started a portable campus in an elementary school on the Eastside.
2007
_____ In 2008, we moved into a more permanent location for our Bellevue campus at the entrance to Bellevue College.
2008 2009 _____
_____ In 2007, we purchased a house in Johannesburg that would become a family home for kids without families who have been affected by the AIDS epidemic in South Africa.
2013
In 2009, we started our very own Celebrate Recovery program to help people overcome life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups
2012
_____ In 2012, we launched our Champions Centre App to bring uplifting messages to your fingertips.
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In 2013, we held our first One Big Night for youth and young adults to provide an opportunity for them to experience God at their level while having a fun and exciting night just for them. As we continue to move life forward, many more things have happened and will happen at Champions Centre.
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FEATURE
RARE BEHAVIOR
One decision changed the trajectory for the life of Skyler Norris.
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March 12, 2011: many of us do not remember the significance of this day, but it’s a day that many people in Japan will never forget when a tsunami crashed on its shores. In its wake, the damage was endless. Thousands of people were affected. Images of what once were thriving cities now were seen with piles of debris and destruction with much of the area uninhabitable. At the same time, a tidal wave of destruction was wrecking Skyler Norris’s life. He had reached a point in his addiction to pain medication that he was afraid of coming down from a high. The addiction had such a grip on him—shaking it seemed unbearable. But, he wasn’t always like this. He grew up a normal kid. He loved sports, had many friends, and excelled in many areas. Over time, however, he allowed his identity to become what he could do and achieve. He had plans of making a lifelong career in football and devoted his entire life to it. That all ended his sophomore year of college when a doctor told him that he would never play again due to a career ending neck injury. In a moment, everything he put all of his hope into was gone. He began to take the pills to ease the pain and fill the void that he felt. From the outside, it appeared as if his life was moving forward. He became a father, a husband, and even a business owner. It was in this season that the pills took over his life, and Skyler was looking for any way to get the next high.
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In a day, Skyler went from having a hidden struggle to being exposed by every news organization. ___
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RARE BEHAVIOR | CC.CHURCH
FEATURE
At that point, the news was covering the wake of the tsunami in Japan, and Skyler was in a meeting with a business networking group in Puyallup. His wife was Japanese, so Skyler told this group that his wife’s family had been affected in Japan and had lost everything. The group was moved by his story, and a hat was passed around to put money in. One of the business leaders decided to host a workshop to raise money for his family, but it all came crashing down just before the fundraiser took place when the lie was discovered that his wife’s family actually was fine and miles from the area that had been affected. In a day, Skyler went from having a hidden struggle to being exposed by every news organization. It was after one phone call in particular that Skyler decided he was better off dead. He dropped his son at his mom’s, asked her to take care of him, and left to end his life. His father later found him at his apartment and rushed him to the hospital. All that he had built had washed away right before his eyes. What once was his normal life, had become the ruins he now lived. Everything at this point was hopeless for him, but during this time, there was one person that changed the trajectory of his life forever. This man was one of the people in the business networking group that Skyler had scammed. In fact, he even prayed for Skyler in front of the group. He didn’t have the same perspective as everyone else. Instead, this man saw the state that Skyler was in. He had a surreal concern for Skyler’s well-being. He didn’t see evil. He saw brokenness. He realized that Skyler’s decisions were
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the product of an addiction. Instead of sending him angry messages or writing him off as a lost cause, Kern Dillard felt God working on him to find Skyler some help. Kern, a member at Champions Centre since the nineties, knew exactly where to bring him. He knew to bring him to church, because Champions Centre is a place of grace, and a place of refuge. Just two days after attempting to commit suicide, Skyler received an invitation from Kern to attend Celebrate
When Jesus says this, he has not yet died for our sins, but we know that he is going to. He forgives the murderer on the cross next to him and the people persecuting him. In Luke 17, Jesus explains forgiveness as a duty, not a virtue. Even the Apostle Paul wrote that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) While Skyler was still a sinner, Kern forgave and invited him even though Skyler had clearly sinned against him. But forgiveness is about showing
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He forgives the murderer on the cross next to him and the people persecuting him. In Luke 17, Jesus explains forgiveness as a duty, not a virtue. ___ Recovery that Tuesday night. But Kern took it a step further and turned his invitation into a welcome when he met Skyler there for his first time. What Kern did for Skyler is something that many people will not do. He not only forgave, but he helped. But Kern’s forgiveness is something that we see in the Bible. Peter asked Jesus one day if he should forgive someone up to seven times. Jesus responds with, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:21–22)
grace to those who have wronged us. Jesus exemplified this when he said just before he breathed his last breath on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34) When he says this, Jesus is talking about forgiving the people who are persecuting him. But really, in this moment, we can apply it to Jesus is taking on the sins of all humanity. Every single one of us have fallen short and have been forgiven if we accept his forgiveness. Jesus consid-
RARE BEHAVIOR | CHAMPION LIFE MAGAZINE
ered everyone when he died for us. He thought of you. He thought of your mother. He thought of your friend who may be far from God right now, and he thought of Skyler. This is why Kern was able to do that rare thing known as forgiveness. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? Because Kern forgave and reached out, Skyler is living out his purpose helping people.
Since coming to Celebrate Recovery in 2011, Skyler has worked hard on his recovery and has remained planted in Champions Centre. He eventually found himself on the leadership team for Celebrate Recovery and now serves as a staff member at Champions Centre as part of Care Ministries and Champion Life Groups. Nothing came easy after hitting rock bottom, but Skyler has been able to see God work in miraculous ways, in-
cluding a restored relationship with his family, his ex-wife, and his son. A life once in ruins has been rebuilt, but as we look back to that day in 2011, we see that Kern was the one to lay the first brick by showing forgiveness.
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Every single one of us have fallen short and have been forgiven if we accept his forgiveness. Jesus considered everyone when he died for us. He thought of you. ___
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MOTIVATION
ON THE EDGE Jonathan Yadon
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If you are not living life on the edge, you are taking up too much space.” -Unknown. ___
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heard this quote when I was a kid and have lived my life around it. I’ve been Skydiving, Rocky Mountain Climbing, and didn’t last 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu, but I did last 1.5 seconds on a bull named Houdini in Idaho.
I’ve summited Mt. Rainier, and I may have almost proposed to my wife while skydiving out of a plane. I am an adrenaline junky. I love risk. But this past August, I found myself on top of a cliff with the Columbia River far below. I remember as I stood at the edge of this cliff my friends and family below telling me to jump for over 30 minutes. I knew that there was no reason to be afraid,
but as I stood on the edge looking down, thoughts of, hesitation, fear, uncertainty went through my head. What if I land wrong? What if I get blown against the rocks? What if I slip? Well, I JUMPED! And I am so glad that I did. I didn’t let fear or uncertainty keep me hostage. Isn’t it the same with faith, though? Faith requires us to step out, but it’s fun and fulfilling. I have heard a lot of people say it’s hard to believe in what “I can’t see.” And while I agree, I also disagree. I have come to learn that God loves to show himself through blessings, relationships, provision, and miracles. We often don’t see God in our lives, because we are standing on the edge of the cliff when God is saying jump. God shows himself when we take the leap of faith. I challenge you: jump from whatever your edge looks like. Maybe that means telling your story or praying for your friend who is sick or needs a breakthrough. It could be by starting to tithe, inviting your co-worker to church, or forgiving that person on your heart right now. It might be scary on the edge, but remember God is ready and willing to show himself to you. ___ Author Bio: Jonathan is one of the Student Pastors at Champions Cen-
tre. He believes in encouraging young people to become leaders of their generation. He and his wife, Haley, help lead our Student Ministries services.
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We often don’t see God in our lives, because we are standing on the edge of the cliff when God is saying jump. God shows himself when we take the leap of faith. ___ 35
GROWTH
BRINGING WORDS TO LIFE Ryan Cameron
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s love primarily a feeling or an action? It’s very easy to talk about love. It’s easy to say we love, but real love translates into our behaviors and our actions. Whether we’re talking about loving our spouse, our families, or our job—our emotions are too unstable to rely on them to lead us to love 100% of the time. Our action is the anchor. What about when it comes to loving Jesus? Is there a way to love Jesus better? Do you remember what Jesus said were the greatest commandments? 1. WE LOVE JESUS BETTER WHEN WE ACT OUR WAY INTO FEELING RATHER THAN FEEL OUR WAY INTO ACTION. Loving Jesus doesn’t happen from an endless feeling of romance, but intentional decisions to listen to him. What this means is that we must choose to do things that we don’t feel like doing to express love that is worth showing. It’s a bonus when your emotions are leading you to love, so this is where your obedience comes in . . . I’m going to obey, not just go by what I feel.
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2. WE LOVE JESUS BETTER WHEN OUR ACTIONS TOWARD OTHERS FLOW FROM OUR DECISION TO PLEASE HIM. Jesus was an includer. He can be seen drawing circles where others were drawing a line. The Samaritan woman at the well, the tax collector, the Centurion, the disciples, people with different backgrounds and different stories. We can love Jesus better when we, like Jesus, eliminate a line and draw a circle. Circle drawing is the heart of God. He drew a circle around us and included us, and He wants us to show that same type of love to others. ___ Author Bio: Ryan Cameron lives to enhance, support, and finance the lo-
cal church. With his combined business experience and passion for the church, Ryan brings a unique set of strengths to the team. He functions as the Executive Director of Expansion and Campus Pastor, alongside his wife, Jodi, at Champions Centre Bellevue Campus.
CHAMPION LIFE MAGAZINE | CC.CHURCH
OUTREACH
NO CASH, NO PROBLEM Make a difference without busting your budget
Have you ever known of or noticed someone in need and felt that tug in your heart to do something to help them, but felt like you couldn’t really help because you didn’t have the money to do so?
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t is easy to assume that the only way to truly help others is by having excessive amounts of money to give away, but one of the best things about making a difference for others is that we don’t need material possessions to do so. All of us have the ability to make a powerful impact, we just need to make the time and decision to get out and help. It may be uncomfortable at first, but there isn’t much greater than the feeling of giving of yourself to make a difference, inspire hope, and change lives. While we’ve been doing outreach ministry for the past 30 years, it wasn’t until 2007 that Pastor Kevin and Sheila felt it on their hearts to launch Champions Foundation. Through the Foundation, we have been able to identify several partners both locally in the Northwest as well as globally. We partner with these organizations by giving them monetary resources as well as connecting volun-
teers to their programs as an extension of Champions Foundation. We love how Jesus made it a point so many times throughout the Bible to remind us to get outside of the four walls of church, get into where the action is, and invest in those who need our help. When we give of ourselves and show love to others, we are extending the love of Jesus to the world and pleasing God at the same time. “So let’s go outside, where Jesus is, where the action is . . . Make sure you don’t take things for granted and go slack in working for the common good; share what you have with others. God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship—a different kind of ‘sacrifice’—that take place in kitchen and workplace and on the streets.” (Hebrews 16:13–15 MSG)
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NO CASH, NO PROBLEM | CHAMPION LIFE MAGAZINE
SEARCH & RESCUE
YOUTHCARE
Search & Rescue nights are powerful and life changing for both our volunteers and the people we are able to help. Our aim throughout these nights is to help homeless in the streets of Tacoma who have not been helped before and provide warm socks, blankets, hot chocolate, and a meal. Champions Foundation volunteers interested in this outreach will begin with volunteers from other organizations at the Tacoma Rescue Mission for a brief orientation, prepare food, and then we go out as a team to distribute the items of need and to spend time praying with the men and women who are willing.
YouthCare is an incredible organization that provides a continuum of care, including housing, education, employment training, and emergency shelter for homeless youth in Seattle. We have teams who meet at YouthCare throughout the month to prepare and serve a meal to the homeless youth who are connected to their various programs. We should never underestimate the impact that a warm meal can have to show someone that there are people like us who care for them and want to see them succeed through their hard times.
Ages: 16+ older When: 3rd Friday & Saturday each month Time: 7–11pm Meet: Tacoma Rescue Mission
When: Every 2nd Friday 4:30pm–7pm
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Ages: 16+ older
Every 4th Saturday 10am–1pm Meet: YouthCare, Seattle
DONATE BLOOD
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Donating blood is a quick and easy way to change someone’s life. It may not seem like much at first, but each donation has the potential to save up to three lives, so why not give if you are able to? Champions Foundation partners with the Cascade Regional Blood Services, and every 8 weeks donations are taken at Champions Centre Tacoma.
___ Get Involved: To get involved with volunteer opportunities like these, email us at getinvolved@championsfoundation.com. 38
Ages: 16+ who meet the donor guidelines Where: Champions Centre Tacoma When: Every 8 weeks
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