Connections Proclaiming the GOSPEL
LOCAL & GLOBAL STORIES, NEWS AND EVENTS of COLLEGE CHURCH
“He taught me that our true home and place of shelter is only to be found in relationship with the One who created us” See Walking in Your Shoes by Ben Pehrson on page 6
AUGUST 2020
I Believe!
Locally Sourced
Global Voices
Discovering Faith and Family
The Re:new Project
Sheltering at Home in India
ANNELISE THRASHER | 13
TERRI KRAUS | 15
JOHN MAUST | 18
TABLE OF CONTENTS 4
August Highlights
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Walking in Your Shoes to Chase Our Creator's Craftsmanship | BEN PEHRSON
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Reintroducing Josh Maurer, our new pastoral resident
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Moving to Naperville!| JACOB WARREN
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Discovering Faith and Family | ANNELISE THRASHER
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The Re:new Project: Helping Refugee Women to Flourish | TERRI KRAUS
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Sheltering at Home in India | JOHN MAUST
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Gratitude and Trust—A story from Kids Alive in the Dominican Republic | VIC AND LESLIE TRAUTWEIN
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Gently and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane Ortlund | REVIEW BY LORRAINE TRIGGS
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Meet Your Leaders
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Milestones
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A Word of Thanks from Windsor
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Looking Ahead
AUGUST HIGHLIGHTS Sunday Mornings Services NEW MORNING PREACHING SERIES Insights from the Bible for today’s most sensitive issues. Join us this summer and fall. Starting August 9, our morning live worship seating is expanded and easier than ever. Sign up starting Tuesdays at noon on our website or via email. Worship service will still be available on our Livestream Worship, YouTube, Facebook pages. Questioning God: The Book of Habakkuk | August 2–16 Aug. 2: Habakkuk 1:1–11 | God, Why Don’t You Do Anything About Justice? Aug. 9: Habakkuk 1:12–2:20 | God, Why Does What You Do Seem Unjust? Aug. 16: Habakkuk 3:1–19 | A Questioner Becomes a Prayer August 23 | No Longer a Slave: The Book of Philemon Just Do It: The Book of James | starts August 30 August 30: The Testing of Your Faith | James 1:1–18
Early Evening Worship Join us in Commons Lot at 5 p.m. on August 2, 9 and 16 to worship outdoors with us in song, prayer and the Word. Social distancing setup should allow us to unmask once we are in place. Everyone welcome. Watch our website and email for new plans later in August and September.
Kids Movie Night “Pilgrim’s Progress” is the featured movie at Kids Movie Night, Sunday, August 9, from 6 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Kids, watch an animated movie of Pilgrim’s Progress and snack on movietheater style candy in Commons Hall. Movie is free and best suited for upper elementary (rated PG; some scary parts), although younger elementary children are welcome to sign up with a parent. Socially distanced seating limited to 50 so sign up soon. Masks required when not eating candy.
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Coming Soon: A new outdoor worship space Watch and listen for details later in August.
College Church Fellowship Meals Friday night supper on August 21 or Saturday morning brunch on August 22 As we begin to reopen, both as a church and as a community, we are excited to announce Fellowship Meals. Meant to provide a friendly, informal and safe means to meet one another, come enjoy a delicious potluck meal and a sweet time of fellowship together. This isn't a gourmet supper club, but an opportunity to meet new people or strengthen and deepen existing relationships in our College Church family. All ages and backgrounds are welcome. We need both hosts and guests but especially hosts willing to open their homes (or backyards, patios, nearby parks). Choose a Friday evening supper (for adults only), or a family brunch on Saturday (for families/all ages). These gatherings are for good food, conversation and opportunities to meet more people in our church family. Please sign up at college-church.formstack.com/ forms/fellowship_meal_signup to be part of these church fellowship meals! If you have questions, please contact Jerry Jagrowski at (630) 479-9314 or racharah@sbcglobal.net or Jan Jones at (630) 841-0700 or janjones94950@gmail.com
Prayer Gatherings Online & In-person Call the church office or email info@college-church.org for details on how to join one or more of these prayer meetings. Sunday Morning Prayer (Online) 8-8:40 a.m. Led by Pastor Eric Channing
Monday Morning Prayer (In-person) 6:15-7:15 a.m. in C104A. Led by Elder Rob Wolgemuth
Wednesday Night Prayer (Online) 7-8 p.m. Led by the Missions Office
Friday Lunch Prayer for the Persecuted Church (In-person) 12-1 p.m. in C103. Led by Glenn and Ann Deckert and Wil and Lorraine Triggs Has your schedule or priorities changed during the pandemic? Then consider utilizing the time to attend Lydia Fellowship on Tuesday morning, August 11, at 9:15 at the home of Sharon Weiss, 1887 Caxton for prayer and to encourage God’s special servants. Visitors welcome, of course.
Hannah Fellowship will
meet in the Commons with masks and social distancing on Wednesday, August 12, at 1:30 p.m. We are happy to welcome Janice McKinley serving with her husband Rick in Missionary Athletes International (MAI). The McKinleys are moving to North Carolina, so this is an opportunity to hear from Janice before she and Rick move.
Aaron-Hur Fellowship will meet on Thursday, August
27, at 7 p.m. at the home of Jim Locke, 1428 E Thomas Road in Wheaton (301-580-4961). Our guest will be Shannon S., serving in Asia. Our weekly prayer pulse email goes out every Monday. You can get weekly prayer updates via that email. Sign up by clicking "Enews signup" on our website. Or, if you already receive other emails from College Church, click "manage my preferences" at the bottom of any of our emails and select prayer pulse to add yourself to the prayer email.
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LIFE LESSONS
Walking in Your Shoes to Chase Our Creator's Craftsmanship Ben Pehrson From the springtime of my childhood when I still wore a onesie and could do nothing but lay on my belly, you would lay me opposite you in front of the chess board. And then when I was old enough to feign greatness in your oversized leather slippers and command my own pieces, you would kindly say something like, "Are you sure you want to make that move? If you do that, then my knight is positioned to capture your pawn, or my rook could move to a stronger position here." I was walking in your shoes and aspiring to Chase the King with you, and I've been doing that ever since in all kinds of different footwear. When we donned our work boots and built the rabbit hutch together in the garage, you taught me to design a work of art—no matter how practical its purpose—and see it through to its proper finish, recognizing that any job is easy if you have the right tools. You are so often the carpenter's square that helps me know if I'm building it straight. Oh, and don't forget to measure twice, cut once... "just a little bit better than perfect!" We were developing our crafts like the great Master Craftsman. Each fall when I put on my molded cleats or the screw-in studs on rainy days, you never missed one of my games, even though the coach would sit me on the bench most of the time. You would arrange a substitute for your classes and then work a strange schedule to make it up to the colleague who covered for you. All so that you could be there as my true coach, either to share in the victory of a scored goal or a perfect give-andgo combination with a long cross, or to put your arm around me after the game, strengthening my resolve to rise above my personal defeat and despair. I was learning to have a Long View on Life far beyond today's game, and to appreciate the importance of Whose Team you're on. Ready for Any Season With each season's first big snow when we would buckle our ski boots and step into our bindings, I showed the world that you're never too young to brave the steepest black diamond slopes, and I also observed in you that those you admire most are they who never grow old. Because the one who takes on New Adventures when wrinkled and gray proves that age is a Frame of Mind. When we loosened our laces during the late evening hours to complete our schoolwork—me with my writing assignments
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and you with your grades and lesson plans—you instilled in me a love for words and beauty and clarity of thought. I remember how you tirelessly edited my essays and poems and challenged me to command my ideas with creativity of expression and the sonorous sequence of semantic precision. You prepared me from a young age to enjoy my Lifelong Vocation in research, linguistics and translation. At fourteen I started wearing those specialty water sandals long before they became popular and they still had a double Velcro strap. They were ideal for keeping a good footing while scouting a series of whitewater drops along the algae-covered rocks. And it's appropriate that my friends called them my Jesus sandals, since it was in those water shoes that you taught me to serve others, taking turns as either the lead boat or sweep boat—or more often for me—as the rescue boat, darting about the group, looking for others in danger and in need of some coaching or saving. You taught me to sacrifice myself for others, facing death itself without fear, knowing the risks, respecting the power of the water, reading the river and charting our course through eddies and "rock gardens" to arrive safely at the end of a day's stretch. So much like life itself, scattered as it is with obstacles and dangers, navigating this stretch with our group, until we arrive at the dawning of a New Day just around the bend of history. When we laced up our hiking boots and headed to the trail, you helped me realize that I, too, have mountain blood. I was made for this—to wonder at the beauty of our Creator's craftsmanship. I feel most alive on overcast days when the filtered light reveals all the splendor of Creation's Palette, and my eyes can open to capture it all with a Wide Aperture.
Perhaps my favorite foot gear is the oversized Caribou Sorels we trudge around in through the snow, made to keep our feet warm down to 40 below zero. Though designed for serious outdoor work in the winter, you can't help but feel that any tromping through the snow with these boots is just plain fun. And that's what you've taught me, to enjoy your work. Like heaping huge mounds of snow when shoveling the driveway. Or leading students on wilderness trips. Or training brothers and sisters in Christ to find joy in interpreting and translating the Bible. It's Great Fun doing what we were made to do, isn't it? Everyday Footwear But the footwear I wear most these days are a secondhand pair of steel-toed slip-on brown leather work shoes. They're always ready to step into at a moment's notice, they're rugged enough for the tough and dirty jobs, and I'm comfortable to be my authentic self in them, even wearing them to church. And that's the shoe that helps me walk in your footsteps most of all. For you know that the crowning glory of Christ's creation is his people. And this kind of shoe was made for living out who we were made to be, helping other people, no matter what the hour, no matter what they wear. Dad, one of the things I admire most about you—and I'm sure this tops the list for many who know you—is that you're always ready to help. You'll drop everything to come to our rescue. To help with a job. To delight in others, putting our needs and wishes above your own. And I know that the Path of your Footsteps derives from your Love for Our Lord, Loving Others as He Prepared for you to do. I aspire to recognize the Marks you have left on the Trail, as you Follow the Footprints of Our Lord. Thank you for the Shoes. The Instructions of the Lord are Perfect, Reviving the Soul I've been longing to get home and be with family. One of the great legacies my dad has been leaving for me is a life instructed by the Lord no matter where your temporary home may be. He instilled in me from a young age—whether it was at home or in a tent, or spending a snowy night in a quinzhee (I always called it a quingee)—he taught me that our true home and place of shelter is only to be found in relationship with the One who created us through daily interaction with him in his Word and prayer. Even when packing light for a backpacking trip, one essential was always a pocket-sized Bible. To this day, if I am not following another Bible reading plan, I always fall back on the simple method my dad taught me--to read a psalm and/or chapter from Proverbs that corresponds with the day of the month. God's Word has sustained me in the uncertain days of the COVID-19 global health crisis. A friend has asked me each
week how my stress levels are going, and I've usually been saying, "Stress? What stress? I'm not feeling any stress." I usually do handle stressful situations with patience and resolve. Perhaps that's why I keep asking my daughter to make me a personalized metal bracelet with the words “indefatigable” and “unflappable” artfully stamped on it. But this last week was different. I had already gone through much timely research and decision making to secure all the travel arrangements for the six of us to move back to the States for the next six months. I had completed that way back in February, thinking I was ahead of schedule. It's a tricky endeavor even without a global health crisis. But airlines keep cancelling flights, countries have tightened their borders, and our dates keep changing on us. We really have no idea how long we're stuck here. Two different international itineraries had already been cancelled and re-booked and we were on our third set of bookings, hopeful that the airlines had already settled into a new normal with their reduced schedule during the crisis. I was already dealing with 33 different bookings with nine different airlines, four online travel agencies, six places of accommodation, two car rental companies, and two travel insurance policies. The total cost of bookings that had been cancelled was just shy of $11,000, and refunds were being refused for more than half of that. It's a bit nerve-wracking to make new bookings when the last bookings haven't been refunded. I even sent a plea to the U.S. consular in PNG and our ambassador in Australia, pleading with them to urge their superiors in the federal government to do something about the way that travel companies were treating their customers during this crazy time. After struggling to get hold of one online travel agency whose automated phone message was telling me that the average wait time for an operator was five hours— and they could only offer me a call back if I had a U.S.-based phone number—my dad came to the rescue. He waited for an operator, and called back numerous times, securing full reimbursement on two car rent-
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als that we had previously been told were not eligible for a refund. The last things to work out were to secure the unrefunded $3,700 for other cancelled flights, and to complete the complex and detailed applications for transit visas for each of us to travel through Australia and New Zealand along with separate state and country exemptions to transit through Australia during this state of emergency. I was still feeling quite indefatigable and unflappable.
tion with freedom for my soul. I followed the model Dad taught me and read my psalm for the day.
Then Thursday night hit me like a ton of bricks. I got an email that the major cross-Pacific leg of our international flights had been moved back a day, and the itinerary now had us spending a grueling layover in the Auckland airport for 46 1/2 hours, well beyond the 24-hour transit limit that is allowable for us during the current state of emergency. We wouldn't even be allowed on the plane.
It was the 19th of June, so I read Psalm 19. The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race. The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat. The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the LORD is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the LORD are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them. —Psalm 19:1-11 (NLT)
But what made me really come to the end of my rope was the thought that I had been taken by a fraudulent online travel agency. None of their automated online self-service options applied to our situation. After waiting over an hour to speak to an agent at three in the morning, the call dropped shortly after I was informed that there wasn't much they could do. The next minute I was hearing an automated message saying that my number had been blocked, and if I thought this was in error to email them. But no email could be found anywhere on their website or in their correspondence with me. They were making it impossible to receive any kind of customer service. And this from the company that touts, "Our team of travel agents is ready to assist you on the phone you can rest assured we’re with you every step of the way to make sure your vacation is flawless." Mandy came out in the middle of the night and found me on the verge of tears, unable to keep going. At this point, all I could do was go to sleep. A few hours later, Mandy woke me up, suggesting that I should probably keep working on this soon since it was Friday and the weekend was upon us. Before I started again to deal with companies that claim to be "something special in the air," to be "a symbol of freedom," that promise to "get you there," and that tantalize me to "fly the friendly skies," I first turned to the one place that always provides flawless promises, and a true destina-
And turning my mind from the false assurances of flighty human institutions who feign to rule the skies and my itinerary, I was reminded that the skies actually communicate the greatness of our God, and he commands the movements of the sun from one horizon to another. So, too, he is a trustworthy commander of my soul
Editor’s note: We’re happy to report that the Pehrsons arrived safely in the U.S. on July 9 and came to the Wheaton area on July 20, beginning a six-month remote assignment.
About the Author | Ben Pehrson Ben and Mandy are College Church missionaries, working with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Papua New Guinea. Those footsteps Ben follows? They are his father’s, Bill Pehrson, a member of College Church.
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FACE TO FACE
Reintroducing Josh Maurer, our new pastoral resident
It should come as no surprise that Josh Maurer majored in Bible and ministry with a music minor at Cornerstone University (Grand Rapids, MI), and he has put his education to good use at College Church. Josh is finishing up his PhD in New Testament and biblical theology at Wheaton College with Doug Moo as he begins his pastoral residency. Josh and Caitlin, his wife of thirteen years, have three daughters Natalie, Celia and Annabelle and a son on the way (due September 30). Lorraine Triggs talked with Josh about serving, his dissertation and his residency. Tell us your story of faith. How did you come to Christ?
Josh Maurer
My spiritual journey began in my strong Christian home. My parents were actively involved in our church, remarkably consistent in attendance and diligent in family devotions at home. A favorite memory of Christmas mornings is my dad reading the birth narrative from Luke 2 (before presents) and reminding us of its ultimate significance, that Jesus was born to die as the Savior of the world as Luke 2:11 declares. I grew up with the grammar of Christianity and the example of imperfect, yet faithful Christian parents. I have faint memories of my conversion. I was seven years old. My mom, however, remembers every detail and tells me the story. We had attended an Easter musical on a Sunday evening at a large church about 30 minutes from where we lived. At the end of the production, the pastor came out, explained the meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection and called for people to repent of their sins and receive the gift of forgiveness and new life in Jesus. According to my mom, I turned to her and said I wanted to be saved. I wanted to know Jesus. So, right there, she led me in a prayer (this part I vaguely remember) in which I confessed my sin and asked to receive Jesus as my Lord and Savior.
How did you end up at College Church? When Caitlin and I decided we were coming to Wheaton College to pursue my PhD in New Testament and Biblical Theology, we began asking friends who had lived in the Chicago area if they had any churches they would recommend. Rod and Libby VanSolkema were among those we talked with and they recommended the church where Rod had served as high school pastor years ago: College Church. This was also the church of my doctoral mentor and advisor, Doug Moo. When we arrived in Wheaton, College Church was the first church we visited. We did visit other churches but decided to make College Church our home. Going out on a limb here, but music seems to play a big part in your life and ministries. How did that come about? We both have always had a love for music. We grew up with it in our families and, interestingly, each of us pursued it academically as well. Before college, we were involved with music ensembles in high school quite extensively, be it choirs, bands, youth group worship bands and so on. When it came time for college, I began my undergraduate study at Cornerstone University as a music major, with an emphasis on guitar performance. Though I shifted gears to Bible and theology, I did finish with more than enough credits for a minor in music.
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My wife, on the other hand, completed her bachelor’s degree with a double major emphasis on vocal performance and education, and has been teaching and singing in some capacity ever since graduating college (she also has since completed a master’s in education). Music has always been a natural avenue for us to do ministry together. We have known each other for seventeen years, and I think I can honestly say that we have been doing ministry together through music for all those years and counting.
servants of his body, the church. Each of us already has a calling on our lives to be engaged with our local church, offering our gifts, time and resources for the edification of Christ’s body.
But you’re more than your music ministry. What other ministries have you been involved in, both at College Church and other places.
Third, when Peter says, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace,” he assumes you have by God’s grace an important gift to offer the church (1 Pet 4:10). See yourself as a vital ingredient to the health of the church. And then, rest in the awesome truth that God will empower you for service. Peter goes on to say in that same passage, “whoever serves, [let him/her] serve by the strength that God supplies, in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ” (1 Pet 4:11). The aim of your service is the glory of God. And God ensures that this will be accomplished by giving you the strength to do it. Be encouraged. God will strengthen you for your service.
Before coming to College Church, I served as an associate pastor at Hastings Baptist Church (Hastings, MI) for nearly four years, preaching, leading worship and leading the college student ministry. I also served as the youth pastor for two years at the church. Here at College Church I have served in a handful of ministries as a ministry associate with visitation, College Group, music, HYACKs, preaching on a few occasions and even officiating at a funeral. In the Meet Your Leaders feature, we ask the elected leaders, why they serve. So, why do you serve? What motivates you to serve the church? Even before serving the church specifically, the motivation is to serve the Lord, most fundamentally. Deuteronomy 10:12 asks, “What does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul?” God has graciously called me to be among his people, and the fruit of such calling is a desire to serve him with my entire life. What motivates me to serve the church is, in no particular order of importance, love for the church, a desire to see the church flourish in manifold ways, it’s part of God’s calling on my life and the desire to not waste my life. Paul refers to the pastoral office as a “noble task” (1 Tim. 3:1), worthy of aspiration. I can be an instrument in God’s mighty work as he transforms people’s lives by his Spirit through his Word. I can walk with people in life’s greatest joys and sorrows, pray that God is magnified in my life (Phil 1:20; 1 Pet 4:10). I resonate with the Apostle Paul, who, reflecting on his own motivation for his ministry, said, “The love of Christ controls us” (2 Cor 5:14). What advice do you have for people who want to serve, but just aren’t sure about it? To be sure, the advice would depend on the nature of the uncertainty, but here are a few things to consider. First, to be a Christian means we are already servants of Christ; we belong to him (1 Cor 6:19-20). And to be a servant of Christ means we are
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Second, though it is important to assess how God has gifted you individually, to look for ways to use that gift, you can’t allow “gift to ministry matching” unnecessarily limit you. Some of the most important ministry with people does not require extraordinary ability, but simply a humble and willing spirit. God loves to use us precisely when we are, and think we are, weak and insufficient (2 Cor 2:16; 12:9).
And you’re also working on your dissertation? What’s your topic? My focus of study is on Paul’s teaching in his letters concerning adoption. So, a dissertation about adoption. When we met our son’s birth mom, we told her that adoption was a Bible word. Briefly, how do you see adoption played out in the Bible? Since I am writing a dissertation on the subject, being brief here is a bit of a challenge—albeit a good one. So here it goes. Adoption is, indeed, a Bible word. The Apostle Paul is the only author to use the term, and in only five places (Rom 8:15, 23; 9:4; Gal 4:5; Eph 1:5). But here is a good example of the principle that significance is not measured merely by occurrence. The significance of adoption far surpasses what might at first be imagined by the few times it occurs. The late J.I. Packer, in his best-selling and massively influential book, Knowing God, highlights this idea with these words: “You sum up the whole of New Testament religion if you describe it as the knowledge of God as one’s holy Father. If you want to judge how well a person understands Christianity, find out how much he makes of the thought of being God’s child, and having God as his Father. If this is not the thought that prompts and controls his worship and prayers and his whole outlook on life, it means
that he does not understand Christianity very well at all. . . Our understanding of Christianity cannot be better than our grasp of adoption.” Packer goes on to say, “Adoption is the highest privilege that the gospel offers: higher even than justification . . . To be right with God the Judge is a great thing, but to be loved and cared for by God the Father is greater.” One of the reasons for this sentiment, with which I completely agree, is that when Paul uses “adoption” he uses it in a most breathtaking and expansive way, rooting it in the purposes of God before the foundation of the world (Eph 1:5), reveling in its present effects (Gal 4:5; Rom 8:15), and seeing its culmination in our bodily resurrection in the age to come (Rom 8:23). In one sense, then, salvation itself, from beginning to end, can be conceived as adoption. Or, in other words, we could say that adoption consists in “being conformed to the image of his son, so that he [ Jesus] might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters” (Rom 8:29). Because of our adoption as sons (and daughters) of God, we, like Jesus the Son, enjoy intimacy with the Father. Like Jesus, we have the indwelling Holy Spirit to lead us in loving obedience to the Father. Like Jesus, we endure suffering on the way to glory. Like Jesus, this glory consists in bodily resurrection, the right to rule with him over God’s new creation, and the inheritance of all things. This is what it means to “be conformed to the image of his son.” And all these benefits come to us precisely and only because we are adopted sons and daughters of God.
A Bible word indeed. Thanks, Josh. As you begin your pastoral residency, what are some of your goals and expectations for it? Who will you be working with during your residency? My primary area of responsibility will be with Pastor Moody. I will also be working with Pastors Erik Dewar and Ben Panner in music and college ministry. Also, as part of my role in college ministry I will also be teaching a class at Wheaton College in the fall as an adjunct professor. I’m really looking forward to meeting more people and continuing to serve the church in this new role. I think I would sum up my goals for this residency in these two categories: first, gaining more experience navigating some of the unique challenges in a large church in comparison to a small church (since my previous ministry experience was in a small church) and, second, growing in every way as a shepherd, taking my cue from 1 Pet 5:2-3: “shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” And finally, two questions just for fun: What three words best describe you? Patient, Passionate, Versatile (chosen by my wife) What is your favorite hang-out space? At least at the moment, any space outside.
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FACE TO FACE
Moving to Naperville! Jacob Warren
College Church, I want to take a moment to thank you all for these two years of my pastoral residency and all the ways God has used so many of you in my life and life of my family during that time. Before I do that, for those of you who I’ve yet to have the opportunity to get to know, allow me the privilege and pleasure of explaining how God brought us here in the first place. While my wife, Sara, traces her spiritual birth to early childhood, God called me to himself and saved me while an “outwardly religious” ministry major in college. I had been doubting the genuineness of my faith for some time—I lacked a sincere desire for the things of God, and I looked for meaning and fulfillment in relationships and identities that eventually would have brought about my destruction. The turning point came on a day that for anyone else might have seemed unremarkable. God broke me emotionally and spiritually and revealed my deep need for Christ. I was petrified of what it would mean for me to come clean, to admit that I’d never really known him. I was moved however by a newly wrought and holy fear of God, along with a new and deep abiding sense of his love for me. These were “religious affections” as Jonathan Edwards would put it, and they were the first evidences of a genuine faith. A faith that I had not stirred up in myself, but one God himself worked within me. He spoke light into the darkness of my soul. Not long after that transformative moment I had the opportunity to go on my first missions trip to Kazakhstan in the former Soviet Union. Prior to my trip home I was encouraged by the missionaries that I worked with to consider praying in earnest about a longer commitment after graduation. I came back from that trip convinced that I would spend the rest of my life in Central Asia. Fast forwarding to 2014, Sara and I returned to the States after 8 1/2 years of ministry in Northwest China and Turkey, with three kids (all born in Turkey) in tow. While open to the possibility, we just didn’t sense an immediate call back to the field, instead, the Lord had placed a growing desire in my heart to serve the local church. Over the past four years I had numerous opportunities to lead and test the waters of pastoral ministry, all of which led me further and further down the rabbit hole with increasing velocity. I've been very intentional along the way to plead with others to speak into my life and tell me the truth about myself and their understanding of how God is using me (or how he is not). My time at College Church has been an enormous part of that process. Even when applying to the pastoral residency, I struggled with using phrases such as being “called to the ministry” in reference to my own experience because, after all, at one point I was certain that I’d been called to serve cross-culturally for the rest of my life. But now, after encouragement over and over again from my fellow pastors and so many of you, along with a clear “call” or invitation from New Covenant Church in Naperville to serve as pastor of congregational Life, I am confident in moving forward with a true sense of “calling” to the ministry. So, thank you College Church. Thank you for all of you who took the time to get to know and invest in a young family who was most likely only going to be here for two years. Thank you for all that you did to make us feel at home in Wheaton. Thank you for allowing me to stutteringly and stumblingly serve you and care for you as God would have me. Thank you for the way you modeled grace, character, kindness, patience and generosity toward us as a family and to me as a pastor. I’m grateful and will continue to pray for you in the weeks, months and years ahead. I’m looking forward to the ways we might minister together as our churches cooperate for God’s glory and our joy.
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I BELIEVE!
Discovering Faith and Family Annelise Thrasher Before I grew up in a family of six, with my parents, older brother and two younger sisters. My parents raised us to go to church regularly, so much so that I went to Catholic Mass daily. I knew of God and knew Bible stories, but I did not have a relationship with God. I was a rule-follower, and I was legalistic. To me, knowing God meant reciting prayers and knowing truths about him. I didn't truly know him through a personal relationship. I thought I was pretty good and ranked myself on what I was not doing. I feared what others thought of me, but I did not realize my need for God and his Word. One of my family members battles mental illness, and I placed my hope in this family member getting better, and in the future when I knew I would have more control over my circumstances. A Shift I lived this way, comparing myself constantly to others, up until college. I attended University of Illinois, and for the first time, I was outside of my bubble. Providentially, I had the privilege of living in a Christian cooperative house, among 36 girls, many with genuine faith. I was asked questions and forced to dig deep about what I believed. I got involved in Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU) and felt as though I was hearing the gospel for the first time--the weight of my sin and Jesus’ once for all death for my sins, so that I could have hope of eternity with him. I received his great mercy, grace and love, and was hungry to know him and his Word better. 1 John 4:10: “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
Due to my family member’s mental illness, my newfound faith was not warmly welcomed and received with a lot of difficulty. I was disappointing my family and stepping away from something they held dear. To them, my choice to follow Jesus meant I no longer wanted to be a part of their family. I could lose my relationship with them entirely, and I felt the weight of their disapproval. I knew God had placed me where I was for a reason, and he was guiding me through this difficult season. He is faithful, and he was bigger than my circumstances. I took steps of faith I never could have made in my own strength. I was tempted to fall back into my old ways and back into fear, yet he richly provided for me in the middle of this difficulty. Eventually, my dating Michael (now my husband) continued to bring out pain with my family, yet God saw us through it. The Lord continued to draw me near to himself and he answered many prayers. As Romans 8:18 reminds us, "for I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory to be revealed to us." I can say there has been a lot of pain with my family, but God is good and has brought a lot of healing in my relationship with them. My hope does not rest here, though, but in him. My Current Walk Now, I am privileged to be staying home with our nine-month-old son, Zeke. I am in a new season, adjusting to parenting. And I am constantly reminded that my hope is not in naps, alone time, keeping a clean home, an uninterrupted night's sleep, or how I perform as a mom, wife and friend.
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God has called me to abide in him and he has a purpose for me, even when my days seem to be filled with diapers, laundry, caring for Zeke and not much else. There is a call to cast aside my finite hopes for the steadfast hope of the gospel. Practically, seeking Jesus daily looks like me taking intentional moments to pause--to cast my cares on him in prayer and to read his Word. I often listen to the Bible on audio. I focus on letting go of my mental to- do list and anchor my hope to God—only he can satisfy the deepest longings of my heart. My father-in-law often shares this quote from Warren Wiersbe: “Yesterday God helped me, today he’ll do the same. How long will this continue? Forever—Praise his Name!”
About the Author | Annelise Thrasher Annelise has been married to Michael for three years now and have a nine-month-old son. She became College Church member about four years ago, and has enjoyed serving in HYACKS, the 20s Ministry and the Hospitality Committee.
God Centered Life Radio Touching Lives Pastor Josh Moody’s radio program, “God Centered Life” (GCL), is bearing ministry fruit. Heard nightly here in Chicago on WMBI FM 90.1 at 10:30 p.m., “God Centered Life” reaches between 5,000 and 10,000 people every day. Recently a couple visiting College Church from Michigan shared with Pastor Josh the way the broadcast had touched their lives. The wife mentioned how his teaching had reached her heart and challenged her to grow more deeply in her faith. A young man involved in a cult happened to hear the broadcast on the radio one night, dedicated his life to Christ and came to church on another weekend. We are grateful for the growing impact of GCL. Join us in prayer as we seek to grow the radio network and increase our online broadcast presence. “God Centered Life” can be heard Monday through Friday nights on WMBI at 10:30 p.m., as well as on Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m. The broadcast can also be shared online at www.godcenteredlife. org, at www.oneplace.com/ministries/god-centered-life/ and soon at www.twr360.com, a global ministry impact platform. During this year, GCL anticipates expansion to radio markets beyond the current markets of Chicago, Des Moines and Canton (Atlanta area). Please pray for the ministry’s growing impact.
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LOCALLY SOURCED
The Re:new Project: Helping Refugee Women to Flourish Terri Kraus
Re:new exists to come alongside and invest in the lives of women through holistic renewal of their lives—economically, socially and spiritually. Re:new is creating hope for refugee women and sharing the love of Christ with them. The story behind the Re:new Project is a story about life, about how being in community is the best way to live. It is about how God sees fit to enable us all to flourish while on this earth— creating and being renewed day by day. Maku was just a small child when her parents died. As an orphan in Bhutan, a country in northeast India, she and her siblings were sent as refugees to live in Nepal with their grandmother. They lived in poverty and received no education. In their culture, girls were married off at a young age, and Maku was married by the time she was 15 years old. Unfortunately, she married a bad man and was then divorced. She had hope for a brighter future when she married again. Those hopes were not realized as she faced challenges in her marriage from a husband who didn’t want her to even go outside of their house. Kept shut in with her three children, she had no opportunities to gain the education not available in her childhood.
barriers, health challenges, lack of transportation, childcare needs and/or lack of transferable skills. These were the challenges Maku faced when she arrived in the United States. But this wasn’t the first time Maku faced obstacles in her life. Though an orphaned refugee living in poverty, she had overcome, so Maku was determined to help make a good life for her family. She just needed the opportunity. That opportunity came when she met a Re:new volunteer at a local English as a Second Language (ESL) class. She was invited to join our ESL classes. As a result, Maku not only learned English, but she also joined the new student sewing class, where she acquired skills to equip her to find a job as a seamstress.
At age 29, Maku, her husband and children came to the United States and were accepted into World Relief’s resettlement program. For a refugee, adjusting to life in America is complex and overwhelming. The challenges increase exponentially for refugees who do not speak English and have little or no education. And one of the largest pieces of the resettlement puzzle is employment—especially for women. Some refugee women are considered unemployable due to the language
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Re:new is a nonprofit organization that provides training, employment and community for refugee women living in DuPage County. In 2009, the Re:new Project was birthed out of a desire to empower refugee women to gain a viable skill in a safe community of women with a dignified and flexible work environment. It started with a 350-square foot room with five machines and four students. Now, ten years later, the project encompasses a space of 2,500 square feet with five employees, along with our trained artisans and students each semester from such countries as Somalia, Turkey, Nepal, Iraq, Bhutan, Sudan and Tanzania. The number of women and places they’re from grow and shift all the time. We are a team of more than 50 women volunteers, staff and artisans working together to design, create and market beautiful locally handcrafted products as we provide a space for refugee women to thrive. Re:new artisans are women who have survived war, persecution and political conflict—women like Amal who left her home country because of threats on her life. After traveling from place to place to hide out, she and her husband were always found. They knew they had to leave their home country for the sake of their lives, and the life of their unborn baby. After arriving in the U.S., Amal found her way to Re:new and to our community where she felt safe and comfortable. She has developed friendships with other women who had been through similar experiences. Each woman has a compelling story. Za Lian grew up in a valley village in Burma. When she married her husband, she moved to a mountain village with her mother-in-law. All the children of the village would go out and play together in the streets and were safe because everyone would keep an eye out for them. (Here, her daughters had no friends and found themselves pent up inside with only parking lots to play in. They miss community.) Soldiers would come into the villages and order people to carry goods for them. These orders were random and often under threat. One time her husband was ordered to carry goods, but he was very sick and refused. He was repeatedly told that illness was no excuse, but he still refused. He became afraid that the soldiers would come back for him, so the following day he fled the country.
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It was a long separation. Za Lian’s husband could not re-enter the country, because there would be trouble for him. Their mail to each other rarely reached its destination. Her older daughter was often ill and heart-sick for her father and she would constantly ask, “Where is he?” After a few years, her husband’s brother helped arrange Za Lian’s passage to Malaysia, so she could join her husband. As illegal immigrants there, they were constantly hunted by the police, who jailed many illegals who would later die in prison. But the police were not allowed to barge into people’s rooms, so Za Lian and her family would hide away. Her family was caught in no man’s land. They could not return home, and they could not stay where they were. There was the potential to be found and thrown in jail either place. They registered with the UNHCR, and Za Lian says they saved her family when they resettled here in the U.S. She has loved to sew for a long time. She has always made clothes for her daughters, even if they weren’t professional. A friend told her about Re:new, and she came wandering through the building where we were first located in search of us. She filled out her application and was on her way! World Relief found work for her husband and her girls (8 and 10) now go to school here. Her elder daughter joined the school orchestra and Za Lian recently sewed a dress for her violin performance. There are two global crises happening at this moment: the refugee crisis and the COVD-19 crisis. Around the world, 25 million refugees have fled their homes. Like the rest of the world, we at Re:new have all felt the effects of COVID. Since the outbreak, we have repurposed to join the fight against the pandemic by making reusable cloth facemasks according to CDC guidelines to donate to care centers, medical facilities and other nonprofits. To date, we have made more than 11,000 masks, 65% of which have been donated. We are truly blessed to keep our refugee Artisans employed during this time while meeting an urgent need.
In honor of World Refugee Day ( June 20 this year), we donated 620 masks to refugees who have been resettled through World Relief, a local resettling agency that has worked with many of our Artisans. These masks are made by refugees, for refugees. Our Mentoring Program, set to begin this fall, will help the artisans to integrate into American workplace norms and provide tools to help them assimilate well into their communities. We will also assist in launching the artisan into a new career or calling by walking alongside her journey at Re:new and exposing her to the healing love of Jesus, helping her recognize her God-given potential as she rebuilds her new life in the U.S. This will be done through one-on-one mentoring relationships with godly women in our Christian community who have a heart for refugees and their families. Getting to know the Artisans and hearing their stories has been an extraordinarily enriching experience in my life. What I’ve
learned is that despite our diverse cultural backgrounds and religious differences, these women have the same hopes and dreams for themselves and their families as I have. We can connect deeply as we share our lives with each other as we work together, and around the lunch table where food from many different countries is celebrated and shared. We rely on the talent, skill, passion and creativity of our volunteers to further our mission, and on donors who invest in the professional and personal development of the amazing Artisans in our program. If you have never visited our shop and sewing studio at 483 North Main Street in Glen Ellyn, please stop by and see us! Check out our website— www.renewproject.org—to see some of our beautiful products, each one unique and handmade from upcycled textiles, or if you are interested in becoming involved as a volunteer or donor.
About the Author | Terri Kraus Terri has had the privilege to volunteer at Re:new for the past five years as a designer and now is on the board of directors. College Church attenders, Terri and her husband, Jim, are recent empty-nesters as their son, Elliot, is a recent Taylor University grad.
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GLOBAL VOICES
Sheltering at Home in India John Maust
In recent months, I’ve interacted with many Christian friends around the world about the impact of COVID-19 on their nations and ministries. Some have lost jobs or income. Others struggle to obtain health care or the basic necessities. Many fear losing family or friends to the virus. But what almost everyone has in common, whether here or abroad, is having to spend increased time at home. Lockdowns in some countries to prevent the virus’s spread are especially severe: in one area of Mozambique, children gathered unlawfully in the street are arrested, and parents must pay a fine to secure their release, a missionary told me. So, the question arises, how are we spending this confinement at home? And that brings me to silver-haired author and church leader Babu Verghese of India, a long-time friend, prolific author and writer trainer for Media Associates International. Usually Babu travels nine months out of the year preaching across his nation of 1.35 billion. But since March when COVID-19 set in, he’s had to stay put in Mumbai. He doesn’t have a lot of room to lounge or spread out in his small, but comfortable home in Mumbai, where the living room triples as a dining area and guest bedroom. But he is spending hours each day on his computer, and the words are flowing. “By God’s mercy, the shut-in has been a productive time for me,” Babu said in a massive understatement. In just the past several months, he has finished two book manuscripts and an evangelistic booklet. Plus, he’s almost completed a fourth, with his daughter, Sneha, serving as his editor. Even by Babu’s fast writing standards, this seems like offthe-charts productivity. “The books are powerful conversion/ mission/persecution stories,” he said. Passion and courage Babu and his wife, Elsy, have so far avoided infection from the virus, even though Mumbai has the highest number of cases in India and the couple has neighbors with the illness. “But we are
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most concerned about the millions of precious souls in India who live in shanties and slums,” he said. “May the coronavirus compel us to draw nearer to Christ and share about Him.” Babu’s passion for evangelism drives his writing, and it sometimes endangers his safety. Several years ago, Babu’s phone rang at about midnight and the voice at the other end was strange and angry. A man introduced himself as a businessman and active member of the World Hindu Council. The furious phone call was prompted because he had received a copy of Babu’s book, Let There Be India: Impact of the Bible on Nation Building. “We do not want you to distribute this book,” the man said. “We do not want anyone to read the content. It’s dangerous. You are also in danger. You may be killed.” Babu profusely thanked him for reading the book, or at least part of it. Then he said, “If anyone kills me, the earlier the better. I believe in Jesus and therefore at my death, I will be with Him in heaven.” He then shared the gospel with the man and also invited him for lunch. “My residence address is in the book. My wife makes very tasty food. After enjoying lunch, you can kill me.” The man didn’t come, but Babu and his wife regularly pray for him. Looking ahead, Babu’s dream is to produce a series of evangelistic materials that he dubs “Operation Littflood.” “The plan is to produce five gospel tracts in 12 languages, three booklets, the Gospel of John and one or two conversion testimony books,” he said. “If the Lord tarries, the coming years must be years of evangelism through literature and other media. “ Redeeming the time I marvel at what God is doing through Babu in his writing during the pandemic. Seeing his energy and output, I can only think of Elijah, when the power of the Lord came upon him and the prophet ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel (1 Kings 18:46). Amazing.
But there are only a few Babus in the world. Maybe you and I can’t write a book, but we can read the one we’ve been putting off. We can’t travel overseas, but we can devote extra time to prayer for our missionaries, the global church, family, neighbors, national leaders, unsaved friends. Let’s take advantage of this pandemic time to find the best way, unique to each of us, to redeem the time in service to the Lord. When I feel tempted to grumble or grudgingly bide my time until life “opens up” again, I’ll try to remember Babu and how the pandemic may be a one-time opportunity for service rather than a burden. “What a joy!” Babu said. “Even amidst shut in, we can communicate. Praise God for digital communication technology. The Lord has already predicted that 'stones will speak (Luke 19:40).’ Silica is stone that speaks. Thank him for the 'chip' that can communicate. The Bible is always right.”
About the Author | John Maust John is the president of Media Associates International, a global ministry that equips and encourages Christian publishers and writers like Babu. He and his wife, Elsa, have been College Church missionaries for 21 years.
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SIDE BY SIDE
Gratitude and Trust – A story from Kids Alive in the Dominican Republic Vic and Leslie Trautwein
God’s Care
A Season of Waiting
One of our social workers received this message on her phone from the mother of one of her students, along with this photo:
Life in Dominican Republic is now, in many ways, quite different than we’re used to. Our borders have been closed for over three months, and closures will likely extend into the summer. The month of June saw the closing of most nonessential businesses, and a nationwide curfew from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. All these new realities have changed how we operate our ministry, and we are learning to wait patiently on the Lord and His timing. Our three residential campuses are in summer programs but remain under strict protocols with limited and controlled entries and exits. The children and youth continue to learn about and appreciate God’s provision and protection. Our seven schools are now on summer break. Over the last few months, our team has provided regular meals for over 1,200 families along with academic and spiritual enrichment materials for students and parents, most of whom have lost their meager incomes during the pandemic.
Blessings! I hope in the Lord that this finds you all well in your house. I always trust in God. This was my last egg for these days. The first message was followed a few minutes later by another message and photo.
Your Gifts, God’s Provision Last November, College Church selected three projects to support as part of the Thanksgiving Eve Offering. One of the three projects was submitted by the Trautweins. Your gifts supported new dental care to impoverished, atrisk kids, encouraging overall health and confidence. Doing so increases retention, allowing Kids Alive to have a greater impact in the lives of students and families. Because of your support, we now have newly acquired dental equipment that will allow us to more easily accommodate visiting dentists. We have already set aside space in our building to use as a dental exam room, and we have identified two local dentists who are willing to help treat our students. Our hope is to hire a dental hygienist and to offer routine dental exams and dental care to all students once our campus has re-opened.
One more time, God has shown me that he takes care of us and His timing is perfect. One of the great blessings of this great (Kids Alive) team and family is that each day you run the extra miles to save lives. We are extremely grateful for the ministry of Kids Alive. May God multiply abundantly His blessings over you and your health always.
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We also recently added a full-time counselor to our staff, and this will help us better address the needs of children who have witnessed or experienced traumatic events, especially in light of the current uncertainty. His Steadfast Love Through these uncertain times, God’s promises are certain, and his steadfast love never ceases. It brings us great joy to see the fruit of your generous gifts, and even more joy that we can share these victories with you.
A Note from Vic‌ Thank you for your help for so many years and most recently with a generous donation from the Board of Missions for food distribution during COVID-19. College Church has sent teams and missionaries to share the gospel and tangibly share God’s love to impoverished, at-risk kids in the Dominican Republic for over two decades. The work is producing much fruit as young students learn about gratitude and trust in the Lord. Many grow up to be influential Christians, like the social worker who once was a sponsored student at the school.
Please pray in the coming months that we can continue to protect and provide for the over 2,000 plus students and close to 300 workers and return to more normal operations in our seven schools and three residential programs. We are also praying that God continues to provide so that we can maintain our current staff of house parents, teachers and counselors while adding new children in our schools. To this end, we are praying that God brings us 500 new child sponsors to provide sustaining support for these life-providing and life-changing ministries. Thanks for your prayers, encouragement and support.
To sponsor a child at the ANIJA (Spanish acronym spells out “helping the children of Jarabacoa) Kids Alive School in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic click here: Sponsor a child at ANIJA Shool
About the Authors | Vic and Leslie Trautwein Vic serves as field director for the ten locations of Kids Alive schools and orphanages. Leslie oversees medical care, nutrition and dental health programs. Kids Alive serves more than 2,200 children and youth, and the staff has grown to 290 nationals, including 40 former at-risk youth in professional roles such as classroom teachers.
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BOOK REVIEW
Gently and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane Ortlund | Published by Crossway | Reviewed by Lorraine Triggs
When I first picked up Dane Ortlund’s book, I naturally gravitated to the subtitle, “The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers,” and thought, “Oh, a book about me—sinner and sufferer.” I was wrong. Ortlund’s book isn’t about me or you at all. It’s all about Jesus, gentle and lowly. Though not about us, the book is for “the discouraged, the frustrated, the weary, the disenchanted, the cynical, the empty.” If that’s the intended audience, it won’t surprise me if Dane Ortlund has a best seller on his hands, especially these days. Using various Bible passages, teachings from the Puritans and other writers, the author looks at what he describes as “the single diamond of Christ’s heart from many different angles.” The first Scripture passage up for discussion is Matthew 11:29, the basis for not only the book’s title but also its premise—“the point is that Jesus deals gently and only gently with all sinners who come to him, irrespective of their particular offense and just how heinous it is.” According to Ortlund, “In the one place in the Bible where the Son of God pulls backs the veil and lets us peer way down into the core of who he is, we are not told that he is ‘austere and demanding in heart.’ We are not told that he is ‘exalted and dignified in heart.’ We are not even told that he is ‘joyful and generous in heart.’ Letting Jesus set the terms, his surprising claim is that he is ‘gentle and lowly in heart.’ By far, one of my favorite sentences in the book is this: “If Jesus hosted his own personal website, the most prominent line of the ‘About Me’ dropdown would read: GENTLE AND LOWLY IN HEART.” Ortlund primarily integrates teaching from Jonathan Edwards, Thomas Goodwin and John Owen, with teaching from John Bunyan, B.B. Warfield and Richard Sibbes strategically placed throughout the book. And the preacher who preached, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” was the same preacher “who affirmed that God ‘delights in mercy, but judgment is his strange work.’” Dr. Ortlund goes on to write that the Puritans “affirmed and preached and taught divine wrath and an eternal hell. They saw these doctrines in the Bible. But because they knew their Bibles inside and out and followed their Bibles scrupulously, they discerned also a strand of teaching in Scripture about who God most deeply is—about his heart.” (p. 143) Gently and Lowly doesn’t shy away from doctrine, with discussions about Christ’s intercession and advocacy, but all in the light of Christ’s very heart. There is one chapter
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devoted to the emotional life of Christ and his permanent humanity, admittedly a difficult doctrine to grasp. However, the author stresses that one “implication of this truth of Christ’s permanent humanity is that when we see the feeling and passions and affections of the incarnate Christ toward sinners and sufferers as given to us in the four Gospels, we are seeing who Jesus is for us today. The Son has not retreated back into the disembodied divine state in which he existed before he took on flesh.” (p. 104) After several New Testament passages that show us Christ’s heart, Ortlund turns to the Old Testament to show us God’s glory, to show us God’s heart. The stage is set in Exodus 33 and 34 when Moses asks God to show him his glory. Writes Ortlund, “When we speak of God’s glory, we are speaking of who God is, what he is like, his distinctive resplendence, what makes God God. And when God himself set the terms on what his glory is, he surprises us with wonder. . . We expect the bent of God’s heart to be retribution to our waywardness. And then Exodus 34 taps us on the shoulder and stops us in our tracks. The bent of God’s heart is mercy. His glory is his goodness. His
glory is his lowliness. ‘Great is the glory of the Lord. For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly’” (Ps. 138:6). The book does not make light of sin and God’s judgment nor does it make light of our tendency to “function out of a subtle belief that our obedience strengthens the love of God.” Ortlund reminds us that Galatians teaches that “we are made right with God based on what Christ has done rather than on what we do. To help the gospel, therefore, is to lose the gospel.”
Ortlund writes that the only two words Jesus uses to describe his heart are gentle and lowly, and the first two words that God uses to describe who he is are merciful and gracious. God’s mercy doesn’t come with an expiration date. It’s steadfast love, not fickle love. Gentle. Lowly. Merciful. Gracious. Steadfast. Imagine the crowds that would line up, in a socially distance way of course, if we stood in line with them as sinners and sufferers making our way to Jesus.
Summer Book Group will meet to discuss this book. The Zoom meeting will take place August 3. 10, 17, 24, and 31. The in-person meeting will take place Aug 5, 12, 19, 26 and Sept. 2. You can order a copy of this book at our website: https://www.10ofthose. com/us/products/7061/gentle-and-lowly. For details of the meetings, contact Wil Triggs at the Church Office or email wtriggs@ college-church.org
MEET YOUR LEADERS
Ed Simon Where I serve: Assistant Head Usher Why I serve: To give back and for the camaraderie Three words that best describe me: dependable, overly analytical, grandpa My favorite hang-out space: building furniture in my workshop
Meredith Sommars Where I serve: Hospitality Committee and HYACKs (high school ministry) Why I serve: I serve because the Lord calls us to be in community and to serve one another. It’s also a great way to get to know more people in the church. Three words that best describe me: hard-working, adventurous, good listener My favorite hang-out space: around a bonfire
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MEET YOUR LEADERS (Continued) Marr Miller Where I serve: Board of Missions, Veritas Adult Community video, STARS and new member photography, small group leader Why I serve: It’s a privilege to serve the local church in gratitude for what Christ has done for me Three words that best describe me: cheerful, helps oriented, lover of peanut butter My favorite hang-out space: right now home, but if it has a waterfall, count me in
Carole O’Hare Where I serve: Hospitality Committee, Abigail Prayer Fellowship, Front Door Ministry Why I serve: When I first came to College Church, I was welcomed immediately by so many folks—surprising in such a large church. I love the gospel focus and the godly leadership of College Church, and I want to help others feel welcome and part of the body here. Three words that best describe me: dependable, grandmother, prayer warrior My favorite hang-out space: anywhere with my children or grandchildren, who all live in Wheaton
Daniel Conroy Where I serve: Service and Engagement Committee and making the transition from KMs (junior high) to HYACKs (high school) Why I serve: Serving is an essential part of obedience to Christ in building his kingdom and his body here on earth. It is one of the best ways by which to get to know others in the church, to feel invested in the church and to feel a sense of belonging. Three words that best describe me: inquisitive, convivial and excitable My favorite hang-out space: in absence of a tropical beach, at home with delicious food and great conversation
Nancy Chase Where I serve: WOW superintendent Why I serve: I want to be a good steward of God’s grace given to me and to fulfill Christ’s command to teach and make disciples. And I love children! Three words that best describe me: hardworking, devoted and nurturing My favorite hang-out space: my living room with family around
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MILESTONES Marriages & Births • Hannah Bradley married Haakon Nelson on Saturday, July 11. She is the daughter of College Church missionary Karen Bradley. • Olive Maria was born to Christian and Christine Hollinger on July 9, in Austin, TX. Olive’s paternal grandparents are Tim and Debbie Hollinger and her maternal grandparents are Jim and Denise Gritsonis. Olive’s paternal great-grandparents are Jerry and Patty Edmonds. • Olivia Verna was born to Tony and Claire Morano on July 4. Olivia joins her brother, Owen. Her maternal grandparents are Matt and Becky Garrett. • Kaylee Ann was born to Matt and Susan Anderson on June 29. Kaylee joins her brother, Luke. • Charis Ella was born to Rick and Linda Foody on June 28. She joins her older siblings Micah and Haddi. • Olive Evangeline was born to Ryan and Ruth Gregornik on June 27. She joins her twin sisters Phoebe and Adeline. • Luther Thomas was born to Stephen and Elise Poppe on June 25. Luther joins his big brother Xaiver.
• Matthew David was born to David and Katherine Wojcik of St. Charles, IL, on June 4. Matthew’s maternal grandparents are Brian and Donna Aldridge.
Condolences • Pray for friends and family of Bea Gorton, who passed away on July 14. • Pray for the family of Lynne Ahrenholz, who passed away on July 11. • Pray for Bassem (Samia) Fileta and family as they grieve the loss of Bassem’s brother, Bahig Fileta, who passed away on July 9 in Northville, Michigan. • Pray for family and friends of Warren “Skip” Olson, who passed away on July 6. • Pray for Andee ( Jon) Lindus and family as they grieve the loss of Andee’s mother, Mary-Irene Wheeler, who passed away on July 4. • Pray for College Church missionary Christy (Brad) Keating and family as they grieve the loss of Christy’s father who passed away recently in Colorado.
• Oliver Ezra was born to Bridget and Trent Tovsen on June 4. Oliver’s maternal grandparents are Jeff and Alison Oslund.
Communion Graphic to go here with date for September Communion (9/6).
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AROUND TOWN
A Word of Thanks from Windsor Dear Pastor Eric and Pastor Jacob, It is hard for me to adequately express my gratitude for the amazing way the ladies of College Church answered the urgent call for washable, reusable PPE gowns to help protect the staff in Johnson Healthcare Center ( JHCC), and in turn, our residents. When the email went out asking for help, we couldn’t begin to imagine how many people would respond. Christy Chiodras and Diane Jordan got the ball rolling by putting out the call for seamstresses. And then Carol Taylor stepped in and really became the coordinator of 18 volunteers from your congregation who said they would sew. When we ran into “supply chain problems” obtaining enough fabric and elastic, Carol went to Becky at STARS and Beth at Twice is Nice and arranged to gather up donated sheets. Carol began cutting from the patterns we provided, and then she improved the written instructions we had been given. She had ladies picking up bags of fabric, elastic, ribbon for ties, and instructions from her front porch “contact free.” When finished gowns were dropped back off, she delivered them to Windsor Park. What an incredible team captain! And what hard working team members! We had about 18 residents back here at Windsor cutting and sewing, as well as another handful from other churches and community groups. In the end we’ve received about 240 home-sewn PPE gowns. But you can always spot a College Church sewn gown, because rather than being plain white, they have colorful patterns and fancy trim thanks to the sheets commandeered by Carol! And trust me – the staff would rather wear the fun gowns than the ones that make them look like they’re the patients! I’ve attached a few photos for you to get a glimpse of their handiwork. To me and my colleagues here at Windsor, this whole project was a powerful “God sighting.” God is good, even in hardship. Truly these ladies have been the hands and feet of Jesus. While things here begin to slowly open a bit for those in Independent Living, we remain in full COVID-prevention protocols in JHCC. These gowns won’t be tossed out when the perceived danger is behind us. They will be in use and on hand for the long haul as we work to ensure our patients’ safety. I wanted to reach out and express our thankfulness for how College Church has supported Windsor Park during this long journey. The people of Windsor Park are so very grateful – for the gowns for our staff, but especially for your prayers on behalf of our residents and staff. We look forward to the time when our residents can again join their church family in person to worship together, and when we can throw open our doors to visits from pastors and friends. May that day come soon. Until then, please know how grateful we are for your partnership in ministering to the spiritual and medical health of our residents. Sincerely, Bunny Mirrilees Church & Community Relations Coordinator Covenant Village (Windsor Park)
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LOOKING AHEAD GRACE GROUPS
GriefShare Despite it being part of life, death is never easy. It hurts to lose someone, and it may be hard to feel optimistic about the future. GriefShare is a 13-week class scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 15, which features video seminars with experts, focused group discussions and personal study and reflection that can help you face your challenges and move toward rebuilding your life. GriefShare will be held at College Church this fall. Please email Christy at griefshare@college-church.org for more information, or call (630) 668-0878.
A Word about Grace Groups Are you or a loved one dealing with anxiety or depression or another mental health challenge? Are you concerned about what others will think—those who don’t understand—when you share your struggles or those of child or spouse? Are you looking for a safe and welcoming environment of people who "get it?" Living Grace is a support group for those living with mental health challenges, and Family Grace, for those who support them. Time together is not intended to replace professional assistance when needed, but rather as an arm of the church to come alongside one another to encourage and uplift—to build a biblical and empathetic community of those who have or are living through it. Grace Group is a part of the congregational care ministry at College Church and is open to everyone. Each session allows for personal discovery and relationship building through discussion and practice of the tools learned. Scripture-infused, the Grace Group lessons touch on how God sees the individual in these challenges and gives hope as we share and learn from the
experiences of others. Each session of the 16-week curriculum stands alone, which, if needed, allows you to come and go at any point and choose which topics are most beneficial to your situation and availability. Some of the topics covered in our meetings during the year include: • Mental Health Recovery • God Is Bigger Than Our Weakness • Medication • Whole Health Strength and Renewal • Grieving and Grace • Cycles and Triggers • Life-Giving Community • Staying Resilient This group plans to meet twice a month by Zoom on Mondays at 7 p.m. beginning on September 14. Join us from the comfort and privacy of your home. Registration opens on August 21. The $20 fee includes workbook, or $12.99 for the e-book version. Email Christy at gracegroups@college-church.org, or call (630) 668-0878.
Take advantage of events—some one-time, some ongoing—that are taking place around town this month. Also, keep Connections in mind to promote a community event to the College Church family. Send event information by the following dates to connections@ college-church.org. For the September issue: August 7 | For the October issue: September 7 | For the November issue: October 7 332 E. Seminary, Wheaton, IL 60187 • Phone: (630) 668-0878 • www.college-church.org Connections is a monthly newsletter published for and about the people of College Church. Send news items and suggestions to: connections@college-church.org. Our Pastors, Directors and Residents: Eric Channing, pastor of congregational care and family ministries | Cheryce Berg, director of children’s ministries | Julie Clemens, director of disability ministries | Erik Dewar, pastor of worship and music | Zach Fallon, senior high pastor | Dan Hiben, junior high pastor | Tim Hollinger, technology director | Diane Jordan, director of visitation and care | Howard Kern, facilities director | Josh Maurer, pastorial resident | Curt Miller, missions pastor | Josh Moody, senior pastor | Ben Panner, college pastor | Mindy Rynbrandt, director of women’s ministries | John Seward, executive pastor | Nancy Singer, director of administration and finance | Mike Solis, pastoral resident | Josh Stringer, pastor of discipleship | Wil Triggs, director of communications | Michael Walker, pastoral resident| Jacob Warren, pastoral resident Our Council of Elders: David Bea | Howard Costley | Dave Gieser, vice chair | Randy Jahns| Heinrich Johnsen | Dan Lindquist | Josh Moody, senior pastor | Phil Nussbaum | Tom Nussbaum | Jeremy Taylor | Mark Taylor, chair | Tad Williams | Rob Wolgemuth, secretary
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