October 2021 Connections by College Church In Wheaton

Connections Proclaiming the GOSPEL

local & global stories, news and events of College Church

"I am currently connecting with Afghans whose lives have been turned upside down." Read Life Lessons on Afghanistan by Rick McKinley on page 10.

OCTOBER 2021

Global Voices

I Believe

Face to Face

My Life with Dignity

A Faithful Dwelling Place

Wheaton Christian Onboard United Flight 93

DEBBY NICHOLS | 6

MARGREET DUSEK | 20

ROGER BURGESS | 14

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Connections October 2021

October Highlights

Missions & Community Outreach Festival Schedule

My Life with Dignity DEBBY NICHOLS

Prayer Gatherings

Meet Bruce Main Interim Pastor of Visitation and Care

Life Lessons and Afghanistan RICK MCKINLEY

Community of Care KARA BETH VANCE

332 E. Seminary, Wheaton, IL 60187 (630) 668-0878 | www.college-church.org

Wheaton Christian Grammar School Onboard United Flight 93 ROGER BURGESS

Meet Our Leaders

A Faithful Dwelling Place MARGREET DUSEK

Milestones

Church Plant Update: Christ Church South Metro Atlanta ZACH FALLON

Bookstall: Books to Read and Share

Looking Ahead: November Ministry Preview

Connections is a monthly newsletter published for and about the people of College Church. Send news items and suggestions to: connections@college-church.org. Keep Connections in mind to promote a community event to the College Church family. Send event information by the following dates: For the November issue: October 9| For the December issue: November 9 | For the January issue: December 9

CONTRIBUTORS

When not impersonating Johnny Appleseed for the first-graders at Wheaton Christian Grammar School, Roger Burgess ushers at the 9:30 worship service and leads a College Church small group. He ran in the second Chicago marathon, and these days enjoys biking.

2 Margreet Dusek and her husband, Jeff, work with the

4 5

Chicago Eagles—the Midwest ministry of Missionary Athletes International. When she isn’t helping with soccer camp registration and administration, Margreet is busy assisting customers at Twice is Nice Resale Shop.

3 Rick McKinley and his wife, Janice, serve with Missionary

Athletes International (MAI) and recently moved to North Carolina and MAI’ s headquarters. Little did Rick know what God had in store for him there.

4 Debby Nichols and her husband, Greg, are College Church

missionaries serving in Czech Republic with Greater Europe Mission. We see Debby’s heart for the refugee as she writes about her work with Dignity in “My Life with Dignity.”

5 Kara Beth Vance currently serves as a mentor with the

College Group discipleship team and with our Sanctity of Human Life task force. She works in Wheaton as a financial planner. During the shutdowns last year, Kara Beth and her roommates began reading the Lord of the Rings trilogy aloud they are finally close to finishing!

COVER IMAGE: Kathy Burke

OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS Sunday Morning Services

Sunday Evening Service

Feel free to invite people to worship with us. Join us at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Masks and social distancing required for 8 a.m. Mask-optional services at 9:30 and 11 with no registration or social distancing needed. Livestream broadcast is at 9:30 with a rebroadcast at 11. You can watch it at college-church.org/livestream

5 p.m. services in the Sanctuary or Commons as indicated week by week.

• October 3 Spiritual Warfare—“The Sword of the Spirit” Ephesians 6:17 with Senior Pastor Josh Moody and Communion • October 10 Missions and Community Outreach Festival: The Christ Centered Mission (global) Dr. Gregory L. Nichols preaching • October 17 Missions and Community Outreach Festival: The Christ Centered Mission (local) Dr. R. Albert Mohler preaching • October 24 Spiritual Warfare—“Praying in the Spirit” Ephesians 6:18-20 with Senior Pastor Josh Moody • October 31 TBD

Adult Communities take place during the 9:30 hour.

ALL NATIONS in C101 Jim Tebbe teaching the Book of Ruth Focus: Developing globally minded Christians through teaching, discussion and fellowship for the purpose of gospel impact.

• October 3 Community Celebration in the Sanctuary. Senior Pastor Josh Moody preaching. Chili Cookoff in the Commons immediately following the evening service. • October 10 Missions and Community Outreach Festival Commons Hall • October 17 Missions and Community Outreach Festival Commons Hall • October 24 Exodus 15:22-18:27, Pastor Baxter Helm preaching • October 31 Exodus 19-20, Pastor Dan Hiben preaching

GREEK CLASS in the Board Room Jon Laansma (knowledge of Greek is not required for this class.) Focus: People of any age and background coming together to listen faithfully to God's Word through discussion of the original Greek wording.

JOINT HEIRS in Commons Gym

CREDO in the old gym - 11 a.m.

Michael Walker teaching the Sermon on the Mount

Dan Godoy teaching the Heidelberg Catechism

LOGOS in Commons Hall

FORUM 15 in CL01 Bruce Main teaching the Book of Judges

Dan Haase teaching the Psalms of Jesus Focus: Strengthening knowledge of and relationship with God through interactive Bible teaching. Strong emphasis on building fellowship through weekly share and prayer time and social events.

Adult Communities (continued) LIVING WORD in Commons Hall Doug Moo teaching the Book of Hebrews

VERITAS in Commons Hall Neil Wright teaching the Book of Revelation

Visitors Lunch Are you new to College Church? If so, come to a casual lunch in the Narthex (the Sanctuary Lobby) catered by Jason’s Deli on Sunday, October 10, at noon. Lunch is on us! Come and meet pastors and staff, learn about College Church and find out how you can get involved. Help us plan by checking the box on the online connect panel, or by emailing welcome@college-church.org.

Fall Book Group

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 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 meets at College Church on Mondays at 7-8:30 p.m. You are welcome to begin attending GriefShare on any week. Each session is "self-contained," so you do not have to attend in sequence. You will find encouragement and help whenever you begin. For registration info, contact Christy at griefshare@college-church.org, or call (630) 668-0878.

Christianity Explored in the Commons, also available via Zoom Discover what our faith is all about on Saturdays at 10 a.m. in C005. Wednesdays at 2 p.m., October 6-November 11 at COD Starbucks in the student Resource Center.

This year’s book: Confronting Injustice Without Compromising Truth

Multi-Nations Fellowship

Join us Monday nights for our fall book discussion. We’ll meet in the Commons at 7 p.m. Book group meeting: October 4, 18, 25, November 8. For more information email outreach@college-church.org

Membership

Grace Groups

Mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety and other problems with mood stability are real and need compassionate support. Living Grace and Family Grace are support groups that will meet approximately twice a month on Monday nights from 7-8:30 p.m. Living Grace is meant for the person who is living with the pain of difficult mental and emotional issues; Family Grace is for the person who has a loved one who struggles with these issues. For the schedule and more information, check the appropriate box on the online connect panel, or email gracegroups@college-church.org.

in the Commons Saturday, October 9 at 4:00 p.m.

Join us October 3, 10, 17 and 24 in the fireside area at 9:30 a.m. to find out more about College Church and to explore pursuing membership.

55+ Keenagers in the Commons On Friday, October 22, join us as we travel to Israel through Marr Miller's photography that captures the sights and beauty of that ancient land. Before the program, the evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with punch and fellowship, followed by a delicious dinner at 6 p.m. Cost is $10. Email Keenagers@college-church.org to RSVP.

Women’s Ministries

Middle School (KMs)

MONTHLY GATHERING

SUNDAYS

October 2 in Commons Hall from 9 to10:30 a.m.

Foundations (CL02) 9:30-10:30 a.m.

MOM2MOM • October 4, 9:30 a.m. Large Group Gathering in Commons Hall, Topic: What's Your Calling as a Mom?, childcare provided • October 11, 9:30 a.m. Briar Knoll Park in Wheaton • October 18, 7:30 p.m. Book Discussion in the Fireside Area

WEDNESDAYS Large-group gathering (CL02) 6:45-8:15 p.m.

SPECIAL EVENT • October 8-10 Fall Retreat at Dickson Valley • October 30 Fall Clean-up day. Details to come.

• October 25, 9:30 a.m. Gym Play Date at College Church

High School (HYACKS)

BIBLE STUDY

SUNDAYS

The Storyline of the Bible.

Rhythms on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. at the Crossings.

Wednesday mornings: 9:30-11 a.m.

No Sunday Slam on October 31.

Wednesday evenings: 6:45-8:15 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS

It's not too late! Are you interested in joining Women's Bible Study this semester, or adding your children to our childcare wait list? Please email us at women@college-church.org or reach out to Mary DeMoss at (630) 668-0878.

Children’s Ministries SUNDAYS • Nursery (0-2) at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. • Bible School (preschool-5th grade) at 9:30 a.m. • Wonders of Worship “WOW” (K-third grade) during second half of 11 a.m. service • Children’s Church (preschool) at 11 a.m. • Nursery and Preschool at 5 pm. • God’s Children Sing and Children’s Choirs at 5 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS Wednesday club programs at 6:45 p.m.

SPECIAL EVENTS • October 16 Global Games—a family Olympics event in the Commons Parking Lot, 10-11:30 a.m. $10 per family. • October 25 Show Them Jesus—a night of encouragement with Jack Klumpenhower, the author of Show Them Jesus, for all those who work with, live with and love children. The evening begins at 6 p.m. and includes two sessions. Register at www.my.college-church.org/events/kidsharbor

Bridge Fellowship on Wednesday nights at 7:30 p.m. at the Crossings.

SPECIAL EVENT • Registration for HYACKs fall retreat registration opened on October 1. The retreat will be November 5-7 at Dickson Valley Camp. • AMT Hunt, October 17, 3-5 p.m. at the Crossings.

College Group COLLEGE CONNECT Sunday, October 3, at 10:45 a.m. in the tent. Other Sundays: College Group meets at 10:45 in the tent until further notice

HOME GROUPS meeting Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday at different homes at 7 p.m.

Men’s Ministries BIBLE STUDY 1 Peter at 6:45-8 p.m., Wednesdays in the Commons (C002A-B)

STARS • In-person Sunday morning classes at 9:30-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Commons Tunnel Level • Choir at 5-6:15 p.m., Sundays in the Commons Tunnel Level • Praise in Action at 6:45-8:15 p.m., Wednesdays in the Sanctuary Building • Buddy Break at 6:30-8:30 p.m., October 1, Commons Tunnel Level • Friday Night Fun at 6:30-8:30 p.m., October 1, Commons Gym Level

SCHEDULE

Celebrate with us the awesome work of God around the world as we hear from and care for our missionary and ministry partner family! Something for everyone, young and old! Take a look at the opportunities for you and your family in the following festival schedule. We hope to see you there!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9 Pancake Breakfast Benefit

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13 Mid-week Prayer Meeting

Join in fellowship with attending missionaries around a hearty pancake breakfast. Donations received will benefit World Relief DuPage/Aurora and the resettlement of Afghan refugees. Glutenfree options available.

Hear from missionaries Greg and Debby Nichols and spend time praying for the needs of the local and global church.

8-10 a.m. in Commons Hall

Multi-Nations Fellowship 4-6 p.m. in the Fireside Area

Multi-ethnic, community-based gathering with testimonies, songs, a short devotion and the celebration of baptism in the Sanctuary. Reception to follow.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10 Global Missions Sunday Morning Worship Services

at 8, 9:30, 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary Missions-focused services with Dr. Greg Nichols, College Church missionary, preaching. Celebration of retiring missionaries, Stan and Faith De La Cour, at 9:30 a.m. and commissioning of new workers, Daniel and Julie, during the 11 a.m. service. Missionary speakers will also join Adult Communities, Kids' Harbor and STARS.

Evening Worship Service 5 p.m. in the Commons

Hear testimonies from College Church missionaries.

at 7 p.m. in the Fireside Area and via Zoom

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 Family Olympics

10 a.m.–11:30 a.m. in the Commons parking lot (in case of rain meet at the Commons Gym) Bring your family to the College Church Family Olympics hosted by Kids’ Harbor. Invite your neighbors and their children to share in the fun and experience the love and message of Jesus. $10 per family. Registration required. Guests are free!

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17 Community Outreach Sunday Morning Worship Services at 8, 9:30, 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary

Dr. Al Mohler, president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, preaches on the exclusivity of Christ and the necessity of reaching our community with the gospel. Connect with supported evangelists and local ministry partners as well.

Evening Worship Service at 5 p.m. in Commons Hall

Hear testimonies from College Church evangelists. Reception to follow.

Reception to follow.

GLOBAL VOICES

My Life with Dignity Debby Nichols

Over time a small core group of people formed, mostly from the international community. Many Czechs seemed to hold the same position as their government, and it was challenging to mobilize the Czech evangelical church to assist us.

A Place for The Displaced To make a long story short, Dignity was birthed out of this situation. Petra is the director, and after a few years of watching her struggle with the administrative and scheduling issues, her husband quit his job and joined her in the work. Through faith and making their needs known, God is providing for Tom and Petra.

About five years ago my life changed. I went from being a person who supported her children and husband full time to a person who had a chunk of free time on her hands once the kids grew up and moved out. My newly gained free time happened to converge with the migration of refugees through Prague in 2015. Moved to find a way to help them, I found groups of people helping at the train stations as refugees passed through and transferred to trains going to their desired destinations. Then this work came to an abrupt halt as European countries started to close their borders. And refugees who came into the Czech train stations? They were now put under the authority of the Czech government who placed them into detentions centers. The volunteers’ work at the stations ended, but my heart still ached for these dear people who were displaced. Along the way, I had met Petra, a Czech woman, who has a heart bigger than anyone I know. She continued to find ways to help with the refugee situation. Her husband, Tom, is British. Petra began going to the detention centers seeking ways to help the refugees. She started bringing food and clothes, and I helped by gathering food and clothes from others who wanted to help. We quickly caught on that the Czech authorities were not keen to be hospitable to these people and wanted to make their hellish life even more so to pressure them to return to their home countries. Sadly, I cannot say that their attitude has changed much even today.

Dignity exists to help displaced people to survive, and then thrive wherever they are. Our desire is to share Christ with everyone whom we come into contact. This is not always easy as people come and go quickly, but our team tries to keep in contact with them no matter where they end up. The ministry of Dignity has morphed over the years and continues to react creatively to the government’s changes in its approach to refugees and the changes in global events that create refugee situations. In 2016, we began our first big task to assist approximately 30 Iraqi Christians to settle into the Czech Republic. Thankfully, they had all been granted asylum. That was a considerable project which has been a great success, even in the eyes of the government. People in government noticed how Dignity did a better job than their own governmental departments. Prague newspapers reported the wonderful success of the resettlement of these Iraqis with positive articles and photos.

A Solid Success Rate A few weeks ago, the Prague mayor approached Petra asking for our help to settle the newly arrived Afghans into the Czech Republic. When Petra asked why he was talking to her and not the government agencies, the mayor said that he had observed that Dignity has a much better success rate than the others. (And now, we are prayerfully wondering what God wants us to do to help the 152 Afghans who have just been given permission to stay in country.) The mayor saw that most of the original Iraqi group now have apartments, jobs that sustain them and children who feel quite

Czech. The group also has an Arabic-speaking church that is reaching out into their cultural community. Believers in the church love it when Greg and I come to visit. We sit in the back of their services joining in spirit and in body, not understanding any of the words and yet feeling the closeness in Christ. When we were working with the Iraqis, we continued to bring food and clothes to the integration center, a two-hour drive from Prague, and became friends with some of the people in the center. As I mentioned, the government would like nothing better for refugees to leave, and officials can make life very difficult for our friends. The government started turning out refugees on the streets after their first asylum request was denied. Legally, the refugees have the right to an appeal but if they are without a place to live (an official residence), they are deemed illegals and could be deported. So, we prayed, and God gave us a house to rent where we could catch some of the refugees who were being pushed onto the streets. And yes, I mean literally pushed onto the streets and into parks and forests. We were contacted by people who were sleeping in parks and in cars in the winter with children. We did our best to connect them somehow with a local church or someone we knew in the area. Sadly, it was not always possible to find help, and the least Dignity could provide were blankets and food.

The house we rented only had enough room for four families if they crunched together with one family per room. In God’s timing, the House of Dignity was up and running during the peak COVID weeks. During that time, the government was more lenient and did not push out as many refugees from the integration centers as was its norm.

Petra began appealing about the policy of turning people out. There were some adjustments and now there is a clear understanding that the refugees can remain in the integration centers until they have gone all the way through the legal process regardless of the outcome of their first ask for asylum. We praise God for this change.

A Gathering Place Because of the change in understanding and COVID restrictions being lifted, Dignity decided that the house was no longer meeting the current critical needs. We changed our focus to helping those who have received asylum, are living in Prague and want to become successful Czech citizens. We just opened our new Dignity Center which is a very large apartment designed for meetings. We have daily activities planned there for our refugee friends. We offer anything from help with paperwork, Czech lessons, cooking classes to Bible studies. Last week we had our grand opening, and our friends from Somalia, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Myanmar, Azerbaijan attended. Our volunteers from Brazil, Germany, Canada, Britain, Czech and America were there as well. What an amazing gathering! It is always a joy to be together, sharing their laughs and their sorrows. Mind you, this group of people are not all Christ followers (yet!) but there are enough of us who are sharing Christ with them, and they are attracted by our love which comes from Christ. I began by saying that this ministry has changed my life. Since most of these cultures are male-led and we have a lack of male volunteers on our team, I had been asking Greg if he could help. His desire was there but he just didn’t have the time to give. But after prayer and then restructuring his activities, Greg joined our team when we returned from the States in 2020. He had the privilege of leading our Dignity House weekly Bible study last year which ended up on Zoom because of the COVID restrictions. We walked our young eager Christ followers through Philippians, then through Revelation (a choice we could not dissuade them from) and then Romans. The core group members grew by leaps and bounds in their faith walk and we also enjoyed having various house guests join in the study. Greg will be leading the Bible study at our newly opened Dignity Center. It is our prayer that many would meet Jesus while they come in and out of Dignity’s presence. Continued on next page

Hospitality Issues I know how controversial issues surrounding refugees are in the States. Believe me, the U.S. is not the only country that has hospitality issues with refugees. But I would encourage you to reach out to any refugees you may know or see around you. Even just a smile (I know, hard to see through a mask if you’re wearing one) or a hello at the grocery store is a step in the right direction of hospitality and dignity to people who often feel unnoticed. Your smile and warmth affirm that they are as you, created in the image of our God who sees them. College Church has a ministry to refugees, and I encourage you to explore that ministry. Get to know these people of different cultures and I guarantee that you will be blessed. I know they will be blessed by you as you are Christ to them; possibly the only Christ they have ever seen. As you pray about your involvement with refugees, also pray for Dignity in Prague. Pray that Christ and his kingdom would be proclaimed, and many would turn to him. One specific request is for a former Dignity House guest, a Muslim woman from Somalia. She took an opportunity to flee Somalia, forcing her to leave her nine children and her husband behind. Her journey has been a very difficult one. Though she has status to be here, her wages do not support her family, making it impossible for her to have her family

legally join her. About a month ago, her husband was shot and hospitalized in Somalia. The Czech Republic now is willing to acknowledge the threat to her family members’ lives and are willing to grant them all asylum if they can get here. Dignity was asked to act as a guarantor for the family. By faith Dignity is accepting this task. There are many miracles that need to happen before the husband and children arrive and there will be many more needed after they arrive. Dignity will have to figure out ways to help this family become functional in this culture and financially independent. Until then we are praying for the safety of the four oldest girls (ages 10-14) who are in danger of being taken into slavery. We are praying for the miracle of safe passage out of Somalia. We are praying for housing and for jobs. But mostly, we are praying that this family would see Jesus, know him as Christ and walk in his ways for his glory and their good. And we are prayerfully wondering what God wants us to do to help the 152 Afghans who have just been given permission to stay in country. We are blessed beyond measure knowing that we have people kneeling with us in prayer and support. Thank you for being part of God’s work as you are faithful to him where you live and as you pray with and for us.

PRAYER GATHERINGS ONLINE & IN PERSON Call the church office or email info@college-church.org for details on these prayer meetings. Sunday Morning Prayer 8-8:40 a.m. in C101 Monday Morning Prayer 6:15-7:15 a.m. in C104A Wednesday Night Prayer (Hybrid) 7-8 p.m. Led by the Missions Office • October 6 Speaker Jonathan Harris • October 13 Speaker Greg and Debby Nichols • October 20 Speaker Jeff Dusek • October 27 Speaker Tim and Deanna Smith Friday Lunchtime Prayer for the Persecuted Church (In person) 12-1 p.m. in the board room.

Hannah Prayer Fellowship will meet on Wednesday, October 13 at 1:30 p.m. in the Commons C104E. Holly Greeson will be sharing with us. Holly and Joe serve in Alaska where they provide member care to isolated missionaries who live in small Alaskan villages.

Dorcas Prayer Fellowship will meet Wednesday, October 20, at 1:30 p.m. in the Learning Center at Covenant Living at Windsor Park. The speaker is to be determined.

Aaron-Hur Prayer Fellowship will meet on Thursday, October 28, at 7 p.m. at the home of Everett and Marcelyn Peterson, 127 Westminster Drive in Carol Stream (630) 784-0569. Our guests will be John and Clara, serving in Asia. Our Prayer Pulse email goes out every Monday. You can get prayer updates via that email. Sign up by clicking "Enews signup" on our website. If you already receive other emails from College Church, click "manage my preferences" at the bottom of any email and select Prayer Pulse to add yourself.

Meet Bruce Main Interim Pastor of Visitation and Care

We are excited to introduce Bruce Main as the interim pastor of visitation and care. Bruce will be responsible for ministering to the senior saints at College Church, providing visitation and care to this important part of the body. Bruce’s experience is vast, and he is well suited to step into this role. He has devoted his entire life to ministry, serving 34 years as a senior pastor in various churches, and the past 13 years as a chaplain in retirement/care facilities. Bruce would love to connect with you at bmain@college-church.org or call the church office. Bruce is a member of College Church and teaches in the Forum 15 Adult Community. His wife, Trish, is an English teacher at Wheaton Academy. The Mains have been married for 50 years.

times in our lives. For both the young and old among us, these memorable words of Bonhoeffer that became part of the hymn “By Gracious Powers” provide daily encouragement for us: And when this cup you give is filled to brimming With bitter suffering, hard to understand, We take it thankfully and without trembling Out of so good and so beloved a hand. Yet when again in this same world you give us The joy we had, the brightness of your sun, We shall remember all the days we lived through And our whole life shall then be yours alone.

Bruce, what excites you about your new role at College Church? There are two areas: one is our church staff, and the other is our congregational seniors. First, it is a privilege to be part of a dedicated church staff. As a church member, I have appreciated their service to the Lord that has been a consistent benefit to me, and now I am afforded the opportunity to join them as a contributor in visitation and care. Second, it is likewise a privilege to offer and provide a listening, caring and praying companion for our congregational seniors and their families on their journey through their later years.

How would you describe yourself ?

Call for Submissions

• Writers • Photographers • Illustrators • Fine Art Painters SEEKING ARTISTS, of all ages, who are willing

My wife and I are native Texans who transplanted to Illinois in 1986. Since 2014, we have lived in a multi-generational home with our daughter, son-in-law, grandson and granddaughter. I enjoy yard work and spending time outside, grilling for dinner, two-mile walks for exercise, maintaining clean vehicles and a well-kept yard, watching sports—both our grandchildren’s games and televised sports—watching PBS series, and listening to, or playing, Bach, Beethoven or Chopin.

to share their gifts with College Church by submitting their artwork, poetry, and/or short stories for publication in our monthly Connections Magazine and online OneWord Journal.

Anything else you’d like to share?

TO SUBMIT — Email your submission with a short description of the piece and describe how it relates to the monthly theme to wtriggs@college-church.org. You will be notified if your submission is to be included in an upcoming issue. Please call (630) 668-0878 x172 with any questions.

At age 39, pastor, theologian and author Dietrich Bonhoeffer suffered and was executed under the regime of Adolf Hitler. Prior to his execution Bonhoeffer continually encouraged his fellow Christian workers that God is at work even in the painful

VISUAL ARTISTS—Please submit your high-resolution image at a minimum of 4” x 6” at 300 dpi (max. 8” x 10”). WRITERS—Submit your short story or poetry in a text format.

LIFE LESSONS

Life Lessons and Afghanistan Rick McKinley

As I sit down to write this article, I am being inundated with phone calls, texts and emails. Far, far more than usual. I am right in the middle of a developing project—providing soccer activities for the Afghan men, women and children recently relocated to a military base here in the U.S. Close to 10,000 Afghans are living on this base, and a door has been opened for our organization to be there with them. We have been handed an opportunity to demonstrate the love and hope we have in Jesus Christ. Last week was our first attempt at the base. My responsibility is to organize these weekly events, recruit 15-20 coaches who can spend two to three days each week on the base, and to figure out the logistics of taking care of those coaches while we are there. Something I could have never imagined myself doing just a few short weeks ago. I am thrilled to bring joy to these people in major transition, but not always sure if I am equal to the task. The thought of what Afghanistan and its people are currently going through is difficult to even get my head around. I have literally wept as I watched the footage of people desperate to escape their own country. True, Janice and I have recently gone through transitions in our life—some that we have felt were pretty significant—but they pale in comparison! For us these transactions have been • The COVID pandemic, isolation and mask-wearing • The death of two of our parents within two years • Passing the mantle of leadership to the next generation • Selling our home of 23 years, where we raised our children • Moving farther away from grandkids • Searching for a new home, in a ridiculously competitive market • Finding a new church • Making new friends • Meeting new neighbors • Taking on a new role of leadership and responsibility Even as I read these, they seem so common, so ordinary. But I know their reality in our lives, and that all these transitions were and are full of emotions, some painful at times. I don’t mean to diminish the transitions that we all go through. Transition can be hard. Change can be difficult. Yet, I must stop and ask myself, “if I’m not learning, not trusting God in these experiences, how can I offer hope to those who have lost everything?”

As I look to load up the van tomorrow, and head back to work with these refugees, I reflect on some of the transitions we’ve recently gone through in our life and hope I can reflect God’s glory to those who we will meet.

Loss Janice and I continue to grieve the passing of her mom and my dad. Losing a parent is not easy, and yet we know we don’t mourn without hope. First Corinthians 5:53, 54 reminds us that in the process of loss, there is an exchange. “For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’” (NIV). Realizing that our parents gave up life in this fallen, broken world, but received something far greater, has provided a sense of comfort in the separation death caused. I have no idea what the people of Afghanistan are experiencing in all their recent losses. Almost everyone we spoke with last week have relatives still in country, unable to escape. I also know that many of them are now in a place, in this country, where they can be exposed to people who follow Jesus. As we talked with several people last week, they are anxious about the future, but they are also deeply grateful for the freedom they are just now beginning to experience. Will the body of Christ be a vessel that carries something far greater and more lasting than anything Afghan refugees have lost?

Identity Moving to a new location and meeting new people can really put a wrinkle in that garment called “identity,” the one you thought was neatly pressed. In positions of authority and leadership, we can put far too much on our position or title. I have been guilty at times. Even in ministry, we can get caught up in finding our identity in what we do, rather than in who we are – or as some would say, in whose we are. This transition in leadership positions and moving to a new location have been fresh reminders that my identity is first and foremost determined by Christ. As a follower of Jesus, who has put faith and trust in him, I am his child, and that fact does not change. When I rest in the truth found in God’s Word, I can go through these transitions with confidence and joy. As I mingle with those from Afghanistan, there are not many translators, but they all have eyes to see. Will they be able to see Christ in me? Can I show them my true identity? Yes, they may see me as a soccer coach, but will my heart show them Jesus? Will my actions speak his truth? Yes, I pray that I will get to speak to some. I also pray that my words will not contradict what they see – my identity in Christ.

home! God was at work in the process. He simply wanted us to trust him! I am currently connecting with Afghans whose lives have been turned upside down. Most of them have lost everything they own. They have no idea where their new home will be, and for most, they cannot speak the language of their new country. Can I show them a God who is concerned about the process they are facing? Not a “genie-in-a-bottle god,” but the God who cares deeply about every aspect of their lives. Loss. Identity. Process. Three key areas where God is working in our lives, teaching us more of who he is. It has become very evident that God has opened this door to reach the people of Afghanistan. And he is using the journey that we are on, and the lessons we are learning, to more clearly communicate to those he brings in our path. I praise God for the transitions he has brought into our lives! An afterthought: I read an article in the Charlotte Observer that listed our new hometown as one of the cities where Afghan immigrants will soon be resettled. Stay tuned.

Process When we moved (back) to Charlotte after 23 years, we moved into a very volatile housing market in a challenging time. Houses were selling within hours of being listed, at thousands of dollars above the asking price! Sometimes without prospective buyers even seeing the home! Janice and I became very discouraged as we searched and searched. Should we rent, or should we still try to purchase a home? Practical questions to a very practical God. I remember finally praying one day, “God, I realize that you don’t owe us a home. But I would just love to see you in this process, to know that you are leading us.” We continued to search and to seek his peace in the process. One day, our CEO came into the office, and said, “I think I’ve found your new home.” Long story short – it had been on the market, not just hours, but five days. We purchased the home for significantly less than the asking price, it had several of the things we had hoped for, and the sellers were Messianic Jews, who had been praying that God would bring the right people to buy their

God Centered Life Visit Pastor Josh’s Bible-teaching ministry at godcenteredlife.org. You can have daily devotionals delivered right to your inbox. There is also a daily teaching program streamed online, through podcasts and at over 50 radio stations nationally. You can listen locally on Moody Radio (WMBI) at 10 p.m. M-F and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. Your prayers and partnership with this ministry are greatly appreciated.

LOCALLY SOURCED

Community of Care Kara Beth Vance

Partway through the first semester of my sophomore year at Wheaton College, I learned that one of the very first friends I had made freshman year, was pregnant. I’ll call her Erica. The father was her boyfriend who was also a student at Wheaton. I was initially shocked and confused. Even though I had come from public high school and thought I had seen everything, I didn’t expect any of my Wheaton friends to get pregnant. If Erica was pregnant, that meant she and her boyfriend were having sex—and I knew sex before marriage was not what God intended. This pregnancy, and new life, had come out of sin. There was tension in my mind and heart about that. But our God is compassionate. He knows our weakness and he meets us in it. I both watched and was a part of how our community came around Erica that year as she continued at Wheaton while her baby developed and it became more and more obvious to the wider Wheaton community that she was expecting. It was the first time I remember seeing the gospel applied regularly in conversations and friendships. Erica was not and is not defined by past sins. She sought to trust the Lord under her new set of circumstances, and we sought to encourage and practically support her and the new family as best we could. Whether you are a Wheaton student, or just work and live in this area, you may also know someone who is or will face an unplanned pregnancy and is fearful or doesn’t know

they don’t see any other options, and things feel hopeless. Ministries like Caring Network, or we as Christians in ordinary relationships, have the great joy and responsibility to openly share that there is hope. Even our bad decisions do not diminish the grace of God available in Christ Jesus. It is really important that we talk about abortion in the church. If we never talk about it, people might conclude that abortion is beyond the reach of Christ’s atonement and mercy, and remain in the darkness of guilt and shame. A friend of mine used to pastor a church in inner city Boston. In a normal Sunday sermon probably in the early 90s, his application pointed to the sin of abortion. At the end of his sermon, multiple people in his congregation were in tears. Women and men, some of whom were leaders in the church, were standing up to confess that they had previously had abortions, or participated by encouraging them or paying for them. They repented and God brought revival to this small church and they were on fire to share the good news with others and to care for other women and men in their community who faced unplanned or unwanted pregnancies. Christ shed his innocent blood to atone for our sins, even the shedding of innocent blood in abortion, so that we might repent of our sins and have new life in him. He sets us free from the bondage of secret shame and guilt to worship him and walk in good works he has prepared for us. I am involved with the work of a pro-life missions organization that works with local churches in countries where abortion is especially prevalent, training them in what we call the Four Questions: What does the Bible have to say about the value of human life, including the unborn? What does the Bible have to say about the shedding of innocent blood, including abortion? What hope is there for those who have participated in abortion? And what should we do in light of these things?

where to turn. They may be considering an abortion. Our local pregnancy resource center, Avenue Women’s Center, is connected with our church’s partner ministry Caring Network. Caring Network is on the front lines of serving women and families who are facing the crisis of an unplanned pregnancy, by welcoming them with unconditional love, counsel and resources and walking with them during a difficult season. Many women communicate that they decide to get abortions because

In churches and trainings of Christian leaders in China (where abortion is advertised like contraception), Vietnam, Cuba, India and South America, Christians are being convicted by the Holy Spirit that they have sinned in getting abortions and ending the lives of their unborn children, but they are also casting themselves on the great mercy of God and experiencing the healing of Jesus more deeply. There is no sin, no dark hidden corner of our hearts, that the grace poured out on us in Christ’s death and resurrection doesn’t reach and transform. That is really, really good news.

Showing Care with Peaceful Prayer ONCE A MONTH ON SATURDAY 1 - 2 P.M. Upcoming Prayer for Life: Join the Sanctity of Human Life Task Force in prayer for the unborn, their parents and abortion industry workers at Planned Parenthood Aurora in partnership with 40 Days for Life's year-round prayer vigil. Abortion appointment cancellations increase significantly when peaceful prayer occurs outside abortion businesses as many pregnant women experience second thoughts when they see prayer taking place. We are grateful for post-abortive prayer volunteers who encourage us to faithfully call upon God. Vigil participants have been blessed to have parents return to the Aurora prayer site to share that they decided to keep their baby.

Saturday, October 9, and November 13, 1-2 p.m. Park at Mariano's or behind AutoZone and meet on Waterleaf pregnancy resource center's property across from Planned Parenthood's driveway. Sign up at https://college-church.org/impact/sohl/ to receive SOHL monthly e-newsletter to receive events schedule and life-related news

IS COMING! If you are a woman—from newlywed to not-so-new mom with teens, or somewhere in between—you could be a part of this delightful nurturing program of Bible teaching, cooking demos and relaxing meals. Apples of Gold will be held on seven Thursdays, January 13– February 24, 2022, 6–9:15 p.m., at a home nearby. Cost is only $20, space is limited. Lessons taken from Titus 2:3-5 are led by women who have a passion to help younger women practically apply God’s Word to their lives. Friendships grow, encouragement is given and wisdom is gleaned in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. You won’t want to miss this opportunity, so sign up today! Register online at college-church.org/adults/women. Contact Mary Gieser at maryegieser@gmail.com with questions.

College Church Wedding Coordinators Needed The role of wedding coordinator at College Church began in 1979 when Pastor Kent Hughes asked Ruth Muzzy to assist him with weddings. The ministry of facilitating weddings for the church family was born and continues today, 42 years later. Weddings are joyous occasions with many details. The wedding coordinator comes alongside the bride to help guide plans for the wedding day, assist the pastor at the rehearsal, and then coordinate all the details at the church on the wedding day.

for the posting for Wedding/Event Coordinator on the College Church website (www.college-church.org) at the end of the staff page. Serve the Lord with joy and gladness!

Being a wedding coordinator is a ministry of blessing church families. As with other ministries, the coordinator is blessed as well. With the retirement of several coordinators, we have a great need for wedding coordinators. If you are a member of College Church with a heart for encouraging and assisting others, please consider applying to be a wedding/event coordinator at College Church. This paid ministry can fit into a busy life if you can be available on an occasional evening or Saturday. Look

FACE TO FACE

Wheaton Christian Grammar School Onboard United Flight 93 Roger Burgess

Some of us remember exactly where we were when the tragic news came out of Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963— President John F. Kennedy had been assassinated. Even more of us know exactly where we were on September 11, 2001, when we heard and then quickly watched two planes crashing into the World Trade Center, one slamming into the Pentagon. and a final plane spiraling down into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. But it’s the estimated 75 million Americans who have been born since September 11, 2001, that prompted me to tell you about Todd Beamer and United Flight 93.

Wheaton Christian Grammar School Todd was born near Flint, Michigan, in November 1968, where he lived for six years. The Beamer family moved to Poughkeepsie, New York, for a couple of years before his parents settled in Glen Ellyn, just a mile from the old Wheaton Christian Grammar School on Harrison Street. Todd attended the grammar school for grades 4-8, and his parents put a high value on family loyalty, faith in God and personal integrity. Todd stood out for many reasons—his sense of humor and heartwarming smile, his positive spirit, his athletic ability and his work ethic. A quiet young man with an inner strength, Todd wasn’t one to draw attention to himself, as some junior-highers are prone to do. On the soccer field and basketball court, Todd was focused and intense, and one of the hardest working athletes I have ever coached. Off the court, Todd was a friendly, humble and thoughtful gentleman. I cannot think of a better combination. In addition to teaching Todd Bible and math in junior high, I coached him in seventh-grade soccer and basketball. I remember one specific basketball game that epitomizes Todd. We were playing one of our rivals, Timothy Christian, when he was fouled with 2.4 seconds left, and we were losing, 43-42. Todd was at the free throw line for a one-and-one. If he missed the first shot, he would not be given the second. He was calm under pressure and didn’t lose his focus. He sank the first to tie the game. Then he made the second shot. We won, 44-43! In the 13 years I coached seventh-grade basketball, Todd was my top scorer. (I can’t believe Todd’s dad actually took this picture!) Bottom line, we were never out of a game because he and his teammates wouldn’t quit. It wasn’t in his vocabulary.

And when the game was on the line, I was glad the ball was in Todd’s hands. I don’t want you to think Todd was perfect. I’ll tell you that he wasn’t the best student. He had Bs and Cs on his report cards with a few As. As an adult, he was not very handy around the house. The most valuable item in his toolbox wasn’t a tool; it was a piece of paper with the phone number of his friend Doug who could fix anything. It encouraged me, however, that the selfless attitude I saw in junior high was also evident in Todd’s death. He was a person of character who knew what he stood for. He was a man of faith. That began when, as a boy of 10, he committed his life to Jesus Christ. When his character and conviction were tested, he responded in a manner consistent with his entire life. In the Flight 93 Museum, there is a display of the book, A Life of Integrity, by Howard Hendricks. The sign reads: “Todd Beamer was studying this book with his church men’s group prior to his trip on September 11.” Todd and Lisa married in 1994 and lived in New Jersey where Todd worked for the Oracle Corporation, then the world’s second largest computer software company. God blessed them with a couple of boys David and Drew. Even though he lived in New Jersey, Todd remained a loyal fan of the Bulls, Bears and Cubs. The week prior to September 11, 2001, Todd and Lisa were in Italy on a trip Todd had won at work. Lisa was 4½ months pregnant at the time. They returned home on September 10, excited to see their boys again, before Dad headed off to San Francisco early the next morning.

September 11, 2001 Prior to 9/11, I thought of hijacking in terms of someone forcing a plane to land at a different destination than intended . . . but it did land safely. The idea of using a plane as a loaded missile was foreign to my thinking, our thinking as a country, really. Most of the phone calls from Flight 93 were made to family members. At 9:44 Todd picked up the phone from the back of the seat in front of him and dialed the operator. Supervisor Lisa Jefferson was in Oakbrook when Todd’s call came through and was transferred to her. That 15-minute call provided much firm data with an objective listener and less emotion involved. Lisa described Todd as a calm, soft-spoken man. Lisa Jefferson herself was a quiet lady but extremely factual and articulate. She was a strong woman, yet she was also very caring and compassionate. Of the heroes of September 11, she was probably the closest to us here in Chicago.

Then Todd recited Psalm 23. “The Lord is my Shepherd. . . Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” Other men apparently joined in with him. After that he had a sigh in his voice, and he took a deep breath. He was still holding the phone but talking to someone else. “Are you ready? Okay. Let’s roll!” When Todd went to work on September 11, he had no idea what the day would bring, but he was prepared. Todd’s final preparation based on his phone call: • Assess the situation • Leave words for his loved ones • Pray to his heavenly Father as Jesus taught us to pray • Ask God for help The passengers won the first battle of that new war 32,000 feet over Pittsburgh by thwarting the terrorists’ mission. If not for Flight 93, the terrorists would have been four for four. Todd went to work as a civilian and became a soldier. I came across an article in The Tribune-Democrat newspaper from Johnstown, PA, dated October 22, 2001, a month after the crash. The article stated, “Teams of emergency personnel who responded to the crash of Flight 93 near Shanksville made a discovery that shocked and inspired them. Resting not far from the smoldering, 25-foot-deep crater where 40 innocent victims perished, firefighters found a Bible that was barely singed. Only minutes before, the area had been a raging inferno as jet fuel ignited into a fireball when the plane plowed into the earth.

Todd provided an assessment and described the violent takeover of the plane. He asked Lisa to call his family and let them know how much he loved them. He mentioned that four of the passengers were going to do something, maybe jump the guy who said he had a bomb. “Are you sure that’s what you want to do, Todd?” “It’s what we have to do.” He asked Lisa to recite the Lord’s Prayer with him. At the conclusion, Todd said, “Jesus, help me.”

“Initial responders said they found literally nothing on the ground that indicated that a jetliner had crashed. Most said they expected to see wings or a tail section intact, but as a witness said, “Other than a piece of the fuselage (6’ x 7’), there were no pieces bigger than a dinner plate anywhere to be found. “A National Guard member arrived about 45 minutes after the crash. ‘The fumes of jet fuel burned my nostrils,’ he said. ‘There were only two recognizable things on the ground—a burning tire from the landing gear and the Bible laying open on the ground with its pages as white as snow.’ “The leather cover on the Bible was singed, but none of the pages were burned. It was an older Bible that you could tell was used a lot.” Continued on next page

Don and Jean Peterson were on the flight. The Bible belonged to Don and in it was a list of people for whom he regularly prayed.

I asked another lantern carrier Lisa* how old she was. “I’m 22.” “You were just two when your mom died?” I replied, shocked. “Yes, and my brother was just one.” Tears welled up in our eyes. We talked briefly until it was time for the lanterns to be carried a quarter of a mile to the Wall of Names. We listened to a lot of stories that Friday night and also met other believers and heard stories of God’s work on September 11 and in subsequent days. On Saturday morning, we went through the security checkpoint and walked to the restricted area where the family members were gathering. I searched for a couple of hours and was disappointed when I couldn’t find Lindsey or Lisa.

September 10-11, 2021 On the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, my wife, Janet, and I, along with my grammar school colleague Steve Clum and his wife, represented the Todd Beamer family and took part in the remembrance services in Shanksville (PA) at the Flight 93 Memorial. On Friday night, Steve and I carried Todd’s lantern and placed it along the wall by Todd’s name. On Saturday morning, former President George W. Bush and Vice-President Kamala Harris spoke at the service. President Biden arrived sometime later to place a wreath by the Wall of Names and to speak to family members by the boulder in the field that marks where Flight 93 crashed. The sign “A Common Field One Day; a Field of Honor Forever.” My motivation in going to Shanksville was to be an encouragement to family members who had sustained significant losses 20 years earlier. I also prayed for opportunities to point people to Jesus; only he can give them complete comfort and peace. On the nine-hour drive, I prayed as I read and studied the bios of the 40 passengers and crew who had died on that flight. I didn’t know who God might put in my path over the weekend. On Friday night, I met Lindsey* who was five years old when her uncle died. We talked for 15-20 minutes. I listened carefully and eventually said that we all must be ready to meet God because none of us knows when we will die. And I told Lindsey that I wanted to see her in heaven.

After the program, the gate was opened to allow the families to walk down on the Field of Honor to the site of impact. While there, Lindsey came up to me and wanted me to meet her mother. Before we parted, I gave Lindsey a Decision magazine from September 2002 that featured Lisa Beamer’s picture on the cover and clearly laid out the gospel inside. I again repeated that I wanted to see her in heaven. Please pray for Lindsey. Pray that she would read the magazine and realize how much God loves her. Pray that she would fall in love with Jesus, commit her life to him, and be completely ready to meet God in eternity. (I’m sorry to say that I did not have an opportunity to speak with Lisa again, but please pray for her heart, too.) When President Biden walked across the field to meet with the 30 or so family members who were still there, I was surprised to have an opportunity to speak with him. I introduced myself as a teacher and coach of Todd Beamer. I said to him, “With all the significant decisions you have to make, I pray that you would depend upon God and seek his wisdom.” He put his hand in his pocket and took out a rosary ring to show me and indicated that he prays. Please be faithful in praying for President Biden. It is our responsibility to pray for those who are in authority over us (1 Timothy 2:1-2). He has enormous responsibilities and all kinds of pressure on him. Pray that he would seek God’s direction, be a man of integrity and be courageous to take a stand for what is right. As I reflect on the weekend, these three thoughts came to mind: 1. Appreciate the freedoms we enjoy. Enjoy what we have, even though the times have changed. The world will never be the same. The passengers of Flight 93 didn’t quit fighting for freedom. Neither should we. Appreciate and support our

military and our first responders— our local fire and police. They put their lives on the line every day. 2. Enjoy and appreciate your family. I was with Todd’s father, David, a year after 9/11. He said, “My heart is overflowing with sadness. We miss Todd terribly. And my heart is overflowing with joy. We have a lot of great memories. . . but we can’t make any more.” Let your family know you love them. If you need to apologize or make things right, do it. Love your family!

3. What would Todd say if he were here today? I’ll go back to something else Todd’s dad said. He said, “Everyone keeps talking about September 11. It’s not about September 11; it’s all about the day before.” In other words, be prepared for eternity. Todd didn’t know he was going to die that day, but because of his relationship with Jesus, he was prepared! Another young man who died unexpectedly and early said, “When it comes time to die, be very sure that all you have to do is die.” - Jim Elliot

* Names changed.

Upward Basketball is Coming! We are excited to inform you that the Upward Basketball 2022 season is happening again this year! We would love for your child to participate and are looking forward to what this season has in store. Upward Basketball is a ministry at College Church where children can play in a basketball league that is focused on teaching the skills of the game, teaching the basic truths of the gospel and reaching out to our community. Important details about the season are listed below:

League Divisions Boys: Grades 1st-2nd | 3rd-4th | 5th-6th Girls: Grades 1st-2nd | 3rd-4th | 5th-6th

Coaching We have a need for coaches and would love for you to consider being a coach! If you are interested in being a coach, please contact Dan Hiben at dhiben@collegechurch.org.

Player Registration & Cost October 11 Registration Opens November 28 Registration Closes The cost is $95 per athlete, $80 for each additional sibling. Please note, we cannot guarantee that your child is on the same team as a friend. The only guarantee we can make is if a child wants to play with a friend they invited who does not know Jesus (indicate this when registering your child), if they have a sibling, or if their parent is a coach. We are confident that your child will make friends and have a blast.

Season Schedule December January 3 January 15 February 19 March 12 March 14

Team roster and schedule released Practices begin First Game Holiday Weekend/No Games Last Game Awards Night

Dates for Evaluations – by Last Name You are encouraged to come on your designated night, but you are welcome to come on any of these nights as your schedule allows. A - F: G - L: M - Q: R - Z:

December 2, 6-7:30 p.m. December 6, 6-7:30 p.m. December 7, 6-7:30 p.m. December 8, 6-7:30 p.m.

COVID Protocols Upward will be a mask-optional ministry this season. Participants are welcome to wear masks, but masks will not be required. Finally, we ask that you please pray for the season ahead. Please be praying for the coaches and players. Pray for new relationships with Jesus to be formed and existing relationships to be grown. Lastly, please pray for good health for our coaches and players throughout the season. We hope to see you and your child this season! If you have any questions, feel free to contact Madi Traxinger at mtraxinger@college-church.org .

MEET OUR LEADERS

Suzanne and Jim Shirley

Lin and Pat Fallon

Laurie and Howard Costley

SUZANNE

LINDA (LIN)

LAURIE

WHERE I SERVE:

WHY I SERVE:

Kids Korner, Women's Bible Study, Nursery, STARS Buddy Break, Logos class Because I love Jesus and his people THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME:

Organized, artistic, kind

MY FAVORITE HANG-OUT SPACE:

Anywhere with friends and family JIM WHERE I SERVE:

Board of Deacons, STARS Friday Night Fun, Logos class WHY I SERVE:

Because I want to serve Jesus and help in the church THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME:

patient, loyal, thoughtful

MY FAVORITE HANG-OUT SPACE:

Reading in my La-Z-Boy

STARS, Kids Korner, Bible Study and ESL To serve and be involved with the larger body of Christ THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME:

Thoughtful, optimistic, dependable MY FAVORITE HANG-OUT SPACE:

Deaconess, GriefShare, Side-by-Side WHY I SERVE:

I serve out of obedience to God and to use the gifts I have graciously been given to encourage the body and bring glory to him. It also helps me to connect with others and causes me to grow in many ways! THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME:

By the water or in the clay studio

committed, easy-going, caring (and grateful!)

PAT

MY FAVORITE HANG-OUT SPACE:

WHERE I SERVE:

Board of Deacons, Grace Groups WHY I SERVE:

All of us have different callings, gifts and abilities. It is a privilege to serve as members of the family of God.

Other than almost any coffee shop (or Adams Park with coffee and a friend!), I currently enjoy our fourth-floor apartment balcony overlooking the DuPage River. HOWARD

THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME:

WHERE I SERVE:

MY FAVORITE HANG-OUT SPACE:

WHY I SERVE:

kind, supportive, dependable

The Morton Arboretum in Lisle (especially with Lin)

Council of Elders God has entrusted each of us with gifts/ talents/experience which we are to use to serve others and to advance his kingdom. THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME:

Others describe me as dedicated, thorough and sentimental

MY FAVORITE HANG-OUT SPACE:

Wherever Laurie is (except when she's in one of those many coffee shops she frequents!)

Whitney and Mike McKevitt

Mary and Marr Miller

Jeff Oslund

WHITNEY

MARY

WHERE I SERVE:

Deaconess, Women’s Bible Study, Nursery WHY I SERVE:

Deaconess board, Veritas Adult Community small group leader, AaronHur prayer fellowship

I serve because I love being a part of what God is doing in and through our church.

WHY I SERVE:

THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME:

MY FAVORITE HANG-OUT SPACE:

MIKE

MARR

WHERE I SERVE:

WHY I SERVE:

THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME:

MY FAVORITE HANG-OUT SPACE:

social, optimistic and thoughtful the beach at Fripp Island, SC

Deacon, Men’s Ministry I serve because we’re called to use the gifts God has given us for his kingdom and it’s fun! dependable, organized and honest Our backyard

Because Jesus loves me and I love his church helper, organized, devoted On our porch with Marr

The Council of Elders WHY I SERVE:

I love Jesus and his Church, and really enjoy serving, especially when I can invest time and energy in ways that are eternally significant. THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME:

redeemed, grandpa, loyal

MY FAVORITE HANG-OUT SPACE:

Reading on our front porch, or going for a run with one of our grandkids.

Board of Missions I grew up as a MK, was a missionary, and believe in College Church's mission and vision. artistic, servant values, dedicated

On our porch with Mary, watching the birds, flowers and other critters

I BELIEVE

A Faithful Dwelling Place Margreet Dusek

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” (Psalm 90:1-2, NASB) Psalm 90 was the psalm my dad would read on New Year's Eve—about 11:30 p.m. Not long before all the fireworks over the Netherlands would break loose, our family of six would sit down and listen to my dad read this prayer of Moses. When he was done reading, we would all pray, giving thanks for the previous year and asking the Lord's blessing on the new one, now only minutes away. It was always a sobering way to look back on a year that had flown by way too fast, and to realize that our Heavenly Father had been and would continue to be our mighty stronghold - no matter what this new year, just around the corner, would bring us. The psalm is a strong reminder of where we stand as tiny human beings in front of the Almighty God. Time is nothing in God's universe and our days, short numbered as they are, need to focus on seeking and following the Lord. Reading this psalm was a family tradition, started by my grandfather who was a strong believer. My husband, Jeff, and I have continued this tradition in our own family. When I was young, I didn't realize how much of a blessing it was to have this Christian heritage. My parents came from strong Christian families, all from the northeastern part of the Netherlands, and were teenagers during World War 2, and each had a brother in the Dutch Resistance, an organization not only sabotaging German efforts in the Netherlands but also assisting allied forces who were trying to gain a foothold in our country. It was a dangerous time and one day soldiers suddenly showed up at my grandparents' house. They interrogated my mom's entire family, and one soldier put a gun to my mother's head and barked out, "I'll kill you if you don't tell me where your brother is.” This is how my mom recalled that experience (she was 16 at the time): "I did not feel fear. All I thought was 'if you shoot me now, I will go to Jesus.” She already knew that her life belonged to the Lord, she was not afraid to die, and she experienced his peace. My mom then noticed that the soldier’s uniform had ants crawling over it, right by his shoulder. She reached out and wiped away the ants. This startled the soldier and he asked,

"What are you doing?” "You have some ants here, I just wiped them away." This somehow confused the soldier, he put his gun away and the soldiers left the house. The Lord had protected them and would continue to protect them as my grandparents decided a few hours later that it was no longer safe to stay in their house. My grandfather took out his Bible, read Psalm 91, prayed, and then the family split up. Each went into hiding in nearby villages and farms, taking on new names and identities. My now 94-year-old mom continues to tell her story and is a witness of God's love, faithfulness and goodness—to whomever she meets on the street, in the stores, at the doctor's office. She never leaves the house without Bibles and ministry materials in the basket of her walker. She says that she is thankful that she went through this difficult period because it solidified her faith for the rest of her life.

My parents did not have an easy life. Besides the terrible memories of the war, my dad struggled with many health issues. When he was 49, he needed triple bypass surgery—one of the first patients in the Netherlands to undergo this major surgery. The doctor didn't give him much of a chance to survive, and he was sent home without any physical therapy or instructions for his care. However, the Lord had different plans. My dad slowly regained strength and energy and outlived many other bypass patients—as well as the doctor who had not expected him to survive. I'm writing these stories as a witness of how the Lord has worked miracles in my own family, and I am writing of the Lord’s faithfulness so evident in other times of sickness, especially with my dad. My memories of him involve lots of surgeries, hospitalizations and health issues. He passed away in 2005 due to Alzheimer's disease. However, my parent's faith never wavered. They always trusted the Lord for the outcome, no matter how difficult the circumstances. They sought the Lord and knew that he carried them through whatever might come their way. And they knew that ultimately their (and our) lives were in his hands. It's this legacy that I am very thankful for! It's nothing that I have done. It’s a gift from the Lord that he built into my life. Growing up, going to church was nothing we discussed, it was part of who we were and what we did on Sunday. It was something my parents made a priority because of their personal love for the Lord. This I can honestly mention as a blessing, but it also became more of a tradition for me than an extension of my faith. I would have said that I was a Christian, even though I didn’t have that personal relationship with the Lord. Going through the motions in a situation like this was very easy... When I was in my late twenties, I started considering taking a year off work to go to Bible school. A friend and I had been talking for a while about doing this. We were both single and this looked like a good time to study the Bible in an international setting. My friend was able to get a year of unpaid leave. My employer told me I had to choose: stay put or quit my job. I felt the Lord's peace about quitting my job and so I gave up my security, as one of my former bosses put it. Some people didn't think it was wise to take this step, but I gave the company my two-month notice. One month before I was supposed to stop working, the company went bankrupt. My security turned out

not to be so secure after all. The Lord confirmed my decision in a not-so-subtle way. My friend and I were familiar with the Torchbearer Bible School in Austria and so we signed up to go there. The Lord had different plans for us. The school had reached its limits of applicants, and we were advised to pick another location. We decided to go to Sweden instead, and so we ended up in Holsbybrunn, located in the southern part of Sweden. I had no idea that a Jeff Dusek had quit his job the previous year in Wheaton, Illinois, and had taken a step of faith to become a full-time missionary, ending up as the basketball coach at my Bible School in faraway Sweden. After my year as a student, I joined the staff at the Bible school as the secretary, Jeff and I started dating and my plans for one year of Bible School in Sweden turned into seven years. Years ago in the Netherlands, I had taken two years of Swedish classes in the Netherlands, not knowing I would ever end up in Sweden as a secretary. Coincidence? I don't think so. The Lord knew all along the road ahead of me. The teaching at the Bible School was instrumental in my spiritual growth. I remember the teachings on the temple and the Holy of Holies. No one could approach God but only the high priest. Only through him was forgiveness of sins possible. How wonderful that we can approach the throne of God just as we are and whenever we want—because our Lord Jesus died for our sins and gave us direct access to God the Father. And Jesus rose from the dead so that we no longer live under condemnation of sin. I have a new identity. These truths opened my eyes and the Lord worked one night in my heart and brought me back to him. By God's grace he worked out my path in a miraculous way and I'm so grateful for his work in my life. After our arrival in the U.S. in 2003, Jeff and I joined the Chicago Eagles as full-time missionaries. The Chicago Eagles uses the game of soccer as a tool to share the good news of the gospel. The Eagles ministry runs youth soccer camps in the summer in the Chicagoland area as well as in Madison (WI). They also offer a training program for college-aged players, who come during the summer to coach the soccer camps and receive training in sports ministry. These days the Chicago Eagles also offers youth teams that train and play year-round. Continued on next page

Over the years the Lord has continued to work in my heart to draw me closer to him. Through the teaching of College Church as well as Bible studies, books (I've really enjoyed author David Gregory) and the ministry of Moody Radio, I've grown in my relationship with the Lord. We've had our share of health issues in our family and are still dealing with some. It's not always easy. Physical issues often determine so much of our day-to-day life, but we want to keep our eyes on the Lord and trust him for the outcome. Sometimes I take walks at night in our neighborhood. As I look up at the sky with its beautiful moon and so many stars, I can really enjoy a special time with the Lord. Just imagine, the Creator of heaven and earth knows all these stars by name. And he knows my thoughts and those of every person on this earth, and the hairs on my head. None of us can fathom how great he is, and this great God loves us and promises to never leave us nor forsake us. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords who loves us at a deep, personal level. My parents lived through the second world war when Hitler was trying to establish his reign on the entire earth, but he didn’t succeed. Today we see increasing persecution of followers of Christ, but we know from Scripture that this is nothing new and we need to be prepared for what is to come, and put on the armor of God, knowing that our God is in control. Nothing changes his plans. He knows the outcome. Isaiah 26:3, 4 is a wonderful reminder of where our mind should be and how the Lord can give us his perfect peace in difficult times. As believers, may the Lord be our dwelling place, our rock, our comfort in the days ahead. He was and is faithful, throughout all generations! "You will keep in perfect peace, those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.” (Isaiah 26:3,4 NIV)

MILESTONES Marriages • Pastor Dan Hiben and College Church member Amy Tews were married on September 25. Dan is the son of Brad and Teri Hiben, and Amy is the daughter of Chris and Sarah Tews. Former College Church pastor Josh Stringer married them at College Church.

Births • Addison Kate was born to Phil and Erika Tuttle on August 10. Addison joins siblings Ava and Jack. Her maternal grandparents are Jeff and Alison Oslund. • Lucas David was born to first-time parents Luis and Rebecca Orellana on September 9. • Seth Benjamin was born to Pastor Ben and Joanna Panner on September 9. Seth joins his siblings Piper, Jeremiah, Levi and Simeon. • Heidi Pearl was born to first-time parents Ruben and Hope Loeffler on September 4 in Germany. Hope was on staff of College Church in the missions department. • Nora Grace was born to first-time parents Jeff and Meredith Sommars on September 2. Steven and Arlene Sommars are her paternal grandparents, and Ray and Beth Chase are her maternal grandparents.

Deaths • Pray for family and friends of longtime College Church member and former missionary, Priscilla Weese, who passed away on September 28. Services are pending. • Pray for former pastor and member of College Church, Wendell Hawley, Becky Engebretsen, family and friends as they grieve the loss of Wendell’s wife and Becky’s mother, Nancy, who passed away on September 28. Services are pending. • Pray for Heidi Thompson and family as they grieve the loss of Heidi’s mother, Mary Federschmidt, who passed away on September 4 in Pennsylvania. • Pray for Shelly (Brian) Wildman and family as they grieve the loss of Shelly’s mother, Karen Hunt, who passed away on September 12 in Dallas, Texas. • Pray for Mary Dalton and family as they grieve the loss of Mary’s mother, Mary Lou, who passed away on September 12, in Lake Forest. • Pray for Wanda (Forrest) Zander and family as they grieve the loss of Wanda’s mother, Eunice Dykstra, who passed away on August 31 at the age of 101 in Randleman, North Carolina.

CHURCH PLANT UPDATE:

Christ Church South Metro Atlanta Pastor Zach Fallon The Apostle Paul wrote that the message of the gospel is "of first importance." The message that "Christ died for our sin, was buried, and was raised" is the very foundation of the church and of the Christian life. It is this message that all of God's people "have received," "stand in," "are being saved by," and "hold fast to." (1 Cor 15:1-4) It is no wonder, then, that Paul felt the need to "remind" these dear believers of this message. I pray this update finds you reminding yourself of this gospel on which all of our hope for life eternal rests. Praise God for our salvation!

• Gathering Place. Pray that the Lord would provide a place for us to gather. We are praying for a space that is recognized in the community, can accommodate adults and kids, is affordable and easily accessible. We are in discussion with a few places. "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures" (1 Cor 15:3-4)

Ministry Report Here are some brief updates and plans on our work. Hosting & Hospitality. The summer was filled with hosting potential plant team members. We are grateful to have gotten to know so many wonderful people our first few months here. Intro Meetings. Mid-September we started our Intro Meetings, which meet on Sunday and Thursday nights. We are doing these for seven weeks to give people a chance to hear our heart and vision for ministry. Gathering "First Members." Praise the Lord we have about twenty people who have committed to being a part of the "first membership" at Christ Church. Church Planter Training. Zach went to Memphis in early August with fellow leaders Steve Krogh and David Meade for a church planting seminar. The Fallons are also attending training twice a month with the SEND Atlanta Network. Website. Visit our website: www.christsma.org We started making public key documents that we've been working on behind the scenes.

Points of Prayer Please pray with us • "First Members" Team. Pray the Lord would continue to draw more people to join us in this new venture. • Evangelistic Relationships. Pray that we would have favor in the eyes of those we are engaging who don't yet believe.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9 8 AM - 10 AM LEARN ABOUT THE SITUATION SUPPORT THE CAUSE EAT PANCAKES SUPPORT WORLD RELIEF AND AFGHAN RESETTLEMENT

CALL US AT 630.668.0878 OR COLLEGE-CHURCH.ORG 332 E. SEMINARY AVENUE WHEATON, IL 60187

BOOKSTALL

Books to Read and Share Stop by the bookstall or visit our online bookstore at https://us.10ofthose.com/collegechurch/ for these books and more!

The Grace of Gratitude by Paul Mallard Five short chapters look at Psalm 66 and consider gratitude from different angles. Gratitude is something a person chooses, but there is also an element of calling—we are called to embrace gratitude. What is the foundation of gratitude, and what happens when life tests our gratitude? Finally, how can gratitude triumph over the sins that would draw us away? A great giveaway book—read for yourself and pass it on. $3 at the bookstall

The Little Him Book—Looking at the Jesus Who Makes Our Hearts Sing by Peter Mead Not a hymnbook, but a book about HIM. Jesus, that is. See Jesus Christ from a variety of angles—son, deliverer, baby, storyteller, miracleworker, missionary, king, brother, bridegroom. Let the song of Jesus in as you read. This is another great book to share with someone, then get together over breakfast and talk about Jesus. $5 at the bookstall

Out of the Black Shadows by Stephen Lungu with Anne Coomes Abandoned as a child, Stephen was recruited into a gang in Zimbabwe in his teen years. An evangelist came to town. Stephen and other gang members were on their way to bomb a bank when they stumbled onto the evangelistic tent meeting. “I could hardly believe my luck,” recalls Stephen. “To petrol bomb a tent full of several thousand Christians was much better than blowing up a mere bank.” What happened next prompted the writing of this book. $9 at the bookstall

A London Sparrow—The Inspiring and True Story of Gladys Aylward by Phyllis Thompson Her journey from London to China in the early twentieth century became a legendary and inspirational story. Her determination, trust in Christ and life-time commitment to others continues to challenge. Hers is a story of great heights and depths. With an afterword by Noel Piper. $10 at the bookstall

LOOKING AHEAD NOVEMBER MINISTRY PREVIEW

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

MENS GATHERING NOVEMBER 6 6:30 - 8 a.m. Welsh Hall

Connect over breakfast, hear encouraging testimonies, and cultivate a hunger for the Lord as we hear relevant teaching.

NOVEMBER 7, 2021

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR

KEENAGERS DINNER November 19 5:30 PM FEATURING PIANISTS

Mark Edwards and Karin Redekopp

October 2021 Connections

Articles inside

Books to Read and Share

Church Plant Update

A Faithful Dwelling Place

Meet Our Leaders

Upward Basketball is Coming!

Wheaton Christian Grammar School Onboard United Flight 93

College Church Wedding Coordinators Needed

Community of Care

Life Lessons and Afghanistan

Meet Bruce Main

Prayer Gatherings Online & In Person

My Life with Dignity

Outreach Festival Schedule

October 2021 Connections

Contributors