Fall 2015 Eastwidn

Fall 2015

Glorify God. Follow Christ. Transform Lives.

He who began

p a

o r k w i d n o y o ou g

will carry it on

to completion

until the of day

Christ Jesus

Equipping the Saints

by Pastor Stan Van Den Berg In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians we are told that the role of pastor is to “equip the saints for works of service so the body of Christ will be built up.” Some of this equipping takes place on Sunday morning, but a 20-minute sermon certainly is not enough to equip the saints to live in this world and do the ministry Jesus told us to do.

Therefore we have a special night when we will focus on “equipping the saints.” It’s on Wednesday nights. Our Wednesday evening EDGE program will be a night when we focus on equipping the saints. We will still share dinner on Wednesday nights, and following dinner we will equip the saints on how to form a Christ-like marriage or how to raise godly children, or how to witness to Muslims, or how to reach your neighbors with the gospel, or how to live out a Covenant relationship with Christ, or how to employ spiritual disciplines to grow in intimacy with Christ, or how to be a new member.

All our future course offerings on Wednesday night will serve to equip saints to live the Christian life in their particular life stage or equip them to do the work of Christ in the world.

When Jesus told us to make disciples, part of that was teaching them to “do” all that he commanded us to do. We are trying to be very intentional in what we do as a church. We are trying to teach everyone how to walk with Christ, live as he would have us live in every area of life, and be equipped to minister to others the transforming grace of God. I hope you join us on Wednesday nights.

I’m sure there is a course offering that can help equip you in life.

His Story Is Mine

by Loren Minnis, Church Chef When I was asked to share my story here in Eastwind, I hesitated. I’ve told my story several times and I am more than willing to speak about my life, especially if it’s to benefit our Wednesday Equipping Night. It is something I have a true passion for and believe it’s a functional part of spiritual well being.

2

Eastwind Newsletter

I was born in Pratt, Kansas, a few decades ago. I grew up in a typical dysfunctional family and also in the time when segregation was still a practice of our state. I left the University of Kansas in 1980 to begin a career in food service in Greeley, Colorado. During one of my separations from my girlfriend and kids, I returned to Lawrence to work while also finishing my education. Afterwards I returned to Colorado to be near my kids.

What’s not mentioned here is that during all of this time I was using drugs and alcohol on a daily basis. For me this all seemed natural until I was no longer in control, and my world spiraled downwards. In late 2010 I ended up in the hospital for the second time due to alcohol poisoning. My body was losing the battle my mind already lost. I had a long talk with myself (most likely divine intervention) and decided I didn’t want to leave this world in this manner. With help from my sisters I ended up at the Union Rescue Mission here in Wichita.

It’s here where all the magic (miracles) started to happen. With the help of the Mission staff I developed a personal relationship with God and began a spiritual understanding of life. My “ah ha” moment came about six months into the program. It was at a church service celebrating Easter. I discovered the meaning of the cross. I previously didn’t understand why Jesus was killed, and why would God die instead of living. Then it hit me, Jesus didn’t have a choice – his death here on Earth was planned from the beginning to give us a choice of life. Our Father in heaven loved man so much he sacrificed his only Son for us to live a prosperous life here and eternally in heaven. Amen.

So when I hesitated to share my story, I was thinking, “Why is my story so special? Tell Jesus’ story! Without him, there is no me.” Without his patience, love and forgiveness I wouldn’t have the life I now have. Thank you, Jesus. I now have a new beginning and glowing future. I have been forgiven for my past sins. Thanks to him and the Holy Spirit I can now lead a life than honors our Father. By grace I’ve been alcohol and drug free for more than four years. Amen.

I hear people say if God would only do this or that I would be better off. No, not true. God has done enough. He gave us Jesus, what more do we need? So that’s my story, his story is mine now. Stay in his Word, obey his Father and listen to the Holy Spirit. My favorite verse is Micah 6:8 (NASB) “He has told, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you?

But to do justice, to love, kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Amen.

9/9 - 11/18

Wednesday Nights Equipping + Community September 9 Dinner, Children’s Classes & Prayer Service

Women’s Study: 2 Corinthians: Triumphant Living Nancy Van Den Berg; C-12

September 16 Dinner & All-Age Classes

Psalms: The Beating Heart of the Older Testament Dr. Hank Lederle; Parlor

Looking for practical, hands-on training for life, mission and ministry? That’s exactly what Wednesday nights this fall are designed to be! Between parenting, outreach and ministry to Muslims, our equipping classes will help you take the next steps in your faith in a practical way. Plus, our family dinners are designed to bring all ages together for community and connection during an intergenerational meal. This is your chance to bring the whole family to connect with one another and with other families and generations who call Eastminster home. Join us starting September 9!

***Parenting the Love and Logic Way Carolyn Yoder; C-13/14 Due to popular demand, this class is now full.

5:30 – 6:15 6 – 6:25 6 – 7:15 6 – 7:45 6:30 – 7:30

Dinner in Fellowship Hall Kids Choir in B-10 Chancel Bell Choir Rehearsal in the Music Room Middle School in the Student Center Kid’s Quest: Pre-K – fifth grade children’s program Adult Classes 7:30 – 8:45 Chancel Choir in Sanctuary Kick-Off Prayer Service Wednesday, September 9, 6:30 p.m.; Fellowship Hall Led by Pastor Stan

TUMI (Foundations for Christian Mission) Ken Shultz; C-15 ***New Members Class October 7, 14, 21; C-11 Register with Ginger Cox at 634.0337, ext. 207, or gcox@eastminster.org. ***Alpha Course Fellowship Hall. Register at eastminster.org/alphacourse Understanding Islam, Loving Muslims Nasser al’ Ahmad and Rev. Mike Goolsby; Chapel 1 Corinthians: A Class for Single Adults Chris Flick; Library Conference Room ***Denotes advance registration required Eastminster Presbyterian Church

3

Meet Chris Chris Flick recently graduated from Gordon

Conwell Theological seminary and joins us for the next year through the Frank N. Kik pastoral internship program.

Why do you have a passion for pastoral ministry?

I love people. I love sitting with people and helping them see God a little bit more clearly. I really enjoy opening up the Bible and explaining what is going on.

Tell us a little about your family.

My dad, Mark, is a mechanical engineer for a firm that’s based out of Flint, Michigan, but his office is in East Liberty, Ohio. My mom, Sharon, works for the school district as an aide. They have been married for 29 years. I have one brother, Tyler. He followed in my dad’s steps and became an engineer.

When did you meet Jesus?

My parents met in church and raised my brother and me in it. I don’t think we missed more than one Sunday a year. Even though I have known Jesus my entire life, it wasn’t until I was in college that I fully understood the weight of my sin and the beauty of the gospel. I am incredibly thankful for Cru and how they helped me see God’s grace more fully than I did growing up.

What are some goals or dreams you have for your ministry at Eastminster?

One of my goals is to learn how to be a better pastor. I am very thankful to be working with Paul and Stan and being shaped into a better pastor.

Another goal is to get to know the congregants. This is a huge congregation and I really want to know people here.

What is God teaching you right now?

Right now, I feel that God is teaching me to dig deeper into my prayer life. I pray every morning but I’m sensing that God wants me to go deeper in my prayer life, meditating more on Scripture, praying through Scripture more, and praying more for the world.

Ministry can be tough. What do you do to relax and have fun?

I love sports. My first love is soccer and if there’s a game while I’m free, I’m probably watching it and telling them how to play and what calls the ref has missed. I’m trying to find a rec league to play in, so if anyone knows of one please let me know. I also enjoy Ohio State football and basketball. I’m currently training for a 5k. I like games like euchre, Munchkin, Settlers of Catan, and Ticket to Ride.

4

Eastwind Newsletter

The Frank N. Kik Pastoral Internship Eastminster’s pastoral internship is made possible through the generous donations of church members toward an endowment in the memory of the Rev. Frank N. Kik. The program is designed to provide a realworld experience at an evangelical church in the image and style of Pastor Kik. Frank called it “practical theology” and devoted many hours to training and equipping seminarians to be well prepared in pastoral ministry. While senior pastor at Eastminster Presbyterian Church for 17 years, Pastor Kik made a lasting impression on many in the community and beyond, including many who were not members of the church. Tim Watson, student of Frank’s, friend, alumnus and pastor at New Sterling ARP Church in Stony Point, N.C. in 2011, had this to say about Frank, “I could call anytime with any question, and with his blunt, yet caring way he would provide guidance. Frank taught many things, but one key element was realism. He loved the church and his Lord, but he knew people, and he helped us to not have expectations that could lead to failure. Frank believed the pastorate was the greatest call anyone could have, so he protected it furiously.

Frank did not want anyone to step in the pulpit, who may have been misled or unprepared. He knew it was a challenging call and did not want anyone to fail. He was hard to take seriously at times, though. When called on the phone, he sometimes answered, ‘This is God; are you on your knees?’” Pastor Watson has appropriately summed up for those of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with Frank, what a devoted man he was to the Lord and to the kingdom of God.

MISSIONS MAP

THE BALKANS KANS

UNITED STATES

LEGACY MIS MISSIONS SSS MIDDLE EAST & N. AFRICA

CCENTRAL AMERIC AMERICA MERIC MERICA ERICA EAST AFRICA INDONESIA

A New Vision for World Missions

Eastminster’s vision is to plant gospel-centered churches where they do not exist.

We will focus on unreached people groups, especially in areas influenced by Islam. We will share the gospel, make disciples, give compassionate outreach, and train leaders. This is possible As we head into the fall, we are praising God the for prayer, the new chapter through service, education andWhy? engagement of everyone who calls Eastminster home. he is writing in our World Missions area. You heard in April at the • More than 25% of the world’s people groups are considered Mission Experience about the new vision for World Missions and “ureached” with the gospel. This makes up more than 40% of the how we will now be structured into seven regions in order to share world’s population. the gospel and plant churches among populations who are currently • Only 2% of all money given globally toward mission goes unreached with the good news of Jesus. After several months of toward the unreached. transition, we are excited to now be at the point of launching the • Only one in 10 international missionaries go to serve the regions to begin ministry. These regions are how we will mobilize our unreached. church toward a global impact for the gospel. If you are interested in being involved in World Missions, now is the time to join in. Each Regions of the regions has openings for team members, and as a part of the • The Balkans (Albania, Macedonia, Romania, Moldova) – Team team you will champion your region of the world, pray and connect lead Susan Lear, assistant Jon Green with our missions partners there, plan missions trips, and support • Middle East and North Africa (The Arab World) – leader to be new ways to spread the gospel. To join in, contact Marcia Davis at determined 634.0337, ext. 231, or mdavis@eastminster.org.

• East Africa (Kenya, South Sudan, Ethiopia) – Team lead Aaron Heitmann • Indonesia (the country with the largest Muslim population in the Our Vision world) – Team lead Steve Friesen, assistant Wayne Ray Eastminster’s vision is to facilitate the planting of sustainable, • USA (Pockets of unreached people groups in the US. Kansas gospel-centered, reproducing churches in strategic regions. The and Wichita remain a local mission opportunity) – Team lead Council will pursue this vision by focusing primarily on unreached Lori Miller and unengaged people groups with particular attention to areas • Central America (Central American countries are becoming influenced by Islam. By God’s grace we will make disciples, missionary sending countries) – Team lead Nate Kirk, assistant provide compassionate outreach and train indigenous leaders. We Bruce Van Bebber will accomplish this first through committed and focused prayer, • Legacy (current partners outside the defined regions) – Team and second by educating and engaging our congregation and by lead Andi Colley teaming with likeminded partners.

Eastminster Presbyterian Church

5

New Eastminster Staff

Jill Clavin Associate Director of Communications

Tell us a little about yourself and your family. ​I was born and raised in lovely Ottawa, Kansas. I spent four years at the University of Tulsa, minus one semester abroad in Spain.

After college I met Chris at a wedding, moved to Wichita, and we got married on August 24, 2013 (thanks, Pastor Paul!). We are now proud parents to a spunky miniature schnauzer, Casey. Chris is an only child and I am the youngest of four. My oldest sister, Kristin, her husband, Matt, and my two nieces, Ella and Olivia live in Texas. My brother, Adam, my middle sister, Sara, and my brother-in-law, Chris (yes, it gets confusing) live in California. My parents, Dennis and Melissa still live in Ottawa. My dad is a family physician and my mom is a “retired” teacher. Chris’ parents, Steve and Kathi live in Wichita and Kathi is a deacon here.

What is God teaching you right now?

Not to worry or be anxious, but to let go, realize I have no control or say, and trust in his plan.

Why do you have a passion for communications?

I believe communications is the best, most effective use of my God-given gifts. It is always changing and evolving, which makes it exciting for me. Communications plays a major role in our society today - and as a church we are challenged to be intentional and relevant with how we communicate, and to always keep Jesus at the forefront of every message.

Ministry can be tough. What do you do to relax and have fun? ​It doesn’t usually qualify as relaxing, but I’m a huge KU fan and love to go to as many basketball games as possible with my parents - I watch too much college basketball from October to April. In the off-season I like to play with my puppy, read, watch TV and movies, travel, and I’m trying to become a legit runner.

6

Eastwind Newsletter

Libby Derby Associate Director of Children’s Ministries

Tell us a little about yourself and your family.

I’m a recent grad of Friends University, with a degree in psychology and Christian spiritual formation. I’m originally from Wichita, but I’ve moved around a lot growing up. I live with my twin sister and my cousin in the Riverside area. My parents live in Kansas City, my older sister lives here in Wichita with her family, and my brother lives in Missouri.

Why do you have a passion for kids and ministry to children?

Children matter. They have value and significance. Having a foundation of faith as early in life as possible is super important.

I want kids to know they are loved by the Lord and that their lives have purpose in him. I can wake up in the morning and be excited that that’s what I get to do every day.

What are some goals or dreams you have for your ministry at Eastminster?

Eastminster is a lovely community and I can’t wait to fully call it home. I hope to build relationships with students and families.

I’m really excited to see what God has in store for me here!

What are your future plans for your career?

In the future, I would like to further my education in spiritual formation and continue to learn more specifically about student ministries. The goal is to get a masters of divinity in student/ family ministries.

Ministry can be tough. What do you do to relax and have fun?

As an extrovert, being with people is what recharges me. I love bonfires, cooking, watching movies, going to concerts; I’m up for whatever as long as it involves others!

About Heaven

BECKY PHELPS

He smiled at us and only said three sentences, which I thought were, “Come, O Israel! Come, O Israel!” and “I’ve got to get back to paradise.”

I remember thinking how loud the music was in heaven so I couldn’t hear all the sounds but I did realize that my grandpa had said something biblical to us when he referred to heaven as paradise. In Luke 23:43, Jesus says, “truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” That gave me the assurance that my grandpa is in the best place possible, but I still didn’t understand the first two sentences he had said to us in my dream.

Revelation 21:4 states, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

We gave a talk to the middle school youth group about heaven, a subject that always makes me think of my grandpa who died 11 years ago. I shared with the group about him. My precious grandpa passed away when he was 81. I can still remember the last words he said to me, “Beck, I love ya!” To my son, he said, “bless you, Grant Thomas! The Lord has great and mighty things for you!” My grandpa believed in me and knew that I could be a stay-at-home mom and take care of my family. He sent us Scripture and tapes of pastors’ sermons to listen to. He even created a clock and a birdhouse with scriptures on them. He made sure Tommy, my husband, was a Christian when we got married. My grandpa’s lasting message to us is 1 Corinthians 2:9-10, “However, as it is written: ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him. But God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.’”

It was so cool to go back and visit his grave and see that he put Scripture on his tombstone.

I marked it in my Bible so that I would never forget.

I shared with the middle school group about a dream I had right after my grandpa died. I wrote it out and gave it to my dad and his three sisters on Easter because I believed it to be a vision that the Lord showed me. In the dream I was in a room with some of my aunts and uncles and all of a sudden my grandpa was there.

I was praying and asking God to clarify what the phrase, “Come, O Israel” meant, that my grandpa had said to me in the dream. It was so loud I couldn’t comprehend it at all. I couldn’t find that exact phrase anywhere in the Bible. I was literally pleading with God to tell me what it meant!

At youth group, right before my husband and I were set to give the speech on heaven where I would tell the story about my grandpa, we were watching Mike Jaderston do his weekly routine to get the kids into an attitude to worship. He lights a tall candle and says, “Hear, O Israel! Hear, O Israel, the Lord your God, The Lord is one” from Deuteronomy 6.

I realized that was what my grandpa had said in that dream. I was having a hard time figuring it out because I couldn’t hear in the dream – hear was the word I couldn’t hear! The Lord spoke to me during a live presentation and it all made perfect sense. He gave me the answer I had been pleading for right as I was stepping out to teach about heaven. We are called to pass on our love for the Lord and share our faith with the next generation. I was able to put that into our talk and testify to a group of middle school kids that the Lord had just spoken to me. The Lord is still speaking to each one of us today through his word. Step out in faith and serve at church and hear the answers the Lord will reveal!

Eastminster Presbyterian Church

7

Psalm 73: Encountering God

by Dr. Hank Lederle The Psalms have been a true source of comfort and encouragement throughout the history of the Christian Church.

Many describe the Psalms as their favorite book of the Bible. Both the Protestant reformers, Martin Luther and John Calvin, chose to relate the stories of their own conversion in the introduction to their Psalm commentaries.

We find every human emotion displayed—from jubilant praise and thanksgiving to unrestrained anger and frustration. Calvin says the psalms of David are “an anatomy of all the parts of the soul.”

This fall I will teach a Wednesday night class on the Psalms and wanted to discuss one very special psalm as a preview to this class. It captures something of what I believe to be the most profound spirituality in Scripture. The well-known Old Testament scholar, Walter Brueggemann, calls Psalm 73 “the most remarkable and satisfying of all the psalms.” It is not surprising that a number of hymns have taken up ideas reflected in this psalm. I will be referring to some of them.

There are many different basic types of psalms that will be discussed in the fall Wednesday night class. I usually distinguish at least seven: hymns, laments, psalms of thanksgiving, confident trust, remembrance, the royal psalms about the kings, and wisdom psalms. Psalm 73 does not fit comfortably in any of these genres. It starts off as a wisdom psalm, becomes a lament and ends as a psalm of confident trust. Wisdom psalms remind us of the books of Proverbs or Job. We all probably know the beautiful hymn, “Be Thou My Vision.”

It is an Irish poem from the eighth century and found its inspiration from these concluding verses of Psalm 73: Nevertheless, I am continually with you; You hold my right hand.

Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is nothing on earth That I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart, And my portion forever. (73:23,25,26)

8

Eastwind Newsletter

Here is the well-known first verse from the hymn that expresses similar thoughts: Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art— Thou my best thought by day and by night, Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Let us start our discussion at the beginning. Verse 1 commences with a proverb-like statement, Truly God is good to Israel, To those who are pure in heart.

This is a beautiful devotional statement. Would you agree that God is truly good to believers? We may rush, a little naively, to affirm this statement with just a twinge of doubt in the back of our minds. Psalm 73 pushes us to honest reflection. The next fourteen verses are going to take us on an unexpected cry for help. In the psalms we call this a lament. The writer, identified as Asaph, will eventually affirm this statement with which the psalm commences but only after a struggle of some intensity. In a firstperson account he relates his own experience which takes us beyond superficial religious language to a grappling in active faith that ends in – not merely the conclusion that God is good – but an outpouring of heightened devotion: there is no one in heaven or earth that I desire besides You, o God! I invite you to grab a Bible or a tablet and follow along in the text.

From verse 2 onward we hear the story of a struggling believer with whom we can easily identify. This first section is what we call a theodicy. The psalm writer is attempting to justify God’s dealing which he finds to be puzzling. He tells of how he almost lost his faith. The stumbling block was the ”prosperity of the wicked.”

Operating with the simple equation that the Lord will bless the upright, “but the way of the wicked will perish” (Ps. 1:6b), the writer of this psalm becomes envious of the blessings that evil people enjoy. He describes the evil doers in their arrogance against the Lord but finds that, “always at ease, they increase in riches.” (73:12b) The psalm writer laments, “All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence For all the day long I have been stricken, and rebuked every morning.” (73:13,14) Perhaps you may have had similar thoughts at some time in your life. The writer despairs of being able to understand this. This

leads to the pivotal turning point of verse 17. It reads quite simply, “Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I discerned their end” (referring to the wicked).

Structurally the poem or song is divided into three sections which all three start with the Hebrew word “ak” or truly. Verses 1,13 and 18 start in this manner in the Hebrew but many English translations leave the word out in verse 13. Verse 18, however, starts a section with fresh insight. The psalmist has become aware of the perilous end of the lives of evil doers.

But first we need to look at the hinge of verse 17 around which the whole psalm swivels.

When the psalmist enters the sanctuary - the temple on Mount Zion - he encounters the transforming presence of the Lord.

The uncertainty of experience (i.e. his own interpretation of life) gives way to the certainty of faith. The reality of God floods his heart and powerfully changes him. Things now fall into perspective. Even material things are seen in a new light.

Martin Luther relates this same insight in the third verse of his hymn: “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him who with us sideth (Christ - HIL) Let goods and kindred go, This mortal life also; The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still; His kingdom is forever.

The prophet Habakkuk expresses the same truth in a memorable way: Though the fig tree should not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines, The produce of the olive fail And the fields yield no food, The flock be cut off from the fold And there be no herd in the stalls, Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.

God, the Lord, is my strength.

Perhaps even more famous is the resolution we find in the book of Job where he maintains his innocence over against his proverbial friends and comforters and decries the unmerited suffering of his life. The reader, of course, understands something that Job did not. The suffering was brought upon him by Satan and not by the Lord. The Lord did allow this, but also limited it.

The uncertainty of experience gives way to the certainty of faith.

The reality of God floods his heart and powerfully changes him.

Things now fall into perspective.

Even material things are seen in a new light.

In his final encounter with God in chapter 42, God gives no “explanation” but rather just overwhelms him and Job is reduced to silence in the presence of the Lord.

Again encountering God makes the most profound difference: “I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees you; Therefore I despise myself, And repent in dust and ashes.” (42:5,6) Psalm 73 provides a description of the end of the wicked. The psalmist confesses his embittered attitude towards God: “I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast towards You.” He now sees how the evil doers fall into ruin, destroyed in a moment, utterly swept away by terrors! (verses 18,19) Verses 23-28 express the sublime trust and rapture of the chastened psalm writer. God is the strength of his heart, his counsel who will receive him to glory. God is his refuge and he wishes to testify of all the works of the Lord. Returning to the thought expressed at the beginning of the psalm the writer declares that it is good to be near God. Verses 25, 26 form the pinnacle of transformation that results from encountering the powerful presence of the God who is a flaming fire of passionate love: Whom have I in heaven but you?

And there is nothing on earth That I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail But God is the strength of my heart And my portion forever.

My spontaneous response is: Alleluia! Amen!

(From “Come, Christian, Join to Sing” Hymn 302)

Eastminster Presbyterian Church

9

SumMEr Mis Ecuador Sam Amstutz & Gabbie Van Den Berg The Wao Vision trip was designed to open our eyes to how we create dependency and squash our fellow believers, recipients of missionary efforts - by reversing the process.

Our team of seven (five teens and two adults from Eastminster) joined 21 other believers from around the U.S. for the Amazon trip. We were to become completely dependent for our survival and well being for five days among a small group of Waodani (formerly Auca) believers, who first were introduced to Christ 60 years ago.

We entered a remote portion of the eastern Ecuadorian jungle, accessible only by a small plane (Cessna 206). After a two-hour muddy hike, we arrived at our primitive campsite, a reconstruction of how the Waodani people lived years ago, and we lived with our hosts there - eating, sleeping and functioning as they did. We ate their food - plantains, manioc, yucca, rice, wild game and fish; slept as they did in hammocks in the palm leaf huts; and tried to learn some of their life skills - gardening, ferreting firewood, fishing, hunting, and weaving with palm fiber. In the process we realized the uselessness of our western conveniences, skills and mindsets.

10

Eastwind Newsletter

I never expected to get married at age 17. Oh good, I got your attention. The trip to Ecuador was an experience like no other. Now, this wasn’t your typical mission trip. We learned new ideas on how to do missions. While we were there we felt incompetent, powerless, and not good enough because we couldn’t do the things the Waodani [the native tribe we stayed with] were doing. Well, that’s how other people feel when we mission to them. What good is building a church for someone if they don’t have the heart or ability to maintain it? We empowered the Waodani without creating dependency. The best thing we can do for the Waodani is tell more people about them.

I encourage anyone interested in this trip to go. I never expected to be changed so greatly. When I got home I was undoubtedly gleaming. God filled my heart with joy, joy that I am now eager to share with nonbelievers. Yes, I got married in the Amazon. It was great.

(Editor’s note: The wedding Gabbie mentions was a demonstration of a traditional Waodoni wedding ceremony only.)

Read more at eastminster.org/blogs/student-ministries

ss i O N

TRips

nicaragua

minnesota

matt jaderston

mike jaderston

Our week in Nicaragua was spent rebuilding schools, doing chores at Villa Esperanza, building the foundation for a future life skills center, and pouring concrete. But beyond all that and perhaps the most impactful was building relationships with the girls at the Villa. Around 30 girls, 8 to 18 years old currently live at the Villa. I connected with a girl named Sugeyling. She was shy and didn’t always participate in the big group, but for some reason she was drawn to me.

Through our broken Spanglish, I learned that before coming to the Villa she was living with her grandmother because her parents were into drugs and abandoned their family, so Sugeyling doesn’t see them very often. She didn’t trust others easily and had abandonment issues. It took awhile for her to open up, but she came to trust me and eventually shared her testimony. Sugeyling was rescued from a life of exploitation and abandonment and brought to a place where she had to learn how to accept love for the first time. She believes God sent Gloria, the Villa Esperanza founder, to save her and is now beginning to understand the love Jesus has for her.

I had the privilege of working at a Boys and Girls Club all week. Our crew had a variety of different tasks - preparing food in the kitchen, organizing some messy storage rooms, and developing relationships with the young boys and girls. On the first day, the kids were a bit apprehensive to talk to us, but as the week went on they really opened up and we developed some great bonds. One student in particular was named TJ. He had a fascination with comic books and thought I looked like a superhero, so we instantly had a connection. As the week went on, TJ began seeking me out to talk superheroes and make spaceships out of legos. He joined our crew devotionals and stood in the circle as we prayed together. By the end, I was able to give him a souvenir and tell him that I love him and think he’s great. He grew so close to our crew that he couldn’t help the tears that followed. TJ, as well as many other kids, were evidence to God’s action with and through us that week. My own heart was changed as I experienced some of the brokenness and poverty that we saw. It was a great trip, and I look forward to doing more like it in the future.

Eastminster Presbyterian Church

11

Non Profit Org. US Postage

PAID

Wichita, KS Permit No. 1293

Eastminster Presbyterian Church 1958 N. Webb Road • Wichita, Kansas 67206 316.634.0337 • www.eastminster.org

Worship Services Sundays at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m.

The goal of Eastwind is to support the mission of Eastminster Church: Glorify God. Follow Christ. Transform Lives.

Director of Communications: Courtney Browning (cbrowning@eastminster.org). Associate Director of Communications: Jill Clavin (jclavin@eastminster.org).

Autumn Highlights Family Campout September 25 - 26 Open to all families! Grab your tent, fishing pole and Bible as we spend a night camping in the wilderness.

We’ll cook over a fire, fish in the river, and enjoy God’s creation together as a family. Register at eastminster.org

by September 20.

Trunk or Treat October 31, 4 – 6 p.m.

Trunk or Treat is a safe alternative to traditional Halloween festivities that’s perfect for the whole family. There will be candy galore, face painting, hay rack rides, hot dogs, inflatables and so much more! Our goal is for Eastminster families to invite other kids, neighbors and families to join you as we demonstrate gospel community. For families with children up to fifth grade.

Singing Quakers Alumni Concert November 14,7:30 p.m.; Sanctuary Join us for an evening of beautiful music directed by Dr. Cecil Riney, including Moses Hogan spirituals and guest conductor and composer Joseph Martin. Tickets for donation are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, available at the door.

Friday, October 2, 7 – 9 p.m. and Saturday, October 3, 9 a.m. – noon; Fellowship Hall We are about to stand on holy ground. To enter in to the place where the Lord dwells.

This weekend will bring us face to face with God as we learn how to relate to him in prayer. We desire to see his Spirit work more fully in our lives, our church and others through our intercession. Pastor Stan will share on what prayer is, how to pray and how to acquire a desire for prayer. Enter in with us...and be changed.

Register by September 25 at eastminster.org/enterin. Child care available.