LLN March-April 2015

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Nick thought no woman would ever love “such an imperfect man” as him.

He was proven wrong.

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ike Fisher heard the teasing.

All it took to get kids going, he soon learned, was to mention that he went to church and had a relationship with God. “Bible basher!” they said. The Peterborough, Ont. native never wanted to bash anyone with anything, let alone his faith. Once he laced his skates and took to the ice, however, it was a different story.

“I wanted to prove to people that I could be a Christian and play hockey like Mark Osborne and Stu Grimson – fighters, very scary, but solid Christian guys,” he told The 700 Club.

Fast forward a few decades, and the 6-1, 215-pound centre has

done just that. With a solid 15-year NHL career in (gloved) hand, Fisher is currently on record pace to net 27 goals and 52 points for the Nashville Predators – not too bad for being “on the back end” of his career, as he told the film website I Am Second.

Fisher missed 21 games early this season with an Achilles injury and has previously worked through damages to both knees. Even so, sports journalists have noticed the “spark” and work ethic that the 34-year-old brings to the Preds.

“Fisher’s motor runs on every shift,” Along the Boards’ Glenn Spinner writes. “It’s not uncommon to see him laying out people with

by Crystal Kupper

big hits and his hustle is paramount, especially on the penalty kill.”

It’s a lesson Fisher learned early on. As one of four kids in a tightknit, sports-crazy family (his uncle David is a former chaplain to the Toronto Blue Jays), Fisher had plenty of opportunities to see love in literal action, both on and off the ice.

A Christian since childhood (“I still remember that day and hearing the message of Christ and wanting to accept Him as my Saviour,” he says), Fisher often endured teasing about his faith. “I got made fun of as a kid, especially playing hockey,” he says.

“I would mention going to church and the kids didn’t understand,” he tells Living Light News.

Chronic He l Spur? Ten is Elbow? Shoulder Pain?

Still, the righty’s faith increased alongside his skills. Drafted at 19 by the Ottawa Senators, Fisher found himself growing as a hockey player but floundering as a Christian. The night he signed his first NHL contract, he went to a bar, got drunk and woke the next morning feeling terrible both physically and spiritually.

“I kind of became my own god,” says Fisher. “I got too focused on hockey; it led me astray a little bit.”

Re-enter the family. Fisher’s cousin began a Bible study with him three years after he turned pro. They read Matthew 16:26: “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” continued on page 2

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Living Light News - March/April 2015 God should be revealed in him.’

“When I read that passage, I felt an incredible sense of peace, something I’d never felt before … It seemed that God led me to read that Scripture in answer to the question I’d long been asking: Why did You make me this way? I prayed for forgiveness for my sins, turned my life into His hands...”

Vujicic’s faith in Jesus gave him renewed hope to overcome challenges. His sense of humour also helped.

He became so popular, the student body elected him as president.

When Vujicic hit it off with a girl he met at a church camp, he was euphoric. But when the relationship

by Lailani Mendoza

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Living Light News #200, 5306-89 Street NW Edmonton, AB, Canada T6E 5P9 Telephone: 780-468-NEWS (6397) Fax: 780-468-6872 Email: shine@livinglightnews.com Publisher: Living Light Ministries Editor: Lailani Mendoza IT Manager: Kevin Schulthies Advertising Sales: Jeff Caporale Office Volunteer: Carlo van Berkel Office Volunteer: Cathy Pollock Office Volunteer: Paul Klatt Office Volunteer: Shay Nickolet Office Volunteer: Jeff Easton Layout/Design: Inspired Creativity Layout/Design: Christian Kanku Layout/Design: Norma Mettry Layout/Design: Jonathan Tieh Living Light News is published six times a year by Living Light Ministries, a non-profit corporation, on a bi-monthly basis. If you have interesting story ideas or helpful news or information which glorifies God, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us by telephone, mail, fax or email.

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ended just as quickly, he was devastated.

“I’d become all but convinced that no woman would want to marry such an obviously imperfect man as me.”

Recovering from the heartbreak, Vujicic left his search for a mate in God’s hands. He focused on building an international speaking ministry God has called him to.

Since 2005, Life Without Limbs has taken him to over 50 countries on five continents.

Despite his accomplishments, the yearning for that special someone never went away. Then, at a speaking engagement in Dallas, he met a beautiful JapaneseMexican woman named Kanae Miyahara.

“For much of my young adulthood, I could not understand why God had not brought me a woman to love with all of my heart for the rest of my life,”

continued from page 1

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photo courtesy WaterBrook Multnomah

e’s a prominent motivational speaker, founder of an international nonprofit organization, and a New York Times bestselling author.

Everybody who’s heard of Nick Vujicic’s inspiring story – of thriving despite bullying, hopelessness and disability – will think the guy is unstoppable.

Understandably so. If a person with no arms and legs can learn to swim, go skydiving, and earn the world’s respect like this 32-year-old has, there’s nothing that hinders him, right?

Not necessarily. While Vujicic thrived in every area of his life, he still had a weakness.

“Many people think of me as an upbeat, undefeatable person, but when it came to matters of the heart, for a while I struggled to stay positive,” admits Vujicic in his latest book Love Without Limits. “Because of my lack of limbs, I feared no woman would ever love me or want to marry me.”

A native of Australia, Vujicic was born with no arms or legs as a result of a rare genetic disorder. While his devout Christian parents did their best to love and care for Nick, they couldn’t shield him from a bully’s taunts or snide comments at school.

“For the longest, loneliest time, I wondered if there was anyone on earth like me, and whether there was any purpose to my life other than pain and humiliation,” he says. One day Nick decided he’s had enough.

“At age 10, I tried to drown myself in six inches of water in my home,” he shared at a recent TED Talk that received over a million views on YouTube. “I told my dad I just wanted to relax, but really, I wanted to end my life.”

The thought of causing unbearable heartache for his family stopped Nick from carrying out his plan.

One day while reading his Bible, 15-year-old Vujicic came across a passage in John 9.

“The Scripture tells of Jesus meeting a villager who’d been blind since birth. A crowd was following Jesus, and one of them asked why the man was born that way.

Jesus said he was blind at birth so that ‘the works of

The truth slammed into Fisher like a body check.

“It wasn’t because of my parents, it wasn’t because I was supposed to be in church,” he says. “[My relationship with Jesus] became real to me. It didn’t happen overnight, but God transformed me on the inside. It wasn’t religion anymore; it was a real relationship, and that was awesome.”

That bond brought Fisher great peace as his career progressed, first with Ottawa and then with Nashville (his team since 2011). And even in the midst of season-shortening injuries, he sees progress.

“I’ve had to work hard to get through [the Achilles injury], but all the while as a team [the Predators] have managed to play really well,” he tells Living Light News. “It’s not fun to sit through it, but at this point you just want to be having fun and winning and being as much of an example as possible.”

That example extends off the ice, too; Fisher regularly works with charities like Make-A-Wish Canada, Hockey Ministries International and Roger’s House.

“I know that He gave me these talents for a certain reason, and I hope I use them the best that I can,” Fisher says. “I know that through everything, it’s all because of Him. You kind of keep that focus.”

Zeroing in on Christ certainly hasn’t hurt his hockey – the Predators currently sit atop the Central Division in the Western Conference. Fisher, who becomes an unrestricted free agent in July, posted his sixth career 20-goal season last year, as well as setting a career high in assists (29) and leading all Nashville forwards in average ice time.

Still, Fisher counts on a positive, Christ-like attitude as being more important than his reported 105-mph shot – an unofficial Senators record.

“Through ups and downs, I want to be a solid encourager of my teammates,” he says.

In 2011, Zonderkidz released Fisher’s biography Defender Of Faith: The Mike Fisher Story, aimed at young fans. For any

Mike Fisher

he shares.

“What I didn’t know at the time was that my failed relationships offered lessons I needed to learn so that when I met my future wife, I would have a full appreciation and abundant gratitude for the wondrous gift her unconditional love represents.

“And then God brought me Kanae, and I finally realized that He had been preparing me for her all that time.”

“When God brought Nick to me, I was looking for a man who would commit fully to God,” Kanae explains.

“More importantly, I was searching for the man God had chosen for me.”

“Honestly, the fact that he had no arms and legs did register with me, but only in passing,” she says. “Other things stood out much more. He had such strength of character, a fantastic smile, and eyes that seemed to see into my heart.”

The two were married in 2012, and welcomed their son Kiyoshi a day after their first wedding anniversary.

Their book shares valuable lessons they’ve learned – especially how putting Christ in the centre of their relationship allowed love to blossom despite challenges.

For those who are seeking a spouse, Vujicic gives this advice: “Don’t give up on you. Don’t give up on God. Don’t give up on love.”

Whether looking for a spouse or not, Vujicic says, “I think the biggest fear in one’s life is to be alone.”

Vujicic can attest that when you surrender your life to Jesus, you will never be alone just as God promised: “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.

(Deuteronomy 31:6).

“I’ve heard it said that there is a God-shaped hole in each of us. It’s that place that God fills with His love while we follow His plans for our lives. I was complete and lacking nothing because of my relationship with Jesus.

“My wife is physically beautiful for certain, but you can’t see the half of her true beauty in any photograph.

Our perfect God has filled her with His perfect love, and she, in turn, loves me, such an imperfect man! For that reason, I know without a doubt that love has no limits.”

age, Fisher’s message to hockey lovers is simple: “Try to keep the Lord in the centre of it all,” he told The 700 Club. “When He’s there, everything else falls into place.”

For Fisher, that includes marriage and fatherhood; he and his country superstar wife, Carrie Underwood, married since 2010, are expecting their first son this spring.

“I want to be remembered as a loving father [who] loves my kids and loves God and was a good example,” he says. “I was fortunate enough to have some great parents, and hopefully I can be the same to my kids.”

That Bible-studying cousin, by the way, is still a constant in Fisher’s life; he calls him “a good example for me. It’s always important to have those people in your life.”

No matter who he finds himself with, Fisher draws his motivation from what he calls his “Audience of One.” “You play for your teammates and your logo, but ultimately, if you’re playing for Him, you’re playing for the right reasons,” he says. “All the other things will work themselves out.”

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Living Light News - March/April 2015

Newsbriefs Freedom Through Forgiveness TALLAHASEE, FL – Renee Napier believes in second chances and Eric Smallridge is thankful she does. Smallridge was sentenced to 22 years in prison for two counts of DUI manslaughter after he struck a car, killing Napier’s 20-yearold daughter Meagan and her friend Lisa. To everyone’s surprise, Napier forgave the young man, and later asked the court to cut his sentence in half. “When Renee first expressed forgiveness towards me, I honestly was blown away,” Smallridge told WIAT.com. Napier explains withholding forgiveness “was like a burden” but forgiving helped her heal. “I could hate him forever and the world

would tell me I have a right to do that,” Napier told CBS News. “You’ve got to make your decision based on what what God is telling you to,” says the committed Christian mom who runs a foundation in Meagan’s memory. Smallridge accepted responsibility for his actions and received God’s forgiveness, accepting Jesus Christ as his Saviour while in prison. Since his release, Smallridge goes with Napier to share their story together.

He told WIAT.com, “When Renee calls me and says ‘Hey, we’ve been invited to go do a presentation,’ I immediately request time off from my worldly job so that I can go and do His work.”

Modern-Day Miracle ST. CHARLES, MO – A 14-year-old teen is thanking God after making a miraculous drowning recovery. John Smith was one of three boys who fell through ice on Feb. 4. Two teens were rescued but Smith was nowhere to be found.

Underwater for 15 minutes, doctors performed CPR on him for 27 minutes with no success. “He was dead for 45 minutes,” Dr. Kent Sutterer, the doctor on duty at the time at St. Joseph Hospital West, told KSDK News. After Sutterer called John’s mother into the room to give her the bad news, she did something unexpected.

“I don’t remember what all I said, but I remember, ‘Holy God, please send your Holy Spirit to save my son,” Joyce

Smith told KSDK. “All of a sudden I heard them saying, ‘I got a pulse, I got a pulse.”

Sutterer confirms Smith’s account. “Within a minute or two his heart started beating loudly,” Sutterer said. In a medical note, Sutterer wrote, “His heart was jumpstarted by the Holy Spirit listening to the request of his praying mother.” Dr. Jeremy Garrett, who oversaw John’s recovery, called it “a bonafide miracle.”

John’s father Brian told KSDK News, “I know it doesn’t fit into our neat little box of today, but again you can’t refute the clinical evidence.”

Feeling blessed, John says he will “follow what God has in store for me throughout my life.”

Specializing in

A Giant-sized Role LOS ANGELES, CA – Even though Goliath was defeated by the courageous underdog David, according to the Bible he was no pushover. That’s why Hollywood director Tim Chey made sure the actor playing the giant in his upcoming movie, David and Goliath, looked the part. For 7-foot-7 tall Jerry Sokolosky, that meant losing 40 pounds and working out with sword and fighting coaches. “The production forced me to train like crazy,” says Canada’s tallest man. Drafted by the NBA at the age of 17, Sokolosky admits, “It was a massive challenge, especially filming in the hot desert in North Africa.” The 31-year-old Ontario actor credits God with getting him through the filming of the movie,

set to release on April 3, and more importantly, with helping him overcome the trials of life. “God is the source of everything and I’m so blessed to know Him. There were some low points in my life where only God got me through it,” stated Sokolosky. The gigantic 500-pound actor whom Shaquille O’Neal used to call “big guy,” is thankful to have the role – even though he gets thumped in the movie. “I hope everyone gets blessed seeing how even a little guy can take out a giant like me. But all kidding aside, I hope this movie really inspires everyone to have the incredible and profound faith that David showed.

If every Christian had his courage and faith, our world would be a different place.”

FORT COLLINS, CO – Aaron Bekkela, who had his own dramatic transformation, wants people to visit his former strip club that’s also being transformed – into a church.

Known as the Genesis Project, a metaphor for new beginnings, the building will include a 200-seat worship centre, coffee shop, and a commercial kitchen where professional chefs will train people for culinary careers. Pastor Rob Cowles sees the facility as a place “where a lot of dreams died and a place where we can see them reborn.” Bekkela held a very negative opinion of Christians until he and his wife attended an open house of a nearby church. Three pastors

welcomed him and treated him and his business respectfully.

That made a huge impact, so when one pastor invited him to a Bible study, he accepted the offer. Bekkela learned that the Bible says every person has committed a sin against God – whether that person runs a strip club or a so-called respectable business. After accepting the forgiveness that God offers through Jesus Christ, Bekkela was totally changed. “It was really touching to me to see how God was so real in Aaron,” Pastor Dary Northrop told Assist News. Bekkela described God’s forgiveness as “unbelievable.”

He told CBN, “I can’t really explain or describe the weight that was lifted off.”

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ORLANDO, FL – The brand new MLS franchise in Orlando is already scoring big with fans. Some 40,000 tickets have been sold for the Orlando City franchise’s inaugural home opener on March 8 against New York City FC, with expectations of a 65,000-person sellout.

That would make it the highest opener since 1996, when the Los Angeles Galaxy hosted the NY/ NJ Metro Stars. In 2007, the Galaxy signed English superstar David Beckham, who helped put the MLS on the map in a bigger way.

The New York Red Bulls brought in 2010 French star Thierry Henry near the end of his famed career. Orlando hopes the recent signing of Kaka, 2007 FIFA Player Of The Year, as team captain will have a further impact

Match Made In Heaven MIAMI, FL – Let’s get ready to rumble! Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao is finally stepping into the ring against undefeated champion Floyd Mayweather. Since 2010, only 10 fights have attracted over one million in pay-per-view buyers – and either Mayweather and Pacquiao headlined all of them. With these two boxing favourites combined, the card is expected to be the highest grossing in boxing history. While disagreements about drug testing procedures and promotional deals have kept the two welterweight champions out of the ring, prospects for a fight took a turn for the better when the boxers

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met in January at a Miami Heat NBA basketball game. The prizefighters chatted briefly then met later in the PacMan’s hotel suite. “You could tell by their body language the meeting was very positive,” explained Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz to ESPN. com. “It was a business meeting, but it wasn’t tense.”

A deal for the May 2 megafight was announced on Feb. 20. Pacquiao, a born-again Christian since 2011 who is very vocal about his positive transformation and recently donated US $6.6 million to his church, is convinced the match was divinely orchestrated. He said, “God put us together that day.”

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The committed Christian has been known for his godly lifestyle, publicly stating his virginity until his marriage at age 23. After scoring a goal, Kaka acknowledges God by pointing two fingers skyward. He is also known for exposing a T-shirt under his uniform that reads “I Belong To Jesus.”

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Living Light News - March/April 2015

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He recently applied to a doctoral program and was officially designated as a pastor at his home church, First Nations Alliance Church. Stelter begins the doctoral program this summer.

With so many opportunities, he no longer wonders if God can use him in spite of his past mistakes.

In addition to pastoring, he still runs Word of Hope Ministries, which offers free Bible resources that Stelter hopes will “make the Bible come alive for my fellow aboriginal people.”

His book, A Word of Hope For My Aboriginal People, is available in Christian bookstores. He also hosts a weekly radio program on CIAM Radio that airs Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings broadcasting to communities in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and B.C. His wife Angeline, a gifted piano player, has recently recorded an album of popular Gospel songs that will be made available online.

“My alcoholism ruined my life,” explains Stelter, “But now, through Christ, I’m leading by example – in my church, my ministry, and my family.”

To learn more about Word of Hope Ministries, visit wordofhopeministries.ca. Listen to his radio program at ciamradio. com. You can also email Parry at wordofhopeministriescanada@ gmail.com.

?

“Could God use me after all I’d done”

photo by Noel Granado

Hitting rock bottom seemed like a contradiction to Parry Stelter’s upbringing.

Raised by Christian adoptive parents and active in their local church, Stelter seemed to thrive, but a sadness lingered in him.

“I was adopted off Alexander First Nation and was moved around 12 different times before I ended up with the family who adopted me.”

At age 16, succumbing to peer pressure and a desire to fit in, he began drinking. “I [wasn’t always] a binge drinker. I thought I was holding it together.”

Life moved on and Stelter did seem to thrive. He went to university, got married, and became a father. His wife brought four children to the marriage, Stelter had two of his own, and together the couple had three daughters, and one was tragically lost at seven months to crib death.

Through it, because of Stelter’s drinking, his lifestyle continued to spiral out of control. Chaos reigned and his young children were removed from the home.

“I came to the end of myself,” says Stelter. He remembered his upbringing, how he had, as a 10-year-old boy, prayed with his adoptive mother.

Now, as a man who had lost everything, he prayed once more.

He started attending church again.

“I was finally coming alive,” says Stelter, “Even in my rebellious lifestyle, I could see that Jesus had been looking out for me. Bad things happened, but they could have been much worse.”

He became deeply involved in his church and with each step walked further away from the darkness he had lived in for years.

“My church helped point me to Jesus. And He took away my desire to drink.”

Stelter took a job driving a truck and for four years drove the highways listening to Gospel music and radio preachers. “I started thinking, could God use me?”

With his wife’s blessing he applied to seminary, was accepted and graduated with a Masters of Divinity in 2013. Still, these questions lingered.

“It’s one thing to volunteer in a church, could I be more? Could God use me after all I’d done?”

He soon found the answers. “I began Word of Hope Ministries, an outreach for the aboriginal community.”

He and his wife travel to First Nation and Metis settlements preaching, singing Gospel songs, and offering the peace and healing Jesus brings.

Parry Stelter

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“It’s one of the most effective ways we engage with the community,” Garvin adds. “At least half the team are community members that want to come and help the church.”

But the church also sees a true global impact. “[One man] collects clothes for an orphanage in the Philippines. We have another group that come in and get shoes for women in prison in Mexico. Another … gets winter coats and hats for the homeless in downtown Edmonton. People walk out with garbage bags full of clothes for missions.”

Garvin hopes people will experience God’s grace at a simple event.

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The next Share & Wear is Sat., April 18 from 10:30 am-12:30pm.

Donations may be dropped off April 17 from 3-8 pm. The church is at 25416 S Hwy 633, St. Albert.

Melissa Baker, Matt Garvin and Gerry Moore are inviting everyone to Share & Wear, a free community garage sale at St. Albert Alliance.

The event is on April 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

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he admits. “They load up pickup trucks and then go and have a garage sale. But maybe that’s what helps them financially.”

And while the sale is a lot of work for everyone involved, St. Albert’s will continue to provide this service.

“So many people [need this to] make ends meet,” Garvin states.

“Increasingly, things like Share and Wear are going to be important for our community.”

photo by Noel Granado

well – and all try to get something.

[But] it’s just a really nice atmosphere. People come and they A local church rummage sale is receive for nothing, and they go reaching people beyond the city’s away with a smile on their face.” borders.

In two hours, up to 1,500 people St. Albert Alliance Church’s “Share are served, leftovers are donated, & Wear” event has been giving and the church is readied for away free items for over 16 years.

Sunday services.

And every year, it causes an excited Gerry Moore, a 13-year volunteer, buzz in the community. sees the church meeting a huge “It’s quite a remarkable thing,” local need through Share says Matt Garvin, the church’s and Wear. community engagement “In the early and missions pastor.

“People years, 700-800 “People are watching people would out for it.” come come. Then in Started by three and they 2008, when women who receive for the recession had seen other hit … our churches holding nothing, numbers similar sales, and they jumped over a St. Albert Alliance thousand and we’ve holds the event twice a go away held that ever since. year, sending flyers out to with a It’s just amazing to me schools six weeks before how many people we the sale. smile on can actually help for A mountain of donated their face.” free. That’s why I still clothes and household do it – I just love the items come pouring idea of helping so many in the day before the big people.” event from 3-8 p.m. Then, an army The global community begins of over 100 volunteers help to locally, as well. sort toys, electronics, bric-a-brac, “We have a whole lot of people clothing and small appliances. in the Filipino community here on “One of the real highlights is how work visas,” Garvin explains. the kids work together with their “Many of them are crowded parents and grandparents – the into houses, trying to make team is very multi-generational,” ends meet. We probably have at Garvin notes. least a hundred come through.

On the morning of the sale, customers begin to line up at 6 a.m. [But] about 25 people from that community join the team and help Volunteers serve hot chocolate and snacks while music is played. Doors make it happen.”

And the surrounding open at 10:30 a.m. community enjoys getting involved.

“The first 10 minutes aren’t A nursing team from a local very orderly,” admits Garvin with hospital helped sort clothes for a laugh. “There’s like a thousand last year’s sale – and returned people coming through the door – to make Christmas hampers some bring items to exchange, as

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Living Light News - March/April 2015 photo by Ashley Rodgers/Texas Tech University

Lifestyles

It's Not

Easy Being Green

by Elisabeth Handley Among conservative Christian Texans, Dr. Katharine Hayhoe stands out like a sore (green) thumb. She’s a life-long follower of Jesus, pastor’s wife … and a noted climate change scientist?

While these things may seem incompatible, Dr. Hayhoe pulls it off with grace and aplomb.

“As a Canadian, moving to the States is a different country, and moving to Texas is like another different country,” she tells Living Light News jokingly.

Born in Toronto, Hayhoe’s family moved to Colombia as missionaries. She later returned to attend the University of Toronto to study physics. She studied atmospheric science in grad school at the University of Illinois where she met her husband, Andrew Farley, who was completing his PhD in linguistics. The couple began their professional careers at the University of Notre Dame.

Passionate about ministry, teaching and writing, Farley began teaching Bible classes at their church. During a sabbatical from Notre Dame, a friend in Texas asked if he would be interested in filling in as interim pastor at a church that was suffering from lack of leadership.

“After three months,” Hayhoe says, “they offered him the job.”

This would have been a radical change in their lives, giving up prestigious academic careers to move across the country to pastor a church. But in the same town

Environmental scientist and evangelical Christian? Dr. Katharine Hayhoe explains why these two facets in her life aren't contradictory but, in fact, complimentary.

was a large university, Texas Tech, which happened to have programs in both Hayhoe’s and Farley’s fields.

They applied for jobs even though the university wasn’t advertising, and both were offered positions.

“This move was one of the times in my life when I have felt God clearly telling us what to do,” she says.

“Looking back over what has happened since we got here, I have no doubt in my mind.”

As associate professor in the Department of Political Science and director of the Climate Science Center

“We are asked to love others without holding back.”

at Texas Tech University, and as founder and CEO of ATMOS Research, her work focuses on understanding what climate change means to people and God’s creation in the places we live and care about.

In 2014, Hayhoe was named one of TIME magazine’s “100 Most Influential People.” The article about her was written by Oscar-nominated actor Don Cheadle, who describes her as “a smart person who defies stereotype.”

Smart, and possessing the rare ability to make scientific concepts relatable. She describes the planet’s atmosphere as a natural blanket, perfectly designed for

our needs. When coal, oil or natural gas are burned, they release carbon into the atmosphere, which traps heat, effectively adding an extra, unnatural blanket.

“In Texas, people are very polite,” says Hayhoe. “They don’t want to come up to me — the pastor’s wife — and challenge my work.” Instead, they talk to her husband and ask if this or that climate change argument is true.

‘Isn’t climate change really just a cycle?’ ‘If God is in charge, how can our efforts have any impact?’

The couple sought resources that would address their concerns but came up dry.

Their solution? Write their own book. The result was A Climate For Change: Global Warming Facts for Faith-Based Decisions, a book that untangles the complex science and tackles many long-held misconceptions about global warming. The e-book version was released in February.

“I do whatever I can to help Christians understand that God created the planet, and gave us the responsibility to care for it,” she says. “We are also asked to love others without holding back, so we need to connect the dots between things and people we already care about, and this issue.”

Jesus taught to care for ‘the least’ of this world: the hungry, the thirsty, the strangers.

“Climate change is having the biggest impact on the poorest on the planet. If you live on a dollar a day and food prices double, you can’t feed your family. Caring about climate change is just another way to express God’s love to others.”

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Living Light News - March/April 2015

SeniorScene

BIG Breakthrough

by Carolyn R. Tomlin

The great cathedrals of Europe often took hundreds of years to build. During this time, scores of craftsmen, stonemasons and carpenters dedicated their lives to a project they would never see completed in their lifetime.

Day after day, these people showed up and kept their eye on what would one day be a massive engineering feat. They must have known that some of their skilled craftsmanship would be in places never seen by others.

When you look at these magnificent edifices, do you wonder what kept these workers moving forward? What may have seemed an impossible journey began with one small step.

How can seniors accomplish their goals and work toward completing projects? Below are some tips to help you reach your goals.

Conquer Procrastination Charles Dickens, in his book David Copperfield, wrote, “Procrastination is the thief of time, collar him.� In other words, step away from those things that keep you from what you were meant to do.

With improved medical care, nutrition and exercise, seniors enjoy a longer and healthier life.

Seniors realize that it’s okay to say “No� to requests that are timeconsuming and don’t align with their priorities. If things keep you from the important things in life, they’re hindrances to reaching your goals. Learn to prioritize.

Conquer procrastination and don’t apologize.

Do a Task Analysis The Panama Canal is a 77 km long narrow strip of land that links the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans. Instead of ships having to sail around Cape Horn, South America, sailing vessels can save 13,000 km by using the Canal.

However, building a series of locks was no simple process.

Thousands of people died doing so. This engineering feat required the skills of many people. Failing

“Reaching these small goals helped me push on to greater ones.� several times, the project was finally completed in 1914.

Yet, by breaking the project into several phases – known as a “task analysis� – the world now

has a key international gateway for maritime trade. Moral of the story? When faced with insurmountable odds, break the task down into smaller parts.

Reward Yourself for Accomplishing Small Steps

“You’re never too old to learn something new� small goals helped me push on to greater ones.�

In a few years, Bill was winning marathons and qualified for top events. And how did he make a difference? Today, his daughters and grandchildren enter marathons and compete in races.

One man who wouldn’t give up changed the lives of others.

Many seniors realize the value of recognizing small

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Share Your Ideas With Others

At age 60, Bill McKnight decided to become a runner.

Although he was in good physical condition from his construction work, he had never run. “At first, I tried short distances,� he said. “I ran from one electric pole to another. I ran every day – adding another one or two poles to my routine. Reaching these

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“You’re never too old to learn something new,� says Dr. Louise Leigh, a septuagenarian counsellor. “I dreamed of writing a memoir, a book I could leave my grandchildren about my life. But I kept putting it off. Finally, I accomplished this project and today my book is available for the world.�

Through the use of social media, blogs and other online sources, Leigh can contribute her words of wisdom to a global conversation. “Seniors have a vast amount of knowledge to share with others.

With social media, the world comes to our door.�

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Living Light News - March/April 2015

Wellness

Cracking the Case

n Eggs

by Beth Bence Reinke, MS, RD Do you love ordering an omelet for breakfast, but feel guilty eating it? You’re not alone. Years ago, the gavel fell, convicting eggs of causing heart disease and labelling them arteryclogging villains to be limited or avoided.

But take heart! It turns out the case against eggs was full of cracks.

After years of research, there is little evidence eggs contribute to cardiovascular disease in healthy people. Experts say less than one-third of us have a spike in blood cholesterol in response to dietary cholesterol. And for those whose blood level rises, the “good” cholesterol (HDL) goes up along with the “bad” (LDL) which most likely counters any negative effects.

A well-known Harvard study found no link between eating up to one egg per day and heart disease, except maybe in people with diabetes. A 2013 review of eight studies — where almost half a million people who were followed for years — found eating an egg a day is not associated with increased risk of stroke or heart disease.

Counting your eggs

Most Canadians don’t eat an egg everyday anyway. In 2013, average consumption was around 21 dozen per person per year, or about five eggs a week. Canada’s Food Guide

includes eggs in the “meat and alternatives” food group, with two eggs counting as a serving.

Each large egg contains 185 milligrams of cholesterol, all of it in the yolk. You can enjoy a daily egg — or have a couple eggs three days a week — and still keep your daily average within the dietary cholesterol recommendations of the Dietitians of Canada. They suggest up to 300 milligrams per day for healthy people and less than 200 milligrams daily for people with heart disease.

Egg nutrition

Eggs are probably the closest thing to a perfect food. In only 70 calories, a large egg contains a bit of iron, a decent amount of the trace mineral selenium, vitamins D and B and only five grams of fat.

When it comes to quality, egg protein is considered the gold standard and contains all of the essential amino acids your body needs.

Think the white contains all the protein? Nope.

About half of the six grams of protein in a large egg is in the yolk.

EggSTRA nutriENTS IN THE YOLK The yolk contains other health-boosting compounds called choline, lutein and zeaxanthin. Choline is essential for life because it’s part of every cell membrane. We still don’t know everything about choline, but it’s especially important for brain and nerve function and heart health.

Choline helps lower homocysteine, an amino acid in the blood that increases risk for heart disease. It’s also an integral part of a lipid (called phosphatidylcholine) that helps prevent cholesterol and fat from accumulating in the liver. That’s right – choline from egg yolks

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help prevent accumulation of cholesterol. Two large eggs provide about half the choline most people need daily.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that act like sunscreen for your eyes, filtering out harmful blue wavelengths of light. Eggs are a top source of these eye protectors because they’re better absorbed from yolks than from vegetable sources such as spinach.

Egg safety

Eggs are known for occasional contamination with salmonella bacteria, which can make you very sick, so handling eggs properly and cooking them well is critical. Store eggs in the body of the fridge, not the door, where the temperature changes due to opening and closing. Wash your hands and utensils with hot soapy water after they touch raw eggs or egg shells. And resist the urge to eat raw cookie dough. Baked cookies taste better anyway, right?

Some people think brown eggs are

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healthier, but that’s a myth. Colour is determined by the laying hen’s breed — red hens lay brown eggs, white hens lay white eggs — and doesn’t affect egg nutrition or flavour.

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Whether brown or white, eggs win the case for good-for-you, guilt-free nutrition.

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Living Light News - March/April 2015 photo by Joe Hardwick

Sights&Sounds

Freed By

Forgiveness Jeff Bates appreciates his country music comeback more than the average artist. For the talented singersongwriter, his music career is a second chance.

by Teresa Lockhart American country music singer Jeff Bates is a man of second chances.

Despite Bates’ many wrong turns, God has guided his footsteps back to a path of forgiveness, in which he can serve others with the gift of music.

Just three months after he was born, Bates’ birth mother abandoned him on the doorstep of two young married sharecroppers, who would later adopt him as their own.

Dirt poor but happy, Bates was content playing with his eight siblings, until an incident on a school bus where he learned he wasn’t like the other children in his family.

That’s when Bates started feeling like a misfit.

He didn’t make friends — didn’t feel he needed friends — but he did learn to play guitar, and music soothed the emptiness.

Though Bates started out playing in church, his talent took him to Nashville.

Even though he eventually landed a deal with a record company, it did nothing to erase the deep hurt of abandonment. Bates turned to drinking, drugs, and relationships to seek comfort.

The routine eventually led to his exhaustion, and he needed help. Unfortunately “help” came in the form of a meth pipe. Before he knew it, Bates was hooked. Meth took centre stage in his life.

Maintaining a drug habit requires cash, of which Bates had very little, so he did whatever it took to get it. He stole from people, even his friends, and pawned their music equipment to get the cash he needed for his fix.

Not until Bates found himself in jail did he realize the severity of his addiction.

He woke up, recognized where he was, and fell to his knees in desperation.

He surrendered his life to Jesus and cried out, “Lord, I’m not asking that you get me out of jail. I deserve to be here, but I am asking you to change me, no matter how long I have to stay in jail. I don’t want to be this man anymore.”

When he finished praying, he knew immediately he had to make amends, so he started calling people, apologizing for what he had done to them. Yet, before doing so, he asked God for help in making the calls. Bates

would find it in his heart to forgive me.”

Bates also promised to pay him back every single dime he owed him.

He made 30 phone calls just like that one, and though all the people he called admitted to being hurt and angry, they all said they forgave him and would wait on their money until he was released from jail.

Approximately $530,000 later, Bates finally paid off his debt.

Then just when he was at his lowest, the songwriter received astounding news. Not one, but four of his songs, were going to be cuts for some of the top artists at the time.

“ I am asking you to change me, no matter how long I have to stay in jail.

I don’t want to be this man anymore.” knew how hurt and angry his friends would be.

“I used, abused, and lied to every single person I knew,” he said. In one instance he had to call a buddy to tell him about the guitar he had pawned to support his drug habit.

Bates said, “I told him he could press charges, but all I asked was someday he

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He met with RCA Records who was considering offering him a record deal. By the time he got home, he received a call saying the company was ready to sign him.

From that point on, Bates’ heart has undergone a comeback. Though he wandered from the path God created for him, he has found his way. Bates has since remarried and is the father of a beautiful

four-year-old daughter, Brianna.

Blessed with a rich voice reminiscent of the legendary Conway Twitty, Bates is currently promoting his latest album Me and Conway, which includes six of the late country star’s biggest hits and six of Bates’ original songs.

According to Bates, the secret to his success is actually no secret at all. It all comes down to one word — forgiveness.

Grateful that the record company gave him another chance, Bates credits Jesus for all things good in his life. He is thankful that Jesus forgave him, even after he hurt his friends and family.

Being the songwriter he is, Bates relates the story of his life to the story in the Bible about Noah and the ark, a time when humankind needed a second chance.

Just before the rains came, Noah put his family in the ark, keeping the good on the inside and the bad, deadly waters on the outside. But it was God who sealed the door.

Bates says that’s what God does for all of us who put our trust in Jesus. Once we receive Christ, we may go through rough waters, but we’re secure. Christ’s love is on the inside, and no matter what trials we face, the bad can’t get in.

Today Bates operates a ministry that allows him to visit schools, churches, and jails so he can talk to people about how Jesus can seal in the good and keep out the bad.

Wherever he goes, Bates makes sure he delivers the message that saved his life — no matter how many times we lose our way, Jesus forgives and when He is within us, we are always secure.

Living Light News - March/April 2015 DEREK MINOR Empire derekminor.com Review by Lindsay Williams Five projects into his career, Derek Minor releases an album that continues to lend credibility to the faithbased hip-hop genre.

Empire, Minor’s first project on his own label, revolves around the theme of expanding the kingdom of God on earth. Minor literally fleshes out this topic through extensive collaboration.

Besides handling the majority of production duties, Minor brought several well-respected producers to helm the project.

Empire is surprisingly melodic. Minor’s collaboration with Colton Dixon on “Fly” could easily fit into a playlist alongside tobyMac’s radio-ready hits. Dramatic overtones pervade the project. Theatrical sonic nuances give way to explosive choruses accented by Minor’s collaborators. Eleven of the album’s 16 tracks feature appearances from various artists.

Lyrically, Minor is theologically solid. He unabashedly gives social commentary, but all from a faith perspective.

In a genre often defined by sub-par quality and trite content, Empire proves Christian hip-hop can remain legitimate without forsaking its integrity.

RAPTURE RUCKUS Invader Vol. 2 raptureruckus.com Review by Josh McConnell After a successful domestic indie run, New Zealanders Rapture Ruckus came to North America in 2010 ready to rock.

Since then, their releases (mainly EPs) have been successful on the charts and fans have taken to their goofy antics, both on-stage and in music videos. Last year the band released Invader Vol. 1, a digital-only EP that snagged two Dove Award nods. Now the group has kicked off 2015 with the second installment.

The album pulls heavy influences from the early Linkin Park era. Heavy guitars, drums and electronica keyboards make for the soundtrack of constant rapping vocals, with occasional singing.

Invader Vol. 2 contains five original songs and three remixes. The remixes’ dubstep influences save the day, giving the tunes a distinct sound. A favourite, “Boomerang” is intriguing due to its swing-style rhythm and blues-esque guitar solo.

If you’re looking for high-energy, family-friendly beats, you’ll find it here.

BRANDON HEATH No Turning Back brandonheath.net Review by Matt Conner After five Grammy Award nominations and numerous Dove Award wins, Brandon Heath needed a bit of a creative hand to write his latest album, No Turning Back.

In the

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midst of an uninspired period where he just couldn’t write songs, the Nashville native says friend and producer Ed Cash told him to pray that God would restore the joy of his salvation. Thinking back to his days as a teenager at Young Life camps, the rest of the record came quickly.

Opening song “One Way To Heaven” declares the straightforward message of the gospel, while the title track is a reworked version of the popular hymn “I Have Decided To Follow Jesus.” Heath says that track in particular was inspired by his own “say so” moment when he stood before his peers and declared his own faith decision.

As songs like “Girl of My Dreams” come along, it’s clear that Heath is still reflecting on a long journey, one that began with a simple commitment. No Turning Back is a meaningful look back at an artist moving onward.

SUMERLIN Runaways (Deluxe Edition) summerlinband.com Review by Josh McConnell Last year, Sumerlin released its first full-length debut Runaways with DREAM Records.

Sumerlin described it as “a record about knowing what you’re running from and what you’re running towards. The songs are all about how you can sink so deep into something that it completely consumes you.

“Running away is not always an act of rebellion. If you put God on the side you’re running towards, it is by no means a cowardly or rebellious act.”

This year, the band re-released Runaways with a Deluxe Edition and a goal of producing fresh music offerings.

The deluxe album has five new tracks and an acoustic version of their song “Breaking Out.” The upbeat 18-track disc soars with power chords, guitar distortion, plus heavy kick drum beats to keep listeners on their toes. Think of it as a poppy version of punk-meets-metal, à la Pillar.

While there’s nothing wrong with a deluxe album per se, seasoned music consumers may not be attracted to a re-release so soon after the band’s debut.

Runaways DE is slickly produced and done well.

MATT MAHER Saints & Sinners mattmahermusic.com Review by Lindsay Williams While Canadian Matt Maher has long been known for his songwriting, music listeners would be wise to take note of his latest project, Saints & Sinners, an album that reveals Maher is every bit a skilled musician and performer as he is a talented lyricist. A patchwork of quotes, stories and characters form the foundation for the songs found on Saints & Sinners.

Maher joined forces with respected songwriters Jon Foreman, Bear and Bo Rinehart, and Thad Cockrell, among others, making the track listing one of his strongest yet.

13 Opening pop anthem “Future Not My Own,” beautifully articulates Maher’s desire for surrender to the Divine.

“Deliverer” captures a conversion experience with powerful imagery and a driving bridge that is perhaps the album’s most poignant moment. Meanwhile, the Springsteen-evoking “Glory Bound” and barn-burner “Firelight” reveal that Maher is an artist unafraid to wrestle with doubt and mystery.

Saints & Sinners positions Maher as more than a songwriter content to sit in someone else’s shadow. He’s found his unique artistic voice, and this album proves he’s not afraid to use it.

CHRIS AUGUST The Maker chrisaugustmusic.com Review by Lindsay Williams Singer/songwriter Chris August re-emerges with his third studio effort, The Maker.

The title track and first single sets the tone immediately with its epic imagery exalting the creativity and beauty of our Creator.

The song also reveals the depth of August’s songwriting, turning a phrase with ease.

“He’s Still Here” acknowledges that the God of biblical proportions actively works in our lives today while “Drop Your Stone” hones in on choosing to compassionately love instead of passing judgment. “Paradise” finds the songwriter missing a loved one now in heaven.

In addition to his showmanship as an acoustic pop writer, August slips in bits of his R&B-flavoured past, his falsetto smoothly cruising over slick grooves. Moreover, he also explores relationships with tracks like “I’m In Love With You” and closing cut “Something,” two of the album’s best.

While August proves he’s more diverse than we often give him credit for, the descriptive, poetic language unearthed on The Maker is exactly the kind of lyrical genius that will propel the award-winning artist forward.

BLANCA Who I Am officialblanca.com Review by Matt Conner Group 1 Crew fans will already be well acquainted with the powerhouse vocals of Blanca, a Puerto Rican singer making her solo debut on the recently released EP, Who I Am. Now that she’s earned a spot on the über-popular Winter Jam 2015 tour, many more will gladly know just how incredible her voice can be.

Who I Am showcases Blanca well to fans in anticipation of a full-length record coming later this year. The title track makes a strong spiritual declaration on identity atop an equally potent pop backdrop. “Sunshine” introduces a Caribbean flavour to the mix, while “Different Drum” sounds like a club banger. Fortunately, Blanca sounds at home no matter the musical mix.

Taken together, Blanca compares fairly well to Beyoncé in her ability to add charisma and vocal prowess to a wide range of backing tracks. And when she’s placed alongside someone as talented – such as Tedashii on “Not Backing Down” – it’s clear that for Blanca, the sky is the limit.

SOMETIMES IT’S THE RIGHT SONG AT THE RIGHT TIME. Safe & Fun for the Whole Family!

www.shinefm.com

14

Living Light News - March/April 2015 Photos courtesy Cuba Tourist Board/ ww.gocuba.ca

Getaways

Cuba’ s Calling

by Sarah Chestnutt Winter got you down? Spring feel further than just around the corner? Don’t worry — it’s only a four-hour flight to the largest Caribbean island. And that means it’s only four hours to hot sun, crystal water, and classic cars.

Historic beauty meets natural wonders on the island of Cuba. It’s also where you’ll find escape from work, beaches calling your name, and a vacation you’ll be talking about for years — all to the background of a rumba beat.

Plus, if you go now, you’ll hit the end of the dry season, so it’s sunny skies and perfect weather from here on out.

Beach resorts in Varadero and on the islands of Cayos Largo and Coco will let everything else fade away. Golden sand gives way to blue water teeming with thousands of colourful fish to snorkel amongst. Dive one of the world’s greatest reefs or search for sunken treasure in the wrecks of 17th century Spanish galleons.

Continue the eco-tourism by hiking through spectacular mountains and forests, spotting birds and animals not found outside the numerous national parks, or searching out valleys of palm trees. Tours are easily set up through any hotel and cover most of the top destinations.

Looking for more culture than nature? Then the definite must-see is the largest city in the Caribbean: Havana. The capital city is where everything comes together in a blending of different customs and traditions through history to create the unique Cuban culture.

Stroll down Callejon de Hamel to see how a run-down neighbourhood has become a

vibrant street overflowing with art, sculptures, and music dedicated to Afro-Cuban culture.

It’s a feast for the senses.

Maybe you’ll feel inspired yourself. After all, Ernest Hemingway caught Cuba’s creative bug and wrote two of his novels while living there.

Tour the city’s forts and museums to discover what made Cuba what it is today, then stop at craft markets in the shadow of colonial architecture to get locally-made souvenirs to take back home.

Get a real feel of the authentic Cuba in La Habana Vieja — Old Havana. The city’s centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with colonial architecture dating back to the 16th century and vintage cars in every colour of the rainbow. Make sure to visit Plaza de Armas, the oldest square in the city, and El Templete, the oldest neo-classical building.

Don’t forget the famous Hotel Nacionale de Cuba. Now frequented by the rich and famous, Winston Churchill and Al Capone once checked in, too. Definitely worth a stroll through the lobby.

Spend enough time around Cubans and you’re sure to come down with baseball fever.

Stop at Parque Central on the edge of Old Havana to discover where the locals gather to play on sunny afternoons while waiting for the opening pitch of that night’s game.

There are lots of teams to pick from to cheer on. Havana’s two main teams, Metropolitanos and Industriales, can often be found playing at Estadio Latinoamericano. Tickets (usually 1-3 CUCs) can be bought by calling the stadium or by asking your hotel if they have a booking service. This might increase the price a bit, but can be much easier.

In March, there are games almost every

evening. Check out baseballdecuba.com for the schedule. Book early, though! Games can sell out fast.

Worked up an appetite? Cuban cuisine is a mix of European (mainly Spanish) and Afro-Caribbean dishes. Mainly pork, beef, or chicken with rice, beans, or yucca. You’re sure to find lots of Arroz moro (black beans and white rice) as a side dish, especially at the privately-owned paladares (small restaurants often out of people’s homes).

Pull up a chair at Restaurante Europa in Old Havana for a set menu where every bite is worth the CUC$15, or La Esperanza, an excellent paladar set up in an old, sprawling home with a view. For dessert, visit Museo del Chocolate to not only see where chocolate and truffles are made, but for thick drinking chocolate served hot or cold.

A trip to Cuba won’t mean theme parks, fairgrounds, or giant malls with the latest trends. But you won’t even miss them — the island escape doesn’t need any of that to make it a trip you’ll never forget.

If you go Baseball de Cuba

Cuban Tourist Board in Canada Hotel Nacionale de Cuba

Cuba Absolutely

Estadio Latinoamericano

baseballdecuba.com cubaabsolutely.com

gocuba.ca

(53-7) 870-6752

hotelnacionaledecuba.com (53-7) 836-3564

Living Light News - March/April 2015

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Living Light News - March/April 2015

Life Is Not A Haircut

by Phil Callaway

The recession on my head will be over.

Dan was stunned. It was his right eye. He knew this without a doubt. The doctor narrowed his two good eyes at a computer printout. “It says here it’s your left eye.”

“No it’s not,” said Dan. “I can see just fine with my left eye, please don’t operate on it.” Dan is able to laugh about it now, but eye surgery is no laughing matter. You don’t want doctors flipping a coin beside the operating table, then reattaching the wrong eyeball.

Life is more like eye surgery than a haircut. Hair falls out. Health fails. Relationships get fractured. Words said in haste can’t be undone. It would be nice to wait two weeks and see the damage melt away, but life isn’t like that.

And so we ask forgiveness. We do all we can to repair a relationship. We ask God for help. But nothing has changed. And the laughter and joy have vanished.

I’ve been there too. That’s why I love Revelation 21:5 in the Bible where Jesus proclaims, “Behold I am making all things new.”

Restoration. It’s in His nature. Everywhere Jesus went, things were made right. Hearts, minds and bodies were knit back together.

And He’s not finished. One day God will make all things new. So for now, remember that true faith doesn’t judge God by our circumstances.

For a time we live in a broken world. There’s a tear behind every smile. A goodbye behind each hello. So let this reality point us to a day that’s coming – a day when every wrong will be made right, when pain, sickness and sorrow will only be a memory. A day when we will be filled with perfect joy that no one can take away.

I can hardly wait. My brother’s eyesight will be great.

The recession on my head will be over. And my daughter will be rich.

Phil Callaway is a speaker, bestselling author, and host of Laugh Again Radio. Check it out at laughagain.org

www.glasbergen.com © 2015 by Randy Glasbergen

My daughter cut my hair recently. Talk about a grand reversal. I cut hers a few times when she was small and now that she’s a grown woman, she enjoyed the sweet revenge.

Smiling at me, she said, “There’s nothing happening up there, Dad. There’s a recession going on right on top of s Phil Callaway your head.” I smiled.

And cut her out of the will.

Years ago when I used to pay actual money for haircuts, the hairdresser would walk around my head once or twice, then squint uncomfortably at me. I watched the ordeal in the mirror.

“Um … do you have a part?” she would say.

“Yes, it starts at my left ear and goes to my right.”

She didn’t find any humour there and kept squinting.

“Would you like me to dye it?” she said.

“No,” I replied, “you look fine to me. You don’t need to lose a pound.”

The squint vanished, then finally she chuckled softly.

“Just take a little off the top,” I coached her.

It was her turn. “That’s all you have,” she said.

Did you ever have a haircut you wished you could get a refund on? I remember some real bad haircuts when I was a boy. My father used to start on one side of my head, then walk around to the other side and – relying on memory – try to even it up. It never worked out in my favour.

They say the difference between a good haircut and a bad one is about two weeks. But surgery is another matter. My older brother Dan went through the horrible ordeal of a detached retina. Just before the operation a doctor leaned over and said, “It’s your left eye, right?”

Watch What You Say

by Dr. Charles F. Stanley Do you realize how powerful words can be?

The ability to communicate is one of God’s gifts to us, but it’s also a privilege that carries great responsibility.

That’s why it’s important to understand how detrimental gossip is. It is one of the chief ways we misuse words, resulting in dishonour to God and harm to others.

GOSSIP IS A SERIOUS SIN Idle and malicious talk can never be “unsaid.” Think of our words as feathers released from a pillow on a windy day. We can never retrieve them all. Even after the words have died down, the pain and devastation they caused remain.

Scriptures graphically describes the destructive nature of the human tongue as a fire that sets a forest ablaze (James 3:5-6). When we allow our words to become like flaming arrows, they burn up all that is good.

The Bible mentions two types of gossip. In 1 Timothy 5:13, the apostle Paul advises Timothy to deal with those who are “busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention.”

If we actively search out and carelessly pass on the “latest news” about others, we are guilty of using our words for evil – even if animosity is not our motive.

On the other hand, malicious gossip is intended to hurt someone.

Paul said gossip would characterize both those who reject Christ (Romans 1:2832) and lawless believers who will live in the last days

s Dr. Charles F. Stanley (2 Timothy 3:1-5). These two passages represent the worst human traits, and gossip is right in the middle of both lists.

IT’S A HEART ISSUE Since “the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart” (Matt. 12:33) we must do some internal investigation. What heart conditions lead us to talk about others?

Pride and selfimportance. Those who like to be “in the know” make it their business to find out what’s going on in people’s lives. Talking about others makes them feel more important.

Low self-esteem. On the other ehand is the person who feels inadequate and insecure. Putting someone down helps such an individual feel superior – at least for a while.

Need for acceptance. To take a stand against gossip or leave the room is a sure way to isolate oneself and possibly become the next subject of the conversation.

To stay and take part brings

a feeling of belonging and acceptance.

Jealousy. This greeneyed monster can drive us to cut others down simply because someone’s abilities, possessions, choices, etc. sends the message that we could do it better, thereby elevating ourselves and demeaning the other person.

Malice. This is a purposeful attempt to destroy or discredit someone with accusations and slander. The motivation is revenge.

GOSSIP CARRIES CONSEQUENCES As with any sin, idle or spiteful talk always produces negative results.

For the victim. Being the target of rumour or slander is very painful and embarrassing. The words of others can destroy a reputation, divide family, break friendships and ruin future opportunities. Even if untrue, the accusation can wreak havoc for years.

For the gossiper. You’ve heard the old saying, “When you sling mud, you’re losing ground.”

Those who attack someone else’s character end up losing their own integrity.

By yielding to sinful desires, they allow “the flesh” to dominate their lives.

Gossip also feeds selfrighteousness and pride.

Those who talk about others’ shortcomings develop a judgmental spirit and blindness to their own sins.

Gossips actually deprive themselves of good relationships because

they’ve proven themselves untrustworthy. No one wants to become their next subject of conversation.

For the listener. Since words by their very nature are influential, those who listen are also affected by gossip. Few of us can hear negative comments and not let them shape our perception and feelings about others.

Those who listen to rumours and criticism are letting poison enter their hearts and minds, while opening the door of temptation to pass on the news to someone else.

THE ULTIMATE REMEDY IS A CHANGED HEART To be truly free from the sin of gossip, we require transformation from the inside out – and that is exactly what Christ specializes in doing.

He can create in us new hearts that produce words which honour Him and comfort those who hear.

This world is filled with accusations and criticism, but we are called to extend mercy and compassion.

Everything we have has been entrusted to us by the Father – and that includes our words. One day we will each give an account to the Lord for how we have utilized this marvelous gift.

Dr. Charles F. Stanley, author of more than 50 books, is the pastor of First Baptist Church of Atlanta, GA and founder of In Touch Ministries.

In Touch programming is available in Canada on television and radio. For broadcast details, visit intouchcanada.org. Article courtesy In Touch Ministries © 2015.

Living Light News - March/April 2015

Fowl Play: Y

Would you sell your soul for a

and a gold medal for eating 444 wings in 26 minutes – a Wing Bowl record.

To be fair, cheating or lying isn’t exclusive to wrestlers or Foley.

We’ve heard of NBC News anchor Brian Williams being recently suspended over his unfounded claims while reporting in Iraq.

Whether it’s the average Joe lying on their taxes, making false declarations at the border or cheating on a test, everybody has been guilty at one point in their lives of not being 100 per cent honest.

“A false witness will not go unpunished, nor will a liar escape” according to the Bible (Proverbs 19:5). In fact, a heart that plots evil and a lying tongue are some of the things that God really hates (Proverbs 6:18). If you think you can get away with being deceitful, think again.

ou can take a wrestler out of the ring, but as Mick Foley has shown, you can’t take the wrestler’s creed out of the wrestler.

Foley, a WWE Hall of Famer, was disqualified from Philadelphia’s Wing Bowl eating contest after he was caught redhanded stuffing uneaten chicken wings into his fanny pack to make it appear that he ate more than he actually did.

The Hardcore Legend did give a fair warning of his plan prior to the contest. The day before the competition, he tweeted “I will follow the wrestler’s creed: win if I can, lose if I must, but always cheat.”

And cheat he did. Unfortunately, his antics were caught on camera which got him eliminated from the competition. The 49-year-old said he did it to avoid overstuffing himself and getting sick like other competitors.

“I didn’t want that to be my legacy,” he told reporters. “So I stretched the rules.” He subsequently tweeted, “Guilty as charged. Legacy shattered. Life in shambles.”

Cheating didn’t just cost him the wing-eating title though. Foley – one of the most beloved WWE superstars of all time – also jeopardized his Mr. Nice Guy reputation by choosing the low road, publicity stunt or not.

In an honest victory, Chicago’s Patrick Bertolleti brought home a 2015 Harley Davidson, $10,000

...win if I can, lose if I must, but always cheat!

deeds to make yourself acceptable before God, either. “For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws” (James 2:10).

The only solution is to erase every sinful thought you’ve entertained, every wrong thing you’ve done, and every single lie you’ve uttered in your entire lifetime.

God knew it’s impossible for us to go back in time and undo every sin we’ve committed. That’s why Jesus Christ – God in human form – came to earth.

“But now God has shown us a way to be made right with Him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus

chicken wing?

Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are” (Romans 3:21-22).

Why should a person place his faith in Jesus Christ?

When sinless

So what’s wrong with a little dishonesty when everybody else is guilty of it? Here’s the deal: God considers any sin – including lying and cheating – as a serious offense punishable by death (Romans 6:23). Why? Because God is holy and He doesn’t tolerate sin.

It’s not enough to outnumber your wrongdoings with good

GoodNews!

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Health, Fitness & Beauty Absolute Chiropractic (780-438-2229) S Aspen Healthcare/Homecare Surgical (780-452-4386) S Congdon’s Aids to Daily Living (780-483-1762) S Dr. David Milner, Dentist G Hayes Denture Clinic, Spruce Grove (780-960-0227) S Ihear Unicare (780-409-9585) S Loon River Health Centre (780-649-3490) S Paradigm Esteem (780-962-0152) S Provincial Home Oxygen (780-930-7052) G Provincial Sleep Group / Sleep Apnea Clinic (780-701-4531) G The Medicine Shoppe, Skyview (780-472-9929) G

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Nonprofit / Ministry Canadian Bible Society, Edmonton (780-439-7729) S

Jesus died on the cross of Calvary, He paid for every sin every human being has ever committed by shedding His own blood. He died in our place. And then He rose again after the third day, proving that the price was paid in full.

It was done for you. Yet, God has given you a free will to receive or reject His gift.

Jesus is saying “Look! I stand at the door and knock.

If you hear My voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends” (Revelation 3:21).

Are you ready to turn from your sins and open your heart to Jesus? Pray this prayer: Dear God, I admit that I have sinned against You, whether it’s by outright lying or not being completely honest. I am sorry for the wrong actions I have made.

Thank You that You promise to forgive me if I confess my sins before You. Thank You for sending Jesus to die on the cross and pay for all my sins. I give you my life and am ready to start over with You as my Lord. Help me to live in Your ways from this day forward.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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18

Living Light News - March/April 2015

EventsCalendar Special Events Growing In Prayer March 13-14, House of Prayer Edm., 10445-172 St., Edm. This weekend seminar will address both personal and corporate prayer, and provide tools to enrich your prayer life. A freewill offering will be taken. For info, visit hopedmonton.ca/growingin-prayer.

Silent Auction March 21, 6:30-9 p.m., Northgate Baptist Church, 13208-95 St., Edm. Proceeds will benefit a Food for the Hungry project in Marare, Uganda.

Tickets: $10/adults, $5/children under 12, $30/families. Contact Vicki at 780-984-5431.

Regular Events Worship Encounter March 29 and Apr. 26, 7-9 p.m., Fort Rd. Victory Church,

13470 Fort Rd., Edm. Join us in song, spontaneous worship, intercession, and prayer. For more info, visit frvc.ca.

The Cellar Youth Centre Drop in (call 780-554-7203 for times), Disciples Church, 1340797 St., Edm. Youth enjoy an array of amenities such as pool, video games, computer stations, free food, and mentoring. For more info, visit yuedmonton.com.

Clareview ESL Monday evenings, 7 -8:45 p.m., Jan. 5-Mar. 23, Bethel Community Church, 14204-25 St., Edm. We welcome beginner, intermediate and advanced students to practice English in an informal, small group setting.

No charge. For more info, call 780-475-0553.

Fitness For Seniors Tuesdays and Thursdays, starts

at noon, Northgate Baptist Church, 13208-95 St., Edm. A go-at-your-own pace program for age 45-95+. Feel free to bring walkers etc. if required.

This class is for all abilities. $5/ session. For more info, visit northgatebaptist.ca, or call 780476-5855.

Babes With Babes Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Beverly Alliance Church, 12235-50 St., Edm. Meet other mothers and their little ones. Location and type of event vary each week.

For info, call Carrie at 780-4740476.

Celebrate Recovery Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Fort Rd. Victory Church, 13470 Fort Rd., Edm. The purpose of Celebrate Recovery is to free us from life’s hurts, hang-ups and habits.

For more info, visit the church website (frvc.ca) and email Peter under their “Contact” tab.

Deliverance Ministry Fridays, 7 p.m., Promised Land Ministries, 12145-67 St., Edm. Break free from spiritual bondage! Deliverance through

Exceptional Quality, Value & Experience.

Exceptional Quality, Quality, Value & Experience.

Experience.

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Jesus Christ can transform your life. Drop by on Friday nights to find out how. For more info, visit jesusdelivers.com.

Music & Drama Legacy Five March 27, 7 p.m., Sherwood Park Alliance Church, 1011 Clover Bar Rd. The Nelons are a Dove Award-winning and Grammy nominated family of artists best known from the Gaither Homecoming video series. Tickets: $27, available at joyfulsoundconcerts.com.

Night Of Gospel May 30, 7 p.m., Ukrainian Youth Unity Complex, 9615-153 Ave., Edm. This evening is presented

by Danny Moore Ministries.

Tickets: $20. Call Lana at 780964-9692, or Danny at 780974-6058.

and meet your husband’s sexual needs presented by Ruth Clarence. Cost: $40-$45.

For tickets, call Champion City Church at 780-472-2700, or visit championcitychurch.com.

Parenting Workshop March 15, 6-7:30 p.m., The Park Church, 1 Brower Dr., Sherwood Park. Topic: “The Strong Willed Child.”

Presenter: Dr. Cath Thorlackson (educational psychologist working with ADHD and special needs children). No charge. For info, visit theparkchurch, or call 780-467-6788.

Classes/Seminars

Prayer Training March 20-21, Beulah Alliance Church, 17504-98A Ave., Edm. Guest speaker Will Davis, Jr. will speak on how to call on God with focus and confidence.

Tickets: $15. Register at beulah. ca, or email laura@beulah.ca.

Two-Gether Intimately March 15, 1:30-6 p.m., inside the Dickinsfield Mall, 9208-144 Ave. This is a humorous, Biblicallybased, for-ladies-only seminar addressing how to understand

Heart & Soul Forum April 9, 1:30-4:30 p.m., North Pointe Community Church, 14025-167 Ave., Edm. Guest speaker: Dr. John Fuder, author of Neighbourhood Mapping: How

to Make Your Church Invaluable to the Community. Cost: $25 (incl. refreshments and special takehome resources). Register at churchleaderforums.ca.

Conferences/ Retreats

Promise Keepers – Fearless March 13-14, West Edm. Christian Assembly, 6315-199 St., Edm. Discover the freedom that comes when God liberates us from our fears. Tickets: $70.

Lunch not incl. Tickets available at promisekeepers.ca.

Inner Revolution March 27-29, Radisson Hotel, Edm. South, 4440 Gateway Blvd.

Theme: Engaging in your critical life connection. Guest Speakers: Dr. Jim Richards and Clint Byars.

For info, visit doxa-canada.com.

Enjoying God March 27-29, location to be confirmed (Edmonton). Learn what it means to know and enjoy Christ and to live out of your God-given identity.

Suggested donation, $30. For info, visit eventbrite.ca.

Aboriginal Ministries Association of Alberta

Generational Leadership Conference Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. Psalm 33:12

March 27th - 29th, 2015

Beverly Crest Travelodge (118th ave & 34 street Edmonton ,AB)

Featuring Keynote Speaker Rev. George Gunner of Northbay ,Ont. Workshops Saturday 11am-4:00pm by Pastor Roy Littlechief of Siksika First Nation “From Native spiritism to Born Again Holy Spirit Filled Life in Christ” “Christ & Culture the Two Altars” by Rev. Deborah Minoose-Morgan as well as Special discussion with Lisa Kootney daughter of late Adolphus Kootney, author of “Out of Bondage” bertauto@telus.net

bertauto@telus.net bertauto@telus.net

bertauto@telus.net bertauto@telus.net

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Worship by Carlos Crookedneck & “Heart Of Worship Band” with special music by Alvina Bird of Reindeer Lake, Sask and “The Final Hour Worship Team” of Peerless/Trout Lake Alberta Contact Rev. Deborah at 780-231-6899, abmissions@gmail.com to register for Workshops. Visit our website for more info: www.aboriginalministries.com

A love offering will be taken. Presented by Aboriginal Ministries Association & partners.

12736 St. Albert Trail NW Edmonton, AB 780 454-2727 theflooringpeople.com

You could

WIN A $25,000 VACATION Enter at

1915-98 St. Edmonton, AB 780 488-3456 110, 8005 Emerald Drive Sherwood Park, AB 780 464-2366 artistryblinds.com G Gold Sponsor

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Living Light News - March/April 2015

Church YourDirectory

Church Neighbours. .

invite you to visit them this weekend!

First Christian Church

FORT SASKATCHEWAN

Grace

A Grace Communion International Congregation

Worship Service Saturday, 11:00 am

780-905-1124 http://edmonton.wcgweb.org

Pastor Bob Millman

passionate, generational, God - centered worship and preaching

Fort Saskatchewan Life Church #111, 10421-99 Ave Fort Saskatchewan 780-992-9673 www.fslifechurch.ca

10162 152nd Street DIVERSITY WITH ONE HEART, ONE VOICE, ONE PASSION

Meeting: Sat. @ 6pm 10105 - 153 St

Walk in Victory!

Promised Land Ministries

780-476-5238

“Where you can feel at home and cared for, living in His Presence.”

Come Celebrate Christ!

Lutheran Church

13407-97 St. Edmonton

Sunday Services

Sunday Service @ 10:15am

CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

(Disciples)

Bible Study: 10am Worship: 11am Sunday School:11:15am

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Pastors: Mark & Sherry Adams Gord & Dawn Hancock

Deliverance & Healing Centre

12145-67 St. NW Edmonton, AB

780-944-0526

( North Edmonton ) www.jesusdelivers.com

Sunday Service: 10:00 a.m.

Sunday School & Bible Study 11:30 a.m.

Pastor Forrest Stroup 4638 - 117 Ave. 780-477-2894

780-483-2665 www.fusionfellowship.ca

10405 - 142 St. 780-454-3463 * We invite you to join us! * Morning Worship@ 10:45 * www.faithcom.ca

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Service – Sunday @ 10am Children’s Ministry – 2-12 yrs (supervised nursery) Mid-week: Connection Groups, Youth Activities

A Church with a Heart - In the Heart of the City

the with Christ Journey Church

W O R S H I P W I T H U S AT

( North Edmonton ) [North Edmonton]

Edmonton Family Worship Centre

( North Edmonton ) A Bible-based, spiritually vibrant, multi-racial, multi-cultural church The Lord will watch over your coming and going

Contemporary, Charismatic, Caring

both now and forevermore.

Psalm 121:8

Worship & Prayer Gathering

The Lord will watch over your coming P.M.and going At 4:00

forevermore. both now andService: Sunday 4pm Sunday , August 16, 2009

Calvary

Psalm 121:8

9004-153 Ave. Edmonton 780-456-7890 www.necf.ca • necf@necf.ca Learning together to “live life in Jesus” and to “live the Jesus life.”

Meeting at Castledowns Worship & Prayer Gathering Baptist Church At 4:00 P.M. 11250 - 153 Ave.

Baptist Church

11250 - 153 Avenue

Castledowns Baptist Church Building

Edmonton, Alberta T5X 5H2

Edmonton, Alberta T5X 5H2

Congregation

Beit Mashiach 12404 - 140 Avenue

We are a Torah observant community endeavouring to walk in the fullness of the Jewish roots and heritage of our biblical faith.

Psalm 121:8

5940-159 Ave, Edmonton 780-454-1936 info@centrepointechurch.ca www.centrepointechurch.ca

Jesus, and we joyfully choose to put relationships of love ahead of every other consideration.

Shabbat Service

Saturday 10:30 am

We meet weekly to worship on Sundays at 9:30, and we meet weekly to serve on Wednesdays at 5:30

Yeshiva (Bible Study) Wednesday 7:00 pm Messianic Pastor: Andrew Ketel 780-901-5859

8505 - 142 Street, Edmonton, Alberta 780•483•5366 info@lhbc.ca www.lhbc.ca

We welcome you!

Worship & Prayer Gathering Sunday Services: 9:15 am & 10:45 am 11:00 Children’s Sunday School (ages 2 yrs up to Grade 6)

EMMAUS WAY EMMAUS LUTHERAN CHURCH

At 4:00 P.M.

Midweek Programs: Youth (Insight & Awana) , College & Career; Ladies Small Group Bible Study, Men’s groups, all meeting during the week

Welcomes you to visit our Spirit led, Bible based and family oriented congregation.

5015-144 Ave., Edmonton

Contemporary Worship, Sunday School, Youth Corner Sundays at 11:00 AM

780-478-8697

Sunday , August 16, 2009 13208-95 St. NW, Edmonton 780-476-5855 northgatebaptist.ca

www.efwc.org

7215 - 97 St. Edmonton, AB Sunday 9 am & 11am

Contact: Bill 11250 - 153 Pastor Avenue Castledowns Baptist Church Building 780-473-3633

forevermore. both now and We are a family of God, multiplying disciples of

9:45am - Coffee & Conversation 10:30 - Contemporary Worship

780-424-6422

“A Caring Community”

Sunday , August 16, 2009

e Lord will watch over your coming and going Sunday Worship

10605-96 St. Sundays 10:00 am

Pastor Glen Carlson

IT’S A PLACE FOR YOU!

www.beitmashiach.com

Global

Connections

Church

Pastors Steve & Carmen Lynne

Family Service: - Sundays at 9:30 a.m. / 11:00 a.m. at 205 Main Street, Spruce Grove - Sunday Evening Service at 6 p.m.

Youth, women, married couples, single moms, groups meeting during the week.

Sunday Worship at 10:00 am Sunday Children Education (Pre-K to Grade 6) 10:15 am Wednesday 6:45pm - Children and Youth Worship and Teaching • Parenting Class • International Friendship Club • Divorce Care

B A P T I S T

C H U R C H

Call 780-960-9077 for more info

9333-199 St. • Edmonton • 780-451-3881 www.westmeadows.org Pastor Kevin Schular

www.gcccanada.com

“Where you can Begin, Believe and Belong!”

Fully accredited Bible college

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