Love Is Moving Issue 18 - NOV/DEC 2016

1 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

Content Words From The Editor

3

Music Review

4

Comics 5 Cultivating a Culture of Generosity

6

The Greatest Gift of All

7

God’s Will For My Life

8

Fitness with Gars

9

Artist Spotlight Sam Asirifi Jr. 10 Learning to Rest in Jesus 12 Forgiving Ain’t Easy

13

On Mission A Change in Perspective

14

Generational Quilting

18

Real Talk Celebrating News Year 22 Youth Group Spotlight Any Goodlife 22 Dave Jonsson

Artist Spotlight Sam Asirifi Jr.

10

Youth Group Spotlight Any Goodlife

23

24

Spending Christmas Away from Home 26 The Science of Belief

Choose to be Different

27

My Community is my Family Too

When Separation Hurts

29

2 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

28

30

WORDS FROM THE EDITOR It’s difficult to believe that 2016 is coming to an end in just a few short weeks. But it’s exciting as New Year’s always give us the feeling and opportunity of new and fresh beginnings.

It’s almost been a year since Love Is Moving (LIM) magazine began being printed by its publisher The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC). It’s only by God’s grace, favour and generosity, and with the help of volunteers from across Canada that it has gone so well. It is our readers that make it successful.

Since LIM began its printed journey, hundreds of copies have been distributed at teen conferences, youth leader summits, churches in all of Canada, and to the home of subscribers of Faith Today who receive a free copy of LIM. We have had many responses from adults who receive their regular subscription of Faith Today and bless a younger person in their life with the free copy of LIM. Because of hard copies getting into the hands of hundreds of youth and young adults in all of Canada and internationally, many young people have e-mailed us to tell us they have been inspired by an article. Others have expressed interest in contributing to the magazine by writing or submitting photography, art pieces, and other creative ideas.

LIM and the EFC are committed to connecting with and inspiring young people to live out God’s love and express their God-given talents and abilities. We have developed a new way that students can consistently receive a copy of LIM in the mail. All full-time students can receive an annual subscription to LIM for $11.99. If you are interested in subscribing, visit faithtoday. ca/subscriptions or send us an e-mail at info@loveismoving.ca for more information. If you or you know someone who would like bulk copies of LIM for a youth group or event, they are available at $1.00 per copy of orders of 25 copies or more.

If you love to write, draw, or have any other artistic ability, or know someone who does and is between the ages of 15-25, we are always looking for individuals to contribute to the magazine.

You can e-mail us at Crileidy@loveismoving.ca.

We hope that you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

3 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

ART DIRECTOR MARK STEWART

SENIOR EDITOR CRILEIDY LIRIANO

EDITOR IN CHIEF & FOUNDER BENJAMIN PORTER

EDITOR IN CHIEF & FOUNDER JOEL GORDON

Crileidy Liriano Senior Editor

MUSIC REVIEW WITH DARCY RUMBLE

If you’re a fan of Paramore or Icon for Hire, you’ll love Lacey Sturm.

Flyleaf, her former band, was one of the leading groups in the rise of female-fronted rock. Alongside the ongoing success of bands like Fireflight and newcomers Veridia, Lacey Sturm continues to carry that torch, but now as a solo artist.

Life Screams is her first solo album since her departure from Flyleaf.

Though this album was released in early 2016, it is still charting both on Christian and mainstream music charts. At the time of its release, she became the first female solo act to ever reach the top of the Billboard Hard Rock charts.

Life Screams proves once again her incredible vocal talent. Though she shies away from more of the screaming style she used in Flyleaf, her gorgeous, soaring vocals are backed by a rock sound with pop qualities. Any of these tracks could dominate the radio waves.

They’re heavy and catchy, calling listeners to sing along.

As with her previous work, you’ll get some solid bass lines, crunchy riffing and guitar solos, but it isn’t just front-to-back rock jams.

“Run To You” slows things down a bit with acoustic guitar picking.

“Life Screams” intros with piano and a simple beat, and the clean guitar tones and hook of “Faith” would make it a solid pop song.

There’s also a live cover of The Police song, “Roxanne.” This is one of my all-time favourite covers. She gives it a modern spin, and takes it up a level both musically and through a passionate vocal delivery.

It’s pretty serious subject matter, but it’s fitting within the context of the rest of her record.

With a fairly intense testimony of her own, Lacey’s heartfelt lyrics come through as deeply personal and genuine. You’d be

hard-pressed to find someone these songs do not resonate with. She addresses insecurity, faith, and freedom; finding love and comfort in God; and not giving into lies or seeking the acceptance of the world. The interlude “Vanity” is almost unsettling with a haunting kind of ambience and a spoken word conversation about love, and the twisted perceptions of it. Lacey doesn’t wallow in the darkness, but instead points again and again to the Lord and the love of God. Lacey’s solo debut Life Screams is an empowering, first-in-the-air album, brimming with anthems of hope and encouragement. Life Screams is a memorable, uplifting heavy rock record, taking a stand and injecting light into dark places.

Rating: 4/5

Where and how will Darcy be celebrating Christmas this year?

With his wife celebrating at both of their family gatherings (in opposite ends of Ontario), and chasing their little nephews.

Darcy Rumble Uxbridge Ontario

FOLLOWSPOT Records

4 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

COMICS

BY JOSH LEWIS 5 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

CULTIVATING A CULTURE OF GENEROSITY Holidays put our focus on giving. During Easter we give chocolate and make fancy dinners for family and friends. On Thanksgiving we visit soup kitchens and in December shower our loved ones with gifts on Christmas morning. We make year-end donations to food banks, or give an extra boost to charities. Everyone feels good about his or her generosity and good deeds.

Although being generous is great, it begs the question, “Shouldn’t Christmas be different than other holidays?”

During this time of year I’m reminded how our culture impacts our thinking and way of living. When I was a kid, the first thing I wanted to do in December was make a list of what I wanted to get – not give.

As we grow older it can be hard to be generous, especially if we’re struggling to make ends meet.

At times, as young adults we can barely take care of personal financial responsibilities, so the notion that we are going to be generous with our time and resources can be a stretch. Yet, Jesus calls us to live with astonishingly generosity.

“Generosity is not only a strategy for adding kindness to the world. It’s a strategy for transforming the world.”

Generosity is not only a strategy for adding kindness to 6 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

the world. It’s a strategy for transforming the world. It’s a strategy for a revolution!

Our generosity reminds people of God’s generosity.

While often we define generosity in material terms, our generous forgiveness of those who fail us, generous giving of our love and time to those in need, generous kindness to those who are struggling, and generous welcome of those who are without a place in this world are a reflection of God’s love for us all.

At Christmas, agencies that reach out into the community see an influx of money and help; however, our generosity should not just be for one season or month of the year.

The spirit of generosity should permeate all our lives, all the time. As the New Year unfolds, let’s build on a solid foundation of generosity. Let’s start a revolution!

Do you struggle with the inner battle of being a vessel or a channel of His blessing? How generous is your lifestyle? Do others see that you’re ready to share with anyone in need? Or are you only generous when it’s socially encouraged? We can’t change what we have or haven’t done this past year, but what can we do to extend generosity past the giving season?

Where and how will Candace be celebrating Christmas this year?

She will be spending Christmas day with some of Winnipeg’s most vulnerable.

Candace Maxymowich

Winnipeg, MB

Evan Kirby / unsplash.com

Tapping fingertips on cell phones, Tweeting emojis.

Swinging legs on porch swings, Sipping hot cocoa.

Gifts still unopened.

Swirling smells are stealing the air.

Kitchen stays busy.

Grey hair shines like silver, Memories breathing.

Gifts still unopened.

Laughter bounces on every chair.

Sticky hands are minty.

Tails wagging near the tree, Where everyone gathers.

Gifts are opening.

Cries of happiness ring aloud, Crunching wrapping paper.

Giddy screams and barking, Tears and joy cease.

Gifts all opened.

Sitting down and cell phones away, God’s precious words heard.

THE GREATEST OF ALL GIFTS

Story of a Saviour, And His priceless gift, His love presented.

Heads bowed and hearts on the One, Who sacrificed all.

Not willing that any should perish, But all would repent.

His gift accepted.

Where and how is Melanie celebrating Christmas?

With her children in their home, reading the story of Jesus and the greatest gift He has given to us all.

Melanie Kilsby Maple Ridge, BC

Annie Spratt / unsplash.com

7 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

WHAT DOES

“GOD’S WILL FOR MY LIFE” MEAN?

You’re gasping for air. Your shaking hands flail frantically, searching for something to hold onto to stop your trembling knees from buckling beneath you. Your heart thunders in your chest like a train in a tunnel. Your head spins like the wheels on the track. Where am I? You ask. There’s a person in front of you, they had asked you a question. What was their question?

And then you remember. It was the question you most dread, that question which paralyses you with fear and makes you stutter uncontrollably: “What do you want to do with your life?”

Though always well intended and inevitable during any measure of small talk, for a great part of my life I couldn’t help feeling utterly dumbfounded when asked that question. It may be that you cannot relate to this, or perhaps you have known since childhood the path you want to take in life. You may know exactly which program you will study in university or college, exactly which school you will attend, and the job you will work once you graduate.

I, on the other hand, couldn’t help but laugh when people asked me what my five-year plan was. I didn’t even know what was happening at that present moment, much less five years from now. Yet it was impossible to escape the pressure to figure life out; guidance counsellors, teachers, parents and peers eagerly watched to see which career path I would venture onto, calling out prompts while I stood motionless sweating.

lesson. Was it God’s will for me to be a teacher or a social worker?

Which university was I supposed to go to? Walking in the will of God seemed more like stumbling blindly through a pitch black room, hands out, trying not to take a wrong step and hurt myself.

The truth is, God’s will for you is not a career. Instead, the Bible outlines plainly what it is God desires of His followers – worship God, strive for holiness, and love others. If you want to do the will of God, then follow the commandments of Jesus and the scriptures.

As long as you are doing these things, it doesn’t matter which school, job or circumstance you are in. God’s desire for us to worship Him, strive for holiness and love others applies everywhere we go and to everyone we encounter. Shocking, I know, yet infinitely freeing. God’s will ceases to be a dangerous tightrope walk where one wrong decision causes calamitous results. It is instead a climb (though often uphill) marked with grace and forgiveness.

Freedom comes when you ask yourself not what you want to be, but who you want to be. Fear dissolves when you consider not what you want to do, but what has been done for you.

Where and how will Katrina be celebrating Christmas this year?

In Thailand, as she is moving there to teach English.

Closely linked to my oblivion regarding my career was a harmful misconception of God’s will. I was desperate for a “God’s Will 101”

Katrina Martin Toronto, Ontario

Justin Luebke / unsplash.com

8 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

FITNESS WITH

GARS

Five tips on how to stay healthy and active during the winter months

1

Slow and steady The cold can make you not want to do any physical activities, so set some short-term goals that you can achieve 2-3 times a week.

2 3

Invest in new workout gear Nothing makes you want to go to the gym more than trying out your new gear. Choose something that will last you a while and that will help in your training like a good pair of shoes or gloves.

Dress accordingly If you’re going to be running outside make sure you dress warm, but with clothes that will not soak when you sweat. Although you may be sweating, the wet clothes can make you colder and very uncomfortable.

4

Drink lots of water Make sure you’re drinking lots of water throughout the day.

Remember winter makes the day seem to go by fast by getting dark earlier, but keep up your water intake until you go to bed. The more hydrated you are, the better the workout in the cold and the better you will sleep.

5

Find a workout buddy Nothing gets you to work harder and more often than a gym buddy. Having a gym buddy will encourage the both of you to go, especially when it’s -30 degrees outside.

9 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

Gars Justin Luebke / unsplash.com

SAM ASIRIFI JR. ARTIST SPOTLIGHT Age: 22

Where do you live?

Born in Toronto Ont., but grew up & currently live in Brampton, Ont. When did you notice you had the gift to draw?

I found out I was good at drawing pretty late, around Grade 10.

Someone had asked me to draw a picture for a group project, and it ended up looking really good.

What’s your favourite Bible verse?

Isaiah 46:8-11 “Remember this, keep it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels.

Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.

I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.

I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’

From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose.

What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do.” @sam.jnr

10 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

How long does a piece take you?

It all depends on how big the piece is, but without the distractions of social media (lol), about 3-5 hours.

Where do you usually draw?

My room is my sanctuary; I get everything done in there.

Where are you hoping this gift will take you?

I hope that with this talent God gave me will open doors for other things, where I can use my ideas and gifting’s to make more of a difference in the young community.

11 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

LEARNING TO REST IN JESUS At Christmas time we celebrate the arrival of our Creator, our King, and Redeemer to the world. But people at our schools, in our workplace, and sometimes in our own families don’t seem to always see its true importance, do they? Our friends get caught up in what gifts they will be giving or receiving, our families seem more interested in whether the dinner will be ham or turkey, and even our own church communities seem to fall into the trap of making Jesus’ birth about a cute baby and his donkeys.

During these times is when it is so important for us to realize that we don’t need to fight for God’s honour. We don’t need to worry about the supposed “war on Christmas” that we sometimes feel is happening against the Church. The all-powerful Lord and Creator of the universe chose to heal and rescue the world, not by declaring war on the Roman Empire that was hurting his people, or getting in arguments with those who didn’t properly understand Him, but by making Himself “nothing” by “taking on the form of a slave” and by being “born in human likeness” (Philippians 2:6-8).

Jesus really does hold “the whole world in His hands” as the classic children’s hymn declares. Colossians 1:16-17 tells us that, “all things have been created through him and for him,” and that “in him all things hold together.” This means that we can worry less about where we may think our friends and family are falling short in relation to Christ, and focus more on where He is working with them in their lives.

When we become preoccupied with gift giving, we can be reminded of the ultimate gift of Christ to the world. When the world sees Christmas as being primarily about doing good things for one another, we can be reminded that in Christ all good deeds are held together. Christ has come to the world “to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, recovery of sight for the blind, and to set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18). When we are together with family and friends, we can be reminded of Jesus’ deep commitment to His own family and friends, even the ones like Judas and Peter who betray him.

The early Christians didn’t have it all figured out either. Peter and Paul argued, and the Church as a whole hadn’t even fully agreed on what it meant for Jesus to be both God and man yet. But God’s love and commitment to the Church remained. It grew and thrived in spite of its shortcomings.

Let’s try to focus less on where we may think our friends and families are falling short this season, and more on where we can walk alongside them to help them – and ourselves – to better see the love and healing that Jesus has introduced to the world.

Where and how will Jesse be celebrating Christmas?

With his wife and family in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. It is always cold but beautiful, with a lot of great Christmas lights.

Jesse Hove Toronto, ON

Orlova Maria/ unsplash.com

12 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

FORGIVING AIN’T EASY Canadians are known worldwide for our polite nature and “sorry”-filled vocabulary. If somebody elbows us in a crowd, we politely and quickly say “Sorry!” as we continue on our way without a second thought. We are known for apologizing for other’s mishaps. The other day I said “Sorry” when someone else spilled ice cream on my shoe.

A quick “sorry” usually works. Sometimes though, we put a Band-Aid on casualties without realizing how hurt someone can be. We hear “sorry” yet those feelings of hurt still linger. What does forgiveness look like in those circumstances?

Forgiveness is not necessarily the easiest thing to do; however it is an expression of God’s love.

He forgave us. “Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 4:32).

In those times when we are hurting, can we first forgive ourselves with this same grace and then forgive others?

By loving yourself with the same love God has for you, can truly begin to trust in His love for you. This means believing that His thoughts toward you are good, so that even when times get hard you can rest in the assurance that His love is still moving and He continues to work in the situation.

Embrace yourself with the love God has embraced you with in Jesus.

He has given you the gift of a deep, intimate and personal relationship.

13 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

He is calling you to Him. He is saying to you to come just as you are, with all your thoughts, all your struggles, and all your wanderings. He adores you and is there for you.

The psalmist David discovered this powerful truth as he began to write personal entries of hurt, hope, despair, victory and God’s goodness. “Pour out your heart before Him,” he wrote, and “God is a refuge for us” (Psalm 62:8).

He has given us peace when we hurt, which goes so far beyond what our eyes can see or minds can now comprehend.

Will you come to Him today? As a little child in His lap, will you come to Him and share how you are feeling? He is listening. He is here. His love is moving.

“May the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 15:13).

How and where will Jessica be celebrating Christmas?

Most likely she and her husband will attempt to create their first delicious home-cooked Christmas dinner in their new home.

Jessica Bayus Winnipeg, MB

Harli Marten/ unsplash.com

NO PASSPORT REQUIRED

On Mission With Compassion Canada

This series shares stories about youth discovering our role in God’s story and taking action through the ministry of Compassion Canada. God’s story is one of redemption for the brokenness in our world! May these stories inspire you to think about your role and encourage you along your journey.

A CHANGE IN PERSPECTIVE Cassidy & Kennedy’s Story Words by Alyssa Esparaz, Pickering, ON. Sisters Cassidy and Kennedy had their perspective on poverty totally changed when they travelled to Guatemala in April 2016.

Cassidy had the opportunity to meet her Compassion sponsor child, Edwin Alexander.

“Meeting the people and putting a face to poverty really impacted us on a personal level,” says Cassidy. “It makes you feel like you have a personal connection. They have a story, they have dreams, they have a future just like the rest of us.”

The impact that the staff and volunteers at the Compassion Centre have on the Compassion kids stood out to Cassidy and Kennedy.

Kennedy says she was incredibly inspired by how involved the Compassion staff are in the children’s lives.

“They really are making a difference in those children, and their families. These families are coming to Christ through the children,

14 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

and because of the [loving] volunteers.

It was just really humbling, and a really life-changing experience to see their love for Jesus and the way they serve Him in everything they do.”

Cassidy was encouraged to see Compassion staff serve as role models in Edwin Alexander’s life, especially since both his parents are not in his life.

“He was there with his aunt and the correspondence director, Nehemías, from his [Compassion] centre. Because he was an older male, to see the role that Nehemías was playing in Edwin’s life was really encouraging.”

“Don’t see these big things that you can’t do, start small.”

Back home, the girls say that the experience has really stuck with them.

“It really changed my perspective on my life here in Canada and helped to involve me in my faith,” says Kennedy.

The girls were also encouraged by their own community’s response when they shared about their experience.

“It’s been nice to share with others and see how others have an interest in Compassion and learning about poverty,” says Cassidy.

Cassidy works at a daycare and gathered supplies to bring with her to Guatemala with her daycare kids. It was a great opportunity for even young toddlers to connect with her experience in Guatemala.

“They still talk to me about it,” she laughs, saying that they talk about wanting to go to Guatemala with her and play with the kids.

Cassidy encourages other young people who want to do something in the fight against poverty: Cassidy says, “Don’t see these big things that you can’t do, start small. When I first decided to sponsor Edwin, I didn’t think that I would meet him, but you just start off small and see where it goes.”

“There are tremendous hurdles in this life,” says Kennedy, “but just start small, and every little step is moving forward and moving in a positive direction. If there are many of us with a similar mindset, then it’ll help us move forward and the problems won’t look so large.”

How will Alyssa be celebrating Christmas?

With her family, celebrating the gift of Jesus and remembering to share with those in need in her our local and global community.

15 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

TAKE ACTION STUDY & JOURNAL

FOR GROUPS OR PERSONAL REFLECTION

CONGRATULATIONS

PART 5

Love is Moving Study Guide & Journal is designed to revive a biblical understanding and expression of love. This resource tool empowers small groups to grow in their love for God and their love for others. Journey with others across the nation and explore God’s love by building relationships, engaging in mission and committing to reflecting the love of Jesus in everyday life. As you prepare to learn more about what love is, remember to pray and ask God to lead you closer to him and deeper in his truths.

Now that you have gone through the Love Movement curriculum, let’s look at ways to continue your transformation of living out love.

Introduction Take a few moments on your own to brainstorm and write down three ways that you (and your group) can show love in your church, school, or in your local community. Who can you show kindness to in your church? Who is in great need around the world? Who are the people with needs in your local community?

to show His love to your community. Choose one idea for your group. Nominate two people to follow through with coordinating and setting a date to show love to others in your community.

If you are studying this series on your own: Share your ideas with some friends and take some time to pray about the ways God can use you and your friends to show His love to your community.

If you are studying this series with your class or youth group: Share your ideas with your group and take some time to pray about the ways that God can use you and your friends

HERE’S A SAMPLE OF THE SMALL GROUP RESOURCE WE’RE DEVELOPING. THERE ARE 6 PARTS IN THE ENTIRE RESOURCE. COLLECT ALL 6 ISSUES OF LIM IN 2016 TO PREVIEW SOME OF THE TAKE ACTION APP CONTENT.

Use #loveismoving to share what you have learned.

16 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

CHALLENGES

FOOD DRIVE

Along with the challenges you and your group have come up with, the Love Movement and some of our partner organizations have some challenges you can get involved with.

Below you can find various challenges you and your youth group can participate in to demonstrate God’s love to your community or around the world.

Write a song or poem and attach a picture, or make a video of you performing the song or poem.

You can e-mail us your creation at info@loveismoving.ca and be featured in Love Is Moving magazine.

Get some friends together and begin a community food drive fundraiser. This is a great way to give back to your community throughout the year.

ENCOURAGING NOTE BIBLE ON VIDEO SPONSOR A CHILD

Write an encouraging note to a friend or stranger. Words can have a lasting impact on those around you.

Record on video you reciting your favourite Bible verse in a creative way. Post your video on the Love Movement’s Facebook page: facebook.com/joinlovemovement

Compassion Canada

You can sponsor a child from various places around the world through Compassion Canada. You can also get a few friends and together sponsor a child. Visit compassion.ca to get started.

THE WATER PROJECT

Samaritan’s Purse

Learn about the value of clean water and raise funds in your community or church community for a water project in a place around the world where people lack access to clean, drinkable water. Visit thewaterproject.org to learn how you can get started.

Use #loveismoving to share ideas for putting God's love in action.

17 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

A FAMILY TRADITION PASSED DOWN

GENERATIONAL QUILTING Throughout the generations my family has passed down skills and traditions in quilting and knitting. My mother and grandmother (Nana) have been the most influential people in my life. Thanks to their influence, lessons and encouragement, ever since I was little the passion for design has become my strength.

Out of all of the different things in this world, I hold most dear the ability to create.

I remember when I was very young I was often helping out with different projects around the house. I wondered what my mom and Nana were doing and felt a great desire to participate in what they were creating. To keep me from being a nuisance, they started to teach me many different knitting and quilting techniques. I started learning by helping organize the quilt pieces, trying to knit a stitch, and at time cutting the fabric. They never became agry or hollered at me even when I messed up. It was through their God-giving patience that they tried to correct me assisting me in learning how to sew or knit properly.

Throughout the years, my Nana has shown me how much compassion and experience she has.

If something goes wrong or I make a mistake she is able to correct it. She has always enabled me to create, helping me buy my projects and showing me the best way to work. When she

18 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

heard I was buying my own sewing machine she helped me pick out the right brand and level. Growing up she never pushed me to learn or create anything, but when I showed interest in a project she encouraged me to create.

I remember when I was little every year I went to my Nana’s for the summer. I absolutely loved going to the knitting store with her. It was at this store that many would gather, sitting around a table knitting. My Nana would allow me to do what I wanted, from reading to practising how to knit.

The knitters that attended were very encouraging, guiding me when I was struggling with a new stitch or technique. Over the years many have become great friends, continuing to support me even to this day.

“The raw material must be broken down and then rebuilt piece-by-piece and stitch-by-stitch.”

My mother has encouraged me all my life and has shown me you can accomplish anything if you put your heart, mind and time into it. I have watched my mom work full time and get a Bachelors of Science in Nursing and a Masters of Leadership, all while raising my brother and I. My father has supported my mom during this time, has providing for the family and encouraged us all to follow our dreams. He inspires me to always work hard at everything I do in life.

This past summer my mom and I created a quilt together called Fancy Forest. It was an amazing adventure to be able to work together with her and create. Being more at the same level as her was an experience in itself. She is an amazing woman and I am blessed to call her my mother.

Like quilting or knitting, our situation, people and actions influence our lives. At first glance all the parts may not look like they work together – the good and the bad- but in the end a beautiful piece is create.

God has taught me that in order to create what the designer intended, the raw material must be broken down and then rebuilt piece-by-piece and stitch-by-stitch. This is how I look at the experiences that I have had in my life. God is taking me, and step by step reshaping me to be a woman of strong faith. He states this in Philippians 1:6, “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ”

Where and how will Karianne celebrate Christmas?

At her aunt and uncle’s house with her whole family.

Karianne Tremain New Hamburg, ON

chuttersnap/ unsplash.com

19 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

$2 Per Issue You can now enjoy a year of printed copies of Love Is Moving for only $2/ issue. Get your own one-year subscription at our new student rate of only $11.99/year (regular $29.99).

Order online at FaithToday.ca/Subscriptions or call toll-free 1-866-302-3362.

Your paid subscription gives you something tangible to pass along to a friend or a youth leader.

20 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

SPECIAL STUDENT PRICE

FINDING YOUR FATHER THIS CHRISTMAS Deck the halls with boughs of holly! Another Christmas, with all its nostalgic traditions, is upon us. As the presents gather under the tree, whether a freshly cut blue spruce or a pathetically thin one like you see in Charlie Brown, the Christmas countdown is inevitable.

Cards have been swiped and the per-paid presents wrapped. All that’s left is the arrival of Christmas.

Whether you sit at the table of a grand feast with all the trimmings or you curl up on the couch with a frozen TV dinner, the bliss of the Christmas season is familiar. Millions of ways to celebrate, yet we all try to sway to the melody of a blissful Fa La La. When Christmas has come and gone, we sometimes feel we didn’t get what we wished for. When I was younger my wish was a picture-perfect family portrait with everyone in loving embrace, including my father. After Christmas such a wish can turn to disappointment and regret for many people.

This Christmas, remember you are invited to know Him, your heavenly Father. In Him there are no false promises or intentions to leave you alone. In Him there is nothing but peace and love.

If you would like to know more about your heavenly Father and how you can begin or deepen a relationship with Him, step up and talk to a church leader or some other church member about it. Your Father is waiting for you with open arms.

Where and how will Jamila be celebrating Christmas?

With the boys (her brother and dad) right at home. She is sure they will have lots of laughs because they are hilarious.

A father can be defined as “a precursor, a prototype or early form.”

In other words, a father is one from whom I draw identity, worth and value. The Christmas season for some is a glaring reminder how this might be missing. Perhaps his presents were beautifully wrapped but empty promises, leaving you feeling robbed of your self-worth. Perhaps your father abandoned his post, whether physically or emotionally. He might be a liar and a coward in your eyes (and you might use even harsher words in the safety of your thoughts).

One of the first verses many Christians learn is, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son” (John 3:16). God loved, so He gave a gift beautifully wrapped in flesh to an unappreciative world.

If your human father has never given you a Christmas present because of his imperfections and failures, it’s worth remembering that he did at least one thing right by helping create one beautiful gift – you! However flawed your earthly father, he is a broken prototype of a perfect One. 21 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

Jamila Holder Brampton, ON

chuttersnap/ unsplash.com

REAL TALK With Nathan White

DOES IT MATTER THAT WE CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE AT CHURCH? IS IT IMPORTANT? I firmly believe that there is a heart behind everything you do. You have to dig into the outward appearance of a situation, celebration, or movement in order to find its truth.

On the outside, the New Year’s Eve parties around the world are often painted with a picture of high-energy excitement and the “anything can happen mentality.” But what’s the heart? Underneath all of the lights and glamour, and let’s be honest, alcohol, are a lot of sad and broken hearts wishing away the mistakes of last year and hanging on until 12:00, waiting on a new fresh year to begin. There is a desire to toss out the old news and promise ourselves that, “this year will be different.”

There’s nothing wrong with seeing areas of your life that need work and starting fresh, but it is naive to think we will be able to do that without a Saviour.

I do this too! I try to trick myself into thinking that with enough hard work that I could make some changes to myself that would make me better, richer, thinner, and happier. But I’ve rarely gone to the One who can actually change my heart in a way where I will be operating at my fullest potential, instead of trying not to drown in the ocean of resolutions and giving up because I’m not strong enough to manage them all.

Numbers 18:29 says, “Be sure to give to the Lord the best portions of the gifts given to you.”

I’m not saying you have to celebrate within the four walls of a building called church, but I encourage you, as 2016 comes to a close, to examine the heart you’re aligned with. Are you aligned with the heart of God, who is the only one that can make old things new and bad things good? Or are you aligned with the heart of the world, which seeks to drown the sorrows and hope that with enough hard work next year might be better.

I don’t know the answer to whether celebrating at church is better than celebrating out of the church? But I know that in all we do, having a heart aligned with God’s is the safest and most fruitful place to be.

New Year’s Eve is exciting. Have fun, be with good people, and remember that December 31 and January 1 are precious gifts from God. Thank Him for that and every other blessing in your life. He is worthy of our praise. Give Him the best portions of the gifts given to you.

Where and how will Nathan be celebrating Christmas?

With his wife Sarah’s parents and all her brothers in Calgary, then they are going to Hawaii with his family after New Year’s.

Nathan White Edmonton, AB

Orlova Maria/ unsplash.com

22 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

YOUTH GROUP SPOTLIGHT ANY GOODLIFE

All Nation’s Full Gospel Church Toronto, Ontario What is the one thing that over 200 young people from across Canada had in common? What is the one thing that these young people desired? What is the one thing that these young people knew they couldn’t live without? The answer to that question is God. For four days in August, 2016, over 200 youth and young adults gathered at All Nations Full Gospel Church, located in Toronto, Ont., to seek out God at the “One Thing 16” ANY Goodlife International Youth conference. The conference featured guest ministers, Pastor Derrick Marshall from the United States and Elder Sheldon Neil from Toronto. The “One Thing 16”, an international youth conference was held by ANY Goodlife, the youth ministry network of All Nations churches.

On the last day of the conference, Pastor Derrick Marshall talked about the love of the Father. He spoke about how Jesus Christ came to seek what was lost—us. The youth learned that in Isaiah 64:8, it tells us we are the clay and God is the Father, and we are the workmanship of His hand. During the One Thing 16 youth conference, Pastor Marshall pointed out that we were made to be sons and daughters of God, and that no 23 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

matter what we do, no matter where we go, God’s love still chases after us.

Pastor Marshall emphasized God is an amazing Father, and no matter what sin you think is too big for Him to forgive, or no matter how far you feel like you are from Him, He is always there, waiting with His arms outstretched. Just like the story of the Prodigal son, Pastor Marshall taught the youth that the Father is telling us that it is time to go back to our homes, so that God can restore everything that we left with, and more.

The ANY Goodlife youth this holiday season will be putting into action God’s love and what they learned at the conference by going into their community to share acts of kindness, and to tell individuals that Jesus was sent for all of us in hopes that they will come to know Him.

Christine Kwapong Toronto, Ontario

DAVE JONSSON Love is Moving co-founder, Joel Gordon interviewed Dave Jonsson who is a skateboarder, plane crash survivor and the Young Adults Pastor at Ethos, the young adults ministry of Coquitlam Alliance Church, which is an EFC affiliate.

CA Church - wearecachurch.com Ethos Young Adult Ministry - weareethos.com Dave Jonsson is a skateboarder, plane crash survivor and young adults pastor at Ethos (weareethos.com), the young adults ministry of Coquitlam Alliance Church in British Columbia. He spoke with Love Is Moving co-founder Joel Gordon.

Joel: Dave, we first met in 2012, when the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) invited all the affiliated presidents of ministry organizations and denominations to an event called Presidents Day. That year, each president invited a younger leader. EFC President Bruce Clemenger invited me, and who did you attend with?

Dave: I attended with Steve Falkiner who is the President of the Foursquare denomination, which is the denomination that I was with at the time.

Joel: What was most memorable about your experience at Presidents Day? Dave: As I guy who’s been to a ton of conferences, I especially remember that event. It was amazing to see the unity with all of these church representatives and denominational leaders gathering together under one banner of their faith in Jesus and problem-solving how we can be more effective in Canada in building God’s Kingdom. It was so encouraging to me. And that conference marked the release of that research on youth and young adults. Do you remember that?

Joel: Yes, that’s right. We released the Hemorrhaging Faith research on why and when Canadian young adults are leaving, staying and returning to Church.

24 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

“The biggest scare during the crash was that I could have died having lived a life without purpose, a life that wasn’t lived with the blessing of God.” Dave: So I think the EFC’s Presidents Day had a dual impact on me.

There was great content and there was strong unity and vision.

Joel: How well are we doing in Canada in uniting the next generation of evangelicals to bless Canada in the name of Jesus?

Dave: On the West Coast, I have seen this more and more. Churches are realizing that we are better together than we are apart. Even in the last six months to a year, we have seen more initiatives from evangelical churches working together than we have in previous years. There are some movements happening right now that I can highlight that have many churches working together for one goal. The first one is Chapel. Chapel is a youth movement here on the West Coast that happens once a month wherey youth pastors and their groups are gathering from different churches in distinct regions to worship together and there’s always a huge emphasis on evangelism in Chapel. I’m excited to see that with the younger crowd. In my own community, I’ve seen something called United In Prayer. We just met this September. First, all of the local churches met together in one place and we prayed together. Then we went out in teams and gathered for prayer at key places in the municipality such as schools, government buildings, and other focal places that God’s Kingdom would come. We experienced huge unity through this. I’m really encouraged to see churches working together for one goal and for one purpose.

Joel: It’s great that your local church is an EFC affiliate. How has your ministry evolved since you started as the Young Adults Pastor at Coquitlam Alliance Church with the Ethos ministry?

Dave: Youth and young adult ministry is a very unique age group that you’re dealing with. There’s more change that happens in a young adult’s life than with a teen or an adult. A youth is driven to the youth group by their parents, and most of the time the parents have a particular schedule that drives a teens involvement. There’s routine and consistency there. An adult, especially someone with a family, also wants routine and consistency in their life. But what you see in that 10-15 year gap with young adults is that they’re moving, they’re on their own often, engaging in relationships and sometimes breaking up, which leads some young adults to different churches. Other times, young adults grow out of young adult ministry, they get engaged or want to be part of a multi-generational group. So what I’ve found is that it’s so important to build a community with young adults while you have them for this short time. I really strive to close the back door as much as possible. What I mean by that is, you don’t want a ministry where someone can come in and leave unnoticed. So one of the things we’ve been trying to do at Ethos is to build a desirable community that loves Jesus and exemplifies the fruits of the Spirit. So, in the past three years

“Churches are realizing that we are better together than we are apart.”

our community has significantly grown. Fifty percent of our young adults are engaged in community groups. You can only grow so much by only attending a Sunday morning service. Three years from when I started, I praise God and give glory to Him. We’re seeing much more transparency and people are now more willing to share.

You see life transformation when people are known, accepted for who they are, and challenged to be more like Jesus. I’m thrilled to see Ethos grow in the way that it has.

Joel: After you survived the plane crash, how did you encounter the love of Jesus?

Dave: After the plane crash, I had a choice to make. I felt that I had wasted my life up until that point. The biggest scare during the crash was that I could have died having lived a life without purpose, a life that wasn’t lived with the blessing of God. The first fork in the road that I came to after the plane crash was whether or not this time around I would put my trust in God and not lean on my own understanding. When I made that decision to trust in God, I had a second fork in the road. I was still injured, I was still very broken, I had lost my best friend in the crash and I saw him die. I was unable to work and the second fork that I was challenged with was asking myself, “Was I going to come out of this circumstance as a victim or as not only a survivor, but in the Apostle Paul’s words, more than a conqueror?” So what Jesus did predominantly in the beginning was that he allowed me to see that I was not a victim. In Romans 8:34 on onwards, Paul says that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us and that nothing can separate us from the love of God. What God taught me after the plane crash was that I am His and because of that, not matter the circumstance, no matter the hurt, the betrayal, the damage, I am more than a conqueror. I will not be a victim because I am a child of God. Dave’s plane crash story - davejonsson.com/my-story/

Joel Gordon Toronto, Ontario

25 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

Spending Christmas away from home I’ll Be Home for Christmas starring Jonathon Taylor Thomas, is a 1998 movie that was a family classic growing up. As a kid, I always thought that I would be home for Christmas, seeing as it was my favourite holiday. Until two years ago, I had always been home for Christmas, but in 2014 and 2015 I spent Christmas in Lebanon.

That first Christmas away from home was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. I was in a different country with an entirely different culture, with different food and people, with no members of my family with me. I remember Skyping my family on Christmas trying my best to hold back my tears because I didn’t want to be without them.

In that time of homesickness I learned a valuable lesson. I had to be willing to sacrifice certain personal traditions, if I wanted to fully enjoy the blessings laid before me. If I had been home that year, I would not have met the amazing people I met during the trip. I would not have rededicated my life to Christ, or been baptized in the Mediterranean Sea. I wouldn’t have grown in Christ the way I did that winter. I am sure all these things would have happened eventually, but not at the time that they actually did.

greatest gift ever given, I want it to be about love- God’s love. Jesus demonstrated that love by taking on human weakness and pain to save us when we did not deserve it.

If you’re away from your family this Christmas, it may be difficult, but remember it’s not about where, how or who you spend Christmas with. It’s about celebrating the birth of our Lord and Saviour, that He was sent for you to have freedom, everlasting life, joy and peace.

Find a group of people in your community who share your beliefs and have your own Christmas celebration. If your local church doesn’t already have an event for young people , suggest having a youth group or young adult celebration in the church. Christmas away from home doesn’t have to be sad or lonely. We are all one family in Christ.

Where and how will Brittany be celebrating Christmas?

At home with her family eating delicious food and exchanging gifts.

When God called me to the same place in 2015 it was much easier the second time around. I allowed myself to embrace the differences in culture and customs I encountered.

Christmas has always been very important to me, but I have realized that no matter where I spend it, the story behind it will it never change. Recognizing that it’s not about who I spend Christmas with or where, this year I want Christmas to be more than about just presents, and trees, and decorations. I want it to be about the 26 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

Brittany Pettinger Elgin, Manitoba

ETTO/ unsplash.com

THE SCIENCE OF BELIEF Sci-Fi’s Return to the 80s

“There has been an awakening. Have you felt it?”

- Supreme Leader Snoke, Star Wars: The Force Awakens There’s always been tension between seeing and believing.

Especially over the last few decades, there has been an increasingly heavy emphasis on the belief that truth exists only when we can prove things scientifically or experience them for ourselves. This debate has caused tension between the Church and the scientific community, seemingly forcing people to pick a side.

Unsurprisingly, this has also shown up on the big screen.

Let’s look at some of the most popular science fiction stories in recent years. Films like Prometheus, Interstellar, and The Martian have all been hits at the box office and explored questions of our purpose in life. In each case, the films shoot for lofty ideas but land on the premise that life is really about us and what we can do. For instance, often called a “love letter to science,” The Martian also argues that if you solve enough problems, you get to come home.

“Science fiction has opened the door enough to admit that, sometimes, they don’t have all the answers.”

In an interesting twist, even some of the most recent Biblical epics attempted to explain God’s interaction with creation in a more scientific manner. Films such as Ridley Scott’s Exodus: Gods and Kings and (arguably) Aronovsky’s Noah have both offered new depictions of the Biblical stories with a smaller focus on God and a greater emphasis on our human perspective and understandings as a source of hope.

Now, hear me out. I’m not taking a shot at science. Not at all!

Science is our primary way of understanding our world. However, what I am noticing is that the pendulum of knowledge has swung so far in the seeing-to-believe direction that our culture seems to have lost its ability to believe in anything other than itself.

I think that the pendulum is about to swing back.

All of a sudden, science fiction has opened the door enough to admit that, sometimes, they don’t have all the answers. This year alone, there have been some substantial film releases that take a scientific approach that, although helpful and meaningful, isn’t always the final word on what’s real. Films like Jeff Nichol’s Midnight Special, this summer’s underrated Ghostbusters reboot or even Netflix’s massive hit Stranger Things, have all fused a scientific worldview with an eye staring keenly into the spiritual.

These shows tell us that we have to believe to see.

Just look at Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

When rebooting the franchise, one of the most important factors in the film’s success was bringing back an emphasis on the mystery of the Force. Whereas George Lucas wanted to explain away this amazing power in his infamous prequels—remember Midichlorians?

The fans and director J. J. Abrams wanted the Force to be mysterious. By emphasizing the power of the Force, Abrams breathed new life into an idea that had lost its grandeur, without taking away any scientific explanations Lucas had introduced.

Science and faith were friends again.

27 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

Interestingly, all of these examples have a throwback feel to them.

Whether they take place in the 1980s themselves, or are simply reboots of old franchises, each case seems to point to a simpler time. With this in mind, one has to ask if perhaps our world is wondering if, for all our advancements, we’ve lost something along the way. Is it possible that, with all we’ve learned, we are starting to realize that there’s still something powerful that we can’t explain?

Does God really fit into our scientific worldview?

Maybe our culture has finally realized that to understand our world, we need both seeing and believing.

Where and how is Steve celebrating Christmas?

He expects that he will be at home. He and his family often travel between their home, his parents and his in-laws over Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Steve Norton Newmarket, Ont.

Greg Rakozy/ unsplash.com

CHOOSE TO STEP OUT AND BE DIFFERENT I walked into the Hudson’s Bay store in early September and stumbled upon their first Christmas display. That’s right: Nutcrackers, tinsel, garland – the works… in September!

It’s a well-known fact in North America that Christmas is the biggest retail event of the year. There’s pressure and expectations for what gifts you give and who you give them to. There are events to plan and hundreds of dollars to spend. And to think, it all came from three men bringing three gifts to one special baby boy.

We can have our pastors hammer it into our heads all they want in the month leading up to Christmas, but when the day comes, how much are we really thinking about Jesus Christ? If we are honest, it’s uncomfortable to stop and think about how God would really want His Son to be celebrated in this season.

Instead of trying to please God by stressing over what to get others or what we’ll get, how about this: “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God” (Hebrews 13:16).

Maybe we need to spend less time fretting over what gifts we’ll give our friends and family and more time thinking about what we can do to help others through the holiday season.

From the homeless man down the street, to the elderly woman who won’t have visitors this year, to the little boy who really hopes his family can afford a turkey; there are people all around us who need extra support around the holidays.

We just need to open our eyes and ask God to reveal how He wants us to give back this year. More than that – ask Him how He wants us to give back all year round. Can the holiday be the spark that sets us off for habits we keep for life?

Let’s choose to step out and be different. To do more with the time that we have. To be God’s light to someone who really needs it this year. To make a change.

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me…Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:35-45).

Where and how is Emily celebrating Christmas?

With her family, two cats and dog at home.

Emily Cook

Georgina, Ontario Lindsay Henwood/ unsplash.com

28 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

MY COMMUNITY IS MY FAMILY TOO There is nothing better than being a little kid at Christmas time.

You write to Santa begging for that Barbie dream house, or Xbox system while also trying to memorize the verses of “Away in a Manger” for the church pageant. There are snowmen to build, and gingerbread houses to decorate. Everything is perfect, and you get that special Christmas feeling in your stomach.

Christmas gets a lot different as you get older. The whole “Santa” thing doesn’t really work anymore. Christmas is a time of reassurance for Christians, but it can also be the hardest time of year for many people.

A few years ago, our church started asking some questions: How can we reach out to our community around Christmas? How can we move away from our culture’s materialistic traditions? We decided as a church family to host a Christmas dinner for our community, inviting anyone and everyone for a big turkey dinner on Christmas Day. We didn’t want it to be something to add to our Christmas Day to-do list, but rather something significant to focus on. My family made this church dinner our own Christmas Day dinner.

Some of the dinner guests also come to our Christmas morning service. Then we all gather downstairs to share a special time

together. Most people who join us are either seniors who are alone, or young families.

It isn’t intended to force any of our church traditions on others.

It’s about coming together as one family in Christ to make new memories and traditions together. We play games with the kids and sing old carols together. New friendships are made, real conversations and connections happen as we come together and celebrate.

Hosting this event feels more in tune with the reason we are meant to celebrate Christmas in the first place- that Jesus came. The entire event focuses on redemption, community, and meeting people where they’re at.

After the dinner, when I’ve eaten tons of homemade pie, played charades (a game I usually hate) and learned about what my town was like back in the day, I leave with a sense of wonder and, yes, that special Christmas feeling.

Where and how is Holly celebrating Christmas?

She will be celebrating with her community and family and the annual Christmas Community Diner.

Holly Stiller

Port Perry, Ontario Kinson Doan/ unsplash.com

29 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

WHEN SEPARATION HURTS An interview with Rogeline Dieujuste

Rogeline Dieujuste, a medical student from the United States, has been studying abroad in Belize for almost two years. It’s been an experience where she says it has taught her so much about herself, her career and most importantly her relationship with God. I sat with her recently to hear about her journey leading to studying medicine in Belize. As she began to elaborate about her journey and the experience she has had, I noticed that some of the things she went through could also be identified in Mary, Jesus’ mother. It’s not often that you hear about Mary’s perspective in the story of Jesus. Mary, an innocent, young 13-year-old who probably still played games with her friends, after that one encounter with the angel was catapulted into a new season. What was it like to be singled out

by God? What would her friends have said when Mary no longer showed up at the various events they did? Would they judge her?

“I realized she too, like Mary, had to come to a place of deciding whose acceptance she would chooseGod’s or man’s.”

Since we know how the story ends, we can easily see it as a great honour for her to have been selected

by God Himself to carry His Son, Jesus. In that moment, Mary didn’t know how the future was going to play out.

She didn’t know how Jesus was going to look or how her community was going to look at her. All she had was a word from the angel.

30 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

When she said yes to God, she said yes to being different. Usually being different is what we shy away from, especially as young people. We always want to have a place to fit in. Many times we want to find that comfort in our friends and in our communities. We don’t like to stand out, be the odd one out, be left alone or be rejected. You might be reading this and saying to yourself, “I actually don’t care what people think of me.” But think of this, when you post a picture or change your profile picture, do you take record of those who “likes” your post? I know you do- we all do! Finding acceptance in others is assuring as it validates that we are important and that we matter to others.

As I listened to Rogeline share her story, I realized she too, like Mary, had to come to a place of deciding whose acceptance she would choose – God’s or man’s? Rogeline’s story started when she was a young girl. She grew up reading fascinating stories in the Bible like David and Goliath, Gideon and Queen Esther to name a few. She prayed and told God, “Lord, I want my own story with you- I don’t want to read about you just using others, I want to be used by you as well. Please write my own story”.

To her it was a simple prayer she prayed every night, but to God it was the willingness He desired to order her steps and begin a great work. During middle school she noticed that she grasped concepts quicker than her classmates. Her teachers also notice it too and out of all of her friends she was offered the opportunity to move into an advanced program at school. “The only reason why I

accepted it was because the teachers told me that I could at least still see my friends at recess time, she said. As long as she found a way to stick with her friends, she was happy.

However, with time her friends began to drift away from school. They started skipping classes and handing in their work less.

By high school, her teacher noticed how her friend’s choices weighed on her. He sat her down and said, “You are going to be successful and do great things…” She interrupted her teacher and asked “ but what about my friends?” “The system is not set up for them like it is for you…they will only become a distraction to you…”

She didn’t understand what her teacher was saying. Deep down she knew her friends were a distraction but she didn’t want to leave them.

Have you ever felt that way? Where the plans of God for your life pulled you away from your surroundings or what brought you comfort?

The bible reveals that Joseph was ready to call off their engagement. Just before he could do so, an angel of God appeared to him confirming God ordained the pregnancy. And that is how the Lord works.

When we say yes to Him, though it may come with the risk of looking different and being set apart, He is always faithful to see you through and not put you to shame.

“God’s plan for her life was bigger than her understanding.

She had to trust God in the separation.”

Mary experienced similar changes. Being chosen by God meant that she would be pulled away from being a “normal” 13-yearold girl. As she was engaged by the time she received visitation from the Lord. Saying yes to the Lord put her engagement to Joseph in jeopardy. Would he marry a pregnant girl who was carrying a child that wasn’t his?

At that time, that type of relationship was unheard of and far from common. It was a risk she has to take not just to be rejected

by Joseph but to be publicly humiliated in agreeing to the Lord’s plan.

31 LOVE IS MOVING | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

you are required to separate from, know that He is not going to disgrace you in order for His plan to be accomplished through you.

Where and how is Rosemond celebrating Christmas?

She is still deciding whether she will come home from Belize or stay there.

Eventually, Rogeline realized that she had to leave her friends to continue moving forward.

God’s plan for her life was bigger than her understanding. She had to trust God in the separation. Little did she know the plans that God had for her included going off to medical school, obtaining a master’s degree and impacting many who she meets.

As the year begins to draw to an end, ask yourself this one question, “Have I said yes to God’s plan for my life?” His plans for you may not be similar to Rogeline’s or Mary’s, but one thing that is certain is He has a plan for you! His plan always includes some sort of separation- from friends, things or from being like everyone else. Whatever it is that

Rosemond Ennin Brampton Ontario (Living in Belize)

Lindsay Henwood/ unsplash.com