April Compass Issue by Scottsdale Bible Church

p a s m s o C G N I R P S ISSUE 11 | SPRING 2014

app HERE’S HOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SCOTTSDALE BIBLE AND CONNECT WITH US

PICK UP A VISITOR BROCHURE In it, you’ll get a great overview of this church—what we believe, what we offer for you and your family, what we’re passionate about, and how you can be a part of it. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

download at scottsdalebible.com/app

BROWSE THROUGH A CONNECTION CATALOG Published three times a year, this booklet has everything you need to know about events, classes, studies, resources, groups and programs going on throughout the week at Scottsdale Bible. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

Com pass S C O T T S D A L E

B I B L E

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Nicholas Palomo

At scottsdalebible.com, you’ll find the most immediate, up-to-date information about what’s happening at our church. You can sign up for an event or class, watch sermons or videos you missed, learn about our ministry partners, and much more. Just about everything you need to know is available there.

EDITOR Jill Hoekstra

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ART DIRECTOR Michael Oliveros

VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTORS: Writers/Proofers: Andrea Combs Nikki Garrison Photographers: Kelly Luchtel David Smith Greg Vatt Session Nine Photographers 2

TALK TO US We’d love to get to know you! If you have a question, ask one of our friendly team members available at the Guest Services counter, the Information Circle on the patio, or the Welcome Table at our Venue or Cactus Campus. Call us at 480.824.7200 anytime throughout the week to reach a pastor, share a prayer need, or ask a question. We’re here for you!

Welcome to Scottsdale Bible Church! Spring brings thoughts of new life and renewal—a fresh start. On Easter, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus—the ultimate hope that renewal and eternal life are possible. In this magazine, you’ll read just a few stories of people being transformed and renewed through a relationship with Jesus. I’m encouraged daily by stories of how God is healing marriages, breaking addictions, mending families and calling people out of discouragement into hope and purpose. I love that Scottsdale Bible is a place where we can share who we really are and meet a God who loves us unconditionally, yet longs to give us more—a life that exceeds our greatest expectations. If you’ve been with us recently, you know I just finished a teaching series in the book of Nehemiah about getting a second wind with God. In life, we often start out strong, like a runner in a race, but weaken mid-way when we face difficulties and distractions. To get a second wind, we need God’s truth, a sense of our own brokenness, renewed commitment, and an infusion of His joy and holiness. These can only come through a relationship with Jesus. He is the only one who can give us what we need to reach the finish line. This spring, we’re going to take a fresh look at what Jesus actually said about the everyday struggles and issues we face. He said some incredible, surprising and radical things—and His words are as relevant and life-giving today as they were 2000 years ago. I invite you to join us for this enlightening series. My prayer is that we would be challenged and changed as we come face to face with Jesus our Cornerstone—the Rock we can build our lives upon and the Author of fresh starts. Your pastor and friend,

Jamie Rasmussen

Everything that we have — right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start— comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. – I Corinthians 1:30

SCOTTSDALEBIBLE.COM

NEW SERIES

Starting April 26/27

Jesus changed the world with His life and words. In the three years He taught, He trained His disciples, amazed the crowds, and challenged the religious leaders. His teachings have become a part of our culture. Regardless of faith, people know His parables about the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan. They quote His words about loving, and not judging others. But many of the things Jesus said go unnoticed or ignored. Could it be we wish He hadn’t said some of the things He did? In this new series, we’ll look closely at what Jesus said about the everyday issues of life—issues like worry, anger, success and others. His words are surprisingly down-to-earth and current. They touch on every aspect of life. Come take a fresh look at the red-letter words in your Bible. You might be surprised by how relevant, life-giving, and perspective-changing they are.

SCOTTSDALEBIBLE.COM

ore then 750 people from Scottsdale Bible sponsor 900+ children and fund projects at our two schools in Tanzania. Managed by our ministry partner, Ereto East Africa Foundation, these schools are thriving and changing lives on a daily basis.

2014 is a historic year for The Tanzania Project. In November, we will witness the first graduation of students from our Kondoa and Mairowa Integrity Schools. These graduates will have successfully completed an excellent English-taught, Christian-based primary school education, and many will be eligible for secondary school. Students from both schools have repeatedly scored well on their Tanzanian National exams, placing within the top five schools in their districts.

KONDOA INTEGRITY SCHOOL Construction continues with the addition of a new borehole and pump to provide the school with a consistent water supply. Faulty equipment in Kondoa created an acute water shortage and the new pump will enable the school to sustain itself and potentially sell water to the public. A new “modern” latrine was also added. We welcomed a wonderful new headmaster, Mr. Angelo, to the school recently. He brings vast experience as a primary and secondary school teacher and headmaster.

MAIROWA INTEGRITY SCHOOL Pastor Anna, from Ereto East Africa Foundation, continues to minister to 50 impoverished single mothers in Mairowa. Through a partnership with Convoy of Hope, they are learning to grow vegetables for their families and sell them at the market. They have also planted two acres of moringa trees and sell the leaves to The Moringa Consultancy of Arusha. Both projects will be self-funding and will help the women purchase goats and improve their homes. Their hard work and successes are encouraging to their families and other community members. The school’s three-acre agricultural plot has a new drip-irrigation system and is producing crops to supplement the school feeding program. Crops are also sold commercially, helping the school toward self-sustainability.

The two Bible schools continue to thrive. One is a certificate course, and the other a diploma course from Agape Bible School of Arusha, Tanzania. Thirty pastors and local Mairowa lay leaders are being taught by qualified teachers to interpret and teach the Word.

HER LIFE BEFORE SPONSORSHIP Rehema’s parents separated when she was two because of differing religious beliefs. She and her mother moved into a small hut covered by pieces of rotting iron sheets, plastic bags and soil. During the rainy season, the grass could not cover their house properly, so everything inside got soaked. It was so bad when storms came that her mother would often beg neighbors for shelter. Her mother didn’t have a job and although she tried to take care of her little daughter, they often survived on one meal a day or less. When little Rehema’s health condition deteriorated due to malaria and subsequent complications, the environmental conditions and lack of food became life threatening.

SPONSORED CHILD: REHEMA JACOB Twelve-year-old Rehema Jacob is in year seven at Mairowa Integrity School. She lives in Mairowa village with her mother, “Mama Rehema.”

Bahati Hussein, a 9-year-old Kondoa Integrity School student, was recently sponsored by the Gibbs family (Ben, Jill, Haley and Ethan). The Gibbs are new to the sponsorship program and traveled to Tanzania in January 2014 to visit Bahati.

“ I am very grateful for everything sponsorship offered me and also for the nice house they built for my mother, my young brother and me.” — Rehema JACOB

HOW SPONSORSHIP MADE A DIFFERENCE Rehema’s life has made a 180 degree turn for the better. She no longer lives in a hut, but in a modern house built through sponsor donations. She receives a quality Christ-centered education, medical care, school uniforms and supplies, and daily nutritional meals. Rehema is healthy, doing well academically, and wants to be a doctor when she grows up.

During the visit, Bahati’s mother became very ill and was taken to the hospital. Tests were ordered, but no definitive diagnosis was made. She was to return weekly for two months to have her lab work monitored. One week after the Gibbs returned home from Tanzania, they learned that Mama Bahati had passed away. Bahati was now an orphan.

SPONSOR TESTIMONY: THE GIBBS FAMILY

Mama Rehema has become a model to the other parents in the community who want the best for their children. She is thankful for the support and relief through Rehema’s sponsorship and recognizes the value of her daughter’s education. Through our parent education efforts, she was inspired to create a home garden to earn income to feed her family. She takes great pride in her work and being able to provide for her family.

Jill Gibbs writes, “This week an amazing thing happened! The Lord put it on my heart that we should adopt our sponsored child from Tanzania. She is an orphan now that her mother has died and she has no father. A neighbor has taken her in. Ben had been thinking about it even longer than I had, but didn’t say anything.” They discussed this with their family and moved forward with emails and phone calls to investigate the adoption process. Jill continues, “We now face a seemingly impossible ‘road block’ as we learned you must live in Tanzania for three years in order to adopt. But we serve a God who is able to do anything He wants. He is even known for miracles.”

Rehema’s new home behind her old one

Sponsorship has a profound effect not only on Tanzanian children, but on sponsors as well. God can change lives through sponsorship and for the good of His Kingdom. More than 150 children are currently waiting for sponsors. For $35/month, you can sponsor a boy or girl in one of these villages. The effect of an education can be transformational for a child and for their entire community. We are excited to see the good that is happening as Scottsdale Bible people continue to partner with the Lord in this effort. _________________________________ Learn more about the Tanzania Project at scottsdalebible.com/tanzania SCOTTSDALEBIBLE.COM

NEWS AND TIMELINE CHAPEL • Beautiful, inviting building to welcome our community • Ideal for weddings, memorials and other special events • Uniquely traditional worship services • Seating for up to 300 people • Bride and groom rooms • Large-screen video system

NEW CHAPEL SERVICES COMING IN AUGUST! We are excited to announce the new “Uniquely Traditional” services in our beautiful, wood-beamed chapel that will be opening in August. In this magnificent sacred space with seating for 300, you will enjoy a smaller community environment with dedicated pastoral

care and shepherding, led by Pastor Steve Eriksson. In each service, the multi-generational worship experience will include a mix of hymns, timeless traditional, classic and current worship music; familiar liturgy; common prayers and responsive readings.

The sanctuary will be alive with classic organ and piano accompaniment, as well as various instrumental and vocal ensembles, offering an ideal setting for joy-filled praise to our God. Watch for news about Opening Sunday in early August!

2014 APRIL

TOWN CENTER RESTROOMS

JULY SPECIAL MINISTRIES/ ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES BUILDING

AUGUST

NEW STUDENT CENTER

NEW CHAPEL

KITCHEN REMODEL

STUDENT CENTER • State-of-the-art building to showcase student ministry to our community • New spaces for 150+ Club 56 students & 160+ Impact Junior High students • Inviting hub for all of Student Ministries • Game room and snack bar • Indoor/outdoor seating and lounge area

SPECIAL MINISTRIES / ADMIN OFFICES • Two separate rooms for Adults and SuperKids • 60% more ministry space • New student check-in area • Designated reading and sensory areas • Improved accessibility and ADA accommodations

2015 SUMMER

NEW CHILDREN’S CENTER

FALL NEW CAFÉ AND BOOKSTORE

TREEHOUSE AND STUDENT MINISTRY OFFICES REMODEL

NEW ADULT CLASSROOM SPACES

REMODELED WORSHIP CENTER

SCOTTSDALEBIBLE.COM

Beco m e a Special Agent Th i s J u n e ! ven as 2013’s Vacation Bible eXperience (VBX) rolled to a close, Jack and Alex Petersen were already asking when the next VBX would start. The boys and their parents, James and Katie, have attended Scottsdale Bible Church for six years and absolutely love VBX. “VBX is such a blessing,” said Katie. “We always look forward to a week full of fun, friends and quality biblical teaching.”

Katie has served at VBX for the last five years and enjoys seeing children learn throughout the week. “I love to watch the build-up through the week as they progress to the finale. It ends in a joyful, enthusiastic celebration of what they have learned, with many kids starting a relationship with Jesus for the first time.” VBX is an exciting adventure for children ages 4 through entering 5th grade. This year’s theme, Agency D3, invites them to become Special Agents to discover the truth of Jesus by examining eyewitness reports, physical proof,

the Bible says about God, Jesus, and the way to be saved. And third, kids will learn how to DEFEND these truths in a world that does not understand these facts and beliefs. Each day at VBX, kids will answer an important question by gathering clues and evidence from the Bible. These questions, such as Is God real? Was Jesus who He said He was? and Did Jesus really rise from the dead? are pivotal for kids to answer as they develop a faith of their own that will carry them through life. For kids who already know Jesus, being able to DISCOVER, DECIDE, and DEFEND will help them deal with any questions or doubts they might be facing. It will give them a stronger foundation. For children new to church and faith, VBX is an opportunity to learn essential truths of the Bible that will hopefully allow them to understand the Gospel—not a fairy tale, myth, or legend, but the truth of Jesus Christ. VBX will show kids that Jesus is real, that He died for their sin, and if they trust in Him, He will give them life and hope.

AGENCY D3 WILL ENCOURAGE KIDS TO TAKE A HARD LOOK AT THE TRUTHS OF THE BIBLE AND LEARN HOW TO DEFEND WHAT THEY BELIEVE IN AN EVER-CHANGING WORLD. and biblical accounts. Each morning, Special Agents will meet at Headquarters (our large group rally) to learn about the day’s mission. Agents will uncover truths about Jesus in the Bible Study Evidence Vault, exercise at the Training Grounds, and create and build spy gadgets at the Creative Ops Zone. Agency D3 will encourage kids to take a hard look at the truths of the Bible and learn how to defend what they believe in an everchanging world. First, kids will DISCOVER the truths of the Bible. Second, they will have an opportunity to DECIDE how to respond to what

Trace it back to the facts. The evidence is clear. The proof is all right here. Invite your friends and come DISCOVER, DECIDE, and DEFEND the truth about who Jesus really is at Agency D3.

JR: Ages 4–5 | June 2– 6 | 9– 11:30am Grades 1–5 | June 9– 13 | 9am– 12pm $20 PER CHILD

SCOTTSDALEBIBLE.COM

Sunday, May 4, 3-6pm hat better way to spend an afternoon than enjoying some sunshine, eating a freshly-cooked hamburger and some cold watermelon, playing some volleyball or just talking with new friends in the cool of the shade?

Park Fest is our biggest event of the season designed to help you spring into summer and invite all your friends to experience the life of Scottsdale Bible. We will have food, games, bounce houses, music and more—all in a fun, friendly environment. Get to know others from your part of town who also attend Scottsdale Bible and bring some friends and neighbors with you. 12

This is a great way to introduce your friends to our church community in a fun, nopressure atmosphere where everyone can build friendships and meet new people. Park Fest is coming to a location near you. We’ve strategically chosen four parks: Paradise Valley in the North, Cactus in the East, Chaparral in the South, and Roadrunner in the West.

Your job is easy! Bring some of the people you care about to enjoy a day with you in the park. Invite your friends, neighbors, the people you sit in the stands with to cheer on your kids—anyone you like to hang out with, especially those who aren’t yet connected with church or God.

This is no mere church picnic. It is nothing less than our effort to take the church out into our communities and be the friendly, gracious “face” of Jesus as we seek to invite more people to encounter a relationship with Him through our church. If you’d like to join one of our park teams or find out more about the events, visit scottsdalebible.com/parkfest.

Come have fun with us at Park Fest on May 4 ! Mark you calendar, start talking it up with your friends, and on the big day, bring them along for an afternoon of fun in the sun!

Photo by David Smith

Heart A

FOR OUR

Neighbors ow many times do you walk across your driveway, see a neighbor, and wish you could offer more than a quick wave? Life is busy and it’s not easy to get to know, let alone build relationships with those around us.

Many kids and parents from the neighborhood came and tables were set up so people could sit and talk. “Everyone was really surprised we would be giving out hot dogs and snacks for free,” said Kerri. The glow sticks (with Scottsdale Bible’s logo) were a hit and they allowed us to share about our church without being overly forward.”

“Some neighbors we’ve talked with don’t have any spiritual beliefs and we were able to discuss some of their past church experiences.” said Eric. “As the relationship grows, we’re praying we can speak directly about Jesus with them, in love and without judgment. Hopefully, we can be the light of Jesus in their lives. Whether they are going to make drastic life-changing decisions will be up to them and God, but we can show specifically with our testimony how God truly feels about them, how much He loves them.”

Eric and Kerri Jones felt that way in their old neighborhood, but two years ago they were challenged to change that perspective. “Kerri and I are not necessarily the ones In the Venue services, they heard about an who will come right out and tell people outreach effort coinciding with Halloween they need to go to church,” said Eric. “Our called “Halloweenies.” It was an opportunity first priority is establishing relationships to connect with neighbors by giving out hot and getting to know who they are. ” Eric and Kerri said they’ve sensed God dogs, snacks and Scottsdale leading them to make their Bible glow sticks. Eric, neighborhood ministry one ” We want them to know we do this Kerri, and their three of the first priorities for their because we love Jesus and that’s what He kids—Caleb (12), Joshua family. “Until recently, it had (10), and Evie (9)—joined been a secondary thought for would have us do, to show love to them.” an event with some friends us,” shared Kerri. “This event from the Venue the first definitely pushed us to be more year. “We saw it as a chance to love people “We’ve definitely shared about the church purposeful and thoughtful about loving in the neighborhood with no pressure or and let people know who we are and what our neighbors and ministering to them. expectations,” said Eric. The neighbors loved we stand for,” said Kerri, “but we hope to Doing things like helping them pull weeds it, and so when Eric and Kerri bought a new communicate that we’re not just serving or bringing cookies at Christmastime— home last September, they decided to host people because we go to church. We want just little things, have helped us connect their own event. them to know we do this because we love with our neighbors and set the foundation Jesus and that’s what He would have us do, for deeper relationships.” “We had literally moved in three weeks before to show love to them.” Halloween, so it was a great opportunity for “ We used to be really involved with our us to break the ice and say ‘Hi, how are you, “We found out we have a really diverse friends at church, but we realized how we just moved in,’” said Eric. “It’s not easy neighborhood, with lots of people from do you reach lost people and earn that trust these days to knock on people’s doors and say different walks of life. Many of the kids to share the Gospel with them if you don’t ‘Hey, we’re your neighbors.’ There’s a reason need love and it’s given us a chance to open know them or if they don’t know you care we don’t have successful door-to-door sales up our home to them,” said Kerri. “The for them? That’s what we’re trying to do.” people anymore. When someone comes to parents know who we are now and feel safe your door, there’s an automatic suspicion. letting their kids come to our home.” Having a BBQ out front with a bunch of hot dogs and saying ‘Is anyone hungry?’ was a great way to show generosity and a neighborly spirit and hopefully establish our home as a safe place.” SCOTTSDALEBIBLE.COM

Kevin Yule

STUDENT MINISTRY PASTOR

ast issue, we profiled Kevin Yule, our new Student Ministry Pastor, who came on board in the fall. In addition to overseeing the team, Kevin pastors our high school students. Since joining us, he has been building his new team of leaders to continue the strong influence of student ministry at Scottsdale Bible. Kevin’s vision is to provide “a place where students can feel loved and accepted and find something different than what they see in the world.” His hope is that new students would experience the gospel before they hear it. “When students see something different about the people here, and then we tell them that it’s Jesus, it all clicks together.”

Meet Your

His team shares this vision and is excited to love students and walk beside them in their faith journeys.

Student Ministry

Photos by Kelly Luchtel

Mike Grabski

Matt Curtis

Matt Taylor

Born and raised in Phoenix, Mike didn’t grow up going to church, but he gave his life to Jesus at age 17. Shortly after, he began working with 4th and 5th graders at Highlands Church. Two years later, he moved into junior high ministry. It was during his six months in that role that Mike sensed God calling him into fulltime ministry. Mike is excited about his new role as Club 56 Director at Scottsdale Bible. “Youth ministry is so important and 5th and 6th graders are at a time in their lives where they are getting ready to own their faith,” said Mike. “They are eager to learn more about God and grow into a more personal relationship with Him. My hope is to create a loving community that helps these students grow in their faith and trains them up to go out and tell their friends about Jesus.”

Matt grew up in Northern California, moved to Arizona in high school, and then attended Arizona Christian University, where he played basketball and met his wife, Shay. They now have a 15-month-old son, Jack. Since 2008, Matt has led 5th and 6th graders at Highlands Church and is excited to join Scottsdale Bible’s Student Ministry team leading junior high. “I’ve always had a love for students and grew up wanting to be a school teacher. I actually got my degree in education, but after teaching in the public school system for a short time, felt I wasn’t doing enough,” said Matt. “Something was missing. Then God opened the door for ministry and the rest is history. My passion is to lead and teach students in their walk with Christ, reach their lost friends, help parents in any way I can, and build a team of volunteers to do the same.” Matt wants Impact to be “a place where students can come and feel loved, be inspired to reach their friends, and grow in their walk while being encouraged and loved by awesome staff!”

Raised in the Phoenix area, Matt has been studying music for sixteen years and is finishing a bachelor’s degree in music at Arizona Christian University this May. He has led worship for almost ten years, including being the worship pastor at Aspire Church in Surprise, prior to joining Scottsdale Bible. Matt is excited to build the student worship ministry by developing and working with several student worship bands. “My goal is to spiritually prepare and musically equip students to be sent out to other Scottsdale Bible venues, churches, and/or secular environments,” said Matt. “My hope is to expand the process of discipleship through students who can train, multiply and build other worship leaders.” Matt and his wife, Sunamita, both share a passion for leading young students to serve God through music.

CLUB 56 DIRECTOR

STUDENT MINISTRY WORSHIP LEADER

More than 400 of our 5th to 12th grade students had an incredible time at their recent Winter Camps. Here, two students share their highlights: The most impactful thing about camp for me was the lessons Kevin taught us. They helped me think through things I’ve never thought about before. For example, he challenged me to take everything I do every day and view it as worship towards God. I had never seen it that way before. My favorite part of camp, though, was the awesome games that brought me closer to the girls in my cabin.

Camp was fun because I got to hang out with my friends and other loving people. You can play on the football field, go for a hike, play in the gym or hang out in the game room. I learned that camp is a place where people go to experience love and have a blast with other students. God made my heart closer to His and made me not as scared to open up with other people and to show them His love.

Taylor Porter, 6th Grade

Bryan Campbell, Junior

CACTUS CAMPUS

HORIZON HIGH SCHOOL

SCOTTSDALEBIBLE.COM

“

IMPACT JUNIOR HIGH PASTOR

OUT OF

DESPAIR AND INTO THE

light — by Jenny Limmer

A college student’s story of rescue and restoration

ver since I was little, I attended Scottsdale Bible—from Sunday school to high school youth group. I remember praying to accept Christ into my heart with my mom, sitting in the little seat attached to a shopping cart. I was so young then, I didn’t fully comprehend His love and relationship to me. As I got older, I enjoyed church because my friends were there. Even in high school, I had a shallow view of Christ and went to youth group because I was liked and it was a fun time. After graduating from high school in 2009, my life changed radically.

I had plans to work at a camp in California for two months that summer, but I was only there two weeks. I thought I would be attending Azusa Pacific University in the fall, but at the last minute, I didn’t. I was feeling emotions I had never felt before of sadness and almost a sense of loss, even though no one had left my life. After I returned from camp, I thought my family’s support would help my emotional state, but I continued in a downward spiral. I began to fill the emptiness I felt with smoking and going out. On July 31, 2009, I went into my older sister’s room at 1am and woke her up to ask if she had a cigarette. Before going into her room, the depression I had been dealing with was so intense that when she said she didn’t have a cigarette, I started to get really anxious. It was so bad I fell onto the carpet and started shaking. My sister quickly woke my parents and called 911.

My parents finally made the decision to take me to Meier Clinic in Texas. There, I went to classes all day for three weeks to treat my depression and anxiety. Looking back, I realize what a benefit the clinic could have been, but my heart was hard and I was so distant from God. I didn’t understand why He was letting me go through such despair. When I got back, I became so ashamed of some things I had done while I was in Texas, how desperate I had become getting involved with a guy I didn’t even know and in such a toxic way. I didn’t tell anyone about it for six months and the shame I felt just turned into depression. I began to use food to help me try to cope and numb how I was feeling, but the weight I gained made me feel even worse. One day, I felt so disgusted with who I had become that I cut off all my hair until it was a buzz cut. I didn’t care anymore about myself, let alone take care of myself. At 20 years old, I had been experiencing this depression for a year and was hitting rock bottom. That was a turning point. Over the next couple months, I gradually started listening to the advice my parents and sisters had given me throughout this journey. I started to talk to the Lord again and began reading His Word. Through it, He told me who I was, and how much He deeply loved and accepted me. Today the Word of God is my guidance and direction for every area of my life. It is where

At 20 years old, I had been experiencing this depression for a year and was hitting rock bottom.

Photo by Kathryn Grady

The next thing I knew, I woke up in a hospital with people asking me questions. I stayed four days because of a bad reaction to the medication they gave me, and then the doctors sent me to Banner, a mental health facility. I was there only one night and told my parents I would do anything to never go back again. Even though I said I would work on myself, I continued to lie to my parents about what I was doing. I was so selfish and rude to them, even though they were doing all they could to help.

I get my identity and where I have learned so much about who Jesus is and how I can be more like Him. The Lord assured me that He would fully forgive me of my past and make me a new person in Him.

Numerous little things contributed to my recovery, but I give the full credit to Jesus Christ. He truly brought me out of my despair and into His glorious light. He didn’t do it all in one day, but little by little, as I was willing. The Lord has shown me what a healer He is to His children. He instilled in me a deep confidence that if He brought me out of such a hard time in my life, He could bring me out of anything. He allowed an emotional struggle in my life to show me how much I need Him. Even though the Lord saved me from the lowest lows in my life, I still struggle with depression on a daily basis and I know it has helped me relate with so many other people. The difference is, now I have wisdom and knowledge from Christ that no emotion can overpower. He tells me I am a new person, a new creation in Him, and has spoken so clearly to me through Psalm 34. I am so thankful I’m not the same person I was four years ago. He truly changed me from the inside out and for that I give Him all the glory and praise.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. -Psalm 34:18

Jenny Limmer is now 23 and pursuing an Elementary Education degree from Northern Arizona University. She attends College Group on Tuesday nights at Scottsdale Bible’s Cactus Campus.

I also got connected with a Christian counselor and developed a routine to take better care of myself and my basic needs. I started seeing myself differently. I saw a nutritionist who helped me come to a healthy understanding of food, and my counselor helped give me the skills to cope with my depression and anxiety. SCOTTSDALEBIBLE.COM

Meeting

Jesus

in the

Workplace

G re gV att

by to Pho

“ I had grown up in a home where we went to church and I had always prayed to God, but I had a hard time believing in Him.”

all started with a simple invitation. Jeff Furtado had worked with Alicia Flatin, Marilyn Hayes and Linda Criswell long enough to become good friends with them and to know they were serious about their faith as Christians. This wasn’t their first invitation to include Jeff, but accepting their offer changed his life.

“They invited me to join their Bible study to learn and understand the names of God,” Jeff said. “I had grown up in a home where we went to church and I had always prayed to God, but I had a hard time believing in Him. I really wanted to know what they were studying, so I said, ‘Sure!’” Jeff joined the study in May 2012. “The ladies had encouraged me to take part and even bought me the book,” he recalled. “We met at work, and watched a DVD of Kay Arthur teaching. When Kay talked, God spoke directly to my heart.” Through this shared Bible study, God began a transformation in Jeff. “As I would write in the workbook each week, I would start crying,” he said. “I wasn’t sad. They were warm tears of discovery. It was like, Okay, I get it now. I know who Jesus is. My only way to heaven is through Him.”

“I took the baptism class at Scottsdale Bible and learned that baptism symbolizes identifying with Jesus in His death and resurrection, and that was significant to me,” Jeff said. “I knew Jesus wanted me to do this and I wanted everyone who would see my baptism to know that I want to be as close to Jesus on this side of heaven as I can be!” Jeff explained that his baptism supercharged his new faith in Christ. “I do feel closer to Jesus,” he said. “He is who I think about all day, every day. He is using me all the time to talk to other people about Him. There isn’t a week that goes by where I don’t get a chance to tell someone how good He is to me.” Not only has God changed Jeff’s eternal destiny, but He is also changing Jeff on a daily basis. “My whole life is different,” Jeff said. “I used to be super nervous and always struggling for the right words to say. Now I have peace and a calm about me. I am able to speak differently and find the words to say what I really mean. I continue to read the Bible—I’m reading through Exodus right now—because I’m still a work in process and God has given me friends to learn and grow with. I want people to see Jesus when they look at me and hear Him when I speak.”

As Jeff’s relationship with God grew to the point where he trusted Jesus as his Savior, his friends continued to urge him to grow in his new faith. “Last year, Alicia said, ‘You know, Jeff, you should be baptized.’ I had never even thought about it, because I had been baptized as a baby. They explained that it was a way I could obey God and feel closer to Jesus, so I decided to do it,” he said.

SCOTTSDALEBIBLE.COM

nless you attend worship services at The Venue, you probably only know Rustin Rossello as “one of those funny guys from the videos.” But to an average of 550 people who attend The Venue every Sunday, he’s much more than that. His mom used to say, “He’s either going to be a comedian or a really funny pastor.” Until about four years ago, Rustin wasn’t so sure about the “funny pastor” part.

Meet

Rustin PA S T O

Growing up in a Christian family, he was always involved in church, but like many, he wavered in his faith during college. After graduating from ASU in 2006, he married his wife, Jaime, in 2007. Their first couple of years of marriage were a bit of a roller coaster, as Rustin struggled with alcoholism. Feeling unhappy and deceived, Jaime decided to turn her new husband completely over to God. She began praying every day for his world to be shaken and his eyes to be opened.

God began to work. Rustin’s problems with alcohol and Jaime’s fervent prayers collided one morning when Rustin woke up on the bathroom floor after a night of drinking. I just can’t live like this anymore, he said to himself. He decided that morning he needed something new. As Rustin sought support and sobriety through Alcoholics Anonymous, Jaime began seeing her prayers answered.

Photo by Greg Vatt

“ People come up and share their deepest stuff with me. They say, ‘ I heard your story and thought you’d understand.’” 20

With the realization that they had to turn everything over to the Lord, Rustin and Jaime entered into a period of marriage restoration. They gradually rebuilt the foundation of their marriage and began a family. They now have a 3-year-old daughter, Marley, and a 12-week-old son, McCoy, and Rustin is pursuing his Master of Arts in Ministry at Phoenix Seminary. He will soon celebrate five years of sobriety.

One thing that’s unique about The Venue is the focus on building an intimate sense of community. “People show up expecting to hear a sermon, but leave feeling cared for and finding a place where they can interact and be engaged,” said Rustin. “One of our passions is to meet people in their brokenness and provide a safe place to open up—to be transparent and drawn out of their comfort zones.”

The couple is not shy about their story.

Instead, they use it as a powerful testimony of how God can bring someone from total brokenness into peace and happiness. During the restoration and rebuilding process, God gave Rustin a passion for helping people. His road into ministry gives him a unique ability—and more importantly, a strong desire—to help people find hope and freedom from difficulties they have lived with for years.

hands-on leadership experience. Through the program, he served in children’s, youth and college ministry positions. In July 2013, he was officially offered his current role as Pastor of The Venue Community and Pastor of our thriving college ministry. The two Venue services in the Town Center have an atmosphere that’s different from the Worship Center. This diversity reflects Scottsdale Bible’s commitment to offering different worship styles and environments to suit our unique congregation.

His mom used to say, “He’s either going to be a comedian or a really funny pastor.” “I’m rewarded daily,” he says, “as I’ve started to see the hurting people all around me. Like 2 Corinthians 1:4 says, I’m able to encourage them in the same way God has encouraged me through my struggles.” When Rustin and Jaime began regularly attending Scottsdale Bible four years ago, Rustin started volunteering with the junior high student ministry. After enrolling at Phoenix Seminary, he was invited to join the Minister-in-Training program at Scottsdale Bible, which offers students

After worship music that’s a little louder and more contemporary than you’ll hear in the Worship Center, Pastor Jamie’s sermon is simulcast via video. There’s no particular age bracket in The Venue. “We’ve got everyone from freshmen in high school to people in their 70’s and 80’s,” says Rustin. “If you enjoy contemporary worship, we’ve got that for you. We try to meet people where they are, while at the same time continuing to help them grow to where they’re going.”

“People come up and share their deepest stuff with me,” said Rustin. “They say, ‘I heard your story and thought you’d understand.’ It’s my passion to provide a door for people to come in and feel safe.” Nathan and Brittany Holt recently began attending services at The Venue. Asked about their experience, they said, “From the moment we started coming to Scottsdale Bible, we felt connected and genuinely cared for by the staff and community at The Venue. They’ve made us feel at home and we feel blessed to be a part of this amazing ministry.” Families like this and the community they’ve become a part of is what it’s all about for Rustin and the other Venue leaders. Asked about his personal goals, Rustin says he is “simply trying to keep up with the Lord’s plans and go along for the ride. Whatever God decides to do with the gifts He’s given me, I’m up for it.” About his role as Venue Pastor, he adds, “We are Scottsdale Bible Church. Jamie is our pastor and it’s my job and privilege to care for the community of The Venue.”

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. -2 Corinthians 1:4

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Grace Photos by Session Nine Photographers

Grounded ife can often feel very full, and it’s easy to allow our daily routines to become demanding and overwhelming. When that happens, sometimes the last thing we focus on is extending grace to others— especially our family. Alan and Stephanie Flies have three girls, ages one to four, and a busy work and volunteering schedule, yet they’re trying to be intentional about creating a grace-filled home.

“Grace is what brings us to Christ,” Stephanie said, “but more often than not, grace can be lacking in our relationships.” Early in their 9-year marriage, Alan and Stephanie were introduced to the concept of a grace-based family through Stephanie’s job at Family Matters, working with Tim and Darcy Kimmel. “The Kimmels and their ministry influenced our views on parenting and inspired us to

seek out a church that embraced a biblical philosophy on grace. Scottsdale Bible was an obvious choice for us.” As a young married couple, Alan and Stephanie started attending Bible studies to get plugged into the church community. A Love and Respect conference, led by author Emerson Eggerichs, inspired them to begin leading their own small group to share what they had learned. “We were fortunate that the group attracted couples from the same season of life,” recalled Alan. “It was a crucial time for us to be around and influenced by likeminded people who could experience the ups and downs of life with us.” When they began having children, the couple started attending classes at Scottsdale Bible to learn more about parenting with grace. “The definition of

grace-based parenting is treating your kids the way God treats you—and that’s with grace,” said Stephanie. “That’s what the family ministry is passionate about, and so we have adopted that as our family mantra. I think it’s been a major help for Alan and me in raising our family.” Stephanie recognizes that she naturally leans toward a more legalistic point of view. As a first born, she is a rule-follower. “I like rules,” she said, “and I want to make sure everyone follows them—my husband and kids included!” Yet she has realized that although rules are needed in parenting, there is just as much room for grace! “Grace is often misunderstood because many assume that it’s ‘license parenting,’ meaning you allow your children to get away with anything and everything. And that couldn’t be further from the truth!

Jesus operated 100% truthfully and 100% graciously at all times! So despite the challenges, that is certainly our model. The family ministry has helped us to really see how to meet in the middle.” Alan and Stephanie have also been meeting with a mentor couple for more than five years. “Having mentors with older kids who have ‘been there, done that’ has been so encouraging. We’ve been able to learn from them how they applied a grace-filled approach in their parenting,” said Alan. “Our marriage has been impacted as well,” Alan added. “The grace-based message has helped us extend grace to one another. The biggest thing we have learned along the way is understanding each other’s intent. We never intentionally hurt one another, and realizing that has been very pivotal in our marriage and in other relationships. All avenues seem to lead to the core message of grace.”

Stephanie agreed, “The more we’ve understood and embraced that God is our loving Father who sent His Son, Jesus, to serve as our sacrifice, and the grace that’s involved in that relationship, the more our lives have changed. And it has changed our children’s lives, too! For them to see grace practically lived out on a day-to-day basis is the strongest ministry any parent can have with their kids.” The Flies family attends our Cactus Campus and serves there as much as their free time allows. Stephanie helps contribute sermon quotes for Scottsdale Bible’s Facebook page and also leads a table at MOPS (Mothers Of Preschoolers) and the Grace-Based Woman class. “We don’t have a lot of time to serve, given our season of life,” said Stephanie, “but I feel like if we’re not serving now, we won’t do it later.”

Being a MOPS leader has been an influential and helpful tool for her as a mom. “It is a fantastic program because it’s easy to invite other moms you meet on the playground or wherever. All moms are looking for information on how to parent their kids better, and they’re also looking for ways to connect with other moms.” “Overall, I think it’s been God’s sovereignty that we’ve come to Scottsdale Bible and been entrenched in the message of grace,” added Alan. “It has helped us see how vital it is.” “Despite our limited energy and time at this stage of life, it is fantastic for our children to see that as a family, we serve others and show grace to one another,” said Stephanie. “Our life is definitely full, but it’s the best kind of full.”

Nora, Elsie and Audrey Flies SCOTTSDALEBIBLE.COM

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