VL - Issue 20 - May 2016 by VICTORIOUS LIVING Magazine

REAL PEOPLE | REAL STORIES | REAL HOPE

Quarterly Publication | Issue 2 2016

A Publication of Kristi Overton Johnson Ministries

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I WAS IN

PRISON And You Visited Me.

Matthew 25:36

SEND VICTORIOUS LIVING TO A PRISON INMATE ARE YOU AN INMATE WHO NEEDS ENCOURAGEMENT? Our Prison Correspondence Team is here for you! Every day, inmates reach out to KOJM through letters asking for prayers and encouragement as well as discipleship opportunities to help them grow in their faith. Every inmate who contacts KOJM receives in-depth monthly devotionals, personal letters from KOJM’s correspondence team, and a quarterly copy of Victorious Living. BECOME A PART OF OUR VICTORIOUS LIVING FAMILY TODAY! WRITE TO:

KOJ MINISTRIES PRISON CORRESPONDENCE OUTREACH PO BOX 328 • STARKE, FL 32091 VL_May2016r19.indd 2

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Thank you to the following organizations who faithfully support Victorious Living.

When asked why they give, they respond,

“Because we care!”

Why I Care RUTHIE COTTON | MACON, GA

REAL PEOPLE | REAL STORIES | REAL HOPE ISSUE 2, MAY 2016 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. Isaiah 43:2 Publisher & Executive Director | Kristi Overton Johnson

Our family has been blessed to know the Overton family for years. We share their faith. We’ve watched Kristi mature physically and spiritually. From her passion for water-skiing to In His Wakes and now KOJ Ministries, Kristi has given God the glory for the victories. The ministries she has founded are changing lives. Through these programs and publications, I see the care and love of God shared with hurting people. I hear testimonies of lives being changed forever. People are experiencing the presence of God. They now have hope, joy, and love in whatever circumstance they may be in or encounter. Kristi has trusted in the Lord, sought His wisdom, and acknowledged God. She is allowing Him to direct her paths (Proverbs 3:5–6). This is why our family supports this ministry. We care because God cares! Ruthie Cotton and the Cotton Patch

Thank you to all who have supported this outreach! We need more churches and individuals to help support KOJ Ministries and Victorious Living. For just $500, you or your church or organization can sponsor our ministry in a prison for one full year. So much can be done through your generous giving.

Can you help today?

American Solutions for Business cstallings@americanbus.com Captain’s Party Rentals captainspartyrentals.com Community Church of Keystone Heights ccokh.org Davis Gas davisgas.com Discount Inboard Marine skidim.com

First Baptist of Starke fbcstarke.org Greater Greenville Foundation Keystone Plumbing keystoneplumbinginc@ yahoo.com Nautique Boat Company nautique.com The Clipping Corner Melrose, FL The Trophy Shop thetrophyshop.com

Contributing Writers GIlberton A., Robert B., Lucy Adams, Mike Botti, Linda Cubbedge, Kristi Dews Dale, Ryan Fitts, Kent Hartshorn, Kristi Overton Johnson, Jacob Miller, Nate Miller, Melinda Rodgers, J. Rodriquez, Johnny Zentmeyer, Kaytee Zentmeyer Cover Photography | Joey Meddock Photography Photography Aren Bane Photography, Ted Bevelacque , Des Burke-Kennedy, Bill Doster, Trevor Gagnon, Bob Garis Photography, Tom Grey, Mark and Jordan Greenwood, Tom King, Harvey McCleod, Spray Magazine, Todd Ristorcelli, Tomsk Rossa, Daniel Rye f

Faithful Distributors Special thanks to Bill Coleman and Tina Brown for distributing Victorious Living in local areas in Floida and North Carolina f

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Scripture marked NIV is taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Scripture marked TPT is taken from Letters from Heaven by the Apostle Paul, The Passion Translation™, ©2013. Used by permission of 5 Fold Media LLC, Syracuse, NY 13039, United States of America. All scripture versions are used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

HOW TO REACH VICTORIOUS LIVING Subscriptions • See this issue’s back cover • Visit kojministries.org • Call 352-478-2098 • Write to Victorious Living Subscription Services PO Box 120951 Clermont, FL 34712-0951 • Bulk subscriptions, call 352-478-2098.

Submissions • Submit at kojministries.org • Mail submissions to Victorious Living Submissions, PO Box 120951 Clermont, FL 34712-0951 ALL Inmate Correspondence • Mail correspondence to Victorious Living Prison Outreach PO Box 328 Starke, FL 32091

VICTORIOUS LIVING MISSION The purpose of Victorious Living is to declare freedom for the captive through true testimonials of God’s grace, love, and power in the lives of everyday people. A captive is anyone enslaved to their circumstances, relationships, thought patterns, habits, or emotions. A captive can be incarcerated or living in a free society. Captives can be of any age, gender, race, and socio-economic background.

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CONTENTS 7 A Tough Landing How a former water-ski jumper moved forward in faith after the accident that took his friend’s life and landed him in prison. Ryan Fitts

Are you experiencing victorious living? Is your life filled with

purpose, love, joy, and peace?

Do you have

hope for your future?

Forgiveness for your past? Strength for your tomorrow? Right now you might be thinking, “Are you kidding me? Joy, peace, purpose? Worth, strength, forgiveness? I’ll never have those things! Look at where I am! Look at what I’ve been through. Look at what I’ve done. Look at what has been done to me.” Friend, right now, no matter what your past

or present, all of these things can be yours. You can have peace that passes all understanding, joy in the

midst of hardship, love and acceptance despite your failures, forgiveness, and a fresh start. Your life can have purpose. It doesn’t matter if you are sitting in a mansion or in a jail cell or somewhere in between, a victorious life can be

yours TodaY!

How? Through a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ. If you do not currently have a relationship with God, begin one right now. Romans 10:8–10 nkjv explains how: “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart…that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” As you accept what Christ has done for you and put your faith in Him alone for salvation, you are then free to have a relationship with God and experience His peace, power, presence, and love. You don’t have to do anything to earn God’s love and forgiveness. It’s yours for the asking! After you’ve received this free gift of salvation, guess what? You are then able to step into the life of victory Christ died to give you—an abundant life of peace, joy, worth, love, and purpose. As you grow in your relationship with Him through studying and applying the Word of God and by trusting Him, these things are released in your daily life.

Will you pray with me right now and receive all that God intends for you?

Dear Lord, I confess that I am a sinner in need of salvation. I thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to save me from my sins. Thank You that He laid down His life for me so that I could have a new life in Him. I receive, by faith, this forgiveness of sin. I now give my life, my past, and my future to You. Guide my steps and speak to my heart, Lord. Amen

8 In a Corner A betrayal left the author in deep depression with no one to turn to but God. Jacob Miller 9 Move That Piano! The final days of a former drug lord lead those around him to lifechanging faith in Jesus Christ. Kent Hartshorn 10 Finding Your True Identity A two-fold story from a professional synchronized swimmer and her champion diver husband of their individual triumphs over addictions and injury and the fulfillment they have found together in Christ. Kaytee and Johnny Zentmeyer 13 No Little Offense 14 God’s Healing Touch Barefoot water-ski pioneer and Hall-of-Famer tells of his miraculous healing and what he learned while facing imminent death. Mike Botti 16 Tapping into the Power of Prayer Pray big prayers—anything is possible with God. Kristi Dews Dale

17 Sidelined Even in a place of painful isolation, God gives the strength to endure… and conquer. Melinda Rodgers 18 Hit It! World champion water-skier, Kristi Overton Johnson shares her story of perseverance and determination, but more importantly, the faith that sustains her through both the blessings and troubles of life. 21 Keys to Victory Eight habits that will help you attain success in life and faith. 22 Out from under the Clouds Sage advice for believers dealing with depression. Linda Cubbedge 23 A New Beginning Jesus meets us where we are, whether pastor’s wife or prison inmate. Lucy N. Adams 25 Faith for the Impossible 29 Burning Hearts 30 Lost Boy J. Rodriguez 31 A Tribute to Andy Mapple The water-sports community says goodbye to a beloved icon and friend.

6 Publisher’s Note

26 From Our Readers

24 IHW Ministry Update

28 KOJM Ministry Update

Share Your Story!

DO YOU HAVE A STORY OF VICTORY? SHARE IT WITH OUR READERS! Your story has the power to transform lives and bring much needed hope. Here are the guidelines:

• Submissions are not guaranteed to be included in the magazine. • Submission is acknowledgment of your granting KOJM and Victorious Living publication rights to produce your submission in this magazine and other ministry publications. • Photos submitted must have photographer’s and each photographed subject’s consent of use. Photographer’s name must be included. Hard copies of photographs will not be returned.

• Victorious Living does not pay for submissions. • Submissions must not exceed 800 words and are subject to editing. • Mail submissions to: Victorious Living, PO Box 120951, Clermont, FL 34712-0951; or submit online at kojministries.org. • Victorious Living is a free quarterly publication distributed to KOJ Ministries partners, at various distribution locations, and within the prison system.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

LIFTED UP!

HAVE YOU FALLEN HARD? ARE YOU READY FOR LIFE? I MEAN TRUE LIFE… A LIFE BEYOND TROPHIES AT A WATER-SKI EVENT OR A RAISE AT YOUR JOB OR PROMOTION IN YOUR CAREER. A LIFE BEYOND YOUR ADDICTIONS, YOUR FAILURES, YOUR RELATIONSHIPS, OR YOUR INCARCERATION. IF YOU’RE READY, THEN HUMBLE YOURSELF.

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Welcome to our special water-sports edition of Victorious Living. This magazine is distributed to a variety of people in a wide array of places, so I’m not sure how you came to hold it in your hands. Perhaps you received it as a gift for being a financial partner of our ministry. Maybe you stumbled across it at a watersports venue, a local business, or your church. Maybe someone sent it to you as a gift subscription. Or maybe you’re an inmate who discovered our magazine in the chapel, solitary confinement, or in your dorm. Regardless, I believe it is no accident that you have encountered this magazine. I hope you will take the time to read the following stories, as they have the power to change your life. For many years, I competed as a professional waterskier. One of my favorite venues was the US Masters Water Ski Tournament, hosted each year at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Performing in front of the grand pavilion packed with cheering spectators, against the fiercest competitors in the world and in the toughest conditions in the world, made for some sweet victories. It also made for some painful defeats. It was hard to hide my failures with people so close. Many tears were shed in those port-a-potties on the backside of the pavilion. Gross, I know. But it was the only place I could find to sort through my disappointment in private. No one—I mean, no one— wants to join you in there! One thing I learned from my thirty-year ski career is that life is full of disappointments. Whether you’re an athlete, businessperson, stay-at-home mom, student, or inmate, the hits will come, and often they come hard and fast. One minute you’re up, and then you’re down. You can be going along and then wham! Sickness comes, relationships end, finances disappear, dreams burst, and everything around you crumbles. It happens to the best of us, so we all need to learn how to handle both the disappointments and victories of life. And humility is the key. What is humility? Most people would describe it as having a modest view of oneself. And that’s accurate. But to me, humility is far more than having a modest view of myself. It’s a mindset that leads me to certain actions. Humility begins with a few personal revelations such as: • I don’t have all the answers. • Others might actually know more than I do. • I need the help of others. • The world doesn’t begin or end with me or my desires. • Others have value, and my life can add value to theirs.

A humble estimation of ourselves enables us to listen and learn from others. It frees us to actually ask for and receive help. It enables us to hold our tongues and relinquish our perceived right to be right. It causes us to be patient, gentle, loving, and kind. And it enables us to lay aside what is important to us for the benefit of another. Jesus Christ gave us the most incredible example of humility. “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross” (Philippians 2:6–8). But in His death, an amazing thing happened. “Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names” (Philippians 2:9). Did you catch that? When Christ humbled Himself, God lifted Him up. The same holds true for you and me. When we humble ourselves before others, God Himself will lift us up and elevate us to new positions in life. God hates pride. He actually opposes the proud; He comes against them as if in battle. But to those who are humble, He gives grace. He gives divine favor. He comes to their aid and helps them accomplish what they could never have accomplished on their own. (See 1 Peter 5:5–6). To the humble, God gives life. Are you ready for life? I mean true life…a life beyond trophies at a water-ski event or a raise at your job or promotion in your career. A life beyond your addictions, your failures, your relationships, or your incarceration. If you’re ready, then humble yourself. The stories you are about to read are stories of humility. They are testimonies of people from diverse backgrounds who each came to a place of surrender, a place where they said, “God, my life is not my own. Take it. I need You. I don’t have all the answers. Help me.” And in that place of humility, regardless of who they were or what they’d done, God lifted them up. He placed them above their addictions, chronic illness, selfishness, false identities, and grief so that those things no longer had control over them. For many of our contributors, it took hitting rock bottom before they humbled themselves before God. And that is okay. God met them where they were. But you know what? You don’t have to hit rock bottom to find true life. God doesn’t say, “Exhaust yourself and them come to Me and I’ll help you.” No. He invites you to come to Him now. Come. And be lifted up to a life greater than you can imagine. I hope you enjoy this issue!

photography by Bill Doster

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A Tough Landing by Ryan Fitts

On July 12, 2009, I made the foolish decision to get behind the wheel of my truck and speed down a back road while under the influence of alcohol. My decision cost my friend his life, grieved the hearts of his family members, and placed a burden on my own family they didn’t deserve. There were four of us out that evening. We were relaxing after a long day of coaching and training at a local ski school in Louisiana. We left a local bar after hours of partying and headed back to school. We were less than two miles from our destination when I lost control of my truck. Fortunately, my friends in the backseat were wearing their seat belts and escaped with minor injuries. We weren’t so fortunate in the front seat. Without a seatbelt to secure him in the vehicle, my friend was thrown from the truck and died from the impact. I survived the accident with a shattered pelvis, broken femur, and severely damaged bladder. I spent three months in the hospital, where I experienced fourteen surgeries, a skin flap, and skin grafts before I was transferred to jail. I served two years and eight months in five different facilities in Louisiana, then was released in March 2015. To say I am grateful to be alive would be an understatement. I don’t deserve to be here. God didn’t give me a second chance when He spared my life that night. Truth be told, He had already given me hundreds of chances—too many to count. My family and friends from the water-ski world can attest to that fact. As a former professional water-ski jumper, I lived life on the edge. I did things my own way without any rules. No one could tell me how to live. My goal was to have as much fun as possible. I lived with the throttle down and hung on to the controls. Those who were close to me on tour would have been shocked to know that I have always had a belief in Jesus Christ. I grew up in a Christian family, and my faith was always within me. But I wasn’t following after God. Many times my family encouraged

By no means am I perfect; nor will I ever be. But I know that God can still use me. I believe He has kept me here for a purpose, and it is the desire of my heart to discover that purpose as I follow His direction.

me to deepen my relationship with Christ and put Him first, but I had other things on my mind. I wanted to live life to the fullest. My stubborn desire almost cost me my life. I am alive only by the grace of God and the diligent prayers of my father and mother, who never ceased to ask God to keep their wild child safe. They never gave up on me, no matter how far out on the edge I lived. Like the father in the story of the prodigal son, my parents welcomed me home every time with unconditional love. The pain of the accident and the guilt of knowing that I am responsible for taking the life of such an amazing person as my friend has been a painful experience. I’ve learned the hard way that every choice we make in life inevitably impacts someone else. At times, I’ve wanted to rationalize my side of the story and share what was going on in my own life at that time. But the truth is, there is no justification. I’ve had to accept full responsibility for my actions. And in accepting responsibility, I have been able to move forward. There is not a day that passes that I am not sorry for what I have done. I wouldn’t be able to bear it if it wasn’t for God’s forgiveness. Receiving— accepting—His forgiveness wasn’t easy in the beginning, but I had to receive it in order to move past my mistakes. I also had to forgive myself. As much as I’d like to change the past, I can’t. There is nothing I can do except move forward in faith and make better choices in the future as a son, brother, friend, and now as a husband and father. I can also help others by sharing my story. Hopefully, they can learn from my mistakes. By no means am I perfect; nor will I ever be. But I know that God can still

photography by des@burke-kennedy.com

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use me. I believe He has kept me here for a purpose, and it is the desire of my heart to discover that purpose as I follow His direction. I don’t know what the next chapter in my life holds. Being incarcerated has taught me the art of being patient. I’ve learned to relinquish the controls of my life and trust the Lord. I know that He will direct my footsteps and work all things in my life out for good…even the painful things. As a former jumper, I take comfort in knowing that God will always help me land on my feet, even when life seems to go upside down. Already He has taken this painful trial and helped me discover true life in Him. I want to thank KOJ Ministries for being in continuous contact with me while I was incarcerated. It meant the world to me to have your support. The magazine, your letters, and the monthly devotions helped me face my trials and grow in faith. I often shared the magazines with the other guys in my dorm. They were passed around the whole compound. So many lives are touched through this ministry. V kojministries.org Issue 2 2016 7

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In a Corner

by Jacob Miller

In Apartment 805 of a tall, narrow building just off Sheridan Road, a man lies alone on a bed stripped of its covers. Pat-a-pat-pat-pat. Raindrops descend in slow motion and collide lightly against the windowpane. A far-off radio station crackles. He can hear the radio announcer’s voice, sputtering and fuzzy, but as the moments pass, he must acknowledge the truth. His mind…his mind won’t let him make out the words. His pillow, wet with tears, feels cold and clammy against his cheek. He rolls his head to the other side where it’s dry, but minutes later…the same problem. Tears slide steadily down, seeping into the pillowcase. The dampness spreads. The frustration grows. Inside, he asks for only one thing. Freedom. Freedom from the things done wrong. His choices haunt him, and he wants nothing more than to be whole again. But he’s in a cavern of darkness and heartbreak. Only hope can keep the lights on, and even that has faded. The ache inside is a hand-clenched fist, and there is no release, no valve to turn that can discharge the pressure. His face points upward now, toward the ceiling. Heaven looks like plaster, a bumpy land of volcanoes, hills, and valleys. It’s a yellowed vista instead of clean white. A single light, no fan hanging above.

I wanted to cry out to the one thing that I knew was rock solid and always true. But for the longest time, I couldn’t—I thought it would mean that I was weak and couldn’t handle life by myself. The room is dim, heated, and hazy. There’s sweat on his brow, and his uncovered legs feel exposed to the loneliness of his state. He’s shaky as he sits up and stumbles from the bed. He meanders into the kitchen and opens the cabinet to the right of the sink. The one without a handle. Reaching blindly inside, he fumbles for a smooth-surfaced glass. He can barely gulp the water down. The stream of liquid seems to pass through the emptiness of his stomach without so much as a proper greeting. Knuckles press firmly into the center of a wet sponge, and he doubles over, coughing and crying all at once. He can’t hold it back any longer. The scream of rage, the anger at his state. The pain inside feels like a lion ripping and roaring, trying to get out. Freedom. It’s there, about to surface. His heart beats so fast; he’s afraid he’ll pass out. He grabs the kitchen counter, steadies himself, and then… “AAHHHHH!” He yells it at the top of his voice. As long and as loud as he possibly can.

And it echoes. The silence that follows is deafening. His blood pulses in his ears while the dimness slowly clears. His eyes begin to focus; he feels energy surging back into his mind. The radio station tunes to the purest reception he’s ever heard. And in clear HD audio, he hears a voice. The words are unmistakable. I love you, Jake. Though completely inaudible, he hears it clearly. Not a radio voice any longer, but one gentle and clear, with no motive to manipulate. You are my son. I’ve got you. And with those words, I breathe a slow, knowing breath. I am not alone. I am not without hope. God is with me. And I know He saw me, right then, in my desperate state.

We long for intimacy in life. From the moment we’re born, we desire to be held, to feel the presence of someone’s love. God created us for intimacy, and when that need isn’t filled, we become disconnected and lose our sense of purpose. Then the question becomes, who or what determines our sense of selfworth, affirmation, and level of intimacy? I learned the hard way, but I know now, without a smidgen of doubt, that only God can fill these places. We can gain a false sense of intimacy when we replace the love of God with temporal things that change over time. Intimacy with other people is vitally important, but even those closest to us should not become the basis of our identity and affirmation. People will inevitably let us down. They will hurt us. When that happens, even in a small way, if we’ve based our identity in and around that person, our foundation will come tumbling down. When God spoke to me in that apartment as I lay there, sweating it out on the bed, I had just gone through a period of time where the people I loved and trusted had rejected me. My entire being, the very core of who I was, had flown right out the window. Any words of love and affirmation those people had told me in the past could no longer be believed, because their actions had spoken very differently. Many people try to replace their need for intimacy with

people—especially if they’ve been hurt by them—by refocusing their sense of value and self-worth on success in other areas, like their bodies or their money. “I don’t need other people,” they declare. “All I need is me.” This is an easy lie to believe. It feels safe. They raise the walls around their hearts, determined to never let themselves be hurt again. Unfortunately, that means they’ll never feel love again, either. I wanted to cry out to God that night. I wanted to cry out to the one thing that I knew was rock solid and always true. But I couldn’t—I thought it would mean that I was weak and couldn’t handle life by myself. I thought it meant I would have to start earning God’s affirmation by doing a bunch of churchy, religious stuff. I had gotten intimacy with God all wrong. I was convinced that the countless sins on my record would keep me from ever being loved and forgiven by Him. For years, those sins had piled up like a massive bank of seaweed, until I could no longer enjoy the soft, sandy shores of God’s grace and forgiveness. I believed lies about my character; I knew I had not done enough to earn God’s affection and care. I thought that, with my amount of sin, He would never want to be friends with someone like me. Let alone talk with me. He proved me wrong. He came to me when I called for Him. In the solitude of my apartment, backed into a corner by pain, I cried out. I released my pride, I surrendured my right to be right—and just like a father who runs to the cries of his children, God swooped in. Instantly and without hesitation, the first words off His lips were that He loved me. That’s an intimacy I can believe in. No conditions. No chastisement. Only love. Pure love. V

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Move That Piano! The year was 1998. I was dating a young lady named Barbie. With my name being Kent, the jokes were abundant! In the 1980s, Barbie’s father and four brothers had run a large drug and moonshine ring in the small Southern town where we grew up. The long arm of the law eventually caught up with them, sending them all to prison. The criminal counts on her father, Albert, were so numerous that he received a lifetime sentence. Her brothers were released after serving a few years. Word came that Albert had become very sick with cancer. Then we were told that he would be sent home for his last days because of good behavior. I visited with him numerous times, and I soon learned that Albert and three of his sons had given their lives to Christ while in prison. They had then ministered to the inmates around them and had led many to Christ. I personally had no idea what that meant. I did not grow up in church. The only time I went to church was when they opened up their gymnasium for public roller-skating. I found it strange that this man—who knew he would soon die—could appear so fearless of death itself. There was so much peace, grace, and love pouring out from him, that it was hard for me to imagine that he had been sentenced to life in prison. I couldn’t find any evidence of the old man I had heard so much about. There was this new person with a new character, and I couldn’t explain its origin. At his home, people were praying. Sometimes when they prayed, I didn’t understand a word they were saying. It freaked me out a little bit. It was becoming obvious that Albert’s time on earth was quickly coming to an end. On his final day, the house was full of people. It was partly cloudy with no visible storm clouds in sight when Albert took his last breath. But at the exact moment he departed, a loud clap of thunder shook the house! I cannot explain what it was or where it came from; all I know is that everyone around me started screaming and praising Jesus. The family then decided that everyone should go to the back porch and form a prayer circle. I was hoping they wouldn’t ask me to pray! I was scared to death and definitely out of my comfort zone. We bowed our heads, and various family members began to pray. Just then, a huge gust of wind came against us. When we opened our eyes, we saw something amazing. In the middle of our prayer circle, two sticks had blown together to make a cross! The whole family started screaming, “Praise Jesus!” once again. “What the heck is going on here?” I asked myself. The scene was crazy. photography by Ted Bevelacqua

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by Kent Hartshorn

I found it strange that this man— who knew he would soon die—could appear so fearless of death itself. There was so much peace, grace, and love pouring out from him.

A few days later we headed to the funeral. The church hosting Albert’s funeral had actually been paid for and built by him years earlier. The pastor, a man by the name of Brother Bruce, led the service at the small Baptist church. I sat on a pew next to a truck driver named Uncle Reuben. Uncle Reuben was a large man—he stood about six foot five and weighed in at 250 pounds. When it came to the end of the service, Brother Bruce stated that Albert would not want his funeral service to end without an invitation being extended for people to make Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior. I heard a voice in my mind say, “You should probably do that.” Taking into account the transformation I had witnessed in Albert’s life, the unexplainable events of the past days, and the intense prompting in my heart, I prayed a prayer of salvation, right there at Albert’s funeral. I cannot describe in great enough detail the feeling that came over me. It felt like someone had lifted a grand piano off of my chest! In that moment, all my sin was gone. The guilt and shame that I had been carrying around for over thirty years—my “grand piano”—was gone When the service ended and we stood up to leave, I turned to Reuben and said, “Uncle Reuben, something happened to me when I said that prayer.”

He asked me to describe what happened. When I told him, he grabbed hold of the back of my neck and the seat of my pants and lifted me up over his head and screamed, “This boy just got saved! This boy just got saved!” At only five foot three and 140 pounds, I thought for a minute I was the next contestant in a man-tossing contest! It’s been eighteen years since God lifted that piano weight from my chest…at a former drug lord’s funeral, of all places. Since then, I have grown in my relationship with Jesus Christ. Notice I didn’t say religion. I don’t have religion. I have a personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus. And it has changed my life. Like Albert, I’m a new man. In my faith journey, I’ve learned much about the Lord. I’ve witnessed His faithfulness time and time again. He has blessed me beyond measure with longevity in the sport of professional kneeboarding. He has also given me a wonderful wife, Victoria, and our two precious girls, Zoe and Gracelynn. And He has helped me overcome every trial. Friend, is there a piano sitting on your chest? Are you under the weight of fear, guilt, disappointment, hurt, shame, anger, or bitterness? Then let God lift it from you. Nothing is too heavy for Him. The moment you ask, He will make you brand new, and you will experience new life. He did it for Albert. He did it for me. And He’ll do it for you. V kojministries.org Issue 2 2016 9

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Finding Your True Identity Kaytee’s Story

by Kaytee and Johnny Zentmeyer

ur stories are never the same, but often they intertwine—teaching us, guiding us, and sometimes, miraculously changing us. I hope my story can somehow do this for you. I was the baby of six, raised by my wonderful parents, Bill and Mary Davis, in the small town of Parker, Colorado. I remember telling my mom as a young child that my heart hurt. It did. Even now, I can recall the blunt pressure on the top of my chest and the doctor’s cold stethoscope. After ten minutes of listening to my heart, the doctor rushed me to Children’s Hospital in Denver for an emergency biopsy surgery for an untraceable heart condition. The doctors planned to take a small piece of my heart for testing, but they took too much. The sack around my heart immediately filled up with blood. My mother and father watched with horror as the entire nursing staff ran past them to attend to their child. My heart had stopped. I lived through this ordeal, but my parents were told not to expect their five-year-old daughter to live past her eighteenth birthday. Fortunately, God had other plans. Looking back, it would have been so easy for my identity to become lost in this season of life. I could have easily been that girl…the kid with the heart problem… the small kid with low energy. But my parents were determined that my identity would not be found in my heart condition. They were committed to strengthening my cardiovascular system, so they introduced me to the pool. I began to compete in synchronized swimming. It was exactly what I needed. My family’s commitment to help me thrive was overwhelming. Their selflessness shaped and molded me into the woman that I am today. As I grew, I began to search for my identity. Who was I? What was my purpose? At first, I looked for my identity in synchronized swimming. I sought after it in relationships too. When none of those things satisfied, I sought after it in alcohol and drugs. I soon discovered that my true identity couldn’t be found in any of these things. I was good at balancing the party life with athletics. Life was fun. I took no consideration of how blessed I was to even be alive. God had given me the gift of life. Yet, God was the furthest thing from my mind. I had no idea who He was or what it meant to have a personal relationship with Him. My “balanced” life came to a crashing halt when I blew out both of my shoulders. Suddenly, my synchronized swimming career was over. No longer could I compete with the team I had called family. I was lost. Partying, boys, and the lures of the world took over, and I found myself depressed. My love for synchronized swimming didn’t leave me during this dark time. I learned about a show called Viva, at Sea World in San Antonio, Texas. They were casting synchronized swimmers. This was my chance to get my life back together. The milestone of my eighteenth birthday was quickly approaching. With the show in view, I stopped partying and using drugs and set my focus

photo Da

niel Rye

Do you know who you are? No, I mean, who you really are. One thing is for sure—you are not who the world says you are. You are God’s prized possession. on an audition. My shoulders had to be strong and my technique flawless if I was to make the show. Would my heart even be well enough to handle the demands of performing? I wasn’t sure, but I persevered. During a visit with the cardiologist the last month of my senior year of high school, I was given the green light to move forward with my plans. To everyone’s surprise, my heart was healthy and strong. The ultrasound revealed a false tendon that had grown over my heart. The tendon was preventing my heart from flat-lining the way it had done my entire life. I had been healed. I was contracted to be a synchronized swimmer in the Viva show. I didn’t know it at the time, but God was using my adversities to help me discover my true identity in Him. Not only would I fall completely in love with Jesus in San Antonio, but I would also meet the love of my life, Johnny Zentmeyer. You can read Johnny’s story on the following page. It’s amazing how God can take two life stories with their many broken pieces and weave them into something beautiful. But that’s exactly what He did for Johnny and me. And I’ve seen Him do it for so many others. Our adversities, when we place them in God’s hands, present opportunities for us to become who God has purposed us to be. This holds true for you, just as it does for me. God is ready to show you who you are to Him. Do you know who you are? No, I mean, who you really are. One thing is for sure—you are not who the world says you are. You are not your doctor’s diagnosis. You are not the amount of money in your bank account or the level of your education. You are not your addiction or your place of residence. No; you were created for more. You are a child of the Living God, created for greatness. God’s plan for you is to prosper you and not to harm you. He wants to give you a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). continued on page 12

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photography by Trevor Gagnon

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My whole life, I had been trying to overcome in my own strength and had failed. Finally, I was free. I no longer needed drugs to face the pain of life or to feel accepted, creative, or normal.

Johnny’s Story

stood on the side of the road…exhausted, broken, homeless, and hopeless. I leaned over and scooped water into my hands from the puddle at my feet. I was tired and thirsty, thoroughly beaten down by life’s disappointments and my constant battle with addictions. I drank the water and watched the ripples at my feet disperse. In the stillness of the puddle, I saw my reflection. As I looked into my tired eyes, it was as if God pulled back a curtain, revealing His loving thoughts toward me. A flood of hope washed over me. I knew about Christ; I even believed in Him, but staring into my own reflection in that puddle, I suddenly saw something new. I no longer saw an addict…a disappointment to everyone around me. Instead, I saw someone who was loved and worth the very life of Jesus. Suddenly, I understood—Jesus loved me. He loved me. And He cared enough to restore my life. I was flooded with tears. In less than six months, I had gone from performing in the top-rated show in Las Vegas to being broke and homeless. You have no idea how much I longed for a new life and victory. Since I was a teen, my struggle with addictions had led me in and out of rehab centers, all the while stealing everything precious from me. My battle began after I graduated from high school. I attended a Florida college for a degree in digital media and film production. While there, I was offered the opportunity to “get creative” by getting high and drinking with my peers. Within months, I had moved from alcohol and pot to cocaine. Knowing I had a problem and not liking where my life was headed, I asked my parents, John and Cindy, for help. I was in and out of rehab centers for a long time, but I finally got my life back on track. Clean and sober and out of college, I accepted a job as a high diver at Sea World in San Antonio. Unexpectedly, in 58-degree water at the whale and dolphin stadium, I met the love of my life—a synchronized swimmer named

Kaytee Faye. Kaytee and I immediately became best of friends and eventually started dating. In 2011, Kaytee and I, now engaged, packed our bags and moved to Las Vegas, where I was contracted to perform in Cirque du Soleil’s “O” show at the Bellagio Casino. Life was good. I had made it! And then, on the night of April 21, 2011, the “good life” came to an unexpected end. I was performing on the Russian swing--a cirque apparatus that launches divers into the air, where they soar for fifty feet and then plunge into the water. Something went wrong during my trick, and I fractured my L-3 vertebra. Suddenly, my dream was a nightmare. The doctor prescribed painkillers and physical therapy. With my addiction issues, I knew I shouldn’t take the painkillers, but I did. I naively reasoned I could take them as prescribed and only use them to manage my pain. The plan worked at first. Three months later, cleared by the doctors, I returned to the pool. Kaytee and I were contracted to perform in a show in Hong Kong. The intensity of performing six shows a day, six to seven days a week, caused unbearable back pain. It was obvious I had returned to the pool too soon. Under contract, however, I felt I had no choice but to push through the pain. I began to rely more and more on the pain pills. My addictions quickly began to take over. When our contract ended, Kaytee and I flew back to the States. Knowing my life was not my own, I once again wanted to check myself into a rehab facility. My parents, supportive but growing weary of the constant cycle of addiction, helped me locate a facility in Florida. Kaytee flew to Colorado to live with her parents. We both knew we needed time apart for God to heal us as individuals. If there was any hope for our future, Jesus Christ had to be the foundation of our relationship. Prior to checking into rehab, I spent several days at a detox center. While studying the Bible on my bunk, I noticed three men staring at me. I had a sick feeling that they were plotting to harm me, so during the night, I ran. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the first time I had departed early from a center. Needless to say, it didn’t look good. In the eyes of those who loved me, it seemed that I was just pulling my old tricks. Understandably, tough love was administered. I had nowhere to go but the streets. And that’s where you met me at the beginning of my story… defeated, exhausted, and without hope. Ironically, it was in that isolated place of hopelessness that I finally found hope. God showed up; He met me where I was. He knew the desire of my heart to be free from my addictions. He knew the gifts and abilities He had given me and how they could be used to touch the world for Him. He had great plans for my life. He was just waiting for me to surrender the controls of my life to Him so I could fulfill those plans. When I did, my life was transformed. My transformation began at a twelve-month, faith-based residential center called Teen Challenge. While there, I came to know the saving power of Jesus Christ to help me overcome the power of addictions. My whole life, I had been trying to overcome in my own strength and had failed. Finally, I was free. I no longer needed drugs to face the pain of life or to feel accepted, creative, or normal. After my graduation from Teen Challenge, Kaytee and I reunited. This time around, things were different. During our time apart, Christ had become the focus of both our hearts and the foundation of our lives. No longer were we searching for our identities in career, substance, or even our relationship.

continued on page 12 photography by Tomek Rossa

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Surviving Isolation

FINDING YOUR TRUE IDENTITY Kaytee’s Story | from page 10 You are His prized possession. Stop and think about that. You are the prized possession of the Creator of the universe. You are the most valuable thing in the world to Him. He proved your value over two thousand years ago when Jesus laid His life down for you. And I can guarantee, if He were asked to do it all again, He would. Even now, even after all you’ve been through and maybe even done, He would look deep into your eyes and say yes. His love for you is that strong. Don’t listen to the voices of the world or those voices within that tell you there’s no hope. Listen to God’s voice of truth. Satan wants you to believe the lie. He wants you to adopt the identity of the world. He knows it will dictate who you become and how you feel about yourself. He knows it will keep you from God’s best. It’s time to find your true identity. It’s time to know the idea of your life. If you aren’t sure, get in the Word of God and see for yourself. When you come with a humble heart, God will show you who you are. He will reveal His great love for you and begin to move you forward to your true self…to victory! V

FINDING YOUR TRUE IDENTITY Johnny’s Story | from page 11 Looking back, I see God’s wisdom in separating Kaytee and me. We needed to be isolated from one another and even from our passions, so that we could be healed and find our true selves in Him. It’s a funny thing. In our absence from one another, we actually grew closer, because Christ became our bond. He became the firm foundation on which we stand in the trials of life. Today, Kaytee and I are happily married and using our God-given passions to help others discover their own. I’ve been sober for several years and am growing daily in the Lord. We’ve developed a brand called Know Idea to help people “know the idea” of their lives. Kaytee has become a certified life coach who specializes in coaching women, and I am a motivational speaker who seeks to help people think according to God’s truth. Together we help people discover their God-given passions and improve their quality of life through the power of Jesus. V

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by Kaytee Zentmeyer Often in life, we find ourselves isolated from those we love. It’s not an easy place to be, but it can be a good place. For my husband Johnny and me, being isolated from one another allowed us to become the people we were created to be. For so long, we had depended on each other, and in our dependence, we enabled one another. Isolated, we learned how to depend on God alone. He became our source of strength to overcome. Perhaps you are isolated right now. What are you to do? Here are some things that helped Johnny and me to stay strong and emerge victorious in our time of isolation: Develop an intimate relationship with Jesus. Through your relationship with Jesus, your life will be set on a firm foundation that will enable you to endure every trial. No longer will your circumstances knock you off course. An intimate relationship evolves with time. It is built through prayer, reading God’s Word, going to church, and fellowshipping with other believers. It doesn’t just happen. You must fight for it. Communicate with God about your situation. Talk to Him and listen. He cares about your situation, and He will show you which direction to take. Refuse to listen to the negativity that surrounds you. Wellmeaning people will often give you advice. Make sure their advice not only lines up with the Word of God but also with what the Spirit of God is telling you. Only God knows the whole situation. Only He knows best which direction you should go. That’s not to say you shouldn’t listen to the wise counsel of others; you most definitely should. God commands it! But always weigh counsel carefully. For instance, because of Johnny’s addictive nature, many people encouraged me to end our relationship. It was wise advice, and looking back, I know my family and friends were trying to protect me out of their love for me. But because I had sought God’s wisdom regarding our relationship, I knew God wanted me to stand by Johnny’s side. Now that doesn’t mean I ran to his side. We remained separated for some time. But while we were apart, I fought for Johnny. I stood firm in my faith and God’s plan of restoration for him. God will tell you what to do in your specific situation. Serve others while you wait. Everywhere you find yourself, even in isolation, there are people you can touch. Become the hands and feet of Christ. As you serve others, you will be able to look past your own pain and lift people out of theirs. Pray without ceasing. The most valuable thing you can do in any situation is pray. God isn’t confined by time or space. The prayers of a righteous man or woman of God avail much. Let go and let God! People often think their works and words can bring change in a person or situation. Only God can bring real change. We must let go of situations and people in order to give God the freedom to move. He can do abundantly more than we ever hoped or imagined. V

photography by Bob Garis Photography

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NO LITTLE OFFENSE We are presented every day with opportunities to be offended. Inevitably, people let us down, say negative things, or do things that hurt us. Offenses lurk around every corner, no matter where we live. I know as a mother and wife, I can experience a dozen reasons to be offended before 7:00 a.m.! I’m sure you have a list of potential offenses, too. Years ago, the Lord spoke very clearly to me about the power of offense. It was the first night of a Bible study that I was launching for women in our community. I was so excited about bringing these ladies together for a special dinner each week. It would be a great time of fellowship and an opportunity to help them grow in their faith. I had worked hard preparing both the lesson and the dinner. My excitement, however, was challenged about five minutes into the evening when an older woman who had a history of making unfiltered comments asked why I had cut my hair. Before I could answer, she stated matter-of-factly, “You look so much prettier with your hair longer.” I was speechless and hurt. I smiled at the lady and walked over to the sink in the back of the kitchen. I didn’t trust myself to respond in a godly manner. My flesh wanted to scream, “Have you looked in a mirror lately?” But as the water ran over my hands, a very specific thought entered my mind: Kristi, you can become offended by her comment and hinder My power and the impact of this Bible study; or you can forgive her, move forward in My strength and power, and ultimately touch many lives for My kingdom. It’s your choice. Talk about a wow moment. What a simple but powerful lesson on how quickly I could have quenched the Holy Spirit’s power by becoming offended. Here’s the deal: no matter who we are or where we live, we cannot stop offenses from coming. But we can choose how we respond. And how we respond to situations and to the actions or inactions of others will directly impact the power of God in our lives. It will affect our level of victory and impact the number of lives that the Holy Spirit can touch through our own. It may even impact our physical health. Becoming offended is a serious matter in the big and small issues of life. There’s no such thing as taking a little offense, just like there is no such thing as being a little pregnant. Any offense has the potential to take root and grow into something big. Can I ask you a few things? Your answers are between you and God, but think about them. Is your level of peace and possibly even your health hindered by an offense? Is God’s power limited because you are holding onto something that happened years ago? Could it be that you are offended at God? It’s time to let go and stop giving Satan the upper hand. Satan wants us to be offended. It was his goal that night at the women’s Bible study, and it is his goal for

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Excerpt from KOJM Monthly Inmate Devotion

you every day. His objective is to render us powerless, and he knows an offense is a good way to do that. He knows that anything that offends us will cause our minds to shift away from God and cause us to obsess over people and situations. If you think about it, taking offense actually creates idols, as the offender and the offense are given a place in the heart that should only be reserved for God. Offense brings destruction and fosters bitterness, resentment, pride, anger, and even hate—the very opposite of God’s loving nature. It’s impossible to fulfill God’s commandment to love while harboring toxic emotions in our hearts. But here’s the cool thing: Satan has no power except what we give him. When offense comes, and it will, we can either empower it by focusing on and reacting to the offense and the offender, or we can completely strip the offense of its power by overlooking it through eyes of grace and forgiveness. The same way Christ views our daily offenses. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to live bound by people and circumstances. I have a life to live and lives to touch. And so do you. Let’s live in freedom. Let’s refuse to be enslaved any longer. Let’s refuse to give hurtful people and events power over us. Galatians 5:1 tells us that freedom is God’s desire for us—it is for freedom that Christ set us free. Jesus Christ laid His life down for you and for me so we could be free. He set us free from the penalty of sin that leads to eternal separation from God. He has set us free to live life to the fullest—no matter where we live (John 10:10). So, we must “stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1, emphasis added). It is our own daily choice whether we are free or whether we are yoked to some event, person, or emotion. To me this verse is like God saying: “Stand firm, my child! Don’t be moved by anything or anyone. Instead, stay focused on Me. Trust Me to defend you, to fight your battles, and to make right what is wrong. The

moment you take situations into your hands is the moment you take them out of My hands and diffuse My power to work in your life. Fear, self-pity, anger, bitterness, jealousy—none of these are from Me. So let them go, lest they destroy you. Clinging to them is like clinging to a sinking ship. Ultimately, you will be destroyed. Give the offense and offender to Me and keep moving forward!” Are you ready to be free? Your freedom starts with this prayer of release: Lord, I have been hurt by ___________. When they did ___________, it cut me to the core. But today, I choose to forgive them, and I release them to You. I want to be free of the pain their words and actions caused, so I put them in Your hands, and I trust You to handle everything. Thank You for forgiving me of my offenses. Help me to forgive others. And Lord, please show me any area in my life where I may have offended someone, so I can make it right. Amen. Then you maintain your freedom by making God a priority. As you come daily into His presence through prayer, praise, and worship, nothing will be able to hinder you. “Wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17). And John 8:32 promises that studying, applying, and knowing the Word of God will keep you free. Will overlooking an offense be easy? No. But with God’s help and through the strength of His power and grace, it can be done. Trust me, the sacrifice of forgiveness is worth God’s gift of freedom. There’s nothing like freedom. So unhitch whatever yoke is around your neck and hitch yourself to God. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. V

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God’s Healing Touch I have been blessed throughout my life. I was raised by loving parents who supported my passion for water skiing. I married the love of my life, and together we raised four beautiful daughters. Our daughters gave us wonderful sons-in-law and four adorable grandchildren. And I have a dream career in the boating industry. Despite numerous tears, rips, punctures, and broken bones over the years, I have enjoyed good health. That is, I did until March 2014. We were on a trip to attend a friend’s wedding in Pensacola, Florida. On the way, we stopped at a quaint, seaside restaurant and enjoyed some fresh seafood. Later that night, my stomach began to cramp. I began vomiting, and my digestive system just went haywire. At 2:00 a.m., I found a local Walmart for over-the-counter medication. It didn’t help. At 4:00 a.m., I texted my friend and told him I had to cancel the fishing trip we’d planned for that morning because I’d eaten something that wasn’t agreeing with me. I felt awful the whole next day, but by evening, the symptoms had subsided enough that I could attend the wedding. The six-hour drive back to central Florida the next day was tolerable. I would’ve rather been curled up in my bed, but we eventually made it home. My schedule for the next several weeks was jampacked. I had no time to be sick. My oldest daughter was getting married. I was being honored at the USA Water Ski Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, and I’d

by Mike Botti

scheduled a three-day off-road dirt bike adventure with some riding buddies. I intended to be at all three, so I needed to shake this food poisoning. Days went by, and I didn’t get any better. As a matter of fact, my body was changing in ways I’d not experienced before. I had no appetite; I was losing weight; I was physically drained. My skin color was an unhealthy, ashen green and yellow! But I’m pretty stubborn, and I headed off to work instead of the doctor’s office. I had zero energy. I spent several unproductive days at work, just looking forward to going back home and falling asleep on the couch. I succumbed to the illness and spent some time off work. I finally concluded that I did not have food poisoning, and I reluctantly made a doctor’s appointment, determined to get to the bottom of this. After a routine physical exam and blood tests, the doctor ordered an ultrasound. The ultrasound came back with reason for concern, so my primary physician referred me to a gastroenterologist. By now I couldn’t function. My clothes didn’t fit anymore; I wasn’t eating; I was continually exhausted. Day by day, life was draining from my body. I honestly believed I was dying. My daughter’s wedding was a week away, and I was praying God would allow me to remain on this earth long enough to attend her special day. During this time, I was also in contact with Tracy

Mattes, executive director of USA Water Ski Foundation. From my perspective, there was no way I’d be able to attend the Water Ski Hall of Fame induction ceremony two weeks after my daughter’s wedding. I had already written my acceptance speech, and I told Tracy that one of my family members would be there to give my speech and accept my award if I couldn’t. That off-road dirt bike adventure with my buddies was no longer of interest. Forget dirt bikes…my life was hanging in the balance! It’s funny how things that used to be important no longer are when your health is compromised. My first visit to the gastroenterologist was scheduled a few days before the wedding. By now, I was used to my wife driving me around. I no longer had the energy to drive. The doctor began with the usual small talk. Then she said something heart-stopping. “Did your primary doctor go over these test results with you and tell you what we found?” “No,” I said. “What did you find?” “Well, we are not sure, but there is a mass in your gall bladder, blocking your bile ducts. There is also something on your liver, and we need to send you out for tests to rule out cancer. Your bilirubin count is at eleven, nearly ten times what it should be.” (Bilirubin is a waste product of the normal breakdown of red blood cells.) “We need to get you in for an MRI immediately. I’ll get you set up there,” she concluded.

That day, Mark responded to that nudge and said a simple prayer that I believe changed the course of my life. If God is prompting you to step into someone’s life and do or say something, don’t ignore that call. He might have something very special to do through you.

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Annette and I called a meeting with one of our daughters and her husband. I wanted them to know about important documents and financial information in the event of my…continued decline. Brittany’s wedding day finally arrived. I was at my worst. I called Brittany and told her there was a good chance that I would not be able to walk her down the aisle. We agreed that my brother would stand in for me. We had a little cry and hoped for the best. We own an RV, and we decided to park it at the wedding venue so I could sleep before and after the ceremony. Hopefully I would have enough energy to give Brittany away, and then I could retreat to the camper. It’s funny what you think about when faced with the prospect of your life ending. Some things are rational; others are not. One thing I was thinking about that most people would put in the “not rational” category was my tractor. It had been overheating; the thermostat and belts needed to be replaced. I’d purchased the replacement parts and put them in the barn. My son-inlaw Mark was at the house that morning. He would be driving me to the wedding. I knew Mark would be using the tractor in my absence, so I asked him to walk to the barn with me so I could show him where the parts were. I knew he could replace them. It was a long, slow walk. My feeble body was barely up for the challenge. Mark is from England. My daughter Jordan and he met at college in Tennessee. He’s a big guy at six-footseven-inches, but his heart and spirit are as soft as I have ever known. He has a beautiful relationship with the Lord. On the way back to the house, Mark mustered all the courage he could, looked at me, and simply said, “Pop…could I pray for you?” I’m a believer, but even if you’re not, when the big things in life hit you hard, you are very open to the

Mike enjoyed a long career as a show skier at Cypress Gardens and Sea World.

photos H a Spray M rvey McCleod, agazine

Bane Photo

It’s funny what you think about when faced with the prospect of your life ending. Some things are rational; others are not.

things of God. I looked at Mark and said yes. We stopped our walk, and he laid his hand on me and began a simple prayer. I don’t recall everything he said, but it was simple and sincere—from his heart, directly to the Father on my behalf. I don’t think it was more than a few sentences. I hugged him and thanked him for his prayer. I went in to get ready for the wedding. Everything was quiet; all the girls had left for the wedding by that time. I remember sitting down. I was exhausted, had no energy. I rested with my body bent over and my arms on my knees. All of a sudden, I felt what I can only describe as a low-voltage shock move across my chest above my abdomen. I perked up my head, trying to understand what had happened. As a matter of fact, I said it aloud— what just happened? In the next moments, I felt energy return to my body. I felt alert; stronger and better than I had in over two weeks. I wasn’t anywhere near normal, but there was no doubt that something wonderful had happened. I knew that God had reached down and touched me in an answer to Mark’s prayer. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t jumping up and down, doing a victory lap. I was still weak and looked terrible, but I knew I would make it to my daughter’s wedding to give her away. Not only did I give her away, but I did not need that RV we’d parked at the venue ahead of time. Amazingly, I stayed at the wedding until late and watched the bride and groom leave the reception. I stayed on my feet for a large part of the evening. I tasted some of the food and even slow-danced with my daughter and my wife. I give God all the glory. He’d answered the only prayer I’d been able to muster in those preceding days— He’d allowed me to be at my daughter’s wedding. From that point, life began to return to my body. Each day I felt stronger. Later that week, we returned to the doctor’s office to go over the MRI results. As we sat waiting in the examination room, my wife and I wrestled with conflicting emotions. On one hand, we knew I was feeling better; on the other hand, we knew the ultrasound had been ominous. The doctor came in with my charts in her hand. She looked confused as she read the MRI results. Finally she said, “I’m not sure what happened here, but the mass that was in your gall bladder is no longer there. Your bilirubin count is near normal, and the lesion we found on your liver is noncancerous.” Those were the words we’d been waiting to hear. I had been given another chance at life! I tried to explain to the doctor about Mark’s prayer and God’s healing touch, but she would have none of it. That’s okay…I know what happened. Two weeks later, I was at the USA Water Ski Hall of Fame banquet, giving my acceptance speech and accepting my award of distinction with my family by my side. Two weeks after that, I was well enough to go on that long-anticipated off-road adventure. I was so

photo Aren

Cancer! Everything the doctor said after that word fell on deaf ears. Annette and I sat there in stunned silence. The ride over to the medical imaging center was quiet, but we reminded each other that God was in control. We talked about how good life had been to us. Philippians 1:21 says, “for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain,” and we determined that, no matter what happened, our faith would not be shaken. Brittany’s wedding was two days away. We would not have the MRI results before that. Honestly though, I didn’t need MRI results to tell me I was very sick. By now, all I was eating—well, actually drinking—was Ensure, a nutritional supplement. Even that was difficult to swallow. I had to force myself to drink it, but I knew I needed some nutrition in my body. I felt a sense of urgency to get our affairs in order.

God answered Mike’s prayer of being able to attend his daughter’s wedding and blessed him with health to attend his Hall of Fame induction.

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thankful to have my health back and to be enjoying my family and life again. God has never spoken to me audibly. I think Mark would tell you the same thing. But God does nudge us from time to time to take specific actions. That day, Mark responded to that nudge and said a simple prayer that I believe changed the course of my life. If God is prompting you to step into someone’s life and do or say something, don’t ignore that call. He might have something very special to do through you. V

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Tapping into the Power of Prayer I stared at the ultrasound and watched the tiny face squirming around. She was beautiful, and I felt as if her little eyes were staring back at me in the dark, quiet room. The bittersweet moment passed as the smiling baby twisted in a different direction, turning her face from me. At that moment, I didn’t know if I would see her little face outside of my womb. There was a cyst in my abdomen that was threatening my pregnancy. Surgery was needed to remove it. But surgery would also endanger the little life inside of me. My husband and I tried to make sense of the devastating news and sought God for comfort. News of the situation spread, and hundreds of people from many different churches prayed for our child. The outpouring of concern and prayer surrounded us with God’s love, and we were grateful. However, I was still feeling anxious as I faced the surgery. A few days after the ultrasound, I sat in church. The music enveloped me, and my eyes began to blur with tears. I wanted to concentrate on the music, but my mind could only focus on what I had been praying for days. “Lord, please help this surgery to go well, and please keep my baby safe.” I barely heard the pastor call for people to come to the altar to pray. I sensed a gentle touch on my shoulder, and my friend said, “Come up to the front and pray with me.” My friend’s voice was almost a whisper as she prayed. “God, we pray that Kristi won’t have to have this surgery.” I almost burst out laughing right there at the altar! Barring some sort of natural disaster, I was driving to my pre-op appointment the next morning, and the surgery would happen later that week. Of course, I believed that God would be

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Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom Isaiah 40:28 (NIV). with me during the surgery, but it never occurred to me to pray bigger. Could He actually heal me? But Isaiah 40:28 speaks to God’s incomprehensible power: “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom” (NIV). The next morning there was no earthquake or hurricane, so we headed to the hospital as planned. We had finished our appointments and were sitting in the car discussing where to eat lunch, when the phone rang. The nurse calling casually informed me that I would not have to have the surgery after all. She reported that the cyst in my abdomen had decreased in size and was no longer a threat to the pregnancy. I hung up the phone, stunned. What an amazing gift from God. My pregnancy went well, and I delivered our daughter, whole and healthy, a few months later. She is seven years old now and has accepted Jesus as her Savior. I love watching her spread God’s love to everyone she meets.

HIT IT!

by Kristi Dews Dale

Looking back on this stressful season, I see how small my faith was. I couldn’t have been more surprised when I was told I didn’t need to have the surgery. But I wonder—why was it so hard for me to fathom that God Almighty would intervene on my behalf? The very name God Almighty, El-Shaddai, indicates His power. It literally means, “God, the Mountain One.” He is strong and unchanging. Nothing is impossible for Him. We must learn to recognize the power of God and realize that He cares about everything we are going through. We must deliberately tap into that power daily. “Your right hand, Lord, was majestic in power. Your right hand, Lord, shattered the enemy” (Exodus 15:6 NIV). God is ready to shatter your enemy. Maybe you need strength to make it through the day, or maybe you have an incredible trial standing before you. Whatever it is, pray. Don’t miss out on the gift of communion with God. The words to the old hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” by Joseph Scriven, play in my head as I write this story. What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer! Don’t forfeit God’s peace. Don’t carry your own burdens. Take everything to God in prayer, the big and the small. You have a friend in Him, and He can do abundantly more than you can ever think or imagine. V

is a true, exciting, detailed story of the rise, fall, and resurrection of a real sports champion… Kristi Overton Johnson. Get ready to be challenged, encouraged, and motivated!

Purchase your copy at kojministries.org for $14.00 plus shipping and handling.

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Sidelined My story is one of endurance and perseverance. As a former collegiate sprinter, I still associate with the long hours spent pounding the hot pavement. I can still feel the intense drive that it took to push myself to the finish line. In fact, I tap into that intensity every day, no longer on a track, but in a new race. A race more difficult than any athletic competition I’ve ever faced. It’s a race against chronic Lyme disease—an opponent I’ve battled for the last twenty-one years. Chronic Lyme disease, transmitted through a tick bite, is a horrible, debilitating disease that knows no boundaries. It attacks every age, race, and gender, regardless of status in life. It affects each person differently. My symptoms involve my neurological function, central nervous system, heart arrhythmias, and muscular pains, as well as others…but those are my mainstays. Lyme disease is difficult to understand; not even the doctors have a handle on it. It’s an “invisible” disease— most of its victims look just fine on the outside. Only my sweet husband, Jeff, and our compassionate son, Austin, know how I’ve suffered. They’ve suffered with me. Time and time again, they’ve come home from their workday, only to find me lying on a tear-soaked pillow, holding my head in pain, in the same place they left me hours before. I’ve done my best to see my son’s milestones being reached, as well as Jeff’s big moments as a world champion water-skier, but undoubtedly I’ve missed much. We’ve driven thousands of miles and flown to the best Lyme doctors in the country to shine light on my condition. It’s been a journey of ups and downs. With each treatment, I’m told, “You have to feel worse before you can begin to feel better.” And I do. The pain is often debilitating. It feels as if my brain is so inflamed and swollen that it will literally push through my skull. It’s as if it’s pressing every nerve ending, creating an intense, unrelenting pressure that creates dizziness and seizure-like activity. I’ve been homebound for years, with the exception of attending doctor appointments. It’s been hard to stay up emotionally when everyone around me continues on with his or her life, and I merely survive the night. Sometimes seeing the sunrise has seemed like the greatest triumph in the world. Because of my sickness, I’ve been forced to watch life from the sidelines. I have cried so many tears and felt so utterly alone and abandoned at times. One of the hardest aspects of being chronically ill is being locked away from the world. I cannot always show up for family gatherings or attend lunch with friends because my symptoms can flare up without warning and incapacitate me for a few hours at best. As a result, it’s hard to make plans. This can make it look like I’m undependable or that I don’t care enough to

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by Melinda Rodgers

be included in the fun. Maintaining relationships and creating memories are what I’ve missed out on most. For many years, I felt misunderstood, not important enough to visit, or not worthy enough to be called with a simple hello. Perhaps people haven’t known what to say. Maybe they’ve been too busy. Regardless, it’s been a long and painful journey. At times I grew bitter and resentful, but that only added to my pain. I share all of this not to accumulate pity but to give a glimpse of what life has been like for our family. It hasn’t been easy. Yet even in the midst of our pain, we have not been overcome. We have hope. And hope’s name is Jesus. I’ve done a lot of soul searching in my place of isolation, and I’ve discovered that even on my darkest days when no one is near and my pain is at its highest, I’m never alone. God, my heavenly Father, is always with me. He’s never left my side. He’s never abandoned me. And He continually gives me the strength to live out each day and the hope to press on. My life is one of faith. God’s promises are an anchor of hope to my soul, enabling me to ride out the storms and give thanks in the midst of them. I am so thankful for life, even the life I have. It is a gift from God. My hope is found in the fact that I am a believer in Jesus Christ. My relationship with Him guarantees me a place in Heaven for all of eternity…where there are no tears and no pain. I know without a shadow of a doubt that this is not all there is to life. If pain were all there was to my life, I would’ve given up years ago. No, I am looking forward to a better place! And in the meantime, I trust God with my life here on earth. It is His, not my own. I was bought with a price, with the precious blood of His Son, Jesus. I trust God has a better plan, and I trust He can use my pain for a greater good. He knows best, not me. This is the premise of my faith. One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 40:31. “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (NIV). This verse gives me hope when I am physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhausted. As I trust Him, He renews my strength and enables me to see another day. God’s strength is amazing. I’ve witnessed firsthand the promise of Philippians 4:13. In Christ, I can do all things. His strength is made perfect in my weakness.

I don’t know what my earthly future holds. There are some exciting medical breakthroughs on the horizon, but my trust is not in them. It’s in God. I’ve learned not to worry about tomorrow. God is faithful; I know that, no matter what, He will see me through. I’m sure I am not the only person who has ever felt alone. Maybe right now, because of illness, finances, addictions, marital problems, or incarceration, you too are isolated from the world. I want to encourage you to hold fast to your faith. Don’t let go. Tap into God’s strength and let Him carry you through. In Isaiah 43:2, God promises to be with you as you pass through the waters of difficulty. He will not let them overtake you. Trust Him. Life is hard. Trials will come. You may be living a nightmare. Ask God for a spirit of endurance. Ask Him for His strength. He will not withhold it. Pray and speak God’s promises over your life. Doing those things pulled me out of despair and kept me afloat! I’m a firm believer and a living testimony that even in crisis, we can endure when God is on our side. But much of the victory depends on our choosing to trust Him in the pain. Trust Him today. V

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by Kristi Overton Johnson (excerpt from Kristi’s book, Hit It!) “Hit it!” “Hit what?” you may ask. For most people, these words probably arouse images of someone hitting an object—perhaps a baseball, tennis ball, punching bag, or even a nail. The words can also be used to describe other things. For example, according to Google, some people liken the phrase “hit it” to a random act of sex between two people who have just met. Still others use it to describe taking a hit of drugs. I bet I have your attention now, don’t I? For thirty years, however, the term represented something entirely different for me. When I think of those two little words, I don’t envision an object, sex, or drugs; rather, I see a choice…a choice to try again, a choice to face an obstacle, to master a new skill, to take on a competitor, or a choice to overcome physical or emotional pain. I see two words that when spoken, enabled me to rise out of the waters of defeat to platforms of victory.

I was first introduced to the term in 1974, when I found myself floating in the Pamlico River in Bath, North Carolina. I had water skis on my feet and a rope in my hands, and I had just experienced being pulled up and down the shoreline of the shallow waters. Now it was time for me to make the decision to tell the boat driver to hit it and follow him out into the deep. You would think that a four-year-old child would have some reservations about being pulled away from the safety of the shore and her family into a large, open space of water, but I didn’t. There was no fear of falling, disappointing onlookers, or failing in my endeavor. There wasn’t any doubt about my ability to succeed. The only thing I remember about that day was my excitement about skimming across the top of the water. To me, the choice was simple…I could either remain floating in the water, or I could give the boat

driver the command to hit it and have some fun! So, with every bit of gusto I had in my little lungs, I gave the command, and off I went, out of the water and on to a thirty-year adventure that would take me all over the world and open unimaginable doors. My parents first introduced me to the incredible world of water sports. Within a few years of my learning to water-ski, it became obvious that I was excelling in the sport rather rapidly. Our family soon found ourselves traveling across the United States, where I was able to set state, regional, national, and eventually, world records. Despite the challenges and occasional injuries, I loved mastering new skills, twisting and turning on top of the water. In 1983, at the age of thirteen, I received an exclusive invitation to showcase my trick-skiing skills at the prestigious US Masters Water Ski and Wakeboard Tournament, held annually at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia. It was there that I entered my first international competition, facing off against the top adult athletes in the world. So much of the experience is ever so fresh in my memory…my first Master’s jacket, hearing the National Anthem echo across the lake…but first I remember standing on the dock looking into my mother’s reassuring eyes as she gave me last-minute instructions, and hearing the screams of thousands of spectators as they cheered me on into the trick course. I’ll also never forget hearing my father’s distinct

2007 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN LINZ, AUSTRIA

I SPENT MANY HOURS TWISTING AND TURNING ON THE WATER. THE ABOVE ARTICLE FROM SPRAY MAGAZINE IN 1979 INTRODUCED ME TO THE WORLD OF WATER-SKIING AS SOMEONE TO WATCH FOR YEARS TO COME. THE SLALOM PICTURE CAPTURES MY LAST PERFORMANCE IN A WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP.

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US MASTERS WATER SKI TOURNAMENT southern voice as he loudly yelled, “You can do it, baby!” as the boat pulled away from the dock. I loved every minute of it! Well, almost every minute—right up until I fell flat on my face in the middle of my first trick pass. The crowd’s “Oh!” in perfect unison as I hit the water still rings loudly in my mind. I remember being under the water in total shock. How could this have happened? What had I done wrong? Did I hit a wave? Who put a banana peel in the middle of the lake? Eventually my little lungs told my confused mind it was time to surface, and when I did, I had a choice to make. Should I swim to shore and quit or grab hold of the rope, tell the boat driver to hit it, and give everything I had on my second run? I chose the latter. It would be two years before I had the privilege of saying “hit it!” again at the US Masters. As I waited for my second invitation to compete, I continued to press on, holding tightly to hope. I knew that if I continued to work hard, the invitation would eventually come. And it did. In 1985, at the age of fifteen, I was given a second chance. This time I didn’t fall. Instead, I made my way to the end of both trick runs and came home the US Masters Trick Champion. And I did it again in 1986. I can only wonder how different my life would have been had I refused to say “hit it!” after my fall at my first Masters. What if I had given up? What if I had allowed my

fear, disappointment, frustration, and embarrassment to keep me from trying again? I can tell you what wouldn’t have happened. Victory would have never come. As an athlete, choosing to hit it over and over again was without a doubt the best decision I ever made! Yet I have to admit that saying “hit it!” wasn’t always as easy as it was in the early days. As I excelled in the sport, many challenges emerged that often opposed my desire to continue. One of the biggest challenges was the constant physical pain I experienced due to a congenital hip deformity, spinal issues, and intestinal blockages. There was also an intense, private emotional battle that often left me feeling as if I had failed in my performance, even when I was standing on top of the podium. Then too, there were inconveniences such as unfair judgment calls, difficult conditions, tough competitors, and the constant pressure of staying on top. My mind was often embroiled in one big wrestling match of powerful, anxious emotions that stole much of my joy. So many times I felt like yelling “I quit it!” rather than “hit it!” But I didn’t. In the end, no matter how many negative emotions attached themselves to those two little words, no matter how much I wanted to climb into the boat for the very last time, something (really, I should say Someone) was always right beside me in the water, giving me the strength to continue on. Somehow I found the courage to face my fears and overcome my frustrations. Why? Because I knew victory would only come if I refused

Our disappointments and failures do not prevent success. It’s whether or not we choose to say “hit it!” and get back in the game each time we fail. Perseverance is key if you want to be a champion in life. I want to clarify one important point, however. Although I believe that a commitment to saying “hit it” will bring victory, the phrase alone will never bring contentment, love, peace, purpose, worth, or joy. Committing to things, people, and activities will never satisfy. In the end, they leave you empty and searching for more. A decision to say “hit it” to God is the only commitment that will lead you to true success and happiness. Early in life, I chose to say “hit it” to many things that I thought would provide pleasure and success. I said “hit it” to my school books and achieved a doctorate degree. I said “hit it” to a ski boat and achieved world titles, fame, and financial success. I said “hit it” to people and sought after meaningful relationships. In my life, I had every ingredient the world said I needed to be a somebody, yet I felt like a nobody. Unsatisfied, I constantly sought to perform better and do more. It took coming to the end of myself to realize that I wanted more out of life than mere accolades and man’s applause. I wanted eternal purpose, and I wanted worth that went beyond how I performed on the water. My life changed the day I committed to quit playing church, moved past a mere belief in God, and said “hit it” to Him. For years, I had kept my distance from God. Where would He take me and what would He ask of me if I truly committed my life to Him? Wouldn’t He strip me of everything and everyone who was important to me? Wouldn’t He zap every bit of fun out of my life? Wouldn’t He condemn me for my every wrong? My fear of all that kept me on a spiritual dock for decades. Ironically, I thought I was safe on that dock. Little did I know, I was actually drying up and slowly dying there. Thank God, I finally came to my senses, trusted His love for me, and said “hit it” to Him. And you know what? Life didn’t end as I thought it would. In fact, that’s when it actually began. Through an intimate relationship with God, through His Son, Jesus Christ, my life became full of love, joy, and peace. I found a new sense of worth far beyond my performance, and my life had purpose. God actually gave everything in my life— my victories and defeats, even my water skiing—an eternal purpose. It’s been an amazing journey. Far better than I could have ever imagined. Are you tired of the struggle? Tired of feeling empty? Are you ready to find purpose for every season of your life—the good and the bad? Then get off your spiritual dock and say “hit it” to God. And never look back. In that commitment, you will find everything you’ve ever been looking for and more— guaranteed. V

continued on page 20 photography by Bill Doster

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Joey Meddock Photography

MORE THAN PERSEVERANCE

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HIT IT! | from page 19

At the age of 5 I was slaloming across the waters of the Pamlico River in Bath, NC.

to allow fear, anger, frustration, or guilt to keep me off the water. And more than anything, I wanted victory. I wanted to be the best I could be. As an athlete, wife, mother, and ministry leader, this concept has helped me tremendously. In every aspect of my life, victory has only ever come when I was willing to get off the dock—that place of comfort—and say “hit it!” despite my feelings, pain, or circumstances. Making the decision to give that command hasn’t always been easy. And it never will be. I don’t care who you are or what you do, every day will present its own set of challenges—challenges that can overwhelm us with emotions and make it difficult to even imagine ourselves taking the first step out onto the water. Sometimes we may even be tempted to say, “I quit it!” in life. Yet if we can come to a place where we are willing to say “hit it!” above all the emotions that flood our minds and above all the physical pain that ravages our bodies, victory will come. Just like in skiing, it may not come easily or quickly. In fact, it may even bring some pain. But if we persevere and refuse to give up, if we continue to hit it over and over again, we will move forward to our destiny. My experience at Robin Lake as a thirteen-year-old girl taught me a valuable life lesson: it’s not the disappointments in life that prevent success; rather, it’s what we choose to do after the disappointment that determines our level of victory. So often when people experience a failure or encounter an obstacle, they grow discouraged and quit. If only they would get fired up rather than fizzle out! Champions fall. Champions fail. It’s a fact in sports and in life. I’ve been described as one of the winningest female slalom skiers of all times—yet I can tell you with all certainty that I lost more competitions than I won. During my thirty-year career, I fell flat on my face over and over again. Sometimes these falls were gentle, resulting in a slow descent into the water. Other times they hurt so bad I thought I’d never recover. Some of the falls were a result of my own mistakes, while others were due to equipment failure, inclement conditions, or another person’s actions. In the midst of all these falls, however, something amazing happened. I became a champion. At first it was on local, state, and regional levels, but then I reached the national level. Then, after years of commitment and perseverance, success came at a professional and international level as I captured every water-ski championship title and held the world record in women’s slalom for eighteen years. Stop for a moment and think about what I just said. In the midst of my falls, I became a world champion. Isn’t it encouraging to know that despite failures, someone can

I soon progressed to the trick event, entering my first nationals at the age of 8.

My family and me at the 1985 Jr. World Championships in Milan, Italy.

I was blessed to travel the world competing, often accompanied by my family. My husband, Tim, coached me to victory, while our son, Ty, cheered me on.

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With m Jaret y friends Llewe llyn and A n at the dy Mappl e 1 Cham 999 Worl d pions hips. all th W re home e brought e the g o our c ountr ld for ies.

move forward to claim victory at the highest level? So often people think falls prevent success; the reality, however, is that falls are stepping-stones to the top of the podium, whether in sports or in life. As I think back to my incredible journey on the water, I can say with all certainty that my falls made the greatest impact on my career, for with each fall came a new opportunity— if I was willing—to learn. Each fall presented a chance for me to master a new skill, to grow as an athlete, and most importantly, to develop character. Champions aren’t people who never fall or fail. Rather, they are people who choose to get up after each fall, brush themselves off (or in my case, dry herself off), and press on. A skier who commits to push past pride, frustrations, excuses, insecurities, doubts, and fears to say “hit it!” is a skier who is on the way to victory. The same is true in our spiritual lives. As a Christian, remembering this truth brings me great comfort. I’ve made many mistakes in my life—we all have. I fall short of God’s perfect standard every day; just like I fell on the water for thirty years! Yet, as I look at the lives of God’s champions in the Bible, I find an incredibly comforting truth: God uses people who fall. God uses people who make mistakes. Take a look at the lives of Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Rahab, David, Jonah, Peter, and Paul, to name a few. These people weren’t perfect. They experienced fear, guilt, doubt, shame, pride, anger, jealousy, and some even lived openly immoral lives. They spoke harsh words, lied, acted rashly, ran from God, denied Him, and even committed murder. Yet God used them. If there is one thing the above lives illustrate, it’s that God isn’t looking for perfect people. He isn’t looking for those who have it all together or who under no circumstances make mistakes. He’d never find them! Rather, God is looking for persevering, passionate people. People who are humble enough to admit their mistakes and their need for God; people who will listen and learn from Him and move forward despite their weaknesses. God is looking for people who will tell Him to hit it over and over again. And through those people—through you and through me—God can change the world! Isn’t that something? Think about it: a perfect God actually chooses to use imperfect people to impact the world for all eternity! It’s mindboggling, yet true. How grateful and humbled I am to have been extended an invitation to be on His team. And that same invitation is extended to you, too. Will you accept it? Will you say “hit it” to God? Your life will never be the same. V In 2003, I founded In His Wakes, a non-profit water sports outreach. Over 20,000 kids have experienced victory on the water and found purpose in Christ.

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KEYS TO VICTORY

by Kristi Overton Johnson

My granddaddy Charlie used to tell me, “It takes a long time to become a champion, baby.” Boy, was he ever right! It took twenty-five years from the first time I skimmed across the water on skis until I stood on the podium where I was crowned World Champion. Victory is a journey—sometimes it’s easy, but sometimes it can grow steep, tiring, and overwhelming. There were years when I thought I’d fail to achieve my goals, but because I refused to quit and because I refused to allow my emotions to dictate my choices, victory came. Life takes the same determination. Be assured, this thing called life isn’t going to be easy. Satan will make sure of that. But as you completely remove the option of quitting from your life, and as you commit to say “hit it!” to God over and over again, victory will come. It may not come immediately, but it will come. I’d like to share some disciplines that helped lead me to the top of the podium as a water-skier. Ironically, they are the same actions that will lead us all to the top of God’s podium—that place of victory where we experience God’s best, and the place where He is glorified, lives are impacted, and where we consistently experience His joy and peace. Here are those keys to victory.

PURPOSE TO BE A CHAMPION There is no such thing as a half-committed champion in any arena of life, regardless whether it’s in athletics, business, marriage, finances, parenting, education, physical health, or a Christian walk. Victory begins with a decision and is achieved through a daily commitment to line up your life decisions with actions that have the ability to move you toward your goal.

LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES

SET GOALS

I fell daily, but my mistakes weren’t failures. They were opportunities to learn lessons that could move me one step closer to my goal. By remaining teachable, you will be able to learn from your mistakes and avoid future mishaps by moving forward differently. You’ll even be able to help others avoid or overcome the same mistakes.

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit nothing every single time.” As an athlete, I journeyed to the top of the podium because I continually set goals and pursued them wholeheartedly. Once I hit the target I was aiming for, I set my sights on a new one. This constant chasing after new goals kept me moving forward and prevented me from becoming stagnant.

FORGET THE PAST AND MOVE ON “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past” (Isaiah 43:18 NIV). Dwelling on the former things, whether good or bad, can cause a delay in victory. Focusing on good things can cause you to settle in and become content and complacent. Focusing on bad things can lead to discouragement and defeat. The past is the past. It can’t be changed. There’s no need to wallow in self-pity and become overwhelmed with “if only” scenarios and “what if” questions. There is nothing you or I can ever do about our past except move forward and make better decisions in the future.

FOCUS ON YOUR OWN PERFORMANCE Before every competition, my father would tell me, “Go out there and beat Kristi. Don’t worry about what those other girls are doing. Do what you can do.” This was such great wisdom, and it caused me to constantly strive toward my potential. There was nothing I could do about the actions of others. So why worry about them? By focusing on giving 100 percent of effort toward my own goal, I was always free of regrets.

DON’T LET YOUR FEELINGS AND CIRCUMSTANCES RULE YOU Victory doesn’t just happen. It takes daily commitment to push through your emotions, fleshly desires, and yes, even physical and emotional pain. If you wait to feel like training, exercising, studying, or even reading your Bible, you’ll probably never take action. The sacrifice s of my pare nts, Parker and Becky Overton, a nd brother Mic hael made my 2 013 Water Ski Hall of Fame indu ction possible.

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The message of Hit It! is impacting the lives of inmates in both maximum security prisons and re-entry centers.

My dad and me being interviewed by Brian Bailey at the NC Sports Hall of Fame Induction.

DON’T LOOK AT THE BUOYS In the slalom event, I mastered the art of rounding obstacles instead of focusing on them. The slalom course is comprised of six buoys that the skier must successfully round. Early in my career, my parents taught me to gaze diagonally through the course instead of focusing on the upcoming buoys. It’s a well-known fact that the moment the skier allows his or her eyes to zero in on those fast-approaching, little orange buoys, that run will come to an abrupt end. It’s simple: your body follows where your eyes are focused. If a skier wants to continue to move successfully through the course, he must refrain from looking at the buoys. In life, we face obstacles too. They can appear in many forms—relational, financial, physical, emotional, or spiritual. The key to success, just as in slalom skiing, is to avoid focusing on the obstacles. We don’t ignore them; rather, we fix our eyes on things above and give the obstacles to the Lord. With His help, we can round even the most difficult of life’s buoys.

TAP INTO THE POWER SOURCE As a skier, the only way I could accomplish great feats on the water was by tapping into the incredible power source of the boat. Without it, I was going nowhere! I had huge biceps and a determined heart, but those two things alone weren’t enough to move me forward to victory. Similarly, the only way to accomplish great things in life—things with eternal value—is by choosing to be connected to God, the ultimate power source. He will never fail you. V

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Out from under the Clouds

So many of the inmates who write to our Prison Correspondence Team admit to struggling with depression and even suicidal thoughts as hopelessness and despair settle over their minds like dark clouds. In the natural, their future seems uncertain and bleak. But did you know that you don’t have to be in prison to be overwhelmed with hopelessness? It can hit anyone of any gender, race, age, and socioeconomic background. Life is full of challenges and uncertainties, no matter where someone lives. But whether in prison or living in free society, the cure for hopelessness is the same. It’s Jesus. Jesus is the only One who is able to lift someone out of despair and give them a hope for their future. He is the way, the truth, and the life. No man can come into eternal life or an abundant life on earth apart from Him. Recently, I received a letter from an inmate who has been in deep depression for years; one who has attempted suicide multiple times. It’s not his real name, but we’ll call this man Kevin. Now, I am by no means a doctor, but I do know the Great Physician. In praying for wisdom on how to reply to Kevin’s letter, God gave me some wonderful words of encouragement that I would like to share with you, too. I pray these words will remind you that you can move out from under the dark clouds of discouragement and step into the brilliance of God’s light. Here they are: Dear Kevin, Our ministry team has been praying for you! Upon receiving your letter, I began praying about how to respond. Kevin, God wants me to remind you that as a believer, you have His Spirit, the Spirit of the Living God, living inside of you. Along with His Spirit, you have His presence, His power, and His provision available for your daily victory. You are more than a conqueror in Him! You’ve been through much in your life; that is for sure. Satan has deceived you into believing that you are alone and defeated. But Kevin, you are not alone! God is with you, always. And He is ready to help you overcome your depression. I encourage you to invite the Holy Spirit to search your heart for any hidden anger, unforgiveness,

by Linda Cubbedge

bitterness, or resentment. The Lord showed me recently that when depression attacks the hearts and minds of His children, it is often because they have been reflecting on a past hurt. And when they nurture that past hurt, the devil is given an open door to implement his destructive scheme to steal their joy and peace. Letting go of past or recent hurts is not easy. I know that all too well. But once you acknowledge those situations to your Heavenly Father and give them to Him, you will begin to be free from any root of bitterness that can destroy you. Releasing past hurts will bring you freedom. The Lord knows that we are a fragile people. He created us! We aren’t designed to carry loads of cares. That’s why God tells us to cast our cares on Him. When we do, He heals our hearts. He also works in the hearts of those involved in our pain. I too have to give my cares over to God on a daily basis, sometimes over and over again each day. But consistently giving my hurts to God and praying blessings over the offender allows something amazing to happen. The sting in my heart from that past hurt transforms into genuine compassion and tenderness toward the one who hurt me. As I let go, the power of the hurt diminishes, and I have peace and joy. God is faithful. He will help us get past our hurts, but we must invite His healing power into these situations. Give your past hurts to God and focus instead on the hope of your future in Him. When you do, healing will come. Kevin, we will continue to pray for you here at Kristi Overton Johnson Ministries, but you must remember, you are the enforcer of the amazing power of righteousness God has placed in your life. Make the commitment to armor up every day in your faith and stand steadfast on God’s promises, just as Ephesians 6 instructs. Soon your spirit, soul, and body will be so full of the presence and power of God that the devil and his destructive forces will have to flee. Satan will know you cannot be deceived anymore. Ephesians 6:10–20 (The Passion Translation) tells about the great victory you and I have as a believers in Christ Jesus: “Now finally, my beloved ones, be supernaturally enthused with strength through your life-union with the Lord Jesus. Stand strong with the force of His explosive power flowing in and through you.

“Put on the full suit of armor that God wears when He goes into battle, so that you will be protected as you take a stand against the evil strategies of the accuser! Your hand-to-hand combat is not with human beings, but with the highest principalities and authorities operating in rebellion under the heavenly realms. “For they are a powerful class of demon-gods and evil spirits that hold this dark world in bondage. Because of this, you must wear all the armor that God provides so you’re protected as you confront the Slanderer, for you are destined for all things and will rise victorious. “Put on truth as a belt to strengthen you to stand in triumph. Put on holiness as the protective armor that covers your heart. Stand on your feet alert, then you’ll always be ready to share the blessings of peace as you subdue your enemies. “In every battle, take faith as your wrap-around shield, for it is able to extinguish the blazing arrows coming at you from the evil one! Embrace the power of salvation’s full deliverance, like a helmet to protect your thoughts from lies. And take the mighty Spirit-Sword of the spoken Word of God. “Pray passionately in the Spirit, as you constantly intercede with every form of prayer at all times. Pray the blessing of God upon all His believers. And pray also that God’s revelation would be released through me every time I preach the wonderful mystery of the hope filled gospel. “Yes, pray that I may preach the wonderful news of God’s Kingdom with bold freedom at every opportunity, even though I am chained as a prisoner as His ambassador.” Kevin, God loves you so much. I know you believe that. Your life is precious and valuable to Him. Do not allow the devil to steal one more moment of your destiny. Suit up and stand firm! Your calling from the Most High God awaits you. There are many lives God wants to use you to touch! Despite all you’ve been through, victory can still be yours. Declare God’s promises over your life, and your inner spirit man will become stronger and stronger. Fear and despair will leave. Light overcomes darkness every time! Begin right now declaring who you are in Christ. Be strong and courageous in the Lord, and He will give you the victory! V

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A New Beginning

by Lucy N. Adams

Waiting for a new beginning isn’t easy. The New Year is a fine time to have one, but if it doesn’t happen in January, it can still come in spring, summer, or fall. I watched one happen in the life of a young man from a jail, and it was heartwarming. He is now a dear friend and brother in Christ. This is our story. Mike’s parents sadly watched as he made terrible choices in his young life. They tried in vain to help guide him another way. But he kept getting into trouble with the police. When he wrecked his motorcycle, he ended up in the hospital. Since he was on drugs at the time, he also faced the worst consequence of his life—jail. However, after several months of good behavior in jail, Mike was given the privilege of a work release to return to his plumbing job. Each morning, he left to go to work and faithfully returned in the afternoon. I regularly visited with inmates at the jail where Mike was kept. One day, just as I was leaving, I saw a young man coming in the front door. He looked like the boy named Mike, whose photo his mother had shown me. I got permission from the officer at the front desk to sit in the lobby and visit with Mike before he had to return to his cell. He welcomed me by saying, “I heard you were the new preacher’s wife at the church my family goes to.” His smile reached from one dimpled cheek to another. It went straight to my heart.

“Yes, I know your family. It will be great when you can come back too,” I said, hoping for a positive response. I grinned. “Maybe you can get a ‘churchrelease,’ the same as you do for your job.” Mike’s eyes stared at the floor. “Nah, I’m too embarrassed to face everyone, Miss Lucy. They’re doing just fine without me down there.” I continued to visit the jail, and one day I discovered from his cellmate that Mike sang beautifully to guitar music. Again, I asked about his coming to church. This time I mentioned the choir. “We really need your strong voice, Mike,” I said. He liked the idea. So the new rule was set for a church release for Mike every Sunday morning. The choir director happily received him into the tenor section. The long white robe and golden stole around his neck set the scene perfectly for Mike—the handsome new choir member. And after church each week, he faithfully returned to jail, just as he had promised. The first Sunday, as we took our seats in the choir loft, I glanced at the row behind me in order to smile at Mike. As I whispered, “Great to have you here,” my eyes widened. I was astounded. The man singing tenor next to Mike was the stern judge who had sentenced him to jail several months earlier. Now they would be singing God’s praises in the same church choir. It was almost too good to be true. I never got up the courage to ask Judge Cole how he felt about this arrangement. I wasn’t sure how this traditional, elite congregation would react to an inmate participating in their choir. But I soon discovered their love for Mike was sincere, and there were many happy people the day his final release came. The jail sentence was over.

I was excited that, after months of leaving jail just to come to church, now the whole family could come together. But the next Sunday, Mike was not in the choir. My heart was broken. I remembered sad experiences with other inmates who returned to their old habits. I wondered what Mike would do with his new freedom. I was relieved when I later saw him sitting in the balcony with his parents. He seemed to be attentive, but at the end of the service during the last hymn, he left. His parents watched him go, and it was a confusing scene. A moment later, I knew what was happening. Mike had come down the stairs and into the sanctuary to the altar rail. My pastor husband greeted him warmly, and Mike whispered something to him. He wanted to recommit his life to Christ. In a few moments, his parents joined him at the altar. The smiles and tears of joy were indicative of new beginnings in that dear family. Days of emptiness gave way to days of purpose. Mike returned to school and trained for a vocation. He became a vital part of our youth group, hoping to guide them to profit from his mistakes. An important dimension of his new life today is visiting inmates in prison. When he tells the story of his teenage rebellion and hopelessness, it is wrapped in God’s mercy, love, and forgiveness. To this day, as I remember Mike in jail and Mike in church, I believe I saw some of that new beginning happen. It was the first Sunday, when he was in that long, white, choir robe with the golden stole around his neck, singing with the judge. V

And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega— the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children. Revelation 21:5-7

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IHW MINISTRY UPDATE UPDATE FROM IN HIS WAKES DIRECTOR, NATE MILLER

In His Wakes introduces people to the life-changing power of Jesus Christ through water sports.

Although founded by Kristi Overton Johnson, In His Wakes is independent of KOJM. If you desire to make a donation to IHW, please go online at inhiswakes.com or send donations to: PO Box 120987 • Clermont, FL 34712-0987 Nate Miller • 352-745-0283 www.inhiswakes.com

O R E Z

WANT TO HELP? PURCHASE Bibles, dog tags, medals,

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SPONSOR a child to attend an event. (Cost is $100 per child.)

IHW 2016 OUTLOOK

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THANK YOU

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FOR YOUR FINANCIAL PARTNERSHIP! You help us fulfill the

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GOOD NEWS!

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God is always working behind the scenes when you share His love, even if you can’t see it. Recently, a particular “Day to Remember” event didn’t go quite as planned. I found myself wondering about the value of that day. Half the kids had already been to our event, and many weren’t even allowed to participate because they had gotten in trouble the day before. But then I heard from the leaders of the group of how God had been at work, even when I thought the day was a bust. Read more about MY Day To Remember on page 27…

ANTS

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Faith for the Impossible by Nate Miller

We held our annual In His Wakes board meeting in March, and we spent time praising God for His faithful provision and protection toward our ministry. We also sought the Lord’s direction for the future. I have to admit, much of what we discussed seems impossible with our current staff and financial resources. Ideas included a private lake where we can hold more events and touch more lives, various ministry teams traveling the country, wakeboard camps, and events with inmates and their families. Truthfully, it makes my head spin! It would be much easier to just stay where we are, ministering the same way. That would be comfortable and doable. But then I remember my own words to thousands of kids—victory only comes when you get off the dock! If I’m not willing to move past my fear, doubt, and questions, then I won’t experience victory in finding God’s best for our ministry. God calls His people to the impossible—I know that. And it is in the impossible that we see God at work. It’s always been His way. If you look throughout Scripture, every time the Lord said, “I will be with you,” He had just given that person an impossible assignment. From Noah to the disciples, we see one example after another of God calling His people to do what was humanly impossible. Yet through the power of His Spirit, the impossible was always made possible. In Ephesians 1:18–19, the apostle Paul writes, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you” (NIV). God has a calling for each of us. Mine is to lead the In His Wakes ministry, using water sports to bring glory to God and point people to Him. This calling often looks impossible, and I struggle with looking at situations through my natural eyes that limit what I think can and can’t be done. I’m not alone. Not too long ago, people said it was impossible to run a mile in under four minutes. They said we’d never walk on the moon or talk on a phone without a cord attached. As a director of a water-sports ministry, I can’t help but point out that people have also thought it would be impossible for a slalom skier to round bouys with a rope shorter than the bouys themselves, or a wake boarder to land a 1260!

As Christians, we often think things are impossible too. So we put God in some safe, manageable box. It’s easier for us to wrap our finite minds around what He is asking us to do when we keep Him in that box. But if God only asked us to do what we could manage, then why would we need faith? Stepping into the realm of the impossible is important, because it is at that point that we have to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit working through us. If we can see it as possible, then it will be accomplished in our

“I WILL LEAD THE BLIND BY WAYS THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN, ALONG UNFAMILIAR PATHS I WILL GUIDE THEM; I WILL TURN THE DARKNESS INTO LIGHT BEFORE THEM AND MAKE THE ROUGH PLACES SMOOTH. THESE ARE THE THINGS I WILL DO; I WILL NOT FORSAKE THEM.” ISAIAH 42:16 NIV

own strength. The beauty of the impossible is that there is no way we can take credit for what we see happening. When it is impossible, God gets all the glory! I printed the following prayer from Bill Johnson’s book, Experiencing the Impossible, on the front of each board member’s binder: “Ignite our hearts to invade the impossible in Your name, for Your Glory—for God is truly with us! Help us to see our assignment as being impossible, so we do not become confident in our abilities instead of Yours.” This is the prayer of my heart for our ministry. How about making it your prayer, too? Dream big. Dream the impossible. And then watch God do what only God can do when you put your faith and trust in Him. V

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INMATE TESTIMONIES Dear KOJM Priso n Correspondenc e Team, Thank you for alw ays showing up on time! Last nigh difficult night for t was a particular me. I started look ly ing through my one of your po sa ve d mail and foun stcards. Even th d ough it was a m and prayer sent onth old, the sc to me by one of ripture your team mem reminder that so bers served as a meone indeed ca timely res. The words on yo ur card reminde d me of the po child of God, my wer of praise. As spirit needs to be a in a constant state of the despair I of praise, regard go through. Prais les s e should permea every situation. te my life every day in The Bible tells us that in everything, we are to give pr and privately. W aise, both publica e are to testify of lly the goodness of while rememberin Go d to others, all th g that He is the O e ne to be honored. Him for the purp We are not to prais ose of being seen e and heard. We ar privately. Accordin e also to praise Hi g to Psalm 34:1–3 m , we are to praise He is, what He ha God because of s done, and what wh o He has promised of life that we are for our future. Th given through sa e gif t lvation is priceles God, we unlock s, and when we the floodgates of pr ais e His kingdom in ou Sometimes I do r daily lives. n’t feel like prais ing. Life in priso found that my he n is hard. But I art and spirit are have blessed the most Him despite my when I choose to pain. That’s when pr aise my praise comes Thank you for from a pure mot this reminder. Th ive . ank you also fo Romans 8:37, pr r the reminder inted on your m of in istry postcard. I am conqueror throug indeed more than h Christ Jesus. I ha a ve that portion of to my footlocker your postcard tap as a constant so ed ur ce of encouragem for me to pray fo ent and a remin r this ministry. der Thank you! Rob

me ies, in the na h, of KOJ Ministr rs be Dear Elizabet em m e you and all th ist. Greetings to Lord Jesus Chr e ministry. d wonderful an on behalf of th us te io ro ec w pr u yo at of our letter th r tte swering my wonderful le k you for an an I received the Th r-old u. ea yo -y ghty-four y to hear from half and my ei be y ist. I I was so happ m hr C on s er e love of genuine pray ing your sincer ar sh r and for your fo u yo want to thank mother. I also derful heart. took her won es from your days ago, I of can see it com from le it up co ed translat isti that a the yard and to Please tell Kr , not 16 e er 20 w , 14 These men ted January y-four men. xt si ony devotional da of im st p te ou rsonal anish for a gr shared my pe so al I rd. h. English to Sp Lo is gl ly En on k t as my ey didn’t spea w with Chris no ad le saved, and th am d I ul ho co d me if I to be and w e group aske tir e en de of who I used e ar H th at r, te tians here e minutes la p of 489 Chris ou About forty-fiv gr a ve ha ist. Now we them all to Chr writing r you, for the stitution! istry daily—fo in m Correctional In love. is d th r an fo greetings that I pray all my sincere Please know em th ve gi Kristi. Please team, and for n, In appreciatio

Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies. Hebrews 13:3

Gilberto

our ials of how ceive testimon re es. n at te m of in e e lives of Note: W ls change th Publisher’s na e. tio m vo d de se es ly truly bl d month stimony of faith magazine an te d al an on n rs tio pe vo s his de r and hi ilberto to read Gilberto’s lette G e r th fo to sy it ea ok he to been so didn’t. Instead, It would have he t pe Bu . ho t er ck ou lo ith w his foot ish so that men tuck it away in ted it into Span la ns d! ve tra d sa e an er w prison yard sixty-four men impact of pe. As a result, multiplied the ns tio ac could find ho ’s to er ilb share G at th es th is faithfuln s to The simple tru ! One man’s ow W . k you, es an tim th e sixty-four e men, w the devotion behalf of thos n O share . d ct an pa t im edible l to step ou al us e ag made an incr ur enco your actions Gilberto. May es. liv r ou in s done what God ha

CORRESPONDENCE TEAM TESTIMONY I have known Kristi, the founder of KOJ Ministries, since she was four years old. My husband actually taught her to ski in 1974. Over the next thirty years, we had the pleasure of traveling the world and watching her compete. Not only did we have the privilege of seeing her become a world champion water-skier, we also watched her become one of God’s champions who uses her talents to touch people who have experienced much pain in their lives. When I heard about the KOJ Ministry Prison Correspondence Outreach, I immediately wanted to get involved. I too desire to touch the lives of people struggling to find hope and God. I never expected the blessings these wonderful, courageous inmates would bring into my life. Their letters sometimes include the struggles they are going through, but more frequently than not, they share their

faith and convictions with me. They pray for me and my family. I’m learning from them. One day, I took an inmate’s letter down to a beautiful lake to meditate and be alone with God. I wanted to focus and hear how God would have me respond. In his letter, this man shared with me that he would be in solitary confinement for nine more months. Not once did he talk about his loneliness or hopelessness; instead he talked about being given an opportunity to find God in that solitary place. God had used Victorious Living to help this man find hope and peace. There was little to read other than girly magazines and car magazines in the place he was confined. Surprisingly, he discovered the May 2015 issue of Victorious Living and was inspired and challenged by Matt Manzari’s story. Through Matt’s story of being electrocuted, this man decided like Matt,

to allow his trials to help him become better instead of bitter. I almost couldn’t finish reading his letter through my tears. Through this prison ministry, I have learned so much about people. Many of these inmates love God and are so humble. They inspire me to be a better Christian and to appreciate all God has given me. I no longer take for granted the life I live—the privilege of being able to go to church, to participate in Bible studies, and simply to have relationships with people who can help me grow as a believer. These men and women may be behind walls and bars, but they have found true freedom in Christ. It’s a freedom we should all long to have. Thank you, KOJM for allowing me to be a part of this life-changing ministry. Barbara Collins V

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D O GWORK

by Nate Miller

My wife and I were feeling discouraged at a recent In His Wakes event. From start to finish, the event hadn’t gone as planned, and I was questioning the value of that particular A Day to Remember event. But then we heard from some of the participants’ leaders, who explained just how powerful the day had been. God had indeed been working behind the scenes. What I’d thought was a bust was actually a true day to remember for the participants. Here is the note I sent to our amazing volunteers after our event. “Thank you for your help today. As the day progressed, I found myself asking how much impact we were really having. After the event , the answer was made clear. First, the pastor told me about the participant whose mother is heading to prison tomorrow. That explained his emotional state in the boat. This young man is also without a father. The pastor said, “You have know idea how much this experience meant to this boy.” The lady who arrived after lunch with her younger son told Ivy what the day had meant to her family. A few years ago, her five- and six-year-old children drowned in a sinking boat. It was a huge stretch for her to even allow her daughter to come, but then she brought her younger son as well. She hadn’t intended to let him do anything more than swim at the shoreline. Not knowing the family history, I’d asked if her son could join us on the boat. It pushed her far out of her comfort zone, but she allowed him to get in the boat and tube. Today’s event freed this lady from the bondage of her fear. This is just a glimpse of what’s going on in the lives of the kids who participate in our events. Today, you made a huge impact by pouring God’s love into their lives and giving them the experience of a lifetime on the water. Thank you! You are a wonderful reflection of the Lord we serve.” We invite you to join us at one of our A Day to Remember events. Go to inhiswakes.com to locate an event near you! V

KRISTI OVERTON JOHNSON MINISTRIES HELPING YOU GO DEEPER IN YOUR FAITH AND RELEASE YOUR INNER CHAMPION!

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KOJM MINISTRY UPDATE

UPDATE FROM KOJ MINISTRIES FOUNDER, KRISTI OVERTON JOHNSON Two years ago, after speaking at my first prison event, I asked the Lord to give me a vision of how I could use what I love—water sports—to touch the lives of inmates. Immediately, I saw myself standing in a beautiful Nautique boat in the middle of a prison yard, speaking life into the hearts and minds of inmates. A boat in a prison yard? Hmm…now that’s a God-idea if I’ve heard of one. In February, through a partnership with Inmate Encounter (directed by Jack “Murf the Surf” Murphy) and the generous cooperation of Polk Correctional Institution, Bridges of America, and Central Florida Reception Center, this vision became a reality. I wish you could have seen the faces of the officers and the inmates as I pulled a 4,200-pound Super Air Nautique, courtesy of Nautique Boats, through the sally port and onto the prison yard. It was a first to say the least! I am always amazed how God uses the things we possess and the passions we have to draw people to Himself. These things provide an opportunity and natural connection with people. Such was the case with the Super Air Nautique. Hundreds of men gathered around the boat to peek inside, to touch the smooth fiberglass, and to dream of one day taking a ride with their friends and families. The boat’s platform made a great gathering place to give encouragement and distribute this life-changing magazine, Victorious Living. It also provided an actual platform to proclaim the truth—that there is a Power Source more powerful than even a Nautique, that will never, ever fail them. A Power Source that, when given the command “hit it,” can lift them up and take them on an exciting journey to an incredible, purpose-filled destination. Men who had been totally disinterested in this message at first couldn’t help but be drawn to the boat and the crazy lady standing on the platform with a microphone. God truly does use all things to draw all men to Himself. I’m excited to take more boats into more facilities and proclaim this powerful, life-changing message. Will you help me? If there is one thing I’ve learned in my ministry journey, it is the importance of partnership. Ecclesiastes 4:9 reminds us that two are definitely stronger than one, for they can help each other succeed. Success in my eyes is impacting more people for God’s kingdom. I need your help to do this. I need financial partners who will help fund the printing and distribution of this magazine so hundreds of thousands of inmates can discover the champion within that God intends them to be. And in the process, lives will be transformed and families restored.

An exciting three-way partnership between Bridges of America, KOJM, and In His Wakes will provide families impacted by incarceration with “A Day to Remember” events planned this fall. Families will have a unique opportunity to build new memories through exciting water-sports activities, made available by In His Wakes. KOJM will provide evangelistic and discipleship opportunities, and Bridges of America will bring participants from their life-changing rehabilitation programs. Together, we will help families begin the restoration process in their lives.

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BURNING HEARTS by Linda Cubbedge , Prison Correspondence Director As I was reading through a fresh stack of inmate letters today, several of our writers came by the office to drop off cards they had written and pick up more letters to which to respond. My heart continues to be overwhelmed by the faithfulness and sincerity of our amazing writing team. God is using these precious warriors of the faith to invade the hearts of captives with His love…one letter at a time! I enjoy reading our team members’ response cards. Each one has a unique way of sharing her faith and encouraging people with God’s Word. One of our writers recently shared Luke 24:32, 45 in her card. It reads: “They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’ …Then He [Jesus] opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures” (NIV). This is exactly what the Holy Spirit does in the hearts of inmates when they receive and read the various responses of our writing team. He imparts a burning desire for His Word, opens their understanding of the Word, and ignites a heart of courage to trust Him for both their salvation and specific, individual needs. Sometimes a writer will include lyrics of a song, salvation tracts, prayers for specific needs, or perhaps Scripture word studies that apply to an inmate’s situation. Much prayer and time goes into the response to every inmate’s letter. Inmate letters and their prayer requests are prayed over by our writing team every Thursday. Then, the writer who receives a particular card spends individual time praying over the inmate’s letter and asking the Lord for His response. Our ministry team members never want their response to be from their own limited understanding. They want it to be inspired by God Himself. They know that only God knows the intimate thoughts, hurts, and pains of a person. Only He knows the whole situation.

So many inmates are new to the Christian faith; they don’t know anything about being believers in Jesus Christ. God uses our writers to disciple inmates in their knowledge of the Word. Our team is so blessed when inmates write back to share how a particular writer’s words helped them overcome their trial. God is becoming real to them. Other inmates are already strong in their faith and full of the joy of the Lord, and God uses them to spur us on! So often, the Holy Spirit gives these inmates specific words of encouragement, prayers, and scripture for members of our team and magazine contributors. Their words are always timely. There are mighty men and women of the faith residing behind physical bars, who go to battle on behalf of our ministry team members. Many inmates even fast for us. Wow! It’s so humbling. As a result, our faith is growing, and God’s Word is burning in our hearts as well. God continues to build His team of writers within KOJ Ministries. In the past year, He has assembled over thirty team members from five states to bring His life-giving message of hope and redemption. To God be the glory! It’s amazing how God can use the simple act of a handwritten letter to change people’s lives. And He is just getting started. Every day we get more letters from inmates seeking to know God and to discover His peace, joy, and hope. With the expansion of Victorious Living into more facilities, we trust the Lord to send more faithful, passionate servants of the Lord our way. Have you been asking God for an opportunity to bring healing to the brokenhearted? Consider joining our writing team. If you would like to learn more, email info@kojministries.org. Get ready to be blessed! V

Prison Correspondence Process

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Over

Are you an inmate in need of encouragement? Our Prison Correspondence Team is here for you. Here’s what you can expect: • Welcome letter from founder, Kristi Overton Johnson • Timely, handwritten response from our correspondence team • Monthly devotionals from Kristi Overton Johnson • Personal subscription to Victorious Living magazine • Prayer support from our correspondence team

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352-478-2098 www.kojministries.org

WANT TO HELP? PRAY for our ministry BECOME a correspondence team member

SHARE Victorious Living with others INVITE Kristi to your church or

organization to share what God is doing at KOJM

SUPPORT our publication and outreaches financially

inmate dents from n o p s e r r o c states

$500

For d le s discip inmate s number you c ! Thi an in May s daily. to a p send VL grow ri and t son for 1 year

Please note: Due to the volume of inmate correspondence, we are unable to assign specific writers to individual inmates. Nor can we guarantee continued correspondence with one writer. What we can guarantee, however, is an opportunity for you to correspond with a team of writers who love the Lord and who are committed to encouraging you in your life journey. We are also unable to handle legal cases, contact people on your behalf, or disperse items such as money or stamps. Thank you for understanding.

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1 0 00s of lives

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OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Share Your Story! Do you have a story of victory? Share it with our readers!

by J. Rodriquez

Your story has the power to transform lives and bring much needed hope. See page 5 for the guidelines and mail your submissions to: Victorious Living, PO Box 120951, Clermont, FL 34712-0951; or submit online at kojministries.org.

LUCY N. ADAMS

RYAN FITTS

NATE MILLER

Lucy is the author of 52 Hymn Story Devotions (www.52hymns. com). She lives in Tennessee and has a prison ministry. Sharing the gospel with inmates is as important as the song stories she writes for newspapers. She and her husband of sixty years have ministered in churches in Tennessee and have been missionaries in Korea.

Ryan lives in Texas with his wife and son. Ryan is a former professional water-ski jumper who now enjoys spending time in the great outdoors with his family.

Nate is the president/director of In His Wakes. When Nate is not on the road conducting In His Wakes events, he and his wife, Ivy, live in Bend, Oregon. Nate and Ivy are committed to helping people discover hope, purpose, and victory! If you are interested in learning more about In His Wakes, contact Nate at nate@ inhiswakes.com.

MIKE BOTTI Mike is credited with advancing U.S. barefoot water-skiing skills to answer Australian dominance in the 1970s. He regularly demonstrated his skills in daily ski shows at Sea World and Cypress Gardens as well as major water-ski events. Mike works in the water-sports industry and lives in Florida with his wife of thirty-eight years, Annette. LINDA CUBBEDGE Linda is the director of KOJM’s Prison Correspondence Outreach. She is passionate about the Lord and leading others to Him. Linda has four children, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandson. KRISTI DEWS DALE Kristi is a wife and the mother of three amazing daughters. She holds a master’s degree in public health and is an adjunct business instructor at a local college in North Carolina. Kristi is passionate about encouraging others with Christ’s love.

KENT HARTSHORN Kent is a professional knee boarder with ten national titles and three Ryder Cup World Championships to his resume. He resides in South Carolina with his wife, Victoria, and their daughters. Kent is a board member of In His Wakes Ministry. KRISTI OVERTON JOHNSON A former world champion waterskier, Kristi is the founder of In His Wakes and KOJ Ministries. She encourages and equips people for victory through her writings and speaking engagements. Kristi is the publisher of Victorious Living and a published author. She resides in Central Florida with her husband, Tim, and their three children. JACOB MILLER Jacob is a part of the traveling team with In His Wakes ministry. He is pursuing a masters of fine arts degree in creative writing and attending Bethel School of Ministry. Jake loves traveling the world and is always in search of the next great adventure. Follow Jake at wakeboardjake. wordpress.com.

MELINDA RODGERS Melinda lives in South Carolina with her husband, Jeff. She is passionate about the Lord and using her experiences with Lyme disease to help others overcome their own trials with chronic illness. JOHNNY AND KAYTEE ZENTMEYER Johnny and Kaytee live in Central Florida, where they are currently in training, preparing for upcoming swimming and diving performances. Their brand, Know Idea, helps people get to know the idea of their life so they can discover their God-given passions and improve their quality of life through the power of Jesus. Johnny is a motivational speaker, and Kaytee is a certified life coach. For more information, go to www.know-idea.com.

Once not long ago, I was a lost boy. I felt like a boat lost at sea with no compass, no map, and no destiny. My days were sad and my nights long and cold. Although I was young, I felt very old. I searched and I searched till my heart I thought content. But all I had found was a soul nearly spent. So with my heart in my hands and a soul nearly broken, I spoke the words I had never before spoken. I bowed my head and bent my knees, and to the heavens I gave a plea. I said, “Forgive me, Lord Jesus, for You are all I need.” And to my amazement, the Lord was awaiting. Immediately, the load on my back stopped aching. Now I pray with a heart full of joy, Because now I am a saved man; no longer a lost boy.

In April, Jack Murphy (aka Murf the Surf) joined Kristi in honoring several members of the KOJ Ministry team. Their dedication has brought hope and purpose to many. Thank you, ladies, for your commitment to the Lord and your love for His people. Thank you, Jack, for all you do to further the kingdom of God. It is an honor to work alongside you.

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A Tribute To In August 2015, the world of water-skiing said good-bye to Andy Mapple, an icon in our sport who impacted thousands through his passion for water-skiing and his love for people. To me, Andy wasn’t just a legend as so many call him; he was a close friend, mentor, and brother in Christ whom I had the opportunity to train with and compete alongside. Andy pushed me to levels of performance and mental toughness far greater than I would have ever achieved on my own, as did his wife and my dear friend, Deena. She was one of the fiercest competitors I ever skied against. One of the greatest honors of my life was speaking and singing at Andy’s life celebration service at the request of his family. Standing before my peers and celebrating the life of a man who gave nothing but his best in life was humbling. For days I prayed, asking God to give me His words to comfort those who mourned. My heart was inspired after reading a Facebook post written by Andy’s good friend, Tom Grey. Andy and Tom, both Brits, had shared a passion for water-skiing and cycling. They often rode together in a cycling group through Winter Garden, Florida. Here’s a portion of Tom’s post: I was out cycling with Andy and Deena on the Thursday group ride. Although I started off strong, I started to slip back. To my surprise, I got a nice push on my back to help me out. Andy was last wheel and was making sure the group all made it over the hill. My lungs were on fire, but Andy kept helping me along, telling me to relax and breathe. He promised I’d be okay. I was so thankful for his help. The last words I heard him say were: “Just stay on my wheel.” Tom stayed on Andy’s wheel and focused on his breathing and, as a result, was able to push through his physical and emotional pain and make it to the finish line. After reading Tom’s post, I felt the Lord showing me how those who grieve can move forward. Ironically, it was Andy himself coaching us through our pain. Picturing Andy’s hand on Tom’s back, pushing him along and whispering those words

of encouragement reminded me of how our heavenly Father comes alongside of us and gives us the strength we need to overcome every trial. Like Andy that day, God never leaves any of His children behind. He never abandons us; never forsakes us. In fact, it is when we are at our weakest and most vulnerable that His strength is made perfect in our lives. I love Andy’s words to Tom: “Relax, breathe, and stay focused on my wheel.” That’s great advice. Andy knew if Tom was focused on his aching legs, burning lungs, and the steepness of the hill, he would not have made it. Andy also knew that if Tom didn’t get still emotionally and physically by slowing down his breathing, his journey would be cut short. Likewise, the only way for us to move past our pain and cross the finish line of life is to shift our focus from our obstacles and pain, and focus instead on the One who is able to see us through. Only He can give us the wisdom and strength to move forward. We need to relax—to be still and know that God is in control. We need to breathe in truth…there is nothing too hard for God. With God as our foundation and source of strength, we will overcome. Thank you, Andy, for your words of wisdom. Thank you for shining for Christ and for spurring us all on to victory. The water-sports family surely misses you. We miss your humble presence, your generous heart, contagious laughter, and competitive, passionate spirit. Thank you for leaving a legacy of greatness and a legacy of faith for generations to follow. I will see you again one day soon, my brother. V ~KOJ

photo Tom Grey

Andy Mapple

photo Todd Ristorcelli

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

photos des@burke-kennedy.com

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GIVE VICTORY GET VICTORY

Victorious Living PO Box 120951 Clermont, FL 34712-0951

Non Profit Org US Postage

PAID

Permit No. 610 Jacksonville, FL

People everywhere desperately need to know about God’s power, love, and grace. With your help and God’s Truth, Victorious Living can set captives free!

YES! I Want to Be a Part!

r I’d like to support Victorious Living and share freedom with others ($25 Suggested Donation). With your donation, you will receive Victorious Living for one year, and we will also send an inmate on our prison correspondence list a personal copy for one year (unless you provide a specific inmate’s contact information as a recipient).

__________________________________________________ Name #1

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r Send an additional gift subscription of Victorious Living to the recipient listed below ($25 Suggested Donation).

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r I’d like to sponsor ____ prison facilities to receive a case of each Victorious Living issue for one year ($500 per prison).

Become a Part of the Victorious Living Family Today! • Go

online at kojministries.org

• Call 352-478-2098 to place order

__________________________________________________ Address #2

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Telephone #2

A card will be sent to recipients on your behalf to inform them of your gift! If you would like to send more than one gift, please list names on a separate piece of paper.

r Check attached (make payable to Victorious Living) r Debit (include voided check) r Mastercard r VISA r Please automatically renew my partnership! Donation Amount _______________________________________________ Cardholder Name (please print) ____________________________________ Card Number __________________________________________________ Expiration Date ________________________________________________ Credit Card Billing Address (required)________________________________ Signature_____________________________________________________ If you have any questions, please call 352-478-2098. Mail completed form and Victorious Living Support to: Victorious Living • PO BOX 120951 • Clermont, FL 34712-0951 Send all inmate correspondence to Starke, FL address on page 4.

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