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A M i n i s t r y P u b l i c a t i o n o f C r y s t a l E v a n g e l i c a l F re e C h u rc h
Volume 10, No. 2
Inside
Sharing Our Blessings Around the Globe!
GOD HAS BLESSED US ABUNDANTLY at Crystal
Free Church. With a commitment to hold fast
to the eternal truth of God’s Word and a commitment to allow the Spirit of God to guide and
direct us, He has placed His hand of blessing
upon our church. Don’t you wish we could just
package it all up and share it with others around
the world? In many ways we can…and do!
Keep up-to-date on the
latest CEFC news!
Attend the
Soul Mates Seminar!
page 4
Do You Struggle
with Anger?
page 5
Upcoming Global
Ministries Trips and
Opportunities…
page 6
Summer Options for
Your Children…
page 8
2004 Gospel Music
Celebration with
Calvin Hunt…
page 15
March/April 2004
One of the wonderful ways we share our blessings with the world is through the Global
Encouragement Team (GET) Ministries. GET
takes some of the best that Crystal Free Church
has to offer and shares it with a group of servants who are often honored yet neglected,
often praised yet unintentionally ignored. In
May, the Crystal Free family has the privilege
of again sharing our blessings with missionary
servants around the world–this time in
Southern Africa.
A Response
GET Ministries provides a multi-faceted
refreshment and renewal retreat to missionaries
and their families with the goal of:
• enhancing each servant’s effectiveness
through refreshment and renewal.
• sustaining servants in ministry through
encouragement and care.
• mobilizing the Crystal Free family with
excitement in service to global missions.
• inspiring other churches across the nation to
undertake a similar effort.
The Format
The GET Ministries conference is not intended
to be a working seminar, but rather is designed
to address the spiritual, physical and emotional
needs of missionaries and their families. A GET
The GET Mission
We desire to edify, encourage,
strengthen and help enable servants
of Jesus Christ to fulfill their worldwide ministry.
The Need
The same doubts, temptations
and struggles we face here in
Minnesota are often more pronounced in the crucible of the mission field.
It is estimated that one career missionary in 20
(5.1 percent of the mission force) leaves the
mission field to return home every year. In
addition, almost half of all new missionaries
(47 percent) leave the field in the first five
years. Of those who leave, 71 percent leave for
preventable reasons.
Ministries conference provides an opportunity
for refreshment in service, renewal in spirit and
a relaxed atmosphere where personal needs and
professional skills can be addressed.
Our Mission: To know and love God, and make Him known. Our Vision:
church. Our Purpose: To grow together in personal renewal, community
GET continued on page 10
To become a disciple-making
impact and global outreach.
T
A Ministry Publication of Crystal Evangelical Free Church
Vo l u m e 1 0 N o . 2
March/April 2004
NEWSLETTER STAFF
Dr. Stephen Goold
SENIOR PASTOR
Pastor David Rodquist
SENIOR ASSOCIATE PASTOR
Pastor Greg Braly
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES
Dr. Tim Brannagan
SPIRITUAL LIFE & GROWTH
Dr. Monroe Brewer
GLOBAL MINISTRIES
Pastor Jeff McCourt
WORSHIP MUSIC & CELEBRATION ARTS
Pastor Geoff Safford
STUDENT MINISTRIES
Gary Wabshaw
TECHNICAL SUPPORT MINISTRIES
Pastor Iv Woolf
FAMILY & COMMUNITY MINISTRIES
Julie Zuehlke
CARE MINISTRIES
Lisa Reiland
EDITOR AND DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
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IN THIS ISSUE…
GET Ministry....................................page 1
Time to Consider.........................page 2
Finding Financial Freedom...........page 3
Family & Community...................page 4
Dealing with Anger......................page 5
Global Ministries.............................page 6
Tearing Down the High Places......page 7
Children’s Ministries......................page 8
Care Ministries........................pages 9, 14
Spiritual Life & Growth..............page 10
God’s Classroom...........................page 11
Student Ministries.........................page 12
Messianic Passover Seder............page 13
PowerHouse Golf Open...............page 13
The Lord’s Pantry.........................page 13
Dark Nights of the Soul................page 14
Gospel Celebration.......................page 15
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Is it a Business or is it a Church?
Blending Passionate Spirituality with Ministry Excellence
IT ARRIVED VIA EMAIL
and seemed like a fair
question. Even a good
one. “Pastor, things
PASTOR
work
so well around
S TEVE G OOLD
here, so efficiently, and
we’ve grown so large I’m beginning to
struggle with something. Are we a church
or have we become a business?”
The question forced me to consider my
friend’s concern very carefully. How do
we do the work of the Church well without being conformed in the mold of a
business? A vital question.
I have come to conclude the successful
church must never lose sight that it is the
Church, and the Church must never lose
sight that it is to be successful! Quite
simply put, the church is in the business
of being the Church.
Here are a couple of things I have
learned over many years in the ministry
of pastoral leadership that will help maintain equilibrium and bring success in
“this business of being the Church.”
First, we must continually maintain a
biblical sense of mission. The mission of
the local church is clear. It comes straight
out of the Gospels. Our mission is to
bring the gospel to all of mankind, provide an environment of edification for
those who receive it, and display the love
and compassion of Christ before others.
We have one essential product: a
changed human being. With this in mind
the church can operate like a business
without becoming a business. In business, the goal is not to change the customer. It’s not to educate the customer.
It’s to satisfy the customer. The mission
of the Church, however, is not to satisfy
the customer, but to change the customer,
to change worldly values into God’s values. We must continually maintain a biblical sense of mission and carry it out in
the most efficient and effective way possible, even if it reminds some people of a
business.
Second, we must continually specialize in
accomplishing the mission. The Church is
the only organization that is not entirely
concerned with the kingdom of this earth.
All the others are totally focused on this
side. We’re the only one with an eternal
dimension. If we don’t specialize in accomplishing our mission, no one else will.
For that reason, many good concerns are
not to be the primary focus of the Church.
More often than not we have to say, “The
need is there but this ministry is not for us.
It doesn’t pass the smell test when it comes
to accomplishing our mission.”
Quite frankly, I am nonplussed with the
aesthetic lakes, swimming pools, bowling
lanes, gift shops, dance centers, retirement
housing and elaborate food courts that are
becoming common place accouterments
in the staggeringly expensive church facilities being built throughout America. The
sheer demands of personnel, dollars and
infrastructure of management required for
operations virtually ensures that the
“church” eventually becomes a business.
If you go to the American Lung Association and say: “Haven’t you seen the frightening statistics indicating that 97 percent
of all Americans have ingrown toenails?
Why don’t you help?” they will tell you,
“Our interest stops above the neck and
below the navel. We focus on lungs…”
The Church needs to operate in this
way also.
Crystal Evangelical Free Church must
clearly establish and continually maintain
a biblical sense of mission and specialize
in accomplishing that mission in the most
expedient, organized and Spirit empowered way. In the process, we won’t worry
about “appearing” like a business. We
just won’t become a business except for
our unwavering commitment to be in
the business of being the Church of
Jesus Christ.
Finding Financial Freedom
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
“When money is no longer a rival god,
people are freed up to relate to the real
God and serve Him in profoundly new
and deeper ways. As we manage our
resources in God-honoring ways, lives
are transformed, individuals and families experience reduced anxiety, relational restoration occurs, and the joy of
financial freedom is felt” (“Good $ense”
manual, by Dick Towner; Zondervan).
Following Pastor Steve’s series on
“Partnering with God Financially,”
have you wanted to learn to put those
principles into practice? Crystal Free
Financial Health Ministry is in the business of ensuring we obey the first commandment, “You shall have no other
gods before me.” We do this by offering opportunities to receive ministry or
to join our ministry leadership team.
Are You Hungry?
Are you hungry for more of the presence of the Lord?
Are you hungry for revival and transformation–
in your life, your family, the church and your community?
Ask the Lord to teach you more about prayer in 2004 at
“Are
You Hungry?”
a prayer gathering for the entire Crystal Free family!
Join us on the last Sunday of each month
7:00 p.m. in Sandberg Chapel
Contact Steve Loopstra at paststeve@earthlink.net or 612-327-9418.
“See how hungry I am for Your counsel; preserve my
life through Your righteous ways!” –Psalm 119:40
Opportunities to Receive Ministry
Crown Ministry Small Groups
Ten-week studies based on Larry
Burkett’s “Christian Financial
Concepts” are available for CEFC
attenders. Topics include: spending,
debt elimination, budgeting, saving and
giving. Groups meet at a variety of
times and locations. Materials fee:
$48/individual, $58/couple. Contact
Frank Butler at 763-546-5705.
Individual Budget Counseling
Trained Budget Counselors are currently available for individual appointments
to examine your financial status and
adjust it to conform to biblical
principles. Contact Tiffany Jasmer at
763-971-5121.
LAVISH Praise
H
ANOINTED Worship
H
DEEP Intimacy
“Let EVERYTHING that has breath P RAISE the L ORD” –Psalm 150
Sundays, March 7
and May 2
7:00-8:00 p.m.
H
O p p o r t u n i t i e s t o J o i n t h e Te a m
Small Group Leader Training
Call 763-546-5705 for training opportunities with Frank Butler.
Budget Counselor Training
Marshall Heitzman trains and equips
you to help others transform their
finances and their lives. No financial
background is required. Materials Fee:
$30. Call Katherine Bentley at 763971-5123 to register.
www.cefc.com
Have you visited Crystal Free Church’s website lately? Last fall our
newly-renovated site went live and new information is being
added each week. Select this site as a “favorite” for important
church family information as well as helpful encouragement and
support in a variety of life circumstances. Continue to pray for the
CEFC Website Team and the wide range of ministry possibilities
this incredible tool offers!
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Family & Community Ministries
4
A Time to Laugh...
“A cheerful heart is good medicine”
–Proverbs 17:22
There’s nothing quite like a good
laugh to soothe your weary soul and help you forget
your cares, even if momentarily. Don’t miss a great
opportunity to laugh with a member of the hilarious
cast from the hit production, “Triple Espresso.”
Comedian Bob Stromberg takes the stage on Friday,
May 7 from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. in the CEFC Worship
Center. Reserved seating tickets are sold by mail
only. Order forms are available beginning on Sunday,
March 28. This show is open to all Crystal Free families and friends.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
A “Knight” to Remember!
Hear ye, hear ye. Knights and fair maidens of the
Crystal Free realm. His Majesty, the King, has commanded that a sumptuous feast (aka: “The 2004
Father/Daughter Banquet”!) be prepared in honour
of noble fathers and their fair daughters on the
seventh of May, 2004.
The castle drawbridge will be lowered at 5:30 p.m.
for festivity and photography. Renaissance costume
or formal attire is heartily requested. His majesty
will award special favors for the most authentic
attire. Chief court jester, Sir Robert Stromberg, of
the realm of Triple Espresso, will make for merry
entertainment. Tickets may be purchased by mail
only, commencing on the twenty-eighth of March.
Keep thine eyes fixed upon the church bulletin and
royal Information Centers for ticket order forms. If
thou art baffled, call 763-536-3282.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Soul Mates Seminar
Just Your Average Kid
by Charlene Hoffman, Director of Parenting Ministries
AS PARENTS WE MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT OUR KIDS every day.
Some decisions are small, some can change the whole course
of their lives. My son wants to sign up for baseball this year.
It’s one thing if all I had to do was sign him up and then
send him off. But these days we get choices. National or
American league? Some teams have try-outs, others don’t.
Do we want to be on a traveling team or just play on the
local neighborhood teams? Then there are the commitments
to practices and games. What about the rest of the summer?
You can fill it up with science camps, swimming lessons,
family vacations, visiting grandma and grandpa or just hanging out with friends. How do you begin to make these kinds
of choices?
Friends offer recommendations on wonderful resources
meant to help my son achieve greatness. While I appreciate
their intentions, I can’t help but feel that all these opportunities to turn my child into someone extraordinary miss the
point. Does he really have to be academically or artistically
above average to make a difference in the world?
We all want the very best for our kids. And there’s nothing
wrong with signing them up for drama or accelerated math
programs if they enjoy the challenge or want to try something new. I do want to give my kids every opportunity to
succeed. However, it’s tempting to start measuring my son’s
worth as a person (not to mention my worth as a mom)
by the wrong standard when we’re barraged with all
these opportunities.
I want my son to explore his gifts and passions, but at the
end of the day, I want his success to be measured by how he
treats people, how he handles disappointments and how he
lives out his faith. I don’t want it to be measured by his ability to sing or find the square root of a number. More than
anything, I want my children to be a light in the darkness.
They can do that even if they are just average kids doing
average things!
If you have questions about parenting, contact CEFC
Parenting Ministries at 763-971-5106.
with Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott
Join us for an informative and
powerful relationship seminar.
Saturday, March 13
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Crystal Evangelical Free Church
Whether you’re dating seriously or have been married
for years, you’ll be glad you attended this seminar!
Registration brochures are available in the CEFC
Information Centers. Contact Family & Community
Ministries at 763-971-5102 for more information.
Running on Empty?
To get divorced because love has died, is
like selling your car because it’s run out of gas.
–Diane Sollee, smartmarriages.com
Life Issues •
Letting Jesus lift your anger from you
A series that investigates and offers insights regarding challenging life issues
“In your anger do not sin: do not let the sun go down while you
are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
Ephesians 4:26
Rob has been a Christian for 16 years. He loves the Lord, has
a great family and a job that puts food on the table. He’s also
active in his church. To most, Rob is a wonderful Christian
example, but to those who know him best, he can also be a time
bomb ready to explode with anger. Rob’s wife, Beth, loves him
deeply, but has been afraid when his angry words and yelling
turn him into a stranger. She’s especially fearful of what his
anger seems to be doing to their children. They are growing distant toward Rob and have increasingly begun acting out in
anger toward one another. Beth is afraid to bring up her concerns because his reactions are unpredictable. So, she continues
to pray, trying her best not to make waves. At the same time, he
tries to manage his frustrations by clamming up. That, however,
does not mean he allows others to have their way. Instead, he
complains behind people’s backs. Often times, his initial attempt
to not say anything in order to avoid hurting someone’s feelings
ends up hurting several people in the end.
Though fictitious, this scenario is being played out in many
homes. Nearly all of us come into adulthood with the residual
effects of difficult childhood experiences and the lies we believe
about them. We learn coping mechanisms along the way to manage the effects of those lies as they are triggered. For someone like
Rob, the compulsive anger may derive from a belief that he must
control circumstances to keep from feeling pain.
All this is not to say anger is always negative. God’s righteous
anger is mentioned 18 times in the Old Testament and in the New
Testament Jesus became angry with those who misled others.
Actually, “anger is a God-given emotion which indicates unresolved tension within a person’s spirit. It is anger’s motives, forms
of expression and effects that determine whether it is sinful or
appropriate.”1 At times Rob may have righteous anger about
things that also anger God. Other times it may come out of his
inability to constructively deal with or identify his emotions.
Maybe he felt unloved or misunderstood as a child and, somewhere along the way, vowed never to be close to or hurt by people. Or, perhaps there was an unwritten rule in his family that
expressing emotions and opinions was not allowed. He may have
been told crying wasn’t for little boys or that his opinions weren’t
valid. On the other hand, the anger he witnessed may have been
expressed in rage and belittlement.This may have led him to vow
never to get angry. He still holds to that vow today, pushing
down any feelings of anger or disagreement.
In these kinds of environments, children are not taught to identify
their feelings or understand how to express them in a healthy
manner. As they grow up, they often fear situations and relationships which expect them to do so. Like Rob they bring the
“rules” and admonitions about emotions with them into adulthood. In this way, they may successfully block out some of the
potential pain in life, but they also close out authentic love and
acceptance for and from others.
Unfortunately, Rob’s method of managing emotions only lasts so
long before the proverbial cork pops and anger or other unwanted
emotions surface. Even if he’s successful at keeping these emotions at bay, he risks other side effects, including a variety of
health issues associated with suppressed emotions. We were not
created to hold these powerful feelings inside. God calls us to
walk in the light and openly work through matters of disagreement, misunderstanding and frustration. By doing so, we can
actually deepen and grow in our relationships. While adults in
Rob’s childhood may have sinned by punishing him for his feelings, today it is up to him, with the help of the Lord, to humbly
learn godly and healthy ways of dealing with emotions.
As a child, Rob did not know God’s Word directs us to not let the
sun go down on our anger. We’re directed to clear up issues of
anger in a productive and timely manner so that they don’t grow
and end up leaving scars. To Rob, anger was wrong, so he determined to stuff it down. Left unchecked, even his “righteous
anger” can turn into bitterness, contempt and exploitation.
If you are dealing with compulsive anger tendencies, honestly
consider if you consistently possess more than a few of the following hidden signs of anger2:
• Depression
• Chronic sarcasm, impatience and resentful pessimism
• Expectations of perfection in self and others
• Frequent stress-related illnesses
• A critical spirit
• Outbursts of yelling or physical abuse
• Tendency to gossip or not cooperate
• Legalistic attitudes
• Demanding or domineering attitudes
• Unwillingness to see or admit your faults or weaknesses
• Areas of unforgiveness toward others
• Harsh attitudes toward various people groups
• Difficulty expressing emotions or being vulnerable
• Contempt toward those who do share emotions
If you’ve determined that you are one of many who struggle with
compulsive, unhealthy anger, it is important to realize you need
more than a strong desire and good intentions to manage this
powerful emotion. Following are some good first steps to take as
you address unhealthy patterns of anger:
• Take responsibility for the presence of unresolved, lie-based
thinking and actions that lead to sinful ways and cause you
to lose control of your emotions. Ask the Lord to show you if
there’s anything He wants you to see about your anger.
Anger, continued on page 7... 5
“Anger” continued from page 5
Tearing Down the High Places
• Commit to not blame others for your irritations. See them as
triggers for what is already present inside you. You may have
legitimate anger about the sin you see in others, but problems
arise when you allow your reaction to overtake your life,
lead you to sin, or blind you to your own faults.
King Josiah’s reign was blessed by the Lord because he “did not turn aside
from doing what was right” (2 Chronicles 34:2) and he went to great
lengths to purify the cities under His rule. We too must do the work of
removing from our lives the places, things, people and thoughts that cause
us to wander from God’s ways. King Josiah saw to it that the altars for the
images of Baal and their incense altars were torn down. He also made
sure that the Asherah poles, the carved idols and the cast images were
smashed (1 Chronicles 34:4). For this, He and His people were blessed and
protected. What things in your life clearly have the potential of leading you
down a wrong path? Are you holding on to things, thoughts, memories or
people which lead to anger, bitterness, lust or other unholy behaviors and
choices? Like God’s people in the time of Josiah, if we humble ourselves and
recognize how we have strayed, He will surely hear us and save us from
the disaster that may have awaited us. As ironic as it may be, there is
freedom in the constraint of the Holy Spirit!
Pastor John Piper provides an illustration to this kind of freedom. “There
are sensations of unbounded independence that are not true freedom
because they deny truth and are destined for calamity. For example, two
women may jump from an airplane and experience the thrilling freedom of
free-falling. But there is a difference: one is encumbered by a parachute on
her back and the other is free from this burden. Which person is most free?
The one without the parachute feels free–even freer, since she does not feel
the constraints of the parachute straps. But she is not truly free. She is in
bondage to the force of gravity and to the deception that all is well because
she feels unencumbered. This false sense of freedom is in fact bondage to
calamity which is sure to happen after a fleeting moment of pleasure.”1
Everything around you may tell you to do whatver feels right. Do not be
deceived. The Lord’s ways are perfect and mean to lead us to freedom and
life. Choose life today!
“This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set
before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you
and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God,
listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him.” –Deuteronomy 30:19
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O
God, You will not despise.” –Psalm 51:17
• Recognize you will never control people or circumstances.
Give that attempt to control over to God. Seek to develop your
relationship with our sovereign God who is the source of all
emotional healing. Be open to new places He desires for you.
• Do your own mistakes or those of others create agitation and
irritation in you? Give yourself the freedom to make mistakes
by asking Jesus to find the source of your need for perfection.
• Find the source and origin of your dependence upon the “nice
guy” or “she’s so sweet” label that enables you to avoid
dealing with necessary conflict up-front. Instead, use your
frustrations and emotions to lead you to where you first
learned to avoid pain in this way. Ask Jesus to show you the
truth about how to deal with conflict in healthy, open ways.
One great motivation to resolving anger issues is the potential for
satisfying, healthy relationships and personal peace. God makes
it clear that this takes effort. Letting anger grow leads to bitterness and other troubles. His Word warns against letting bitterness
grow, but it also provides us with ways of guarding against these
troubles by finding healing and forgiveness.
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy;
without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one
misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to
cause trouble and defile many.”
–Hebrews 12:14-15
Like Rob’s wife, many spouses and friends also need to consider
how they contribute to the problem of someone else’s anger
issues. If you sweep their unnecessary, disrespectful, angry reactions under the carpet, you are not doing them or yourself any
favors. Your avoidance of confronting difficult behavior is just as
sinful. On the other hand, your healthy confrontation can motivate them to seek ministry for the painful emotions being triggered. The Lord calls us to honesty and integrity in relationships.
Avoiding these issues just corrupts relationships and enables
someone to continue unhealthy patterns.
“But if we walk in the Light, as He is in the light, we have
fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus, His Son,
purifies us from all sin.”
–1 John 1:7
The reasons behind your anger may go deep below the surface of
your current irritations. A great way to start dealing with anger is
to humbly seek the Lord through healing prayer. Find a trusted
friend to pray with and seek out some of the resources below to
help you on the road to healing. For additional scripture on
anger, also read Mark 3:1-6 and 11:25; Ephesians 4:30-32;
Colossians 3:5-17; 1 Timothy 2:8; and James 1:19-26.
• Anger Aware Focus Group
Donna Hosher, Focus Group Director, 763-971-5118
1
“What’s the Difference?” by John Piper; Crossway Books, Wheaton, Illinois; ©1990
• Assessment and Referral Counseling
Katherine Bentley, Care Ministries, 763-971-5123
• Freedom Ministry (freedom from strongholds)
• Theophostic Ministry (inner-healing prayer)
See www.cefc.com/care/victoriousliving.html.
Brochures on each of these ministries are available in the CEFC
Information Centers or call Care Ministries at 763-971-5123.
Counseling Insights, a Biblical Perspective on Caring for People–Anger; ©1997
Insight for Living.
When Anger Hits Home; Gary Jackson Oliver and H. Norman Wright; ©1992 Moody Press;
pgs. 236 and 237.
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Children’s Ministries
A Summer ull of un, riends and aith!
8
IS SUMMER REALLY ONLY A COUPLE OF MONTHS AWAY? That
means it’s time to start considering how your children
might best spend summer vacation. And, it also means
your Children’s Ministries team has been hard at work
preparing a great summer of growth for them. Here’s an
update of what you can expect from this summer:
VBS on a Sunday…Beginning June 6 at the 9:30 and
11:15 a.m. Sunday Worship Celebrations your kids can
take part in a VBS format of exciting Bible-centered experiences. Watch your bulletin for more details.
KidsWay…This exciting, four-night event for the family
runs June 6-9 and promises to be a wonderful experience
for everyone! Join acrobat, DonB, and musical ventriloquist, Mark Thompson, and bring friends and neighbors to
hear a clear gospel message in a non-threatening environment. This event is for the whole family! (Children kindergarten and under must have adult supervision.)
Camp Heritage…We’re excited to present “Pilgrims &
Patriots” on June 15-17. Your 3rd-5th graders will enjoy
learning about our godly heritage while being prepared to
live out their faith. Space is limited, so sign up soon. (See
accompanying article on Camp Heritage.)
Sports Camp…Join us June 21-25 as we combine sports
and the Bible in a refreshing way. We tentatively plan to
offer basketball, soccer, tennis, cheerleading and one other
sport. (Sports selections are subject to change based upon
participation.) Sports Camp is for 1st-5th grade students.
CrossRoads Summer Enrichment…CrossRoads offers five
special weeks with our licensed CrossRoads staff (June 7-10,
14-17; July 12-15, 19-22, 26-29). If you’ve considered
enrolling your child in CrossRoads preschool, one of these
weeks is a great introduction. Space is limited, so call soon!
The Luis Palau Festival…This wonderful festival runs
August 7-8 from 12:00-6:00 p.m. at the State Capital Mall.
PSK Camp…Back by popular demand, this camp (for children, three years old-kindergarten) presents “Jesus & Me” and
“Old Testament Buddies” on June 22-24 and June 29-July 1.
Children’s Ministries also offers two summer discipleship
programs through which parents can lead their children.
“Awesome Adventure” is a two-week course allowing parents to disciple children in the basics of their faith. “Jungle
Adventure” provides parents with material to lead their children through truths found in the fruit of the Spirit while it
helps build character values into their lives. Both courses are
available through Pastor Greg Braly.
As you consider the options, we’re sure you’ll find some great
tools to teach your children in fun environments. We hope to
see you and your children this summer!
Pastor Greg Braly
Extreme Sports Day…Watch for more details on a sports
day of skateboarding, rock climbing, biking and more. Pick
up future issues of our children’s newsletter to learn more
and mark your calendar for Thursday, July 29.
Science Camp…On July 12-16, “Adventures in Creation”
gives children fun and helpful information about fossils, as
well as offering hands-on experiences like building a giant
mammoth and an Ark, and going on a fossil dig. Science
Camp helps build a strong foundation in your 3rd-5th
grade student’s life and faith. Watch for dates to be
announced. (See accompanying article on Science Camp.)
Camp K2…Join Pastor Greg Braly and friends as they
take you through a super Bible adventure during this special three-day summer camp for children, kindergarten
through second grade on July 13-15.
Music Camp…Your kids will love learning more about
music while they develop a heart for worship and music
ministry at this great day camp experience July 19-25.
Camp ends with an opportunity to present a children’s musical in CEFC’s morning Worship Celebrations on July 25.
C r y s t a l F r e e C h u r c h C h i l d r e n ’s M i n i s t r i e s
Building a Godly Heritage
Camp Heritage
June 15-17
Science Camp
July 12-16
GOD COMMANDED THE ISRAELITES to year after year recall the
mighty deeds that He had done for them as a nation. He knows
how important it is to actively remind ourselves of His goodness. Karl Marx knew the power this kind of reminder could
hold when he said, “Take away the heritage of a people and
they are easily persuaded.” Unfortunately, the godly heritage
of the United States has been continually undermined for at
least the last 50 years and many aspects of it will soon be forgotten if the Church does not work to keep it alive.
Children’s Camps, continued on page 11
Care Ministries: providing fellowship and support
Senior Adult Ministry
Silver & Gold Luncheons Resume
Silver & Gold senior adult luncheons are a great time of
fellowship and outreach to those in the church as well as
the local community. The cost for the meal and program is
$3.50 and profits go to several missionaries around the
world. Mark your calendar with the 2004 schedule below.
All luncheons are on Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00
p.m. in the CEFC Family Center (lower level).
Join us this year! Call Care Ministries at 763-971-5123
for more details.
2004 Silver & Gold Luncheon Schedule
April 15, May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19,
September 16, October 21, November 18, December 16
CEFC Health Ministry partners
with Soteria Family Health Center to present...
Aging is God’s Idea
Planning for the Future
Saturday, April 24 • 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
CEFC Ministry Center
Topics include…
• Physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of aging
• Legal issues in estate planning, wills, trusts and
power of attorney
• Funeral planning
• End of life issues, including Advanced Directives
For additional information, call 763-971-5120.
Disability Ministry
Victorious Living Ministry
A Ministry Name that Reflects Spiritual Results
Victorious Living Ministry claims its name due to the victorious relief people experience from personal and spiritual
strongholds and lies. The two ministries it encompasses,
Freedom Ministry and Theophostic Ministry, are primarily
prayer ministries, bringing people before the throne of God
through confidential appointments with trained intercessors.
• Freedom Ministry addresses the strongholds we may
have in a broad range of areas.
• Theophostic Ministry specifically addresses the source
and origin of the lies from the enemy in more of a laserlike fashion.
Crystal Free Church has the privilege of being a regional
and national resource for these two ministries. If you have
a heart for co-laboring with Christ in setting minds free
(2 Corinthians 10:5) and restoring broken hearts (Isaiah
61:1), call Judy Hagen, Director of Victorious Living
Ministry at 763-971-5130 and join us!
Save Our Students (S.O.S.)
A seminar for students and adults
Sponsored by the Minnesota Family Institute
Saturday, April 17 • 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
CEFC Sandberg Chapel
In this special seminar for teens and adults, you’ll hear the
reality of the gay agenda in public schools and the risks it
presents to your children. Learn what children are learning
about homosexuality and how you can respond. For more
information, call 763-971-5121. Help rescue our youth
from the sexual confusion so prevalent in today’s culture!
A Blessing to All
“He is not here, for He is risen!
Go quickly, and tell His disciples.” –Matthew 28:6
Just as with anyone in CEFC Sunday school classes, it is so
vital that our friends who are involved in Disability
Ministry learn that Jesus died, rose from the dead and lives
for them too! Each week we ask: “Why are these facts
important? Why could only Jesus do this for us?”
Participants in our class surprise us with their simple but
profound answers: “Jesus is God’s son.” “He died on the
cross.” “He rose from the dead.” “He lives in heaven.”
This life-changing story is told through song, sign, Bible
reading and visual images. We’ve seen over 100 individuals
with profound disabilities participate in our fellowship and
it’s been a life-changing experience for those of us serving
in this ministry.
We invite you to join us and enjoy God’s blessings in
Disability Ministry. Help us let others know that He lives
and has risen for them!
Upcoming Disability Ministry Easter Events
Glory Club
Friendship Class
Easter Worship and Teaching Easter Video and Fellowship
Sunday, April 4 • 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, April 6 • 7:00 p.m.
Family Center C
Gym (lower level)
CEFC Family Invitation
Join us on Tuesday, May 4 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the
Family Center for a Care Ministries Volunteer Appreciation
Dessert event. Express your encouragement for the care
from all our volunteers over the last year!
9
Spiritual Life & Growth
10
Discovery
You’ve heard about it…“The Passion of the Christ”
You’ve read about it…“The Passion of the Christ”
You’ve even seen it…“The Passion of the Christ”
? LPHA
A
ARE YOU YOUNG in the
Christian faith? Do you
struggle to make sense of it all? Or
are you just interested in finding out more about
Christianity? You’re not alone! Join others who have
similar questions in “Discovery.”
Discovery is offered on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in the
Main Campus Conference Room. Six topics of
essential importance in discovering who God is and
how He works in the world today are investigated.
Come discover what a relationship with God involves.
For more information, call Spiritual Life & Growth
Ministries at 763-536-3226.
a safe place to ask questions
What’s all this talk of faith, hope, love and forgiveness?
How could something so brutal, so cruel, so horrible be
so…beautiful?
You have questions. Your family has questions. Your
friends have questions. Where can you turn?
Alpha…a safe place to ask questions.
Bring your questions and come explore or reacquaint
yourself with the teachings of Christianity. Invite your
non-churched friends and experience God’s presence in
a powerful way.
Alpha is for…
GET…continued from page 1
The Team
The Global Encouragement Team (GET) consists of committed Christian professionals from Crystal Free Church
who have expertise in the areas of Bible teaching, praise
and worship, counseling and prayer, and personal skills
development and consulting. Our desire is to enhance the
effectiveness of God’s servants and to help sustain them in
ministry through encouragement and care.
An Opportunity
Crystal Free Church has teamed up with Youth for Christ–
Southern Africa to hold a GET Ministries Conference.
Missionaries from numerous mission agencies and from the
countries of Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia,
South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe are invited. Together, CEFC and YFC–Southern Africa are committed to providing complete programming for the GETSouthern Africa conference at an affordable price to the
missionary community.
God has blessed us abundantly at Crystal Free Church. He
wants us to also bless the world. While only a few of us
will actually go to South Africa, all of the Crystal Free
family is involved. Through prayer, funding and encouragement, you hold an important role. The impact God can
provide through GET Ministries is beyond our comprehension. In the midst of cross-cultural isolation, distance and
hardship, the Crystal Free family has the opportunity to
help meet the needs of those who represent our Lord Jesus
in foreign lands. We’re excited to let God use us to make a
worldwide and eternal impact!
Anyone interested in finding out more about the
Christian faith. Adults of all ages are welcome.
Learning and laughter. It is possible to learn about
the Christian faith and to have fun at the same time.
People meeting together. An opportunity to get to
know others and make new friends.
Helping one another. Small groups give you a chance
to discuss issues raised during the talks.
Ask anything. Alpha is a place where no question is
seen as too simple or too hostile.
Join us for the spring “What’s-It-All-About… Alpha?”
on Monday, April 19. If you like what you see, then
come back. There is never any obligation.
Spring 2004 Alpha
Mondays, April 19-June 28
6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
There is no cost for the course. Dinner and childcare is
provided. Call Donna Janes at 651-636-9786 or email
alpha@cefc.com for details and to register.
W
Too Self-Sufficient to Pray?
" e have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven. We have been
preserved these many years in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. …We have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that
all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our
own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to
feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the
God that made us!"
–Abraham Lincoln, "Proclamation Appointing a National Fast Day," March 30, 1863, reprinted in The Collected
Works of Abraham Lincoln, ed. Roy P. Basler (New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 1953), vol. 6, p. 156.
“Children’s Camps”…
It’s Gonna
Be a
Really
Good Day!
our very own Pastor Jeff
McCourt, Edy Lavelanet, Kevin Mills
and Rachel Gaspar.
With a variety of musical styles, this
CD offers something for just about
everyone, delighting those from age 2
Jody Abboud has a passionate desire to to 92. From the fun and funky “Amazing
Grace Rap” to the celtic-flavored
see the next generation of believers
grow in the ability to freely express their “Psalm 23” and the intimate “I Was
Made to Worship You,” there is sure to
love for the Lord. Out of that desire,
be a style that inspires you and your
she’s produced a wonderful new chilfamily to enter His courts with praise!
dren’s CD called, “It’s Gonna Be a
Really Good Day!” The New Song Kids “It’s Gonna Be a Really Good Day!”
Choir featured on the CD includes many
is available at the CEFC bookstore or
children who regularly attend Crystal Free Katie’s Hallmark (Four Seasons
Church, as well as the contributions of
Mall in Plymouth).
God’s Classroom…a Teaching Style for Everyone!
Making your daily prayer, “Change me Oh God–transform my mind and revive my heart!”
DO YOU HAVE A TEACHABLE spirit? Do you yearn to grow in
maturity and walk closer with
God? Scripture is replete with encouragement for us to develop a life of learning.
It’s clear that doesn’t mean a life with our
heads completely buried in books, even the
Bible. God is more creative than that!
Sometimes learning is just plain hard work,
but God also provides an assortment of creative ways to learn and grow–enough to
keep us on our toes, hold our attention and
motivate any personality or learning style.
Most of us realize the value of having people around who are open to letting God
teach them new things. Do you know people like that? They haven’t reached perfection or even pretend it’s possible, but they
have a humble and teachable spirit no matter how long they’ve known Christ.
Like all of us, those individuals sin and
make mistakes from time to time. But what
makes such a person stand out is that he or
she humbly recognizes the weaknesses and
sees them as opportunities for God to teach
and pour out His strength and grace. Those
are also the people we choose to go to
when we’ve goofed up. You won’t get a
lecture or a wagging finger, but you’ll
probably get someone who can relate to
you, pray with you and encourage you along
the right path.
It’s not the person striving for perfection
who makes a good friend, but one who is
asking God to change him or her to be
more and more like Christ. This person is
constrained by the Holy Spirit, while open
to His power. A teachable spirit means a
humble spirit because it says, “I don’t
have this all figured out. I need God and I
need to continually be transformed.” What
a refreshment to be around such a person!
Is that the kind of person you long to be?
What does God’s Word have to say about
having a teachable spirit? There are over
100 times it encourages the art of learning.
See the CEFC homepage at cefc.com and
click on the Heartbeat banner for a brief
look at what God has to say about cultivating a life of learning and growing. Read the
selected scripture while you ask God to
open your heart to grow in seven important
areas of learning:
• The Study of Scripture
• Life Experience
• The Experience of Others:
Role Models/Wise Counsel/History
• Direct Teaching from God
• Learning through Suffering
• Developing a Humble Heart
• Putting Lessons Into Action
Ask the Lord if there’s an area or two
where you especially need growth. Contact
Spiritual Life & Growth Ministries at 763971-5226 to learn more.
continued from page 8
Children had the opportunity to learn about the
history of dinosaurs at Science Camp 2003.
Are you aware of the miracles God performed on the behalf of this nation to bring
us independence? Did you know that the
majority of our founding fathers believed in
God and the Bible? They were convinced
that our government should be established
in obedience to God’s Word. Along with
these facts, at Camp Heritage your child
will learn about the miracles that took place
in the making of our nation.
Can your children support their belief in
God as their Creator and defend the
Creation Theory? Are they asking things
like: “Did man live with dinosaurs?”
“What happened to the dinosaurs?” “Did
the flood really happen?” “What did
Noah’s ark look like?” “Do fossils fit in
with the Bible?” If you want your children
to have an understanding of these important subjects, you’ll want to to enroll them
in Science Camp. Through hands-on projects and games, they’ll learn that the Bible
is true and that science supports that fact!
If your third through fifth graders have not
yet attended Camp Heritage and Science
Camp, we encourage you to enroll them in
one or both this summer. It is crucial that
they are introduced to these truths at a
young age before they are indoctrinated
into the pervading “politically correct”
secular humanist view of the origin of life
and American history.
Camp Heritage and Science Camp offer
your children a fun way (multi-media,
costumes, hands-on projects) to learn principles and historical facts that will help
solidify their faith for a lifetime!
Now’s the time to begin working on your
summer calendar! Contact Children’s
Ministries at 763-536-3240 for additional
information on summer camps.
11
S
T U D E N T
M
Fusion
I N I S T R I E S
UPCOMING EVENTS
FUSION IS A NEW YOUNG ADULT ministry with a unique approach.
It emphasizes a faith community with an atmosphere that develops
everyday disciples of Jesus and leads them to transform their church
and their world. Fusion emphasizes:
• Practical, relevant and interactive Bible teaching
• Authentic, passionate worship
• Relational, transparent community
• Purpose-driven worldview
Student Ministries Schedule
Friday, March 12
PowerHouse concert featuring “Look Alive”
Sunday, March 14
Quiz meet
Sunday, April 11
No Student Ministries
Sunday, April 18
Districts Quiz Meet
April 30-May 2
Districts
April 30-May 2
Jr./Sr. Getaway
The leadership of Fusion is a group of young adults whose hearts are
excited to minister to their sphere of influence. Our kickoff date is
Saturday, April 17. Watch for more details!
If you know of a young adult (age 18-26) who is looking for a place to
connect to God, church and other young adults, contact Pastor Geoff
Safford at 763-971-5113.
New Ministry to Parents
2004 Jr./Sr. Getaway
P.A.C.T. IS A GROWING AND DEVELOPING MINISTRY TO PARENTS
So you liked the Dells, our former Getaway location? Say good-bye to that tradition and say hello to a
whole new adventure! We’re shaking things up this
year. Get ready for a drive, some great food, fun sightseeing and fancy clothes. And, don’t worry, we’ll still
get wet! The best part is it’s a mystery–one you won’t
want to miss!
2004 Jr./Sr. High Getaway
April 30-May 2
Cost: $140
(Cost includes transportation, hotel, mystery activity and
all meals except lunch on Saturday and Sunday.)
We depart on Friday, April 30 at 12:30 p.m. and return
on Sunday, May 2 at 5:00 p.m.
Counting on the
IF YOUR TEENAGER LISTED THE TOP TEN individuals they
for young adults
by young adults
to young adults
of Jr. and Sr. High students. P.A.C.T. stands for Parents and Children
Together. Our goal in this ministry is two-fold:
• Connect parents to their children in a spiritually-healthy
mentoring relationship.
• Connect parents to, and inform them of, the culture in which their
children are growing.
A recent Gallup survey noted the mixed messages that are sent out by
today’s teens. What we have discovered is that if we can get past the
externals (hair styles, music, clothes, piercings and body art) we may
be surprised to find a generation that is crying out for help.
• A cry for trust
• A cry for love
• A cry for security
• A cry for purpose
• A cry to be heard
• A cry to be valued
• A cry for support
P.A.C.T. meets one Wednesday a month. If you’re interested in this
new parenting ministry, contact Pastor Geoff Safford at 763-971-5113.
Culture?
respect and admire in the area of personal integrity, would
you make the cut? Unfortunately, even many Christian students don’t have role models at home when it comes to living
a life of purity, personal integrity and respect for others.
Obviously none of us is living a life of perfection. We’re all
on a journey. The real question is, how do our children witness us reacting to those times when we stumble? Do we
openly admit our mistakes? Do we apologize when necessary? Do we turn to God and seek Him for our satisfaction in
life? Or do our children see us searching for fulfillment in
entertainment, gathering possessions and self gratification?
One thing is certain–we can’t leave the role modeling up to
12
our culture. “While American culture bombards young people with
messages that sexual exploration or experimentation at a young age
is healthy and normal, current health statistics are sending them a
very different message–the truth. Each day in America, 8,000
teenagers are infected with sexually transmitted diseases. More than
a million teenage girls will become pregnant this year, which can be
expected to account for 20 percent of the 1.3 to 1.5 million abortions
that will be performed in the U.S. this year.” (© 2004 Agape Press)
We can’t count on our culture to teach and lead our kids. Let’s commit to live lives that model the purity and godly standards that lead
them into the future without the baggage and regrets that today’s
world is enticing them into. Student Ministries is dedicated to helping you do this in an effective way. Contact our office at 763-9715108 for more information.
Help support
Student
Ministries’
PowerHouse
outreach
at the 2004
PowerHouse
Golf Open!
Messianic Passover Seder 2004
an evening of Messiah, Marty and Music
HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED
just what the Last Supper
was all about? Many Christians
don’t realize that the last supper
Jesus ate with His disciples was actually a Passover Seder, one of three major
feasts celebrated annually by the
Hebrew people. The tradition of the Passover celebrates the
deliverance by God of the Jewish people from their bondage
in Egypt nearly 3,500 years ago. You can learn more about
this important celebration when you attend...
PowerHouse
Golf Open
The Messianic Passover Seder
Friday, April 2
6:00-9:00 p.m.
CEFC Family Center
Join Pastor Irv Woolf, Greg Bownik and Marty Goetz, Jewish
believers in Jesus, as they lead you through this ancient Jewish
celebration. Included in the Seder is a ritual meal, kosher supper and a delicious four-course meal. In addition, Marty Goetz
will lead us in tremendous Messianic music.
For more information or to receive a registration form, call
Family & Community Ministries at 763-971-5102. To plan
appropriately for this meal, we must receive registrations
before Sunday, March 28.
The Lord’s Pantry
Easter Baskets
WITH EASTER JUST AROUND THE CORNER,
the Lord’s Pantry Team is planning to
prepare baskets of fresh and packaged food for those experiencing financial hardship. If you
need food assistance, call the
Crystal Free Church Reception
Desk at 763-533-2449 by Sunday, April 4. If you
know of someone from the Crystal Free family who
could benefit from this ministry, encourage him or her
to call with the request.
The Lord’s Pantry is now accepting food donations. A
shopping list is posted on the Care Ministries bulletin
boards at the Main and Extended Campuses. These
donations can be left at the Extended Campus. Thanks
for supporting this special ministry to those in need!
SUPPORT IS NEEDED for the PowerHouse Golf Open!
God is increasingly and creatively using the PowerHouse to reach
students and the community while helping connect them to church.
Here are some ideas on how you can help in this vital ministry:
• Register to play in the PowerHouse Open that takes
place on Tuesday, May 18.
• Help raise funds to reach the community.
• Donate prizes or funds for the tournament.
• Recruit someone to play in the Open with you.
• Pray that God will use the PowerHouse to impact
many more in the future.
• Visit us in the PowerHouse and learn more about
the ministry.
The PowerHouse Open is again hosted at The Links at Northfork in
Ramsey, Minnesota. We’re praying for a full golf course for a day
of fun and fundraising!
For more information about Student Ministries and the
PowerHouse, call Laura Arseneau at 763-971-5114.
L
Seeing God Through Suffering
“ ike it or not, suffering is a necessary part of holiness. This statement is
not intended to minimize real hurt and terrible agony, not to paint a
happy face on people as they grapple with these things. But suffering can
be more than just pain, and distress can have meaning greater than
itself. One writer puts it this way: ‘In the reckonings of humans, suffering
is a disqualification for life; in the ways of God it is an equipment for life.’
Our painful moments can become a crucible through which Christ-in-us
is formed. Rather than evidence of a failed relationship with God, pain
can deepen relationship by revealing God from new angles.”
–Judith Hougen, “Transformed Into Fire;” pg 142; Kregel Publications; ©2002
13
The Great Light of Jesus Draws Near During...
Stephen Ministry at Work!
A Word of Encouragement from a
Grateful Care Receiver
“I was going through a divorce and had lots of regrets and
disappointments. A co-worker noticed I wasn’t myself and
asked about it. I didn’t know he was a Stephen Minister,
but as time went on, he became a real friend. While he seldom spoke, he asked all the right questions and let me talk
about everything. Listening to myself revealed how I was
really feeling and I slowly began to work things out. This
man really cared for me with no strings attached. It was
one of the few times I have experienced God’s unconditional love.
As time went on, this friend gently, and sometimes not so
gently, coaxed me into going to a divorce recovery group.
It was there that I began to accept my part in the failure
of my marriage. When I began attending Crystal Free
Church I went on a short-term mission trip. During that
time I was told that I was a caring person and would make
a good Stephen Minister. In response, I took the training.
Through my own experiences, I learned first-hand the
value of being available for others who are going
through a life crisis. That’s why I serve as a Stephen
Minister and love doing it.”
Would you like to let God use what He’s taught you
through life experiences? Pray about taking Stephen
Ministry training next fall. You’ll learn valuable tools for
your own life as well as how to be an encouragement to
those around you.
Contact Care Ministries at 763-971-5123 for more information on Stephen Ministry.
Focus Group Ministry
Letting God Use Your Experiences to Encourage Others
Have you ever gone through a difficult time? Did you come
through it strengthened and refined? Maybe you’ve wondered if God might use that experience to help others?
Perhaps the Lord is nudging you to join our Focus Group
Team as a leader in your particular area of life experience.
We’re looking for additional qualified small group leaders
in the following areas: Celebrate Recovery (addictions),
Mending Hearts Divorce Care (separation/divorce),
GriefShare (loss through death), Career Transitions
(unemployment), Compassionate Responders (mental illness), Chance to Change (gambling) and Weight Loss.
The CEFC Focus Group Ministry is centered on encouraging one another to live healthy lives here on earth while
having our focus on heaven. To learn more, contact Donna
Hoshor, Director of Focus Group Ministry, at 763-971-5118.
14
The Dark Nights of the Soul
“God the Father has his eye on each of you, and has
determined by the work of the Spirit to keep you obedient
through the sacrifice of Jesus. May everything good from
God be yours! What a God we have! And how fortunate we
are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because
Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand
new life and have everything to live for, including a future
in heaven–and the future starts now! God is keeping careful
watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when
you’ll have it all–life healed and whole.
I know how great this makes you feel, even though you
have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime. Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure;
genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved
genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it’s your faith, not
your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his
victory. You never saw Him, yet you love Him. You still
don’t see Him, yet you trust Him–with laughter and
singing. Because you kept on believing, you’ll get what
you’re looking forward to: total salvation.”
–1 Peter 2-9, The Message
LISA ANDERSON, AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
teacher who has attended Crystal Free Church
for 14 years, will tell you she has personally
experienced the sentiment of the verses above,
most dramatically in the past 18 months. Due to an
unforeseen illness, she has walked on the very edge
of death and seen God’s watchful eye upon her life in
deep and mysterious ways. Her doctors concur that the
healing of her body has been nothing less than a miracle–“a brand new life” given to her. Lisa continues to
experience the refining work of God’s hand as the
challenges of sight impairment make their way into
her life. She cannot physically see as she once did,
but there’s no doubt that God has brought incredible healing to Lisa’s spiritual sight–in ways she
would never trade for 20/20 vision.
Have you in the past, or are you currently going
through “dark nights of the soul”? You’ll want to see
Crystal Free’s homepage at www.cefc.com for a glimpse
of Lisa’s journey through those times when her future
seemed darkest. (Click on “LifeStories.”) As you read,
give thanks to the Lord for His healing power and ask Him
to speak to you of His great love and intimate care for your
own precious life and soul. For support and encouragement
during difficult times of physical, emotional or spiritual
struggle, contact Care Ministries at 763-971-5123.
A Ministry Publication of Crystal Evangelical Free Church
Volume 10, No. 2
March 7
March 9
March 12
March 13
March 13, 14
March 19
March 22
March 28
April 2
April 3
April 4
April 8
April 9
April 11
April 13
April 17
April 19
April 23-25
April 24
April 25
April 26
April 28
April 30-May 2
May 2
May 4
May 7
May 9
May 10
May 18
May 21-23
May 23
March/April 2004
OneFifty Praise & Worship
Ministry for Men: “Second Tuesday”
PowerHouse Concert Featuring “Look Alive”
“Soul Mates” Seminar with Dr. Les Parrott
Gospel Music Celebration with Calvin Hunt
A Women’s Tea “Generations of Joy”
Ladies’ Latte – Coffee Night at the PowerHouse
“Are You Hungry?” Prayer Gathering
Messianic Passover Seder with Marty Goetz
Children’s Ministries Family Easter Celebration
Marty Goetz Concert
“Preparation for the Cross” Easter Drama
Good Friday “Celebration of the Cross”
Easter Resurrection Celebrations
Ministry for Men: “Second Tuesday”
“Save Our Students” Seminar
“What’s-It-All-About...ALPHA” Course begins
Women’s Ministries “While-Away” Retreat
“Aging is God’s Idea–Planning for the Future”
“Are You Hungry?” Prayer Gathering
Marriage Preparation Class Begins
Women’s Ministries Bible Studies Closing Events
Jr. High/Sr. High Getaway
OneFifty Praise & Worship
Care Ministries Volunteer Appreciation Event
Father-Daughter Banquet with Bob Stromberg
Child Dedication
Ladies’ Latte – Coffee Night at the PowerHouse
PowerHouse Golf Open
Pure Marriage Encounter Weekend
“Are You Hungry?” Prayer Gathering
Impacting Our City, the Nation
and the World