A Journey of Faith
Submitted August 04, 2011
In 1994, Calvary had an Easter production, “Behold the Lamb.” We decided to branch out and drive to Naperville for that Easter service (a commitment of 35–40 miles and about an hour from home).
A few years later, Pastor Schmidgall suddenly died. Our leader had passed on, and we were weak in our faith. We watched the people in the church lean on each other. Then God brought a new pastor. Rob and I loved Pastor Ross. He had our sense of humor and was a true "man's man.” We needed hope, challenge and a direction to grow. Slowly we tiptoed in our faith.
Rob had been working at his manufacturing plant since 1989. The fateful day came in February of 2008. On July 1, all of employees would be let go. Because of circumstances with his company and the union, Rob was very bitter. He held most of it inside, but I let him vent. For a couple of months, he didn't even try to look for work.
We slowly began praying together, which was a struggle at first. He and I had past baggage from family hurts, broken relationships and life in general, but we knew that our marriage was valuable to us, to our children and to God. Square one is a place that no one sees coming. We held hands and began to bare our souls, hurts and fears to God. Our children are grown and have their own homes. When we were together, we tried to join hands in a circle to acknowledge God as our Father and pray blessing, peace, prosperity and health over their lives. We saw the years that the locusts ate begin anew again with our kids. God was moving to the center even though we didn't know it.
In November of 2008, we decided that, instead of being bench warmers at churchg, we'd volunteer. The first person I talked to was an usher. Sure, I could be an usher … it couldn't hurt. Rob joined the Campus Assurance Ministry. What we didn't know was that most of these people "walked the walk." We were happy to be part of the bigger picture, draw close to God and do something for someone else.
Rob had been applying online for nine months, and finally an offer came through. A company hired him as production manager for a prototype venture that they were tying to start. It never got up and running, and, as the economy tanked, the company scrapped the idea. After six short months, he was again let go. However, during that prosperous period, we were able to give our daughter a wonderful wedding in Lake Geneva. There is always a reason for God's timing.
Back to the computer and applying. We were drawing closer and closer to God. We began to laugh and relax. The struggles were obviously there, but we learned what was important in this short life. I had been reading through the Bible (following Calvary's leading) for the past four to five years, and Rob got on board this year. We were tithing faithfully, sometimes down to the last $50 per month. We both agreed that it wasn’t our money. We work for God, whether it's my job at the OB/GYN office, unemployment or selling something on Craigslist. My usher pals got to know us both well, and we all prayed faithfully for each other.
Our friend, Bill Lytwyn, had been with his company for 35 years and had been asking how to get Rob an interview. For weeks, he hit dead-ends. No one from human resources returned his calls, and no one, it seemed, had any answers.
One Sunday, Pastor Ross gave an invitation for everyone who felt frustrated to come forward for prayer. I wanted to laugh because, of course, God knew. I immediately stepped forward and began to sob and pray. I reminded God that his Word states that my husband is the head and not the tail—that he will again, with God’s grace, be honored at the city gate. We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God. I pleaded with God to hear our prayer.
The next day, we began fasting and praying. It was that week that God threw open the doors at our friend’s company. He "ran into" the two people who were interviewing and taking referrals. He pulled Rob's resume, and Rob was called for a test and was one of the few people who passed. Miracle? No doubt!
Rob was hired for a position that is two or three times more than his previous job paid. God's hand steered the direction and placed him where he needed him to be. Without wavering, we both trust God's direction and provision. We are solid in our marriage, faith and growth, and our children continue to be amazed.
We need to just let God be who he says he is. He doesn't need defending; his works defend themselves. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. He is God the Father who leads, guides, directs and deeply loves his people. There is no height or depth where he cannot go to defend and protect us. We are forever at his great mercy where his loves shines upon us and his glory engulfs us. I want to dance and shout through the streets like David. I want to sit quietly and cry, knowing that he is cradling me in his arms.
There are no words to describe the emotion and depth of my love, trust and faith. I deeply hope and pray that the Holy Spirit has shown his glory and opened your heart to the Father's great mercy and grace, which is available to all of us. Rob and I are but lowly, sinful people who somehow struck a chord with the great God of the centuries.
Miracles Still Happen
Submitted July 28, 2011
Last year, severe dizzy spells sent me to the hospital for five days. After CT scans, MRI’s, MRA’s and other tests, doctors had no answers. The dizziness subsided. About three days later, my husband and I were visiting friends. I developed a bad headache, so we went home. After several more trips to the emergency room, we still had no answers.
On the evening of Aug. 17, 2010, I told my husband, “Call 9-1-1. Something is wrong." When we arrived at the hospital, I had another CT scan. "There is evidence of a bleed" are the only words that I remember from that night. A neurosurgeon from Northwestern University Hospital was there, and I was rushed into surgery to remove the clot. I'd had a stroke.
After two weeks at Edward Hospital, I was transferred to Marion Joy. While there, a pastor from Calvary Church visited me. He anointed me with oil and prayed for healing. My recovery was swift, and all of my doctors were amazed. I have no slurred speech and no trouble walking.
God walked before me in those days and had everything in place that I needed! To him be the glory!
I can only give praise to God
Submitted July 22, 2011
We are so thankful that the Lord led us to Calvary Church six years ago. Our children are very happy in the youth ministry, and they look forward to attend the meeting every time.
I see great changes in the daily lives of our sons, especially our son who is in NXT Senior High. He used to be very withdrawn in communicating with me. He was very teenage-like. But now I see him with a humble heart and a gentleness that were not there before.
I can only give praise to God. I thank the Lord for giving Pastor Steve and the leaders such wonderful hearts and for bringing these young people to the Lord. Praise the Lord for what he is doing at Calvary Church!
I’m not who I was before
Submitted July 18, 2011
I am 21 years old, and I have been going to Calvary Church for my whole life. Throughout the years, I have always been able to count on Calvary to be there through difficult times, but they truly stepped in recently.
During my freshman year of college, a Christian man I met on campus abused me. From that point on, I felt like one thing after another went wrong. My mother was diagnosed with cancer for the second time, and between that and the remaining pain I felt from an abusive relationship, I began having horrible, paralyzing anxiety attacks. For a while, it was difficult for me to see a way out of what I was going through.
But as I became more involved with my faith—especially through Axiom Young Adult Ministry—I was strengthened, and I slowly began to recover from everything. Looking back, I know that, without the love of God and the understanding that he was walking with me, I never would have healed as quickly and developed the strength and confidence that I have now.
It is so difficult to explain in this short testimony just how much I've changed, but I can confidently say that I'm not who I was before.
Faith Tested, Life Changed
Submitted July 14, 2011
My faith was tested, and my life was changed last year when I was suddenly diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. I was 26 years old.
I was scared and not sure of what to expect as I entered a whole new medical world. My time was consumed with lab tests, scans, second opinions, consultations, guidance and multiple physician teams. Through it all, I smiled, believed that I was healed, stayed positive and knew that God wouldn’t give me more than I could bear. This trial was my test, and it was going to be my testimony for life.
After enduring so much yet leaning on God and crying out for his strength to sustain me, he brought me through the storm healthy, happy and cancer free! Early detection and discernment from the Holy Spirit saved my life and opened doors to new friendships and favor. I was also able to spread the love of Christ to others along my journey.
I couldn’t have done it without my mom, family, friends and Jesus by my side. Now I am enjoying the summer that I missed last year!m
His presence is love
Submitted June 28, 2011
"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." As if Jesus spoke them to me in person, these words came to life for me over the past six months.
On December 26, 2010, my dad passed away. A bout with pneumonia complicated his already weakened lungs that were plagued with cancer. Three days later, my mom was rushed to the hospital—only to receive the same diagnosis! She fought for her life until April 11 when she took her last breath and was reunited with her beloved—my dad—in heaven.
In four short months, I felt as though my umbrella of security was snatched from my life. The heartbreak of losing both parents in such a short time was hard to wrap my mind around; however, I knew that God had his arms of comfort wrapped around me … and he still does.
One month after my mom passed, I sat down and journaled about every place in which I had seen God's tangible evidence in the details. I came up with twelve different places and times at which God either prepared me and my family or just held my hand and comforted me.
His presence is love!
I learned to let God guide me
Submitted May 25, 2011
In August of 2010, I finally finished college with my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. It was such a struggle the whole way through because there was always one obstacle in my path after another. A few months before that, I got married, closed on a house and bought a car and a motorcycle. Needless to say, my wife and I had a lot going on. I had a retail job that paid a little over minimum wage, and Melissa had just started her new career as a nurse. We knew that, as soon as I was done with school, I would get a good, high-paying job, and we would be set.
Were we ever wrong! I ended up losing my retail job before I finished school. Once I had my degree, I applied to about 100 companies every day. I didn’t get a single interview. I even began applying to fast food places and looking for minimum-wage retail work. I just couldn’t get a job anywhere. I had a degree, a 4.0 GPA and over 15 years of retail sales experience. I was a newly married 29-year-old who owned a home, cars, etc. I was supposed to be the man of the house by taking care of my wife and family, and I couldn’t even get a job flipping burgers! I was really in a lot of pain.
One Sunday, my wife and I walked to the front of Calvary’s Auditorium and talked with the prayer leaders. We asked them to pray with us that God would guide me in the direction that he knew was best for me. After that, one day I sat and looked for jobs online. I began noticing that many truck-driving jobs were available. I talked to my wife about it and was a bit hesitant to try it because the school was not cheap. But we had just enough for it in savings. My wife dragged me to the nearest one and signed me up.
The miracles started popping up every day. I took my permit tests and passed every one the first time through. I started school and just felt so comfortable. The instructors would say, “Wow, you’re a natural. You’ve got this. You’re really good, etc.” When test day came, I (much like everyone else) was very nervous to pass my CDL test. Only two or three people out of 10 usually passed all three parts of the test. On the first part of the test, I watched four people ahead of me fail in about five minutes. When it was my turn, I couldn’t believe how easy it was!
On parts two and three, more people failed. I completed the whole skills course with a perfect score … until the end when I got really nervous and really messed up. The examiner stopped me and walked to my truck. I knew that he was going to fail me. As I sat there, I just kept praying for God’s help. The examiner looked at me and said, “It’s okay. Just redo this last part.” I couldn’t believe it. He was one of the toughest examiners who had failed people for much smaller mistakes. I did it over again and nailed it perfectly. He said he hasn’t seen anyone get a perfect score on that course in over a year. I passed the test and got my CDL!
As a new grad, you usually have to go on the road for a couple of years to get experience. Then you can get a local job and be home daily. As a newlywed couple, my wife and I were dreading that because I would be on the road for two weeks, then home for two days … for the next two years. But we needed the money and had no other choice. But God miraculously opened the doors for me to have a local job and make even more money!
I was amazed at how God had worked out this position for me. It’s a dangerous job and a scary position, but with God on my side, I have nothing to fear. I have been working at this company for a couple of months now, and I love my new job! I learned once again to just listen, have strong faith, trust God and let him guide me.
I was ready to give up ... but God!
Submitted May 18, 2011
I have been praying and working hard for over a year to get a promotion at my job. I have trained new employees and seen them get promoted to the very position that I was trying to get. I thought to myself that it was never going to happen.
Then my job changed the qualifications needed to get this position so that it was much harder to get. I was ready to give up on trying to get this position. But God!
On May 3, 2011, my manager pulled me into a meeting with my director who wanted to personally congratulate me on getting the promotion. She said that she was proud of me because I achieved this goal the "hard way."
I knew then that God did this. I don't want to take any credit; I want to give my God the glory! Thank you, Jesus, for being faithful to me.
God changed my husband
Submitted April 27, 2011
On December 26, 2008, I packed my belongings and left my husband, Jay. I had been emotionally hurt for the last time and knew that I could no longer be married to someone who was not actively engaged in our marriage.
I moved away from Knoxville (170 miles southwest of Naperville) to the Lemont area. I asked the interim pastor from my home church if he knew about a church in the Lemont area that I could attend. I can still remember pulling into the parking lot at Calvary.
Calvary helped so much. I began attending Wednesday night services and singles’ events, and I began volunteering. I joined a Sunday morning group for female Christian managers. These women were and still are so important to me. I’m not sure how I would have made it without them. Pastors prayed with me, and the ladies prayed and offered advice.
I had given up on our marriage ever being saved. Then Jay called and asked if he could come up and go to church with me. Reluctantly, I agreed. As we drove home from service, I realized that something was different about him. I found out that, when I thought he was in the bathroom, he had gone to the front to ask for prayer. I couldn't believe it! God touched Jay at the moment that he prayed with someone. He was so changed. He was so gentle. His words were soft and kind. His voice was emotional. I thanked God then, and I thank him every day for the change in my husband!
Our marriage is now so different. Jay doesn't want to miss a moment. We now volunteer with the homeless at Chicago City Church (one of Calvary's outreaches) and have hosted many couples’ events at our home.
Pastor Ross carried me many days while Jay and I were separated. I thank him and the staff at Calvary for all of their devotion to helping me when I needed it. If anyone doing the praying at the front of the church ever wonders what happens to the people for whom they pray, I want you to know that they live happily ever after.
I now know that I am loved
Submitted April 21, 2011
I gave my life to the Lord at a very early age, but I was afraid of God for many years. He was presented to me in a way that reminded me of a mean, old man with an axe to grind against humanity. All I ever heard about God were fire, hell and brimstone.
For most of my life, I didn't even believe that God cared about anything concerning my life. Like many of my contemporaries in Louisiana, I was forced to do all of the "church girl" things. I was serving as a junior usher, singing in the choir and attending almost every service while living in a house with a stepfather who drank and molested me at night.
I was angry with God. I thought that Christianity was just a list of do's and don'ts. Rebellion was inevitable because no one took the time to explain God's character. I experienced some awful events in my years (from sexual abuse to suicides in my family), but I always attended church. I thought that I would grow up and never set foot inside a church again.
This was all until I came to know God for myself. I asked God to send me to a church that was a close representation of what heaven might look like. I desperately wanted to be part of a church that preached the undisputed word of God. I wanted to be part of a diverse church that allowed me to worship God with the gifts and talents that he placed inside of me.
Last January, the Holy Spirit arrested me on a Sunday morning on Route 59. I was on my way to a bookstore and was about to drive by Calvary Church when the Holy Spirit told me to turn just as the parking attendants were motioning for me to come. I can't begin to count how many times I've passed Calvary, but from the moment I entered the sanctuary, I knew that God was there.
Today I don't look the same because I am saved! Not only am I saved, but I also have a wonderful and totally satisfying relationship with the Lord. I now know that I am loved, wanted and useful to his kingdom. The Bible has taught me so much about how much God values me. I have been able to find peace, comfort and assurance that I am deeply loved by God.
I'm still at Calvary because God is here. I feel his presence every time I drive on the property. Calvary has made a huge difference in my life. This is all because I have gotten to know God for myself.
I knew that God was real and alive!
Submitted April 15, 2011
I grew up "believing" and "trusting" in God at a young age; however, I spent my years talking about God and to God but never listening and developing that two-way relationship with God.
As a senior in college, I was rushed into emergency brain surgery for what I had originally been told (at age 21) was brain cancer. The morning of my surgery, Calvary Church prayed for me in the service, and even my brain surgeon said "people have prayed." Instead of cancer, things "changed," and I had weak vessels rupturing, along with a full recovery.
After I came out of surgery, I knew that God was real and alive! God miraculously healed me, and my whole life changed. Like Moses at Mt. Sinai said, I would rather be in a barren desert with the presence of God than have everything in the "promised land" without the presence of God.
I grew up in church thinking that you had to be "chosen" to do great things for God, but I learned that all are chosen. The question is … what will we choose?
Made Special by God
Submitted April 08, 2011
When I was ten years old, I was diagnosed with autism, and I found out that I had autism right before my 14th birthday.
When I was growing up, I went to a lot of therapy. I had speech delays, and math was hard for me. I tried to find jobs, but no one would hire me. But I never gave up hope to find a job. I even went away to college for two years (a program called College Living Experience).
Sometimes I wish that I didn't have autism in the first place, but God put me on earth for a reason. When I'm going through hard situations, I always have Jesus right by my side. Now I drive, go to college and hopefully will live on my own again.
Praise God for making me special!
Standing in the Gap
Submitted April 01, 2011
Our story is not over, but we continue to thank God through our milestones. My son, Peter Benjamin, was born at 28 weeks gestation (weighing 2 lbs., 6 oz.). He lived in the NICU for seven months. During that time, I was attending Calvary regularly and saw and heard him being prayed for weekly.
My son came home from the hospital with a feeding tube, oxygen and a full nursing staff to take care of him around the clock. Around the time that Peter Benjamin was being brought home from the hospital, his father no longer wanted to be married and in his life.
For the past six years, I have chosen one day each week to fast for my son's eating situation and our life. I have seen God work in so many ways. My son has just begun chewing foods and drinking liquids regularly. He is a fully functioning boy who loves the Lord and knows that God is the head of our household.
I am grateful for our storms and what we've learned through them. I am thankful for Calvary Church and our family and friends.
Delivered from Depression
Submitted March 30, 2011
One year ago, I was delivered from acute deep depression that I had for several years. It was a miracle! I learned about God—his faithfulness, his love, his mercy and his grace.
Though I made mistakes, God made me a vessel unto honor. God never gave up on me, He never let me go. It is never too late with God. I will praise and thank him forever and ever!
A Change of Heart
Submitted March 25, 2011
As part of Calvary’s men’s group, Champions of Honor, I read the book, "21 Day Fast." I was not looking forward to this commitment, so I asked God to change my heart about food fasting.
I read the book and did a two-week pre-fast diet. Then I prayed and fasted for three days. During that time, many of my prayers were answered, including my heart about fasting.
In addition, during my prayer time, the Lord revealed to me two people who were ready to receive Him as their Savior. I scheduled a time to meet with them, and they both asked Christ to be their Lord and Savior! Praise God!
God has a plan for my son’s life
Submitted March 23, 2011
For the past year, I have been praying for my 23-year-old son who lives in a different state. He was unemployed, waiting to go on tour with his band and smoking pot. In other words, he was on the road to nowhere fast.
I chose to ignore the circumstances and focus on God's Word. I prayed for him and reminded God of his promises. This went on for one year, but I remained steadfast. I knew that God was working in his life even though I couldn’t see evidence of any change. I kept thanking and praising God for all that he was doing. I know that God has a plan and purpose for my son's life. Jesus said, "If you believe, you will see the glory of God" (John 11:40).
One year later, my son quit the band, stopped smoking pot, got a full-time job and enrolled in college—all within 30 days. Any single change would have been a miracle, yet this dramatic change shows the undeniable power of God. To God be the glory!
I’ve been set free!
Submitted March 09, 2011
For four years, I was full of anxiety, depressed and involved with darkness. I used to mock those who loved the Lord, and I hated everyone (including myself). I stopped counting my suicide attempts at number four, and I wasn't quite sure why the Lord let me survive, so I became angry with him.
Paralyzed from fear because of a dreaded event that happened two nights prior, I cried out to God and gave my heart to him on Feb. 22, 2009. I found security and peace in God's love for me. As a result, I have been set free from those chains. Because the Lord has set me free, I am a new person with a new heart and a new mind.
My chains are gone; I've been set free. Christ died for our transgressions. All we must do is give our hearts to the Lord, and we will be set free. He is compassionate, and will forgive EVERYTHING. The impossible is possible in his hands. I testify of his love in the mighty name of Jesus Christ!
God Healed my Wife
Submitted March 03, 2011
Three years ago, my wife, Peggy, was diagnosed with kidney disease. When first diagnosed, her kidney function level was 60%. One year later, it had dropped to 50%. The following year, it was at 38%.
Her doctor told her that the kidney function numbers would not increase and that we could only hope for them to stabilize and quit dropping. We were devastated over this news and over the fact that her disease was now at the lowest end of stage three. The final stage (stage 4) was only 3% away.
We prayed for her healing and prayed with others at Calvary West many times. We were losing hope that this healing would happen. Last week, my wife took her latest kidney function level test. Her doctor asked that she come to the office for the results. The doctor told her that her kidney function was normal! She asked how this was possible after being told that kidneys could not repair themselves. The doctor did not know.
God healed my wife! I am so thankful for the many times that our church family listened to our story and prayed for us!
Singing of His Love Forever
Submitted February 23, 2011
In 8th grade, I decided to read through the whole Bible, and Satan responded by attacking my weaknesses. I went through a three-year battle with anorexia and depression. I was 5'6, weighed less than 80 pounds and should have died.
Through pray-reading Galatians 5, God miraculously healed my mind and brought me out of it. My body, though, still needed healing from the situation (and from a serious voice injury that occurred when I was 14). I loved to sing/worship, but it was really painful for me to do so. Doctors’ tests brought no results.
During my freshman year of college, I went to a church service during which they played "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever." I cried and told God that I would sing if I could. When I responded to the altar call, they played that song again. I started to cry and knew that God wanted me to open my mouth and sing. I did. His presence came and healed me—right there!
When I came to Calvary, it took me two years to get involved because I believed the lie that "there's so much talent here, they don't need me." But God pushed me, and now I "sing of his love" in the choir and worship team.
God is still in the healing business
Submitted February 09, 2011
On Dec. 20, I was out for a walk and slipped on some ice that was hidden by snow. My left leg went forward, and my right leg went backward. I was essentially doing a split. As a result, I damaged some muscles and nerves in my right thigh all the way to my knee. That area of my leg turned into one big bruise.
For the next four weeks, I could hardly walk or sit for periods of time. In order to walk upstairs or get into a car, I had to grab my right pant leg and lift my leg. The pain was bad (about an 8 or 9 on a scale of 1 to 10). The doctors determined that no bones were broken, but the muscle tear was pretty bad.
I was using ice, heat and mild stretching exercises in an attempt to ease the pain, but nothing seemed to work until my first Community Group meeting of this year. After some powerful prayers by my Community Group members, my leg started to feel much better the next day. By the end of that week, the pain was gone, and I was just about back to normal! I give all of the praise and credit to my Lord Jesus who worked through my Community Group folks to touch my leg and make it whole.
I had a follow-up appointment with the orthopedic doctor, and he was amazed that I had recovered so quickly. He was expecting that it would take at least another month.
Everyone tells me that things happen for a reason, and this injury has brought me closer to God. I know first-hand that he is still in the healing business!
God has a successful plan for you
Submitted January 20, 2011
In 1988, the leading of the Lord took place in our lives, and we didn’t even know it. We were both 59 years old, and both of us lost our jobs at the same time.
Misty was the receptionist at a Brach Candy Satellite plant close to where we lived. Brach Candy was purchased by a Swiss company. Becauase of poor management practices, the entire Brach Candy operation was shut down. She lost her job. Meanwhile, the same thing was happening to me. The owner of Perma Coatings died with a cancer problem. His lifetime friend dissipated the financial structure of the company, resulting in filing chapter 11. I lost my job.
Misty found an ad in the Chicago Tribune that there was to be a Bankruptcy Auction at Perma Coatings where I worked. My soon-to-be partner and I decided to attend the auction. We purchased all of the equipment, raw materials and 200 five-gallon pails of finished products. After the auction, we had three days to move everything and no place to go. That purchase took our lifetime savings. It was suggested that we retire and not take the chance. But God had another plan.
Misty found a vacant building in Plainfield, Ill., that eventually became our manufacturing facility. We moved all of the equipment and raw materials during that short three-day time limitation. During the following months, I sold the 200 pails of finished goods. It was obvious that the leading and the hand of God were on us. This sale paid for everything. In a way, we paid with the company with its own money. Praise God!
I wanted to reference God in the name of our company. Since we manufacture two component catalyzed urethane paint products, I thought about the mechanism of the reaction that takes place between these two components. This led to naming our company. The reaction is referred to as a polymerization process. It is also referred to a cross-linking process. Since we as Christian are linked to the cross of Christ, the Holy Spirit led me to name our newly found company “Crosslink Coatings Corporation.” God’s name is in our company!
Ten years later, we designed and built our office, laboratory and manufacturing facility located in Channahon. This debt was completely paid for within the following seven years before the recent economic meltdown that has taken place in our country. This was another leading of the Lord in our lives!
We sold our home in Franklin Park after living there for 37 years and moved to our new home in Plainfield. This brought us closer to Calvary Church and our company.
23 years later, we still work at Crosslink Coatings Corporation. We are getting very close to our monthly sales being equal to our first year total annual sales! What a blessing.
As a result of this, we believe that God expects us to be good stewards, which we try to do with his leading.
We hope that everyone who reads this will be encouraged—especially those who are hurting financially and need an income. Trust in God. Listen to the Holy Spriit as applied to your life. Follow his leading. God has a successful plan for you. God loves you, and we do, too!
God does not want you to live your entire life in the valley
Submitted January 09, 2011
Finding Calvary’s community of believers has saved us and made us whole.
In 1995, my wife and I joined a networking company and began to realize many of our dreams. Life was good until we got a phone call from a lawyer. He said that a business partner and “friend” of ours was involved in a business scheme that ultimately became the end of our financial success. Not only had we been used and taken advantage of, but everything we had worked for since age 25 was gone.
We eventually were forced to file for bankruptcy. All we had left was our health, our marriage, family and God. I couldn’t handle seeing my wife crying hysterically and uncontrollably.
We began to attend Calvary in April of 2008. At our first Sunday service, I saw that big blue curtain rise and heard the most moving praise and worship music. I just cried. For the first time, I experienced the joy of praise versus the sorrow of repentance. During our first several services, I couldn’t keep a dry eye. It just kept pouring out of Mary Jo and myself. We were emotional wrecks.
Our lives have now been completely changed. God is healing us and rebuilding our direction. Pastor Ross said in a sermon, “God does not want you to live your entire life in the valley.” When I heard that, I almost stood on my chair and cheered!
I want to express how important Calvary and all of the people have been to us. The great staff of pastors has brought joy back into our lives. Messages from the pulpit have provided a valuable perspective on recent events. We are blessed to still be standing as of today, proving that God never gives you more than you can handle.
Blessing Her Socks Off
Submitted October 28, 2010
Seven years ago, my husband and I moved to this area from the Southwest suburbs of Chicago where we had been life-long residents. Hal and I love Jesus Christ and have always served in church ministries, so connecting to a new church home was a priority. We visited many churches in the area, but after attending a worship service at Calvary, we knew that this was the place for us. Hal immediately found fellowship, support and accountability in the “Every Man’s Battle” Encouragement Group and now serves as a group leader. Hal has grown so much through this group, and our marriage is more wonderful as a result. But that’s another story!
Hal connected to Calvary right away, but I “wandered” for the next few years while attending various meetings, seminars, Sunday classes and Wednesday study groups to see where I could fit in. I prayed and prayed for God to show me what he wanted me to do, but all I heard was “wait.” I feared that I was not hearing him correctly, and I felt guilty that I was not serving and connecting.
Last fall, as cards for CalvaryServe were handed out during a Sunday service, I suddenly felt inspired to handwrite across the bottom of the card, “I want to be on the Assimilation Team with Pastor Josh.” I didn’t know much about the Assimilation Team, and it was not listed on the CalvaryServe card. I wasn’t even sure who Pastor Josh was, but I knew that I wanted to serve there!
I received a call from Pastor Josh the very next day. When he asked why I wanted to serve on the Assimilation Team, I excitedly shared my passion to help people discover and embrace who God created them to be. I explained that I was certified to teach about personalities and that it was wildly successful in my corporate environment. Within the church, I also led women’s ministry retreats where I taught about personalities and spiritual gifts and how God designed everything to fit together perfectly.
I love teaching this stuff and watching people come alive when they put it all together. In my own life, as a child and through my early adult years, I tried very hard to change my personality—in essence, not be me—in order to be accepted by others. Then, in a Sunday school class about God-given personalities, God spoke to my heart and reassured me that he had specifically, lovingly and intentionally given me my personality. As I embraced this truth, my life changed dramatically! Gloriously liberated, I began to soar on eagle’s wings to be all that God created me to be! But that’s another story!
As I shared my heart with Pastor Josh, an excited expression spread across his face. He said that he had been praying for God to bring someone new to come beside him in leading the ServeU Seminar, which is Calvary’s program designed to help people identify where they can best plug into service. Specifically, Pastor Josh needed someone to take over the personality and spiritual gifts portion of ServeU while he covered the biblical teaching portion. That’s when my handwritten request on a CalvaryServe card was placed in his hand. Is God good or what?
If you are seeking to know where and how God wants you to serve, I enourage you to attend the ServeU Seminar on Nov. 14. I’ll be there—serving God in a way that totally blesses my socks off! We’ll be helping others to embrace their God-given personalities and discover their spiritual gifts so that they can go forth and serve joyfully and enthusiastically in God’s kingdom!
God’s Proof
Submitted September 15, 2010
During the crucifixion scene of our Easter production a couple of years ago, I portrayed a mocker who shouted at the Savior, “If you are the Son of God, come down off the cross, Jesus!”
Not surprisingly, many people reacted by asking, “How could you do that part?”
I grew up in a mainline church in which my father was a lay leader, my mother counted offerings for over 25 years and I sang in the choir beginning in fourth grade. I was pretty sure that I was a Christian, but I found out much later that you can’t inherit a relationship with Christ. Even though I had been president of the state youth movement and a counselor for youngsters at a summer Bible camp, I was not saved!
After my life took a traumatic downhill turn, I was confronted with the claims of Christ in an amazing way. I was convicted that he might have to admit that he “never knew me.” That was a shock.
Turning my life over to the Lord was the single best decision that I have ever made; however, it took a long time for me to build a history with God and know that he categorically could be trusted. Along the way, there were times when I demanded of God that he come down off the cross—in other words, prove himself to me.
After more than 30 years as a Christian, I know that he has outlasted my resources to take care of things. As I grow older and consider my mortality, it becomes more and more important that I confidently believe that he has, indeed, prepared a place in heaven for me. He will continue to protect and provide for me while I am still here on earth.
God doesn’t have to prove a thing to me. He is who he says he is, and he will do what he says he will do. I find it comforting to embrace that truth in the face of circumstances that continually try to convince me otherwise. But I am determined to keep the faith.
Opportunity Granted
Submitted August 05, 2010
Three years ago, my family and I were attracted to Calvary because of its children’s ministry, its commitment to biblical teaching and the many opportunities to be better equipped in our walks of faith. Along with our twin boys, my wife and I have enjoyed connecting through different church ministries such as the women’s Bible study, Royal Rangers, Blast Remix, Kids Connection University, Sports Ministry, the choir, etc.
My sons also joined a soccer team last year through the Calvary’s youth soccer program. This year, I volunteered as a coach and was given the opportunity to serve as the coach of my boys’ team. I have to admit that, at first, I was hesitant to add another responsibility to my already busy schedule; however, I listened to the urging of God and knew that I would have the encouragement and support of my wife. I eventually volunteered to be a head coach, which is a decision that I will never regret.
Soon after our soccer team practices started, I came to fully realize the true purpose and objective of the soccer league and my position as a coach. The true purpose was to mentor, encourage and cultivate young champions not only on the field but also in life. Pastor Jason Robinson and Coach Brian instituted a “More Than a Game” study curriculum that was specifically geared toward teaching kids godly character traits that they can implement in their own lives. The word “champion” was used as an acronym, and we focused on a different letter (commitment, humility, etc.) each week during practice. Every lesson contained a biblical application, life examples and productive discussions amongst the team.
The most significant aspect of teaching and coaching this year came in my responsibility as a father and faith example to my own boys. I pray with my boys every day, but I have not supplemented our prayer time with teachings of biblical references and life applications. In teaching this curriculum, I was able to walk through a faith-based lesson plan that my boys could understand and absorb. Through these lessons, my boys started asking more questions about faith and Christianity.
As a parent, I also got to see my boys participate in a sports competition. Almost seven years ago, my twin boys were born prematurely. They faced many health challenges in their first few years of life. It was only a year into their lives that a doctor even shared with us that, in his professional opinion, one of the boys would never walk or run with other children. Yet there he was—out on the soccer field—running and kicking the ball as part of this wonderful Sports Ministry. Praise God!
At the end of the season and after completing the teaching plan, it was abundantly clear that the Sports Ministry is not about winning and losing games; it’s about being champions in our everyday lives. Competition within the league was certainly strong, and everyone wanted to win and tried their best to win. But the foundation of the league was to minister to the kids, the volunteers and everyone else who was part of Calvary’s soccer league.
I am thankful for the privilege to serve and participate in a sports league that aims to set a new trend with different expectations and a new standard for what really matters. God is at the center of all we do and achieve. If we put our trust in him and follow his Word, then we will be champions!
Josiah’s Story
Submitted June 09, 2010
As we share our story, we hope to bring God glory through the “good” times and the “bad.” Dave and I started 2008 awaiting the arrival of our first child. I was working at a job that I loved and was earning a good salary for the first time since I became a dentist. We purchased our first home in January and felt blessed financially.
On April 11, 2008 (four weeks before I was due), we welcomed Josiah Edward Modaff into our family. It was a bittersweet day because it was an emergency c-section. During my scheduled appointment that day, the doctor was concerned that Josiah’s heart rate was not increasing enough during the non-stress test. He did an ultrasound and found that Josiah’s intestines were enlarged due to a blockage. He had a volvulous of the intestine. They had twisted on themselves and cut off blood flow. If the doctor had not detected this when he did, Josiah would have died because he would not have had enough intestines to survive. God’s hand of protection was on our son even in the womb.
Within 24 hours of his birth, Josiah was in surgery. He lost most of his intestine. The doctors said that he had a 50/50 chance of surviving the first 24 hours. Once he made it through the first 24 hours, the doctors thought that he would be very sick and possibly die due to malabsorption of food. They did not think he had enough working intestines to survive. Josiah was in the hospital for over three months.
God provides in the most difficult of times. The hospital bill was approaching $500,000. Three weeks after Josiah was born, I lost my job, and Dave was also unemployed. We did not know how the bills would be paid because we did not have insurance. God does provide; Medicaid covered the bills.
In 2009, the doctors declared that Josiah had outgrown his condition and would not need further treatment. Our God is not limited by our knowledge or capabilities! The doctors were originally convinced that he would not survive very long, much less grow and thrive normally. They were expecting him to slowly die from lack of nutrition or at least not recover for several years. God had other plans. Josiah is now eating normally. He is in the 50th percentile for weight and the 80th percentile for height. I believe that God will continue to use this event to his glory!
God will never allow anything to occur that is not for our good and his glory. Even when we do not see it, he knows what is best for us. By being unemployed, Dave and I were able to be there for Josiah when he needed us. When we were running low on finances, God provided me with a job opportunity. We were able to keep our home, and God provided for all of our needs.
I thank God for walking us through this time. Through all of these trials, we can testify to God’s love and providence. Whatever the future holds, I know that God is in control. If we turn to him for guidance, he will help us to make the right decisions and lead us down the right path.
The Thanksgiving Blessing
Submitted May 25, 2010
What do you get when you combine a postal worker, a mom with three young children, a successful businessman, a nurse, an unemployed middle-aged woman and a retired gentleman? You get to witness God's perfect plan for the homeless and hungry people of Aurora!
On Fridays, I volunteer at Calvary’s Feed the Hungry program in downtown Aurora. Most of the people who come for food are homeless men, along with the occasional battered or homeless woman and some small children. We mostly minister to men who don’t have a job or a place to live. I have been blessed to serve them meals and share in conversation with them. We also provide some free medical care through a group of volunteer doctors.
In honor of Thanksgiving, Calvary planned a special dinner for these people. On that day, I showed up to find no van with food from the church. I waited (along with the hungry people) for the food to arrive. Within a few minutes, four more volunteers arrived to help. We all thought that we were serving food on that day. A phone call revealed that we had come on the wrong day and that no food was arriving for these men.
The crowds began to grow because no other shelter was open. The church basement was not open. We were trying to decide what to do. The people were questioning where the food was, and we felt helpless. We agreed that God would provide.
Then a red pick-up truck arrived. The driver said he had a delivery of food for Hessed House (a battered women’s shelter), but they were closed. He said that all of the shelters were closed because it was the day after Thanksgiving. He asked if we wanted the food. We sure did! We ended up with crates of bananas, many vegetable trays, bread, bagels and even chocolate cake. When Jim (a volunteer) showed up, he offered to go to KFC to get meat for the guys.
While we were waiting for the chicken, we set up the food on the hood and back of the pick-up truck. We then spoke to the men about God's provision and how he had provided a beautiful day for this lunch. We told them to call it a picnic or a tailgate party!
Among the people waiting for food, a 3-year-old boy stood in line with an extra large coat that was dirty and had a broken zipper. Shannon (another volunteer) remembered that some of her son's old clothes were in her car. She was able to put a new long-sleeved shirt and coat on this boy. They fit him perfectly! Then she gave him a bag of other clothing that would fit him. He waited in line with a big smile on his face.
Once the chicken arrived, we served the many who were waiting. We asked Jim if he used his own money to pay for the chicken. He reached into his pocket and said that all he had was four cents. Then he reached into another pocket and pulled out money that his co-workers at the post office had given him three days ago to use for the Feed the Hungry Ministry. God is so good!
We received many thank you's, handshakes, and hugs from the grateful men. They reminded us that if we had not showed up, they would not have eaten on that day. Of all the other 51 weeks of the year on which we serve them lunch, this is the one that they would not soon forget!
After lunch, we volunteers stood around the truck and basked in the awesomeness of God and how he could take six volunteers who "just showed up" in obedience and use them to provide for these men. We spoke about how all things—not just some things—are possible through God. We were reminded of what a powerful God we serve and how he cares for each one of us. He uses all things for his glory—even miscommunication or forgetfulness on our parts! Serving others is a blessing that you receive and not always one that you give.
How to Sell Your House in Four Days
Submitted April 14, 2010
[Watch Their Story]
This is the story of how God truly performed a miracle in our lives and blessed us more than we could imagine. It started about two years ago when we found out that I was pregnant with our second son, Max. We lived in a two-bedroom townhome and were struggling to figure out how to accommodate the new addition to our family.
The housing market was pretty rough at the time (late 2007), and we did not feel like the timing was right to sell. We decided to convert the master closet into a “nursery” and bought an industrial clothing rack to hold our clothes right in the middle of our bedroom. I started praying for a miracle. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen with our house or how long we would have to wait to sell, but I knew that nothing would happen without God. At Calvary’s M.O.M.S. Group, I shared this with the ladies at my table, and they began to pray alongside me.
In August of 2008, Max was born and quite enjoyed the comforts of his little closet nursery. But, as both of our sons grew, our accommodations became very tight.
In January of 2009, Calvary extended “The Dare” challenge to the congregation, urging us to take God at his word and trust him with our finances by faithfully tithing for the next six months. Steve and I were already faithful in tithing, annually budgeting it without even thinking about it. We signed the cards and turned them in to the ushers. On my card, I wrote that I believed for God to provide us with a miracle for the house. This card was signed on January 24, 2009.
On June 3, I set up an appointment to meet with a local realtor to assess the current market for the sale of our home. During our appointment, we were told that the average market time for home sales in our neighborhood was six months and that only three homes had sold in the past six months. This same day, Steve opened a letter from a different realtor stating the following:
“Dear Homeowner, I have a qualified buyer who is seeking to purchase either a two-bedroom with loft or a three-bedroom home in your neighborhood. Please contact me if you would be interested in selling.”
At first glance, we thought that it was some sort of a gimmick, but Steve had another realtor take a look at it, and she thought that it was legitimate.
On June 5, we showed our house to this woman’s clients. On June 6, their realtor called with an offer.
Steve and I were flabbergasted and overwhelmed by the incredible timing. I like to think of this as “phase 1” of our miracle. We still had yet to work out the financing for closing and, more importantly, find a new home by July 13. But we felt that God handed us this opportunity. He just asked that we continue to trust him for what was yet to come.
With about one month before our closing date, we began looking for a new house with four bedrooms that would fit our whole family! Throughout the house-hunting process, two verses carried us: Mark 11:24 and Hebrews 11:6. Both verses remind us that our faith will be rewarded if we trust and believe. The closing on our old house occurred one week before the closing on our new house, so Steve’s parents graciously let us stay with them. By the end of that week, while all of our stuff was in storage and we were living on a pull-out couch in the living room, there wasn’t a doubt in my mind that we were about to move into the house that God had chosen for us.
Almost six months to the day since we signed “The Dare” at Calvary, we signed the closing papers on our new house. As Pastor Ross’ recent sermon admonished, leave room in your plan for God to work supernaturally. Then wait and see what he does. I feel like we have been living this God-purposed plan since we stepped out in faith and sold our home. I’m excited to see where God leads us next!