Hi Church ...
I met Kathy when, as a 19-year-old college sophomore, she began dating a friend of mine named Steve. Small and petite, she was a dynamo of energy, especially when someone brought up the name of her Lord and Savior, Jesus. You see, Kathy was born into a home in Yreka, California, parented by two fully committed atheists. She and her siblings were not allowed to speak the name of Jesus growing up in the home.
As a 17-year-old high school senior, she attended a Christian concert at the invite of a close friend. During the concert, she was blown away by the unfiltered, unmuted praise being given to Jesus Christ. She was overwhelmed by the outward expression of joy, love, thanksgiving, and hope. That night she confessed Christ as her Lord and Savior. The next morning, she shared her hew found faith in Christ with her parents. They immediately kicked her out of their home and forbade her younger siblings to communicate with her.
Kathy lived with a friend’s family until she graduated, then moved to Redding to work and attend Shasta College. While in college she began dating my friend Steve, whom she met at church. She loved sharing her faith in Christ with everyone and anyone. She and Steve were members of a college-age worship team, and I had booked their group to provide music on our closing night of camp (a Friday).
The following day, a Saturday, the same group was slated to lead worship at a huge youth rally in a large church in Redding. The group rehearsed at the church on Thursday night, because on Friday night they would be with me at camp. Kathy was asked to give her testimony on Saturday night, so she rehearsed it on Thursday. Unknown to her and the band, the sound man recorded her testimony.
The group left Redding early on Friday so they could hike into a rugged area and enjoy swimming in Bear Creek. The girls went into some thick brush to change into their swimming suits. With their suits on, Kathy led the way on an unknown path that ended with a 90 foot drop off into the canyon. As Kathy stepped through the thick brush, she plunged to her death in front of her closest friends.
I attended her memorial service a week later. To a packed house of 1000, the pastor shared verses that Kathy had high lighted in her Bible, along with statements she had written about her faith in her journal. He ended his talk by introducing the taped testimony.
Kathy’s voice rang strong and true. “You guys, two-and one-half years ago Jesus became my Savior and Lord. I live for Him, and He is always with me. I don’t know my future, but I know that Jesus does. I could die tomorrow for all I know. and, if I did, I would be with my Jesus forever. Do you have this same confidence? If not, won’t you trust in Jesus right now? I invite you to get out of your seat and come to the alter. Come now and trust in my Savior as your Lord.”
All over the auditorium people rose and began walking to the alter. More than 90 people, young and old, come to saving faith during Kathy’s alter call, including her dad, mom, and three siblings.
God has given each of us a circle of influence, some larger than others. Charlie Kirk influenced tens of thousands and Kathy influenced hundreds. Both were faithful to their calling. Who are the ones God has given you to influence? Are you purchasing the opportunities God gives you to influence them toward Him?
LifeLink’s 6th Birthday Party is happening this Sunday, October 5th. The Celtic worship band, The River, is performing live, ministering to us in music for an hour beginning at 10am. Following the concert of Praise, stick around and enjoy a wonderful BBQ lunch. The church is providing the meat. May I invite you to bring a side to complete the meal? Sides include baked beans, salad (green, potato, or macaroni), or dessert. Thank you!
We have begun taking sign-ups in the lobby for staffing our Fall Harvest Festival. We have all kinds of opportunities for you to serve our community on Saturday, October 25th. In addition, we are collecting candy to give the children during this amazing event. Sign-up sheets located in the lobby.
Friday, October 10th, is the date for our next YouthLink gathering. If you are a teen, you are invited to come enjoy food, games, and worship. 6:00-8:00pm.
The ladies of LifeLink are gathering for a potluck lunch on Saturday, October 18th, at 11:30, in the multi-purpose room. Come enjoy amazing food and even better fellowship with your sisters in Christ!
On Sunday, October 19th, we are celebrating new life in Christ with a baptismal service. Three teenagers will be publicly professing their faith in Christ. Are you wanting to do the same? Give me a call (480-888-5991) and let’s talk.
Saturday, November 1st, is the date of our annual Capture the Vision dinner. A three-course dinner will be served for everyone 5th grade and older. Children 4th grade and younger will enjoy pizza and an age-appropriate movie with paid supervision. Following dinner, we will enjoy some worship, an overview of this past year, and a clear vision for the coming year. $4.00/person, maximum $12/family.
Parking will be a premium this Sunday. May I encourage you to join me in parking on the grass? Thank you! I also invite you to join me for prayer in the lobby at 9:30am this Sunday morning.
A lump of clay in the Potter’s Hands,
Steve
I met Kathy when, as a 19-year-old college sophomore, she began dating a friend of mine named Steve. Small and petite, she was a dynamo of energy, especially when someone brought up the name of her Lord and Savior, Jesus. You see, Kathy was born into a home in Yreka, California, parented by two fully committed atheists. She and her siblings were not allowed to speak the name of Jesus growing up in the home.
As a 17-year-old high school senior, she attended a Christian concert at the invite of a close friend. During the concert, she was blown away by the unfiltered, unmuted praise being given to Jesus Christ. She was overwhelmed by the outward expression of joy, love, thanksgiving, and hope. That night she confessed Christ as her Lord and Savior. The next morning, she shared her hew found faith in Christ with her parents. They immediately kicked her out of their home and forbade her younger siblings to communicate with her.
Kathy lived with a friend’s family until she graduated, then moved to Redding to work and attend Shasta College. While in college she began dating my friend Steve, whom she met at church. She loved sharing her faith in Christ with everyone and anyone. She and Steve were members of a college-age worship team, and I had booked their group to provide music on our closing night of camp (a Friday).
The following day, a Saturday, the same group was slated to lead worship at a huge youth rally in a large church in Redding. The group rehearsed at the church on Thursday night, because on Friday night they would be with me at camp. Kathy was asked to give her testimony on Saturday night, so she rehearsed it on Thursday. Unknown to her and the band, the sound man recorded her testimony.
The group left Redding early on Friday so they could hike into a rugged area and enjoy swimming in Bear Creek. The girls went into some thick brush to change into their swimming suits. With their suits on, Kathy led the way on an unknown path that ended with a 90 foot drop off into the canyon. As Kathy stepped through the thick brush, she plunged to her death in front of her closest friends.
I attended her memorial service a week later. To a packed house of 1000, the pastor shared verses that Kathy had high lighted in her Bible, along with statements she had written about her faith in her journal. He ended his talk by introducing the taped testimony.
Kathy’s voice rang strong and true. “You guys, two-and one-half years ago Jesus became my Savior and Lord. I live for Him, and He is always with me. I don’t know my future, but I know that Jesus does. I could die tomorrow for all I know. and, if I did, I would be with my Jesus forever. Do you have this same confidence? If not, won’t you trust in Jesus right now? I invite you to get out of your seat and come to the alter. Come now and trust in my Savior as your Lord.”
All over the auditorium people rose and began walking to the alter. More than 90 people, young and old, come to saving faith during Kathy’s alter call, including her dad, mom, and three siblings.
God has given each of us a circle of influence, some larger than others. Charlie Kirk influenced tens of thousands and Kathy influenced hundreds. Both were faithful to their calling. Who are the ones God has given you to influence? Are you purchasing the opportunities God gives you to influence them toward Him?
LifeLink’s 6th Birthday Party is happening this Sunday, October 5th. The Celtic worship band, The River, is performing live, ministering to us in music for an hour beginning at 10am. Following the concert of Praise, stick around and enjoy a wonderful BBQ lunch. The church is providing the meat. May I invite you to bring a side to complete the meal? Sides include baked beans, salad (green, potato, or macaroni), or dessert. Thank you!
We have begun taking sign-ups in the lobby for staffing our Fall Harvest Festival. We have all kinds of opportunities for you to serve our community on Saturday, October 25th. In addition, we are collecting candy to give the children during this amazing event. Sign-up sheets located in the lobby.
Friday, October 10th, is the date for our next YouthLink gathering. If you are a teen, you are invited to come enjoy food, games, and worship. 6:00-8:00pm.
The ladies of LifeLink are gathering for a potluck lunch on Saturday, October 18th, at 11:30, in the multi-purpose room. Come enjoy amazing food and even better fellowship with your sisters in Christ!
On Sunday, October 19th, we are celebrating new life in Christ with a baptismal service. Three teenagers will be publicly professing their faith in Christ. Are you wanting to do the same? Give me a call (480-888-5991) and let’s talk.
Saturday, November 1st, is the date of our annual Capture the Vision dinner. A three-course dinner will be served for everyone 5th grade and older. Children 4th grade and younger will enjoy pizza and an age-appropriate movie with paid supervision. Following dinner, we will enjoy some worship, an overview of this past year, and a clear vision for the coming year. $4.00/person, maximum $12/family.
Parking will be a premium this Sunday. May I encourage you to join me in parking on the grass? Thank you! I also invite you to join me for prayer in the lobby at 9:30am this Sunday morning.
A lump of clay in the Potter’s Hands,
Steve
Recent
Archive
Categories
Tags
no tags