Ryan and Lynn Heathco graciously answered a Q & A a few weeks ago to help us get to know them better. Ryan begins as CCJ's Student Minister on Sunday, April 20.

Essentials
Lynn: I was born March 29, 1985 in Bloomington, IN. I grew up in Gosport, IN and went to Owen Valley High School in Spencer. I have one sister named Erin who just turned 18. A 17-year-old step sister named Shelby and two soon to be sisters (will be adopted!) named Jaide and Brittanie. My mom and her husband live in Freedom, IN and my dad lives in Gosport, IN.
Ryan: I was born on November 23, 1984 in Indianapolis. I lived in the Ben Davis area for about 6 years until moving to Martinsville. My older brother Chad and I grew up in Martinsville, where my parents Craig and Linda still reside.

How did you two meet, when were you married?
We actually met in youth group at Eastview Christian in Martinsville and became good friends. We started dating at the end of our Junior year and dated all the way through college. We just got married last May 19.

What has drawn you to CCJ and Dubois County (besides the Holy Spirit)?
First of all, we are really excited about becoming Hoosiers again. :-) Most of all, we are really excited about what God is doing in Dubois County through CCJ. We can’t wait to become a part of such a supportive and passionate family of believers and we are anxious to make CCJ our home church.

Hobbies?
Ryan: I collect autographs. I also enjoy basketball, football, and art.
Lynn: Being creative! I love drawing and painting…. I pretty much love any arts or crafts. I also love to jog when I have time and I really love going to the movies.

Favorites:
Food
Ryan: Spaghetti
Lynn: I agree… spaghetti
Music
Ryan: Jars of Clay and John Mayer
Lynn: John Mayer, Andy Davis, Norah Jones, Derek Webb
Movies
Ryan: The Shawshank Redemption
Lynn: I really don’t have one favorite but I do LOVE movies.
Color
Ryan: Blue (R: 42, G: 63, and B: 135)
Lynn: Green & Pink
Clothing
Ryan: Blue jeans and a button up
Lynn: All :-)
Books
Ryan: Any books by C.S. Lewis, Shel Siverstein, and Rob Bell
Preachers
Ryan: Louie Giglio
Podcasts
Ryan: Simply Youth Ministry Podcast, Colts Podcast

Desert Island
Books
Ryan: The Bible, Shel Silverstein’s A Light in the Attic, and a Sports Illustrated Subscription
Lynn: The Bible, My Utmost for His Highest, and the book I’m reading right now - Soul Cravings (So I can finally find time to finish it).
CDs
Ryan: Jars of Clay (Jars of Clay), John Mayer (Continuum), and The Beatles (One)
Lynn:John Mayer (Room for Squares), Derek Webb (She Must and Shall Go Free), Andy Davis
Movies
Ryan: Shawshank, Back to the Future, and Alfred Hitchcock Flicks.

Any web links you’d like to share that everyone should visit?
Become our facebook friends!

What are your hopes for CCJ and the youth/children’s ministry?
Ryan & Lynn: A long future with both while encouraging spiritual growth and excitement about God’s word in kids and teens.

Favorite Bible book/verse
Ryan: John 10:10
Lynn: James

What were your first impressions of CCJ after one weekend here?
Ryan: I can’t wait to get there!
Lynn: We felt so at home at CCJ and can’t wait to be a part of the awesome things that God is doing there!

Before You Die
Who would you like to meet?
Ryan: Bear Grylls (Especially if I were on the deserted Island)
Where would you like to visit?
Ryan: The Mediterranean
Lynn: Hawaii & Europe

God's Guide to Living
Week 1 - Be Humble
Read 2 Corinthians 3:4-6
Under Paul's influence the church at Corinth had experienced a great deal of growth numerically and spiritually. Yet in the midst of all this success he points out that he himself was not competent enough to be responsible for what had happened. Instead, his ability came from God.
· What do you believe helped Paul recognize that what happened was beyond his own ability?
· Paul is just one of a long list of individuals who would not have been competent to do the task they were called to perform. What does this tell you about the nature of God? What does this tell you about how God views us?
· Why is it so difficult to follow through when we feel God calling us to step out in faith?
· What are some instances in your life where you have not felt qualified to do what God has asked?
· What is it that God is calling you to do today? And what's keeping you from doing it?
· Pray for God to give you strength to trust in Him regardless of what He asks. If you're not sure what God is asking from you, pray for guidance and willingness to follow, regardless of what He may ask.

This site is absolutely hilarious. Go. NOW!

Then come back and list your favorite one.

HatTip to The Thinklings.

Matt Chandler is a preacher at The Village Church in Dallas Texas (don't mess with Texas, BTW). He's a really outstanding preacher from what I've heard and his Easter sermon is good stuff.

Here's, quite possibly, the best nugget from it:

"The Resurrection validates what happened on Friday. How do we know? 'Cause God brought Him (Jesus) back from the dead. I mean, if it's not for the resurrection, we're going 'we THINK Jesus absorbed all the wrath of God. We'll know more after we die. Good luck!'

No, the Resurrection is that peace. You're so weighted down by your sins and behaviors and you've got these things that you can't get out of your life and you wallow in kind of this self-pity where you go 'oh, I can't figure it out, I can't get it right, I can't move on, I keep stumbling at this and I'll never be good enough and I can't ...' And you're wallowing in that trap which is JUST AS DEADLY AS THINKING YOU'RE GREAT!

But Christ has already paid the bill. The old has passed away, the new has come.

As some of you may know, we found out last week we are having a girl! We are really excited and we have picked out the name Mya. We cannot however, come up with a middle name, and that is where you guys come in. We are looking for some ideas. Let us know what you think.
Some things to keep in mind: if the middle name starts with the vowels A or E her initials will be MEN or MAN and we really don't want that LOL. Post any ideas you may have.

Well this week has been really crazy and hectic. That being said I have been able to do some reflecting. Here are some things I will share.

• Rain makes me really grumpy
• Being busy does not always equal effectiveness
• The Southeast Christian Church’s Easter Pageant really is incredible and reminds me every time how much Jesus sacrificed for me. Everyone should see it once.
• When I was young I always thought it was weird and ironic that we called the terrible day that Jesus died a torturous death “Good Friday”. Of course now I realize that it was a Good Friday because on that day the code was cancelled ((Colossians 2:14), I was freed and forgiven. When Jesus said, “It is finished” that meant his work was done and our debt was paid in full. That makes it the best Friday ever.
• I looked forward to tomorrow where we all gather to celebrate this great thing.

The title, of course, is sarcastic. just getting that out of the way.

This is from this wonderful essay.

Our children need to hear the Gospel. They need to see Jesus. That's graphic, sure. It's confusing, of course. And not just for kids. But it is the only message that saves. It's the only message that prepares one for salvation. It is, as Paul says, that which is "of first importance," the message he received from Jesus Himself (1 Cor 15:3-4).

The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus is the Gospel. That's the first word. If we cannot speak of that, we would be better off not speaking of Jesus at all, rather than presenting another Christ, one who meditates but does not mediate, who counsels but is not crucified, who is accessible but not triumphant over sin and death.

The apostle Paul told us the word of the cross would be folly to those who are perishing (1 Cor 1:18). He didn't warn us that it would sometimes also be folly to those who are publishing. No matter. It is still the power of God

This Easter, preach the Gospel... to the senior citizens, to the middle-aged, to the young adults, to the teenagers, to the seekers, to the hardened unbelievers, to the whole world. And, yes, preach the Gospel to the preschoolers.

I'm not saying it won't be scary. The Gospel will disturb the children. And, if you understand it, it will disturb you too.

USA Today examines it.

Is sin dead? No, not by a long shot. Yet as Easter approaches, some pastors and theologians worry: How can Christians celebrate Jesus' atonement for their sins and the promise of eternal life in his resurrection if they don't recognize themselves as sinners?

It is finally quiet at my house tonight and I get to sit back with a great book. I love to read. It doesn't matter what type of book or magazine heck I even read handouts at various offices. Desperate maybe but don't they say knowledge is power. I've started to read a really, really great book.....Max Lucado's 3:16 The Numbers of Hope. This is a captivating book.

Another great book I am reading on a daily basis is Leslie Sansone's Walking the Walk Getting Fit with Faith. To anyone who doesn't know, Leslie Sansone is the queen of in-home walking dvds who is proud to share she is a Christian. I own several of her tapes and try to walk everyday. This book is broken down to use for a month so everyday you are supposed to read a short story on the daily message, a having faith section, clearing your mind of unfaithful thoughts, a verse, activities, and fit facts. This book includes a faith walk dvd which is a in home walk with Leslie and some of her walkers which one happens to be a pastor. He speaks at the end of the dvd and his message is powerful.

What is everyone reading at this time or what have you just finished? I'm always on the lookout for a great/good book/magazine.

“When Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.”Matthew 27:50-51 NIV

Max Lacado wrote in his daily devotion:

"It’s as if the hands of heaven had been gripping the veil, waiting for this moment. Keep in mind the size of the curtain—sixty feet tall and thirty feet wide. One instant it was whole; the next it was ripped in two from top to bottom. No delay. No hesitation. What did the torn curtain mean? For the Jews it meant no more barrier between them and the Holy of Holies. No more priests to go between them and God. No more animal sacrifices to atone for their sins. And for us? What did the torn curtain signify for us?We are welcome to enter into God’s presence—any day, any time. God has removed the barrier that separates us from him. The barrier of sin? Down. He has removed the curtain."

I like that we can go boldly before God!

Darrel asked me yesterday to post this game for anyone that wants to play.

Get in the action now:
Go Here.

Game Front: http://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/frontpage
Group: CCJ Bracket Challenge
Password: ccjustforfun

This is a private group with no money or prizes possible. But, hey, it will be fun to have bragging rights.

Thanks to Mark's brilliance, we can now access the former CCJ Blog. Everything is intact except for the photos posted during the years of 2006-February 2008 and the name of the person who composed the post. Even comments appear to still be there.

So, if you're a person who likes to stroll down memory lane (and there are some great posts in the past and some great posts that show the growth of CCJ), check out the sidebar for the link.

The Old CCJ Blog

I know I've said this before but it bears repeating.

The Internet is so cool. We can take the message of Jesus worldwide by sitting at a desk at home or work. The above video from a Close Encounter service in May has been viewed over 5,000 times worldwide now. There's nothing special about us, however. I have to think it's God's sovereignty getting this video and things like it that others are doing out to the world to get across the message of His saving grace. He has put each of us in this time and this place for a reason. Embrace your times. (Are you inspired yet?) ;-)

Re-read the words to this song. Awesome stuff:

How Deep The Father's Love For Us
Stuart Townend
© 1995 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the man upon a cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts no power no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

The Good:
-- Potty Training Boot Camp for Gabrielle going fairly well. Next up, nighttime training.
-- Mike Weisensteiner turns 40 today.
-- People using their talents in the church for God's purposes.
-- Spring Training in full swing. The best sports season on earth is nearly here (unless you're Communist or something) ;-)
-- CCJ Web issues may have finally been resolved thanks to Mark's handiwork.
-- God's provision and Him being in control.
-- Exciting times at my work (for me, at least - not for everyone though).
-- Narrow Path (Rock Quartet) playing at Hillview CC in Marengo this Sunday night.


The Bad:
-- The total depravity of man (just read the news from time to time).
-- People who miss the point of God's grace.
-- This sickness that's going around that has morphed from one thing into another for a lot of people.
-- Realizing that we're eating more sweets since switching to diet drinks and Splenda (fake sugar).
-- The priority society puts on image.
-- Jimi Hendrix is still dead.


The Ugly:
-- NY governor's mess. Ouch.
-- Politics
-- Gas prices, fall of the US dollar, etc.
-- iPowerweb
-- 99% of newspaper Web sites.
-- People shooting off at the mouth for completely unnecessary reasons. Relax, people.

From Darrel's Questions sent via e-mail:
"How can you keep yourself from becoming uncaring about others, especially those outside the faith?"

This is a tough one for me many times. I do care quite a bit about my friends, acquaintances and co-workers who don't know Jesus but I don't often live that out. I often use the excuse of 'they're not interested' or 'I'm not going to do a 'cold call' because that doesn't work.' Convenient for me, I guess but ultimately I'm really saying that I don't care that people are going to spend an eternity without God or I don't really believe that there is a hell by my actions.

I think the challenge of this question is to be sure to view each person as an image-bearer of God and as someone that Jesus died for and not just as another person.

I'm cynical by nature and from my profession so this question is my tough one.

Got this in an e-mail meant for general distribution to various churches in the area. thought I'd pass it along if anyone is interested:

Huge Book Sale

Over 400 Books! Contemporary Christian fiction, children's, and more. Popular authors such as Ted Dekker, Frank Peretti, Dee Henderson, Susan May Warren, Terri Blackstock, Karen Kingsbury, and many more. Most books are 'like new' and gently used. These books would be good for a church library or for individual enjoyment.

Date; March 13th, 14th, and 15th.
(This Thursday, Friday, and Saturday)

Time; 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
(All 3 days of sale)

Location;
Roy and Nancy Pannell residence,
311 Crane Street,
Loogootee, IN.
**There will be signs on 231 N to mark the way to the sale.**

If you have any questions, feel free to call:
(812)295-5010
(812)295-4363

Please share this with whomever you think would be interested.
Thank you,
Nancy Pannell & Nanette Hembree

Wow! Darrel's study questions really make me dig! Just typing "comfort zones" and I get a little freaked. They're COMFORT zones for a reason! So, what comfort zone is God directing us (you, me) to confront?

I'm still pondering this, but off the top of my head I'd say social interaction. I am a creature of routine, and because I require so much rest, I tend to put socializing second, or third. I think that includes contributing myself, my energy and skills, to CCJ and investing in a 24/7 group. I continue to pray for a Saturday morning 24/7! I am nurtured by these study questions, and would love to be able to talk about them with others! This requires much prayer, for God's guidance. (Creature of routine!!! Chronic sleepy-head!!!! Mild social phobia!!!) (Did I say that last one out loud? EEK!) (Okay, more like moderate social phobia) Prayer!

Peace in Christ!


Is God asking you to step outside of your comfort zone in some way?

This was sent out by Chantelle Foote, this year's VBS director:

Our VBS theme this year is "'The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A Veggietales VBS."
We need the following people:
-- 1 worship leader
-- 4 or more preteen/teen worship crew members
-- 2 pirates who will do a short skit each evening and take pictures of the kids the rest of the evening
-- 2 registrars
-- 2 techies
-- 4-5 captains (a game leader, a science lab leader, a craft leader, and a storytime/ snack leader and possibly a preschool leader)
-- 4-5 first mates (help leader in each area or co-teach)
-- 20 shipmates to guide kid crews through the evening (can be preteens - a great place for new 6th-graders to plug in!)

It sounds like a ton of people, but we are basing this on 150 kids coming to VBS. This is a reasonable guess, but it could actually be more! Even if you don't think you can be here for the entire week, please come find out more about helping. There may be other leaders who want to split the week.

Anyone who can, I need help with a lock-in an the end of April on the 25th

I need:
-- Setup and clean up people
-- Over night helpers
-- Breakfast people

If we can, I'd like to get a meeting setup in the next few weeks
thankx
kdog

By golly, I think I beat the machine.

Does everyone see this post?

-- Windows users?
-- Mac users?
-- Internet Explorer browser users?
-- Safari, Firefox users?

Please reply. Because if everyone sees it, we're back on track, baby!

Darrel's study questions for Jonah 3 hit me like a ton of bricks. I quickly realized that there is not a simple, tidy answer for any of the questions, but #2 really stood out to me this morning.

Who did God send into your life to introduce you to Him? How had God prepared you for that message?

When I was very young, the place I felt most connected and "right" was at church. I was raised Catholic, and as a young child (age 6), my best friend was a nun. I sang in the choir and I remember once looking at the light stream through the stained glass windows, and thinking that must be what God's love looks like. Around age 12 I turned my back on the church, and tried to do the same with God, but found that it wasn't quite that simple.

There have been many people over the years who reminded me about God. I was naturally attracted to Christians because of their confidence in themselves, with life and especially regarding their faith. But I was very foolish and stubborn, and maintained a self-destructive refusal to ask God into my life. One of my photo students, in particular, had such powerful faith, and was so calm and compassionate and plain nice, that I began to soften. But I did not take action to ask God into my life.

I made half-hearted gestures, but never a committment to turn my will and my life over to the care of God. I always held back something, some part of my will because of arrogance and fear. Then my life came crashing down around me. My life was out of control in every way imagineable, and it was finally enough to chip through my arrogance. Finally enough for me to be willing to seek guidance and direction, because I was lost. I knew that I was teetering at the gates of hell, and if my life continued along this same path, I would be dead.

God put many people into my path that led me back to Him. A counselor who suggested AA, a friend who took me to meetings and my first sponsor who gave me unconditional love. I wanted more. I had a vague concept of God, but caried tremendous guilt and shame because of my behaviors. I had ordered God from my life, and believed that I did not have the right to ask His forgiveness. That first sponsor guided me gently, but I knew what I had to do. Alone in my apartment, I fell to my knees crying and begging God's forgiveness. I admitted my anger and arrogance and shame, and I begged forgiveness. My life was shredded by an unrelenting anxiety that often stopped me from even leaving my apartment. My shame was so great.

After that prayer, when I truly and sincerely humbled myself before God, the anxiety lifted within a minute or so, and has never returned. I was finally prepared to give myself completely to God. God allowed me to live a life of reckless self-will in order to be willing for something more, but He was always there waiting for me to ask His help. My ego had to be leveled before I was receptive to the message of God's love and Jesus' sacrifice for me, for each of us. God prepared me by allowing my path to cross those of healthy Christians, and so letting me see there is so much more in life by living according to God' will. The connection and peace of soul I sought was mine for the asking.

Peace in Christ.