The Mountaintop

Journal
August 2014 Colorado Springs, Colorado Vol. 1, No. 2
Serving the Front Range with news of hope and encouragement.
Race connects Springs with Rwanda
Funds help build
villages clinic,
support education
There are many 5K races each year in Colora-
do Springs, but perhaps none carry more mean-
ing than the 2014 Run For Rwanda.
Scheduled for 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at
Cottonwood Creek Park (the northwest corner
of Dublin Boulevard and Rangewood Drive in
Colorado Springs) and simultaneously in Kiba-
li, Rwanda, this years race marks the seventh
annual event with an important mission.
Since its inception in 2007, the Run for
Rwanda has raised more than $100,000 to assist
a small village, Kibali, build a much-needed
health clinic. The beneft race also has raised
money for primary and secondary school schol-
arships for Kibalis children and livestock for
its community.
While this years race will continue to support
the clinic effort and scholarships the goal for
2014 is $15,000 the Colorado Springs race
carries special signifcance for race coordinator
Kevin Werner. It will be the frst race since his
wife, Heather, lost her four-year battle with can-
cer in May. For the past four years, Heather has
been one of the biggest supporters of the race
and her long-distance friends in Kibali.
Race founder, Steve Flannery, said losing
Heather to cancer was an emotional blow. But
this years race will go on as planned, just like
Heather would have wanted.
Even with the serious terminal condition that
she was in, her life wasnt about being sick,
Flannery said. It was about touching other
lives. She wanted to be a blessing to others.
Race history
A high school teacher and former cross coun-
try coach, Flannery has been a runner most of
his life.
So when he visited Rwanda in 2007 with
his church, the International Anglican Church
(IAC) of Colorado Springs, it was only natu-
ral for him to go running many mornings with
locals as his guides.
One thing we learned about was their hopes
for their community, he recalled. But they
are a desperately poor country. The average
Rwandan is a subsistence farmer. They live on
less than $1 a day. No medical care was really
available in the Kibali region. Education is a
struggle.
Flannery recalled meeting a disfgured young
woman who had suffered an abscessed tooth but
couldnt get the care she needed. The untreated
condition led to a cancerous tumor on her face,
which reportedly led to her death.
It could have been treated early on with
antibiotics, he said. Little things there can
become life threatening. It made me want to do
something.
After returning home, Flannery hatched an
Race coordinator Kevin Werner (left) and race founder Steve Flannery pose with some of
the unique trophies and medals that Run for Rwanda winners receive. The statues and
banana-leaf medals are all crafted in Kibali, Rwanda.
Heather Werner (right) lifts her hands in
celebration as she fnishes last years Run
for Rwanda. She died in May and will be
remembered at this years event.
Race/See page 2
Local
Postal Customer
Page 2 - August 2014 - www.themountaintopjournal.com
idea for a new fundraiser to help IACs sister
parish and the entire community in Kibali. He
was aware that Kibali had blueprints for a new
clinic, but they didnt have nearly enough mon-
ey to accomplish the task.
I went for a run in Briargate, he said with a
laugh. I do some of my deep thinking on my
runs. I thought it would be fun to have a race
here to raise money for the health clinic.
And what if the local race was run simultane-
ously with a 5K race in Kibali, he thought.
It would be an act of solidarity with our
brothers and sisters in Rwanda. It would not
only help us to feel connected, but it would help
them to participate in this effort for their com-
munity. We were all in this together.
After getting the blessing for the idea from
the bishop in Rwanda and from IACs pastor
in Colorado Springs, Flannery scrambled to or-
ganize the frst race in a few short months. The
Colorado Springs running community rallied
together to promote the event, and more than
400 runners showed up that frst year.
People told me if we could get 100 people
the frst year, that would be really good, he
recalled. The race was about to start and we
were out of bib numbers. We couldnt register
any more, so we dont know exactly how many
people showed up that day.
Each year the start of the race is coordinat-
ed by starters in Colorado Springs and Kibali.
Thanks to the magic of cellphones, the two
races on opposite sides of the world begin at
the exact time. When the frst race was all over,
more than $18,000 was raised to assist Kibali
and its soon-to-be constructed clinic. And a
strong bond between this Colorado city and a
small village in Rwanda began to develop.
Bare feet and water jugs
Since its frst race, the Run For Rwanda has
attracted between 300 and 400 runners each
year.
It continues to be successful, Flannery said.
Its become a very special event in the life of
our church and our relationship with our Rwan-
dan sister parish. But most participants have no
specifc connection with IAC. They simply con-
nect with this idea that they are running along
with and helping this community in Rwanda.
In addition to the unique simultaneous rac-
es, Run for Rwanda organizers have sought to
include distinctive, yet meaningful elements
in the event. From the beginning, a barefoot
runner division has been part of the days com-
petition. Thats what initially attracted Kevin
Werner to the race four years ago.
Werner, a software engineer, started barefoot
running nine years ago, in an effort to improve
his running form and take stress off his knees.
In Rwanda, most of the runners are barefoot
out of necessity, Flannery explained. Its not
for the health benefts.
Barefoot running has become a craze in the
U.S., so Flannery thought some people might
sign up. A number of runners compete while
barefoot during the Colorado Springs part of the
race.
After participating in that frst barefoot con-
test, Werner had no idea that the mission behind
the race would become a huge passion for him
and his wife, Heather.
My wife and I were big into doing things for
Africa, Werner explained. It was a great way
to support what we believe in. And it was im-
portant for us to know what the money we were
raising was really going toward.
In recent years, race organizers have added a
water jug relay division to the Run for Rwanda
line-up.
Flannery explained that Kibali residents have
to hike long distances to access clean water.
Usually its the childrens job to carry the heavy
containers flled with water back home.
To experience the diffculty of that daily
chore, two race participants run the entire race
route with a large, fve-gallon jug of water.
That race has gotten more popular the last
few years, Flannery said. For each team that
fnishes, we have a sponsor who donates a
water fltration kit to a family in Africa. It helps
runners feel solidarity with people who carry
water like this every day.
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Race/See page 3
Race/From page 1
www.themountaintopjournal.com - August 2014 - Page 3
Run For Rwanda also sponsors a 1K fun
run for kids on race day, and an African band
is hired to provide background music for the
event.
This years race
While the race starts at 8 a.m. in Colora-
do Springs, Kibali runners line up at 4 p.m.
Through the wonders of technology, Werner
said, organizers hope to have a video link set up
so runners in Colorado Springs can watch the
race in Kibali.
Flannery will be in Rwanda Aug. 2 to ex-
perience the race in Africa. Werner will be in
Colorado Springs to coordinate things here.
Both runners and walkers are welcome to par-
ticipate in the days activities. Families and high
school cross country runners are encouraged to
take part.
Winners in the various race divisions win
special wooden African statues and banana leaf
medals, all of which were crafted in Rwanda.
In Kibali, race winners actually win cash
prizes.
For here, its not a lot of money, Werner
said. For there, its probably a months wage.
Winning the cash prize can make a huge dif-
ference for a family, Flannery noted. Last year,
one Kibali runner pledged to give his prize win-
nings to the local clinic and challenged others to
do the same.
When he actually took second place in his
division, the young man admitted that it was a
struggle for him not to use the money to buy
necessities for his family. In the end, he still do-
nated the prize money to the community effort.
Remembering Heather
The 35-year-old mother of two daughters
Anikah and Kaia felt well enough to run the
last two Run for Rwanda races.
Although her cancer treatments appeared to
be working well, the former fourth grade teach-
er at Stetson Hill Elementary developed cancer
again and she passed away May 29.
Even though his wife ultimately lost her fght
with cancer, Werner said hes thankful for the
health care she received that kept her alive for
four years.
We felt very blessed, he said. Anywhere
else in the world, she wouldnt have all the
health care options she had here.
Thats why he remains passionate about the
Run For Rwanda. He called it a moral injus-
tice that so many people in the world lack the
necessary health care to take care of routine
illnesses and maladies.
With tears flling his eyes, Werner said he
particularly loves a group of Kibali women who
prayed for his wife during her cancer battle. The
women, widows due to the horrifc Rwandan
genocide of 1994, had nothing material to send
to Heather but offered the only thing they could
prayers for Gods intervention.
Theyd lost everything, he said. But they
had this personal connection with my wife. It
really meant a lot to Heather.
At Heathers recent funeral, a memorial
fund was set up in her name to beneft Run for
Rwanda. Werner said donations fooded in and
will help the fundraisers goal for the 2014 race.
Thats a good thing, he said, because the next
phase of the clinic construction an HIV and
AIDS wing will cost between $200,000 and
$250,000.
For information or to donate to the Run For
Rwanda effort, visit www.runforrwanda.org.
Race/From page 2
Villagers from Kibali, Rwanda take off at the start of last years Run for Rwanda. Athletes run for much-needed cash prizes in Rwanda.
Runners participate in the Colorado Springs portion of the race to raise money for Kibalis clinic and to win handmade medals or statues.
In addition to the standard 5K run, Colorado Springs race organizers have added a water jug rally, barefoot runner division and a 1K fun
run for kids as part of the Aug. 2 festivities. Money raised benefts the Kibali, Rwanda clinic and funds several educational scholarships
in that small village.
Page 4 - August 2014 - www.themountaintopjournal.com
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www.themountaintopjournal.com - August 2014 - Page 5
By Jeff Holmquist
Some of you are seeing The Mountaintop
Journal for the frst time. We decided to direct
mail a number of our newspapers to residential
addresses throughout Colorado Springs for Au-
gust. Its an experiment to see if people like our
publication and if they will support our efforts
by subscribing.
As an introduction (for those of you who
didnt read our inaugural issue in July), we have
launched a new faith-based, non-denomination-
al Christian newspaper for the Colorado Springs
area. Our vision is to provide a general inter-
est newspaper with positive and encouraging
stories each month. Churches, ministries and
individuals have some amazing stories to tell
in this community, but there are few publica-
tions available in which to to honestly tell those
stories. Thats why we are here.
We thank everyone who has provided encour-
aging feedback concerning our newspaper these
past few weeks, as well as the folks who have
sent us a story idea or two. Even though were
working hard to uncover potential stories, we
wont be able to fnd all the ideas that are out
there. Thats where you come in. Any sugges-
tions and ideas are welcome. You can give us a
call at 719-375-1822 or email us at mountain-
topjournal@gmail.com with your comments.
My wife and I took some friends to the top of
Mt. Cutler the other weekend. Its not a diff-
cult hike, but it provides a great view of this
community when you reach the end of the trail.
From up there near the clouds, I had a better
sense of the layout of Colorado Springs and the
surrounding area. It provided me a big-picture
view of the geographic region for which The
Mountaintop Journal is devoted.
The small-picture view has come to me as
Ive driven throughout the community this past
month delivering newspapers to church-
es, ministry offces, libraries and businesses.
Through my contact with the people of this
community, its clear to me that God is doing
some amazing things but not everyone knows
about it. Ive heard stories of incredible trans-
formation from individuals who have come
to trust Jesus Christ as their Lord. Ive come
across individuals and minisries that show great
commitment and sacrifce by meeting the daily
physical and spiritual needs of people around
the globe. Ive heard stories about devoted
Christians who are just as committed to make a
difference in the Colorado Springs area.
The mission of The Mountaintop Journal is to
bring those stories to our readers so that we all
develop a sense of unity within our community
of believers. God is at work along the Front
Range, and its good to be reminded of that.
Through these stories, we also hope to en-
courage partnerships among churches, minis-
tries and Christian believers in order to better
serve the community in general. If we work
together, and support faith-based events and
programs through prayer, fnancial backing and
volunteerism, we can accomplish much in the
name of Jesus. Enjoy this months newspaper
and let us know what you think.
Climbing to new heights
Publisher/editor Jeff Holmquist
Te Mountaintop Journal is published once
a month and distributed throughout the
Colorado Springs area.
Te Mountaintop Journal
Mountaintop Journal
P.O. Box 25007
Colorado Springs, CO 80936
719-375-1822
Jef Holmquist, publisher/editor
Julie Holmquist, copy editor
Email:
mountaintopjournal@gmail.com
Website:
themountaintopjournal.com
We are also on Facebook!
Te Mountaintop Journal reserves the right
to reject any paid advertising.
All editorial submissions become the
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Churches or businesses wishing to distribute
complementary copies of Te Mountaintop
Journal may call 719-375-1822. Please
indicate the number of copies desired.
Coming
soon to
Colorado
Springs!
Church partners and volunteers sought for
Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21-22, packing event
at Freedom Financial Expo Center.
How Can I Get Involved?
Sign up to pack food for two hours on November 21 & 22
Registration opens Sept. 29. Great for families, for ages 5 and up. Recruit a work team, sports
team or neighbors. Help feed the worlds starving children.
Individual Donations: We ask each volunteer to raise at least $50 to pay for the food you will
pack. If you save .50 a day starting on Aug. 13 you will have $50 by day of event.
Sponsorship Fundraisers: 1) Sell Aspen Auto Clinic Five-Pack Oil Change Card (cost $80.
We get $40 back from Aspen). 2) Sell tickets for FMSC Sky Sox Baseball night (tickets $10)
for Aug. 9 evening game.
Golf Fundraiser: Sponsored by Interim Healthcare and Big O Tires: Flying Horse Club, Mon-
day Sept. 22. Recruit a foursome to play or recruit a business sponsor.
Spread the Word: Talk to your neighbors, sports team, church, work group. Questions, Fund-
raising Ideas, Golf Registration: Contact Mike at FMSC-mobilepack@cragmorcrc.org.
Visit Facebook Page: Colorado Feed My Starving Children
Page 6 - August 2014 - www.themountaintopjournal.com
HCJB switches its
name to better refect
its modern mission
In a nondescript offce building on the west
side of Colorado Springs, a global ministry is
continuing its 82-year mission to reach all na-
tions with the gospel message.
But now it has a new name.
Were in Colorado Springs but not a lot of
people know about us, said Wayne Pederson,
president of Reach Beyond, formerly HCJB
Global. They drive by our building along Gar-
den of the Gods and think were a radio station,
but were not.
The ministry has its roots in Christian radio
and still plants radio stations around the world.
But these days, Reach Beyond also uses emerg-
ing technology, healthcare programs and clean
water projects to help communities in develop-
ing countries and to communicate the love of
Jesus Christ.
On Dec. 25, 1931, founder Clarence Jones
launched the organizations frst station in
Quito, Ecuador, with the help of missionaries
Reuben and Grace Larson, John and Ruth Clark
and Paul and Bernice Young with the Christian
and Missionary Alliance.
The stations call letters were HCJB Her-
alding Christ Jesus Blessings and Chris-
tian programming was broadcast in the native
tongue and English with the help of a 200-watt
station to the few radio owners in that portion
of Latin America.
A few years later, HCJB strengthened its sig-
nal to 10,000 watts and began transmitting the
gospel message and Christian music via short-
wave radio to a growing number of nations. By
the mid-1940s, broadcasts in Arabic, Czech,
Dutch, French, German, Russian, Swedish,
Yiddish, Portuguese and Japanese were added
to the lineup.
In those early years, HCJB staff members
stepped beyond their radio station to conduct
evangelistic rallies and events in theaters, bull-
rings and large tents. They started Bible studies
and childrens programs that grew into various
local churches as well.
By 1992, HCJBs vision shifted from broad-
casting from a single location to starting
community-based radio stations operated by
indigenous people. The organization developed
a small, 2,000-watt radio studio that ft inside a
suitcase and reached out to partners around the
world with the offer to install radio equipment
and provide training to radio engineers and on-
air talent.
Over the past two decades, the ministrys
radio planting effort has resulted in 400
Christian radio stations in more than 100 coun-
tries. Stations are in Africa, Eastern Europe,
Latin America, Asia and beyond.
The ministry also is training its partners
around the world to take advantage of new
technologies such as Facebook, Twitter and
YouTube to help spread the gospel message
among their people.
While continuing to focus on presenting
Christian programming to listeners around the
globe, in recent years HCJB has made more of
a concerted effort to meet the physical needs of
people as well.
Everything we do is through a local partner
and we respond to whatever need is there, Ped-
erson said. We are changing communities and
Local ministry extends its reach
Radio personnel in Cameroon are trained to operate the radio station studio. The Reach
Beyond ministry plants radio stations around the world to help spread the Gospel.
Midwives and birthing attendants from surrounding communities in rural Nepal receive
special training at a newly opened birthing center, made possible through a partnership
with Reach Beyond (pictured above). Reach Beyond also assisted in the 2010 launch of a
community radio station that continues to broadcast in the district.
Reach Beyond/See page 7
www.themountaintopjournal.com - August 2014 - Page 7
saving lives in the neediest parts of the world.
In a small village in Nepal, the Colorado
Springs ministry helped construct a new birth-
ing center to address the infant mortality is-
sue in that region. In Ghana, the organization
worked with African partners to provide clean
water to villages. In other remote locales, health
care laboratories that ft inside a suitcase help
boost the effectiveness of doctors and nurses
treating the ill and infrm.
There are more opportunities than what
were able to follow through on, Pederson ad-
mitted. But were fnding ways to demonstrate
Gods love to people.
A new name
After a 40-year career in U.S. Christian radio,
Pederson joined HCJB as its president almost
six years ago.
Im approaching retirement, and the opportu-
nity just seemed like a culmination of a lifelong
ministry and career, he said. I wanted to focus
on something global and really make a differ-
ence in the developing world.
Pederson said he had to step out of his com-
fort zone and commit to something completely
different for him. He has visited 60 countries in
the last six years in his role as president and has
been encouraged by the difference the ministry
is making.
Its probably the most challenging job Ive
ever had, but also I would say the most reward-
ing, he said.
The organizations leaders recently agreed
that the name HCJB Global was no longer
representative of the ministrys overall mission
and changed the name to Reach Beyond at the
beginning of 2014.
Its a more accurate depiction of who we are
and what we do, Pederson explained. We are
going to some of the least reached, least acces-
sible, most restricted and even dangerous parts
of the world with the message of the gospel.
The change has been very well received, Ped-
erson noted. Even our oldest missionaries and
constituents say this was a very good change.
A new book
To chronicle the ministrys growth over the
years and its eventual name change, Pederson
has penned a new book: Reach Beyond
Comfort, Courage and the Cause of Christ.
Ita available as a paperback or a free down-
load off the Reach Beyond website (www.
reachbeyond.org/manifesto-sign). All a person
needs to do is sign the Reach Beyond Mani-
festo encouraging Christians to commit to
sharing the Good News to all the world prior
to downloading. The ministry hopes to have
100,000 Christians sign the manifesto by the
end of this year.
We have the means and ability to spread
the message of Jesus to everyone who is alive
today, Pederson said. Reach Beyond wants to
be on the forefront of this new gospel area and
encourage others to join us in making Christ
known in every country, city, village and com-
munity around the globe.
Pederson said he was compelled to write the
book because of the many inspiring stories
through HCJBs and Reach Beyonds history.
The 120-page book is a quick read and offers
people unfamiliar with Reach Beyond a bet-
ter understanding of the groups mission and
vision.
These arent so much my stories, but they
are Gods stories, he said. They tell about
lives being changed. With all the bad thats
happening in the world, God is doing some
amazing things.
A community invitation
To introduce Reach Beyonds new name and
feature its continuing ministries, the Colorado
Springs-based offce has scheduled an Aug. 22
open house from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1065
Garden of the Gods Rd.
The event will include an appearance by
national recording artists The Sonfowers,
free tours, free lunch from 12:15-1 p.m. and a
chance to meet the staff and missionaries from
around the globe.
To RSVP call 719-590-9800 or 800-873-
4859; email cos-receptionist@reachbeyond.org.
Wayne Pederson joined HCJB Global (now Reach Beyond) almost six years ago and was
inspired to write a book about the miraculous stories hes encountered in his recent
travels around the globe.
Wayne Pedersons new book is available as
a free download at www.reachbeyond.org/
manifesto-sign.
Reach Beyond/From page 6
Page 8 - August 2014 - www.themountaintopjournal.com
Heart of the Springs
Church provides
building, support
for immigrants
Li-wen Hammer thought she would become
a missionary in China, but God had a different
plan.
In a dream years ago, Li-wen walked toward
China through the departed ocean. God stopped
her progress, however, and she looked up to
see hundreds of people walking across a bridge
connecting China to the U.S.
Each one had an empty bowl, she recalled.
He told me to feed them. He didnt want me to
go to China. He wanted me here.
Li-wen almost immediately began ministering
to Chinese immigrants in the Colorado Springs
area.
It was time to step out of my comfort zone,
she said. I didnt have to work that hard to fnd
the Chinese people. They just started coming to
me.
A native of Taiwan, Li-wen used her Chi-
nese language skills to help immigrant families
communicate, take care of daily tasks and work
through marital issues. Her efforts helped Li-
wen lead seven people to the Lord in just one
year.
But they needed a place to worship, she
said. And they did not know English.
Li-wen approached her congregation Heart
of the Springs asking if the start-up ministry
could meet weekly at the church to fellowship
and learn more about Jesus. Pastor Mike Hens-
ley said the congregation always supports mem-
bers with a heart for missions and service.
This church has had a connection with China
previously, he said. So it was a natural thing
for us to get involved. We always want to dis-
cover where God is working and be a part of it.
Over the past fve years, the Chinese fellow-
ship group has grown to about 50 adults and 20
children. Approximately 50 people have been
baptized as a result of the Chinese ministry.
It is a self-supporting ministry, Li-wen not-
ed. And we want to reach many more people
in town.
Li-wen said the Chinese believers in Colorado
Springs are a diverse group. A fair number of
the immigrants work at local Chinese restau-
rants, but others are employees at high-tech
companies and still others are women who have
married American men.
They each have different needs, she noted.
As an educated and experienced marriage
counselor, Li-wen has helped save at least 10
interracial couples from divorcing. They were
close to breaking up because of the culture
shock, she said.
Li-wen also has been the main contact for
families who need to communicate with school
teachers, and she has taken others to doctor
appointments and guided still others through
government bureaucracy.
Its been a ton of work, she said. But God
created this opportunity for us. We really take
care of them, both physically and spiritually.
I would like to be more like Li-wen, Hens-
ley admitted. Shes truly been a pastor to these
folks. She has shown such commitment.
When the Chinese fellowship began meeting
at Heart of the Springs, Li-wen committed to
Chinese ministry meets needs, shares Jesus
Chinese ministry/See page 9
Photos by Jeff Holmquist/Mountaintop Journal
Li-wen Hammer (left) has led the Chinese fellowship for the past fve years. The group has grown from seven people to more than 50
adults and 20 children. The fellowship meets Sundays in the fellowship hall of Heart of the Springs Church.
He told me to feed them.
He didnt want me to go to
China. He wanted me here.
Li-wen Hammer
www.themountaintopjournal.com - August 2014 - Page 9
teaching weekly from the Bible. She started in
Genesis and continued through to Revelations.
She just fnished the lengthy fve-year series a
few weeks ago.
Now, Li-wen said she is focusing on the next
goal for the ministry. Within two years, she
would like the Chinese fellowship to hire a full-
time pastor for the growing group of believers.
But we need a miracle, she said, noting that
the fnancial giving of the Chinese believers
hasnt yet reached a level that would support
a pastor and a separate church. We need 10
committed couples at least. Were not quite
there yet.
One thing thats worked against the ministry
is the transient nature of the Chinese population
in Colorado Springs. Li-wen said many people
have been saved and baptized here, but quite a
few have eventually moved away.
Some new converts, she reported, returned
to China. Shes excited about the impact those
people might have upon returning to the closed,
communist country.
Li-wen said she appreciates the partnership
the Chinese ministry has with Heart of the
Springs, and recognizes that she wouldnt be
able to accomplish much of anything without
the churchs support. The Chinese believers
take advantage of child care and youth group
programs offered at the church, as well as bap-
tism services when needed.
Its beautiful how we work together, she
said. We dont have the mature Christians who
know how to serve. So its nice to have this
kind of help.
The Chinese fellowship meets at 10:30 a.m.
Sundays in the lower level of the Heart of the
Springs Church. Their gathering not only in-
cludes worship, but also a meal. Chinese food is
always on the menu.
Other aspects of the ministry include English
language lessons, discipleship training and a
separate childrens and youth Sunday service.
People say the United States is a melting
pot, Li-wen observed. But I say its beef stew.
In beef stew, the beef stays separate from the
potatoes and the carrots, but you can taste a
little bit of everything. People stay like they are,
but with a little taste from other cultures. I try to
reach our people in a Chinese way.
Interestingly, the local ministry hosts a large
group of Chinese exchange students each sum-
mer. During their short visit, many of the young
people from China hear about Jesus Christ and
the Bible for the frst time.
God brings people to us, Li-wen said with a
smile. Every year we see some fruit.
For more information about the ministry, visit
www.hotschurch.org/content/ministries/chi-
nese_fellowship.asp.
Li-wen Hammer (left) has been guiding the
Chinese ministry at Heart of the Springs
Church in Colorado Springs for the past fve
years. She said without the partnership with
the local church, and the support of Pastor
Mike Hensley (right), the weekly fellowship
of Chinese believers would have struggled
to establish itself.
Chinese ministry/From page 8
Part of the Chinese ministrys Sunday routine includes a fellowship meal following
worship services. The meal includes plenty of Chinese food items and a few American
favorites as well.
Page 10 - August 2014 - www.themountaintopjournal.com
Summer camp
emphasizes positive
life choices
About 250 boys and girls participated in this
years Pro Football Camp in Colorado Springs
July 8-10.
Conducted at Mt. Lion Stadium on the Uni-
versity of Colorado-Colorado Springs campus,
the camp has been training young athletes in the
fundamentals of football for nine years, while
working to instill positive character traits and
Christian values in the camp participants.
Current and former professional football
players are the key instructors during the camp.
This years roster of professional stars included
nine current and seven retired players, all of
them represented by Domann & Pittman Sports
Representation & Management of Colorado
Springs.
The camp was founded nine years ago by
Craig and Teddi Domann and Rich Griffth,
who played with the Jacksonville Jaguars and
New England Patriots in the NFL for eight
years and is now a pastor at Woodmen Valley
Chapel in Colorado Springs.
Were trying to be a positive infuence on the
kids, Griffth said. And we want to give back
to the community of Colorado Springs. A lot of
things happen in Denver, but we wanted to do
something for the kids right here.
Most of the camp participants come from the
Colorado Springs area. The organization offers
numerous scholarships to disadvantaged kids
so everyone has a chance to participate if they
want.
Griffth said all of the current and former
players, along with community volunteers, have
a good time during the event. The football camp
is deemed a success when the participants learn
about working hard, being a good teammate and
living a God-honoring life, Griffth noted.
Its really about life skills, Griffth said.
Thats what we talk about.
While the professional athletes dont openly
prosthelytize during the outdoor training ses-
sions, Griffth said they seek to model a respon-
sible, Christian life for the younger generation.
On the second day of camp, the young ath-
letes and their families are invited to attend
a Praise With the Pros event at Woodmen
Valley Chapel where some of the athletes have
a chance to share their faith stories.
This years evening session featured Ste-
ven Johnson of the Denver Broncos and Greg
Scruggs of the Seattle Seahawks. There was
more than a little ribbing between the two 2014
Super Bowl opponents, including an unveiling
of Scruggs championship ring.
But the focus of the night, apart from the
singing of a few praise songs, was the personal
testimonies of the professional athletes.
Griffth, who served as the emcee for the
night, said his faith in Jesus Christ helped him
during his entire NFL career.
Faith is alive and well in all professional
sports, he said. And God is alive and well
in our world today. Unfortunately there are lot
of distractions that will take away what God is
trying to do.
Being a professional athlete opened many
doors for Griffth to share his faith with others,
and hes always been thankful for those oppor-
tunities when they arise.
Johnson and Scruggs agreed, noting that they
are both asked to speak or appear at numerous
special public events. When its appropriate,
they said, they will share about their strong
faith in Jesus Christ.
People look at us as super heroes, Johnson
told the crowd. But were just normal people
who have a dream and work hard to achieve it.
Pros share skills and a Savior
Photos by Jeff Holmquist/Mountaintop Journal
Greg Scruggs of the Seattle Seahawks (left) and Steven Johnson of the Denver Broncos (right) talk about their faith as part of the annual
Pro Football Camp in Colorado Springs. Emcee for the Praise With The Pros event was retired professional football player Rich Griffth
(center), who helped start the annual summer skills camp for youngsters.
Camp/See page 7
www.themountaintopjournal.com - August 2014 - Page 11
Steven Johnson
Despite losing in the Super Bowl, Johnson
said it was a dream come true to participate in
the biggest professional football game of the
year. Im still thankful I got to play in the Su-
per Bowl. It was a blessing to be part of it.
But Johnson admitted his ongoing frustration
with a lack of playing time, telling the crowd
that his daily prayer life, Bible reading and gos-
pel music helps him get through those moments
of doubt and stress.
Id be lying if I said everything was easy,
Johnson said. Every day I have a little devil
on my shoulder telling me to take the easy way
out. But the Lord carries me through.
He said that the temptations to stray from the
straight and narrow path are great for profes-
sional athletes, and he often is teased because of
his strong Christian beliefs.
Why is it different to be committed to God?
Johnson asked. Why is it against the norm?
Why dont we all love the Lord? He died on
that cross with every single person in this room
and every single person in this world on his
mind. Theres extreme love in that.
His personal path to Jesus didnt start until
he was a high school junior in Pennsylvania. A
friend invited Johnson to a Bible study and he
eventually attended week after week.
When I found God, I found my true passion
for football, he said. I love the Lord with all
my heart. I could not do this without him. I
dont play for myself anymore. I dont play for
any coach. I play for my Lord, Jesus Christ.
Johnsons eventual path to the NFL was
unlikely at best. He walked on to play for his
college team, the University of Kansas. He was
undrafted, yet signed as a free agent linebacker
with the Denver Broncos.
Id been hurt and beat up, but I made it, he
said. Nobody wanted me, but Im still here.
While Johnson admitted that he hopes to
become a Hall of Fame player some day, he
said what truly motivates him today is helping
others. Johnson said he wants to use the plat-
form as a professional athlete to leave his mark
on the life of others.
Im not going to be the last person who will
play in the NFL. The NFL will be here long af-
ter Im gone. The Denver Broncos will be here
long after Im gone, he explained. People will
forget about us. But what am I going to do to-
day to leave my mark? Life is happening now.
Greg Scruggs
Even though the 310-pound defensive end has
a Super Bowl ring, Scruggs didnt play during
the entire 2013 season due to a torn anterior
cruciate ligament.
He told to the crowd that he was frustrated by
his injury and often wished he could be helping
the team on the feld.
One of the toughest things I had to do was sit
out my Super Bowl winning season, he said.
Its hard to watch when you have no control.
I worked hard to be the best player I could be.
Why couldnt I be out there?
But Scruggs said God doesnt promise an
easy road for committed Christians. There will
be trials along the way.
God allowed his Son to hang on the cross,
he told the campers and their family members.
Imagine what Hell let you go through. His
son hung on a cross nails in him, and we
complain about a bad day.
After he prayed to God for peace, Scruggs
said he had a much better attitude about his
lingering injury.
Somehow I woke up happier each day.
Scruggs encouraged the crowd with Romans
12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends
on you, live at peace with everyone.
He said Jesus calls each person to love others
and reconcile with those who have a strained
relationship with you. Make it right with that
person, he said. Kill them with kindness.
Scruggs called Colorado Springs a place of
solace for him and enjoys visiting on a regular
basis. He also comes back to enjoy the smooth-
ies sold at the downstairs coffee shop at Wood-
men Valley Chapel.
For information about the annual Pro Football
Camp, visit www.profootballcamp.com or email
Rich Griffth at rgriffth@woodmenvalley.org.
Camp/From page 10
Woodmen Valley Chapel Pastor Rich Griffth (left) interacts with Pro Football Campers during a break in the action. The emphasis of the
annual camping experience is teaching young people positive skills that will help them succeed throughout their lives.
In the shadow of Pikes Peak, young athletes
learned the fundamentals of football and the
fner points of being a good teammate.
When I found God, I found
my true passion for football.
Steven Johnson
Page 12 - August 2014 - www.themountaintopjournal.com
Local congregation does its part to
fght hunger, serve local kids
For more than two summer months, volunteers from First Presbyterian
Church in Colorado Springs have partnered with Public School District
11 to feed and enrich the lives of kids.
The congregation was involved Mondays through Fridays with the dis-
tricts Summer Food Program at Memorial Park. From May 27 through
Aug. 1, District 11s food truck provided students with lunch, and the
church volunteers provided a variety of activities the kids could enjoy
after they ate.
Each day had a special activity theme. Mondays were Funday and
included things such as face painting, bubbles and guest visitors.
On Tuesdays, church member Heather Briggs offered a healthy cooking
class for kids and parents in attendance.
Wednesdays were arts and crafts days.
Thursdays focused on games and sports, with church youth group
members helping out.
Fridays were devoted to reading, and kids in attendance were given free
books to take home.
The congregations book drive collected enough that kids went home
with two or three books each week, said Candice Barry, an intern with
First Presbyterian. The Pikes Peak Library District also was on hand each
Friday to get kids involved in its annual summer reading program.
Overall, the summer experience has been a positive one, Barry said.
Some days 10 people showed up, while other days as many as 60 took
Extending a helping hand
Photos by Jeff Holmquist/Mountaintop Journal
Collin Grant (at the center), director of ffth and sixth grade student ministries at First Presbyterian Church, engages several Colorado
Springs students in a game of soccer following lunch served by the School District 11 mobile food truck. The local congregation helped
coordinate activities and games for two months at Memorial Park.
Each week day carried a different theme at Memorial Park. Thurs-
days were deveoted to games and sports (above). Other days fea-
tures crafts, summer reading and healthy cooking classes. Food Program/See page 13
www.themountaintopjournal.com - August 2014 - Page 13
part in the free lunch and activities.
Weve seen a lot of returning families, she
reported. Its been great to see the kids excit-
ed about coming, and the parents have been so
thankful.
Barry said the summer volunteer opportunity
fts in well with First Presbyterians Year of the
City initiative.
Were encouraging people to get outside the
walls of the church and outside the walls of
their homes and be part of the city, she ex-
plained. We want to fnd ways to be Jesus to
the community.
Collin Grant, ffth and sixth grade ministries
director, said First Pres kids get involved in
local volunteer opportunities before they head
on missions trips elsewhere.
We help them see the needs in our own
community, Grant said. We want them to get
excited about serving and living for Jesus.
The Memorial Park commitment is helping
First Pres build new relationships with people
and new partnerships with local organizations
and Christian groups.
We want to join in and support what others
are doing in the community, he said, then see
what God does with that.
Shayna Johnson, who regularly helped with
the summer program, said the kids have been
more than willing to try anything the church
members come up with, whether its wiffe ball
or crafts.
I love the kids, she said. Theyre so much
fun to play with.
Year of the City
Kathy Dobyns, Childrens Ministry associate
with First Presbyterian, said shes been amazed
at the impact the Year of the City initiative is
having on First Pres volunteers and the commu-
nity in general. People are getting out of their
comfort zones and lending a hand.
There are great needs in our city and God
has called us to respond to these needs, she
said.
The congregation became aware of the Hun-
ger Free Colorado summer meal program last
year and decided to help this summer.
According to current statistics, approximately
20 million children nationwide receive free and
reduced school lunches during the school year.
But only about 3 million kids take advantage of
summer food programs funded by the United
States Department of Agriculture.
This is a huge gap, Dobyns said. These
kids are clearly hungry during the summer. For
them, summer is a time of anxiety and food
insecurity.
Part of the problem is that families are un-
aware that summer breakfast and lunch pro-
grams are readily available throughout the
nation, Dobyns said. In Colorado Springs
alone, more than 40 sites host breakfast, lunch
or snacks. Many site are in schools, YMCAs
and parks. Dobyns said shed like to see more
churches get involved.
There are a total of 500 such sites all across
Colorado that offer food to any children 18
years or younger. Despite the lack of awareness,
more than 1.34 million summer meals were
served to Colorado kids and teens last year.
Our goal was to support and come along-
side a program that was already established,
Dobyns explained. By providing enrichment
activities, we increase awareness and participa-
tion. And we engage kids in summer learning
experiences all for free.
Many ministries within the church have
stepped up to be part of the summer program,
Dobyns noted.
Its been a real team effort, she said. God
is using it for His glory and kids are enjoying a
healthy lunch and having fun at the park.
Food Program/From page 12
Candice Barry (left), an intern at First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs, helps a
young girl across a balancing strap as part of the summer food program at Memorial Park
July 17.
Page 14 - August 2014 - www.themountaintopjournal.com
Compassion
International hits the
road to raise awareness
Compassion International supporters recently
experienced life in a developing country, but
they didnt even have to leave the parking lot of
a Colorado Springs church.
For the past two years, the Change the Story
tour has traveled throughout the nation bring-
ing an interactive, mobile experience to church-
es, festivals, schools and parks. One of the
tours most recent stops was at Calvary Worship
Center in Colorado Springs, July 11-14.
Joan Wesley, event coordinator with Calva-
ry Worship Chapel, said the congregation was
thrilled to host the mobile experience. Te
church has sponsored Compassion Internation-
al Sundays previously, but never the tour.
Te recent tour stop was enhanced by a visit
from an actual Compassion kid. Te young man
spoke at each of Calvarys four weekend ser-
vices, Wesley said.
It was a real joy for us. A number of people
told us how they were impacted by it, Wesley
said. For people who have sponsored kids be-
fore, it helped ignite their passion for Compas-
sion International again.
As tour participants enter a large tent, guides
assist them with an audio and video tour mod-
ule. People then selected from among three tour
possibilities and enter the maze of semi-tractor
trailers set up to show what life is like for an
impoverished youngster.
One tour follows the life of Julian, a young girl
from Kampala, Uganda. Tour participants learn
that the girls father has died, leaving the mother
to take care of fve children on her own.
Te frst stop on the tour is a re-creation of
the familys small living quarters. Two wooden
chairs are the only furniture in the room. One
chair, Julian explains on the audio recording, is
propped up against the door to keep drunk men
from entering and causing trouble. Te second
chair is the familys only bed, and everyone in
the family gets a chance to sleep there once per
week.
Tonight I get to sleep in the chair, Julian
proclaims.
Julian informs those listening that life in the
Naguru, Uganda slums are dangerous. Drug
abuse, prostitution and violence is a daily reality.
Her family, prior to receiving help from a
Compassion International sponsor, lived on less
than $1 per day. Tey tried to survive by selling
sweet potatoes in the market, but the family
could still not aford the rent on their small
home.
Julian informs all that she and her three sisters
could easily be sold into marriage for $4,000 to
$5,000 each.
My sisters and I are like a gold mine, she says.
But my mother says we will stick together. We
believe God will provide.
Gods provision comes in the form of the
Jones family from Oregon. Te children, Julian
reports, can now frequent the local Compassion
Child Development Center and get an educa-
tion.
God has answered my prayers, she says. We
eat regular meals now. We can pay our rent.
Te tour moves forward to a room with pic-
tures of Julian, and a copy of her diploma from
high school and college. She reports that she
has come to the United States to attend Baylor
University, where she plans to earn a Masters
degree in social work.
Gods miracles are still happening, she says.
Julian tells tour participants that many chil-
dren face a horrible life ahead if help doesnt
come. At the conclusion of the tour, Compas-
Tour helps change the story
Photos by Jeff Holmquist/Mountaintop Journal
Members of the Hettinger family of Windsor, Col. listen while an actual sponsored child
tells about the joy she felt when she frst attended a Compassion center, where education
and food was readily available. From left to right, mother Jennifer brought her children
Brycen, Ashlyn, Colton and Caitlin to the Change the Story tour to show them how
their fve sponsored children once lived and how they now live.
Compassion/See page 15
www.themountaintopjournal.com - August 2014 - Page 15
sion International volunteers ofer an opportu-
nity for individuals and families to sponsor a
child.
At the conclusion of one tour session, the
Hettinger family from Windsor, Col. exited the
exhibit.
It was awesome, Ashlyn said.
Her older brother, Brycen, agreed.
I thought it was cool, he said. It showed
how much we actually do help.
Te Hettinger family already sponsors fve
Compassion International kids two girls
from Bolivia and three boys from Indonesia.
Weve been a sponsor now for seven years,
said mother Jennifer. We started one for each
of our kids, and then we added another one.
Each of the sponsored children are the same
age as one of the Hettinger children, adding
to the connection the family feels toward the
Compassion sponsorship program, Jennifer
explained.
According to tour manager Amy Soden, the
Change the Story experience seems to res-
onate with many people. Actually following a
child from abject poverty through to total life
transformation is an efective way to show how
important sponsorship can be.
It gives people some idea of the diference
they can make, she said.
Last year, the mobile tour visited 33 cities
throughout the United States. At each stop, an
average of 2,000 to 4,000 people typically partic-
ipate in the tour. Families, youth groups, Scout
troops, schools and more ofen bring larger
groups to the exhibit.
We usually have a really good response from
people, Soden reported. Most people are im-
pacted in some way or another.
Seven Compassion International employees
travel with the mobile tour. A cadre of local vol-
unteers help set up and tear down the exhibit,
and they also help conduct the tours.
Te Change the Story concept has been so
successful that Compassion International is
launching a second team this fall that will travel
the nation and bring the tour to various cities.
Currently more than 1.3 million children
in 26 of the worlds poorest countries are part
of Compassion Internationals sponsorship
program. About 100,000 are still waiting to be
matched with a sponsor, however.
Te need for more sponsors is never ending,
Soden said.
For information on how you can sponsor a
child, visit www.compassion.com or call 800-
336-7676.
Compassion/From page 14
Julians home is Naguru, Uganda had two chairs for furniture. One was used to hold the
door closed so that drunk men wouldnt bother the family. The six members of the family
took turns sleeping in the homes second chair.
Did you know
Every 3.6 seconds one person dies from starvation, and its usually a
child under the age of 5
More than 300 million children go to bed hungry every night
600 million children live on less than $1 a day
780 million people have no access to clean water
1.6 billion people live without electricity
Three young tour participants make their way inside the tent outside Calvary Worship Center in Colorado Springs. The Change the Sto-
ry experience is a family-friendly way to show everyone the impact child sponsorship can have on individual lives.
Page 16 - August 2014 - www.themountaintopjournal.com
July 31
The Lego Movie. Pictures on the Promenade, free admission. Outdoor,
family-friendly movie starts at 8:30 p.m. Promenade Shops at Briargate.
July 31, Aug. 1, 2, 7, 8 & 9
Village Seven Presbyterian Church hosts a production of Cats, by An-
drew Lloyd Webber, performed by the troupe from Village Arts of Colo-
rado Springs. Shows are at 7 p.m. All performances beneft Compassion
International. Church is located at 404 Nonchalant Circle South. Call
719-433-8128 for tickets.
Aug. 2
Run For Rwanda, 8 a.m., Cottonwood Creek Park, Colorado Springs.
Join runners in Kibali, Rwanda in running to support the construction and
operation of a health clinic in that African community. Hosted by Interna-
tional Anglican Church of Colorado Springs.
Run For Revolution Rummage Sale, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Rocky Moun-
tain Calvary. Proceeds will help build a Bible training center for pastors
and leaders in Uganda. Also beneftting Project 127, an agency that as-
sists families who wish to adopt children from the foster care system.
Concert in the Park, 6-7:30 p.m., sponsored by the Springs Community
Church at Cottonwood Park, 3920 Dublin Blvd. Call 719-590-1705.
Aug. 2-3
Women of the Word (WOW) Health and Fitness Weekend, 12-3 p.m.
Saturday (womens health workshop) and 3 p.m. Sunday (nature hike).
Christian House of Prayer, 4360 Bradley Rd.
Aug. 3
Summer Bash at Sandstone Park, hosted by Gateway Church, starting
at noon. Live entertainment by Them Bowmans. Southern style BBQ,
sack races, jumpers and 8-foot earth ball.
Aug. 8
Family Fun Night for Deployed Military Families in Tri-Lakes and North
Colorado Springs areas, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Monument Community Pres-
byterian Church, 238 3rd St., Monument. Complimentary dinner, games
and activities for all ages. For more info and to RSVP by Aug. 4, contact
Rosemary Bell, 488-2984, thudleader@msn.com.
Family Fun Night, 6-8 p.m., Academy Christian Church, 1635 Old Ranch
Road. Movie night. Kids can wear PJs. Concessions stand available.
Jazz in the Garden, 7-9 p.m., Grace and St. Teske Episcopal Church, 601
N. Tejon St., featuring Jerry Teske and friends. Call 719-328-1125.
Aug. 9
Feed My Starving Children with Sky Sox Baseball at Security Service
Field. Advanced ticket sales benefts Feed My Starving Children. Game
starts at 6:05 p.m. Gates open at 5 p.m. On-feld performance prior to the
game.
Back to School Extravaganza, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Springs Church,
1515 Auto Mall Loop. Thousands of backpacks flled with school sup-
plies will be given away. A free kiddie carnival with games, popcorn,
bounce houses and more.
Pursuit 5K Run/Walk, sponsored by Boundless.org and Focus on the
Family. Cost is $25 and includes race T-shirt. Route starts and ends at
Focus on the Family, 8605 Explorer Drive. Vendors, booths and prizes at
the start/fnish.
Ice cream social beneftting the High Plains Helping Hands Food Pantry,
1-4 p.m. at Mountain Springs Church, 7345 Adventure Way. Petting zoo,
silent auction, music and bounce houses on hand. $5 per person for $20
for family of fve. Call 313-8071 for information.
Revive and Thrive 5K for runners and walkers, run at Palmer Park, 3650
Maizeland. Sponsored by Victory World Outreach, beneftting Christian
Missions International.
Aug. 10
Church of the Wildwood, 125th anniversary fnal celebration. Formal
reception, time capsule and presentation of childrens quilt. 10:30 a.m.
Sunday service followed by program.
Aug. 14-15
Lead Where You Are, Global Leadership Summit, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.,
Woodmen Valley Chapel. $79 per person prior to July 9. $109 after. Con-
tact leadershipsummit@woodmenvalley.org.
How Green Was My Valley, First United Methodist Church, 420 N.
Nevada Ave., $14-$20. Presented by Central City Opera, Colorado
Springs Conservatory, Chamber Orchestra of the Springs and Syracuse
Pops Chorus. 7 p.m. Aug. 14 and 8 p.m. Aug. 15.
Aug. 16
Human Traffcking Awareness Event, Calvary Worship Center, 501
Castle Rd., 9-10:30 womens breakfast for $10 donation; 11-12:30 guest
speaker Kristen Morse from the A21 Campaign (everyone invited).
Aug. 24
60th anniversary celebration, Anchor Way Baptist Church, 3125 Virginia
Ave., 719-633-3476.
Aug. 30
Calvary United Methodist Church Neighborhood Fun Day, 4210 Austin
Bluffs Parkway, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Coming Up
Calendar/See page 17
Photo by Jeff Holmquist/Mountaintop Journal
The Colorado Springs Symphony performed a rousing and patriotic
concert on July 4th in Memorial Park in Colorado Springs. And for
the grand fnale, freworks exploded in the background. A fami-
ly-friendly event on a beautiful July night.
www.themountaintopjournal.com - August 2014 - Page 17
Sept. 10
Woodmen Valley Chapel, Rockrimmon Gym, Sexual Abuse Prevention
Workshop, presented by Greg Love and Kimberlee Norris. 7:30 a.m. to
1:30 p.m. Cost is $15, which includes breakfast and lunch.
Sept. 22
Third Annual Feed My Starving Children Golf Beneft, noon start, The
Club at Flying Horse Golf. Proceeds help feed starving children around
the world with the help of Feed My Starving Children. $150 per person;
$600 per foursome. For information or to register, contact Mike Broekhu-
is at 719-201-7285 or fmscgolf@cragmorcrc.org.
Sept. 25-27
Peacemaker Ministries Annual Conference, Hilton Antlers Hotel in Colo-
rado Springs. Training in confict coaching and mediation provided. Visit
www.peacemaker.net for more information or registration.
Worship Directory
REGULAR SERVICE TIMES:
(BOTH CAMPUSES)
JOIN US FOR
FALL@WOODMEN
For more info: WOODMENVALLEY.ORG 719-388-5000
As the summer winds down, we are looking forward to a great fall
season. There will be many exciting opportunities including:
A four-week sermon series on the centrality of Christ in the book of
Colossians beginning in early September.
We will celebrate the 35th anniversary of Woodmens founding in
October. Be on the lookout for historical reminders of Gods faithfullness.
On the weekend of October 18/19, Compassion President and CEO,
Jimmy Mellado, will be teaching at Woodmen.
As the kids head back to school and the leaves begin to change, make
heading back to church a priority in your life. Wed love for you to join us
as we journey into this new season.
8 mi.
Rockrimmon Campus Woodmen Heights Campus
Rockrimmon Campus:
290 E. Woodmen Rd
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
Woodmen Heights Campus:
8292 Woodmen Valley View
Colorado Springs, CO 80908
Churches: Dont miss out!
To be included in next months
worship directory, call 719-375-1822.
For as little as $15 a month for this size ad,
you can let our readers know your worship
times, special service times and upcoming events.
Family Worship Center
6575 Oakwood Center
Colorado Springs, CO 80923
Pastor Edward Cantu 719-599-0509
Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Home of Family Christian Academy
&
V
Calendar/From page 16
As a new school year approach-
es, traditional back-to-school
activities ramp up and families
fll the aisles shopping for school
materials, clothes and all the right
digital gear to help students return
to the classroom ready to learn.
For many Colorado Springs-area
families, however, the season for
student school supply shopping
also presents a great opportunity
to help other children in need.
This is a great time to shop for
Operation Christmas Child shoe
box contents.
Operation Christmas Child, a
ministry of Samaritans Purse,
encourages area residents to shop
year-round to fll their shoe box
gifts, which are collected from
Nov. 17-24 at many locations
around the area.
For more information about how
to get involved with the project,
check out www.samaritanspurse.
org, or call 1-800-353-5949.
Operation Christmas Child
Now is time to buy school
supplies for shoe boxes
Page 18 - August 2014 - www.themountaintopjournal.com
By Julie Holmquist
Its amazing what a person will do for love.
Case in point: When I was engaged to my
husband, Jeff, I drove 45 miles through a Min-
nesota snow storm, stopping only to see if the
state trooper in the ditch needed my help.
Why did I brave the ferce winter weather?
Because I couldnt wait another day to see my
fanc.
You might chalk that up to young love, but
last weekend I took another crazy drive for my
husband, and weve been married 28 years. This
time, it was up a mountain.
Since we moved to the Springs about a year
ago, Jeff has been talking about climbing to the
top of Pikes Peak. I didnt give it much thought
since I knew I would never make that climb. It
was his goal, and it didnt involve me, or so I
thought.
The day before his hike, he asked me to drive
up the Pikes Peak Highway to the summit. I
was his ticket off the mountain.
I wasnt prepared for this, basically because
Im the one with my eyes shut tight and a
sweatshirt over my head whenever were on a
road with any type of drop-off.
Ive been afraid of heights for a long time.
Name a national tourist site thats extremely
vertical, and I can describe my terror the day I
was there.
Climbing the metal circular staircase to Lady
Libertys crown? Check. Swaying at the top of
the St. Louis Arch? Check. Standing at the edge
of the Grand Canyon? Check.
Afterall, I was born in the fat farmland of
southern Minnesota. So I repeat, I wasnt pre-
pared for driving up mountains.
The cog railway was sold out the day of Jeffs
hike, so he needed a ride home. He assured me
that he could try to catch a ride with someone
at the top, but I couldnt allow this. I knew he
would be exhausted, and I needed to be on hand
with food, water and congratulations.
Because I love him dearly, I gritted my teeth
and plowed ahead. If half a million people a
year could drive the highway to the clouds, I
could too.
As I drove past the frst few mile markers, I
began to relax. This isnt so bad, I thought. And
then I hit the treeline.
I think it was Mile 13 when the fear began.
Soon, it became terror as the road before me
seemed to disappear into the sky. I started pray-
ing out loud; I recited the twenty-third Psalm
numerous times, especially the verse that says,
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art
with me.
Pretty soon I was singing You are my Hiding
Place, especially the line that says: Whenever
I am afraid, I will trust in you.
This seemed to keep me from entering a total
state of panic. By Mile 16, I was simply repeat-
ing the name of Jesus, over and over again.
Obviously, I made it. Although I wonder if
anyone has ever deserted her car at Mile 16,
ran to the rocks and hugged them with all her
might.
Once Id reached the summit, I was quite
proud of myself. Even driving on high over-
passes in Denver scare me, and now I can say
Ive driven to the top of a mountain.
Why is it that love can propel you to go be-
yond yourself, to do something you ordinarily
would never consider or risk?
What I did for love made me think. I love
Jesus, too. What am I propelled to do because
of my love for Him? Would I drive on the edge
of a road at 14,000 feet for Jesus?
I think the memory of my Pikes Peak drive
will come in handy every time I become too
lazy to serve others in Jesus name, every time
Im scared to take a leap of faith for the Lord,
and every time I feel like giving up on loving
diffcult people.
Lord, Ill do whatever you ask of me. But I
sure hope it doesnt involve the last few miles
of the Pikes Peak Highway.
What I did for love
Julie Holmquist
Uplift
Magnifcent Maggie
By Paulette Harris
In 2009, a long-haired Snoopy Dog named
Maggie was mauled by three coyotes. Maggie,
12 years old at the time, belonged to our grand-
children.
That afternoon our daughter Jennifer opened
the slider for Maggie. Usually our grandson
Jake went with the faithful dog to wait for the
older children to get home from school, but he
was taking an unusually long nap.
Seconds later, Jennifer heard a strange sound.
As she went outside to investigate, she saw sev-
eral huge coyotes drag Maggie into tall trees.
The sudden distraction gave Maggie a split
second to escape.
Jim and I drove over and helped stop the fow
of blood from Maggies neck and underbelly,
but we couldnt see all the injuries.
Jim gently wrapped her in a towel and we
sped to the nearest vet.
After the veterinarian shaved Maggies sides
and neck, she shook her head, Ill do my best,
but these are nasty wounds that require sur-
gery. In the end, she thought that she could
save her and thats all we wanted.
For six weeks, Jim and I kept her at our home
to help with medications and rest. The family
prayed together as we drove to daily appoint-
ments to clean wounds and change dressings.
Maggie needed two surgeries. A real little
trooper, she allowed people to pet her despite
the pain. She greeted everyone in the veterinar-
ian offce and obediently went to her treatment
room.
Her vet said there were some miraculous
things going on with Maggie. We agree.
Three-year-old Jake would have never sur-
vived such a terrible attack had he been with
Maggie. It almost seemed as if Maggie took
Jakes place.
As a family, we are more cautious now and no
one goes outside without a buddy and a stick.
We would like to warn people. Coyotes are
bolder than ever here
in the Rocky Moun-
tains. We lived in
Monument and coy-
otes do run in packs
in the winter and
early spring when
they have their pups.
Capable of jumping
high fences and at-
tacking humans, these
animals can be the size of a German Shepherds.
We cant express enough gratitude to every-
one involved in helping to care and pray for
Maggie; a special gift of love that God allowed
in all of our lives. Sadly, she passed away a
couple of years ago and we miss her daily.
To share your own Uplift story, send
submissions to mountaintopjournal@gmail.
com or mail to Mountaintop Journal, P.O. Box
25007, Colorado Springs, CO 80936.
Maggie wore special
shirts for protection af-
ter her attack, including
this Air Force t-shirt.
www.themountaintopjournal.com - August 2014 - Page 19
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