february - issue #6

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FAMILY DAY AT MGA 2 opportunities to choose from FAMILY the homemaker has the ultimate career STAKING OUR LIVES ON IT ...i will liken him unto a wise man LOVE FEAST the new experience youth community DO YOU SEE THE FUTURE? Building for the future FEBRUARY 2015 + ISSUE NO 6

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Page 1: February - Issue #6

FAMILY DAY AT MGA2 opportunities to choose from

FAMILYthe homemaker has the ultimate career

STAKING OUR LIVES ON IT ...i will liken him unto a wise man

LOVE FEASTthe new experience youth community

DO YOU SEE THE FUTURE?Building for the future

FEBRUARY 2015 + ISSUE NO 6

Page 2: February - Issue #6

The biggest & best Youth Conference in Canada

W h o ' s C o m i n g ?

REGISTRATION BEGINS FEBRUARY 2015.

Questions to [email protected]

REXALL PLACE | EDMONTON | MAY 22-24, 2015

YC.EXTREMEDREAM.CA #YCAB #UNSTOPPABLE

YC ALBERTA

deposit of $50 is required by february 1st

Page 3: February - Issue #6

TAKE A PEEK WHO’S COMING TO MGA

The entire Pearce family was converted when Anita was six years old. As a child she felt a call of the Spirit to be a missionary-evange-list. Now for over thirty years she has traveled full time, in evangelistic services, minister-ing in more than forty countries, particularly in Western Europe and Canada.

As well as being an acclaimed preacher of the gospel and motivational speaker, Anita Pearce is a songwriter and musician. She has produced numerous country gospel recordings and authored several inspiration-al books

Trevor is founder and artistic director of the non-profit charitable music and arts organi-zation called, Flyingbow Music Ministry. It is primarily through Flyingbow that Trevor does his performing, recording projects and music missionary work. Flyingbow’s mission is stat-ed clearly: to be music missionaries and artists called by God to encourage others to discover and worship Jesus Christ. The ministry’s ob-jectives fall into four key areas: Church minis-try support, Missions and evangelism, the ad-vocacy of music and the arts, and the support of poverty relief in Canada and abroad.

ANITA PEARCE - FEBRUARY 8 TREVOR DYCK - FEBRUARY 22

Page 4: February - Issue #6

FAM

ILY DAY @

MACDONALD ISLAND PARKMOND

AY FEBRUARY 16TH, 2015 >> 1PM

-4PM >>

Hot Chocolate, Skating, fun activities for children and a

great time connecting with others...

….that is what you will find at Family Day at MacDonald Island

Park. Everyone is welcome to join us for the free skating and

hot chocolate sponsored by MGA. Families are important to us.

So join us as we connect with our community and spend time

with our families! See you there!

opportunity 1...

Page 5: February - Issue #6

Come and join MGA for a great day on the lake from 11AM-4PM.

We will be ice fishing, riding quad, snow-mobiling and having a snowy good time!

There will be a potluck so bring a dish to share (condiments, cutlery, plates,

napkins, hot chocolate provided).

Dress for the weather!

If you own a quad or snowmobile be sure to bring it with you! If you have a child under 18 that may want to ride a quad/atv, a helmet

must be worn

We are looking forward to having you there and everyone is welcome so bring some friends! Reach out to the people around you and invite them to join us.

FOR MORE INFORAMTION CALL 780-743-2446

(Chard, AB T0P 1G0)

opportunity 2...

Page 6: February - Issue #6

Hey kids, come and join us for Fun in

the Sun! We are having a Beach Day at

Fun Friday! Come and soak up the rays

of God’s love with us!

FRIDAY

Page 7: February - Issue #6

MEN’SBREAKFAST

WH

EN

WH

ER

E

February 21at 9am

Royal Canadian Legion

CO

ST

$20on sale at the sign up desk

Page 8: February - Issue #6

MISSIONS WE SUPPORT

Page 9: February - Issue #6

FEATURED MISSIONS: CUBAWe are blessed to be able to support 12 Pastors in Cuba. Below is a list of the pastors we support and we ask that you keep them in prayer as this is our Missions Feature for February. The lead Pastor we communicate with is Pastor Juan Carlos and is pictured below in the yellow shirt. As well there is a picture of a church from another pastor we support.

PASTOR GLEN & ELDER RICARDO GUZMAN’S RECENT VISIT TO CUBA - JAN 12-16, 2015

Page 10: February - Issue #6

A Special

CONTENTSFamily Values

The way they love Me

Goal

Ladies Bible Study: A review on thebook of Colossians

A special gift for my Brother

Everyday Miracles

Jenny: The least of these

Staking our lives on it

Family

From Melita

Saving the family

The New Experience Youth Community: Love Feast

MGA Testimony

Life Groups

Meet the Hightshoe family

Calendar of Events

Do you see the Future?

PUBLISHERPastor Glen Forsberg

MANAGING DIRECTORGrace Carabeo

ASST. MANAGING DIRECTORWhitney Lu

CONTENT DEVELOPMENT EDITORPastor Rick Kirschner

COPY EDITORJoy McKoy

DESIGNERSGrace Carabeo / Whitney Lu

PRODUCTIONPrinting Unlimited

Page 11: February - Issue #6

GLEN FORSBERGSenior Pastor

FAMILY

VALUES

What are they? Most of us think of values in the light of our personal family experience. According to Harvard professor Lawrence Stone (his paper in 1994), family values from past European cultures could be described by paternalism, piety, obedience, acceptance of one’s lot, the calling to work, and sexual repression. All of these were defined in favour of a paternalistic status quo.

What about family values in your culture or in your pres-ent home? I believe they are defined and understood in the light of one’s world view. The world view of a theist, atheist, agnostic, liberal, conservative, rich ruler, poor servant, or other, will determine your practice in human relationships and the sort of family values you will espouse.

What world view do you embrace? How does one know if one’s values are healthy? As a Christian, I am con-vinced that the most healthy and productive family model is the result of a sincere and objective faith in the living God and his Son, Jesus Christ. If the teachings of Christ’s values are espoused and practiced by the parents of the home, both the children and the parents will be huge beneficiaries. One proviso, the practice of Christ’s values must not be adjusted into some biased, self-serving facsimile. I believe the basic motivator for the generation of true worth in the lives of people is a genuine love for God and love for people. What inspires your world view and the values you practice? “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” Ephesians 6:4.

Page 12: February - Issue #6

OUR HEAVENLY FATHER IS ALL ABOUT US “MOVING FORWARD”In our relationship with Him and with others. He wants our motivation to come from a heart passionately in love with Him and then for us to “love our neighbor as ourselves” Mark 12:31.

We are instructed in the Bible to “spur one another on to good works.” Hebrews 10:24

The following ten points (writ-ten by Floyd and Sally McClung) give us real encouragement and “spur us on”!

May God bless you this year in amazing ways for His Glory. Most of 2015 is still before us!

Maranatha,Lois Forsberg

NEW YEAR’S GOAL SETTING OPPORTUNITIES

1. What is one way you could utilize time to increase your

enjoyment of God?

2. What is the most humanly impossible thing you will ask

God to do this year?

3. What is the single most important thing you could do to

improve the quality of your family life this year?

4. In which spiritual discipline do you most want to make

progress this year, and what will you do about it?

5. Who are three people you can disciple more

intentionally?

6. What is the most helpful way you can build community

with a few other followers of Jesus this year?

7. For whose salvation will you pray most fervently this

year?

8. Who is the person you most want to encourage this year?

9. What one thing could you do to improve your prayer life

this year?

10. What single thing can you plan to do this year that will

matter most in ten years? In eternity?

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I felt the Apostle Paul’ Shepherd’s heart for the believer in Colossae and so encouraged to have such passion

for my colleagues and other believers to share whatever I receive from God

with them.----------

Jesus is sufficient to meet every need of my life. He is Supreme

The study in Colossians has made me more aware of how

our current culture impacts my faith and how I see the world around me. It has re-ignited a desire to know and discern true Biblical Christianity from

cultural christianity

I’ve reminded myself of the fact and truth that Jesus is sufficient to meet all my needs.

Secondly, whatever I find myself doing, I should discharge those duties as doing all unto God and

not unto men for He is our rewarder---------

Jesus is sufficient to meet every need of our lives. Jesus is the perfect reflection of the invisible God and philosophies which do not exalt Christ are not of God. Our relationship with God is reflected in

our relationship with others

Living like aredeemed person changes

how we react to circumstances. When you recognize the Supremacy of God, you know He can do great things in, through and for you. We worship the real God. In this world

of so much counterfeit beliefs we can offer the true God and hope. Jesus’

blood is the greatest commodity

Christ is enough for me in all things because He is

Supreme – above all we need no other god. God is more

interested in my holiness unto the Lord than my happiness. The family is a model relationship between God

and His people

Thank you, Dr. Vincella (& assistant, Akida) for

helping put this wonderful study

together with powerpoint

What the ladies had to say about the Bible study from the Book of Colossians....

Page 14: February - Issue #6

So….I moved to Fort Mc Murray three years ago this month, and man what a journey! Ever since around grade 7 or 8 I lived in a split family, it’s a typical story and really not much different than many other stories we hear about families splitting up. It’s 2015 and here I am, years later, living with both of my sisters and my father. Of course it was weird living with all of them again at first, but you know, we manage.

I have learned a lot about family dynamics since then, for instance, communication, man that is important, and turns out I’m not very good at it! In fact I’m probably the worst…like ever…but even though it would be two days since I last talked to any of them due to work they still love me. Even when I put my dishes on the counter, or leave my clothes in the washer for way longer than I should, they still love me! Sometimes they even switch my laundry for me, which kind of makes me feel like I am thirteen years old again. No matter what though, they love me.

So my one sister, she shows me love in a com-passionate way. She is the one I can rant to about a bad day at work (that’s awkward con-sidering I work here at MGA). She is the one I would choose to be my right hand man in an apocalypse…not necessarily because she is apocalypse mate-rial, but because I know she loves me!! She would be there for me no matter what, and you know, that makes me want to love people the way she loves me.

Then there is my other sister… she shows me tough love. She has told me a lot of truthful things that I really didn’t want to listen to. She once told me not to date a girl, I didn’t listen to her and then about five months later I was wondering why I didn’t listen to her. Tough love is a hard to beat love; it’s the kind you look back on and say, “Ah man, they knew all along! How is that person so much smarter than me!?”. This sister would be there for me no matter what although she has more opportunities to say “I told you so” than my other sister. And you know, that makes me want to love people the way she loves me.

Then there is my dad. He doesn’t have a specific version of love like compassionate love or tough love, he just loves. He gives advice and he cracks jokes. But beyond those things, he genuinely cares for people… like everyone…all seven billionish people…and he knows them all by name also. I see people like my dad and hope I can grow up to love people half as much, or even a quarter as much as he does. Sure he isn’t perfect but he keeps trying no matter what gets thrown in his direction, and beyond trying he always loves no matter what, and you know, that makes me want to love people the way he loves me.

Conclusion! These relatives of mine are joyful, kind, and generous, but those are small things; they are in the end people who love! Yes, I argue with them from time to time, however I have learned the most from them when we are loving each other, when they have shown me their tough love, their compassionate love, or just a genuine amazing love. I have seen how it affects my life and the lives of those around them, and you know, that makes me want to love people the way they love me.

the way they love me... ISAAC BARTER

Page 15: February - Issue #6

After visiting my brother, David (age 52) in NL the summer of 2004, I was informed that his kidneys were failing and he would need a kidney transplant. Right away my family went to prayer and sought God for a healing for him. On February 14th, 2005, myself and 3 other sib-lings went to the U of A hospital in Edmonton for our first round of tests to see who was com-patible for the transplant. I was the one that ended up being a good match.

After months of testing, everything was a go! Dennis and I prayed every day for the Lord’s will in this. Everything we prayed the Lord answered and gave me the go ahead. Every test showed that I was very healthy and was a match in every way for my brother to receive my kidney. The surgery was scheduled for December 13, 2005 in Edmonton in the U of A hospital. We kept on praying and seeking God’s will. Satan attacked me in every way possible to get me to back down. I realized that there must be some-thing wonderful coming if Satan was putting up such a fight. Whenever you do something great for the Lord the enemy will attack. I knew then that God was going to heal my brother and he was going to use me to do it. I believed with all my heart that this was my calling and my pur-pose.

This was a huge test of trust for me. I am so happy to say that I had such a strong group of supporters and prayer from my church family

The day before the surgery, we prayed again for the Lord to give us a sign that He was with me during this journey. He gave me the scripture Psalm 91:11 “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways”. God is so faithful and He is always on time. The morning of the surgery He showed me angels in 3 different ways. First on a building across the road from the hospital, stood a tall angel with a flowing gown, secondly a lady called me and gave me the same scripture and lastly there was an angel pin on the hospital gown when I got ready for the surgery. The surgery went really well. My brother started feeling better just hours later. The doctor said my kidney was a perfect match.That night my husband, Dennis, went back to the room where he and our son were staying. Before he went to bed he knelt down and prayed and thanked God that the surgeries went so well. All of a sudden he felt the power of God and he spoke in a language that he’d never spoken before. He received his baptism of power right there. Isn’t God amazing?

December 13, 2015 will be 10 years and my broth-er is doing amazingly well. We are both healthy and serving and loving God with all our hearts.

The short time of suffering and healing was nothing compared to the joy of obeying what God had ordained for me and seeing my brother get well right before my eyes. Every year on De-cember 13th, my brother calls me, sends me flowers and we rejoice over our Father’s love for us and His miracle working power.

The scripture “It is better to obey than to sacrifice” in 1 Sam 15:22, means more to

me today than ever before.

Page 16: February - Issue #6

I sometimes wonder what I can do to show Je-sus that I really love Him, with all my heart. I get grandiose ideas of how I can display this passion. Sing louder, pray harder, study deeper. Could I stand on a street corner with my gui-tar declaring His praises to show Him? Maybe I should get a Masters degree to show Him I mean it? Maybe I should join more ministries at the church?

Any of this sound familiar? You’ve been there too right? You’ve encountered those swells of His presence, goodness, faithfulness and provision and you just want to respond in some kind of appropriate way? So what’s a good response to His goodness? In what way can we practically serve Him as an overflow of His love for us?

In Matthew 25 Jesus tells us what we can do. Do something for someone who is having trouble doing it for themselves. Someone who is poor. Someone who is cold and hungry. Someone who lost a husband or a wife. Someone who is old. Someone who is sick. Someone who is in prison.

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matt 25:40)

Right now, as you read this, a 12 year old girl named Jenny is “servicing” her 5th, or 7th, or 9th client of the day. She does this EVERYDAY. She does not get a vacation. She does not get time off for good behaviour. It would be better for her to be in an actual prison than this kind of enslavement. Her scars are running deep. She needs rescue. She will need restoration.

NOW is the time to do something. NOW is the time to aggressively bring Kingdom passions

JENNY: THE LEAST OF THESE

to the world. The church has always been the front runner in social justice and humanitarian aid. It was the church that start-ed hospitals and hospices. It was the church that originated orphanages. It was the church that created organizations that went to great lengths (the extra mile) to help the lost and the hurting and the poor and the destitute.

Do you want to thrill Jesus? Then honour His heart for Jenny. She is the least of these.

We encourage public support for this worthwhile project.

- The Editors of Current -

GORDON PONAKWorship & Christian Arts Pastor

Page 17: February - Issue #6

a good i.d.e.a. production //////// www.cryproduction.com

fridayMARCH20 8PM saturdayMARCH21 2PM&8PM

@keyanotheatre tickets$34keyanoboxoffice

Consider these statistics: MORE THAN 27 MILLION PEOPLE ARE ENSLAVED GLOBALLY EVERY 30 SECONDS SOMEONE BECOMES A VICTIM OFMODERN DAY SLAVERY THE AVERAGE AGE OF A TRAFFICKING VICTIM IS 12 YEARS OLD ONLY 1-2% OF VICTIMS ARE EVER RESCUED ACCORDING TO A UNODC REPORT FROM 2005, HUMAN TRAFFICKING EARNED $32 BILLION IN REVENUE The estimated numbers could actually be much higher than 27 milion. From a United Nations news release in 2009...““Many governments are in denial,” said Antonio Costa, the UNODC Executive Director. They don’t report adequate-ly or prosecute cases of what is often referred to as people-trafficking, he added..According to the UN’s chief crime fighter, “This is a crime that shames us all.””

Page 18: February - Issue #6

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock”

Matt 7:24

Train up a child in the way he should go:and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Prov 22:6

We thought we had parenting mastered with three lovely, soft-spoken, well-mannered girls. And then the Lord deposited two little baby brothers into our lives, plunging us again into “new parent uncertainty” as we tried to understand these less delicate male creatures who tend toward all things loud, rough, and messy. Frankly, we still haven’t gotten the boys figured out, but we are confident in what the outcome will be. We stake

our lives on it.

There are a few other things we “stake our lives on”:• Death and life are in the power of the tongue…we only speak words of life and blessing over our children. • Heart character development is far more important than academics.• Fostering a tender heart toward the Lord is of ultimate importance.• We as parents...not the pastors, teachers or anyone else….are accountable for the heart character and spiritual development of our children.• We resist over-programming our kids with too many sport, music, or other organized activity commitments. Children need quiet time to play, think deeply and dream.• As parents, we resist and renounce condemning thoughts and words that would cause us to doubt whether our kids will “turn out ok” (and then we remind ourselves, “Train up a child…”)

Page 19: February - Issue #6

The Spirit of Adoption has truly formed the heart of our family over the past several years.

For ye have not received the spirit of bond-age again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Rom 8:15

Orphans have a special place in God’s heart. From the day we took our little boys in, we knew we touched the heart of the Father in a deep way.

God setteth the solitary in families….Ps 68:6

Sometimes we become focused only on our own children, our own family, and forget the solitary one, the orphan. We forget that we too were orphans, and would still be, if not for that Spirit of Adoption by which we were brought into the Father’s family. The Father still cares for and defends the orphan. He still gives us the opportunity to experience this special place in His heart today. We know this is true. The life of His own Son, Jesus, was staked on it.

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a

Train up a child in the way he should go:and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

There are a few other things we “stake our lives on”:• Death and life are in the power of the tongue…we only speak words of life and blessing over our children. • Heart character development is far more important than academics.• Fostering a tender heart toward the Lord is of ultimate importance.• We as parents...not the pastors, teachers or anyone else….are accountable for the heart character and spiritual development of our children.• We resist over-programming our kids with too many sport, music, or other orga-nized activity commitments. Children need quiet time to play, think deeply and dream.• As parents, we resist and renounce con-demning thoughts and words that would cause us to doubt whether our kids will “turn out ok” (and then we remind our-selves, “Train up a child…”)

• Siblings aren’t automatically friends. Inten-tional acts of love and kindness are required to have peaceful and happy relationships.• Just saying “sorry” is not good enough. Asking for forgiveness for the specific “crime” committed brings a necessary hu-mility to restored and strengthened relation-ships.• We try to stay miles away from anything (movies, TV, books, toys, etc.) that represent or portray spiritual power outside of the Holy Spirit. Related to this, we do not accept nightmares as part of the normal childhood experience. As necessary, we command the tormenting spirit to leave, in Jesus’ name, teaching our children to do the same….and then ask the Holy Spirit to show us by what “gate” the torment came.• We remind ourselves and demonstrate before our children that our own family is not more important than those lost, broken, and dying ones outside of our family. Widows and orphans are a key focus for us.

Page 20: February - Issue #6

When I was a teenager I learned that there was a very slight chance that I would have children. Being raised by strong Christian parents, I learned at an ear-ly age the power of prayer, faith and trust in God. My Dad declared Proverbs 16:3 to me when I left for college, “Commit to the Lord all that you do and your plans will suc-ceed”. During my first year of college I learned that God had indeed answered prayer and healed me. What I had given to God, He took it and made it right!

Today, with 3 teenage children, my husband, Kev-in, and I have experienced many trials and many of God’s blessings. As a mom, my faith in God is certainly what gives me strength. When trials come it’s often easy to question God and for faith to be placed on the back burner.

As a child I watched my parents pray, commit the need to God and see how God answered the prayer. When I became a mom, I did the same. I showed my children the need and comfort of prayer. From birth my kids knew that ALL needs and thanks, go to God. At times, it was challenging for me. I mean, how do I explain to them why God took someone that they love to heaven? Or why some-one is hurting so much? The blessings of God through answered prayers have been huge in our family and so the challenges help us grow.

One particular blessing of answered prayer is healing. Zachary had a bad fall just days before his third birthday. After tests we learned that he had a brain hemorrhage; after minutes on our church prayer chain he sat up in the hospital and shocked the medical staff ! On the day of an MGA Easter

production, Zachary had an

allergic reac-tion and couldn’t

breathe. The whole crew of the produc-

tion stopped and prayed. As the ER

doctor and nurse were getting ready to intubate we saw immediately when

God answered those prayers.

When a dental pro-cedure went wrong

for Amanda and she was medi-vac’d

to Stollery Hos-pital, we saw how God reminds us that He doesn’t

always answer prayers the way we ask. It turned into a journey that we went through and God’s healing

came at the exact right time it was really needed! After a school incident sent Preston to the hospital in

grade 6 we were told that there was a possible skull fracture but definite hemorrhage. Again, after prayer,

doctors were amazed at the change.

Each of our kids have personally experienced healing - more than once - and we are thankful that God al-

lowed them to experience that. Amanda once asked “why” and I told her it was part of their journey. It’s not always easy but if we trust God to get us through it, it doesn’t matter the consequence - it matters how

we respond to it.

None of us are perfect and it’s never ‘easy’. I know I have Someone to go to that will give me peace and remind me that I’ll have the strength I need, when I

need it, to get through it!

Today, I am a mom of 2 high school graduates and a grade 11 student. I know that it doesn’t matter where

they are in their day, or their growth, they know the power of prayer. They know that all of this is part of

their journey.

MELITA ELLSWORTH

Page 21: February - Issue #6

Some of you know me as a member of the congregation, some as your nurse on site and others as the community clean up person. My name is Dutchess Sabovitch and I have been living in Fort McMurray since 2006.

Like many of you, my husband and I followed work to this town and found a chance to start over. After searching many churches in town I settled at McMurray Gospel Assembly over a year ago. This past year I came to the realiza-tion that I should spread the good word through the examples of miracles that I have seen, felt and experienced in my 55 years.

I can remember always feeling drawn to the ministry. I would sometimes have “services” after church with my friends in the neighbour-hood who did not attend Sunday school as I did. That led to being in charge of the funer-al services for friends pets and dead squirrels, mice and birds that I found along my travels.

I have heard many skeptics ask, “If there is a God and the Bible is factual, why are there no more miracles like there are in the Bible?” My intent is to relay to you, the congregation, ex-amples of every day miracles that some don’t notice, some take for granted and still others try to reason away with science.

My first testimony will be of myself.

When I was approximately 6 years old I was at the lake playing in the waves. On Lake Win-nipeg the whitecaps could get up to four feet high. I was only knee deep in the water and not allowed to go further but a rogue wave knocked me over and dragged me out towards the mid-dle of the lake. I panicked and fought the cur-rent trying to stand up but before I could get a breath of air another wave hit me and then another. Frightened I looked up and through the water I could see the beautiful sun. I sud-denly was filled with calm and totally relaxed. I remember thinking that if this was dying, it

DUTCHESS SABOVITCH

wasn’t that bad at all. The next thing I knew I was on the beach with people all around me. I should have been dead that day but was placed on shore by God’s hand, or His Will through oth-er people, I know not which. All I know is from that day forward I have never feared death and have never doubted there is a God and that He has more work for me to do for Him.

EVERYDAY MIRACLES

Page 22: February - Issue #6

I have recently become a father and this has given me a new perspective on being a man of God and the head of our house-hold. Holding our tiny child in my hands and knowing that I am largely responsible for teaching her to love God with all her heart, and providing for her every need until she learns to look after herself seems like serious business. Of course this is balanced by the joy and laughter that now accompanies every new learned skill, and form of communication, be they blinking or cooing. There is much responsibility infused with boundless joy. Hebrews says that Noah built the ark to save his family (He-brews 11:7). In the process he provided hope and new birth to a broken, condemned and dying world. This is the amazing feature of the family unit that God has set out for humanity. As a man if I can love my family, care for my child, love and honour my wife, the outcome will be new life to the world around me. This “perfect family” ideal is not humanly possible, everyone will face challenges and hardship through life, however; the knowledge that with God’s help the family unit will not be moved or shaken gives comfort and confidence to each family member as they pursue the dreams and destiny God has called them to. I want my wife and daughter to live confident. They will know who God is and what His promises are. Most of all they will know that they are who God says they are in His Word and that His promises are true. This is my commitment and joy as a hus-band and a father. This is the foundation from which they can step forward into the world and invest God’s love in the lives of the lost and lonely. This is the ark I will build to save my family.

YOUTH DIRECTOR

Page 23: February - Issue #6
Page 24: February - Issue #6

In November 2007 the Lord took our family on a mis-sion trip to Ethiopia. We had always promised Nathan we would take him to Africa to see a giraffe (unfortu-nately there are not many giraffes in Ethiopia), but we did have a wonderful time and the Lord used our gifts ministering in music and missions there. While in Africa, the Lord began to speak to me again about Fort McMurray and about leading a mission trip there. Long story short, in 2008 we brought a team of university students and our family back to Fort McMurray for the Kaos Repo Company and did youth ministry on the streets of Fort McMurray for 10 weeks. We partnered with MGA for the Kaos Café in the parking lot on the corner of Manning and Main and I recall that was the year we did the GAS (Guaranteed Applause Show) Talent show on Canada Day as well. Little did we know the long term relationship between Sarah and Mr. Can-ning was warming up and there was a proposal in July that year for a wedding to be planned in Peterborough for 2009. I guess Sarah was getting a confirmation from our Lord that she did hear from Him when He said to move to Fort McMurray the summer before!

From 2009 until early 2014 we volunteered around the community and at MGA, and last year I was hired as the Associate of Ministries Pastor to help with the needs of our growing community. We thank the Lord for bring-ing us here. Elizabeth met Eric Benner (another amaz-ing man and answer to prayer) in 2011 and was married in 2012. Nathan worked briefly with us at MGA and since moved back to Ontario to marry Jessica his high school sweetheart. Nathan now serves as Director of the Young Adults and Social Media Coordinator at the church Cathy and I were youth pastors at. We now have three wonderful grandchildren; Elias Canning, Millie Canning and Adelaide Benner.

Our hearts are full of praise and gratitude to the one who saved us and gave us new life and per-spective. We are also thankful for the ministry of MGA. Pastor Glen, Pastor Robert and Pastor Gordon have all been behind the ministry the Lord has allowed us to be part of in Fort McMurray and we are thankful for the many new partners He has brought along to further His Kingdom here. We look forward to what will come next as we seek Him. 1 Chronicles 28:9 “As for you, my son Solo-mon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever”.

“As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you

forsake Him, He will reject you forever”1 Chronicles 28:9

ASSOCIATE OF MINISTRIES

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In the fall of 2006, the CRTC made the decision to allow a Christian Radio station, now Kaos 91.1, in Fort McMurray. At the same time, the Lord prompted me to plan on spending a lot of time in Fort McMurray in the summer of 2007. Having been married to my dear wife Cathy for about 23 years at that time, I thought it respectful to talk with her and our family and have them pray as to what He would have them do for the following year while I was away. Would they join me or stay in Peterborough, Ontario, our home town for over 50 years?

At that time, Elizabeth was 21 and just about to embark on her career in child development and speech Pathology, Sarah was 19 and just completing Worship School in Colorado and Nathan was 17 going into his last year of high school. Cathy worked at a Christian School at our church so had the summer off, but was still a home maker and although, adventurous at times, she likes to stay close to the family.

For about 6 months my family sought the Lord individually as to His will for their lives for the summer of 2007. One by one they heard from the Him to spend their time in Fort McMurray.

I had been travelling back and forth while physically constructing the station in the basement of the old Campbell’s music store and the family came out near the end of June and stayed in a couple of different locations. We are thankful for the people, some com-plete strangers, who shared their homes with us! Nathan got a job with Gene Dobie a local Christian builder, Elizabeth with the hospital, Sarah with Mc-Murray Serve-U, (where she met her amazing hus-band Justin Canning) and Cathy worked for Shop-pers Drug Mart as a teller. We had a lot of fun that summer; we attended MGA and worked with the newly launched radio station doing outreach events for them. One thing we always loved was the Inter-play Kaos 91.1 Pancake breakfast. We usually pulled a worship band together and the Kaos Krew, under the direction of our long time staff leader Jill Edwards, served free pancakes to anyone who attended. At the end of the summer Cathy, Sarah and Nathan returned to our home in Peterborough. Elizabeth stayed at her job at the hospital and I con-tinued to travel back and forth as we had a Christian Radio station in Peterborough as well. Fort McMur-ray was good to us and although we were maybe a little reluctant to pull up roots we trusted that the Lord had a plan and we were to enjoy the new family He had given us in Fort McMurray for that time.

In November 2007 the Lord took our family on a mission trip to Ethiopia. We had always promised Nathan we would take him to Africa to see a giraffe (unfortunately there are not many giraffes in Ethiopia), but we did have a wonderful time and the Lord used our gifts ministering in music and missions there. While in Africa, the Lord began to speak to me again about Fort McMurray and about leading a mission trip there. Long story short, in 2008 we brought a team of university students and our family back to Fort McMurray for the Kaos Repo Company and did youth ministry on the streets of Fort McMurray for 10 weeks. We partnered with MGA for the Kaos Café in the parking lot on the corner of Manning and Main and I recall that was the year we did the GAS (Guaranteed Applause Show) Talent show on Canada Day as well. Little did we know the long term relationship between Sarah and Mr. Canning was warming up and there was a proposal in July that year for a wedding to be planned in Peterborough for 2009. I guess Sarah was getting a confirmation from our Lord that she did hear from Him when He said to move to Fort McMurray the summer before!

From 2009 until early 2014 we volunteered around the community and at MGA, and last year I was hired as the Associate of Ministries Pastor to help with the needs of our growing community. We thank the Lord for bringing us here. Elizabeth met Eric Benner (another amazing man and answer to prayer) in 2011 and was married in 2012. Nathan worked briefly with us at MGA and since moved back to Ontario to marry Jessica his high school sweetheart. Nathan now serves as Director of the Young Adults and Social Media Coordinator at the church Cathy and I were youth pastors at. We now have three wonderful grandchildren; Elias Canning, Millie Canning and Adelaide Benner.

In the fall of 2006, the CRTC made the decision to allow a Christian Radio

station, now Kaos 91.1, in Fort McMurray.

“As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you

Page 26: February - Issue #6

When I think of the word "family", I picture a mommy, daddy, children and if you're lucky maybe even a pet (perhaps a dog, but not a cat because cats are ewww). I also pic-ture a community of people such as church-es, clubs, groups, co-workers, friends and even gangs that would consider themselves as "family". Of course, depending on your view of the word family, you will associate family with people who make you feel loved and accepted. When my wife and I got married, her family accepted me as their own and vice versa. We felt like the love and acceptance from both sides of our family. We go on trips together, we enjoy each other’s company and have a great time together. Of course things aren't always perfect and, just like every other "normal" family, we have our differences.

C.S. Lewis puts it like this, “The homemaker has the ultimate career. All other careers exist for one purpose only, and that is to support the ultimate career". We can easily get caught up with life and the negative things surrounding it that we forget that the most important thing is right in front of us...our family. When I look at my wife and daughter I can't imag-ine a world without them. When I see them happy it makes everything else seem less im-portant. Isn't that what it is all about though? Caring for the people who God has placed in your life. Whether it is your kids, your wife, your friends; whoever it may be that you consid-er your family, give them the time and energy they deserve. My wife and I do the best that we can to provide our daughter the best loving environment, but it starts with us. Family is a beautiful thing, don't compromise it by getting rid of the most important piece of it all...love!

Page 27: February - Issue #6

Never using the word, “stepchildren,” keeping an open mind, and being willing to compromise on everything except God’s Word are a few of the things the Hight-shoe’s did to become a loving blended family. It’s not necessarily easy bringing two parents with their own children into a second marriage, but it is still possible to make a healthy home. Cathie had two small children with her husband before he passed away and James had three children when his wife abandoned them.

To compromise on situations, they had to examine why they did things the way they did in the first place. A lot of it was just be-cause that was the way their own parents did things. Once they realized the ‘why’, it was easier to give and take. In a marriage, spouses should respect each other enough

to know that they don’t have to see perfect-ly eye-to-eye on 100% of issues. James said he keeps in mind that it is his responsibili-ty to be a good father to all of his children, not just his biological ones. “No matter how that child came into your life,” he said, “you have to love that child. God’s given you the role of a parent, and you have to fulfill that role. It’s a commandment to love one anoth-er, whether it comes natural or not.” Cathie advises pre-marital counseling to help cou-ples learn how to work together as a team.

Couples in blended families should pray to-gether and live by God’s Word to achieve a happy home. You must know that you’re go-ing into the relationship God wants you in and then you can count on Him to help you every step of the way.

MEET THE HIGHTSHOE FAMILY

Page 28: February - Issue #6

SUNDAYSTED RAMOSFilipino Groupcall for time

call for location780-747-4597

SUNDAYSMARISA DOLETTE

Filipino Groupcall for time

call for location780-747-4597

SUNDAYSGWEN & FEE GRIFFIN

Foundations Class11AM

MGA- Pastor Rick’s Office 780-881-8452

MONDAYSTOBI CAWTHRA

Young Adult Leadership7:00PM

190 Alexander Cres. 780-750-2479

TUESDAYSJEREMY CHANDRA

Young Adults7:00PM

20 Moberly Cres.780-713-7923

TUESDAYSMERLE & LISA MATEJKA

Young Marrieds7:00PM

call for location780-713-7923

MONDAYSNABIL MAKARI

Alpha for Adults7:00PM

MGA - Lower Auditorium780-792-8564

TUESDAYSWOMEN’S & MEN’S STUDY

(seperate)9:30AM & 7PM (Women)

7PM (Men)Women: Lower auditorium

Men: fireplace area780-743-2446

WEDNESDAYSMIKE ANTHONYBikers for Christ

8:00PMcall for location780-713-7626

WEDNESDAYSYOUTH BIBLE STUDY

Gr. 9-127:00PM

MGA- Eric’s Office 780-743-2446

FRIDAYSGREG WOLF

Foundations Class7:00PM

109 Brosseau Cres.780-742-4768

FRIDAYSKAREN & LIZ

Adults7:00PM

123 Iris Way780-714-0855

FRIDAYSJOY MCKOY

Young Women7:00PM

338 Ross Haven Drive647-983-6677

FRIDAYSRICARDO GUZMAN

Spanish Group7:00PM

MGA- lower auditorium780-720-7637

FRIDAYSHANDY SUTANTO

Chinese Group7:00PM

101 Tundra Dr. (Evergreen Church)780-743-1386

FRIDAYSJENNYVEL MACAPAYADAlpha for Young Adults

7:00PMU of A

780-718-0427

Page 29: February - Issue #6

hen God led Israel out of Egypt, He had a future planned for His people. That future was not to be found in slavery, but in the promised land. He led them out so that He could lead them in - to their fu-ture. God does the same with everyone who will fol-low Him. God does that

for families. Families can be broken, in pain, dysfunctional, or just lost. When a father or a mother begin to trust in God for themselves and their house, a miracle begins to unfold. Many families in this community have experienced this new day of renewal and hope.

In the same way, entire communities can be renewed by the Lord’s vision for the future of that community. I have known of entire communities experiencing a transformation through faith and experiencing God. We believe that God has some-thing great in store for this church and the entire community of Wood Buffalo. Since we have come to believe this truth, we are ramping up our efforts to train Godly servants and leaders. We know that God is about people and we need to see numerous servants coming forward to help people discover

and follow Jesus Christ. This requires God-given tools such as Bibles, study books, Biblical helps, leaders who can mentor, teach, and lead. We also need facilities for as many as would desire to grow through association. For this reason, we are moving towards expanded facilities to serve that vision for this community.

We are thrilled with the miracle of Abram’s Land and the 8 acres which belong to MGA. We are now in the process of gathering funds so that we can “rise and build” the facility for God’s glory. We are expecting that the building design will be completed by summer of this year. The Leader-ship has set a savings target of $9 million prior to engaging in the construction of this project. Together with the required borrowed funds, this will allow us to complete phase one of the build-ing. Through faith and good planning, we ex-pect to pay off phase one within two years, so that phase two can begin construction.

We are grateful for a good beginning. The land is without debt, and we have $700,000 in savings towards the building. This represents the re-sources of God that are available to complete the task. We invite each individual and family of this church to seek God as to what He will have you do in this New Year in giving to this kingdom project. Let’s seek God and sacrifice together, and see what God will do. “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amaz-ing things among you.” Joshua 3:5

- Pastor Glen Forsberg -

DO YOU SEE THE

Page 30: February - Issue #6

FEBRUARY EVENTS RECURRING EVENTS

MONDAYS7:00pm JamNite

TUESDAYS9:30am Ladies’ Bible Study7:00pm Ladies’ Bible Study7:00pm Men’s Bible Study

WEDNESDAYS7:00pm The Base (Junior High)7:00pm Prayer Meeting7:00pm Youth Bible Study

THURSDAYS7:30pm The Verge (Young Adults)

SATURDAYS11:00am Saviour Street Talk1:00pm W&CA Team Practice

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES: >9AM > 11AM > 1PM KIDZONE (6MOS-12 YRS OLD): > 9AM > 11AM (4-12 YRS OLD): > 1PM

FRIDAYS7:00pm The New Experience (Youth)

Sunday February 1 - Superbowl Party- Newcomers Lunch

Friday February 13 Fun Fridays

Sunday February 15 Life Group Expo

Monday February 16- Family Day @ Engtrom Lake - Family Day @ MacIsland OFFICE CLOSED

Friday February 20 LOL @ MacIsland

Friday February 20 Late Night Prayer Meeting

Satuday February 21 EQUIP

Sunday February 8 - Holy Spirit Night- Anita Pearce at MGA

FEBRUARY

Sunday February 22 Trevor Dyck @ MGA

Page 31: February - Issue #6

MEET THE TEAMPASTORAL STAFF

Senior Pastor | GLEN FORSBERG > [email protected] Associate of Ministries | RICK KIRSCHNER > [email protected]

Facilitating Pastor | ROBER PARMENTER > [email protected] & Christian Arts Pastor | GORDON PONAK > [email protected]

Children & Family Pastor | ODETTE MANSHIP > [email protected] Children & Family Pastor | NATASHA CARPENTER > [email protected]

Student Ministries Director | ERIC BENNER > [email protected]

SUPPORT STAFFPersonal Asst/Admin Asst | JOY MCKOY >

GRACE CARABEO > [email protected] Admin Asst | WHITNEY LU >

Admin Asst | GIRLIE JONES > Bookkeeper | JUANITA HEATH > [email protected]

Connecting co-ordinator | KAREN BOLDT > Video Producer | ISAAC BARTER > [email protected]

Custodian | EVA ESTEBAN > [email protected]

ELDERSREY CARABEO | RICARDO GUZMAN | UCHE EZEALA |

BEVERLY FAWCETT |VINCELLA THOMPSON | BRIAN WALROND

MISSIONS COMMITTEEChair - LES GILL | JONATHAN ANDREWS | RACHEL GREEN | MATA INOKE |

PASTORAL LIASON - PASTOR ROBERT PARMENTER | AVENELL PINTO | HANDY SUTANTO | STU WIGLE

TRUSTEESMARK BUDD | GARY CHEETHAM | MURRAY PHILLIPS

FINANCE COMMITTEELIZ CHEETHAM | DONNA YOUNG | DAWSON WINSOR |

VALERIE ERICKSON | TONY ARULEBA

BUILDING DESIGN COMMITTEEChair - JAMIE MANSHIP | KRIS JACKSON | KIMBERLY HOOPER | CYNTHIA ARKU |TONY ARULEBA | SHIROYA CHANGIRWA | GARY CHEETHAM | FEMI DAGUNDURO |

PETER DEARDEN | ERNESTO EDRADAN | PASTOR RICK KIRSCHNER | NABIL MARKARI | PASTOR ROBERT PARMENTER | MURRAY PHILLIPS | HENRY YEO

2015 FINANCIAL UPDATEAS OF JANUARY 25, 2015

GENERAL INCOME$123,125.44

MISSIONS$9,808.40

BUILDING$35,762.00

HAVE YOU MOVED?If you have moved recently, please complete a Change of Address card, and re-

AUTOMATED (forms available at

ONSITE (through ushers or at the

ONLINE (www.mgachurch.com

1

2

3

Page 32: February - Issue #6

If this is your first time here, or you have been coming for some time, please visit us at the Connection Centre.

We have a Newcomers lunch on the 1st Sunday of every month, join us for great food and great new friends!

KAREN BOLDTCoordinating Co-ordinator

10110 Main StreetFort McMurray, AB T9H 2G7

P. 780 743 2446F. 780 791 2443

E. [email protected]

Serving to Connect our Community with the Father’s Heart

MISSED A SUNDAY? GET CURRENT