Christian Encounter

July 2012

A Publication ofChristian Encounter Ministries

Tending Lives…Training Leaders…

Expressing the love of ChristExpressionswww.ChristianEncounter.org Phone: 530-268-0877

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GRADUAT ION

Alexa“In my life before the Ranch, I

looked for comfort in drugs. I’d walk every day with the weight of the world on my shoulders—not realizing this was not the yoke the Lord had intended for me. My heart screamed from the pain of things that had happened to me and from the sins I had commi�ed. But my ears were deaf to my own groans. Finally the Ranch came into my life. It nurtured me back to health and helped me comprehend the love the Lord has for me. The Lord began to really capture my heart. Surprisingly, through all this He has gifted me with something I never thought I’d ask for. Running is the gift of joy that Jesus has bestowed on me.

“Just recently I ran my first half-marathon, and nothing, not even eating crates of bread and chocolate, brought me as much happiness as running did. Through my new-found ability to run, the Lord showed me an analogy as to how to live my life. Every run is an opportunity for the Lord to tell me that He is well pleased with me. The Holy Spirit is evident when I gasp for each heavy breath. I know it’s His air filling my lungs.

“My stay at the Ranch has been a race—in the literal sense and symbolic sense as well. The Lord does ask me to endure each day…Jesus is patient and gentle with me. He knows exactly what I can and cannot take…By His grace, mercy and love, I am still moving forward in His almighty arms. I am struggling to this very day, but what makes this all different is I have victory I can grab onto, and that’s the cross of Jesus Christ.”

Austin“What shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us! This is the key verse that I go to when I am feeling down and out. Because now I know that God is my refuge. But this was not always true.

“There was a time when all hope seemed lost for me. I thought I had it all—lots of friends and plenty of money to live on; countless parties and the drug life consumed every part of me. I was hurting everyone around me and was too selfish to even notice or care that I was hurting those who cared the most about me. But because of the grace of God and how loving He is, He picked me out of that bad situation and brought me back to the Ranch for a second time to finish something I started in 2010.

“I thought graduating from high school was a lost dream for me. After I finished my junior year of high school here, I went back home and thought I could take my life into my own hands, but once again I was wrong. I dropped out of high school and se�led for a GED, but a longtime dream of mine is to join the United States Air Force. They are not big on accepting people with just a GED, so there was another goal that I thought was lost. But because of how wonderful and amazing God really is, I am graduating from high school now and receiving a diploma and am on my way to the Air Force! I know now that I am not in control of my life and that I just need to sit back and let God take control—let God become the pilot of my life and take me wherever He desires to land my plane.”

Michael“I have been a Christian my whole

life, and I love God with all my heart, but some ordeals made me question my faith—trials of sorrow, resentment, loneliness, substance abuse, and self-rejection.

“With my mother’s passing away in September of 2010, my life spiraled down to destruction. Substance abuse was my fallback. Friends made things seem be�er, but these relationships got worse with every passing day. I ignored correction and did not care that my life was a wreck. I was failing in school, and my family was spread apart. Living on the edge this way eventually landed me on juvenile probation for a year. This helped me to look at my life with a sober perspective.

“I begged God for peace and joy. I started going back to church because that was where I remembered being happy. I received lots of encouragement from friends and family saying that the Ranch would be a great step for me. I did not want to go, but I did not want to stay on the same dead end road I was on. I prayed about it for months. Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding, seek His will in all you do and He will make your paths straight, gave me hope…My days here have been hard, but they have been a growing time for me… I plan to go to Sierra College next January. I don’t have a goal for a major yet, but I know God has me in His hands… I now feel the joy of being a man of courage, strong in my faith once again!”

Toreigh“I am grateful for everything God

has put me through to get me where I am now. There were many days when it was too painful…to keep going, but He gave me the strength to stick it through. It was all worth it because I look around me now and see everything I have gained. I have people in my life who love and support me like I never had before.

“During my ten months at the Ranch I also found out new things about myself. I can persevere through hard times and do it with a smile, sometimes. I also found my passion for music about five months ago and now enjoy writing lyrics to the guitar. But most important of all, I have gained a personal relationship with Christ, and in this have found confidence. I no longer try to be the person others want me to be, and I feel blessed that God has created me the way He did… I thank God for plucking me out of a bad situation and placing me here in a good one.

“There is a song by Superchick that really spoke to me called Beauty from Pain. This has made me realize that God has brought beauty from my pain. In the lyrics they say, I’ll wonder why God lets me walk through this place and though I can’t understand why this happened, I know that I will when I look back someday and see how you’ve brought beauty from ashes, and made me as gold purified through these flames. I now see that we all go through hard things and even if we can’t see it at the time, some good does come out of bad situations. The Ranch was my good thing in my bad situation.”

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Director’s View

Many American families are brokenby Mike Petrillo

I always tell new students how much I admire them when they arrive at CEM. Of all the millions of young people out there who need to change something in their lives, they are the ones who have guts enough to do something about those things. Most of the families of our students fall into that category of courage and determination as well. Perhaps a majority of American families are discouraged about the state of their homes, maybe hopelessly discouraged to the point of giving up.

So, I respect every one who shows up. Every one who comes has already broken through the inertia, some peer pressure, some personal resistance, and a good deal of spiritual opposition just to get in the door at CEM. Some of the families are up against tremendous odds, tragedies, losses, and brokenness. They, too, deserve admiration for looking for solutions and taking action.

USA families are truly broken. I made a li�le survey of recent students at Christian Encounter. It doesn’t re-present the whole country, but it does reveal some

information about families who do seek help. 90% of recent students did not have both biological parents at home. 50% were adopted. 30% had parents who were incarcerated. 50% of the students had been arrested. 50% had suffered abuse or neglect. 40% were behind their class educationally. In spite of these obstacles, each student made their way to a residential program, or their parents, extended families, or church family made some sacrifice to find help for them.

Again, every one deserves admiration for showing up. And every one deserves the opportunity to see and experience God’s love; to feel accepted and valued by peers; to be welcomed into the classroom; to receive

counseling, tutoring, and spiritual mentoring; and to feel safe and secure each and every day. Some aspect of these basic agents for healthy development has been missing for our students. We want to fill up what has been left out, and fill them to overflowing when possible. CEM is here to provide more than a li�le help. We are prepared to be a secure base for all of what is to follow in each student’s life. Life at CEM may not be easy, but it is solid. And if it is solid, it is because CEM itself is founded upon the Rock; it rests securely upon Christ.

This is our privilege: to provide the safe environment where Jesus can gather the children of broken families and heal their hearts. This is our purpose: to tend lives and train leaders. This is our joy: to see Christ at work, loving, caring, rebuilding, and encouraging his flock. He is the Good Shepherd. The mission of rescuing those lost sheep has never been greater. There have never been more displaced, disoriented, and disheartened kids in America than right now. “Seeing the people, he felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.’” (NASB Ma�. 9:36-38) So Jesus is looking on with compassion this day. Pray for and sup-port those who reach for His help. May the Lord gather them in.

Last summer Ember Caulfield moved to the Women’s Ministry House after the completion of her time as a student at CEM. She has steadily worked hard at the same job ever since. Ember is the recipient of the Cecil Family Founder’s Award for further education, a $500.00 scholarship, because of her perseverance in overcoming obstacles. Ember has proved herself worthy of special recognition! She is pictured here with Sharon MacLean, Women’s House leader.

Christian Encounter Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational, residential program helping 16- to 25-year-olds by providing love, spiritual guidance, high school education, counseling, and 24-hour supervision. Internships are offered to qualifying upper-level college students and graduates. CEM is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountibility, and all gifts are tax deductible.

We invite all in-terested individu-als or groups to come for a tour of the facilities and grounds. Please phone to schedule your tour. 530-268-0877.

Angels’ Meadow is filled with family and friends present to celebrate the accomplishments of students and interns.

Summer church services are held in Angels’ Mead-ow every Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m.; shu�le service from the main parking lot to the meadow begins half an hour early. The only after-church potluck will be August 4.

Tune to AM radio station KNCO (830 on the dial) June 29 at 8:40 a.m. or July 13 at 12:30 p.m. for news of the Agony bicycle ride!

The Alumni Award recognizes a former student whose life and character strengthen the Body of Christ. Shawna (Melvin) Maje-rus (‘94) turned suffering into wisdom and has been invaluable in the lives of the CEM students this year. She and her husband, Michael, and their two children open their home to our students, and provide wise counsel. Shawna says, “We really do feel a part of this family again!”

CEM currently has openings for male and female students, ages 16-25. Encourage those who need the Lord’s compassion to contact us at cem@christianencounter.org.

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BlessingsBicycle seats, parts, clothing, and accessoriesPaper platesCereal, pastries, bread, meat, produce, canned goods,

and lots of other good food and treatsClothing, toiletries, yarn, and miscellaneous suppliesPrinter ink cartridges, office suppliesHeavy duty garden hose, grass seed, Round-upScrapbook paper and supplies Blankets, sheets, pillowsAir ma�resses, tent, folding cart and bagLeather chair, folding table, desk and chair setBig propane grillDVDs of the CEM graduation ceremonyShade tarpsToys for Sunday nurseryTwin ma�ressesKeyboard

NeedsLarge electric roasterCalf or two calvesRoofing and carpet for boys’ dormGood passenger/cargo van and pick up truckWork glovesTuning of the ranch pianoYard tools and couch for Men’s Ministry House5’X2’ fire-retardant rugAgony supplies: red blinking lights/strobe lightsEnergy bars, hot chocolate mix

Did you know we have immediate open-ings for male and female students? All residents come willingly; CEM is not a lock-down facility. Young people between 16 and 25 years old may apply online at ChristianEncounter.org.

Hearty congratulations to Micah and Toreigh, named winners of the Williamson Scholarship for Spiritual Growth (Micah) and the Salter Scholarship for Academic Excellence (Toreigh). Micah’s growth was consistent and encouraging; Toreigh earned all A’s through her entire high school years!

Fourth-quarter honor roll stars

Our appreciation to the gardeners, electricians, painters, trail tenders, cooks, meadow prep-pers, brush clearers, and grass mowers for all your labor at the CEM Spring Work Day!

Thank You Volunteers!

Heigh Ho! A pond-scumming work-pro guys go!

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Summer interns bring international flavor!By Mark Andrews

Where can you hear Mandarin Chinese, Russian, Ukranian, Tay/Pidgin (New Guinean), Spanish and English being spoken in the same place?—right here among the 2012 summer intern team! Although English is actually their first language, some of our current interns speak their native languages fluently. Zoya Lee and Ben Fong are second and third generation Chinese, respectively. When Gary Volchansky and Diana Shevchenko were young children, their families emigrated from Russia around the time of the fall of communism. Jason Hayward arrived in Papua New Guinea at 6 weeks of age and grew up to adulthood there, the

son of parents who are involved in Bible translation with Pioneer Bible Translators. Eddy Sanchez is second generation Mexican. And Carissa Davis, Amy Rothman, Shannon Garner & Robin Ogden’s families hail from right here in the USA.

Our current intern team brings a diversity of backgrounds together. What they have in common, however, is a calling to minister at CEM to a mission field that is truly “white unto harvest”—a mission field overflowing with broken and hurting young people right here in our own country. Our prayers and support are with them as they bring their diverse talents and gifts together in this noble effort!

Food Service Director Jessica Colvin thanks Frank Macias for his many hours of service and dedication to CEM. Frank and his wife, Penny, of Chico, CA, are designated CEM’s Volunteers of the Year for outstanding service to the ministry. They spend many hours every month gathering, storing, and often transporting hundreds of new items to the Ranch. (Volunteers worked more than 10,000 hours for CEM this year!)

Thank you, Frank and Penny!

News of former studentsAfter many struggles and a long illness, Kelly Monck (’05) is up and walking and plans to a�end Chico State in the fall majoring in Applied Computer Graphics. Her dad, Steve, (‘84) has a new web-based business, the OrlandBulletin.com.

Charisse (King) Larez (‘94) and her husband and their three children will be back at the ranch for Family Camp June 29-July 2! Welcome back!

Sean Thompson (‘10) lives in Raytown, MO, where he works for Starbucks and an auto body shop and is engaged to Charisse Wiley. Together, Charisse and Sean lead the middle schoolers at their church.

Jackie Turner (’10) is a program director for Camp Del Oro, a Salvation Army summer camp for inner city youth near Nevada City. She recently successfully completed her first semester at William Jessup University.

Micah Konyha (‘12) has completed more than a year at CEM and has moved to the Mens’ Ministry House. He is registered at Sierra College for the fall semester. Micah is actively seeking part-time employment.

Former students planning to ride in this year’s Agony include Steve Peterson (‘90), Jackie Turner (‘10), and Micah Konyha (‘12).

Zoya, Carissa, Jason, and Ben a�empt to make new intern Gary (center) feel at home.

MemorialsMemorials are given not because someone died, but because someone lived and blessed our lives.

Given by:Doug and Mary Parro�Doug and Mary Parro�

Wayne SalterGrace Fujii

In Memory of:Andy Baecker

John HumphreyLinc EsauGary Fujii

Given by:Lewis Kaiser

In Honor of:Sue Mo�

HonorariumsMaterial gifts sometimes fail to express the depth of regard we may have for a friend or relative. A donation in appreciation of such a one is a living, working gift to God.

Summer interns Ben Fong, Eddy Sanchez, Carissa Davis, Jason Hayward, Gary Volchanski, Robin Ogden, Shannon Garner, Zoya Lee, and Amy Rothman. Diana Shevchenko is not pictured.

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The Agony… So these and others can heal.

Pete Adams*Erik AronsonSarah AronsonCarme Barso�iBob BaylyJeff Bou�eJustin Bou�eNate BoydRobert BrockeTerry BrownNathan Burne�Lisa CarrGary ClelanKatie ClementMitch ClementAmy CollinsJessa ColvinDavid CramerTom DeebleCarol DouglassMike DyerCameron EchternachtSeth Echternacht

Dan EdwardsSco� FletcherJennifer FoxenCaryn GaleckasChris GeeBill GreenAlison GuiremandSco� HarmsDaphne HuffmanDavid HuffmanWilliam ImbodenCasey JonesAlan KeenyLynne KellyBeverly KennedyPamela KimbrelPaul KimbrelColleen Kla�Micah KonyhaJoel KoopmansLarry KraskyHolly LaChappellJeff LaChappell

Sharon MacLeanNancy MarchSteve MarchDave MatsonJeri MatsonCraig McAteeMike McCaryPaul McClainSusie McClainTristesse McLeodMallory MeierBob MeierMichael MillerJeane�e MillerKirk MobergGrant NunninkPhillip NunninkRich OliveiraJonathan PalmerLex ParkerJanet PearsonSteven PetersonPaul Ra�laff

Chris RussoDave RussoPiper RussoChrista SchoenenbergerPete SchoenenbergerJulie ShaplandPatricia SmallKen SorensenDon Spi�lerRob ThorntonGrady ToddEd TownsendJackie TurnerMa�hew VaughnBob WalshJulie WalshBeth WelchRuth WelchTerry WelchSheila WimberleyCurt WylieRick Wylie*Honorary Rider

30th Annual 24-Hour Agony Bicycle Ride Roster Hits 89…There’s still time to train a bit and have the time of your life for the

July 27-28 event in the beautiful mile-high Sierra Valley north of Tahoe!

Robbin AdamsDave AndersonLinda AndersonLisa AndrewsMark AndrewsMike BehrendtMike BryantSue BryantDave BundockNurene BundockRon CampbellMauney ClaryMel ClaryBryce Corkins

Gigi CoxJohn CoxDebbie DeebleJeff FarrowMarc FichouSean GreeningLarry HarrisJohn HartSuzanne HartleyDavid HatchRandy HearnSusan HicksSuzanne HouckDorothy Kempe

Jan KernTom KernTom LewisLuther LinebargerDale MacLeanDonita MacLeanFrank MagniPedro MaurasHolly McClainSteve MillerLore�a MooreCharlene MouleMike MouleJim Parker

Marion ParkerDoug Parro�Mary Parro�Robert PaulyMike PetrilloSteve RutherfordTravis SeolasEric SeybTim SmethersDonna SmithStephanie Spi�lerMarla StockRalph StockDorothy Taylor

Still Seeking Sturdy Saggers to Care for Riders: medical personnel, cooks, greeters, bike catchers, massage therapists, and more!

Current sagger roster:

Current rider roster:

Receiving special recognition at graduation: Shawna, Toreigh, Micah, Frank, Ember, Vika, and Ashlee.

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An early grad-week banquet honors the accomplishments of each senior.

CEHS teachers: Robbin Adams, Caryn Galeckas, Sharon MacLean, Jonathan & Jenn Palmer, Suzanne Hartley, and Principal Tom Kern.

The post-graduation reception is a feast for the senses! Great job, Jessica Colvin!

Austin feelin’ free! Straight-A Toreigh!

Their high school days over, senior banquet honorees bask in the limelight.

After the speech giving and the receiving of diplo-mas, everyone relaxes and clowning is a given!

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDGRASS VALLEY, CA

PERMIT NO. 60

Christian Encounter MinistriesPO Box 1022Grass Valley, CA 95945

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

•

How do you want to participate?

CEM’sAnnual Agony Benefit

Bicycle Ride“The most miserable time you’ll ever love!”

1:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.July 27-28, 2012

Ride a bikeProvide sag support

Sponsor the rider of your choiceAnd/or pray!

Every aspect is vital to the eventAll money raised provides scholarships for CEM students

Last call!Application deadline is July 14!