8/14/2019 The Connector - Winter 2010

1/6

tChu

rchPresbyterianTHE LIGHT OF THE WORLD SHINING IN UKRAINE

Ukraine can be dismalespecially in winter! Bitter cold and weeks without sun only

refl

ect the gloom and malaise that dominate the culture. Consider that:

Corruption is rampant. A recent survey revealed that half the Ukrainians who received medical

treatment last year paid bribes for it.

The average woman has six abortions in her life.

Nearly 75% of marriages end in divorce.

Ukraine has the highest rate of HIV/AIDS infection in Europe.

Odessa is a haven for human trafficking (women and children).

The country is still in devastating economic crisis.

Perverted gender roles encourage men to be brutal and unfaithful and women to be anorexic

and despairing of self-respect.

Where does the average Ukrainian turn for hope? Many

turn to a bottle. TIME recently reported that more than half of alldeaths in Russia are alcohol-related (compared to 3% globally).

Others merely give up. Former Soviet states have the highest sui-

cide rates in the world.

But there is hope. Though the darkness is pervasive, it can-

not overcome the True Light.

For 15 years, MTW missionaries have been striving to

further Gods Kingdom by establishing a Presbyterian denomina-

tion in Ukraine. In 2007, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of

Ukraine became independent, with 12 churches planted across

Ukraine. In each one, dozens of men, women, and youth who have

found hope and new life through Jesus are taking the good news

into their work places, schools, and neighborhoods. ChristChurch

has been a major partner in this work as our first (and most finan-cially generous!) supporting church. Bob Burnham leads MTWs

church-planting team in Odessa, and his wife Andrea ministers to

women in the community.

Change comes slowly, though. Investment in people for

eternity takes time. The Russians have a saying: We cannot con-

sider ourselves good friends until weve shared a pound of salt

together (assuming you use a dash of salt with each meal). It

took months for Andrea and Bob to win the trust of Tatiana, a lo-

cal shop employee who was beaten by her husband. With anoth-

er friend, Natasha, it was eight years before her grace-awakening

took place. Marriages that have seen years of dysfunction dont

turn around overnight, even with biblical counseling.

Challenges abound. Recently, a church-plant lost their

meeting place and was forced to worship in the pastors apart-

ment. Bob, an avid photographer, came up with the idea to rent

space for the dual function as a Family Photography Center dur-

ing the week (facilitating relationships with local families) and a

church on weekends.

Through contacts like these, the Light of the world is

slowly spreading throughout Ukraine. Its a work in progress.

Please pray for Gods guidance and blessing.

To receive the Burnhams monthly newsletters, you

may sign up at www.BurnhamSnapshot.com.

A newsletter connecting people, their faces & stories, to build

relationships at ChristChurch Presbyterian, Atlanta, GA

THE CONNECTOR - CHRISTCHURCH PRESBYTERIAN - WINTER 2010

WINTER2010

TORIAL STAFF FOR THE CONNECTOR

or: Ida Bell

ers: Mellissa Dickinson, Betsy Long,

Burnham, Aaron Jeffrey, Ann Robertson

tographers: Bobbi Jo Brooks, Kristin Timm

phic Designers: Ben Rupp, Elise Ziegenbein

~Bob Burnham

d who said, Let light shine out

darkness made His light shine

my heart to give me

e light o the knowledge o the

ry o God in the ace o Christ.

treasuret I have this treasurean earthen vessel to show that

s all-surpassing power is rom

d and not rom me.

apted rom 2 Corinthians 4:6-7

e is suf cient or me,ur grace is suf cient or me,Your power is made perect in

akness. Tereore, I will

ast all the more gladly in my

aknesses, that the power o

rist may rest upon me. Tere-

e, I can be content in weak-

hardships, insses, in insults, in hardships, inions, in dif culties, orrsecutions, in dif culties, or

rists sake. For when I am weak,

en I am strong.

apted rom 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Te Burnham family, our missionaries iBack row: Bob and Andrea; Front, l to 9, Emily, 7, Iris, 5.

Church in Ukraine with Christianworshippers.

8/14/2019 The Connector - Winter 2010

2/6

STUDENTS AT GEORGIA TECH TASTE AND SEE THATGOD IS GOOD

Fellowship is the operative wordthat describes the Northridge/Dunwoody Home FellowshipGroup. We began meeting five years ago at the home of Glyn and Hilarie Jones. When they move

away, we changed location to Bill and Betsy Longs home (AKA Wild Kingdom, so named for itssetting within a National Park in the Northridge/400 area).

Our group of between 14-18 might more aptly be named The Baby Boomer Home Fel

lowship. Most of the regular attendees have grown children in various stages of college, marriageand families. Some of us are enjoying young grandchildren while caring for aging parents. Becaus

of the unique challenges of this stage of life, we are so fortunate to have one another to learn frompray for, and support.

Our time together begins with a deli-

cious dinner supplied by all. At the first meetingof the new year, we had a chili cook-offwith five

yummy variations, along with all the trimmings!We take our time around the dining table gettingcaught up on each others lives, discussing theol-

ogy or politics, or telling stories. For the remain-ing time, we gather around the fire and share spe-

cific prayer requests and report on how God hasanswered earlier or ongoing prayers. It has beensuch a blessing to see God at work in each of our

lives through the last several years.We would love to welcome anyone, of

any age or stage, to join us in Northridge/Dun-woody on the 2nd and 4th Sunday evenings from

6-8 pm. For more information, call Betsy Long at770-587-1363 or email bettsmom@aol.com.

Do you long to know the love, truth, power and beauty of God? Are you eager to belong to a

vibrant, Christ-centered community? Lori White arrived at Georgia Tech nearly four years ago. She

like so many others, had questions: Does Christian faith and practice make any real difference to

me? Is the good news about Jesus real? Is the Bible reliable and does science disprove Christian

belief? Is God good? She longed to taste and see Gods goodness and come to terms with he

beliefs.

Today, Lori is preparing to work as an intern for Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) a

Georgia Tech. God faithfully revealed His lavish goodness to her. His reality hit home as she, from

the very start, experienced belonging within the RUF community.

Lori received unearned and undeserved acceptance and love within RUF, which showed

her a reflection of the character of the One they worship. She experienced real relationship. Late

she even met her fianc, Nathan, while serving the campus community side-by-side with RUF. Lor

appreciates the authenticity displayed in the lives of RUF students being real about sin and en

thusiastic about grace and hope in Christ.

RUF is a question-provoking community at Georgia Tec

that gives students space to wrestle with lifes hard questions

They stand as a sign of Gods presence, a foretaste of how thing

will be when Christ returns, and a participating agent in His mis

sion. Rev. Aaron Jeffrey and his wife, Amy (daughters, Payton &

Sarah), planted and have been serving with RUF at Georgia Tec

for three and a half years. They have enjoyed pace-setting in the

establishment of cooperative efforts between Christian minis

tries at Georgia Tech. They are grateful for ChristChurch, whose

partnership allows them to witness God at work - bringing stu

dents to know, love and follow Jesus and, like Lori, taste and see

that He is good.

EACONS 2

NORTHRIDGE/DUNWOODY: BILL & BETSY LONGrtis Brownan Duncanarles Flanaryrick Graffagnino

rold Henryan Henrylcombe Kelleyvid McBrideffPerkinsrk Presleyon Stewart

n Smith

arlie Baxterb Fowleruck Francisig Hoffere Jackson

ul Josephis Mardisnt McEntyrenny McKinney

l Quiroske Riggsndy Stair

ior Pastor > Paul Gardnertor for Congregational Life >e Jacksonector of Music & Arts > Greg Hill

uth Pastor > Nathan Parkerce Manager > Robin Partenistant to Paul Gardner > Christyovlev

ministrative Assistant > Elisegenbeinistant to Greg Hill > Beryl Fowlerldrens Ministry > Stephaniebylege Ministry > Trent McEntyrelege Intern > Nagib Hermesrcy > Curtis Brownsions > John Robertsonmens Ministry > Jane Carter

ung Adults Ministry > JeffShaw &na Eubanks

istry Facilitator > Bria Washington

AFF

LDERS

~Betsy Long

~Aaron JeffreAmy and Aaron Jefrey

Home Fellowship Group>>

THES & OFFERINGSptember 1, 2009December 31,09

nual budget for above dates:$735,617

tual tithes and offerings rceived:$730,354

ortfall in giving for above dates:

$5,263

To welcome the new year, everyone enjoyed a chili bufetat the Longs home. l to r: Ken & Jeannine Kott, BerylFowler, Cathy Friesen, Kathy & Randy Stair, BobFowler.

THE CONNECTOR - CHRISTCHURCH PRESBYTERIAN - WINTER 2010

8/14/2019 The Connector - Winter 2010

3/6

3OUR MISSIONARIES SEND SNAPSHOTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Al and Elaine prayed for ways to relate to students younger than their own children, and God reminded them: accept your

gospel dignity in Christ, but walk on the ground as a servant leader.

In 2004 a Chinese scholar invited Al to row with him in a dragon boat race. Rubbing shoulders with members of the Nationa

Association of Chinese-Americans led to an opportunity to speak to a group of over 200 internationals. Lesson: Just pick up a paddle. See where the Lord will take you.

At RUFIs weekly Dinner and Discovery meetings, local Christians lead discussions for 50-75 international scholars. Afte

looking at John 14, one student asked, Do you mean Jesus has the key to heaven?

Lesson: When you help others discover the gospel, you get renewed in the gospel.

To learn more about RUF International, go to www.internationalbuzz.org.

East Asia( ):A believing student was able to give a presentation on The Book in a universityclass. Classmates and professor were very into it . . . nodding and taking notes . . . pray for them.

East Asia( ): John Gunter reports, Recently, as I was visiting with a team in this city, they men-tioned a day hike at a local mountain that they had organized. As they hiked, they utilized the time to share

about what it means to be a Christian. By the end of the day, eight of the college students, many of whom hadbeen hearing the Gospel from their friends, decided to place their faith in Christ. . . Amazing that the Lord useda day hike to bring eight students into the kingdom!

Atlanta: David and Cindy,members of ChristChurch who have long been involved in cross-cultural workhave been invited by a church in Queens, New York to develop a team in their multi-ethnic neighborhoodPlease pray for all aspects of this transition.

Mexico:Reaching Students for Christ and Equipping Students to Serve,Peter Dishman(MTW/RUF) con-tinues to teach, serve, work, and play with students at UNAM, the largest university in Latin America. Peter wasjoined bySteve Robertson, church planter in Guadalajara, (also supported by ChristChurch) for a fall retreatcentered around the theme, Lost in the Middle of the Movie. Both these missionaries covet prayer support fo

the ministries God has called them to.

Thailand( ):Little Prik-khii-nus is the word for a tiny, but very potent, Thai pepper. Sincechildren are also tiny, but potent, theMTW team in Bangkok chose PKN as the theme of their Christ-focusedfun-filled day camp. After singing, learning Gods word, doing art projects, visiting a museum, swimming, anda very hot field day, the children went home singing of the God of the universe. Please pray that God wouldown the hearts of these little peppers and that He would use them as keys to win their families for Christ.

Bosnia(Bosna): Nathan Dicks reports, Despite hospitalization, sickness, power-outages, and other dif-ficulties, our team has continued to build relationships with several students who have genuine interest in the

truth of Scripture. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this!

Peru: David Larsonsfloat plane landed on the Pisqui River near a remote village, called New Eden be-cause of its beauty. He then jumped into a dugout canoe and headed downstream to a village where a new

church for speakers of the Shipibo language was to be inaugurated. During the celebration, which lasted three

full days, David was able to preach (with a translator!) for an hour on Hebrews 11 and Ephesians 2. At the end

of the festivities, nine people professed faith in Christ and others were renewed in their commitment. For more

information, check out Davids blog, http://dlinperu.Blogspot.com/.

Atlanta:Al LaCour, former pastor of ChristChurch, celebrates over five years of ministry with RUF International at Georgia Tech. He shares a few of the life/ministry lessons he has learned:

On a campus where Christians have endured severe persecution and even incarceration in the past, a team has been getting

out, making friends, and sharing the message of Christs salvation in one-on-one situations. They have seen 15 students become Chris

tians. Honestly, in addition to these highlights, there have also been very challenging, even stressful, times and events. I say this to

let you know that even with all of the highlights I often share, there are always stressors, pressures, and conflicts that are constantly

present. . . I mention this to ask for your ongoing prayers against the natural struggles that come with our jobs and lives. Couched in the

excitement of seeing God work in East Asia are always stressors, strains, even tears and sleepless nights. Please pray for wisdom andprotection from the daily grind of life in helping to lead this ministry in this historically spiritually and politically suppressed region.

)

THE CONNECTOR - CHRISTCHURCH PRESBYTERIAN - WINTER 2010

8/14/2019 The Connector - Winter 2010

4/6

ChristChurch Missions Emphasis 2010

Wendy Moeller

Aaron & Amy Jeffrey

Hunter & Abbie Bailey

Al & ElaineLaCour

Justina Dix

(Snapshots of just some of the missionaries supported by ChristChurch)

DavidLarson

Peter Dishman

Jonathan &Ashley Trousdale

Josh & Taylor Irby

Lauren Potter

Greg Ashworth

Kennan &Chandra Crane

Becca GartrellLauren Potter

Trent & EmilyMcEntyre

Nathan Dicks

Danny & ChristyMcKinney

Rebecca Hall

Bob & Andrea Burnham

esse &ophie Bentley

Jim &CarinFredere

Steve & AmyRobertson

TimRhian

Mi

Ben Daw

Robertso

Tim &BeckyMcKeown

4

8/14/2019 The Connector - Winter 2010

5/6

EMILY EDWARDSEmily Edwards is a native Atlantan and has never wanted to leave. She became a Christian at age 7, but really startedseeking a more personal relationship with Christ in high school. She is so thankful for Christian parents who have alwabeen able to teach and encourage her with Scripture. Emily was introduced to ChristChurch through a friend and has battending for just over 2 years. Currently a nursing student at Georgia State University, Emily loves to travel and be actioutdoors, and also enjoys painting, drawing, and playing the piano.

MARK JENSENMark Jensen grew up all over the West Coast: Denver, Colorado; Portland, Oregon; and Anchorage, Alaska (in his own wothats the Promised Land, Gods Country, and a God-blessed block of ice). Mark grew up thinking he was a Christi

but did not have a true relationship with Christ. At the age of 15, Gods Word opened his heart and he decided to chanhis lifestyle, but had difficulty without any true understanding of the gospel. At age 18, his heart once again longed foChrist, and God worked in his heart and mind. He had the opportunity to move to Atlanta and felt that was Gods will fohim. He has been blessed with solid Christian friends who have taught and encouraged him to live for Christ. Mark heaabout ChristChurch through Reformed University Fellowship at Kennesaw State University, where he is currently study

finance. He works for UPS Capital, the financial services arm of UPS. Mark is married to Janna (formerly Larson) whom he met at ChriChurch. They are exploring opportunities in full-time foreign missions.

KATIE KELLERKatie Keller grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida, where she was involved with the high school ministry Young Life, througwhich she became a Christian. She moved to Atlanta to attend college at Emory University. While she was a student atEmory, Katie became close to a family that attended ChristChurch. Hearing such great things about CCP, Katie startedattending two years ago. She is encouraged every week by the Biblical teaching and fellowship. Katie is a middle schoBible teacher and enjoys spending time with her students.

JAKE LEVEEOriginally from New Orleans, Jake Levee moved to Atlanta after graduating from Auburn University in 2001. He grewup in a PCA church, but found himself living his life in direct conflict with Christianity. He woke up one Sunday feeling astrong desire to find a church. He searched online and found that ChristChurch was nearby, so he visited and listened aDr. Gardner preached. Jakes desire to follow God grew daily, and while he cant point to a specific date or time, he realthat God had worked in his heart. He has been attending ChristChurch since 2008 and is encouraged by so many sincerbelievers at our church. Jake works as a telecommunications broker, though you may notice him moonlighting as a drummer during our Sunday worship services. Jake is engaged to Jennifer Santana, and they will be married on April 10, 20

TIM AND LAURA LOVETim and Laura Love met while participating in a summer mission trip to Ethiopia, and have now been married four and ahalf years. Tim recently graduated from medical school in Miami, and they relocated to Atlanta for Tim to begin his gensurgery residency at Emory University. Laura is a social worker and works for a Christian adoption agency coordinating

domestic and international adoptions. Tim and Laura both came to know Christ at a young age and were raised in Chrishomes. They found ChristChurch as they searched for a new church home in Atlanta and have been tremendously blesby the CCP community. In the future, Tim and Laura hope to pursue a long term ministry in medical missions overseas.

CHRIS POYOChris Poyo grew up in nearby Marietta and went to school at UGA. After graduation, he began working in Atlanta in thebanking industry, but after some time decided to quit banking and enrolled full-time at Reformed Theological Seminarwhere he is currently working on his Masters in Divinity. After visiting various churches in Atlanta, Chris settled at ChrisChurch and has been regularly attending for about 6 months. Chris plays in a competitive soccer league in town. He is aavid reader and a huge fan of coffee.

JENNIFER SANTANAJennifer Santana is a Floridian transplant, having moved to Atlanta 2 years ago for family and career reasons. She startattending ChristChurch in February 2008 with Jake Levee now her fianc. Jenn was raised in a Christian home but at-

tended a church with teaching that left her feeling discouraged and incapable of achieving the standards of being a Chtian. She left the church at age 17 and had no interest in anything about Jesus or organized religion. She focused her lon education, career, and the things in life that she thought would make her happy, but despite all that, Jenn found herdealing with a broken marriage, a young child, and a difficult financial situation. In desperation, she cried out to God fo

help. Unbeknownst to her, He was already pointing her in the right direction as she moved to Atlanta and met Jake. He brought her tChristChurch and pointed her to Scripture. Jenn was glad to learn that her salvation was in Jesus alone. She is encouraged and refresby the body of CCP and enjoys teaching that is Scripture-based. Jenn works for an IBM Business Partner in a sales support role; she alsloves to sing and participates in the worship ensemble. She has a 5 year old son, Alexander, and a mini-poodle named Louie.

MOLLY SCOTTMolly Scott grew up in Atlanta and lived in Dalton before moving back to Atlanta during the summer of 2009 for a new jand to be closer to her family. Molly heard about ChristChurch through Emily Edwards sister and started coming to chuevents with Emily; she quickly felt comfortable at CCP. Molly grew up in a Christian home, but felt like her personal relationship with Christ grew tremendously throughout her high school and college days. At ChristChurch she has been ble

to learn from the testimonies of others and has been encouraged by the CCP family. Molly teaches 4th and 5th grade aAtlanta Classical Christian School, and has a dog named Jack. Her latest endeavor - learning how to cook!

WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS!5

8/14/2019 The Connector - Winter 2010

6/6

CHRISTCHURCH ATLANTASANCTUARY: 81 Peachtree Park Dr. NE

Atlanta, GA 30309OFFICES:1740 Peachtree St. NW,Atlanta, GA 30309

ChristChurchAtlanta.org

PHONE:404-605-0505

WINTER 2010THE LAST WORD

It should be every Christians greatest joy to be involved in outreach and mission for Christo be involved in outreach and mission for Chriswhether we are artists, engineers or pastors! Yet its my experience that this joy needs renewing regularly to keewhether we are artists, engineers or pastors! Yet its my experience that this joy needs renewing regularly to keeit fresh in our hearts and minds. Our involvement will be different depending on our calling, our age in lifit fresh in our hearts and minds. Our involvement will be different depending on our calling, our age in lifand so on. But we can all be truly involved in prayer, and many of us in our giving as we give to and through ouand so on. But we can all be truly involved in prayer, and many of us in our giving as we give to and through ouchurch. One of the joys of ChristChurch is that a surprising number of us serve in full time missions abroad and achurch. One of the joys of ChristChurch is that a surprising number of us serve in full time missions abroad and home. Keeping in touch with, listening to, and praying for our missionaries can also help enthuse us for the Lorhome. Keeping in touch with, listening to, and praying for our missionaries can also help enthuse us for the LorEvery spring at ChristChurch we take some extra time to think about and pray for the missions and manEvery spring at ChristChurch we take some extra time to think about and pray for the missions and manmissionaries we support. This year, on Sundays January 31 and February 7, we are privileged to have the Revemissionaries we support. This year, on Sundays January 31 and February 7, we are privileged to have the Reveend Professor Douglas Kelly visiting us from Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC.end Professor Douglas Kelly visiting us from Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC.Many will have read works by Doug Kelly. Some will have heard him speak or lecture. He has a passion foMany will have read works by Doug Kelly. Some will have heard him speak or lecture. He has a passion fthe Lord and for mission and we are so looking forward to having him with us during this season of emphasis othe Lord and for mission and we are so looking forward to having him with us during this season of emphasis omissions. Doug will be preaching both weeks for us in our morning services and taking part in the Internationmissions. Doug will be preaching both weeks for us in our morning services and taking part in the InternationDinner on the evening of January 31, as well as our evening service on February 7.Dinner on the evening of January 31, as well as our evening service on February 7.Doug is one of those rare breeds that used to be called a polyglot! He is fluent in a number of differenDoug is one of those rare breeds that used to be called a polyglot! He is fluent in a number of differelanguages and is currently involved in a new translation of Calvins Old Testament commentaries. But dont gelanguages and is currently involved in a new translation of Calvins Old Testament commentaries. But dont gthe wrong impression! He is wonderfully personable, incredibly knowledgeable about the world in which outhe wrong impression! He is wonderfully personable, incredibly knowledgeable about the world in which omissionaries serve, and a great speaker.missionaries serve, and a great speaker.I hope we will all make a point of attending prayer meetings, the International Dinner, and services durinI hope we will all make a point of attending prayer meetings, the International Dinner, and services durinthose two weeks. Mission has always been at the heart of ChristChurch and we want to keep it that way as morthose two weeks. Mission has always been at the heart of ChristChurch and we want to keep it that way as moand more of our congregation commit to the ministry, either in this country or abroad.and more of our congregation commit to the ministry, either in this country or abroad.~Paul Gardner~Paul GardnerSenior Pastor of ChristChurchSenior Pastor of ChristChurch

The battleis won

through bowed

hearts knees.&

6