Christian Encounter

February 2012

A Publication ofChristian Encounter Ministries

Tending Lives…Training Leaders…

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

EventsFebruary 4: noon to midnightYOU SPIN—THEY WINGrass Valley’s South Yuba Club

April 4: noon Nevada County Minister’s FellowshipLunch at CEM

April 8: 6:30 AMEaster Sunrise Service in Angels’ Meadow with brunch following

May 5: 9:00 to 5:00 Spring Work Day at CEM

May 15: 7:30 PMChristian EncounterHigh School Open House

June 2: 2:00 PMChristian Encounter High School Graduation

June 22-July 3:Annual Family Camp

July 27-28: 30th Annual 24-hourAGONY BICYCLE RIDE

August 24-September 7:Summer Wilderness Trip

October 16:Fellowship Cafe 7:30 PM

October 20:Autumn Work Day

November 22:Thanksgiving at CEM

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Student Profile:

Mr. 51% Decides To Go All Inby Mike Petrillo

Micah’s dad had a nickname for his son as he grew up. Micah didn’t put all the effort he could into schoolwork, chores, sports, home life, etc. Doing “just enough” was Micah’s M.O. His underlying motive was to prevent embarrassment from trying hard—then fail. FAILING—the worst thought in Micah’s imagination. By not expending full effort he made himself immune from failure…the held-back reserve was the guarantee that he would never truly be proven inadequate. Thus, “Mr. 51%.”

Mom had another introductory phrase when Micah met people for the first time: “Don’t believe half of what he says!” Sadly, this too was a pertinent warning. From age five or so, Micah habitually enhanced all stories, reports, and conversations with additional information that helped to develop his theme. That theme: “I am something special.” Again, his internal motivation was to protect his flimsy self-esteem by building a larger-than-life image that everyone would admire.

And so, after a list of

very real failures—college, friendships, Job Corps, and other employment—Micah came to Christian Encounter Ministries. His agenda: keep up the image and invest just what was necessary. For nine months Micah has done just that, doing enough to be well liked, while keeping the real Micah from really being known—until now. Finally, again confronted with schemes and tales that didn’t match reality, and with futile a�empts to gain acceptance apart from simple integrity, Micah decided that this is the time. He dove in 100%. He was completely honest. Holding nothing back, he declared before our CEM congregation. “I know right now that no one should believe anything I say, because I have been dishonest all my life. I want people to like me and I want to please people, so I say whatever will make that happen. I’m a very miserable person inside and very deceitful, so I would like people to pray for me.”

This is the beginning for Micah. He is not the same kid he was when he was seven. But the fears are the same. He has accomplished much in the

past fifteen years, in school and athletics, but his image of self is still just as fragile. And thus he concluded, “Now is the time to go all in. Now is the time to admit I am dishonest, and change.” The time is right when the Holy Spirit gently tugs at the conscience. The time is right when the Word of God shines into the darkness of the mind and illuminates the ways of the enemy. The time is right when an individual like Micah finds that fantasy and falsehood bring no joy or strength to the core of who he is. So, Micah now begins with confession—a statement that can be believed. Second, he starts unmaking the lies. Each day he will do what is hardest for him…make no embellishments of day-to-day life and, when appropriate, give detailed corrections of falsehoods already spoken. This, says I John 1:6-10, is the method of breaking the power of lies and unreality in our lives. Jesus invites us to live in fellowship with Him by admi�ing falsehood and enjoying His restoring

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.

Honor Roll students:

Alexa GatesVika Gilmore

Jeffery MathewsonAustin Meeks

Michael PartellToreigh Sco�Devin Welch

forgiveness every day. This goal stands higher than any other achievement we may boast about. This experience of daily grace changes Micah’s focus from self-building esteem to Christ-centered value—being esteemed by Him through His sacrifice for us.

You will hear more about Micah in the days ahead. His ba�le is difficult. He has chosen a path that many fear to travel. Yet we feel certain that God’s grace will prove sufficient and that in Micah’s weakness Jesus will make him strong. We have never been more proud of anyone than we are of the real Micah, a man with strength enough to tell the truth.

Michael, Micah, and Toreigh help hold one another accountable for honest interaction.

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Director’s View

What li�le I can do…by Mike Petrillo

It’s almost my birthday time again—my Christian birthday. Reflecting on these many years gone by since then, I think about how li�le I did to receive so much. A whole lifetime of great experiences—a deep quality of life, a connection with the Almighty in prayer, corporate fellowship, and many other surprising moments of awareness of God’s presence—has been mine. I did so li�le to gain all of this! And there is much more—inspiration from the Word, 36 years of marriage to a godly woman, a

family, a ringside seat to observe conversions and transformations of amazing dimension, profound answers to prayer, and uniquely divine guidance points all along the way.

It has not been a fair exchange at all. God gave so much more than I did. I just heard the Word and got up and followed. But I was young and didn’t have a sense of sacrificing anything, just responding to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Even the conviction was a gift—since it’s impossible to create true repentance without the Spirit’s work. I just sat, listened, responded, got

“I just sat, listened, responded…and all the good stuff began…”

up, and walked—and all the good stuff began—and continued. What li�le I did doesn’t even measure on any kind of scale when balanced against the sacrifice of Jesus, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the Alpha and Omega. My decision was li�le in comparison to Jesus’ resolve to go the cross. Even in these five decades past, if you added up all the positives from my behavior, and weighed that against all the good I have already received, it would not register. I did so li�le and am still receiving so much—all from that one crucial decision. And I have not begun to grasp all that lies ahead in eternity. I am convinced of heaven, but cannot grasp it—and that too is a straight-line extension from my day of childhood conversion into forever with Christ. All the greatness of eternal life will be mine to experience…and I did so li�le.

More good stuff, some bad stuff, some amazing times of fellowship, some darker days of worry—all these lie ahead. I will remember from time to time that God did much for me. I will be thinking about what li�le I can do…for all He has done for me. I will hope to tell you about it. I will hope to praise Him in some childlike way. I will look for His footsteps so I can follow His way. Perhaps that will be what li�le I can do.

Former student tidbitsBryan Harshman (2004) is a barista at Starbucks in Bend, OR.

Chris Noll (’03) has completed active duty in the Air Force and is a student at William Jessup University. He and Karissa (intern ‘04) and their three li�le ones live in Vacaville, CA. Karissa teaches Junior High math in Dixon, CA. Chris serves as a Tech. Sgt. in the Air Force Reserves at Beale Air Force Base.

Ember Caulfield (’11) lives at the Women’s Ministry House in Grass Valley. She works as a Dietary Aid at Sierra View Manor along with fellow house resident, Caregiver Lindsey Figuiera (’11).

Kristin Pietrykoski (’91) is the Practice Administrator at Park Avenue Breast Surgeons. She lives in Tarrytown, New York.

Sean Thompson (’10) has moved from the Men’s Ministry House to the Kansas City, MO, area. He was able to be transferred there by Starbucks. Sean also is enrolled in community college.

News of former internsTiffany Geiger (’09) has started nursing school in Hawaii; Angie Moret (’00) is the Childcare Coordinator at Open Door Church in Mt. View, CA; Autumn Webster (’04) is an employment consultant at Rockbridge Community Services. She lives in Lexington, VA.

Ben Foster (’08) is working in a plumbing company partnership in the Livermore-Pleasanton, CA, area. He is a wonderful source of potential interns! Chris Medford (’08) a Marketing Director for Chick-fil-A, married Amanda, September 18. They live in Roseville, CA.

Karen Thompson (’91) works as a substitute teacher at Loomis Union School District; Katie Torpen (’09) is an MSW intern and a Case Manager at World Relief Minnesota.

Intern Rob Galbreath prepares to demonstrate his skill and agility in a floor game—much to the amusement of the onlookers.

The terrific new intern team: Jason Hayward, Carissa Davis, Em-ily Borsare, and Rob Galbreath. (Not pictured: Zoya Lee.)

Working with the whole person

“Does the clay say to the po�er, ‘what are you making?’”

By Susan Hicks, Marriage and Family TherapistWe live in a culture in which the hunger for belonging, for being a member of

an “authentic family,” is increasing. Churches offer small relational groups with topics of interest to address this need.

In the Trinity, we find in the relationship between God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit the design and precise model for all who come together in His name. I once heard it stated that the Trinity is the only small group that consistently gets along. They are grounded, as Being, as perfect love. In Jesus’ incarnation, he took our nature upon himself, and, as children of God, we are invited to share this glorious union with the Triune God, becoming complete, whole persons as He determined and designed.

The ongoing, daily work here at the Ranch is to grow through Christ in grace and truth. We are serious about the needs of the staff, interns, and students, their souls and minds, the decisions they make, their rights and responsibilities. Our goal is to love, forgive, and sacrifice for the purpose of maturing in Christ. We speak the truth in love even at the risk of being misunderstood or being rejected. We trust God that the truth of His Word sets people free.

We love God’s creation in nature and in human nature. We fully acknowledge that the Image of God is given to us as male and female. But we are not God, and His instruction is that we be well differentiated as male or female. Our culture is moving far and wide from this distinction. The Ranch is coed, and we are commi�ed to young men growing up in full masculinity and young women in full femininity. This purposeful plan enables us all to be brothers and sisters in Christ while equipping our youth to be husbands and wives or single individuals who still place high value and regard for marriage and family. This is foundational for all groups, families, and ministries.

God created community out of His image of community. He blessed his creation and said it is very good. As we mature in the community of God’s people we express not only who we are, but also whose we are.

For in Him we live and move and have our being. Acts17:28

Experiential education

by Caryn Galeckas, CEM Office Manager and Wilderness Leader

When I was in college I spent my summers working at a camp that specialized in experiential education,

particularly in the wilderness. Canoeing was a big part of the experience, and one which I enjoyed very much. My first summer, though, I was struggling to master a particular stroke. I was paddling with another staff member one day, feeling very frustrated. She gave me a couple of tips, but it wasn’t working. Rather than continuing to explain what she’d already taught me, or taking the paddle from me, she just let me struggle. At last, it worked! It was a “Eureka” moment for me. I felt it in my muscles; I knew how to do it; I had figured it out. My friend told me, “Now you own that skill.” In that moment I also took ownership of the concept of experiential education.

I’ve heard a lot of sermons in my life time, read books, taken classes. I’ve learned plenty from them, but the lessons that resonate the most strongly for me, that affect my life the most, are the ones I’ve learned through life experiences. When I’ve messed up relationships and had to figure out where I went wrong and go back and fix it, when I’ve been thrust into leadership positions that I didn’t seek, when I’ve had to figure out for myself how to accomplish a task—those are the times I’ve learned the most.

At CEM we use this concept regularly, giving our students and interns room to struggle with relationships, faith, leadership, following, etc. We give them the foundational skills and principles they need, and walk along side them as they learn, but give them the chance to take ownership of the lessons along the way. The process is played out most strongly on our 15-day summer wilderness trip. The students and interns are taught the skills they need: how and where to get water, how to build a fire, how to use a map and compass, and many others. They are then given the freedom to use those skills on their own, even if they make mistakes. Dinner may be significantly later than hoped for if the group has trouble building a fire, but the feeling they get knowing they accomplished that task is a great confidence builder. We have hiked many, many extra miles behind groups that made mistakes navigating, but the problem-solving and group-dynamics skills learned along the way were priceless, and resulted in life-long lessons learned—lessons those students and interns now own. Experiential education requires more patience, perseverance, and sometimes sacrifice than other forms of teaching, but the end result is always worthwhile.

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The many facetsThe integrity we teach

By Sharon Maclean, Women’s Ministry House LeaderIf asked, “What is integrity,” what would you say? Perhaps, “Integrity is making

ethical decisions,” or “integrity is doing what is right when no one is watching.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines integrity as: firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values; incorruptibility. Culture communicates integrity as living outwardly in congruence with one’s inner convictions; however, this allows each person to form his own ideas of right and wrong and does not take into account absolute morality as outlined in the Bible.

True integrity is being self-governed in accordance with Biblical principles. It is developing a personal value system which reflects Kingdom values. It is doing what is right, no ma�er what the cost. Contrary to social norms, integrity is not following external rules in order to avoid undesirable consequences; it is living in agreement with Biblical convictions in order to bring glory to God.

We were created to be self-governing—even Adam and Eve were expected to live rightly. The same is still expected today: we are to be guided by the Law wri�en on our hearts and by the Holy Spirit speaking through our consciences.

Jesus said, “If you love me you will obey my commandments.” Integrity includes living in active obedience to God’s Word and following God’s standards for right living. Living with integrity effects our thoughts, our words, our actions, our every decision…it effects all areas of life in all moments in time.

At CEM, students are taught the importance of true integrity. They are assisted in developing a Biblically-based moral compass. They learn to trust the Spirit of God to lead them in making ethical decisions; they’re challenged to do the right thing, even in private, and are encouraged to pay a�ention to what their conscience is telling them. We dare them to think less about ge�ing caught, and more about pleasing God. Students are learning each day to align their value systems with the value system of God and to walk in His ways all the days of their lives.

According to Psalm 15, true integrity is walking uprightly, doing right, and living out God’s truths. Jesus Christ instructed His followers to “love God and love others”—to have integrity is to walk in this manner.

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of CEM’s programsDiscipleship: the Heart of Christian Encounterby Nathaniel Boyd, Men’s Ministry House Leader

“Here at Christian Encounter Ranch you will be living with people who believe that knowing God is the most important thing we can do in life.” This, taken from the intro to the discipleship curriculum each student at CEM works through, summarizes not only the discipleship program, but the Ranch as a whole. The Ranch provides a variety of benefits, from basics of food, shelter, and safety, to education, counseling, work ethic and skills, and an array of spiritual resources. Each is important, but discipleship is the core of what we do, because it pervades everything we do.

Some discipleship is structured and formal. Upon arrival, each student is paired up with an intern who, during weekly one-on-one meetings, proceeds to guide him or her through our in-depth, Bible-based curriculum. But these meetings are one facet of the discipleship program, not the summation. All members of the staff and intern teams disciple the students in their respective spheres of ministry, but the interns, who live with the students 24 hours a day, engage in this the most. The way they immerse themselves into the lives of the students is special and sacrificial, and brings to mind the way Jesus lived with His disciples—people He taught and led, ate with and journeyed with, prayed for and bled for. The interns follow this model closely!

Discipleship is vital to this ministry, because we do not just want students to do well while they’re here because they are able to conform their behavior to our standards—we want them to do well for the rest of their lives because they have met Christ and yearn to conform to His standards. Discipleship, as a process that causes people to encounter Christ, therefore, is at the heart of what we do at Christian Encounter.

CEM’s Work Program goals are well definedby Marion Parker

The secret of success is no secret at all. It is the habit of hard work. (Anonymous) Successful people are not gifted; they just work hard, then succeed on purpose. (Anon.)

What the country needs is dirtier fingernails and cleaner minds. (Will Rogers)

Many wise people have extolled the virtues of hard work. Perhaps the wisest, the writer of the Book of Proverbs, tells us in chapter six to take a lesson from the

ants. He reminds us that even though they have no prince, governor, or ruler to make them work, ants labor hard…We should learn from their ways and be wise, he says.

Here at the Ranch, we have a well-defined philosophy of work program. There is much to be done to keep up the 86 acres of property; four dormitories; the main living, dining, and office spaces; the barn, storage areas, and other buildings; as well as four ponds. The cows and pigs need tending, meals must be fixed, and laundry done. Here are some of our expectations for the students.

Everyone is expected to be on time for work and to show proper respect for the intern or staff person leading the work crew. Questions and ideas are encouraged, but should be submi�ed at the appropriate time and in an appropriate manner. A�itude is important. Body language speaks as loudly as words.

It is the responsibility of each individual to properly take care of all equipment and resources. Students are encouraged to ask for clarity if they don’t know how to use a tool or do a task. Instruction for the safety of all is regularly taught. Tools and equipment are to be cleaned and properly put away after each use.

Those who are faithful with li�le will be given more responsibility. The level system for recognizing growth in each student has built-in privileges, giving the upper-level students more responsibility and autonomy.

It has been said that hard work is its own reward, and in as much as it makes us feel productive, tired at the end of the day, and good about ourselves as capable, efficient, competent people, that is true. Colossians 3:23 sets an even higher standard for hard work than personal satisfaction, though. “Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ.” That has to be the ultimate work ethic!

Good communication at CEMBy Jim Parker

Before coming to CEM, many students and some interns had not experienced open, honest, loving communication in their families of origin. Many lived with secrets that

were never shared—or were shared in distorted, less-than-fully-true ways. They were left wondering…with many unanswered questions. Sometimes anger and displeasure were expressed destructively, with berating and vile cursing.

We are encouraged in scripture to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:5). Doing so produces good results. It gives opportunity for clarification, restoration, and forgiveness. Sharing the truth properly is always appropriate, but it can be hard when the truth is disturbing or causes concern or sadness. It is not easy to speak lovingly on those occasions, but doing so encourages the best in everyone.

We model this form of communication, providing opportunities for questions and discussion. We encourage others to foster “truth-in-love” communication with their friends and families. The purpose is not to embarrass or expose individuals, it is to assist those affected to find help, encouragement, and productive relationships.

Anthony takes pride in doing his jobs thoroughly and well.

EasterSunrise Service

April 86:30 a.m.

Brunch follows

The annual student/staff soccer game. Even

Mike Petrillo gets into the action.

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RANCH RECREATIONKeep your eyes on the ball!

Michael flips

for joy.

I got it!I got it!I got it!

Volleyball and basketball at Calvary Bible Church.

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Who could resist this cute, colorful li�le newt?

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

Given by:Mr. and Mrs. Terry ReedMr. and Mrs. Jim WebsterMr. and Mrs. Mark RiekeMr. and Mrs. Jim Parker

In Honor of:John Cox

Autumn WebsterTom and Jan KernMarilyn Vaughn

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.

Given by:Camille Muir

Wilma BanevichWilma Banevich

Mr. and Mrs. Mike Parra�Westside Christian ChurchMr. and Mrs. Richard Bento

Carol CouncilChristine Council

Pastor and Mrs. Charles DugginsPatricia Irwin

Mr. and Mrs. Robert McCallMr. and Mrs. Oliver StewartMr. and Mrs. James Williams

Mr. and Mrs. A.D. Haley

In Honor of:Nancy Yaqub

Mike BanevichMuriel GaleckasMuriel Galeckas

Paul CecilMelissa Bento Atwood

Paul KernPaul KernPaul KernPaul KernPaul KernPaul KernPaul Kern

Danny Mescher

BlessingsBackpacksBooks, videos, clothing, calendarsKitchen towels, potholdersLeather couch and matching chairFood, food, and more good foodBucket of baseballs19 calculatorsSmall refrigeratorToiletries, household cleaning productsWireless weather stationLarge ice chestBeautiful and wonderful Christmas gifts for

students and internsExtra-long twin-bed ma�ress, frame, and springsA HUGE ice chest12-quart punch bowlCarbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarmsPropane light/heaterNew office chairGas dryer and 4-drawer file cabinet

Special thanks to Stan and Claudia Shur� of Wolf Mountain Christmas

Tree Farms! They donated the proceeds of all their tree sales on December 3 & 4

to Christian Encounter Ranch.

NeedsSix-drawer dressersSix-foot step ladder with 250-pound capacityNuts, energy bars, cheeseScrap-booking paper and suppliesGood scissorsTwin “Captain’s” bed framesHeavy-duty garden hosesLeather gloves

Austin will be one of five graduates from Christian Encounter High School June 2.

Join us!

Spring Work DaySaturday, May 5

9-5Lunch with

the CEM family

Saturday, June 2, 2012, 2 p.m.

Graduation and CelebrationSuccess—Honor—Laud—Joy

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDGRASS VALLEY, CA

PERMIT NO. 60

Christian Encounter MinistriesPO Box 1022Grass Valley, CA 95945

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

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