Christian Encounter

September 2012

A Publication ofChristian Encounter Ministries

Tending Lives…Training Leaders…

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

CEM celebrates the annual 24-hour Agony Bicycle Ride’s 30th year. Four of the six original riders from the Death Valley event returned to ride again. See inside for statistics, photographs, and more.

Glory be to God!It takes a multitude of people and organizations to make a

major event successful: the new owners and employees of the Golden West Motel and Restaurant in Loyalton reopened their newly refurbished business to feed and house the Agony Ride set-up crew; Vicki’s Bakery made food for the breakfast crowd; White’s Sierra Station set up a special account for the roving motorcycle saggers’ gasoline; once again the Feather River Land Trust provided the land for the Beckworth Sag station; and all the people of the Sierra Valley were warm and hospitable. Nevada County Amateur Radio Operators kept track of each of the bikers; Grass Valley Radio Station KNCO and The Union Newspaper provided great news coverage; and 105 riders, 200 saggers, and 1,149 sponsors made this an event to remember! Thank you every one!

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One significant record was sha�ered as 105 cyclists lined up two-by-two at the Loyalton, Elementary School on July 27 to ride until they couldn’t ride any more—for the students at Christian Encounter Ranch! The elusive 100 rider mark had never been surpassed. 99 rode in 2007 for the 25th Anniversary Ride—the largest number of riders until this year. The 2012 event is bringing in more than $136,000 for student scholarships—money that pays for residents’ schooling, counseling, mentoring, food, housing and more. Mitch and Katie Clement from Boulder, CO, were tops in the high mile category riding 363 and 353 miles respectively. Caryn Galeckas was the top fund raiser with $8,836.

Riders included a team of eight from Combie Bible Church in Grass Valley; Portola Station Church sent seven riders; two others of their team were injured in training and couldn’t participate. Four of the original six CEM Death Valley Agony riders saddled up once again, this time in the Sierra Valley

Thirty years of Agony!The Lord…never grows faint or weary…He gives power to those who are tired

and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Isaiah 30: 28-29

to observe the 30th anniversary event. Bob Walsh and John Yates rode out on a tandem cycle, Jamie Farrington and Mike Boon rode solo. (See pages 4 and 5 for more about the evolution of The Agony.)

Riders ranged in age from 18 to 82 and included thirty-two women and seventy-three

men. In addition to the many well-trained, sturdy young participants, a number of riders who faced serious, life-threatening health conditions this year chose to ride as well. Mike Boon had open heart surgery and treatment for cancer, but that didn’t interfere with his unbeatable record as

the only person to ride in all thirty Agonys. He covered 181 miles and still looked good! John Yates got back on a bike to go a hugely symbolic five-tenths of a mile after enduring numerous surgeries as well as treatment for Leukemia. Long-time rider Pete Adams was an “honorary rider” this year. He had been in a wheel chair last year, but walks with a walker now and hopes to be back on the bike for the 31st Agony! Pete’s loyal supporters gave $755.00 for his honorary efforts! Pete manned the Loyalton Quick-Stop table and was outside all night to greet each rider.

Riders and saggers alike relinquished their rights to comfort and rest. The effort was of great value to the Christian Encounter students, but also to the participants themselves. Rider Greg Olender said it well: “I felt like the most undeserving recipient of love and grace. People ran out to encourage me! I was being treated like a king—I went away from every sag on cloud nine!”

Students and interns gather around Jonathan Palmer for a rousing send off before the start of the Agony.

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.

Riders from the Death Valley years reunite: John Yates, Jamie Farrington, Greg Olender, Caryn Galeckas, and Dave Russo.

Three new, very short videos are now available for viewing and showing to your missions commi�ee, Sunday School class, or small group. Go to YouTube.com and search for “Christian Encounter Ranch.”

A date to remember…

SaturdayOctober 20, 2012

AUTUMN WORK

DAY

9 a.m-4 p.m.

Bring a group, your family,

or come by yourself !There’s a job for

everyone!

Tell us you’re coming—lunch will be waiting!

www.christianencounter.org

Phone 530-268-0877

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

Given by:Donna Crane

Bill and Alice SimsDorothy KempeBeverly KennedyBeverly KennedyBeverly Kennedy

Jim and Marion Parker

In Memory of:George Crane

Kenneth AlexanderJack and Mary KendrickJack and Mary Kendrick

Tom KennedyRobert KempeSteve Monck

Given by:Elia Miles

Margaret Knappen Shaw

In Honor of:Thom Smith

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Knappen’s 25th Wedding Anniversary

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.

(A former) Director’s View

So, what does the rest of your day look like?By Jim Parker(Mike Petrillo is taking a much deserved sabbatical. Mike joined the ranch staff in 1978, assuming the duties of the Executive Director in 1994.)

Jesus offers at least three invitations: He invites all who are burdened to come to him so he can partner with them and bear their burdens. He understands burdens and is acquainted with grief. Jesus invites those who truly believe he is God the Son to come and follow him; the invitation is to become like him—to live as he lived,

recognizing the value of every person we come in contact with, and to love and serve others as he did. Jesus invites those who are in partnership with him and becoming like him to take up their crosses daily and follow him. This is an invitation to be empowered and used by Jesus himself, to make a difference in the lives of individuals and in our culture.

When we accept his invitations our lives are packed with meaning and purpose, lasting relationships, and inner satisfaction. There is nothing more valuable or rewarding than allowing Christ to use us as his personal ambassadors—tools of righteousness in his hand. When we die we will have no regrets.

So, what does the rest of your day look like? By asking the Lord to live through us and allow us to see others as he sees them, life takes on a new dimension. It could include simple things like making an encouraging phone call or writing a card, giving money to help out a friend, or offering someone a ride. It is learning to be sensitive to the leading of the Spirit in our daily lives. It gets exciting! It may also include standing up for those who are being denied justice. No doubt it will include forgiving those who take advantage and speak evil of others—even ourselves. The invitation to allow him to work, not just in us, but also through us is for all Christians. The students at the Ranch are learning what it means to partner with Christ. They care for one another, they hurt when another hurts, and they are learning to share each other’s burdens. The Agony Ride was a vivid example of caring, giving, and sacrificing for others. The students served alongside volunteer saggers taking care of riders as the riders gave their all in sacrificial effort for the students. It was a beautiful example of body life.

Galatians 2:20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (NLT)

“When we accept his invitations our lives are packed with meaning…”

BlessingsMany cords of fine firewoodFireproof hearth for Women’s HouseFour six-foot tablesEnergy bars and drinks, hot chocolateShade tarp, tent Great groceries from every food groupRock climbing rope, hardware and webbingProfessionally-produced graduation DVDsClothing and household goodsElectric roaster, microwave oven, lampCleaning suppliesBeds, bedding, bookcasesInsulated ice chests and rolling coolerGuitar, keyboardNew couch for Men’s Ministry House

Learning to enjoy life together—Tyler, Micah, and Michael in front, Gary Volchansky (intern) and Haywood in back.

Mike and Debbie Boon doubly sacrifice to be at the Agony ride, which frequently occurs on the date of their wedding anniversary.

Our sympathy: Please pray for comfort for Steve Monck’s family, Kristine, Kelly, and Nathan. Steve passed away suddenly August 8. A gifted photographer, he had come to the Agony Ride to take pictures just days before. Steve was a ranch student in 1984; he was the winner of the Salter Scholarship for academic excellence that year and the recipient of the Alumni of the Year award in 2006. Steve was a loving family man. He had worked in law enforcement, for the fire department, as a photographer, and recently was the CEO and founder of the Orland Bulletin, an online news and advertising paper.

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SAG Facilities Then: A vehicle or twoNow: A school, grange hall & R.V. “city”

Number of SaggersThen: 5Now: 200

Food ServedThen: Water, cookies, PB&JNow: Energy bars, drinks, full breakfasts, homemade soups, hot & cold sandwiches, fresh fruit & more

’88

’83

Page 5HTTP://WWW.FABLEVISION.COM/NORTHSTAR/MAKE/OBJECTS/INDEX.HTML

- Bob Walsh, original rider

We didn’t know we were going to see this thirty years later...we just knew God had called us to challenge ourselves to do hard things, to do great things for Him...never give up, don’t ever quit, keep trying...

’89

’83

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$136,305 pledged!

Rider Miles $ RaisedAdams, Pete 0 $755.00Aronson, Erik 101 $690.00Aronson, Sarah 101 $765.50Barso�i, Carme 76 $2,242.20Bayly, Bob 331 $3,099.22Boon, Mike 181 $2,944.00Bou�e, Jeff 304 $280.40Boyd, Nate 189 $3,590.15Brocke, Robert 202 $1,114.80Brown, Terry 304 $504.00Brown, Wayne 228 $380.00Burne�, Nathan 158 $420.71Carr, Lisa 240 $388.57Clelan, Gary 152 $1,122.40Clement, Katie 353 $1,731.76Clement, Mitch 363 $1,287.07Collins, Amy 249 $698.00Colvin, Jessa 190 $4,540.25Cox, Tom 215 $340.00Cramer, David 152 $671.97Crawford, Mike 228 $533.57Deeble, Tom 152 $650.77Douglass, Carol 309 $3,922.60Dyer, Mike 190 $1,114.50Echternacht, Cameron 226 $1,915.60Echternacht, Seth 185 $2,006.71Edwards, Dan 152 $1,473.71Farrington, Jamie 190 $770.00Fletcher, Sco� 316 $1,741.00Foxen, Jennifer 32 $45.00Galbreath, Rob 164 $200.00Galeckas, Caryn 331 $8,836.25Gee, Chris 228 $882.80Grant, Cal 114 $365.00Green, Bill 304 $300.32Guiremand, Alison 230 $1,724.00Hallbourg, Mark 76 $450.00Harms, Sco� 215 $3,909.25Horne, Bruce 112 $412.00Huffman, Daphne 164 $618.07Huffman, David 274 $898.06Inwards, Charles 190 $450.00Keeny, Alan 228 $1,752.00Kelly, Lynne 38 $679.00Kennedy, Beverly 114 $2,488.00Keyser, Bob 190 $100.00Kimbrel, Pamela 138 $320.71Kimbrel, Paul 176 $345.71Kla�, Colleen 205 $2,107.25Konyha, Micah 139 $505.80Koopmans, James 202 $1,520.71Koopmans, Joel 215 $570.71Krasky, Larry 140 $3,149.00Lehman, Carol 133 $604.82

Rider Miles $ RaisedLehman, Mike 133 $579.82MacLean, Sharon 228 $4,192.05March, Nancy 240 $222.50March, Steve 240 $217.50Matson, Dave 266 $2,249.42Matson, Jeri 188 $952.00McAtee, Craig 316 $4,274.70McCary, Mike 277 $659.82McClain, Paul 202 $1,322.71McClain, Susie 76 $1,158.71McQuerry, Bill 125 $592.50Meier, Bob 202 $300.00Meier, Mallory 202 $610.00Miller, Jeane�e 245 $1,692.50Miller, Michael 255 $988.00Moberg, Kirk 205 $1,755.50Morrow, Sam 152 $847.00Nunnink, Phillip 266 $0.00Olender, Greg 202 $737.50Oliveira, Rich 114 $860.00Palmer, Jonathan 353 $4,932.10Parker, Lex 190 $642.50Pearson, Janet 148 $4,228.57Prudhomme, Guy 266 $554.40Ra�laff, Paul 125 $1,525.00Rau, Jane 82 $1,413.58Rembas, Kimberley 126 $0.00Russo, Chris 202 $799.30Russo, Dave 114 $1,400.60Russo, Jesse 202 $876.62Shapland, Julie 165 $2,055.00Small, Patricia 38 $185.00Sorensen, Ken 190 $3,132.50Spi�ler, Don 190 $795.00Spurgeon, Andy 228 $746.00Spurgeon, Jessie 76 $215.00Stevenson, Jacob 228 $305.00Thornton, Rob 304 $1,567.00Townsend, Ed 266 $399.90Turner, Jackie 152 $563.20Vaskovskis, Juris 304 $300.00Vaughn, Ma�hew 152 $1,004.67Walsh, Bob 38 $1,850.00Walsh, Julie 38 $738.00Welch, Beth 190 $1,268.00Welch, Ruth 164 $817.00Welch, Terry 304 $1,570.20Wimberley, Sheila 56 $45.00Wylie, Curt 228 $300.00Wylie, Rick 228 $400.00Yates, John 0.5 $130.00General $720.00Corporate Sponsors $1,500.00Totals 19,871 $136,305.29

AGONY SCOREBOARDWhen folks want to ride, they find a way!

While 105 cyclists were pedaling around and through the Sierra Valley in northern California, one dedicated biker was suffering in the Midwest heat of Illinois on his bicycle for the CEM students as well. Dan Stewart, an intern in 1975 (before the first Agony Ride) went 80 miles while nine-year-old Kristen Roberti rode her bike around home near Loyalton to raise funds as well. Kristen came to the post-ride celebration barbecue to present her gift to CEM along with the other riders.

NeedsHealthy young beef calfContemporary Christian CDsNew carpet for boys’ dorm20-30 cup coffee potsInternal frame backpacksHiking boots, new or used in good conditionOffice supplies: Bic stic pens, colored paper, file folders, envelope moisteners, dry-erase markersNew 45”-48” round dining room tables

Victorious Jane Rau rode one mile for each year of her life—82! That’s a record for all to aim for!

Thank You Ranch Si�ers!Everyone’s contribution to the Agony Ride is

essential and appreciated! When the entire CEM entourage of students, interns, and staff head up to the Sierra Valley, the ranch property is left deserted for a day-and-a-half. We leave confidently knowing our team of “ranch si�ers” is here to take emergency phone calls, feed the animals, and prepare for everyone’s return. Thank you Marilyn Vaughn, Camille Muir, Ron and Marian McMahon, Dave and Sue Mo�, and Bob Davis!

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1. We see our differences as God’s gift to each other. 2. We schedule time to be together. 3. We communicate to arrive at consensus in decision making. 4. We have learned each others’ language of love. 5. We have defined our roles but allowed them to change over the years. 6. We have both made each other first place in our lives with God over all. 7. We place high value on cultivating humor in our relationship. 8. We have never considered divorce as on option. 9. We spend our money on building good memories rather than on building bigger houses. 10. We forgive each other and make allowances for temporary insanity. 11. We share a growing spiritual bond in Jesus. 12. We enjoy the afterglow of a strong relationship of joy and fulfillment. 13. We share a mutual call to ministry. 14. We delight in watching our children and grandchildren grow up. 15. We have always scheduled two to three week family vacations each year. 16. We have received and desire to pass on a strong legacy of love. 17. We are united in commi�ing to fight off all the enemies, both internal and external, to our marriage.

Some Important Values in Our MarriageBryce and Jo Jessup

VIDEO.PLANETGREEN.DISCOVERY.COM

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDGRASS VALLEY, CA

PERMIT NO. 60

Christian Encounter MinistriesPO Box 1022Grass Valley, CA 95945

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

•

Thank you!Corporate sponsors of the 24-hour Agony bicycle ride:

Clif Bars

B& C Home and Garden Center

Economy Pest Control

The Blackwell Group, Real Estate Appraisers

Northern Sierra Propane

Jeremy Sanders, State Farm Insurance

Gold Country Copier

Tour of Nevada City

Caroline’s Coffee RoastersChick-fil-A

Christian ParentingBy Bryce Jessup

Children are a gift from the Lord.1. The purpose of parenting is to prepare children to leave home. Proverbs 22:62. Support your children with prayer. 3. Healthy children are the result of a happy marriage. Ephesians 5:224. Guide your children along their interests and abilities.5. Teach Biblical principles by word and example. Deut. 66. Independence needs to be earned.7. Build good memories and traditions.8. Be genuinely interested in their world.9. Know and apply the principles of discipline. Prov. 3:1210. Plan time to be with them.11. Let the child accept the consequences for what he or she does.12. Be sure they know that you made some mistakes as a child. 13. Balance love and discipline in the home.14. Teach honor and respect for authority. Eph. 6:1-415. The home is the most potent influence in the development of human personality—the shaping of

character and values.16. There are four stages to the family life cycle: pre-child stage, child stage, adult child stage, and role-

reversal stage.17. A child needs both a mother and a father in the home.18. Children need and like to be held, touched, and hugged.19. Children need regular routines and habits.20. Parents should have a united front before their children.21. The greatest gift one spouse can give to the other is their growing relationship with Jesus. The

greatest gift a parent can give to their child is a growing relationship with the child’s mother or father.

GOD DOES NOT GIVE US SAMPLE CHILDREN—EACH ONEIS A PRECIOUS GIFT FROM HIM

Overheard at Family Camp

Establishing a Family LegacyBy Bryce Jessup►You are always modeling. I Corinthians 11:1►Keep looking forward. Philippians 3:13►People are more important than things. Hebrews 13:5►Respect is earned by living with integrity. I Thessalonians 5:22►Laugh with each other and even at each other, but always in love. Ephesians 3:17►Focus on relationships as the foundation for joy. Philippians 4:4►Keep your eye on the long-term rewards. Ma�hew 6:33

“Don’t let you faith die with you, pass it on to those you love!”

“Don’t build your kingdom, build His.”

Former Intern News Michelle Anderson (2012) is the Resident Life Dean at Monte Vista Christian Academy in Santa Cruz, CA.

Interns were well represented in the 2012 Agony Ride. They were Mike Boon (1980), Amy Collins (1999), Carol Douglass (1990), Cal Grant (2011), Alison Guiremand (2003), David (2005) and Daphne (1997) Huffman, Michael and Jeane�e Miller (2006), Julie Shapland (2006), and Rob Galbreath (2011).

Zoya Lee (2012) has completed a two-year internship and has graciously agreed to stay on as a volunteer at CEM to improve and update our publications. Zoya is a graduate of U.C. Davis with a degree in architectural design.

Former Student NewsMaria Zandbergen (2007) is in Kandahar, Afghanistan, with the US Army. Pray for her and all the troops there.

Lindsey Figueria (2010) lives in Vacaville with her family. She recently finished her studies at the North Bay Nursing Institute for certification as a CNA.

Micah Konyha (2012), Jackie Turner (2010), and Greg Olender (1984) are tough bike riders. Usually smiling, they understood the impact of the Agony be�er than most. Jackie is a student at William Jessup University and has worked at Camp Del Oro this summer; Micah is a resident at the CEM Men’s House and works at Pet Smart. He will a�end Sierra College this fall. Greg lives in Colfax with his wife and two children. He is an electrical contractor.

Some Important Values in Our Marriage

Bryce and Jo Jessup1. We see our differences as God’s gift to each

other.2. We schedule time to be together.3. We communicate to arrive at consensus in

decision making.4. We have learned each others’ language of

love.5. We have defined our roles but allowed them

to change over the years.6. We have both made each other first place in

our lives with God over all.7. We place high value on cultivating humor in

our relationship.8. We have never considered divorce as on

option.9. We spend our money on building good

memories rather than on building bigger houses.

10. We forgive each other and make allowances for temporary insanity.

11. We share a growing spiritual bond in Jesus.12. We enjoy the afterglow of a strong

relationship of joy and fulfillment.13. We share a mutual call to ministry.14. We delight in watching our children and

grandchildren grow up.15. We have always scheduled two- to three-

week family vacations each year.16. We have received and desire to pass on a

strong legacy of love.17. We are united in commi�ing to fight off all

the enemies, both internal and external, to our marriage.

Team Portola and Team CombiePortola:Janet PearsonBob BaylyRuth MillerJane RauMike CrawfordMike and Carol LehmanLisa Carr

Team Combie:Nathan Burne�Seth EchternachtDan EdwardsJames Koopmans Joel KoopmansPaul McClainSusie McClainPamela KimbrelPaul Kimbrel

Agony Quotes

“…Michael, my husband, rode with me the whole time…We reached our goal at one o’clock in the morning!...Michael pushed me; he had people rub my legs [we kept going]. In marriage we push each other when we can. It was great to be with my husband for 24 hours!”Jeane�e Miller

“…I loved riding into the sag stations…I didn’t have to make any decisions—they’d put something into my hands and say, ‘here’s something to eat’.” Jeane�e Miller

“I was going to try for 300 miles. We had a wonderful team, but about 4 a.m. I felt like we’d all been defeated…but knowing that this place has been a powerful place, we got back on the bikes.” David Huffman

“The Agony always blesses me (this was my second). Last year was the first time I ever really received God’s love. What you [riders] do is eternal…I see the Lord’s love in your eyes.” CEM student, Alexa.

“It was heartwarming seeing my name and picture on some of the handle bars…Thank you!” CEM student, Michael

“Even the fastest riders were willing to slow down for others with troubles to check on them.” Michael Miller

“I was in Agony; everyone was in Agony. God is amazing—the way he makes our bodies to recover and continue to function.” Katie Clement

“…The Agony is hard, but it’s only 24 hours. The work the people here at the ranch do, the students and staff, is what’s really hard.” Mitch Clement

“Everyone who suffers—riders or saggers—does so for one purpose: to serve others.” Jim Parker

“We humans put so much effort into making life easy. In Agony, people choose to do hard things for a good purpose; and that’s what the students do here—they’re choosing to do hard things.” Nate Boyd

“I hope you all saw more love than you’ve seen in a long time…” Jonathon Palmer

“Thirty years ago in Death Valley…it seemed a lot harder. I was a lot younger…This year was the first time I had a chance to out-distance Boon—but he smoked me!” Dave Russo

“Don’t ever quit; keep trying; never give up; move on; press on!” John Yates

“I felt like the most undeserving recipient of love and grace. People ran out to encourage me! I was being treated like a king—I went away from every sag on cloud nine.” Greg Olender

“…It was overwhelming…” Rob Thornton