The eagle - Wings As Eagles Ministry

The eagle
Volume 11
April, 2012
“This was the second time I had lost
everything due to alcohol
addiction. I was ready to end it all.”
Wings as Eagles ministers life & hope to a
man who “wanted just to die”...page 4
India:
Bibles & Blankets...page 6
From the desk of the
Executive Director,
Rev. Ron Short
“The Marketplace”
Blessings and greetings in Jesus name to every one who
is reading our spring edition of “THE EAGLE.” A special
thank you to all who are receiving this edition at our 5TH Annual Benefit Dinner. We thank each of you who stand with us
in prayer and support. May God continue to richly bless you!
We are in the first quarter of 2012 and, as we reflect back
on where God has brought us from, all we can say is “PRAISE
GOD!” Luke 1:37 says, “For with God nothing shall be impossible” and that has been one of the scriptures for Wings as Eagles. Where God has brought our recovery centre now entering
its 4th year and Wings as Eagles ministry, entering its 6th year
is nothing short of a miracle (no pun intended).
Acts 17:17 says, “Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue
with the Jews and with the Gentile worshippers, and in the
marketplace daily with those who happened to be there.”
Most businesses in the marketplace would not have survived but Revelation 3: 7 says, “… whatever door
God opens up no man can shut, and whatever door God closes no man can open.” That is so true for Wings as
Eagles as God continues to open so many doors for us locally, nationally, and internationally.
Over the last 3 years our recovery centre has had many struggles, but through those struggles we have experienced victory! The other day I was fellowshipping with a prospective corporate partner and I shared how
our recovery centre model has changed and how we are not the same as we were in 2008, praise God!
We have had over 100 “precious stones” come through our recovery centre and, most recently one of our
graduates, Ken Trusler ( testimony in this issue), has been elevated to a staff position with us. This is another
fulfillment from God’s vision back in 2006 to raise up “soldiers” for Him, who stay with us and help us
expand across the nation.
Wings as Eagles ministry was founded by prayer and God’s Word and this remains the foundation we
grow on. Most recently God has opened a door with the Cranbrook and district Chamber of Commerce and
Wings as Eagles ministry has become a member of the organization. I was asked the question, “ Why did you
join?” My response was, “ To build relationships in the ‘marketplace’ and to pray for them.” Also, by the
time this newsletter is distributed I will have become a Rotarian with the Sunrise Satellite Club, which meets
in the evenings in Cranbrook. Again, people ask why and I respond with the same answer, “To build relationships and to pray for them.”
It is so very important that we all come out of the four walls of our churches and start building
relationships with God’s marketplace! I encourage each of you to prayerfully come out of your comfort zones
and reach into the marketplace. You will be blessed as those relationships build and God’s Kingdom continues
to grow! “PRAISE GOD”
In closing, from the bottom of our HEARTS, Bonnie and myself continue to walk in God’s favor and his
blessings. WE THANK AND LOVE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU.
God bless,
Pastor Ron Short
MENTOR MINISTRY MONTHLY
BREAKFAST!
WINGS AS EAGLES 5TH ANNUAL
RECOVERY CENTRE BENEFIT DINNER:
4TH SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH
8:00 A.M. TO 10:00 A.M.
TIME OF FELLOWSHIP,
FOOD,TESTIMONIES AND
MENTORING
PLACE: ABUNDANT LIFE
501-11TH AVENUE, SOUTH
PLACE: NEWLIFE FOURSQUARE CHURCH:
308-10TH AVENUE SOUTH
DATE: SATURDAY, APRIL 21
TIME: 5:30-9:00
SPEAKER: REV. GWEN MERCER
WORSHIP: W.A.E.M.
TICKETS: $20.00
(PURCHASE A TABLE OF 8 AND RECEIVE
ONE FREE TICKET)
ROAST BEEF DINNER
WE ENCOURAGE ALL MEN TO
BECOME MENTORS TO THE
RESIDENTS IN OUR MINISTRY.
YOU WILL BE BLESSED!
SPECIAL OFFERING TO BE TAKEN FOR WAEM
FOR TICKETS CALL PASTOR RON AT:
250-426-9730
THE EAGLE/2
“These flying lessons are sponsored by our Corporate Partners:
Kootenay Granite,
Kootenay Gradal,
Lvingstone Development,
Invis, Williams/Belding Mortgage,
Bruce/Linda Belding,
Import Auto Group,
Alpine Toyota,
Canadian 2/1 Pizza,
Pro-Fitness Gym,
Food & Stuff Esso,
Jewels On Ninth,
Bridges To New Life Society,
Heritage Inn,
Aldie’s lAnd CompAny,
Cranbrook Interior Woodworking
CARL CASEY-CAsey’s pRinTinG
CRANBROOK ROTARY CLUB
SUNRISE ROTARY CLUB
CRANBROOK & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
REDDING & ASSOCIATES
ABUNDANT LIFE PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
THE HOUSE OF HOPE
THE DWELLING PLACE
FOUR SQUARE CHURCH
CRANBROOK VINEYARD CHURCH
PEAK PERFORMANCE
F
Ca light
p
Ro tain
Sh n
or
t
Let’s look sharp out there and show them what we’ve got...
and remember, we’re eagles, not chickens!”
Isaiah
40:31
s
Over-comer
k
o
o
b
rk
o
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THE EAGLE/3
Testimony of the Power of God
My name is Kenneth. Who I am today is definitely not who I was 4 months ago. I had many issues in my
life and the main issue was not wanting to be alive. I had reached rock bottom. This was the second time I had
lost everything due to alcohol addiction and I was ready to end it all.
I had an awesome upbringing. I was blessed with two wonderful, loving parents. I had an older brother and
two younger sisters. My youngest sister and I were both adopted and we accepted that. We had regular family
outings and trips. We had regular family meetings where the biggest problem was ‘Who left the toilet seat up?’
We attended the United Church and were baptized and confirmed. During grade school, I took piano lessons
and then picked up the bass guitar and drums in grade 7. For grade 8 graduation, I received my first electric
guitar. I was on Ritalin for some of those years and was thought to have a learning disability.
In grade 9, I attended an Anglican private school which I disliked very much. I turned into a snob and left
my old friends behind. In grade 10 I was integrated back into regular high school where I had to beg for my
old friends back. I played in bands and was very popular. I was introduced to weekend parties where we drank
and smoked pot. Throughout my university years I was introduced to binge drinking, LSD and mushrooms.
My university status was mostly on probation or rusticated due to my lifestyle. I had been kicked out of my
home and was yelled at by my parents and teachers because I had the ability but didn’t apply myself, but I did
graduate.
My biological family found me when I turned 21. I visited with them and that’s when my life began to
really take a turn. The visits were filled with drunken nights. Two of my sisters moved down after my visit but
I ignored them because I felt uncomfortable. They both left and I felt resentment to both me and them and I
continued to drink in order to forget.
I became a full time musician and my addiction was in full swing. I was nervous every time I played and
used alcohol and marijuana to smooth things over.
I married my university sweetheart and had a beautiful daughter. I could feel the alcohol taking its toll on
my body. DT’s were frequent if I went without a drink for more than 3 hours. I suffered gushing nosebleeds
and atrial fibrillations. I tried to slow down and ended up suffering a grand mal seizure. This landed me with a
3 week hospital detox that I barely remember. Delirium tremens almost killed me and I underwent 6 endoscopic banding procedures to stop internal bleeding.
I attended my first recovery in Moosanee, Ontario. It was a 6 week long traditional Native recovery program
that covered all aspects of recovery except the spiritual side. I graduated and spent almost 3 years sober but
still felt like I was walking on eggshells. My wife re-married and took my daughter.
I moved with my folks to Fairmont Hot Springs, BC where I had a full time job and a nice condo on a golf
resort. I ended up relapsing 5 more times resulting in a home detox, two more hospital detoxes and two stays
at Ponderosa house. I ended up losing my jobs, the condo, a vehicle and was evicted twice within a month. I
had hit rock bottom again and wanted just to die. Again I could feel my body shutting down and knew that it
was just a matter of time.
My family service worker came to visit me and took me to the hospital and saved my life. During my stay
in hospital I made up my own mind to attend Wings as Eagles as I awaited intake at another treatment center.
Even though it was Christian based, I knew that I would just have to deal with it a few weeks.
THE EAGLE/4
I attended Abundant Life church service the day after I arrived at Wings. I hadn’t gone to church in years it
seemed. I walked through the doors and I felt warm and welcome. I heard the people singing and praying and
found myself crying. I was given a Bible at the end of the service, went home and read the entire book of
Proverbs from beginning to end. Sept 18, 2011 was the day I accepted the Lord into my life.
I grew up with bad eczema. That was gone within a week of my arrival at Wings As Eagles. I couldn’t hear
out of my left ear for months and then it was restored that week as well.
I was given Bibles before in my life but not once did I ever open one to read it. The past four months I have
been without money, but it has been the happiest four months I can remember. I have grown in Christ with
daily devotions and prayer. I have attended church on a regular basis and I have completed the Alpha course at
Four Square. I do regular Bible studies. I was blessed with an awesome mentor and surrounded myself with
good people. I have completed the Overcomer’s workbook.
I have turned my shortcomings and life over to God and let go of my resentments that held me in bondage
for so long. I have started making amends with family and friends. Good things are happening to me through
daily prayer, playing music to people in the retirement homes and in the worship team at church. I feared that
I might stray from this path with God, so a spot on staff was offered to me so I could stay close to Him.
I was allowed to take what I needed and absorbed it in the time I needed to. I wasn’t rushed and didn’t have
it ‘crammed down my throat’. The Overcomer’s workbook was a great tool in using the 12 steps to spiritual
recovery. It is something that every person should do whether in recovery or not.
I still have a hard time believing that it is me saying all of this. Praise God and thank you Jesus!
Special thanks to the following: My mom and dad, brother Scott, sisters Leigh and Susan, Pastor
Ron, Pastor John Telman and his wife, Carole, Pastor Gord and his wife, Loopy, and the rest at The
Alpha Course. As well, Mike Eadie and others at WAE past and present, Guy Doucette ,volunteers
and Board of Directors at Wings as Eagles and everyone at Abundant life.
Financial Donations:
Name:______________________________________
Address:____________________________________
City/Prov.______________________
E-Mail:__________________________________
Mail To:
3331-21st North, Cranbrook, B.C.
VIC 6E5
Because I share Wings as Eagles vision of bringing healing to the lives of those bound with
addictions, I want to:
1) Pray for the Ministry _______
2) Volunteer to be Mentor________
3) Contribute Financially ______
One-Time Gift __________
Monthly Partnership_________
THE EAGLE/5
BIBLES
AND
BLANKETS
This is the work Wings as Eagles is doing in India. This Christmas India was blessed with $100.00 from the
General Account of W.A.E. and another ministry from the United States matched it. India was blessed with
Bibles and blankets as a result of the monetary giving.
“Brother we thank you so much for your kind support . We might not be able
to do this program without your support .We are praying for you. Please keep praying for us and God willing
we pray that you will also visit us in HIS perfect timing.”
Pastor Solomon Raj
THE EAGLE/6
Testimony of Linda Johnson
W.A.E. Associate in Fernie
(Part two)
I call it our year of losses. I lost my job just after my 50th birthday, a huge blow to me and was caused by
an alcoholic, abusive boss. Clyde was laid off of Line Creek at the same time just a couple of weeks after I
lost my job. We lost both sets of parents, Clyde’s younger sister, and Clyde’s stepfather, a man who had saved
him as a teenager and raised him and loved him like a father was diagnosed with a very deadly cancer. We
added it up one time and we lost 10 people in ten months.
I was starting to feel alienated from my church body and lots of really sorrowful things were happening at
the Baptist church at the time and I just felt that I could not reach out to the body for help as all their troubles
were way worse than mine. I remember thinking especially after I lost my father, “Well, if this is the way you
are going to treat me Lord then I will have to drink to be able to deal with this horrible grief.” When my father
died I really just lost hope. I grieved so bad that I really did not think at times I would ever get over it. Just
when I started to function at a very low level right before Christmas of that year, God took my lovely dog from
me quite suddenly. This dog laid on the bed with me for 3 months while I cried and he licked my tears from
me. From then on for the next 5 years I just got stuck.
I could not get over the death of my lovely father. I have to say at this time my husband did all that was
humanly possible to help me. I feel like I wandered in the wilderness for the next 5 years. I did some praying
but mostly I just numbed myself with alcohol. As these years went by I got worse and worse until finally I
landed up in detox after downing ethyl alcohol. I remember sitting in the Cranbrook Psyche Unit with my
Bible and asking for a minister. God sent me Pastor John from the Abundant Life church in Cranbrook, and I
started back.
God kept telling me to go to the Pentecostal church. I kept telling God NO! I have had the ability to hear
the voice of God ever since I became a Christian. The Lord God Almighty Creator of heaven and earth would
give me instructions or ask me to do something and the first thing out of my mouth was always unequivocally
and resoundingly NO!!!! I do not even know how I had the courage-stupidity to say No to God but I did.
(Notice the past tense) Eventually about three months later after a lovely little bender on a Saturday night, I
came to church on Sunday (staggered is more like it). I walked into the church and felt welcomed and loved,
and I knew somehow it would help me. There was something called the Shekinah Service that night and I
attended that as well. I had such a hunger at that time to just hear the word of God and hang out with
Christians. I read the bulletin and suddenly was showing up at Bible study, ladies Bible study, Friday prayers,
Sunday Service and Shekinah service.
I can remember thinking that I was just sucking the resources out of the church but felt a great sense of
urgency at the same time. Especially in the Friday morning prayer time. Friday morning after Friday morning
I met with a group of Godly women and men or man should I say, and they prayed over me. They delivered
me from the spirit of self pity, taught me things, and most important of all assisted me in getting baptized by
the Holy Spirit. Yes folks, this Presbyterian Baptist woman was now speaking in tongues! That was one thing
that I kept from my husband for awhile, let me tell you!
One morning after Clyde had gone to work I merrily sucked back my morning portion of wine and fell
asleep on the couch. It was then that I was hit with the Holy Spirit so hard that I could not stop speaking in
tongues for hours! (Continued in next issue)
THE EAGLE/7
A Bird’s Eye View
Or
(Life from the Editor’s Nest)
“This is the year to soar.” That was the word from the Lord
for Wings as Eagles for 2012. As I reflected on that word, I
started to do some research on what makes eagles soar. After
all, that’s what I will be doing, so I figured I better find out
how!
What I discovered was that eagles look for and fly right
into storms! As storms approach, lesser birds head for cover,
but the eagles spread their wings and with a great cry mount
upon the powerful updrafts, soaring to heights of glory looking
right into the sun. Eagles use the storms to lift them to these
great heights...or to SOAR!
Nature is a clear visual from God that I like to observe in
order to help me to understand some pretty crucial spiritual
laws.
For one, eagles look for storms! People don’t have to look
too far to find storms in this world because this is a fallen
world filled with darkness, depression and debt. The debt of
sin that only Jesus can wipe away.
When Jesus faced His storm with a fierce determination to
meet it, the lesser birds (disciples) fled, but Jesus embraced
His storm. He willingly spread His arms wide at the cross, and
with a great cry yelled, “It is finished!” The darkness,
depression and debt of sin was paid ONCE and FOR ALL.
After Jesus died and was buried for three days, a powerful
updraft of the Holy Spirit rushed under Him and sent Him
soaring to the highest height of glory, the right hand of God,
(Ephesians 1:20).
When my storm comes, I will look at it with the same
fierce determination, and willingly, (it’s a choice) spread my
arms to the sky, and cry, “Jesus finished it at the cross!”
I am born-again, (John 3:3) and already seated with Jesus in
heavenly places because when He soared, He took me with
Him, (Ephesians 2:6). In the same way, you too realize you
already have the victory because of the cross of Jesus! No
more exhaustion from flapping in order to overcome, just ride
the updraft of His finished work, allowing the Holy Spirit to
give you the most glorious ride of your life! Keep your eyes
on the Son and cry, “Let the Lord be magnified, Who has
pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.” And my tongue
shall speak of Your righteousness and of Your praise all the
day long, (Psalm 36:27-28)... AND SOAR BABY SOAR!
-Rev. Gwen Mercer
The Message
As I slept, God said to me
Share this message with all you see
God’s message was simple and it said
That Jesus Christ his Son was dead
Within our hearts and this I know
Because My Lord has told me so
God’s message was plain,
God’s message was clear
That Jesus Christ our Lord is here
He has raised him from the dead
Ascended to Him who’s at the head
Of the Body of Christ upon the earth
In which we belong on our rebirth
To fight the devil all around
Reclaiming all the fallen ground
To take it back and reclaim more
The devil’s been accounted for
To win it all to win it now
With every means that we know how
To take the fight to all we know
To sow the word and watch it grow
To all the souls everywhere
Who have no hope and have no care
For all the others on the earth
Who are in need of God’s rebirth
Take heart! This message is very clear
Jesus Christ Our Lord is here.
-Roy Hughes
Help Support our Recovery Centers:
Donate your Canadian Tire money to our
ministry and we can use it for maintenance on
ministry vehicles, household items, tools,
supplies, or other needs.
Mail them to:
WINGS AS EAGLES MINISTRY
3331-21ST NORTH
CRANBROOK, B.C.
V1C 6E5
THE EAGLE/8
PRAYER FOR RESIDENTS
SUNDAYS
Allan S.-Brent M.-Blake K.- Brodi E.-Eric D.- Evan H.- Devon D.- Stephen B.- Cecil S.- Bob F.J.P. L.- Darren M.- Danny A.- Jordan W.- Eric G.-Mike E.- Jon H.- Ken T.
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MONDAYS:
Dustin P.-Rusty C.-Lucas P.-Derek H.-Nigel B.- Rob S.-Michael S.- Jessi m.- Barry R.- Tyson N.Shane M.- Kyle T.- Corey S.- Fredrick P.-Ray S.- Dennis M.-Dean L.- Richard
H.- Barney K.- Colin E.- Gord C.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
TUESDAYS:
Joshua C.-Tom M.- Kevin M.-Collan K.- David L.- Wally A.- Remus C.- Mike T.- Chad J.Shane M.-Wayne G.- Joel W. Michael C.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
WEDNESDAYS:
James J.- Ron S.- Jim D.- Charles C.- Dale F.- Dylan J.- Martin B.- Jon B.-Matthew B.Ronnie L.- Randy P. Mike E.-Ken T.- David B.-Gordon S.- Riz D.- Colin E.- Gord C. John H. Jason H__________________________________________________________________________________________
THURSDAYS:
Brendon M.- Chris G.- Brandyn S.- Donald S.- Robert L.- Robert R.- Stephen M.- Tanner R.Glen S.-Charles L.- Travis D.- Joel E.- Wally L. Tyler W.-Grant W. -Eddie W.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
FRIDAYS:
Bob R.- Jeff U.- Clayton R.- Johnathon W.- Kyle D.- Pat D.- Adrian I.- Lonnie W.Matt C.- Gary R.- Rob E.- Jeff S.- Rick L.-Adam C.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
SATURDAYS:
James F.- Jim C.- Daryl P.- Rodney H.- Steve M.- Allan R.- Tim B.- Frank W.- Leo A.Gregory S.- Faron S. Troy J.- Drew H.- Mike M.- Foster S.
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THE EAGLE/9