Woodside Bible News April 2009 : 1A
RETURN OF THE SNOWBIRDS page 4A BIGGEST LOSER UPDATE page 15A MICHAEL CARD FREE CONCERT page 10B VOL 4 ISSUE VI APRIL 2009 A PUBLICATION OF WOODSIDE BIBLE CHURCH Vujicic brings message of faith and courage to Woodside’s Troy campus BY JIM AVERY WOODSIDE NEWS MANAGING EDITOR A wesome, amazing, unbeliev- able. Those were the com- ments heard from many leaving the March 7-8 weekend services at Woodside’s Troy campus. The near-capacity crowds were excited about the powerful message of faith, hope and en- couragement delivered by guest speaker Nick Vujicic. Hundreds came forward to give their lives to the Lord. Others Good WWW.WOODSIDEBIBLE.ORG Friday Join us for Good Friday services at Woodside. Here’s the schedule for all four locations: TROy CAMPUS: 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. WHITE LAKE CAMPUS: 7 p.m. WARREN CAMPUS: 7 p.m. ROyAL OAK CAMPUS: 7 p.m. Easter Nick Vujicic spoke at all March 7-8 services at the Troy campus. “With my sense of humor, this charming smile and these sparkling eyes, what more do I need to serve Christ?” – NICK VUJICIC stood with arms outstretched toward the cross. Many openly shed tears of joy. Clearly, the weekend belonged to the Lord and one very special servant, a limbless man with a passion for preaching God’s Word. Vujicic, 26, born without limbs, was in town to serve as keynote speaker for the inau- gural gathering of the newest chapter of Joni and Friends. Joni and Friends Southeastern Michigan is an extension of the worldwide disability minis- try founded by Joni Eareckson Tada in 1969. For over a quarter of a century, Joni and Friends has been dedicated to extending the love and message of Christ to people with disabilities. The group’s objective is to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of disabled people in practical ways. With the support of Woodside Bible Church, Joni and Friends will now serve as a powerful resource to churches seeking to serve the disabled community throughout Southeastern Michigan. While here, Vujicic accepted an invitation from Senior Pastor Doug Schmidt to speak at all services. At a Saturday afternoon media session, Vu- jicic shared the painful story of his early years. Born in Australia, and without medical cause for his condition, it was difficult for his parents to see God’s plan for their limb- less son. Eventually, accepting the situation as God’s will, they provided their son with a strong foundation of faith. Even so, life would not be easy for Vujicic. “I had plenty of pity parties as the only limbless child to be mainstreamed into the Australian public school system,” said Vujicic. “I hated the ridicule and laughter of the other children, and with no sense of belonging I kept to myself during most of those years.” His parents persisted in their efforts to show God’s love and purpose for his life. VUJICIC continued on page 6 CONTENTS PASTOR’S PEN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2A HIS STORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3A MISSIONARY OF THE MONTH . . . . .5A YOUR PC PITSTOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10A SMALL GROUPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11A FIT AND HEALTHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15A MOVIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17A CHRISTIAN CROSSWORD . . . . . . . . 19A FAMILY FUN GUIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20A THE BIBLE AND SCIENCE . . . . . . . . 22A TROY HAPPENINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2B WHITE LAkE HAPPENNINGS . . . . . 4B FROM BRAD HULCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4B WOODSIDE OF WHITE LAkE . . . . . . 5B WARREN HAPPENINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . 6B A CLOSER LOOk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6B WOODSIDE OF WARREN . . . . . . . . . . . 7B ROYAL OAk HAPPENNINGS . . . . . . . 8B FROM ANDREW FRITH. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8B CLASSIFIEDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10B TELEVISION SCHEDULE . . . . . . . . . . 11B Easter services at Woodside celebrate the risen Lord, the most life-changing event the world has ever expe- rienced. All four campuses offer multiple services. Here’s the schedule: TROY CAMPUS Saturday night contemporary worship at 5 p.m., a special sunrise service on the patio at 7 a.m, plus an 8:30 a.m traditional service and contemporary Easter Sunday worship at 10 and 11:30 a.m. WHITE LAkE CAMPUS White Lake Easter Sunday services begin with tradi- tional worship at 8:30 a.m. and contemporary ser- vices at 10 and 11:30 a.m. WARREN CAMPUS Traditional at 9 a.m., contemporary at 10:30 a.m. ROYAL OAk CAMPUS Traditional wor- ship at 8:30 a.m. and contemporary services at 10 and 11:30 a.m. White Lake families honor God with family baptisms BY LAURA SAVITSkIE WOODSIDE NEWS WRITER I t was certainly unusual to find two goldfish (compliments of the Extreme Wednesday kids’ group) doing divine dives in the church baptismal on Sunday, March 15. However, it was even more unusual to witness a father baptizing his son who then baptized his young son – multi-generations all being obedient to Christ in taking baptism the same day. Randy Merrill led his first-born son, James, and his first-born grandson, TJ, into the bap- tismal with him. The three generations of men stood side by side, as Randy spoke of his own life and his salvation at the age of 13. Randy’s father left when he was only a year- and-a-half old. As he explained, he then had two abusive stepfathers, while grow- ing up. When Randy became a father, he admitted he made many mistakes because he never had a good father example. “I was too strict when I should have been compas- sionate. And I was too permissive, when I should have been more cautious,” Randy said. He went on to tell how he had many expec- tations for his son, James. He wanted James to be everything that he never had a chance to be. “I wanted to live my life through him, but God had another idea,” said Randy. Just before baptizing his son, Randy said, BAPTISMS continued on page 2 Woodside Men’s All-Campus Retreat STORy AND PHOTOS ON PAGE 12 PHOTO by TERRy SyKES
Vujicic brings message of faith and courage to Woodside’s Troy campus
JIM AVERY
Awesome, amazing, unbelievable. Those were the comments heard from many leaving
the March 7-8 weekend services at Woodside’s Troy campus. The near-capacity crowds were excited about the powerful message of faith, hope and encouragement delivered by guest speaker Nick Vujicic.
Hundreds came forward to give their lives to the Lord. Others stood with arms outstretched toward the cross. Many openly shed tears of joy.
Clearly, the weekend belonged to the Lord and one very special servant, a limbless man with a passion for preaching God’s Word.
Vujicic, 26, born without limbs, was in town to serve as keynote speaker for the inaugural gathering of the newest chapter of Joni and Friends.
Joni and Friends Southeastern Michigan is an extension of the worldwide disability ministry founded by Joni Eareckson Tada in 1969.
For over a quarter of a century, Joni and Friends has been dedicated to extending the love and message of Christ to people with disabilities. The group’s objective is to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of
disabled people in practical ways.
With the support of Woodside Bible Church, Joni and Friends will now serve as
a powerful resource to churches seeking to serve the disabled community throughout Southeastern Michigan.
While here, Vujicic accepted an invitation from Senior Pastor Doug Schmidt to speak at all services.
At a Saturday afternoon media session, Vujicic shared the painful story of his early years. Born in Australia, and without medical cause for his condition, it was difficult for his parents to see God’s plan for their limbless son. Eventually, accepting the situation as God’s will, they provided their son with a strong foundation of faith.
Even so, life would not be easy for Vujicic.
“I had plenty of pity parties as the only limbless child to be mainstreamed into the Australian public school system,” said Vujicic.
“I hated the ridicule and laughter of the other children, and with no sense of belonging I kept to myself during most of those years.”
His parents persisted in their efforts to show God’s love and purpose for his life.
However, as the taunts and ridicule continued, he sank deeper into loneliness.
By age eight, the feeling of rejection was so overwhelming that Vujicic tried to drown himself in the bathtub. “I wanted to die, but couldn’t go through with it because of the love I had for my parents,” said Vujicic.
At age 13, his mother shared a book about a disabled man who accomplished great things in his life. “The message of that book opened my eyes, and my anger over not having limbs turned to appreciation for the abilities God did give me,” said Vujicic.
With that comment, Vujicic turned to those in the interview room and said, “With my sense of humor, this charming smile and these sparkling eyes, what more do I need to serve Christ.”
Vujicic referred to Philippians 4:13, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” “I gave my life to the Lord at age 15, and from that point
my parents encouraged me to take one day at a time with Jesus at my side,” said Vujicic. “I have been running for Jesus ever since,” he said with a smile.
After earning two college degrees, Vujicic knew his life calling was to share God’s Word throughout the world. “Turning my struggles into something that would glorify God and bless others, I realized my purpose,” said Vujicic.
Through the outreach of his Life Without Limbs ministry, Vujicic has traveled 24 countries and spoken before 3 million people. During that time, Vujicic and his staff have witnessed 200,000 decisions for Christ.
He takes great delight in speaking to young people about the power of courage.
The topic of courage was illustrated to the Woodside audience by using his self-described “chicken drumstick foot” to inch toward the edge of the table.
He moved closer a few inches and said, “Courage to accept the fact that God created you as a unique person.” Then a few inches closer to say, “Courage to believe God loves you.”
Finally, at the edge of the table and leaning over, he looked down and than quietly cautioned the silent crowd not to fall for Satan’s lies. Rather, they should be courageous and trust that God has a plan for every life.
In concluding, Vujicic presented himself as living proof that God looks at the willingness of our heart, and not whether we have arms, legs, good looks, or unlimited talents.
White Lake families honor God with family baptisms
LAURA SAVITSKIE
It was certainly unusual to find two goldfish (compliments of the Extreme Wednesday kids’ group) doing divine dives in the church baptismal on Sunday, March 15. However, it was even more unusual to witness a father baptizing his son who then baptized his young son – multi-generations all being obedient to Christ in taking baptism the same day.
Randy Merrill led his first-born son, James, and his first-born grandson, TJ, into the baptismal with him. The three generations of men stood side by side, as Randy spoke of his own life and his salvation at the age of 13. Randy’s father left when he was only a yearand- a-half old. As he explained, he then
had two abusive stepfathers, while growing up. When Randy became a father, he
admitted he made many mistakes because he never had a good father example. “I was too strict when I should have been compassionate. And I was too permissive, when I should have been more cautious,” Randy said. He went on to tell how he had many expectations for his son, James. He wanted James to be everything that he never had a chance to be. “I wanted to live my life through him, but God had another idea,” said Randy. Just before baptizing his son, Randy said, “The best way I can express the joy I feel is in Proverbs 22:6, ‘Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he becomes old he will not depart from it.’”
James read his testimony of how he was saved when he was seven, but went through
what he described as “The Dark Years” as a teenager, coming back to the Lord when he was 20 and engaged to his now-wife.
He shared: “I stand here today not only because baptism is a public profession of my faith, but I have learned recently that baptism is also an act of obedience to God. And I take great comfort in knowing that my wife, children, family, and church are here to witness as I submit yet again to God’s will.”
After Randy baptized his son, James, it was James’ turn to baptize his first-born son, TJ, who had accepted Christ as his Savior when he was seven.
TJ also read his testimony of how Christ has changed his life and made him
less selfish and more caring of others. He finds it easier to share his possessions with his younger sister and brother.
There were very few dry eyes among the congregation as all three generations
of men grasped each other in a group hug, holding on for several precious moments, after the baptism was finished.
Another family taking baptism that same day was Juan and Jenna Trechsel.
They and their toddler son (Dante) are new to Woodside, but already have a very
special place in the hearts of the White Lake family.
This couple was led to the White Lake campus by God while searching for another
church on M-59.
They never found that other church and, out of frustration, Juan decided to go
to the church that had the big, eye-catching sign and many cars in the parking lot, Woodside Bible Church.
Juan said he was saved during a service when Dave McKenna was speaking.
Jenna grew up Roman Catholic, but lost her faith in God later in life. She came to know the Lord as her Savior when she was pregnant with their son in 2007.
Both husband and wife were baptized by Pastor Brad Hulcy.
The goldfish, meanwhile, swam unnoticed by the congregation during the baptism
services. And if those being baptized saw them, they didn’t let on.
But when Pastor Mike Wendland got up to deliver the message that day, he had
to point out one of the fish, which had its nose plastered to the front of the baptismal font looking out through the glass at the people looking forward.
Pastor Brad Hulcy is refusing to say what happened to the goldfish after that day. Maybe we’ll find them in the pond out back.
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