Crossroad NETWORK NEWS

INSIDE

SUMMER 2010

www.cbi.fm

Radio Program Milestone CBI International Expansion

Amazed by the Power of God! by H. David Schuringa

This past spring, Mary and I traveled to Edinburgh, Scotland to attend the General Assembly of the World Reformed Fellowship, which meets every three years. The WRF involves delegates representing church denominations and educational agencies (including CBI) from around the world. Speakers from places like Japan, Korea, India, Uganda, South Africa, Brazil and even Europe and North America inspired us as we engaged in worldwide networking and the fellowship of like-minded evangelicals. I also attended the Missions and Evangelism postGeneral Assembly meetings in the hope of networking with churches in other countries to expand CBI

International. Many good contacts were established, especially some excellent leads in Africa. Mary and I look forward to the next meeting of the WRF. At the close of the Assembly, it became clear that no one was leaving Scotland immediately as planned. All of the planes in Europe were grounded due to the volcano in Iceland; the plane engines could not handle the ashes spewing into the air. Television reporters said that the last time this happened was in 1821 and that the eruption lasted for more than a year. Scientists surmised that it could conceivably be months before the airports opened again. Mary was a bit worried, but I simply began to plan for CBI-Scotland.

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We ended up staying in Edinburgh another six days before they deemed the sky safe enough to let the planes take off.

Yes, man can do a lot, but God’s power is so infinitely greater, there’s just no comparison. And this also goes for you, personally. The next time you are overwhelmed by life’s circumstances or facing an apparently insurmountable obstacle, remember the burp of a volcano in Iceland, and trust in the power of God! And take a good look at Crossroad Bible Institute with me. I hope your head is spinning as you stand amazed by the power of God!

As we flew back to America, my head was spinning with amazement. When you see those humungous jet airplanes and their mighty engines soaring through the skies with such incredible power, you have to be impressed with what man can do. But then I think about how God can take out these mighty machines with a flock of geese (remember the Hudson?) or the burp of a volcano. And it was really nothing more than a volcanic burp, compared to what it could have been, and the airports of 50 countries were closed for business.

In memory of

Frank G.

CBI headquarters recently received a letter relaying tragic news about Frank, a past CBI student. The following words stand as a reminder of the challenges faced by those in prison and the importance of the love and biblical truth that CBI lessons and Instructors provide. As this letter demonstrates, even in sadness, there is hope in the saving and redemptive power of Christ.

Dear Dr. Schuringa, Dr. Schuringa serves as the President of Crossroad Bible Institute

Now that, my friends, is amazing power! The power of God! And that’s exactly what makes CBI such a special ministry— it is a mighty demonstration of the amazing power of God through the awesome power of the Spirit and the Word. God’s power is the reason the hearts of hardened criminals are changed and those of church members are softened for the least of these. It’s the power of God that is behind the enormous amount of ministry that gets accomplished every day at a fraction of the cost that one would expect. You would think that the whole incredible challenge of helping millions of prisoners would be discouraging, but it’s not at all when you have a God so great as our God.

The Center for Advanced Studies

Continuing Education Seminars SEPTEMBER Barriers to Belief

Dr. David Feddes Faith United Reformed Church, Beecher, IL 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Date: Tuesday, September 14, 2010 Registration Deadline: September 7, 2010

The Church's Responsibility to the Reentry Community Mr. Clifford Washington, Michigan Prisoner Reentry Initiative Crossroad Bible Institute, Grandville, MI 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Date: Tuesday, September 21, 2010 Registration Deadline: September 14, 2010 Lunch Provided

OCTOBER Instructor Rally

Dr. David Schuringa First Christian Reformed Church, Sheboygan, WI 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Date: Saturday, October 9, 2010 Registration Deadline: October 1, 2010 Luncheon from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm

GIVE THE

LARGEST gIFT OF YOUR LIFE

CBI, Ministering to the Lost and Forgotten

Rev. Bill Reddin and Mr. Phil Briggs Campbelltown Christian Reformed Church, Campbelltown, South Australia 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Date: Saturday, October 16, 2010 Morning Tea and Lunch Provided Following the seminar, Instructors are invited to visit the Mobilong Prison

BY REMEMBERING CROSSROAD BIBLE INSTITUTE IN YOUR ESTATE PLANNING Heb. 13:3

NOVEMBER Instructor Rally

Dr. David Schuringa Crossroad Bible Institute, Grandville, MI 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch Provided or 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Date: Tuesday, November 9, 2010 Registration Deadline: November 2, 2010

BIBLE INSTITUTE THE CENTER FOR ADVANCED STUDIES

Along with you and several others, I testified on behalf of Frank at his mu rder trial in October 2008 in Oklahoma. I was his vice principa l when he was a student in southern California. Since that time, Frank and I have been writing to eac h other about once a month, and I hav e been ministering to him. Yesterday, I received a letter from an appeals attorney investigator in Okl ahoma City. She wrote that on Tuesday, May 4, Frank was found dead in his cell at 3:15 pm. App arently, he died of natural causes, but an investigation is underw ay to determine the cause of death. He was 63 years old. The only physical problem that Frank me ntioned was that he was developing cata racts in his eyes and was having trouble reading. As far as any person can know, I beli eve Frank is in Heaven, for which you and many others can share in the credit. In his letters, he mentioned several times about his taki ng Bible correspondence courses from your organization and how much they had helped him thro ugh the rough spots while in prison. When he first arrived on dea th row, he had no Bible, so I sent him one. He and I discussed a number of his concerns: his family's total rejection of him; his overwhelm ing sense of guilt; his difficulty to forgive himself for the hor rible crime he committed, even though he knew that God had forgiven his sins; his depression and discouragement when he saw me n being led to the gas chamber. I tried, the best I could, to provide scriptures and spiritual counse ling that he could use to combat these attacks. I was constan tly amazed at his intelligence and abil ity to express himself and am so sorry he was not able to turn his life around. However, I encourage d him to witness to his cellmate, who had tried to commit suic ide about a month ago. In his last lette r, he said he had read my letter to him, and his cellmate told him to thank me for what I said. I pra y that Frank's death will result in his cellmate accepting Christ and living the kind of life Frank lived before him. The investigator had contacted me about two months ago to supply nam es of students who might know more about Frank’s family pro blems when he was in junior high. The appeals attorneys were planning to appeal Frank's death pen alty and wanted use that information in the appeal. I am thankful she had the courtesy to inform me abo ut his death. I am planning to wait for a while and then ask her about the results of the autopsy. If I get a response, I will let you know. I want to thank you personally for the great work you and your organizatio n are doing to reach out to people so that they may accept Chr ist in their hearts and then “grow in gra ce and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ” (2 Pet er 3:18).

Your Christian brother,



I. C.

All seminars are free of charge, but advanced registration is requested. Please register by calling CBI at (800) 668-2450 or going online to www.cbi.fm.

P.O. Box 900 | Grand Rapids, MI 49509-0900 800.668.2450 | www.cbi.fm 2

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Continuing Education Seminars Inform and Inspire

Radio Program Reaches New Milestone

by Stacy Ladenburger

by Stacy Ladenburger The weekly radio broadcast of The Center for Advanced Studies, Crossroad Connection, has continued to steadily expand and flourish, and it recently acquired its 60th outlet—and then swiftly surpassed this landmark with several more new stations! In addition to listeners tuning into these outlets in North America, the South Pacific, Africa and Europe, an increasing number of individuals download the program free of charge online, both through the CBI website and on iTunes.

Kat Birrell, Michigan Campaign for Justice, presenting at CBI headquarters Sheriff Bouchard

Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law, Rev. Mark Stephenson, director of Disability Concerns, and Dr. Ron Gleason, author of the book The Death Penalty on Trial. The program has also aired sermons by CBI’s own Dr. David Schuringa.

Crossroad Connection provides restorative justice education to CBI constituents and the church at large. Programming includes a monthly episode of “Crossroad Broadcast News,” providing up-todate coverage of worldwide news in the realm of restorative justice, as well as another monthly broadcast entitled “Letters from Prison,” which highlights the words of CBI students. Other broadcasts feature interviews with past students, friends of the ministry and experts involved in restorative justice initiatives. Past guests include Hope Network Chaplain Joan Cornelison, CBI Ghana Director David Kwadwo Ofosuhene, Myrna Pérez of the

Rev. Mark Stephenson

Since its inception in September of 2007, Crossroad Connection has been improved and upgraded regularly in response to industry trends, insights from broadcasting professionals and the feedback of listeners. New features added during this time include a restorative justice news segment that opens each episode and “Inside Testimony,” which presents a brief quote from a CBI student. As stations throughout the United States and around the world continue to pick up the program and graciously air it free of charge and as new listeners tune in, Crossroad Connection promises to maintain its stance as a voice for restorative justice, speaking out for those left unheard.

Upholding its commitment to educating the church on key issues of restorative justice, The Center for Advanced Studies at CBI regularly holds Continuing Education Seminars, which are consistently wellattended and enthusiastically received by Instructors and community members alike.

relationships and security experienced by those in prison. With specific examples from his years of chaplaincy, Lamsma helped listeners understand the profound psychological effects of incarceration. His message will aid Instructors as they seek to effectively and compassionately minister to their students in prison.

The two most recent seminars took place at CBI headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In April, Kat Birrell spoke on behalf of the Michigan Campaign for Justice, a bipartisan coalition seeking to reform Michigan’s failing public defense system, which has fallen short of nationally recognized standards. Without proper oversight or sufficient funding for the system, Birrell explained, many individuals, especially the poor, receive inadequate defense. An accused individual may have several different attorneys throughout his or her case. Sometimes, the defendant meets the public defender only minutes before trial begins. Rarely does funding enable the defense to hire expert witnesses or investigators. The Campaign for Justice is working toward the passage of a bill that would address these issues. Birrell’s enthusiastic message energized those present at the seminar, motivating many to take action.

Continuing Education Seminars also enliven CBI efforts abroad. In Australia and New Zealand, recent Instructor rallies have provided encouragement and guidance to those correcting student lessons. Each year, CBI New Zealand Director Peggy Landkroon visits every region of New Zealand to meet with Instructors, and this year, a past CBI student accompanied her to share his testimony and experiences in the prison system. CBI Australia’s Anne Bruinsma noted the value of the gatherings held in her country, stating, “So many positive expressions of appreciation have been expressed by the Instructors. They love to see the faces from those in the office and also meet with and encourage each other.” To see if there is an upcoming seminar in your area or to purchase a CD of one of the seminars that took place at The Center for Advanced Studies, visit www.cbi.fm on the web.

The month of May brought an excellent presentation from John Lamsma, who served as a prison chaplain for many years and now leads the restorative justice efforts of the Christian Reformed Church Office of Social Justice. In Lamsma’s seminar, he discussed the deprivation of liberty, autonomy, property, Noral Woodburn at CBI Canada Instructor

rally

Ask your favorite radio station to broadcast Crossroad Connection today, and be on the lookout for upcoming interviews with two contenders in Michigan's gubernatorial race, U.S. Congressman Pete Hoekstra and Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard.

Listen anytime online at www.cbi.fm

Dr. Schuringa teaching at CBI headquarters



Instructor rally CBI Australia

Do you want to hear Crossroad Connection where you live?

Stacy serves as an Associate Editor in The Center for Advanced Studies at CBI

Call, write or email your favorite radio station and tell them you would enjoy listening to Crossroad Connection. Then give CBI a call, and we will follow up on your request. 4

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at

NEWS

Great Courses for

Small Group or One-on-One Bible Study

In the

Great Truths of The Bible This course demonstrates the unity and beauty of the Scriptures in 12 lessons and Straightway Roadmaps, teaching 50 Great Truths of the Bible.

CBI INTERNATIONAL CONTINUES TO EXPAND

PRISON MINISTRY BREAKS VOLUNTEER RECORD

Survey of the Bible This course allows students to discover the harmony of the Scriptures by examining the main theme of the Bible—God’s unfolding plan of redemption—in 14 lessons and Straightway Roadmaps, teaching 30 Key Ideas. 10 Men You Should Know This course is a study of ten significant male figures in the history of redemption, culminating in a study of the life of Christ.

HIGH COURT RULES LIFE SENTENCE TOO HARSH FOR JUVENILES

10 Women You Should Know This course is a study of ten significant women in the history of redemption, focusing on God’s faithfulness in each of their lives.

WASHINGTON D.C.—The U.S. Supreme Court has determined that juveniles may not receive a life sentence without parole for any crime outside of homicide. The May 17 ruling stated that this penalty violates the Constitution’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment. The court expressed that, due to their “capacity for change and limited moral culpability,” juvenile nonhomicide offenders deserve the right to reenter society.

In God We Trust This course is an in-depth study of financial responsibility, Christian stewardship and a Christian work ethic.

The decision most directly affects the 129 individuals currently serving life terms for nonhomicide crimes committed as juveniles, 77 of whom are in Florida. GRAND RAPIDS—Crossroad Bible Institute broke its own record in 2009 with volunteer time around the world surpassing a quarter of a million hours. Office volunteers donated 28,843 hours, and Instructors set aside 221,843 hours to correct Bible study lessons and write encouragement letters to students. According to the United States Bureau of Statistics, this is valued at over five million dollars. Says CBI President David Schuringa, “We are doing nothing more here than following God’s prescription for the church in Ephesians 4—equipping the saints for ministry.” For the complete press release, visit www.cbi.fm.

GRAND RAPIDS—CBI offices are now operational in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ecuador, Colombia, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Ghana and Singapore. Watch for upcoming announcements of three more, in the United Kingdom, Kenya and Zambia, where CBI representatives are currently awaiting government approval to enter the prisons. Ministry in developing countries proves particularly challenging for CBI Instructors. They typically must handdeliver the lessons because mail is unreliable and expensive. Also, prisoners in these countries live under excruciatingly difficult circumstances. Usually, they are incarcerated for years before charges are even brought against them. Cells are overcrowded, filthy and rat-infested. Prisons do not provide daily necessities such as food, blankets, clothing, medicine or even soap. In response, CBI Instructors bring along the basic necessities for physical survival along with the Bible study lessons for spiritual survival. 6

Sermon on the Mount This course is an overview of a complete life in Christ as outlined in the Sermon on the Mount.

COURTS CAN EXTEND PUNISHMENT INDEFINITELY FOR SEX OFFENDERS

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WASHINGTON D.C.—In another decision released on May 17, the Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that sex offenders deemed sexually dangerous can be kept in prison indefinitely after the completion of their sentences. This reiteration of federal power reversed last year’s lower court decision that Congress had overstepped its bounds in authorizing indefinite detainment for some sex offenders. In its decision, the court noted that the law proves necessary to properly punish the violation of criminal law and to provide appropriately for both incarcerated individuals and the public.

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Advanced Studies Christian Worldview I & II These two college-level courses based upon Charles Colson’s book How Now Shall We Live? train students to recognize and combat the competing false worldviews of culture.

For a complete listing of all CBI curriculum go to www.cbi.fm/CrossroadCurriculum.htm or call 800-668-2450 for a free catalog.

Discount Pricing Available

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Memorial Gifts IN HONOR OF

IN MEMORY OF

BILL CURRY Birthday Mildred Tripp

DOROTHY DE YOUNG Sharon Dykstra Donna McLeod June Vorlop

BERT & DENA JOLING 71st Wedding Anniversary Morry & Rose Blankespoor NORMA LOTTERMAN 80th Birthday Arlene Cook Doug & Sue Schut-Koning BOB & MARY BETH MONTGOMERY 30th Wedding Anniversary Wayne & Jan Lewis ANITA RUIMVELD Birthday Willard & Gert Nieboer JOHN & BEV WIGBOLDY 50th Wedding Anniversary James & Pearl Wassenaar

ANN HOFSTEE John & Ruth Edick GERRIT HUISMAN Pappe & Lois Aalderks Lee & Carin Hagemeyer Esther Hillers Delmar & Helen Mulder Duane & Diane Mulder Timothy & Ardis Skoglund Jennie Tebben

SPECIAL GIFTS CBI gratefully acknowledges a generous gift from the Estate of Betty Huyser the Estate of Grace Streich

INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS P.O. Box 900 Grand Rapids, MI 49509-0900 ph 616-530-1300 fx 616-530-1351 www.cbi.fm [email protected] CBI ­– AUSTRALIA P.O. Box 6600 Blacktown, NSW 2148, Australia CBI ­– CANADA P.O. Box 5037 Burlington, Ontario L7R 3Y8 Canada

RUSSELL MAATMAN Dallas & Gladys Apol Walter & Karen Bjorkman Leona Clark Dennis & Pamala DeJong George & Jo Faber Chris & Rinske Goedhart Howard & Vicki Hall Robert & April Hubbard Arnold & Carolyn Koekkoek Kevin & Kia Lundgren John & Anne Maatman Brian & Barbara Mellema Andy & Joan Miedema Phillip & Marilyn Mouw Tom & Dianne Schemper Keith & Alida Sewell Sioux Center Kiwanis Club Chris & Irene Sours Betty VandeGriend Vince & Jo vanDyk Robert & Rhonda VanEs Herman & Deadré VanNiejenhuis Marion & Janice VanSoelen Roger & Nancy Visser Lance & Mary Zimmerman John & Laurey Zwart

CBI ­– COLOMBIA Apartado Postal 361553 Bogotá, DC, Colombia

CBI ­– NICARAGUA Apartado 3 Estelí, Nicaragua

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CBI ­– NIGERIA 21 Odu Street, P.O. Box 8618 Port-Harcourt, Rivers State Nigeria

CBI ­– GHANA P.O. Box 219 Aburi-Akuapem, Ghana CBI ­– NEW ZEALAND P.O. Box 11005 Hastings 4158, New Zealand

CBI ­– SINGAPORE Woodlands Post Office P.O. Box 250 Singapore 917312

(as of June 18, 2010)

WILLIAM MASSELINK Jerry & Susan VanderMolen JACK PARKER Opal Huettner HOLLIS ROELS Howard & Grace Lankheet JEANNETTE ROOS Syd & Carol Postma ELIZABETH SCHNEIDER Lavonne Meyer MARILYN SMITS Carol Diekevers NELL TJAPKES Henny Koekoek Vern & Betty Nelson RAYMOND GALE WING Leona Wing

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H. David Schuringa Stacy Ladenburger Kristi Terpstra Eunice Schippers and Jan Vander Veen

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