Search Results

Hello!! My name is Samantha Garcia. I had an assignment for my college class and I had to write about a person who inspired and changed my life for the good. This is the essay that I wrote for him. I hope you like it.                      You might be wondering why I’m writing about a “simple” teacher. After all, isn’t every teacher just someone who imparts knowledge and helps students prepare for their future? But the teacher I want to tell you about was anything but ordinary. His name was Charles Criniere, and he wasn’t just a teacher—he was an angel. An angel at Grandview High School, who changed the lives of countless students in ways that are hard to put into words. It’s because of him that I found my way through some of the darkest times in my life. Charles Criniere was born in Chicago, and though he may have left his hometown behind to teach in Grandview, his spirit was undeniably connected to the city. Chicago was known for its grit, for its hard-working people, and for a deep sense of community. Charles brought all of that with him, creating a community in his classroom, one where students felt valued and understood, no matter their background or struggles. For so many of us, Mr. Criniere was more than just a teacher—he was a friend, a counselor, a confidant. I remember walking into his classroom, not just for the lesson plans or the assignments, but for the peace of mind he gave us. It wasn’t just his knowledge of history or literature that made him stand out, but his ability to truly listen and empathize with us, even when we didn’t know how to express what we were going through. I wasn’t the only one who sought comfort from Mr. Criniere. Over the years, he helped students cope with a variety of challenges. There were students battling depression, those grieving the loss of family members, and others struggling with anxiety or bullying. No matter what they were facing, he always knew just how to make them feel safe. His door was always open—whether it was to talk about life, God, or just to take a moment of refuge from the chaos that often swirled around us. Mr. Criniere had a unique way of lightening the mood, no matter the circumstance. His humor was infectious, and even on the toughest days, he could always make us laugh. His jokes weren’t just funny—they were healing. He understood that life was hard and that sometimes we needed a little laughter to get us through. And even when he cracked jokes, there was always wisdom behind them. He’d say things like, “Don’t take life too seriously—it’s not like you’re going to get out alive anyway,” and somehow, it made us feel like everything was going to be okay. He didn’t just teach us about academics. He taught us about life. His lessons weren’t always in textbooks or PowerPoint slides. They were in the conversations he had with us after class, in the quiet moments when we needed advice or guidance. He often spoke about his faith, about God, and how faith could help guide you through the hardest parts of life. He wasn’t preachy or judgmental—he just spoke from the heart, always encouraging us to believe in something bigger than ourselves. One of the most powerful things Mr. Criniere did was make us feel seen . For many of us, school wasn’t just a place to learn—it was a refuge. We weren’t always able to go home to a supportive environment, but in his classroom, we were accepted. He didn’t just see us as students; he saw us as people—whole, complicated, and worthy of love. For students struggling with mental health, for those whose parents had passed, for anyone feeling lost, he was the light that guided us through our darkest hours. There was one student in particular, a girl named Emily, who struggled with severe depression. She often came to school looking defeated, her head down, her eyes distant. One day, after a particularly hard week, she stayed after class, almost too scared to speak. But Mr. Criniere, as always, didn’t force anything. He just sat with her, quietly. He talked to her about the importance of small steps, of taking things one day at a time, and of trusting that things would get better. Over time, Emily’s demeanor shifted. She began to smile more, to talk to the other students, and most importantly, she started believing in herself again. She always credits Mr. Criniere with saving her from a path she wasn’t sure she could come back from. For me, personally, Mr. Criniere helped me through a tough time in my life. When I lost my father,  I felt as though my world was crumbling. I didn’t know how to move forward. But somehow, Mr. Criniere knew exactly what I needed. He didn’t try to “fix” me or offer empty words of comfort. Instead, he let me grieve in my own way, giving me the space to feel the pain while offering a steady hand when I needed it most. His simple words, “It’s okay to not be okay,” became a mantra for me during those dark days. They gave me permission to heal at my own pace. Sadly, in August of 2022, Charles Criniere passed away. The world lost an extraordinary person that day—an angel who had spent his life giving so much of himself to others. For many of us, it felt like the light had gone out of Grandview High School. The halls felt emptier without his presence, the classrooms quieter without his laughter. But while he may no longer be with us physically, his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched. He left behind a beautiful family—a wife who loved him deeply and ten incredible children who were blessed to have him as a father. The love and warmth that he shared with us was rooted in the same love and warmth he gave to his own family. And for that, we are all grateful. This story is dedicated to Charles Criniere and his family. He wasn’t just a teacher to us; he was an angel. The kind of angel that showed us how to be better people, how to love ourselves, and how to have faith in the world around us. Mr. Criniere may have passed on, but his lessons, his kindness, and his love will forever echo in our hearts. He will never be forgotten and he will forever be my angel.

by Megan Criniere A year has passed since I last did a family update; this last year has been a whirlwind of activity. We've been so busy with all of the kids' activities, learning and adjusting to new household rhythms, and relearning how to do everything again without Charlie that time has gotten away from me in writing this. So much has changed in our lives, yet the few parts that have remained the same have been instrumental in our learning to grow, adapt, and move forward as a family. Homeschooling has remained a huge part of our daily rhythm and keeps us on track, learning new things and working hard to " keep our hearts with all diligence, knowing that from it flows the springs of life, " as Proverbs 4:23 says. Homeschool has brought us the needed slow pace and consistent daily attainable goals that have helped us navigate the unknown step by step. It has been a season for prioritizing what is most important, struggling with the weakness of not being able to do everything the same as we always have, and, at the same time, learning new ways of doing the things we have always done. Seeing how much has changed within our family's dynamic is remarkable. How one person's absence changes everyone's functions and leaves a feeling of loss in everything we do; even though we'd like to keep moving along away from grief as fast as possible, we can't help but feel it at every turn. And even through all the change, the faithfulness of Jesus has remained the same; he has been near to the brokenhearted , it says in Psalms 34:18. He has proven Himself to be our provider, protector, a source of strength for everyday needs, a friend that sticks closer than a brother, our Healer, and the one who hears us when we cry out to Him. It has been a comfort to know that we have Him with us and that we don't have to navigate all of this alone. My kids have been a source of constant motivation, a daily reminder of the vision that Charlie and I had to see a generation of young people love God with all their hearts. Kids are amazing to me; they have so much hope in their hearts, they trust so quickly, and somehow intuitively know it will all be okay. I learn so much from them about trusting God, how to become like a little child like Jesus instructed us to, and how not to worry - exactly how Jesus taught us to, and remembering that my heavenly Father knows everything I need before I ask him.  What a journey it's been to this point; I'm hopeful for all the ways the Lord will lead us in this new season. I'm so grateful for everyone who has been a source of help and encouragement to our family, we could not have made it this far without the love and support we have received. Thank you! Here's a snapshot of the kids and all their activities….constant activity at our house! ;)   ●       Eliya is in a new season of life. She has been navigating what life looks like after graduating. She is currently working and is a part-time student. She is excited to see what the Lord has in store for her in this next season of life. ●      Mariah is officially a senior! She will graduate this May. She just finished her last gymnastics meet this past week. After graduating, she plans to train to become a gymnastics coach at her gym and start pursuing a degree in teaching. ●      Justice is still really involved in sports. He's played some flag football this spring but spends most of his free time working out and waiting for tackle football to start in the fall. He just turned 16 started a new job, and has plans to buy a car. He's so excited for this next season of life. ●      Gloriana is a great athlete who spends her free time practicing her volleyball skills and socializing with her friends. Like her dad, she is a true social butterfly! She also works as a gymnastics coach and babysits whenever she gets the chance. She is fun and adventurous, and I admire her ability to try new things, put herself in new places, and meet new people. ●      Ava is tender-hearted and always willing to help. She is an amazing big sister and truly loves her younger siblings. She actually spends her time thinking of games, snacks, and crafts she can teach them. She is a teacher in her heart, and she loves to share her creativity with us. She's recently come back around to her love for drawing. She sits around with a pen and paper and sketches what she sees, and her ability to draw is remarkable. ●      David is super excited to be playing baseball again this year. He joined a new team with an amazing coach who has taught him so much already in the first few weeks. Last week, he played his first game at shortstop and also pitched a few innings. Off the field, he loves playing with his friends and video games. ●      Hope is sweet and strong. She is very active; she's always biking, rollerblading, or playing outside. She has a few new neighbor friends that she plays with, and she often tags along with her older sisters on their many excursions. She has a great sense of humor, and they love her company. ●       Jubilee is a wild one! She is very creative and marches to the beat of her own drum. I love discovering who she is and how she sees the world; she keeps me guessing! As the baby girl of the family, she is growing in confidence and is not afraid of anyone or anything. ●      Caleb is the true baby of the family, and as far as he is concerned, he has a houseful of friends to play with. He is very smart and picks up new words and sentences daily, which is a source of entertainment for all of us; there really is nothing cuter than a mispronounced word by a 3-year-old that makes everyone in the house now use the mispronounced word, too ;) - Megan Criniere

A devotional by Eliya Criniere Staying grounded in God is a fundamental aspect of faith for all believers. Just as a plant relies on its roots for sustenance and nourishment, our spiritual lives depend on our relationship with God, providing us with guidance, purpose, and meaning. This deep-rooted connection to God forms the very foundation of our lives. God not only provides us with a purpose but also ignites our passions and sets our hearts ablaze with a sense of divine calling. It is through this connection that we find our unique gifts and talents, which, when nurtured, enable us to fulfill our God-given purpose. Our relationship with God is the root system that sustains our spiritual growth, just as a plant's roots support its upward growth. It gives our lives depth and purpose, and it fuels our passion to serve. This connection with God is not just a belief system but a way of life, a deep and abiding relationship that underpins daily actions and decisions, enriching our lives with meaning and fulfillment. In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus shows what happens when he is not our foundation. Our lives crumble and fall apart. He said, "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them; I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock."But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall. " So, even in times of great shaking, stay rooted and grounded in God. Put your needs before him. He is our helper and our strength. I have learned over the years how to stay connected with God. My dad was always an amazing example of someone who patiently waited and grounded himself in the Lord. Even while he was juggling a family, a full-time job, and full-time school, he learned pretty quickly how important coming before God was. He always said he got so much more done if he made space for the Lord. Now, this is something that practically any believer would agree with, but actually applying it to your life is a whole other story.

The Exterior is Done with New Sod!!! - Ryan Corrigan Blue Cedar Landscape donated the time and materials for yard prep and new sod installation! Check out the video below! At the end of this post, you'll also find a video interview with Megan Criniere about the Extreme Home makeover. Kansas City has been in a drought which has been hard on sod companies. The company that pledged to do the sod installation had to back out of the project due to a shortage of sod. We felt pretty desperate as the Criniere kids were constantly covered in mud. But Megan was so patient as we waited. But we started to pray very intentionally for God to raise up someone to provide the sod. My wife, Sally, contacted Susan Manda, the co-owner of Blue Cedar Landscape ( bluecedarlandscape.com ). Years ago, Sally connected with Susan when I coached her son Luke in soccer. Sally asked Susan if she knew of a good sod company, not knowing they actually had their own sod farm. To our surprise, Susan said they would gladly do it themselves! A few hours later, I received a call from her husband, Will Manda, the company owner, who said they would start yard prep the following day and then install the sod! Wow! What an incredible answer to prayer! As the Blue Cedar Landscape team worked, the Kansas City temperatures soared to 100 degrees with 80 percent humidity for nearly the entire three days they worked. The conditions were definitely not optimal for laying new sod, but thankfully, we had a sprinkler system installed previously, which has been running night and day since the sod was laid. It was amazing how quickly Blue Cedar responded to our call! We are forever thankful! Thank you, Will and Susan Manda and the Blue Cedar Landscape team!! Check out the new page dedicated to the project . Since our last update a week ago, someone donated the money for a secondary shed for the backyard. So in the next few weeks, the two sheds will be installed. We have two very small items to finish on the exterior then we will start on the rest of the interior projects. To put the final touches on the outside, we want to: Install exterior shutters around the windows ($500) Pull some weeds and put down 2 cubic yards of river rock in the front yard ($250) Next, We are looking for contractors/companies to: Finish the garage space into a living space that Megan can use for a homeschool room for her kids. ($16k) Install new flooring throughout the house. ($20k) Install new doors and trim throughout the house. ($7k) If you know a contractor or company who could get involved, please call or text Justin Jeffries at 913-286-3020 So far, Megan has not had to use any of her own money for this project! Incredible! Let's keep that going! Here is an updated list of everything that has been done. A brand-new roof was installed (https://www.nationsroofingandsolar.com/) Her old driveway and two back patios, and two retaining walls were removed (https://www.trubluellc.com/) Old shake shingle siding was torn off by people from Grace Point Church (https://gpchurch.us/) A massive dumpster for demolition was donated (https://www.kcdumpster.com/), Garage doors were removed, and the exterior wall was finished with windows (to finish the garage into a living space) (https://www.bizapedia.com/mo/owb-carpentry-llc.html) Twenty-six windows and two sliding glass doors were donated and delivered within one week (normal lead time was 6-8 weeks) (https://www.coronetwindow.com) Windows and new sliding glass doors were installed (https://www.bizapedia.com/mo/owb-carpentry-llc.html) A lot of electrical work was done to add floodlights around the house (https://purelightelectric.com/) , (https://www.buildzoom.com/contractor/gj-electric-inc) A Ring doorbell system was donated and installed A porta-potty was donated for the construction workers Brand-new vinyl siding was installed (https://maverickexteriorskc.com/) Backyard lower patio with pave stones and a band new retaining wall was installed (https://hopkinshardscapes.com/) , (https://www.keystonehardscapes.com/) A massive amount of overgrown shrubs and an old fence were torn out of the backyard. (https://www.trubluellc.com/) The front yard was graded and prepared for a new circle driveway (https://www.trubluellc.com/) , (https://trifecta-contracting.com/) A massive concrete circle driveway was installed (https://trifecta-contracting.com/) , (https://quicksilverrmx.com), A mini-split HVAC system was donated for the garage conversion into a living space. ( https://www.lennox.com/, ) A brand new furnace and AC unit for the home were donated and installed. (https://tmi-stl.com/) The bathrooms have been remodeled. (https://www.thinkbordner.com) ( https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/56d6cb14f384a201005fd07c ) There was a sewer line repair (and a scheduled replacement) (https://allens-electric-hvac.business.site/) A company donated a really high-quality concrete sealant for the new driveway (https://specchem.com/specshield-wb) Outdoor drains have been added around the house to mitigate standing water (https://hopkinshardscapes.com/) Massive truckloads of dirt were donated for grading. (https://www.facebook.com/people/Summit-Trucking/100057155001603) The backyard was professionally graded. (https://www.trubluellc.com/) A beautiful deck was built by Doug Fields, the deck guy (https://www.facebook.com/dougfields23?mibextid=ZbWKwL) Privacy Fence Materials were Donated - (https://www.oakiq.com/) Backyard concrete - a deck sidewalk, a shed pad, a pool pad, and a new lower patio pad. (https://www.bizapedia.com/ks/stay-down-concrete-llc.html) A sprinkler system was installed and paid for by donations from individuals - $7,500 The privacy fence was installed! (https://www.trubluellc.com/ , (https://www.bizapedia.com/mo/owb-carpentry-llc.html) Money for the materials and labor has been donated to build a really nice 12x16 outdoor shed! New Sod installed by Blue Cedar Landscape ( bluecedarlandscape.com ). Beyond this list, permits have been pulled and paid for, and hours and hours of planning and coordination to get all of this done! Praise the Lord for raising up such generous people to participate! Here is an updated flyer with the remaining costs we are seeking to raise: You can also make a tax-deductible donation here . Below is an interview with Megan Criniere about the Extreme Home Makeover. It really is amazing to hear her unpack her journey as a widow and how meaningful this home renovation has been to her and her children.

The Playful Tactics of a Loving Father No matter what was on your agenda, whether you were kicking back, in the middle of some wild playtime, or quietly lost in the pages of a book, there was always that ever-looming chance of getting caught by Monshur Man . The second his brown, glittering eyes locked onto you, you knew you would be running for your life because if not, he'd have you in his grasp in no time. The chase was always afoot, and it didn't matter who you were, if you were his kid or not. Your little legs were no match for Dad's super-sized stride. He'd let you dash around in circles for a bit, letting you think you might just outsmart him, but it was all part of the fun.

Enter into God's Rest by Megan Criniere Please join us tonight at 7:30pm CT for a live steam interview with David Popovici, my brother-in-law and missionary about the life of Charles Criniere. Thinking about Charlie today, missing his big smile and his boisterous laugh, missing his ornery comments to provoke a response from me and his antics when playing with the kids. But today, I also feel a deep sense of peace, something that sounds out of place considering what we have walked through this last year, something that has made a profound difference for our family. To know that Charlie has made it home, his final destination in life, to know that he is filled with immense joy and gladness so far from our earthly comprehension, and to know that he is with Jesus enjoying life in its fullest expression, all of it brings me such peace knowing that he is fully at rest. I am also experiencing the same peace but in a different context and a different place. Ours is a peace in the midst of trial, a peace in the midst of struggle, a peace that brings rest and assurance but right in the midst of pain and loss. In John 14:27, Jesus says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.” We have experienced a year of profound peace right in the middle of pain. We have felt the gravity of loss in every waking moment, feeling the distance and ache, feeling my children’s pain, and experiencing the weight of natural circumstances. However, still, in the middle of it all, the Lord has met us with His peace that has calmed and quieted our hearts, a peace that has reminded us of his promises for us and encouraged us to show up for one day at a time and continue showing up when we don’t want to when we feel like we can’t. There is a God that transcends it all. Today, on Charlie’s birthday, I want to invite you into that same peace; in the turbulent times we are living in, through all of the pain, loss, and suffering, know that there is a peace that goes beyond our circumstances, a peace that goes beyond our broken places and reaches for us to keep hoping and trusting, Jesus longs to meet you right where you are and give you his peace. It’s like a calm that comes in the most violent storms, an assurance that it will all be okay no matter the circumstance because He is with you and won’t leave you. There is a confidence that comes when we know the Creator of the Universe, the one in complete control of it all, will lead us and guide us in every season of our soul. Today, on Charlie’s birthday, as we consider his life and impact and the blessing he was to us, I invite you to ask the Lord for peace, to talk to Him, and lay down your heaviest burdens and receive his peace. There’s an invitation from Jesus in Matthew 11:28. He says, “Come to me all you. You are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Let him give you rest today! Please join us tonight at 7:30pm CT for a live steam interview with David Popovici, my brother-in-law and missionary about the life of Charles Criniere. With love, Megan

By Rob Parker Here is a clip from 2014 of Charlie doing what he loved most - Praying . The first time I met Charlie was in August 2006. We were both freshmen at the Forerunner School of Ministry (later called The International House of Prayer University). It was orientation week, and many of the activities were designed for students to meet one another and get acquainted. Charlie caught my attention, and I approached him, introduced myself, and said something to the effect of, “I’m looking forward to getting to know you and running with you in these next couple of years.” I think Charlie was a little surprised by how direct I was, but over the next few weeks, we began to get to know one another. I don't remember exactly how it happened, but within a matter of weeks, Charlie and I were hitting it off. Nearly every day after the prayer room and before class, we would have conversations about the Lord, prayer, class content, and our journeys with Jesus. Not long after, we began to talk about family, parenting, and the challenge of raising children to love Jesus well. I don't know if Charlie and I hit it off so well because of a common passion for Jesus or the fact that we were both older freshmen beyond the normal college student years. Either way, I'm glad the Lord connected us. Back in those early days of Forerunner School of Ministry, they often had classes at night, 7- 10 PM. I offered to come by and pick up Charlie and carpool with him. This way, his wife Megan, who was pregnant at the time, would be at home with the vehicle. This enabled Charlie and I to talk on the ride to class (and often after class). And as we pulled up to their apartment, we would stay and talk for several minutes every night. A few things that stick in my mind are still so clear. I was taken aback by Charlie's sincere passion for Jesus and a deep desire to engage the Lord in prayer. Charlie had a clarity, conviction, and real knowing of the Lord that compelled him to pray at length effortlessly. We've all known people who were passionate about the Lord, but Charlie was a little different. His relationship was deep, internal, not immature or overly excited, but a very steady anchor that gave his life purpose and focus. I was surprised at Charlie's depth of the word but also the faith he had to believe it and to act on it. He was a man of the Word, loved prayer, and was sincerely devoted to Jesus, and it showed. It was evident by the way he conducted himself, spoke to his wife and children, and the way that he talked about Jesus. Many of our conversations were about Charlie's desire to be in full-time ministry. He cared about people, and he wanted to make an impact. He loved prayer and the House of Prayer, and he wanted to help build it. There were seasons that Charlie and his family were able to do this for periods of time, but most of Charlie's ministry was as a schoolteacher. I was always amazed at the way that he would talk about his role as a teacher, his relationship with students, and the influence and the impact that he always tried to make on them. He was very focused on the gospel and wanted to share Jesus as much as it was possible. Some people refer to their job as their ministry and they might kind of do that, but Charlie, it was a real deal, he did it, his classroom was his place of impact. I was always encouraged that after Charlie had been a teacher for some years, summer break would roll around and I would see him in the prayer room early in the morning. This was a pattern, spring break summers and the last few years it was often every morning before work. With the workload that he had, the large family that needed his time and attention and all that was pulling on Charlie, I was just stunned that he would still find time to get up at 6:00 AM and make his way to a corporate prayer meeting. This tells you a little bit about how much Charlie cared about prayer, his relationship with Jesus, and being a godly man. Charlie was a good man, a faithful servant, a devoted husband, and an excellent father. His smile was infectious, his joy was contagious. I'm happy to say that Charlie was my friend. - Rob Parker Rob felt a call to full-time ministry and answered that call by raising a support team in 2010. In addition to founding and running Partnership Development, Rob is the Director of Partnership Development for the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, MO. Rob has trained over 2000 missionaries in Kansas City and around the country and has also authored 2 books . Those who have gone through his training have raised a combined 70 million dollars for global missions. He resides in Kansas City with his wife and son (and nearby daughter, son-in-law, and their three children). If you are a missionary or need help learning about raising support for your calling, check out Rob's online training platform: https://www.fullyfundedmissionary.org/

In a very emotional scene, Megan Criniere addressed and offered forgiveness to Kyrie Fields at the official court sentencing on June 29, 2023. Fields hit and killed her husband, Charles Criniere, on August 27th, 2022, while texting and driving and high on Percocet. In this post, you find: A video interview with Ken Debenedictis about the hearing The most important quotes from the hearing A written perspective by a close friend - Ken DeBenedictis Megan's words in court to Kyrie Fields "The last ten months have radically transformed our lives as a family. There isn't a single area of our lives that has not been impacted by the loss of my husband. The pain has been real and widespread. The loss has been immeasurable. The statements I'm going to make today are in no way a dismissal of the pain we have endured. But they are statements that reflect my own hope to journey through the pain and loss and not to remain there forever. My husband wasn't always a beloved teacher, and husband and father. I have not always been a stay-at-home mom. Not so long ago, my husband was on the opposite side of the story. In and out of the detention system in Chicago, struggling to stay out of trouble. Me, I was not in the detention system. Only because I never got caught. But I was running the streets in Chicago and involved in illegal activities. Life was a mess, and I couldn't even help myself. It was in those dark periods in our life that both my husband and I encountered a love and forgiveness with Jesus Christ that transformed our lives forever. It was only then that my husband went from being a high school dropout to being a high school teacher, getting his Master's degree. He was filled with a purpose to be a beacon of hope to those experiencing similar situations. It was only after an encounter with forgiveness that I left behind a destructive lifestyle. And in one decision, I saw my life pieced back together. It is in that same spirit I want to say I forgive the defendant. I don't want to live my life harboring bitterness in my heart. From where I'm standing and all I've experienced in my life, it only seems fitting to offer that same love and forgiveness that transformed our lives. I wish no harm. I hold no animosity. I choose to let it go. And instead, I pray that the defendant would experience a love and forgiveness that transforms their life and would give a hope for a better tomorrow." The Judge's Abnormal Response Ms. Criniere, that was one of the most eloquently put statements I have heard in the 30 years that I have sat on the bench. And I will tell you, you are one of a less than a handful of victims who have come before me to offer forgiveness to a defendant who has ripped a hole into the lives of another family like yours. I wish that this never had happened. And that your life would have been lived with your husband long and until the two of you were just too old to care for each other. And I'm sorry that that's not going to be the case for you. But I do believe that your willingness to forgive will give you peace so that you can move forward in your life. And I wish you the very best. I'm very, very sorry for your loss. Kyrie Fields Response I would just like to say, I was trying to write something but it was too difficult for me. I wanted to let you know that during this time you taught me how to forgive with you being able to forgive me. And I'm so deeply sorry for what I have caused you and your family. My life -- I had been living the wrong way since I was 17. And I'm so, so deeply sorry for what I have caused you and your family. Words can't explain what I did and I cannot take it back. I wish I could, but I can't. I don't know what to say, but you taught me how to find the Lord while I have been in here. And I'm so thankful for that. All I can say is I truly am so sorry for what I have caused you. And thank you in a way for teaching me how to have forgiveness. I'm sorry. Sorry. Perspective from Close Friend - Ken DeBenedictis It has barely been a year. Man, I miss that guy next door. Everything up to this point seems like a series of “firsts.” I can only imagine what it’s been like at the Criniere household. The first Christmas without him, the first birthday, the first anniversary, the first time going down to Branson as a family without him—none of it has been easy. It’s felt like an eternity since I last heard his voice, but at the same time, it’s felt like just a few moments ago since that morning. It’s such a weird paradox. Knowing that life still goes on but not wanting life to go on too much, knowing that if it does, somehow Charlie’s memory will be left behind? Is it normal to feel like this? It’s been a process. There were two big events coming up this summer that I had marked in my calendar. One was a trip my family and I were taking in August, the other was the trial at the courthouse for the driver who had hit and killed Charlie. I really wanted to be there— obviously to support Megan, but the other reason was just to see this person up close. I really needed to get a look at a person who could so callously drive away after running over someone, leave them to die in the street, and then go home and torch their own car to try to cover it up. What kind of a person was this? Was there going to be a jury? What would be their reaction? What would the defense attorney be saying to defend her? Would the driver look remorseful? Stone-faced? Finally, after almost a full year of silence, we’d be getting some answers. But then it changed. After learning from one of Meg’s kids that the trial date had been moved up, I found out that the date had been moved up to today. In 45 minutes! I slammed the rest of my coffee down and hurried across the street to Meg’s to see what was going on. She came walking down the stairs after finishing up writing something and told me that the dates had been changed. There wasn’t going to be a jury trial, but rather because the driver had pleaded guilty, the sentencing would be today. She had spoken to Eric, Charlie’s brother, who was in town from Chicago and was already on his way over. None of the kids wanted to go so I asked if I could jump in with them. So the three of us took the thirty-minute drive into the city. When we got to the courthouse, the three of us walked through the elevator doors and into this dimly lit hallway. I half-expected it to be crowded and confusing. I figured there would be people waiting in line, multiple hearings going on, some sort of sign-in window and system telling people who was next. Kind of like the DMV on a Friday. But none of that was happening. It was like everything was closed. Just us, an empty hallway, a bench to sit down and the occasional ding of the elevator echoing off the marble walls. The young attorney showed up, introduced herself and spoke a little about what was about to take place. She spoke to us briefly and began trying to brace us for the intensity of the situation, and as she did, a handcuffed Kyrie Fields, the driver who hit Charlie, came shuffling out of the elevator and escorted into the courtroom by a corrections officer. The attorney explained a little more about the process, and then we all proceeded into the small courtroom and sat down where they told us. It was pretty much what you’d expect. A large bench for the judge to preside, a table in the middle of the room with Kyrie and her lawyer, two prosecuting attorneys, a bailiff, a stenographer, and us. We stood when the bailiff announced the “all rise,” and the officiating began. Names were stated for the record, the charges, the plea, and then the recount of the events that happened. I kept looking at Kyrie. No emotion. At least outwardly. I watched her as the recount of the tragic events on that morning at Longview Lake was being read. She sat there in her seat, looking down, not making eye contact with anyone. I couldn’t help but notice how beat-up she looked. Defeated. Like she had been totally shredded by life with no hope at all. It was hard to believe that this woman was only 27. Megan, Eric, and I just sat there in a row, taking it all in. We were invited to observe but not necessarily needed. We didn’t look at each other during all of this, so I couldn’t see the expressions on their faces, but I couldn’t help but wonder what was going on in Megan’s mind. What Eric, the one who knew Charlie the longest, was thinking. Then I started wondering what Charlie was thinking. Was he here? Did it even matter? Before we knew it, the sentences were announced after Kyrie’s plea of guilty. Two counts, two felonies, four years total for each that run concurrently, with one year time already served. Gavel bang. That was it. Hard to believe. After all the shock and turmoil, after all of the lives that have been upended this past year, it all came to a conclusion. That senseless act of stupidity met an equally senseless consequence. Three years in prison. Maybe two if you factor in parole. It hardly seemed like justice. Then something wonderful began to happen. As if on cue, the attorney, on behalf of Megan, stood up and requested permission from the judge to allow Megan to make a statement. Megan apparently had scribbled something down before we left the house just an hour beforehand. She approached the judge and nervously unfolded a sheet of paper and began to read from it. As Megan humbly read her statement through tears and a shaky voice, each word seemed to pierce through whatever tension and disappointment there was in the room. All eyes were on her, there wasn’t a sound in the room. Kyrie’s wide eyes staring intently at this woman who was demonstrating the most brave and honest account of who Charlie was, who she was, and where they both had come from. Charlie himself was in and out of a detention system much in the same way that Kyrie found herself now. It was as if everything that was being said was being hand-delivered right into Kyrie’s heart. “My life was a mess. I couldn’t even help myself,” Megan continued. “It was in those dark seasons of our lives that both my husband and I encountered a love and forgiveness in Jesus that transformed our lives.” I looked over at Kyrie to see her brushing away the tears streaming down her cheeks. “It’s in that same spirit”, she went on, “that I want to say, ‘I forgive you’…it only seems fitting to offer you that same love and forgiveness that transformed our lives to you as well.” By this time, Eric, who was sitting next to me was sobbing. I looked over at the bailiff who was now wiping tears away, as was one of the attorneys, the judge was looking away fighting back tears trying to compose herself. Everyone in the room. From the lawyers to the stenographer—not a dry eye. When Megan was finished, Kyrie wanted to say something, which the judge allowed. She was pretty moved by what was happening. Through sobs, she expressed how sorry and remorseful she was. Apologizing again and again. Then she looked at Megan and thanked her for helping her find God and experiencing real forgiveness though all of this. I broke at this point, and again, this prompted another round of passing around the tissue box. Kyrie finished as the gentle sounds of sniffles traveled through the room. The judge broke the silence and addressed Megan as she stood there. She told us in all of her thirty-something years of practicing law, that she has never seen such a display of true forgiveness in the face of such overwhelming tragedy. She honored Megan in that moment and I believe she spoke for everyone in the room. A true miracle had just happened in our midst, and I felt so privileged to witness it. The meeting adjourned and we were dismissed. Megan, Eric and I gathered in the debrief room. Both attorneys were still in amazement over what had just happened. We were told that that judge was known for never displaying emotion of any kind in her courtroom, and that what we had witnessed, and what she had said to Megan was a pretty rare thing. We finished up, thanked the attorneys and left. The three of us walked down the hallway and into the elevator. None of us saying a word. “Wow.” Megan said. “That was intense.” As we walked back to the car, the silence continued. Each of us stewing in our own thoughts and emotions. It seemed so definite. Like if there was ever a need for closure, there it was in its most raw form. Closed. But even with this closed case, we know God. And with God, nothing ever really dies. Let’s be praying for Kyrie Fields. Jesus seems to be opening a door of salvation for her. - Ken DeBenedictis

God's enduring presence through grief by Eliya Criniere Dealing with emotions in the midst of loss has been such a personal journey for me. It's like trying to find your way through this crazy maze of feelings. It's a struggle between wanting healing and then dealing with the pain; sometimes, it is overwhelming to think about. But what's been my rock through all of this has been turning to the Bible. It's like having a trusted friend who's always there, a source of strength and understanding when times get tough. There are no shortcuts through grief. It's a day-by-day process; no way around it. I wouldn't want to go through it without having God by my side. He's been my anchor, my guiding light.

Stewardship, Ownership and Surrender -Eliya Criniere Earlier this week, during a walk, I had a profound encounter with Jesus that emphasized the importance of generosity in my life. At first, I couldn't help but wonder how this concept applied to me; I thought, indeed there's nothing more I can give. Because in my mind, when Jesus asks me to be generous, he's expecting me to empty my wallet, but that's not even close to what he was asking. As I reflected on this prompting from Jesus, I began to understand that His call to generosity wasn't solely about financial resources.

- A Cycling Event to Honor Charlie Criniere and to "Break the Cycle" of Child Abuse. 1,900 kids are abused every day | 13,000 kids are in Missouri Foster Care Let's break this cycle! A little over a year ago, Charles Criniere was hit by a car and killed while cycling around the Longview Lake Loop, one of the most popular cycling routes in Kansas City. JC Van Deventer, an avid cyclist and school teacher, was deeply impacted by Charlie's devotion as a man of faith, family, and public school teacher. And though JC never met Charlie, he decided to use his influence in the cycling world to put on a massive memorial cycling event to honor Charlie and advocate for safe cycling. Van Deventer rallied the community in just a matter of weeks to put on The Bright Lights for Charlie Memorial ride , and around 1,000 cyclists participated! This massive turnout shocked the community and sparked many conversations about Charlie's life and cycling safety. All of last year's proceeds went to the Criniere family. Last year, Megan Criniere came to the event with all 9 of the kiddos and spent all day talking with the cyclists. It was shocking to see all the cyclists who never met Charlie come out for the event. Megan and JC Van Deventer talked about Charlie and began to dream of an annual event to honor Charlie's legacy. Together, they decided that an annual event that would care for kids in the foster care system would be something that Charlie would have loved. Charlie grew up in a gang-infested Albany Park Chicago neighborhood in the 1990's. Charlie ended up in and out of jail for petty offenses, fighting, and graffiti. However, Charlie was chosen for a unique Juvenile scholarship program. This Chicago scholarship program helped Charlie with college tuition so he could step into a career path and turn his life around. Long story short, Charlie became the poster child of the success of this program - and to this day, 25 years later, his picture is still on the website . Around the same time that Charlie qualified for this program, a friend shared Jesus with Charlie, which led him to become a wholehearted follower of Christ. Charlie said his turnaround was due 100% to God's transforming power found in Christ, but Charlie also knew that God used the practical support that he was given through the scholarship program. Charlie worked extremely hard from that day forth and went on to live a selfless life, pouring his heart and soul into the next generation, working as a public school teacher and in Christian ministry. When Charlie was young, he took the graffiti tag name "Orphan" because, in some ways, he felt like an orphan. However, once God changed his life and he learned that God was the ultimate father looking to bring lost humanity back into his eternal family, Charlie's life emanated the spirit of a father to his own ten children as well as to hundreds of students he impacted over the years. JC Van Deventer also carries a deep conviction that it is his responsibility to give back. He fostered more than 120 kids over ten years, most of the time having close to a dozen kids in the house. The Jackson County Commissioners, the Social Worker Supervisor, and many others who worked with kids in the system loved it when they had kids placed in JC's home because of how fantastic the kids did with him. His career as a public school teacher also stems from that same belief. JC told me that getting into cycling changed his path. He said, "My closest friends from the year before I started riding have spent more time in prison as adults than not. I was no different, I just got lucky that my brother had two paper routes and bought a really nice bike that he ' would not ' let me ride." Bright Lights for Kids JC decided to re-create the memorial cycling event into " Bright Lights for Kids " and partner with the Jackson County CASA Association to help "break the cycle" of child abuse. The CASA program or Court Appointed Special Advocates, is a national program that trains and supports community volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children in foster care. After a year of planning and logistics, the first annual Bright Lights for Kids ride was a huge success!!! The event took place this past Saturday (Sept. 16th) with the help of twenty local businesses . Hundreds of cyclists participated, helping to raise money for CASA. The ride offered five different distances to suit riders of all levels: 10 miles, 31 miles (50k), 62 miles (100k), 100 miles (160k), and 125 miles (200k). Each distance had its own challenges and rewards, such as scenic views, rolling hills, and official finishers jerseys. The 200k ride also featured a $1,000 KOM/QOM competition for the fastest climbers. The riders were greeted with cheers and applause at the finish line, where they enjoyed food, drinks, and raffle prizes. This year, around 20 cyclists finished the 200k ultra distance (125 miles), and another dozen finished the 160k (100 miles). The 200k cyclists and a handful of the 160k riders did a mind-melding 10-mile lap route around Longview Lake. Last year, Van Deventer promoted the event by doing 10 laps around the lake - 1 lap for each of Charlie's Children, and these cyclists chose to do this original route thinking about the Criniere kids as well as those 13,000 kids in Missouri foster care. On a personal note, I was able to do the 100-mile-10-lap route for the second year in a row, but this year was extra special because my 15-year-old son (John), and 13-year-old son (James) also did the 100-mile ride with me! This was their very first century ride! My 11-year-old son (Joshua) joined us for 40 miles, and my wife (Sally) and my 9-year-old son (Judah) did 11 miles each. So, as a family, we rode over 360 miles! Seeing dozens of riders wearing the official Charles Criniere Memorial Jersey was terrific! “I think cycling is a great metaphor for life,” One participant said, “You have to keep moving forward, even when it gets hard, even when you face obstacles. You have to trust that God will give you strength, and you have to rely on your comrades for support. And when you reach your destination, you feel a sense of accomplishment and joy that is hard to describe.” Van Deventer and Megan Criniere were both overwhelmed by the response and support from the cycling community and the public. They both hope to make this ride an annual tradition and to grow it into the largest cycling event in the Midwest. Van Deventer has already shown that he is ready to do some pretty crazy things to promote the event. Earlier this year, he did 2,328 laps around a parking lot to get word out about the Bright Lights event . That number represents every child in the Kansas City area who received support last year from CASA volunteers. We want to thank everyone who participated in this year’s ride, whether as a rider, a volunteer, and especially all the Partners. Bike Stop Lee's Summit Dave's Bike Shop Raymore Revolution Racing Bicycle Shack El Pulgarcito PR Factory Store Eye Care Optical Dave's Bike Shop Pleasant Hill VanDoIt KC Bike Law Bike Stop West Bottoms Bicycles Elite Cycling 3 Feet Cycling Bike Stop Blue Springs Kurt Bars Velo Garage Garmin Radar Elliott Truck Sales Hanover Bikes You are all bright lights for kids, and you are helping to brake the cycle of child abuse in our society. Together, we can make a difference. Charlie was a bright light in this world, and we want to keep his light shining through this event. Every year, thousands of children in Missouri enter the foster care system due to abuse or neglect. These children face an uncertain future, often moving from one placement to another, without a stable and consistent adult presence in their lives. They may also struggle with emotional, behavioral, and educational challenges as a result of their traumatic experiences. That’s where CASA volunteers come in. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to serve as the voice of the child in court and in the community. They work closely with the child, the child’s family, the child’s caseworker, and other professionals involved in the child’s case. They gather information, make recommendations, and monitor the progress of the child until a safe and permanent home is found. CASA volunteers are not lawyers or social workers. They are ordinary people who care about children and want to make a difference. They come from all walks of life, backgrounds, and professions. They undergo rigorous screening and training before being assigned to a child. They commit to spending at least 10 hours per month on their case, which typically lasts for one to two years. The impact of CASA volunteers on children’s lives is significant and lasting. Research shows that children with CASA volunteers are more likely to find a permanent home, less likely to re-enter foster care, more likely to succeed in school, and less likely to experience further abuse or neglect. CASA volunteers also help save taxpayer money by reducing the length of time children spend in foster care and preventing future involvement with the juvenile justice system. In Missouri, there are 22 local CASA programs that serve 45 counties across the state. In 2022, these programs provided more than 1,400 CASA volunteers who advocated for over 4,000 children in foster care. However, this is only a fraction of the more than 13,000 children who were in foster care in Missouri last year. Many more children need and deserve a CASA volunteer to stand by their side and speak up for their rights. You can help change a child’s story by becoming a CASA volunteer or supporting your local CASA program. - Ryan Corrigan

The need for central devotion to Christ by Eliya Criniere I've been part of the Onething internship for over a month, and it has been an incredible experience. Initially, I came into the internship thinking it would be a nice six-month to get to know Jesus better. However, what I've encountered is so much better – I've met a real man who is not just a distant figure but a loving father, a supportive friend, and a comforting presence. Jesus is so much more than just a feel-good story; He's the center of my life now.