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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. When you're slammed with work or overwhelmed with your day, the first thought is not to give God the first place at that moment. Many think giving Him time will only take from their precious schedule. But what my dad found out was that it was the complete opposite. He realized If he put God first and let him be his foundation, he would get ten times more done. Putting God first and making Him the foundation of our lives is a valuable lesson that transcends generations. Our Father in Heaven desires to help and guide us, and calling on His name is a powerful way to connect with Him. A great lesson my dad taught me was to give God the first part of my day. He always said, "What's the first thing you think about when you wake up?" This provoked me because, for a long time, God was not the first thing I thought about. It showed me my priorities and revealed where my heart and mind naturally gravitate. Embracing the concept of putting the Lord first, not just in the morning but throughout the week, can be transformative. Starting each day with prayer, gratitude, and seeking guidance from the Lord can help align ourselves with the Lord's wisdom and strength. This foundation can sustain us through life's challenges, offering a source of hope, purpose, and resilience. So, throughout your week, continue to consider the importance of putting the Lord first. Embrace each day as an opportunity to strengthen your faith, seek His guidance, and experience the peace and purpose that comes from making God the cornerstone of your existence. - Eliya

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. Most of the time, some of the other kids would gather around, knowing that this was the beginning of another exciting chase. The chase itself was a mix of thrill and exhilaration. As you sprinted around, your heart raced, and the laughter bubbled up in anticipation. It was a blend of terror and delight, the essence of childhood joy. Other kids would join in, cheering you on, knowing that they'd be next in line for Monshur Man's playful grasp. Dad's playful tactics had no boundaries. He'd swoop in with his big, powerful hands, and that's when the hollering started. But it wasn't the kind of screaming that stemmed from fear – it was pure excitement and adventure. He'd playfully squish you, bounce you up and down, and it didn't take long for the screams to transform into joyful laughter and giggles. The house echoed with the sounds of happiness as if the very essence of childhood joy had been captured within those moments. But what made those moments truly special was not just the playfulness but the genuine connection that was formed. Dad's face would light up, and he'd look down at you with a wide, affectionate smile, his eyes shining with delight. Those moments weren't just about physical play; they showed the bond between a father and his child. And then, out of nowhere, he would burst into song. His voice was full and booming; he would sing a little (okay, maybe a lot) off-tune. But it was all part of the show. What mattered was the sheer enthusiasm in his eyes as he witnessed the pure joy in your face. He'd even invite you to sing along, and then it turned into a delightful medley of laughter, happiness, off-key singing, and maybe a voice crack or two. Those wonderfully wacky moments are something we will treasure forever. These memories formed the foundation of our relationship and the stories we will tell for years. As I grew older, I realized that it wasn't just a game – it was an example to the power of love and the unique bond between a father and his child. My Dad's playful pursuits taught me the importance of cherishing moments of pure joy, even in the midst of life's daily challenges. His pursuit of fun and laughter, no matter how busy life got, highlighted the significance of our family bond. These joyful, chaotic chases symbolized the safety, security, and unwavering support our Dad provided. In a world that could often be daunting, the security of his love was a comforting assurance that he'd always be there to chase away your fears and replace them with laughter and love. The thing about those epic chases we had as kids is that they didn't just fade away as we grew up. They shaped the way we lived our lives, the bonds we formed, and the stuff we held dear. We have always stuck to the idea that love and fun should be at the center of everything we do. And we took our Dad's advice – that when life gets hard a good laugh, and a lot of love can get you through. As I've stepped into the world outside my home, I've realized that these playful games weren't entirely meaningless. Most of them became a symbol for the enduring love and happiness you could always count on. These lessons from our wild chases stayed with us as we've tackled life, facing challenges with a heart full of love, laughter, and an unbreakable connection with our family. In the end, it was clear that Monshur Man wasn't just a character in our childhood; he was a timeless reminder of the extraordinary bond between a father and child, a beacon of love, and the essence of childhood joy that would forever be a reminder of how we should live. Love your children well. - Eliya

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. This season of loss and mourning has shown me something amazing. My family and I wouldn't have made it through without God's presence. While some families drift apart during tough times, we've actually grown closer, feeling the warmth of the Lord's embrace every step of the way. In those quiet moments with God, I often hear Him saying, "I've always been with you; why would I leave you now?" And every time I listen to him say this, it draws me closer to Him. I've come to realize that even if everything else were to fall apart, I've got a heavenly Father who'll never abandon me. And God, He's more than just a comforter. He's been like a father, a protector, a guide. I can approach Him like I do with my closest friends. Matthew 5:4 says those who mourn will be comforted. God doesn't break His promises. Even when it feels like He's forgotten or taking too long to answer our prayers, His timing is always perfect. What God's done during this season of grief is nothing short of amazing. Whether we've voiced it or kept it in our hearts, he's met every need. And the most significant transformation has happened within us spiritually. He took a family that felt like we had nothing left and turned us into a living example of what happens when you say "yes" to Him, no matter how tough things get. Through all of this, I've learned that life without God is really hard. He's not just a comforter for those who've lost someone but for anyone going through a rough time. He's all about bringing us comfort and healing. Remembering the sacrifice he made on the cross is truly transformative. He wanted us so badly that he was willing to lay down his life so we could have a deeper relationship with him. There's nowhere we can go where God can't reach us. His love is beyond anything we can imagine. So, just as He's shown us comfort, He wants us to share it with others. It's like a ripple effect of His love. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 is a perfect example: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." This season of grief has been a journey of faith, a testament to God's enduring love and presence. He's been our Father, Protector, and Guide, offering us comfort and strength in the midst of our pain. Life without Him is really challenging, but His desire is to bring us comfort and healing. As we receive that comfort, we're called to share it with others, spreading His love and compassion. That way, we keep moving forward in this maze of grief, holding onto our faith and the promise that God will never leave us, no matter how tough the path gets. - Eliya

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. Instead, He invited me to live like Mary of Bethany, who demonstrated her deep love and devotion to the Messiah by abandoning everything she held dear. She poured out her very essence at His feet. In other words, Jesus was poking at an aspect of my life I had not yet fully surrendered. On that same day, Rob Parker was teaching our class, and he shed further light on the concept of stewardship. He explained that stewardship goes beyond merely managing money; it is a matter of the heart. It flows from recognizing that everything belongs to God – He is the ultimate owner of all. The idea of drifting through life and passively accepting whatever comes our way does not align with God's desires. Instead, He wants us to be intentional with the resources and blessings He has entrusted us because it's all His to begin with . The Lord desires not just a portion but our entire heart, and anything that stands in the way of that devotion must be given up because He is a jealous God. We are Christ's servants, created to serve Him in all aspects of our lives. This includes recognizing that even our physical bodies belong to the Lord, and we must live with the awareness that we are not our own; we belong wholly to Him. It's humbling to remember that Jesus, the very Son of God, became a bondservant and served until death. This sets a profound standard for us to follow. The question then becomes, how can I become a faithful servant to Jesus? The Father assures us that His will may not always be easy, but He promises to grant us the grace to say yes to His call. It's a journey of surrendering the false sense of ownership we've created in our lives, realizing that all we have and are ultimately belong to Him. Ultimately, Jesus' message of generosity and stewardship is a call to live like Mary of Bethany, to surrender our whole selves to Him, and to recognize His ownership over everything in our lives. This profound shift in perspective invites us to serve Him wholeheartedly, just as He served us unto death. With His grace, we can truly become servants of Jesus, embracing His will and relinquishing our false sense of ownership. Here are a couple of verses that stood out to me about God owning everything: The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein. Psalm 24:1 For by Him, all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16 'The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,' says the Lord of hosts. Haggai 2:8 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, The power and the glory, The victory and the majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, And You are exalted as head over all. 1 Chronicles 29:11 - Eliya

- 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. Most of my day is spent sitting at His feet, hearing what's on His heart. Of course, there are challenging days, but even during those times, He reveals my shortcomings and how much I truly need Him. Each week, I'm filled with tons of information. Most of the time, I can hardly keep up with it, but in each class, I always catch at least one treasure: something I didn't think or know about God. I get to carry these treasures with me now for the rest of my life. Sitting in these classes has shown me the reality of how complacent and comfortable I had become in my Christian walk. God is calling a generation to draw near to Him, seeking those who are wholeheartedly devoted and ready to give up their lives in service to Him. I don't want to miss out on this calling. I'm eager to listen to God and discern His plans for my life. This past week marked one year since my dad passed away. I believe he's looking down on me with immense pride. I often think about how much he would have cherished the materials and teachings I get to listen to. I remember him being so passionate about the Bible; now I know why. Hearing this starts an addiction, an addiction that cannot be broken. This past week in the prayer room, I started doubting some of the things the Lord had spoken to me. In that vulnerable moment, I heard His gentle voice asking, "Were my nail-pierced hands not enough?" Those words instantly silenced my doubts. It's a reminder that, as humans, we often fall into the trap of comfort. But God didn't call us to live comfortable lives; He called us to take up our cross daily and follow Him. Dying to our desires and comfort is a daily battle that we must be willing to fight every day. Being part of the Onething internship has shown me just how much I rely on God. When I'm not in His presence, I feel an emptiness within me. Throughout the day, I think about how I can create more space for Him, identify and tear down the idols in my life, and question why I ever settled for a life without my Creator by my side. This journey has awakened a deeper hunger for God in my heart, and I'm eager to see where it leads me next. - Eliya

- One year since the passing of Charles Criniere by Ryan Corrigan Former students, colleagues, and friends gathered to remember the life of Charles Criniere. The passing of a year since Charles Criniere's death brings with it a time for reflection on the extraordinary life he l. Charles was more than a good person; he was like a guiding light who left an indelible mark on those who were lucky enough to cross his path. Let us remember him today and the impact he had on the lives of everyone he ever talked to. His story of getting kicked out of high school and running the streets of Chicago before becoming a public school teacher and incredible man of God is one that deserves to be told again and over again. His humor, his words of encouragement, the time he took to talk to us, the depth of his personal connection with God, and the way he prayed for each of us will be in our hearts forever. Charlie completely devoted himself to Jesus, and his life reflected that. And it is my hope that as we give these things serious thought today, we, like Charlie, will grow in our love for and surrender to Jesus. The finality of death prompts profound introspection in all of us as we will all have to face death eventually, and as tomorrow is not a given, it is important to think about how we ought to live in light of this fact. In Charlie's mind, it was all true: Jesus died, rose again, sent His Spirit to believers, and will return to judge the world justly. Charlie was reborn as a result of this faith. He truly experienced a new birth, as testified to by countless Christians over the ages. Christianity may be easily assessed for those hungry for truth because it is founded on verifiable historical occurrences rather than abstract philosophical concepts. Either Jesus actually existed, died, and rose from the grave, or he did not. If he did, then you must listen to what the Bible says, and if he didn't, then we are the most pitiful of all men, as the Apostle Paul states in 1 Corinthians 15:19. We need to question if we truly believe that we shall see Charlie again, given that the core premise of Christianity is that Jesus rose again from the dead and that those who have faith in Him will also be raised from the dead. This doesn't negate the actual suffering we're all experiencing right now. We are hurting today, we miss him so much! But we do not mourn without hope, for God has a plan to destroy death forever at the Second Coming. Charlie would not want us to be weighted down with grief today because we miss him; rather Charlie would want us to grieve over the next generation who are yet to encounter the true glory of God for themselves. As we remember Charlie today, we also remember Megan and all their wonderful children and pray for them that this event will be used by God to propel them deeper into their calling and to continue living in the legacy that Charlie was living in. Today please consider joining Megan's subscription team to help support her budget and efforts to write a book about Charlie. - Ryan Corrigan

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.

Pushing to Get the Exterior Done! - Ryan Corrigan UPDATE: The Privacy Fence Has Been Installed!!!! Now We Are Praying for the Sod! Check out the new page dedicated to the project. Megan has been absolutely stunned by the ongoing efforts by the community to do an extreme home makeover for the family. Their home has always needed a lot of work, and Charlie always dreamed about making it a great place to raise their growing family, but they never had the funds to make it a reality. But now, his dreams are coming true because of the community's generosity. After Charlie passed away, over 20 companies and many individuals rallied to make this possible! Many of these projects were made possible by donations from people like you. Thank you so much! Since our Last update, we wanted to let you know that the Privacy Fence has been installed, and we have received a donation to build an outdoor shed! However, the company that pledged to do the sod in the yard has backed out. The Kansas City area has been in a drought, which has strained the sod business. However, we just had a really encouraging conversation with a new landscape company that is very interested in taking on the project! Please pray for this sod to get laid so Megan doesn't have to deal with the dirt and mud anymore! So far, Megan has not had to use any of her own money for this project! Incredible! Let's keep that going! Next, we need about $700 for a secondary outdoor shed for Megan's trash can's (since we are finishing her garage into a living space). 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! Beyond this list, there have been permits pulled and paid for and hours and hours of planning and coordination. Here is an updated flyer with the remaining materials cost we are seeking to raise: Priorities are: Pray the sod will get done! $700 for a small secondary outdoor shed $12k for the garage to living space remodel New Flooring or refinishing the flooring Paint You can also make a tax-deductible donation here.