mike @ heartland blog

Harvest Party On Sunday (Oct 18th)

2009-10-15T16:27:00.001-07:00

This Sunday is one more of the Heartland Family Fun series.

This week it's the Harvest Party At The Maarhuis Farm.

Rain or Shine come to the Maarhuis Farm at 49309 Chilliwack Central Rd

It all starts at 2:00pm

Pumpkin carving, hayride, weiner roast and more fun.

Please bring the following
- lawn chairs
- roasting food (ie weiners)
- roasting sticks
- juice or pop

Forgetfulness Part II

2009-09-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

The school district is more than supportive and helpful to us as tenants to their schools on Sundays. We have a great working relationship with them and the no show from the janitor last week really was unusual. They went out of their way to apologize and of course we are very appreciative for them and their support.

So last week we were ready after the outdoor service to see things sort of come back to normalicy. The janitor was there early to let us in and we started set up but we soon realized that we didn't have any speakers. It was my job to pick up the speakers on Saturday from the rental place, but .... so, we huddled again and decided to go completely unplugged. No amplification of sound.

The musicians were up for the challenge. Heather and Melanie were great. We moved the chairs all closer in and I as people arrived we tried to explain that we were going to be unplugged that morning. I was loosing my marbles and some people prayed for me and I was fine after that. The service started and it was again memorable.

I did go this week to the rental shop and I have the speakers and extra cables ready to go.

Hopefully, I or anyone else doesn't forget much this coming Sunday.

Forgetfulness

2009-09-24T10:02:00.001-07:00

With all our sound equipment gone, we had a few days to pull together some equipment for the upcoming Sunday gathering. Brian did a huge effort detailing stuff missing and renting enough equip for Sunday. Alex bought a new lock and put in extra hours following up on things.

Sunday came and there was a lot happening that morning. There was going to be a baptism, some testimonies, a pot-luck after the service -- just a whole lot of fun and good stuff - and add the edge of patching together a sound system.

I got to the school early at around 8:50 to get a jump on the setup. The janitor usually arrives at 8:55ish. But by 9:12 no janitor. Made a ton of calls to janitor and school district office - all answering machines. 9:16 we realize that we will not have access to the school. We huddled around and thought of our options. Mike DV had some generators and kevin went to pick them up. We found an outside hose tap to fill the tank for the baptism. Some extra tents showed up for shade. It was going to be an outside service on a hot day.

Brian patched the sound together using one generator and the other generator was used to keep the crock pots hot for the potluck.

The service was special and raw. Carina and Kyle professed their faith and Carina was baptised. Very emotional. It was a special morning. And the food after was great. Melanie did a great job co-ordinating all the social part of things.

It was quite something to see how people pitched in happily to make a difficult situation turn into something fun and very meaningful.

Welcome Coby Grace!

2009-09-24T09:56:00.000-07:00

Coby Grace was born into this world yesterday, Sept 23!

A new sister to Finn. Mom and Dad are doing great!

The Storage Bin Break-In

2009-09-21T12:20:00.000-07:00

Got a call last week Friday from the school that we rent on Sunday's, that our storage bin door was open. I was visiting with some other ministry people in Abbotsford and left the meeting early and drove to the school.

I called our setup team leader, Alex, and he got to the school before me and noticed that the bin door was open and all our sound gear was gone. Probably $15-20K worth of stuff. Sound board, speakers, monitors, cables, etc.

The church people are troubled that someone would be that desperate that they would need to steal from a church. We are more concerned for the people that needed to steal than we are the stuff that was taken. The church owned equipment will be replaced over time, but the people who stole the stuff are more valuable to us than the equipment.

The church has an insurance policy, but we are unsure how much of the equipment will be covered.

This is difficult news for us, as we are trying our best to help people. In just two days, this Sunday, we will be discussing as a church family how to help people in the community in a more intentional way. We are growing in this. This theft will give us more resolve to help others.

Bruins Chapels Start Today

2009-09-21T12:12:00.001-07:00

There are a lot of changes with the Chilliwack Bruins this year. With a new coaching staff and many new players, it has been educational for me to see the changes being rolled out.

I am very fortunate and grateful that the coaching staff does support the work of a chaplain with the team. They have been very gracious and supportive as we are getting to know each other.

This is my 4th year as the chaplain for the Chilliwack Bruins and after the season opener is when the first chapel is usually scheduled.

This year, the first chapel starts today at 5:00pm at the rink.

We bring in food (usually lots of protein and carbs) and I have a talk from scripture about life and hockey. There is often some lively discussion and prayer for the team at the end.

Can't wait for 5:00pm.

would make for a long wedding rehearsal

2009-07-23T22:11:00.000-07:00

Okay, I think this may change how we do rehearsals ...

Hope In Tragedy

2009-07-23T21:02:00.001-07:00

The phone rang and my son passed it to me, “It’s for you, Dad.” I had just sat down on the couch after an afternoon of Saturday yard work “Hello, this is Mike.”

A weak voice replied, “Can you come to the farm, there was an accident and Scott has been killed.” I heard the words, but everything in me didn’t want to believe them. Fifteen minutes later, I turned into the farm and saw the ambulance and yellow police tape circling the accident scene.

Before I turned the van off, I prayed, “Father, please help this family.” I picked up my Bible, opened the door, and began walking towards the farmhouse.

The police officer met me on the front yard and asked who I was. I told her I was the family’s pastor. “It’s good you are here,” she said. I asked her what happened and she replied that an accident took the young man’s life and he died instantly.

The words sunk in and the enormity of the situation began to take hold of me.

Scott was a close friend of ours. He was often in our home. I was his pastor. I noticed that his relationship with Jesus has been growing and he was making life choices that indicated his commitment to live in a God honoring way. He was 18.

Six days later, we buried Scott and the memorial service had over 1300 of his friends and family present.

The memorial service was about celebrating the life that God gave Scott and celebrating the work of God in Scott. We found hope when we turned to God who gave Scott life, who sent his own son to die for Scott and for others who would trust Jesus as their savior. The family has confidence that since Scott put his faith in Jesus as his Savior that he is now in heaven, with Jesus. In the middle of a horrific tragedy, the family has hope.

As a pastor I was deeply touched by the power of hope that Scott’s family held on to. Those who live for Jesus have hope that when our earthly body dies it is not the end, rather it is the beginning of living for eternity with Jesus in heaven. This we believe is where Scott is. With his heavenly Father.

Three days after the accident there was a bit of a strange weather system with the combination of sun, dark clouds and rain. I noticed a rainbow in the sky. The next day, I was at the farm with Scott’s father and the topic of the rainbow came up. He said there were actually two rainbows right next to the farm.

Do you know the biblical meaning of a rainbow? God made a promise, a covenant not to fill the entire earth with a flood again. The rainbow is a sign of Gods promise and it gives hope. There is an end to suffering.

It’s as if God was saying at that moment, “I know the loss is enormous, but Scott is all right, he isn’t suffering.” And maybe the second rainbow was for the family and for you and I. God is saying, “I am with you in your suffering, I am close to you and I will not forget you. Put your hope in me.”

- today is two months since the accident
- this was written for the Chilliwack Times

Scott Elzinga and Heartland Fellowship

2009-06-04T10:50:00.000-07:00

On the morning of Friday, May 29th 2009, the Elzinga family buried their son and brother, Scott Elzinga. Scott was 18 years of age and was tragically killed in a farm accident on May 23rd. The Celebration of Life service was held On May 29th at 1:30pm at 1st Avenue Church in Chilliwack.

More than 1200 people in a sea of orange were in attendance to remember Scott and remember the work of God in Scott's life.

Patt and Bouwe along with their three girls Hannah (Matt), Shanine (Chris) and Heidi invited everyone to the family farm for refreshments. Hundreds of people came and with them food. With a harp playing in the background, people visited, grieved and gave thanks to God for the life he gave Scott.

Scott was born on September 14, 1990, baptized on Oct 14, 1990 and professed his faith in Christ publically on Easter morning, 2006. Scott graduated from Unity Christian High School in 2008 and completed one year of college at Columbia Bible College where he played basketball.

Our Heartland family was shocked at the news of Scott's death. Scott was one of us and it is difficult to accept the reality that he is no longer with us. The day after the accident, we gathered for worship as a church family and surrounded the Elzinga's with our prayers and promises from God. It was an emotional and deep time of prayer, worship and hearing the word of God.

When people first heard the news, many people came to the farm right away. Food, offers of help and many loving hugs and tears were given. In the days that followed, the Heartland family was mobilized to help the Elzinga's. There were immediate needs (food and being present) along with short term needs - services and events to plan and the people of Heartland stopped their regular routines and helped and cared.

From my perspective as a pastor, I have never seen that deep and widespread expressions of care and mercy in my 15 years of ministry. So many took the initiative, self-organized, and gave. From my heart and the heart of the Elzinga's, thank-you Heartland!

During the viewing, on Thursday, May 28th at Woodlawn funeral home, the family gathered for prayer. We read together Isaiah 41:10

"So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Please continue to pray and seek ways to support the family in the long term. The family is coping with your prayer, but the road ahead of them will be difficult.

Scott Elzinga

2009-05-26T09:27:00.000-07:00

The Celebration of Life Service for Scott Elzinga will be held on Friday May 29, at 1:30pm at 1st Avenue Church in Chilliwack.

Grave Side Service is at 10:30am at Vedder View Gardens

Viewing is at Woodlawn Funeral Home on Thursday, May 28 from 7:30-9:00pm

Visit Scott's Rest In Peace Facebook memorial page here

Everyone is invited to the Elzinga's 47845 Lindell Rd., after the service for a time of fellowship. If you are attending, we are asking that you please bring a potluck dish, as well as your own plate,cutlery, and lawnchairs. Refreshments will be provided.

Worship Back For A Nickel

2009-05-02T21:54:00.000-07:00

Worship back for a nickel. Funny and interesting. Could offend.

Monday/Tuesday

2009-04-14T08:24:00.000-07:00

The weekend that was: For me, the week before Easter is the most intense and heavy week of the year. I think the thoughts and reality of why there needs to be a cross brings the heaviness. Also, the realization that as a pastor you need to lead people into the right mindset of Good Friday and then Easter - the two most important days on the Calendar - adds some pressure and thus the intensity. On Easter Sunday, after the service, the VK Fam loaded up the van and went to my sister's place and we had a fun family time - great food and people that I love. It's Tuesday am right now and I feel hopeful and I'm looking forward to the next couple of months.

Where I am at the moment: At home. Just brought the kids to school, sky is blue, and the smells of spring are in the air.

Procrastinating about: Not going to tell you, then maybe it won't be procrastinating :-)

Book I’m in the midst of: I just finished a surfing book called "The Big Drop" stories about big wave surfing - Mavericks, Jaws, Waimea etc. I picked up my Amazon order and in it are a number of books: Two by Richard Rohr, two by John Calvin, Laird Hamilton (another surfing book), and by Neil Cole.

Music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: Cold play, Chris Tomlin, Abba.

How I’m feeling about this week: Really looking forward to this week. I'm working on a new series on Heart Transformation. I'll be at a prayer retreat today and tomorrow with some other CRC pastors and Levi and I have planned an overnight surf trip to Westport Washington on Friday/Saturday.

best interview ever, really

2009-02-26T14:48:00.000-08:00

got this from scott

Goalies and Burgers

2009-02-24T08:30:00.001-08:00

I don't like the golden arches but do like the 'tude of this little guy!

Bruins Faith Night 09

2009-02-23T13:49:00.001-08:00

Faith Night 09 was on Friday, February 20th when the Bruins hosted the Rockets.

It was worth all the effort leading up to the event. This was my first large event that I was a part of - the Bruins staff put on one every home game. I am amazed at how much work goes into putting on a WHL hockey game. There are the rink operations staff, the Bruins staff, people that we brought in from the community to promote their cause and the band Sterr who provided great music for us. It was a lot of co-ordinating for everyone.

I was left with so many impressions. The Bruins staff were wonderful. They wanted to make this event positive for everyone and they went out of their way to do so. Thanks Barry, Derek, Vanni, Jacob, Andrea, Janice, Zelda, Robbie and Randy. The coaches, Jim and Dan were very supportive and assisted us with the players when we needed to have their involvement.

The causes/agencies that came in to promote their cause, they were all very positive about how things went for them. MCC, Worldvision, Salvation Army, Hungry for Life, BC Teen Challenge, Stoney Creek Expeditions, Unity Christian School were terrific to work with and I'm so glad they were all there. Hopefully they will be back and maybe be able to have an additional 4-8 more causes/agencies.

The Prospera staff were very helpful and wanted to make this event a positive one and their contributions certainly paved the way. Thanks Lars, Greg (and his staff) and Willa.

Heartland was tremendous in giving me the permission and blessing to be involved with Faith Night. Many too were at the game.

Looking forward to Faith Night 2010.

Complexity of Issues Surrounding Homelessness

2009-02-05T08:20:00.000-08:00

A blog I read regularily - Jordon Cooper - has a great article about the complexity of big picture solutions to homelessness. He works for the Salvation Army two provinces to the right.

This is worth reading:

I was recently with the Inner City Council of Churches giving a presentation on homelessness. It was a good time and at the end of the talk, there was a Q & A time where someone said, "While we all want to do something, we don’t have the resources or the expertise to do all of it. We need to get behind and support those that do have the expertise." It was a nice thought and I appreciate the encouragement and support of the churches in the inner city of Saskatoon. They deal with the same clients that we do and have similar experiences.

more here

Mason and Baja Fresh and Homeless In LA

2009-02-02T12:16:00.000-08:00

I love Baja fresh and the two fish tacos were just off the grill as I sat down outside. I had two wonderful bites when an older gentleman walked around the corner and we both noticed each other. He had layers of clothes, soiled ball cap, and walked slowly. "Do you think they serve beer in there now?" he asked. This was a fast food place without a liquor license. "I don't think they do yet." I replied. "Would you have some spare change for a 62 year old to buy some food?" he asked. I welcomed the company, "No change, but I have a fish taco here and if you'd like to sit down with me and we can have lunch together."

He told me his name is Mason and that 15 years ago he was married and had kids, but life became tough and he took off. He disappeared for over 6 years and when he came back on the grid, he no longer had a drivers license, birth certificate and he found out that he was actually dead - not really but considered. So, here he was ready to try life again and he didn't exists. He said he served in Vietnam, had a degree in computer technology, but his eye site was so bad he can't see the screen. He tried to get his disability checks going again, but the paper work without any ID was too tough. He is trying to get his old age security going, but it is proving to be really tough. So, he is living hand to mouth and having lunches with strangers who are eating alone.

Mason is one of tens of thousands of people in the Los Angeles area who are living on the streets. Many of their stories have common themes, hardship, addictions, and handicaps with no options - so it seems. Mason's friendly outgoing personality is serving him well. So many are much worse off. He did like fish tacos (which makes him a brother in my books), said they were one of his favorites. I didn't need all the food anyways.

Glad to have met Mason.

LA Homeless Count 09

2009-01-29T08:43:00.000-08:00

I'm staying at a friend's place in Bellflower and he was the site lead for the Bellflower area Greater Los Angeles Homeless count - aka HC09. I tagged along and passed out brochures and drank coffee.

The HC happens every two years and it helps understand the scope of homelessness and gives the bedrock info to bring in federal, state, and local funding for services.

There was 14 routes and about 40 volunteers came to help. It's a massive effort LA county is huge and it was broken down into sections and streets. Our work was a small part of what was going on for 3 consecutive days all through LA.

Volunteers came, received training and left with a clipboard that had their map with tally sheets. Some walked, some drove and it was intentionally done in the winter and at night to get a feel of the scope of the issues involved.

The tally's included individuals, families, vehicles and encampments.

The idea was to keep a respectful distance but to make observations and judgements as to who was homeless. The training included indicators such as wearing many layers of clothing, in poor physical condition, sleeping orlying down on the ground or on a bench. We were to look for blankets on the windows of cars, cars packed with belongings, fogged up windows or campers/RV's in disrepair.

There county dispatched security who were with counters and on call in case there was any issues during the count.

It was a bit chaotic and organized at the same time. Everyone was invested in the project and there was volunteers, health care professionals, county deputies, and security all involved from what I could see. High school students doing service work hours and others just wanting to help - ages 16 to 60 were involved.

It took from about 7 to midnight to complete the project, but it was a vital project for agencies who advocate for the homeless.

Buy Bruins Tickets and Help Build A House For Homeless Oaxacans

2009-01-19T19:15:00.000-08:00

Friday, January 23rd, the Chilliwack Bruins take on the Kelowna Rockets. Game time 7:00pm.

In partnership with the Bruins, Heartland Youth are selling game tickets as a fund raiser for a trip we are planning this summer down the Baja of Mexico to build a house for a homeless Oaxacan family.

Game tickets are $14/each.

We also have raffle tickets for a David Robinson game worn jersey (1st prize) and a team signed hockey stick (2nd prize).

Raffle tickets are $2/each.

Support a great cause and purchase game tickets and raffle tickets.

Raffle draw will be following the 2nd period.

email me "mikevkshema at yahoo.com" if you want to help

Chilliwack Flood Relief and Volunteer Information

2009-01-15T13:52:00.001-08:00

If you are wondering what you can do to help flood victims here in the Chilliwack area, here is some info that can help you get connected.

From Leonard Klassen the MDS BC Unit Chair:

Samaritan’s Purse and Mennonite Disaster Service are excited to announce to churches that they are partnering together in providing clean-up assistance to those impacted by the flood and mudslides in the Fraser Valley. Both agencies are cooperating fully with each other, and with other agencies active in the recovery effort.

What can you do to help?
1. Pray.

2. Please encourage members of your congregation to volunteer (please publish this need in your bulletin). Anyone who wishes to volunteer can call 604-393-3901 (volunteer centre in Greendale). Even more efficient is to appoint one person in your congregation to organize a group of volunteers to serve together.

3. Anyone who is requesting assistance should contact the Resiliency Centre in Chilliwack to complete the necessary forms (604-824-8206, Unit 434 44550 South Sumas Road, Chilliwack). Please also remind them of the assistance that MDS and SP are willing to provide.

Any questions can be directed to Leonard Klassen (MDS BC Unit Board Chair) 604-855-2542 mdsbc@mds.mennonite.net or Andy Northrup (Samaritan’s Purse) 604-393-3901.

Pink In The Bruin's Rink

2009-01-14T09:07:00.000-08:00

The Bruins was pink in the rink last night - creating awareness and raising funds for cancer. It was a tremendous night (if you ignore the score of the game).

So many things went well. There was no question what the theme was when you walked in the door. Pink ties, pink shirts, pink trucker hats, and pink hoodies. Most of the 4,800 crowd had pink on. Then there were the skin head wanna-be's. There was a shave-your-head station (thanks Michelle) and people could donate money and get their head shaved. During the first intermission, four of our own shaved their heads at center ice- Derek, Barry, Matt, and Vanni. Vanni had the most to loose, Barry the least. Andrea - who just finished treatments and is a huge part of the Bruins organization - was shaving heads and loving every minute of it. Some of the players were using pink Easton sticks that were auctioned off and raised hundreds for cancer.

Cancer is something that has touched all our lives. I lost my mom 20 years ago. I observed the road from diagnosis to treatments to hair loss, to loss of life. It is so tragic and I think that is why so many of us empathize and show up for nights like Pink In The Rink. There is a story about one of the players, Andy Smith, who cancer has affected profoundly.

It takes a huge push and massive planning to put on an event this large and far reaching. I know the Chilliwack Bruins staff have been working on this since this summer, at least that is when I first saw the loud pink Easton stick in the office.

Great work everyone. Great cause. It touched us all.

Try This

2009-01-07T13:45:00.000-08:00

This is to much, over the top. Wow.

wingsuit base jumping from Ali on Vimeo.

tithing .... from threat to thrill

2009-01-07T12:51:00.000-08:00

We are going to have a fresh look at what the bible teaches about tithing.

We at Heartland believe in the life principle of tithing - giving 10% of your income to God.

So many people are for giving and being generous, but when you bring up the topic of tithing, heads go down, feet shuffle and it goes quiet. Odd response to something that is intended to be a thrilling principle for Christians.

I think people see tithing as threatening rather than thrilling. Threatening to what they have, to their plans, to their theology to their status quo. If people could see the huge benefit to them personally behind tithing and test it and experience the thrill of it, many more would adopt this biblical direction.

TIm Tam Slam

2008-12-23T14:26:00.000-08:00

Well Matt is home and the house is filled with new music, old friends and late night sessions.

We picked up Matt from Vancouver airport. His flight was scheduled to arrive at 11:30pm, but came in at 12:30am instead. After getting his luggage we were on the road home at 1:15am.

He was insistent on stopping at Super Store to get some Tim Tams. I had no idea what they were. It was a little late, so with some gentle persuasion and promises of going the next day, he was okay with not stopping. We got home and when I crawled into bed I looked at the clock and it was 3:15am. Short night.

The next day, Matt passionately introduced us to possibly the best snack food ev'arr - the Tim Tam Slam.

Tim Tam Slam 101

1. You make a cup of hot chocolate - not too hot.

2. Take a Tim Tam, either variety will do. Bite off a small piece of one corner, flip it to the opposite end and bite off another small piece off of an opposite corner.

3. Place the modified corner of your Tim Tam in your mouth. You will have about 1/8 of the Tim Tam in your mouth at this point.

4. Place the opposite end of the Tim Tam in the cup of hot chocolate facing down. Dip in about 2 centimeters deep.

5. Produce a sucking action and notice the fluid flowing upwards through the modified Tim Tam into your mouth - similar to what a straw may do.

6. Once you sense the fluid entering your mouth, stop sucking and quickly place the whole Tim Tam in your mouth. Enjoy. WARNING: if you do not stop immediately and delay putting it in your mouth the Tim Tam will self destruct all over the counter. Not good and not to mention a huge waste of a Tim Tam.

7. If you have followed all the above steps you are successful. Welcome to the Tim Tam Slam club! Only a few have made it this far. Congratulations.

If the above was confusing, here is an instructional video on how to do a Tim Tam Slam!

Covenant Eyes

2008-12-09T16:57:00.000-08:00

I'm a user of covenant eyes --accountability software for the Mac (it's also available for the pc).

It doesn't filter or even slow down my computer, but it works in the background to log internet usage onto their server. Then once a week it sends it to my accountability partner - which is my wife Patti. Hit a questionable site and it flags it. Hit something on the edge and it flags it. Hit something you don't think is on the edge but is, it will flag it. It's relentless.

Once covenant eyes is installed, you can't get on the internet without first logging in and you can't uninstall it without getting an uninstall code. If you ask for one, they notify your accountability partner.

It provides peace of mind and accountability - both of which I need.