A newsletter connecting people, their faces & stories, to build
relationships at ChristChurch Presbyterian, Atlanta, GA
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WINTER
2010
God who said, “Let light shine out
of darkness” made His light shine
in my heart to give me
the light of the knowledge of the
glory of God in the face of Christ.
But I have this treasure
in an earthen vessel to show that
this all-surpassing power is from
God and not from me.
adapted from 2 Corinthians 4:6-7
Your grace is sufficient for me,
for Your power is made perfect in
weakness. Therefore, I will
boast all the more gladly in my
weaknesses, that the power of
Christ may rest upon me. There-
fore, I can be content in weak-
nesses, in insults, in hardships, in
persecutions, in difficulties, for
Christ’s sake. For when I am weak,
then I am strong.
adapted from 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
EDITORIAL STAFF FOR THE CONNECTOR
Editor: Ida Bell
Writers: Mellissa Dickinson, Betsy Long,
Bob Burnham, Aaron Jeffrey, Ann Robertson
Photographers: Bobbi Jo Brooks, Kristin Timm
Graphic Designers: Ben Rupp, Elise Ziegenbein
THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD SHINING IN UKRAINE
Ukraine can be dismal—especially in winter! Bitter cold and weeks without sun only
reflect the gloom and malaise that dominate the culture. Consider that:
• Corruption is rampant. A recent survey revealed that half the Ukrainians who received medical
treatment last year paid bribes for it.
• The average woman has six abortions in her life.
• Nearly 75% of marriages end in divorce.
• Ukraine has the highest rate of HIV/AIDS infection in Europe.
• Odessa is a haven for human trafficking (women and children).
• The country is still in devastating economic crisis.
• Perverted gender roles encourage men to be brutal and unfaithful and women to be anorexic
and despairing of self-respect.
Where does the average Ukrainian turn for hope? Many
turn to a bottle. TIME recently reported that more than half of all
deaths in Russia are alcohol-related (compared to 3% globally).
Others merely give up. Former Soviet states have the highest sui-
cide rates in the world.
But there is hope. Though the darkness is pervasive, it can-
not overcome the True Light.
For 15 years, MTW missionaries have been striving to
further God’s Kingdom by establishing a Presbyterian denomina-
tion in Ukraine. In 2007, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of
Ukraine became independent, with 12 churches planted across
Ukraine. In each one, dozens of men, women, and youth who have
found hope and new life through Jesus are taking the good news
into their work places, schools, and neighborhoods. ChristChurch
has been a major partner in this work as our first (and most finan-
cially generous!) supporting church. Bob Burnham leads MTW’s
Church in Ukraine with Christian
worshippers. church-planting team in Odessa, and his wife Andrea ministers to
women in the community.
Change comes slowly, though. Investment in people for
eternity takes time. The Russians have a saying: “We cannot con-
sider ourselves good friends until we’ve shared a pound of salt
together” (assuming you use a dash of salt with each meal). It
took months for Andrea and Bob to win the trust of Tatiana, a lo-
cal shop employee who was beaten by her husband. With anoth-
er friend, Natasha, it was eight years before her grace-awakening
took place. Marriages that have seen years of dysfunction don’t
turn around overnight, even with biblical counseling.
Challenges abound. Recently, a church-plant lost their
meeting place and was forced to worship in the pastor’s apart-
ment. Bob, an avid photographer, came up with the idea to rent
space for the dual function as a Family Photography Center dur-
ing the week (facilitating relationships with local families) and a
church on weekends.
Through contacts like these, the Light of the world is
slowly spreading throughout Ukraine. It’s a work in progress.
Please pray for God’s guidance and blessing.
To receive the Burnhams’ monthly newsletters, you The Burnham family, our missionaries in Ukraine.
may sign up at www.BurnhamSnapshot.com. Back row: Bob and Andrea; Front, l to r: Abigail,
9, Emily, 7, Iris, 5.
~Bob Burnham
THE CONNECTOR - CHRISTCHURCH PRESBYTERIAN - WINTER 2010
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DEACONS Home Fellowship Group>>
Curtis Brown
Ryan Duncan NORTHRIDGE/DUNWOODY: BILL & BETSY LONG
Charles Flanary
Patrick Graffagnino “Fellowship” is the operative word that describes the Northridge/Dunwoody Home Fellowship
Harold Henry Group. We began meeting five years ago at the home of Glyn and Hilarie Jones. When they moved
Sean Henry away, we changed location to Bill and Betsy Long’s home (AKA “Wild Kingdom,” so named for its
Holcombe Kelley setting within a National Park in the Northridge/400 area).
David McBride Our group of between 14-18 might more aptly be named “The Baby Boomer Home Fel-
Jeff Perkins lowship.” Most of the regular attendees have grown children in various stages of college, marriage,
Mark Presley and families. Some of us are enjoying young grandchildren while caring for aging parents. Because
Aaron Stewart of the unique challenges of this stage of life, we are so fortunate to have one another to learn from,
Ben Smith
pray for, and support.
Our time together begins with a deli-
ELDERS cious dinner supplied by all. At the first meeting
of the new year, we had a chili cook-off with five
Charlie Baxter
yummy variations, along with all the trimmings!
Bob Fowler
Chuck Francis We take our time around the dining table getting
Craig Hoffer caught up on each other’s lives, discussing theol-
Pete Jackson ogy or politics, or telling stories. For the remain-
Paul Joseph ing time, we gather around the fire and share spe-
Chris Mardis cific prayer requests and report on how God has
Trent McEntyre answered earlier or ongoing prayers. It has been
Danny McKinney such a blessing to see God at work in each of our
Paul Quiros lives through the last several years.
Mike Riggs We would love to welcome anyone, of
Randy Stair any age or stage, to join us in Northridge/Dun-
To welcome the new year, everyone enjoyed a chili buffet
woody on the 2nd and 4th Sunday evenings from at the Long’s home. l to r: Ken & Jeannine Kott, Beryl
STAFF 6-8 pm. For more information, call Betsy Long at Fowler, Cathy Friesen, Kathy & Randy Stair, Bob
Senior Pastor > Paul Gardner 770-587-1363 or email bettsmom@aol.com. Fowler.
Pastor for Congregational Life > ~Betsy Long
Pete Jackson
Director of Music & Arts > Greg Hill STUDENTS AT GEORGIA TECH TASTE AND SEE THAT
Youth Pastor > Nathan Parker GOD IS GOOD
Office Manager > Robin Parten
Assistant to Paul Gardner > Christy Do you long to know the love, truth, power and beauty of God? Are you eager to belong to a
Yakovlev vibrant, Christ-centered community? Lori White arrived at Georgia Tech nearly four years ago. She,
Administrative Assistant > Elise like so many others, had questions: Does Christian faith and practice make any real difference to
Ziegenbein
me? Is the good news about Jesus real? Is the Bible reliable and does science disprove Christian
Assistant to Greg Hill > Beryl Fowler
Children’s Ministry > Stephanie belief? Is God good? She longed to taste and see God’s goodness and come to terms with her
Holby beliefs.
College Ministry > Trent McEntyre Today, Lori is preparing to work as an intern for Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) at
College Intern > Nagib Hermes Georgia Tech. God faithfully revealed His lavish goodness to her. His reality hit home as she, from
Mercy > Curtis Brown the very start, experienced belonging within the RUF community.
Missions > John Robertson
Lori received unearned and undeserved acceptance and love within RUF, which showed
Women’s Ministry > Jane Carter
Young Adults Ministry > Jeff Shaw & her a reflection of the character of the One they worship. She experienced real relationship. Later,
Anna Eubanks she even met her fiancé, Nathan, while serving the campus community side-by-side with RUF. Lori
Ministry Facilitator > Bria Washington appreciates the authenticity displayed in the lives of RUF students – being real about sin and en-
thusiastic about grace and hope in Christ.
RUF is a question-provoking community at Georgia Tech
TITHES & OFFERINGS that gives students space to wrestle with life’s hard questions.
September 1, 2009–December 31, They stand as a sign of God’s presence, a foretaste of how things
2009 will be when Christ returns, and a participating agent in His mis-
sion. Rev. Aaron Jeffrey and his wife, Amy (daughters, Payton &
Annual budget for above dates: Sarah), planted and have been serving with RUF at Georgia Tech
$735,617 for three and a half years. They have enjoyed pace-setting in the
establishment of cooperative efforts between Christian minis-
Actual tithes and offerings rceived:
tries at Georgia Tech. They are grateful for ChristChurch, whose
$730,354
partnership allows them to witness God at work - bringing stu-
dents to know, love and follow Jesus and, like Lori, taste and see
Shortfall in giving for above dates:
that He is good.
-$5,263 Amy and Aaron Jeffrey
~Aaron Jeffrey
THE CONNECTOR - CHRISTCHURCH PRESBYTERIAN - WINTER 2010
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OUR MISSIONARIES SEND SNAPSHOTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

East Asia ( ): A believing student was able to give a presentation on “The Book” in a university
class. “Classmates and professor were very into it . . . nodding and taking notes . . . pray for them.”

Atlanta: David and Cindy, members of ChristChurch who have long been involved in cross-cultural work,
have been invited by a church in Queens, New York to develop a team in their multi-ethnic neighborhood.
Please pray for all aspects of this transition.

Mexico: ”Reaching Students for Christ and Equipping Students to Serve,” Peter Dishman (MTW/RUF) con-
tinues to teach, serve, work, and play with students at UNAM, the largest university in Latin America. Peter was
joined by Steve Robertson, church planter in Guadalajara, (also supported by ChristChurch) for a fall retreat
centered around the theme, “Lost in the Middle of the Movie.” Both these missionaries covet prayer support for
the ministries God has called them to.
Thailand ( ):
): “Little Prik-khii-nus” is the word for a tiny, but very potent, Thai pepper. Since
children are also tiny, but potent, the MTW team in Bangkok chose “PKN” as the theme of their Christ-focused,
fun-filled day camp. After singing, learning God’s word, doing art projects, visiting a museum, swimming, and
a very hot field day, the children went home singing of the God of the universe. Please pray that God would
own the hearts of these “little peppers” and that He would use them as keys to win their families for Christ.

Bosnia (Bosna): Nathan Dicks reports, “Despite hospitalization, sickness, power-outages, and other dif-
ficulties, our team has continued to build relationships with several students who have genuine interest in the
truth of Scripture. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this!”

East Asia ( ): John Gunter reports, “Recently, as I was visiting with a team in this city, they men-
tioned a day hike at a local mountain that they had organized. As they hiked, they utilized the time to share
about what it means to be a Christian. By the end of the day, eight of the college students, many of whom had
been hearing the Gospel from their friends, decided to place their faith in Christ. . . Amazing that the Lord used
a day hike to bring eight students into the kingdom!”
On a campus where Christians have endured severe persecution and even incarceration in the past, a team has been getting
out, making friends, and sharing the message of Christ’s salvation in one-on-one situations. They have seen 15 students become Chris-
tians. “Honestly, in addition to these highlights, there have also been very challenging, even stressful, times and events. I say this to
let you know that even with all of the highlights I often share, there are always stressors, pressures, and conflicts that are constantly
present. . . I mention this to ask for your ongoing prayers against the natural struggles that come with our jobs and lives. Couched in the
excitement of seeing God work in East Asia are always stressors, strains, even tears and sleepless nights. Please pray for wisdom and
protection from the daily grind of life in helping to lead this ministry in this historically spiritually and politically suppressed region.”

Peru: David Larson’s float plane landed on the Pisqui River near a remote village, called “New Eden” be-
cause of its beauty. He then jumped into a dugout canoe and headed downstream to a village where a new
church for speakers of the Shipibo language was to be inaugurated. During the celebration, which lasted three
full days, David was able to preach (with a translator!) for an hour on Hebrews 11 and Ephesians 2. At the end
of the festivities, nine people professed faith in Christ and others were renewed in their commitment. For more
information, check out David’s blog, http://dlinperu.Blogspot.com/.

Atlanta: Al LaCour, former pastor of ChristChurch, celebrates over five years of ministry with RUF Interna-
tional at Georgia Tech. He shares a few of the life/ministry lessons he has learned:

Al and Elaine prayed for ways to relate to students younger than their own children, and God reminded them: accept your
gospel dignity in Christ, but walk on the ground as a servant leader.
In 2004 a Chinese scholar invited Al to row with him in a dragon boat race. Rubbing shoulders with members of the National
Association of Chinese-Americans led to an opportunity to speak to a group of over 200 internationals.

Lesson: Just pick up a paddle. See where the Lord will take you.
At RUFI’s weekly Dinner and Discovery meetings, local Christians lead discussions for 50-75 international scholars. After
looking at John 14, one student asked, “Do you mean Jesus has the key to heaven?”

Lesson: When you help others discover the gospel, you get renewed in the gospel.
To learn more about RUF International, go to www.internationalbuzz.org.

THE CONNECTOR - CHRISTCHURCH PRESBYTERIAN - WINTER 2010

4

ChristChurch Missions Emphasis 2010

(Snapshots of just some of the missionaries supported by ChristChurch)

David
Larson

Hunter & Abbie Bailey

Ben &
Wendy Moeller Dawn
Greg Ashworth Robertson

Jesse &
Sophie Bentley

Lauren Potter

Josh & Taylor Irby

Jonathan &
Ashley Trousdale
Lauren Potter
Becca Gartrell

Aaron & Amy Jeffrey

Kennan &
Rebecca Hall Chandra Crane

Peter Dishman
Steve & Amy Tim &
Robertson Becky
McKeown Al & Elaine
LaCour
Justina Dix

Trent & Emily

McEntyre
Danny & Christy
McKinney
Jim &
Carin
Fredere

Tim &
Rhianna
Nathan Dicks Bob & Andrea Burnham Mills
 5
WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS!
EMILY EDWARDS
Emily Edwards is a native Atlantan and has never wanted to leave. She became a Christian at age 7, but really started
seeking a more personal relationship with Christ in high school. She is so thankful for Christian parents who have always
been able to teach and encourage her with Scripture. Emily was introduced to ChristChurch through a friend and has been
attending for just over 2 years. Currently a nursing student at Georgia State University, Emily loves to travel and be active
outdoors, and also enjoys painting, drawing, and playing the piano.

MARK JENSEN
Mark Jensen grew up all over the West Coast: Denver, Colorado; Portland, Oregon; and Anchorage, Alaska (in his own words,
that’s “the Promised Land,” “God’s Country,” and “a God-blessed block of ice”). Mark grew up thinking he was a Christian,
but did not have a true relationship with Christ. At the age of 15, God’s Word opened his heart and he decided to change
his lifestyle, but had difficulty without any true understanding of the gospel. At age 18, his heart once again longed for
Christ, and God worked in his heart and mind. He had the opportunity to move to Atlanta and felt that was God’s will for
him. He has been blessed with solid Christian friends who have taught and encouraged him to live for Christ. Mark heard
about ChristChurch through Reformed University Fellowship at Kennesaw State University, where he is currently studying
finance. He works for UPS Capital, the financial services arm of UPS. Mark is married to Janna (formerly Larson) whom he met at Christ-
Church. They are exploring opportunities in full-time foreign missions.

KATIE KELLER
Katie Keller grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida, where she was involved with the high school ministry Young Life, through
which she became a Christian. She moved to Atlanta to attend college at Emory University. While she was a student at
Emory, Katie became close to a family that attended ChristChurch. Hearing such great things about CCP, Katie started
attending two years ago. She is encouraged every week by the Biblical teaching and fellowship. Katie is a middle school
Bible teacher and enjoys spending time with her students.

JAKE LEVEE
Originally from New Orleans, Jake Levee moved to Atlanta after graduating from Auburn University in 2001. He grew
up in a PCA church, but found himself living his life in direct conflict with Christianity. He woke up one Sunday feeling a
strong desire to find a church. He searched online and found that ChristChurch was nearby, so he visited and listened as
Dr. Gardner preached. Jake’s desire to follow God grew daily, and while he can’t point to a specific date or time, he realized
that God had worked in his heart. He has been attending ChristChurch since 2008 and is encouraged by so many sincere
believers at our church. Jake works as a telecommunications broker, though you may notice him moonlighting as a drum-
mer during our Sunday worship services. Jake is engaged to Jennifer Santana, and they will be married on April 10, 2010.

TIM AND LAURA LOVE

Tim and Laura Love met while participating in a summer mission trip to Ethiopia, and have now been married four and a
half years. Tim recently graduated from medical school in Miami, and they relocated to Atlanta for Tim to begin his general
surgery residency at Emory University. Laura is a social worker and works for a Christian adoption agency coordinating
domestic and international adoptions. Tim and Laura both came to know Christ at a young age and were raised in Christian
homes. They found ChristChurch as they searched for a new church home in Atlanta and have been tremendously blessed
by the CCP community. In the future, Tim and Laura hope to pursue a long term ministry in medical missions overseas.

CHRIS POYO
Chris Poyo grew up in nearby Marietta and went to school at UGA. After graduation, he began working in Atlanta in the
banking industry, but after some time decided to quit banking and enrolled full-time at Reformed Theological Seminary,
where he is currently working on his Masters in Divinity. After visiting various churches in Atlanta, Chris settled at Christ-
Church and has been regularly attending for about 6 months. Chris plays in a competitive soccer league in town. He is an
avid reader and a huge fan of coffee.

JENNIFER SANTANA
Jennifer Santana is a Floridian transplant, having moved to Atlanta 2 years ago for family and career reasons. She started
attending ChristChurch in February 2008 with Jake Levee – now her fiancé. Jenn was raised in a Christian home but at-
tended a church with teaching that left her feeling discouraged and incapable of achieving the standards of being a Chris-
tian. She left the church at age 17 and had no interest in anything about Jesus or organized religion. She focused her life
on education, career, and the things in life that she thought would make her happy, but despite all that, Jenn found herself
dealing with a broken marriage, a young child, and a difficult financial situation. In desperation, she cried out to God for
help. Unbeknownst to her, He was already pointing her in the right direction as she moved to Atlanta and met Jake. He brought her to
ChristChurch and pointed her to Scripture. Jenn was glad to learn that her salvation was in Jesus alone. She is encouraged and refreshed
by the body of CCP and enjoys teaching that is Scripture-based. Jenn works for an IBM Business Partner in a sales support role; she also
loves to sing and participates in the worship ensemble. She has a 5 year old son, Alexander, and a mini-poodle named Louie.

MOLLY SCOTT
Molly Scott grew up in Atlanta and lived in Dalton before moving back to Atlanta during the summer of 2009 for a new job
and to be closer to her family. Molly heard about ChristChurch through Emily Edwards’ sister and started coming to church
events with Emily; she quickly felt comfortable at CCP. Molly grew up in a Christian home, but felt like her personal rela-
tionship with Christ grew tremendously throughout her high school and college days. At ChristChurch she has been blessed
to learn from the testimonies of others and has been encouraged by the CCP family. Molly teaches 4th and 5th grade at
Atlanta Classical Christian School, and has a dog named Jack. Her latest endeavor - learning how to cook!
6

THE LAST WORD

WINTER 2010

It should be every Christian’s greatest joy to be involved in outreach and mission for Christ,
whether we are artists, engineers or pastors! Yet it’s my experience that this joy needs renewing regularly to keep
it “fresh” in our hearts and minds. Our involvement will be different depending on our calling, our age in life,
and so on. But we can all be truly involved in prayer, and many of us in our giving as we give to and through our
church. One of the joys of ChristChurch is that a surprising number of us serve in full time missions abroad and at
home. Keeping in touch with, listening to, and praying for our missionaries can also help enthuse us for the Lord.
Every spring at ChristChurch we take some extra time to think about and pray for the missions and many
missionaries we support. This year, on Sundays January 31 and February 7, we are privileged to have the Rever-
end Professor Douglas Kelly visiting us from Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC.
Many will have read works by Doug Kelly. Some will have heard him speak or lecture. He has a passion for
the Lord and for mission and we are so looking forward to having him with us during this season of emphasis on
missions. Doug will be preaching both weeks for us in our morning services and taking part in the International
Dinner on the evening of January 31, as well as our evening service on February 7.
Doug is one of those rare breeds that used to be called a “polyglot”! He is fluent in a number of different
languages and is currently involved in a new translation of Calvin’s Old Testament commentaries. But don’t get
the wrong impression! He is wonderfully personable, incredibly knowledgeable about the world in which our
missionaries serve, and a great speaker.
I hope we will all make a point of attending prayer meetings, the International Dinner, and services during
those two weeks. Mission has always been at the heart of ChristChurch and we want to keep it that way as more
and more of our congregation commit to the ministry, either in this country or abroad.

~Paul Gardner
Senior Pastor of ChristChurch

THE LAST WORD

CHRISTCHURCH ATLANTA
SANCTUARY: 81 Peachtree Park Dr. NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
OFFICES: 1740 Peachtree St. NW,
Atlanta, GA 30309

ChristChurchAtlanta.org “The battle

PHONE: 404-605-0505
is won
through bowed
hearts knees.” &
THE CONNECTOR - CHRISTCHURCH PRESBYTERIAN - WINTER 2010