New Book: "Primal"

Author and Pastor, Mark Batterson

In Primal, Mark Batterson strips away every distraction and complication, focusing on the essence of Christianity, the Great Commandment. Batterson explores the foundational elements of loving God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind.

And when you learn how to love God with everything you have, it'll drastically transform your life...and probably your world. So start 2010 with a bang - grab this new book and start your journey right away.

This book is an invitation to become part of a national and global movement. Why not rediscover the compassion, wonder, curiosity and energy that turned the world upside down two thousand years ago. Listen...you too can have primal Christianity!

You can locate this book from WaterBrook Multnomah:
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601421319

This book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Special Moments in December, 2009

Tammy, my award-winning sweetheart!!!

Annual Christmas Quiz...

John, Winner of the Quiz...and his prize!

Kristy and Candy...Tied for 2nd Place!

Intense ping-pong games...

Check out Eric's competitive form!!

Jonathan & Myric

Bride & Groom and part of the Andreasen Clan

December is one of the great months of the year. This one is no exception. Plus, it has been highlighted with several great moments thus far as well.

First of all, I am very proud of my awesome wife Tammy! On December 2nd she was presented with the Professional of the Year Award by the Arc of Bartholomew County. The Professional of the Year Award is presented to an individual employed in the field of serving individuals with developmental disabilities and whose work has resulted in improvement in supports and services for people with disabilities and their families. Tammy was honored for positively influencing the attitudes and thinking of other professionals as well as the general public.

My wife is the Autism Coordinator Assistant for BCSC and has worked in this position for the past 3 years. These comments were included by the staff and students that Tammy works with and was included in the presentation of the award:

• She was described as "an amazing individual. She truly implements person-centered supports to achieve the most inclusive outcome possible for all BCSC students she works with."
  
• "The students call her Mrs. A and smile every single time they see her."
• "Tammy can think and act on the spot like nobody you have ever seen...the hours spent on planning are endless, but she NEVER complains...her ability to remain calm in all situations is invaluable."
• "Tammy's professionalism rises above all issues...she inspires me to want to be better at my job and to be a better person!"

As you probably have already guessed, I married "up" when I married Tammy back in August of 1987. She is one of a kind and I am so happy to be her husband...even after 22+ years!! I love you babe!

December is also the month Tammy and I host my "Staff & Board Christmas Party." This past Friday night we welcomed all of our staff members and their spouses, plus our board members and their wives too! What a wonderful night we enjoyed together! There was awesome food, lots of laughter, great times of fellowship, loads of fun with my annual Christmas games, plus the Annual Pastor's Scavenger Hunt (you gotta ask who won this year!)...and Tammy's custom-created gift for every member too.

Since we've recently finished our basement off it was also great to enjoy some competitive ping pong games as well (and no, I wasn't on the winning doubles team either...you'll have to ask who won that too!). I'm blessed to have some great leaders working with me. Only 12 more months until we host the next Christmas Party...

Lastly, we just returned from attending our nephew's wedding in Lincoln, Illinois. This is the first wedding on the Andreasen side for one of the grandkids. Jonathan is the oldest Andreasen child and he married Myric this past Saturday @ 4 pm. My mother was escorted down to the front pew for her first "grandmother's seating"...many more will follow, I'm sure!

Another special moment was to sit next to one of "my boys" in church this morning. No, I'm not referring to Devon...even though it was a special joy to sit with him and my family today. As a pastor it is a rarity to be sitting in the congregation instead of preaching behind the pulpit. I miss only a few Sunday's every year. But one of "my boys" is Ethan Jones who is attending college there in Lincoln and attends Faith Assembly where my brother pastors. Ethan was 7 years old when I left the pastorate in St. Elmo, Illinois (now he is 20 years old!). He and my oldest son Jordon were buddies there growing up when we lived and served in that community. Great to see him and learn that he is adjusting well to the college life.

There are several more "special moments" to finish out this month and this year of 2009. Hope to share many of them with you!

Love to all!

December...already?!?!

Today turns the calendar page for the final month of 2009. It's hard to believe that it's already December 1st!

Thanksgiving brought our oldest son home from college. He was ready for a good break and we were ready to see him. It was a great week with Jordon. Since we've been working on our basement Jordon slept upstairs. He didn't mind...he was just glad to be at home! My wife cooked an awesome meal for Thanksgiving. You can see the picture before everyone dug into the turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, rolls....hmmmm, hmmm, good! Relaxing time with family and friends!

My second oldest son was recently in a wedding for a friend. It was his first time to serve as a groomsman. Trenton looked sharp in his tux! It's exciting to share these experiences with your children.

Our church van recently was loaded down with teenagers as they took off for Youth Convention. Great to have the CFA logo and name put on our new van!

I've attached a couple of pictures from our new World Missions wall off of our church lobby. This has been a project in the works for several years. Appreciation goes to Jeff, Ted and Dave for finishing this good-looking oak display for us. Missions is a major thrust here @ CFA!

This past Sunday I preached a message on the ten lepers entitled, "Thanksgiving: Nine or One?" It was a message that stirred the slumbering heart towards gratitude and praise. I hope you will stop to listen to it!

Have a great start to your December. Jesus is the REAL REASON for this amazing season!!

Love to all.

God's Chisel

Welcoming the Walkers!

Pastor Clint & Kelly Walker

We recently welcomed our newest staff pastor, Pastor Clint Walker. Pastor Clint and Kelly Walker have accepted the position of Associate/Youth Pastor here @ CFA.

The Walkers moved from Michigan and have served in youth ministry for the last 6 to 7 years. They have three children ages 4, 6 and 8. We helped them move into their new home recently and they are slowing getting settled both at home, church and with the kids at school.

We invite you to meet Pastor Clint and Kelly soon at a Sunday Morning service or at one of the youth services where he will be ministering God's Word to students. You will love the passion and heart of Pastor Clint...that is sure!!


We all have been blessed through the series on Sunday mornings entitled, "Making Room for the Spirit." God has been stirring our hearts and the hunger for Him is growing each week. The altars have been life transforming where believers have opened up to the Holy Spirit in fresh and dynamic ways.

This past week we conducted the Memorial Service for Mary Ellen Cook here at CFA. She suddenly and quickly was promoted to glory. Mary Ellen was 92. We remember her passionate devotion in worship and the love she demonstrated in serving and teaching. May the Lord give strength to each of her family members!

Looking forward to seeing what God will do this Sunday, as we continue to make room for the Holy Spirit's powerful ministry among us!

Love to all!

Traded in the Old for the New!

Saying "good-bye" is so hard to do...

..new and old...together for the last time...

Say hello to the new CFA van!

On the road again...

CBC, Springfield, Missouri

CBC Chapel

Standing in front of Horton Hall

Zimmerman Hall

Dining Hall

Breakfast with Jordon & Brent before leaving!

The old CFA church van has been replaced with a much newer model!

Recently, we traded in our old 1993 Ford Van for a newer 2007 Ford Van. Everyone who has ever driven in the old model would be thrilled about this news! The old van rattled and roared...plus groaned when driving on the highway. It had simply seen its better days!

Now we are happy to have the new van when taking trips and picking up guests for church. I had the task of breaking in our new van when we took a road trip recently to Springfield, Missouri for College Days. What a huge difference 14 years will make between the two vans!

Our students spent time visiting Central Bible College, my alma mater where I graduated from in 1983. Once again, what a difference time will make on the grounds and facilities of the place I spent four years preparing for full-time ministry....26 years ago.

It was great to visit Jordon my son who is a Junior @ Evangel University and his roommate Brent. Plus, my mom is only 25 minutes away too. Great to be with you Mom...although it was too short a time together.

Preparing for our Hallelujah Night Outreach on Oct.31st. If you live in the area, come and join us @ CFA from 4 until 7:30 pm. Loads of fun and lots of candy!

Love to all!

'09 CFA Missions Convention

Brenda Smith (far left)

Brenda's display table

Learning more about Togo...

Registering for the banquet...

Kevin Beery's display table

Jeff Alexander's display table

Jason Morrison's display table

Banquet dinner...delicious!!

Chef Mike!

Morrison's with Helen and Malorie

Sara & Jeff Alexander (far right)

Jason & Andrea Morrison (middle right)

Kevin & Eric Beery (right side)

I love Missions Conventions!!

We have embraced the call of God to reach out to the ends of the earth and share the gospel with every creature. It is a high calling. It is a holy calling. And it is a honored calling!

We were happy to have several missionary guests with us this year:

• Brenda Smith - Togo, West Africa
• Jason & Andrea Morrison - Czech Republic
• Jeff & Sara Alexander - Indiana Chi Alpha Ministries
• Kevin Beery - Southeastern Europe

Each one warmed our hearts with their reports of ministry and testimonies of God's power and faithfulness. It is amazing to hear what He is doing in various parts of the world...today...not 10 years ago, but right now in our world!

We had three simple goals for this convention:

1. Raise the awareness of great missions needs today.
2. Raise a cash offering for the Asia's Little Ones project.
   
3. Raise our new missions budget for 2010.

One new feature to the schedule this year was our International Dessert bar on Wednesday night. All of the ministry groups were gathered into the fellowship hall @ 8 pm where we fellowshipped and enjoyed delicious recipes from around the world! Which one was your favorite?

Yesterday in the Morning Worship Service my son Devon played a sax duet with Missionary Kevin Beery. It was really amazing. Together they played "Amazing Grace" fueled on by the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Devon, I am so very proud of you for the way you used your instrument to glory the Lord. You have grown tremendously since starting in the 6th grade. Keep learning and keep progressing...the Lord is pleased with you!

Thanks to everyone who participated and helped us this year.

Love to all!