When Heartache Becomes a Blessing

Sometimes the things that bring us the greatest pain in our lives turn into blessings because of the grace of God.

On Sunday, January 12, 2003 my Mother died. Although it was nine years ago today, I remember it as though it happened yesterday, in vivid detail. Geneva (Criss) Sparks had lived a long, joyous and triumphant life in the Lord. However, in the last few years she lived with a great amount of physical pain. My only solace in losing her was the knowledge she was no longer in pain, and she was in the “everlasting arms” of our LORD.

THE ETERNAL GOD IS THY REFUGE, AND UNDERNEATH ARE THE EVERLASTING ARMS:

My Dad the Rev. Edgar Calvin Criss, died in 1971, I was just six years old. In

losing Mom it felt to me like I was losing my Dad all over again. Mom held so strongly to the truth and faith that Dad preached so strongly as Pastor of the Apostolic Pentecostal Church in Massillon, Ohio. And being the closest connection to Dad, she was the one who could best describe and let me know what my Daddy was like, and who he was. I have always bottled up my strongest emotions only releasing them when I’m alone and when with my God. I remember in vivid detail several years after my Dad died, waking up in the middle of the night shaking and crying and repeatedly saying, “I miss my Daddy, I want my Daddy back”. I was always sure to be quiet enough not to disturb anyone sleeping, my emotions were bottled up and I didn’t want anyone to know.

Those same emotions were about to reappear. Just a couple of weeks after Mom died I was on a business trip in Michigan. Being several hundred miles away from any family, there was no one I could be strong for. It was late in the evening when I arrived, and too late to call anyone. I felt so alone and isolated. Two weeks of bottled up emotions while trying to be strong for others had suddenly been released unrestrained. But I had been given a gift, something to lean on, and something to trust in during my darkest hour.

TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL THINE HEART; AND LEAN NOT UNTO THINE OWN UNDERSTANDING.

My Parents’ passed on a tremendous legacy to my siblings and me, of which I am extremely thankful for. One of the most crucial lessons I learned while growing up, was that I could not rely only on my parents’ faith and prayers for my salvation. The older I became I realized I was going to have to find this thing for myself. But what I have come to know as the truth, is not in my heart just because of them, they simply started me on my journey. I learned from them how to reach God for myself, and not trust in the riches or gods of this world to lead and guide me.

LABOUR NOT FOR THE MEAT WHICH PERISHETH, BUT FOR THAT MEAT WHICH ENDURETH UNTO EVERLASTING LIFE, WHICH THE SON OF MAN SHALL GIVE UNTO YOU: FOR HIM HATH GOD THE FATHER SEALED.

I found a hiding place, entering into the Holiest of Holies by the blood of Jesus.

THOU ART MY HIDING PLACE AND MY SHIELD: I HOPE IN THY WORD.

It is there where I met God for myself; it is there where He continually reveals His word to me. I have found that the greatest time to read the Bible for me is after an encounter with God in prayer. Starting in my parents’ lives’, continuing in mine, my prayers and hope is for that same faith to be established in my children’s lives.

STUDY TO SHOW THYSELF APPROVED UNTO GOD, A WORKMAN THAT NEEDETH NOT TO BE ASHAMED, RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH.

While with my oldest daughter Erica (who was 12 at the time), not long after Mom died, I asked her the question, “What will you remember the most about your Grandma Geneva?” She said, “I will never forget every time we stayed with her overnight, when I woke up in the morning I would always go in the family room to see her, and she was ‘always’ praying and reading her Bible.” Mom had left an indelible impression on my children. She was in the Church service praying with my youngest daughter, when Erin received the baptism of the Holy Ghost speaking in tongues as the spirit gave the utterance.

The reflection on these things so soon after her death brought me to realize the blessing that had been bestowed upon me, my children, my siblings and many others through the faith of my parents’. Although they are no longer with us, the memories of their faith, their devotion to God and family, and their instruction remain. And their prayers will never be forgotten in heaven.

…AND GOLDEN VIALS FULL OF ODOURS, WHICH ARE THE PRAYERS OF SAINTS.

Though the heartache of the loss of my parents’ will never be mended, it is a constant reminder to me, of the blessing that God gave to my children and me. It is my prayer today that the passion Dad and Mom had for God that blessed so many people, will also become embedded in the hearts of my children and all of our family, until the day we shall all be with the Lord.

Scripture references (All KJV); Deuteronomy 33:27, Proverbs 3:5, John 6:27, Psalms 119:114, 2 Tim 2:15, Rev. 5:8.

Daniel Criss
President/Founder
Life Achievement Services, Inc.

Why Would You Go Through This When You Don’t Have To?

“Why Would You Go Through This When You Don’t Have To?”

This is a quotation from Matt Yeater at Life Tabernacle Church in Elkhart, Indiana on October 6, 2010. Matt is a 30 year old student at Indiana Bible College in Indianapolis. He is blind because of an explosion that occurred while working with the illegal drug Meth.

On this particular Wednesday, Life Achievement Services was holding “Life Skills” classes for about 26 students from Bashor Childrens Home in Goshen, Indiana. There were to be two classes divided among young men and ladies. The ladies were originally scheduled to be in the “Career Planning” class, and the young men were scheduled for “Personal Development” Mr. Tom Hartnett who is the Pharmacy Manager of CVS Pharmacy in Elkhart was scheduled to facilitate this class which was his second session on the subject of “Substance Abuse”. Because Tom had planned two great videos on drunk driving, it was decided that we would combine the two classes for the 20 minutes of video in the Church sanctuary. After the videos we decided to split the classes as normal. Apparently, God had a different idea.

While watching these videos, Matt walked into the back of the sanctuary. We did not

anticipate him being there. My wife Rebecca pointed Matt out to me suggesting that we should ask Matt to join the substance abuse class with Mr. Hartnett. I first spoke with Laura Marmolejos, who directs the Independent Living program at Bashor Childrens Home, and she not only supported the idea of inviting Matt to participate in the class, but she also requested that we allow the young ladies to join the class. A brief conversation with Mr. Hartnett ensued, and he agreed it would be a great opportunity to have someone with the experience that Matt had to help him teach. He and I then spoke with Matt and invited him to participate in the class and Matt seemed eager to do so.

At the end of the videos we announced to the group of young people that we would all be joining in the same class inside of the Adult Education Room of Life Tabernacle. This room at best comfortably seats between 12-15 people. On this night we had 26 teenagers, 5 staff members from Bashor Childrens Home including Laura, 4 staff from Life Achievement Services, Matt and Mr. Hartnett. After cramming everyone into this room, I gave a brief introduction and turned the floor over to Matt. Matt gave a heart wrenching testimony, of which my only regret is to not have any video of the evening.

During the 20 minutes account of his life from age 3 to 30 he spoke of abuse, drugs and alcohol that brought many tears to the eyes of his listeners. His first drink of alcohol was given to him by his family at age 3, and was drunk independently for the first time at the age of 6. Matt gave an account that is unfortunately all too much familiar by the young people this room was full of. At the age of 23 after being left to die (from the meth lab explosion) by his friends, he found himself in a hospital where the realization of not knowing if he would live or die, and if live, would he ever see again. Charged, convicted and incarcerated, Matt spent many lonely nights in jail seeking a God that he couldn’t even be sure existed. In and out of jail and on drugs for a number of years, he began to draw closer to God. He had 3 children by now and the struggle continued until by his own testimony, “I’ve been delivered by the blood of the Lamb of God, baptized in His name, and filled with His spirit”. He continued to say, “Why would you go through this when you don’t have to?”

After Matt’s testimony, the young people and staff members had many questions for him, and the session continued with his answers for the next 20 minutes or so. One teen asked, “What do you miss the most being blind”? Matt’s answer was, “I want to see the face of my children”. The questions were direct and simple; his answers were poignant and riveting. At the end of answering these questions, Matt spoke a word to a very specific young teenage man, whom he’d never met, and had never seen. He told him, “I will pray for you, that God gives you a respect for leadership”. What Matt didn’t know, is the very words he spoke to this young man is exactly what was needed. This young man who just turned 18 did indeed have a problem with authority. This young man and several others have been attending Church services every Sunday, and one of my greatest joys is; when he sees me I get a great big smile, handshake and a hug.

Mr. Hartnett closed out the class by sharing two more videos that provided blunt pictures of the results of methamphetamine use and straight-talking from Doctors who treat meth addicts. Several of the teens informed me they didn’t really enjoy the class tonight because it brought up too many painful memories. But there are no regrets on my part for having changed our plans. And it’s all because these 26 teenagers witnessed the ability of our Lord Jesus Christ and His word to change, to deliver and to give hope for a bright and prosperous future. It was a night to remember. It wasn’t an evening about Matt Yeater, whom I am appreciative of. It was an evening about a marvelous and wonderful God, and 26 teenagers who are loved, who have hope, and who are being helped out of living a life that they just don’t have to live.


This article was previously written and published in google documents on November 2, 2010.

Matt Yeater is available for speaking engagements. Call Pastor Mark Johnson at (574) 293-9332 for arrangements.

Daniel Criss,
President / Founder
Life Achievement Services, Inc.
http://www.lifeachievementservices.org

Silence is a Killer

Silence is a killer;

the words spoken by Elizabeth Cruz on November 30th, 2011 at the beginning of her lecture at the “Life Skills Program – Personal Development” class which is held by Life Achievement Services
at Life Tabernacle Church in Elkhart. The class included teenage boys’ 16-18 years old, from Bashor Children’s Home and the Elkhart community.

Starting the class was one of our regular special speakers Sonny Cruz. Sonny is a young loving father of three wonderful children, full of life and love. But life for Sonny was not always that way. Sonny who feels a strong calling and burden to minister to youth was at one time a troubled youth himself.

Sonny gave his testimony to these young men about his past and how he got mixed up with the wrong crowd and drugs. He became addicted and the results of those addictions began affecting his personality and the way he treated people including his own family.

Elizabeth (Sonny’s Mother) and her husband had no idea why Sonny began treating them so poorly. And it was quite some time before his addiction was revealed to them. They finally began to speak together as a family about his problem and Sonny asked for help. Elizabeth set up a phone call so that Sonny could begin drug rehabilitation, but Sonny had to be the one to ask for the help. On the other line was the clinic and it was time for Sonny to get on the line, but he would not take the phone from Elizabeth. Then there was a second time, they spoke as a family, and Sonny asked for help again. His parents set up another phone call with the clinic, Sonny would not take the phone again.

Frustration, hurt, anger and other emotions will never stop a loving Mother from the devotion and prayer for her child. Elizabeth mentioned the hurt she endured when Sonny introduced her and his Father to someone saying how wonderful of parents they were, and how much respect he had for them. Those words were hollow, not in his right mind, Sonny treated his parent’s with very little respect and honor.

And now a third time, Sonny and his parents spoke about getting help again. This time Elizabeth warned him, “if you don’t take the phone this time, don’t ask for help again.” Sonny took the phone, this time he checked himself into rehabilitation.

Sonny attributes his deliverance from drugs to the God who loves him and never gave up on him, and to Godly, loving and prayerful parents who never gave up on him. Rehabilitation was a necessity for him, the Bible says, “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” This was a way to keep him away from the things that the flesh could not bear. And sonny found a way of escape.

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

Elizabeth Cruz implored these young men to not be silent. Her words and emotions were beheld as she pounded the table in front of one of the young men saying, “Silence is a Killer.” There is help, if you ask. “Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.”

Sonny ended their oration by singing and playing his guitar to a song he wrote.

His talent shines, but the sheer emotion he pours into his love for the Lord and his music shines forth much greater. He and his Mother had captured these young men’s undivided attention, and their hearts. This night the gospel was brought to life.

Scripture references (all KJV); Rom 13:14, 1 Cor 10:13, James 4:2

Sonny Cruz is available for speaking engagements, Call Pastor Mark Johnson (Life Tabernacle Church) at 574-293-9332.

Daniel Criss
President / Founder
Life Achievement Services

In Good Hands, if They Weren't Tied

Are we in Indiana proud of ourselves for taking $180 million dollars from programs to help troubled children and putting them into the general fund? Or even worse, giving so much power to the Indiana Department of Child Services that the system has been left in shambles because of the bureaucracy and red tape required by the DOC?

It was a privilege to be able to attend a legislative forum focusing on child and family system issues yesterday. The forum included Senators Mishler and Yoder, as well as State Representatives Culver and Wesco. This meeting was held by the Elkhart County Child and Family Roundtable.

I'm not writing on this issue to discuss all the details of this troubling issue. What I really want to write about is what impressed me the most in this meeting.

I was sincerely touched by the sheer emotions displayed by the leadership of the Elkhart County Judicial system, as well as private youth service providers.

Magistrate Deborah Domine opened the meeting with introductions and was the first speaker. She was not only emotional, but at one point it appeared to me she was about to cry. Candy Yoder of Child and Parent Services (CAPS) too was very emotional and inspirational in her devotion to children's programs. Don Phillips (President/ CEO of Bashor Children's Home), was very terse in his words. As he mentioned in the article in the link below this paragraph, “If you’re going to tie my wallet, don’t tie my hands, too.” Another statement Mr. Phillips made was, "I was always taught since a young boy to leave things in better shape than when you found it." His concern is that right now children's services in Elkhart County are in the worst shape in the 30 years he's worked in the system, because of the legislation. Children are sometimes abused, neglected, or medically fragile. At times they need a new family that will love and nourish them during rehabilitation. DCS has a domestic violence screening process in place that can be reached by either professionals, non-professionals or even an anonymous caller. The screeners have been known to reject a doctor and even a police officer's report concerning child abuse. If they won't accept a professional's word, what do they do for an anonymous caller or regular citizen? That's pretty scary for children.

ETruth article: "Restore Control"

It was very evident that those who participate in this monthly roundtable truly have a love for helping children. Sometimes children start out their lives in the wrong hands. After attending this meeting, and watching and listening to the intelligence and concern of these leaders, I'm certain that the children of Elkhart County are in the right hands, but as Mr. Phillips stated, they're hands have been tied.

Maybe a few of us 'regular' citizens can help get them untied.

Now they're in OUR hands.
(Mat 18:5 KJV) And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Daniel Criss
President/Founder
Life Achievement Services, Inc.

I Yield to the Chair

There she stood with her minister, tears streaming down her face. She had expectations of seeing him on this cold rainy night. He wasn't allowed any visitors this evening.

On the long walk to class on bare concrete floors and between concrete walls, her tears stained my mind of thoughts knowing she was someone's daughter, or sister, or wife. Had she made a promise to visit him? She was troubled, she was broken, and she was hurting.

One by one the men walked into class, dejected, lonely, bored, hungry and tired. Now I began to look at them as Fathers, Husbands, Brothers and Sons. Compassion took over my soul, I felt it enter in and compassion began to speak; Hope.

Who needs notes when compassion speaks? Who needs notes when the ONE most compassionate speaks? One with bowed head prayed, repentant. Others asked questions, wanting change, wanting a new life, something different; Hope. One by one as the class ended; there was a smile on each of their faces. There were handshakes, embraces. There was Hope.

"Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me."

Tonight I drove to the Elkhart County Jail in Indiana, tonight I walked to a classroom with men incarcerated for crimes they have been convicted of or accused. Tonight my eyes beheld men who were broken, contrite and remorseful. "Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds:"

Tonight these men heard a voice that sounded like mine, they saw a man that looked like me, there was a lesson prepared and in front of me. "But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth."

Had she not been there at the perfect time, if it were not for her tears, I may have taught this night. But the Lord in His infinite compassion and wisdom, wanted to visit these men tonight and speak to them. "Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name..."

The Lord did not ask me to help them to get out of jail. He did not ask me to fight for their rights. He did not instruct me to do anything in particular, except; to go.

The Lord knows how to get our attention. Sometimes it comes in strange places, and from unexpected events, or even unexpected sources.

Wherever the Lord leads you to go, He will speak, if you yield. If you don't go, He will speak through someone else. "For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place;"

If our hearts are prepared, if our eyes are attentive, if our ears are keen to hear, and our tongue is yielded we can be assured that if God wants to speak, He will speak. "I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it".

There will be no doubt when God speaks through you. Yield to the chair, yield to the throne. Let him speak.


Daniel Criss
Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Scripture references (All KJV): Matthew 25:36, Luke 23:40-41, Psalms 86:15, Acts 9:15, Esther 4:14, Psalms 81:10

"The Little Girl Without a White Dress"

I once saw two ladies gather up a bunch of little girls dressed up in their beautiful white easter dresses to take pictures after the morning Church service. The ladies were laughing and smiling, and the little girls were having fun. Another little girl walked right by them who didn't have a pretty white expensive dress on. She wasn't as privileged. I watched this little girl walk by and I looked at the dissapointment in her face of being ignored because she didn't look as nice as the others.

Why do we ignore the kids who need us the most?

Why do we live in our own little world as though there are walls with no windows to look out?

Why do we think they are someone else's responsibility?

"A child's life is like a piece of paper on which every passerby leaves a mark.” -Chinese proverb

I do not know a God that doesn't see these hurting Children.

I do not know a God that doesn't see the tears in their eyes, and hear their cries.

I do not know a God that doesn't want his people to love the underprivileged children beyond their words into actions.

Sometimes the underprivileged are right under our noses just like the little girl without the white dress.

Sometimes, we have to go look for them.

It takes more than just your eyes to see hurting children, it takes a heart.

Daniel L. Criss
November 16, 2010

The King's Last Act

David wasn't a perfect man, but he loved the Lord with all his heart. His prayers, his psalms, his music, he was obviously dedicated in his devotion to God. Many of his life accomplishments were super human; a bear, a lion, a giant, a conqueror of tens of thousands. He was a tremendous and beloved leader. Mighty men followed him and were willing to die for him just to get him a drink of water. The Chronicles states that, "he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour...".

In all David's glory, he also failed. As a murderer and an adulterer, he should have been put to death by old testament law. God had mercy. He failed in the leadership of his own household. A wife who despised his worship, and immoral and unloyal sons. King David truly lived a life of trials and tests. He was humbled many times in his life, even before becoming the King. Hunted by an angry King Saul, David ran, hid, he even fought for the enemy. And yet through all his life we read about David's devotion to God, he prayed, he humbled himself, he sacrificed, he wrote songs, he played music, he sang to his Lord, and he worshipped his Lord.

The greatest accomplishment of David's life; he LOVED the Lord. He loved and trusted the Lord when he was a youth, he blessed the Lord throughout his life. What other man is there that God called, "a man after mine own heart"? David's life has fascinated me for many years. I have always been amazed how I can read the book of Psalms in my prayers and the words apply to my life. David's words are much more eloquent than mine own. I like to use his words better, because he describes the glory of God in a greater way than I ever could. God was faithful to David, the Lord loved David and had great mercy upon him.

If all of that isn't enough to prove that David truly loved the Lord, let's look at his one FINAL act as King.

(1 Chr 29:20 KJV) And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the LORD your God. And all the congregation blessed the LORD God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the LORD, and the king.

The King's Last Act

He prayed, he led the people in worship, and he himself worshipped.


Lord, let my life bless you, be glorified in my words, in my actions and in my heart throughout the rest of my days. And on my deathbed, like David, I will lead my people, my family in praise to the one that I have endevoured to love and serve throughout my life. I love you LORD.

Daniel L. Criss
November 13, 2010