💕🙏💒 Rise Unto a New Life - Issue #37 💒🙏💕

The Baptism of Jeton Uka

by Crystal Uka

I, Crystal Uka, mother of Jeton would like to give God my thanks and praise this day. As a mother, it showed me that no matter what my choices, or where I am with my walk, the Lord WILL be there for my children. For Jeton to truly make this decision and to be so excited to get that much closer to God, and fulfill His Word, brings tears of joy to my eyes. Sometimes I wondered if God hears me, or hears him when he prays, and today with that smile on his face, and that fire in his heart I KNOW God is here. May no one or nothing burn out that fire, my son. Congratulations and welcome to the kingdom of God!

Black Belt Test

by Frank Castle

Before the two young men, there stood six black belts. Each had challenged them in what they do best. Outside the dojo door was a puddle mixed with blood, sweat and vomit. The two men, Dennis Seng and Jesus Fontez had been hard-pressed for over five hours. At 8 am the two warriors arrived. Nervously, they deep-stretched in anticipation of what was to come. For over a decade, Dennis had seen this day coming. Jesus had a different path. In just under two years of training, his day had come, making him the quickest to reach the black belt test. But the hours he put in were not shy. Jesus literally lived at the dojo. After stretching, the nerves were not all gone, but the examiners began to arrive. The moment the Tuckers walked in the door, the two men stood at attention. “Usss!” they yelled with the customary Shudokan greeting. “All right, all right,” said the master, as his wife entered with an eager smile. Next came the gray-bearded professor, clad in his black gi, Sifu Steve Garcia entered with his customary American Kenpo salutation. For the next hour a conversation ensued. An investigation into whether or not the two men knew their lineage. Black belts must know their line. Crossed-legged they sat, engaged in verbal combat. Their notebooks would be scrutinized and their studies thoroughly tested.

Now that their minds were warmed up, the sweat-equity of 200 push-ups and 200 sit ups had to be paid. The hour ended as two hungry warriors entered laughing. Undefeated cage fighter Rev. Drew Brattrud and long-time Jujitsu master Kevin Dedeaux entered the dojo. Both had anticipated this day, and understood their role: to physically push the two men to the brink. More than push, they had to punch, kick, twist, and strive to break them. Dennis and Jesus would spend the next two hours in vigorous drills. Basic attacks, defenses, balance, every kick, every punch, every block was measured. Fall after back fall, after side fall, after front fall, back roll, front roll, they grew tired of hitting the mat. Jujitsu drills were incorporated. Then black belt Evelyn entered, demanding they pick up the pace. Knife takeaways, escapes, and gun situations were added to continue the pressure. “Get them something with sugar!” Sifu Steve called as he noticed the two growing wobbly. Katas are karate. In them, in those forms, are all the techniques. Each brown belt had to demonstrate more than memorization, more than understanding, but ownership of each of the 10 katas. This is tolling. Stances must be exactly right. Power must be demonstrated. Another hour went into the belt. Then, each had to “roll” or wrestle the bear of a man Kevin. It was like being mauled in the lion’s den. Immediately after, they had to “cover up” as Rev. Drew pummeled them against the wall. No striking back, only blocking as Evelyn worked her kicks. Then a minute with Rev. Drew of hard sparring, three rounds. “You will limp tomorrow!” he promised. As Dennis and Jesus struggled to remain standing before the host of challengers, Sensei Tucker gave them one last rebuke; “Why are you wearing the wrong belt?” Smiles broke ear to ear as the two men removed their brown belts and received their black ones.

The Life of Faith Anderson

Faith was born in Uhrichsville, OH, on February 4^th1940. She was born to proud parents Rev. Stephen J Rech and Ruth Buffington-Rech. Faith was the older of two children. She is pre-deceased by her younger brother John, to whom she was very close. As a child, Faith would be described as ornery, or even as a handful. One time she ditched school to go with brother on a boat trip, a highlight of her childhood that she looked back upon fondly. Despite her ornery nature, Faith was kind, and caring, and liked going to church. She was often seen helping with Sunday school and babysitting the younger children. Faith graduated from Masssillon High School, in Massillon OH. Due to her Father’s job, the family travelled around a lot. She eventually went on to study at Bible School. She attended the Assembly of God school, Eastern Bible institute in Pennsylvania. Later, Faith worked as a waitress and also as a secretary. The highlight of her career was working at the United Nations in the early 70’s. In 1975 Faith met her future husband, Christian Scott Anderson in Los Angeles CA, while he was attending at Life Bible College. At the time, her father was an assistant minster to HM Barfoot at Bethel Temple. Chris and Faith began dating in 1982 and were married in 1986 at Bethel Temple. It was a tough road in the beginning years but they got through it and were happy. Raising their daughter Ruth was very fulfilling to the couple. The parents were so proud of Ruth’s educational excellence, earning a Master’s Degree in music with a minor in business administration from the University of Texas Austin. Loving Ruth was always a joy. Faith was constant in her love and her prayers for her family throughout her life. The two took many memorable trips, but their cross-country road trip to Florida was a highlight. Chris would take trips to Alaska for months at a time, working hard to earn money so that they could travel around together. When he returned from Alaska they would pack up the car and travel all around the USA. For months at a time they visited friends and family all over the country, ending up in Florida to stay with their aunt. Gradually, Chris and Faith settled into a routine. They loved eating out. Sundowners in San Bernardino was a favorite. They even went twice a day sometimes! Church remained a central part of their life. Midweek services, Bible studies, home groups were all part of what God was doing through their life together. The gift of evangelism was incredible in Faith’s life. Guest-after-guest came from every outpatient program she was part of. Neighbors, new friends and even strangers were invited by her. She was constantly used by God. In the early days of Riverside Christian Assembly the Andersons were pillars of the church and helped build the foundation of the church we all enjoy today. When Faith’s health started failing, Chris became her caregiver and worked tirelessly to see to her happiness. Faith is, and will be, sorely missed by all those that were fortunate enough to know her and love her.