LTC Celebration & Final Episode - Schindler'sYoungest Survivor Speaks

Friday, February 1 As Lifetree Cafe Valpo prepares to take a break, we are celebrating the last year that we have so much enjoyed sharing with all of you. Everyone is welcome to join us as we enjoy a look back at this year in video & conversation. We will be celebrating after the regularly scheduled episode for this week "Schindler's Youngest Survivor" We would love to have everyone that has attended or helped behind the scenes to join us. And of course, friends are welcome too. We hope you can join us as we say farewell with fond memories and look forward to future opportunities of what to do on Friday nights :)As always, No charge to attend and Refreshments will be served.  Lifetree Cafe @ LBCC 6:30 PM

Schindler'sYoungest Survivor Speaks A story of risk and redemption An exclusive filmed interview with  Leon Leyson WATCH VIDEO PREVIEW Leon Leyson 1930 - 2013

Schindler Survivor Featured at Lifetree Café The program features a Lifetree exclusive: a film of Leon Leyson, who was 13 years old when Schindler put him to work in his enamelware factory near Krakow, Poland. Because of his short stature, Leyson stood on a wooden box so he could reach the handles on the machinery. In the Lifetree film, Leyson describes how the Nazis captured his family members, confined them in the Jewish ghetto area of Krakow, and herded them onto trains bound for concentration camps. "Suddenly, I lost my most basic rights," recalls Leyson. "I was hungry all the time and frightened all the time." Leyson describes how Schindler pulled him out of a line bound for the death camps. Schindler named him "Little Leyson" and showed him favor with extra food rations. After the war, Leyson moved to the United States. He remained quiet about his wartime experience until the release of the Oscar-winning Stephen Spielberg film "Schindler's List." Then Leyson gradually began to tell his story. Lifetree's Thom Schultz, who conducted the exclusive interview, said Leyson revealed portions of his story he had not shared before. "Leyson's story and his colorful characterization of Oskar Schindler provide a riveting peek into a horrific chapter of history," Schultz said. Admission to the 60-minute event is free. Snacks and beverages are available. Lifetree Café is a place where people gather for conversation about life and faith in a casual coffeehouse-type setting. WATCH VIDEO PREVIEW

We would love to have you join us! Thanks for everything!   It has been a GREAT year! Jeni Bolton - Director + Anna Sheets - Host Champion Shirley Krull - Communication Champion

Enemy Sightings?

"But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:32-33 NIV84)

Every week I have the privileged of praying for the people of Life Bridge here in Valparaiso, IN.  Sometimes  people share requests with me face to face, through email, text, or other electronic media.  Usually, I stop right then and begin to pray for them.  Most of the requests, however, come in through "Connect Cards" that we have available to everyone during the church services.  It's a chance to connect with one another and with God.  I begin praying for those requests each Sunday afternoon.

Pamper Night 2013

They say that God can use what has happened to us in the past to help others in the future.  Who are THEY?  I didn't believe it for a long time.  I couldn't figure out how growing up in an abusive home could possible help someone else.  Watching my mom get beaten up was bad enough but then being abused myself for 10 years was worse.  How could my poor self esteem as an adult benefit someone else?

It doesn't...  but God does.

Feeling pretty & loving our selves as God loves us

I was led in a direction of healing for myself and many others through what Life Bridge calls, Pamper Night.  About 5 years ago we decided to reach out to serve women at the local battered women's shelter.  We provide a full make over for FREE for each of the ladies in one evening.  This includes hair cut & style, manicure, pedicure, massage & facial. We provide Limousin transportation, childcare, food, beverages and gifts.  Throughout the evening there is live entertainment from local talented musicians as well.  This is done by the generous time, donation of supplies and talent from our community all with Gods help and leading.

The evening is a time of healing for the ladies we serve but also the volunteers.  I was personally able to see that others had some of the same experiences I did.  To know that I could love on someone who doesn't always feel love was a gift to them and myself.  I could finally use my life journey to relate and provide some healing and dignity to moms and their kids.  If only for ONE night, ONE moment, ONE kind act or ONE smile I could make a difference in the heart of a hurt soul.

The volunteers have shared stories with me of the effect the evening had on them as well.  Men are welcome because the women need to know that there are good men in the word who they can trust as well as the kids.  One male volunteer grew up with an addicted father and single mother.  He felt he needed to help.  I sometimes find volunteers with tears from being moved by a particular guest.  The stories go on and on but the best things is to see the transformations.  We treat them like queens not charity cases.  The ladies walk in the door shy, reserved and heads low.  They leave laughing, smiling and sharing their new beauty & improved self esteem.  It's an experience you wont forget. (to get involved - read more below)

Overcoming Hardship

Tonight, January 18th @ 6:30

Overcoming Hardship Explored at Lifetree Café 

Practical solutions for overcoming hardship will be discussed at Lifetree Café.   

The program, titled "Overcoming Hardship: A Father and Son Beat the Odds" features an exclusive film of Patrick Henry Hughes and his father. The younger Hughes was born without eyes or the ability to extend his limbs. Though in a wheelchair, Hughes performed in the University of Louisville marching band, his father pushing his wheelchair through every practice and performance.

"I don't think I have anything holding me back," says the younger Hughes. "All I have to do is think about the goal I wish to achieve, look at the resources that might help me achieve that goal, reach out to them, and see what happens."

Sword Swallower Talks Individuality at Lifetree Café

TODAY - January 4                                                                             Lifetree Cafe Valpo at 6:30 PM  (1705 LaPorte Ave - Behind King Gyros & Family Express)

Sword Swallower Talks Individuality at Lifetree Café Dan Meyer, professional sword swallower and multiple Guinness World Record holder, shares “cutting edge” insights about identifying one’s unique calling in life at Lifetree Café on Friday, January 4th at 6:30pm. In an exclusive film, Meyer demonstrates his abilities and shares what led him to take up one of the world’s most dangerous arts. Following the film Dan will perform in person and have a question & answer session. It’s a great opportunity to get up close and personal with such a unique individual. A 20-time World Champion sword swallower with 5 Guinness World Records, Top 50 Finalist on NBC’s hit reality show America’s Got Talent, and featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not cartoons, books and museums around the world, Dan Meyer is known as the world’s top sword swallower for his live comedy performances and high profile stunts, and as the world’s leading expert for his compelling corporate motivational talks, medical lectures, and media appearances around the world. Described as a "Christian David Copperfield” who combines extreme feats with a powerful message instead of just tricks and illusions. Dan eats fire and swallows solid steel swords, sabers, bayonets, razors, saws and other objects up to 30 inches long and up to 15 swords at once!