2007 Articles & Information

Chicago Tribune

article February 15, 2007

Leap of faith still in midair

Candice Smithyman and her husband, co-owners of a Grayslake storefront church, work hard to bring message to a TV audience

By Dave Wischnowsky
Tribune staff reporter

February 15, 2007

For years, Candice Smithyman has dreamt of making other people's dreams come true.

The co-owner of Christ's Cafe Church in Grayslake, Smithyman has long desired to lift up lesser-known Christian authors and worship leaders like herself and provide a national TV platform to spread their message.

"It comes from a personal mission," Smithyman, 39, said. "I want to help other people recognize the destiny they were created for and help them reach it."

Smithyman is involved in contract negotiations with WGN Superstation about a half-hour weekly religious program that would reach 71 million homes nationwide, a station official confirmed. She's close to realizing her longtime goal but still needs one more push to get it off the ground.

Although WGN Superstation officials liked the show's pilot last fall, Smithyman needs to purchase the airtime to broadcast it, a WGN official said. So she and her husband, who founded the not-for-profit Candice Smithyman Ministries in 2003, are looking for sponsors.

"I've waited my whole life to do national TV," said Smithyman, who formerly hosted local religious radio and TV shows in Texas.

Called "Christ's Cafe with Candice," Smithyman's idea for her TV show involves interviewing aspiring Christian authors, worship leaders and speakers from Chicagoland and beyond in a cafe-style setting.

"It really is unlike any other religious show out there," she said.

WGN Superstation officials agreed that the concept was unique after they viewed the pilot. If Smithyman can round up sponsors, "Christ's Cafe with Candice" would likely be broadcast each week as part of a 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. religious programming block that includes shows by well-known spiritual leaders Joyce Meyer, Creflo Dollar and Kenneth Copeland.

The religious programs are part of the WGN Superstation's cable-only package and are not broadcast in the Chicago area because they conflict with local news, station officials said. The station is owned by Tribune Co., which owns the Chicago Tribune.

For the Smithymans, the TV show is just another part of a leap of faith that began when they moved to Illinois from Texas last May.

With a master's degree in Christian communication and human relations, Smithyman is working on her doctorate in theology. Her husband, Adam, an officer at Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago, is pursuing a bachelor's degree in theology.

In late July after settling in Grayslake, the couple rented a vacant storefront at 55 N. Barron Blvd. and opened up Christ's Cafe Church, even though they had no long-term plan for paying for it.

They still don't. But more than seven months later, the Smithymans continue to offer fellowship and non-denominational worship sessions at the cafe. Candice is also now dispensing one-minute "Encouraging Word" sessions each afternoon on Christian station WYLL-AM 1160. And on March 3 Christ Church Cafe will open a not-for-profit bookstore.

The cafe is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Chicago area authors, worship leaders or speakers interested in selling merchandise at the bookstore or being screened for Smithyman's TV project can call 847-231-6025 or visit www.cs-ministries.org for more information.

This month, Smithyman picked up Indiana-based Bear Creek Coffee as a sponsor for her cafe. She hopes to find other sponsors for her TV show.

"There are so many people with spiritual gifts out there," Smithyman said. "We want to give them a national platform to share them."

2006 Testimonies

Operation Rescue Conference Testimonies

Hi Candice,

There are so many things that I felt during the conference. I was

touched by Adam's story about the carrot, egg and coffee beans. Right now, my son, who is 22 is struggling. He is lost and I feel somewhat responsible. When Adam talked about obstacles coming our way - are we going to give in, harden our hearts or embrace it and conquer it. My big obstacle right now is the alcohol that has consumed my son. At first I wanted to just give up on him, but when Adam was speaking, I realized that he was ministering directly to me. I know now that I am going to continue to pray for my son, and not let alcohol take over his life. I continue to pray several times a day, at work for my son. Linda's message was awesome. Her story about "It's up to you" really blessed me. What kind of relationship we want with God is up to us. I realize that I can encourage my kids through this message and lead them to a faithful relationship with God. Candice, your message hit so close to home. What a blessing you are! Through

your message, I found myself looking in the mirror and telling myself"What are you going to do?" Your message brought to light that I need to have more faith and not question God's timing. I believe that God

answers prayers but I tend to wonder why my prayers don't get answered

when I want them to. Just as Jesus waited 4 days to raise Lazarus from the dead, for His own reasons, I must learn to not lose faith and

believe that God will always be with me, no matter what, and He WILL answer my prayers. I am so blessed to have people in my life such as you and Adam, that minister to me, even when I don't realize it. I know

that you will continue to be a blessing to everyone you meet. We will miss you terribly when you leave. God Bless you and your family! 

A.L. in Texas

A Testimony of Candice's book:

Candice, 

I never told you how much I enjoyed your book.  I loved it.  It taught me to spend quality time with the Lord and he will accomplish what is important to Him.  I loved letting go of the to do lists and letting God make my daily to do list.  He loves me and wants me to be free to do His will.  Thanks for the uplift!  I know that there is nothing more rewarding than serving the Lord!

Love ya, 

Susan, Texas

A Testimony of CS Ministries:

Candice and Adam,
You are such a blessings from our Father! It was a year ago when I came onboard NAS Kingsville, leaving my children ages 22, 17, 14 in Oak Harbor, awaiting my son's graduation in high school as well as the end of school year for my daughters. My family had experienced an affliction that I thought it will destroy us completely but instead it had opened a path for us to travel with our Father. While we were in Oak Harbor, I've met a wonderful brothers/sisters in Christ and through them my children and I were able to ease the pain that pass through our life. I'm not sure if we really had matured in our relationship with Christ, but that affliction brought a countless blessings on my family. My son who is in college right now has a burning desires to serve our Father, he's honing his leadership skills with a Christian group at the University and just got done giving a group study of "Purpose Driven Life." He is also involved in Christian Music Worship every Sunday. My two daughters are also keeping their path with Christ. One thing that I can say, they are young and there are times they still want to venture, but it wasn't hard for me as a parent to lead them back to the path that I know our Father was leading us into. Most parents in Oak Harbor had expressed their sincere appreciation for having my children around their children. After reading your book, my children has been a light in that cracked jar that I'm not aware of. Thank you for pointing out this blessing!
Checking onboard the NASK installation was another blessing. I prayed to God to be able to meet someone who shares the same joy with HIM. As soon as I met your husband, I knew that he would be a blessing and by meeting you made it made the blessing more abundant. What a joy is in my heart knowing that in this world that we are living we can still enjoy peace by looking up to HIM and working side by side with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
I know that both of you can touch and harvest more souls. God Bless the ministry!
Sister in Christ,
G. in Texas

Testimonials for

October/November 2005

Thanks so very much for the CD. I just now had a chance to sit down and listen to it. I know that God placed it in your heart to give me that CD because it is something I was needing to hear. I plan on listening to it again and again. I also was able to catch your radio message. It was so thrilling that it was from our conference. God has given you such a talent to bring his message in such a way that people hang onto every word you say and at the end they still want to know more. You are such a blessing and I am so glad has God placed you and Adam here with us.See you Sunday.

In Him,

Noreene

Hi Candice,

My name is Darla and I work as business manager at KCTA where we broadcast your 10:45 program. I just wanted to let you know that your ministry blesses me and is a breath of fresh air. Every message you speak on has spoken directly to me and blessed my soul. I just want to encourage you and ask if you will be speaking anywhere close to Corpus Christi, please let me know. Thank you and God bless!

Darla

KCTA Business Manager

Corpus Christi, TX

Driving in my truck, listening to the radio, I happened upon Candice Smithyman delivering a message for marriages.  It
took only moments to realize this woman was telling it just the way it should be told, with right-in-your-face, totally biblically-based teaching. My wife and I have sought out much material over the years, but too much of it skirts the major issues or glosses over the meat, perhaps in an attempt to avoid "offending someone".  God is more interesting in getting His truth
out than offending someone.  Candice will challenge your thinking and help you and your spouse get on track.

Good day,

Scott St. Onge
Corpus Christi, Texas  

Prior Month's Testimonies:

Candice,

I wanted to share with you some wonderful news about our Mollie.  We went to the doctor today to have the sonogram read and PRAISE THE LORD Mollie's kidneys are healed!  The swelling is gone and the kidneys are draining as they should!!  God is SO good!!!!!!!!!!!!  The doctor says he wants to do a follow up in January...but otherwise all is well and no surgery!!! Thank you for praying for our little girl Candice.  God has blessed us over and over and over again with our little miracle!!
I miss you and I hope everything is going well with you.  I'm going to try and listen to your show...if not on the radio, then on the website. Take care. Much love, Wendi

I WOULD LIKE YOU TO KNOW I ENJOYED YOUR TALK SO MUCH. AT THE TIME I WAS LOSING MY COUSIN TO CANCER. AFTER HEARING YOUR SPEECH I FELT
SO MUCH BETTER AND I WAS ABLE TO GO BACK AND TELL HER WHAT I HEARD AND HOW MUCH
IT HELPED ME. I WANT TO TELL YOU IT RENEWED MY FAITH IN GOD.THANK YOU AGAIN.

Shirley Jefferson, RN
Wesley Nurse

Life has its way of making a person stronger or weaker depending on their faith. Sometimes that faith gets lost in a stormy sea of turmoil. This is where my faith was just a few short years ago when the Lord placed CS Ministries in my life. CS Ministries offered love and amazing teaching on the Lord’s word and His wants for my life. This refreshing teaching led my life away from the worldly views and back to the way God planned for my life to be. My life has been transformed and will never be the same because of the support from this ministry. 

CS Ministry has a heart filled with direction to touch the world with God’s words. To be able to transform more lives through this drive placed on their hearts. Candice Smithyman is a Christian counselor and currently pursuing her doctorate. Adam Smithyman is a Navy officer for 18 years. Together these two are powerfully devoted to sharing the Word with as many people as possible. Doing this in hopes of bringing just one person to having a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior.

In Christi-

Kristi Bannowsky 

2007 Articles & Information

Eatery serves up pastries, prayers

When Adam and Candice Smithyman opened a combination church and coffee shop in a vacated Grayslake storefront this summer, they had three card tables and some folding chairs.

"This really was a leap of faith for us," Candice said. "We're living out what we preach."

In late July, the recent Texas transplants rented the old Leander's Cafe building along Illinois Highway 83, though they had no long-term plan for how to pay for it.

They still don't. But two months later, the Smithymans have filled Christ's Church Cafe, 55 N. Barron Blvd., with donated furniture and are dispensing doughnuts, coffee and blessings each morning.

By offering a relaxed atmosphere for fellowship and worship, the couple hope their little cafe can make a big difference in the area's religious community.

"We want to bring churches in this town together," said Adam, an officer at Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago. "We don't want to be a threatening environment to any of them.

"The cafe is non-denominational and just a place for people to get together as the spiritual leaders of the community."

It took a strong spirit for the Smithymans to get the cafe off the ground.

In late May, the Navy relocated Adam, 42, Candice, 39, and their three young children from Texas, where the couple had hosted radio and television programs as part of their 3-year-old not-for-profit Candice Smithyman Ministries.

With a master's degree in Christian communication and human relations, Candice is working on her doctorate in theology and Adam is pursuing a bachelor's degree in theology.

On their first day in Grayslake, the couple visited Leander's Cafe, and within a couple of weeks they found themselves praying there one evening with a small group of people.

"We asked God to bless Grayslake and the community," Candice recalled. "And then the place closed within a week.

"At that point we were asking the Lord what we're doing in Grayslake."

Just days later, however, Candice said she envisioned transforming Leander's into a church cafe.

Even though Adam's job is the family's only source of income, he immediately jumped on board. The couple put down a security deposit and paid one month's rent for the building.

Soon after, Adam and Candice set up their card tables, posted a list of suggested donations for doughnuts, coffee, juices and candies, and opened Christ's Church Cafe.

Within weeks, Grayslake residents had donated couches, easy chairs and footstools--and "amazingly, they all match," said Candice--and some contributed a stereo, freezers and even organized a fish fry to help raise funds.

About 12 to 15 customers stop by on an average morning.

The couple hope to eventually open the cafe's kitchen and serve breakfast entrees and sandwiches and attract more people hustling along Illinois 83 on their way to work.

The cafe is open from 6 to 10:30 a.m. Monday through Friday and from 7 to 11 a.m. on Saturday. The Smithymans also host worship services at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and 9:30 a.m. on Sundays.

"This is a wonderful place for fellowship and to hear the Word," said Joan Cejner, a member of the Chapel in Grayslake, who visited the cafe last week. "You have to start small before you can grow. And I'm sure this place will."

On Saturday morning, it will host a pancake breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. to help raise money to keep the not-for-profit cafe open.

"Some people ask why we're doing this," Adam said. "All along we've said we have to obey, and the Lord told us to do this. I know people will roll their eyes with that. But so many things have been going on the past six weeks, it's not just us."

----------

dwischnowsky@tribune.com

Copyright © 2006, Chicago Tribune

Grayslake Review:

Photo by Eric Davis/Staff Photographer

Candice Smithyman (standing) conducts her Sunday morning sermon at the Christ Cafe Church in Grayslake. The new church combines spiritual advice with comfort.

Article posted from the GRAYSLAKE REVIEW dated August 24, 2006.

To read this article go to http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo-newsstand?paper2=gr

Christ with a cup of joe

BY MARCIA SAGENDORPH|STAFF WRITER

______________________________________

2006 Testimonies

Operation Rescue Conference Testimonies

God really wanted Esther to attend this conference as He sent her from San Antonio to Corpus Christi and even provided her transportation. 

This is what she said, "God imparted the 'warrior anointing' to me while I was there. Then I returned to my church on Sunday and prayed over people. They really responded to the power of God imparted to them." 

Esther, San Antonio, TX

Pastor Ronald Rice of Christ Christian Assemblies in Mathis, Texas had this to say about the conference, "I was encouraged and it was a blessing. I had been relaxing in the Lord but He encouraged me through your conference to push further for Him. I was encouraged to tell more people about Christ. God is getting ready to fulfill His covenant with us because He is coming back."  

Pastor Rice had a miraculous healing himself as he was thrown 35 ft. in the air by a major explosion and rushed to Brook Medical Burn Center in San Antonio, TX. It is a miracle he is alive. God did a miraculous healing in his life. He says, "you don't know if you are going to live or die when something like this happens to you. The devil is real. If you know in whom you believe when the devil begins to taunt you, you can rebuke him in the name of Jesus and he will flee. NO FEAR."

We agree with Pastor Rice and Praise the Lord for these testimonies of the Operation Rescue Conference!

Candice,

I just wanted you to know that more blessings have poured on my family. After I read your book, I passed it on to my daughter. She and her

husband are new in their marriage and have been struggling with the normal marriage problems. They have listened to your CD's on marriage

and have been blessed by them. They are now reading your book, TOGETHER!! My daughter says they read a few pages each evening before

going to sleep. She said it just ministers to them each day. They have found that they were lacking in their faith and how putting God first in

their lives will renew them and make things so much better. Your book is teaching them how to be authentic to build their relationship with

God which in turn will build their relationship with each other. I thank God that I have been blessed by having you and Adam to help me to

help my family get to where they need to be in God. God Bless You both!

In Christ's Love

A. in Texas

Testimonials for

October/November 2005

Hi Candice,

I would like to partner with your ministry. I have
truly been blessed by your broadcast !

Juanita Simpkins

Belvedere, South Carolina

Hi Candice,

I am so excited to say that I heard you yesterday on the radio and I am
looking forward to tuning in today.
It was so easy.I just  got online and you come in live on the radio's
website. YEAH!! So...  you were amazing.. so powerful and kind at the same time. You gave great practical examples and scripture.
  It really ministered to my heart!
Especially after what I heard on Oprah on Monday. Do you ever watch that show? I saw Monday and she was talking with women who
 needed to find themsleves after letting themselves go. So many millions of women in this country can relate.. I sure can. BUT.. I was so sad afterwards... because she left people hanging. Paul and
I even got online to her website to see if there were more practical advice ...NONE.
NOW all these women who watched, ( at least know they are not alone) but what are they TO DO to get up and going again??
  THEN..... I heard your message. I so wish the nation could hear it!!
The answer is Jesus, only trusting in His name and who He is for us can help us to.. "rebuild our ruins" !

 I believe it is no accident that your message came after Oprahs! God is so awesome in His timing.
 Yesterdays radio message was an excerpt from the women's conference right? Wow.. I pray so many women got the help they need to 'find themselves again.  (All women really need to find Jesus or if they are Christians.. 'who they are in
Christ'.right!)

Candice. such a timely and needed message!
Keep on my friend! I am so proud of you AND personally blessed by you.

Love

Heidi

Whidbey Island, WA

Prior Month's Testimonies:

Candice,

Thank you for being obedient in the word you shared last night.  Your
message brought me deliverance just at the right time.    God Bless You
and keep doing what you are doing.  God has anointed you to preach the
gospel and I will keep you in my prayers and your ministry .  You do
well in letting God be your teacher in your experiences because then you
know that if you ask him to lead you out of a situation or spiritual
battle in your own life, he will.  You hook it up with the word of God
to deliver you out of the bondage or struggle , his word never changes.
This same word given to you, to teach to others, will bring God's
victory in their lives.   God's word is the remedy and truth which we
can always depend on no matter what obstacles come our way.   The word
of God brings deliverance always.  

Norma Camarillo

Candice,

Thank you for allowing Christ to work through you!  God knew the troubles that were ahead in my life when he lead me to your bible study.  Diagnosed with CANCER (what an ugly word) was a new trial we had to face.  God had prepared me with His word and guided my family through it.  Shortly after treatments I fell back into the "normal" routine of life.   I have been Cancer free for six months.  Two months ago a new spot showed up on my liver and I would have to retest in August.  Was that a wake-up call from God?  I did not wake up the first time.  I started living.  Christ gently guided me to His word to get rid of any depression.   I was amazed at the freedom He gave me with that second scare.  Once in a while it takes a second chance to say hey life really is better knowing that God has promised me an awesome future.  We are so blessed that I tear up with joy thinking about how much God has blessed my husband, me, and the kids.  We are actually LIVING and it is great.  Candice, everyday I look forward to your radio ministry. It is refreshing to take time out and hear God's word.  For anyone who is battling with depression, disease, and heavy burdens, I pray that you too can find freedom in God's word, I know that I have.    Love, Susan Rutherford

Candice,

I just wanted to thank you so much for all that you did for the Women's Bible Study on Sunday nights.  I have thoroughly enjoyed going and will definitely miss your messages.  I am glad, though that you will continue to teach at Sunday school and on Tuesday's.  I want you to know that you have really helped me grow closer in my walk with the Lord.  When I was saved a few years ago I was so excited about what the Lord was doing in my life and unfortunately, that excitement gradually faded.  Eventually my prayer life had all but ceased and I was left feeling empty and alone.  I was embarrased because I was so old and had grown up in a church and attended a Catholic school for twelve years and yet didn't feel like I knew anthing about the Bible or what I believed.  I was scared to go to Bible studies because I didn't want to appear ignorant, yet I thirsted for the knowledge of  the Bible.  I decided to give your Bible study a try and I am so glad that I did.  I feel very "safe" there and was able to open up to my group more as the weeks progressed.  I am now praying regularly again and am reading anything I can get my hands on.  I just want to thank you again for all that you did for me and know that you will truly be missed. 

Love, Sarah

First Baptist Church Women's Sunday Night Community Fellowship

Kid concern 1

Kid concern 2