Carla Lindemulder Article (IN)

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http://www.thetimesonline.com/articles/ ... 06a028.txt

Keeping the faith

Illiana's Lindemulder stands strong in the face of tragedy

BY MIKE NIETO
mnieto@nwitimes.com
219.933.3232

This story ran on nwitimes.com on Friday, May 13, 2005 1:06 AM CDT

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LANSING | Illiana Christian pole vaulter Carla Lindemulder has been tested, but one thing has gotten her through the tough times.

"My faith in the Lord is what has pulled me and my family through," Lindemulder said. "I always had a strong faith in God, but I witnessed that He can get you through anything if you are a believer.

"Some people don't live life for the Lord. Life is like a shadow in how short it is. You have to live it for God."

Lindemulder's father Pete died of melanoma on Dec. 20. That's been the most devastating event in her life, but Lindemulder has also had to deal with some personal health issues. She missed most of her first two seasons due to an avulsion fracture, where her growth plates were breaking off her hip bones.

The junior found solace in the Bible. Particularly pertinent was James 1:2-4: " .... the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Lindemulder was looking forward to her dad, a former record holder in the pole vault, watching her this season. Lindemulder's brother Eric then held the school mark until Cody Boender went 13 feet, 6 inches this season.

"I wanted to witness through my dad's death," Carla said. "I want everyone to know how awesome Jesus Christ is. He only puts you through things you can handle."

Lindemulder went a personal-best 8 feet at last week's Private School League meet. She wants to qualify for state in both the pole vault and high jump and is hoping for a good showing at today's Class A Watseka Sectional.

"I'm doing this for God in remembrance of my dad," Lindemulder said. "I pray all the time during meets -- not just for me, but for my teammates."

Illiana coach Deb Top had an accountability program this season that included a Monday devotion. Lindemulder spoke at a recent one.

"She talked about (how) once she focused more on God and the bigger picture, she was able to succeed on the track," Top said.

Lindemulder said her family's faith and friends' prayers helped get them through Pete's death.

"My dad always said it was God's plan," she said. "He had a great attitude -- he said, 'If I lose (the battle), I win because I will be with God.' "

Classmate Hannah Smith said Pete's death made everyone realize that you never know when you will be called.

"Carla goes out and does everything for the glory of God," Smith said. "I know it was hard for her with her dad (being gone), but we all got stronger through our faith."