The Messenger
Mountain Bible Church
Volume 20 Issue 5 -- Mayl 2008
Christians have learned the hard way that sending money or even food
does not begin to solve the problems these people are facing. The money
gets absorbed by government officials who require hefty bribes and the food
sent to relieve the starving is confiscated by their oppressors and it seldom
reaches the starving. The situation seems hopeless but there is still a burning
desire to a part of the solution if possible.
That is why we began advising you several years ago that television
appeals are seldom, if ever, a viable solution. Sending an American, (even a
Christian American), to be the ‘super star savior’ of world problems guarantees
failure. And yet the desire to do something to help them is irrepressible.
Psalm 37:13-15 talks to this very issue. Listen as you read: “But God laughs at
the wicked, knowing his day will come. (14) The wicked have unsheathed their
swords, they have strung their bows to bring down the poor and needy, to
slaughter those whose way is upright. (15) But their swords will pierce their own
hearts, and their bows will be broken.” (CJB)
A viable solution is not their government officials or else this genocide would
already be stopped. Where can we find people with the resolve and ability to
be a part of the solution? These people must have a kindred goal of both,
“Giving them a fish and teaching them to fish.” That task is daunting and must
be locally administrated.
The Bible speaks directly to this issue also. Notice Psalm 37:26, “The
upright are always generous and lend freely. His descendants are a blessing.”
So, the next question has to be, where can such people be found? The
answer is multi-dimensional but it must include one primary ingredient, we must
work through local churches where a sustained ministry can be realized.
It’s no secret that Muslims, committed to the overthrow of Christianity have
established ‘Christian sounding’ charitable organizations and watched millions
of American dollars flow into it only to be diverted to fight against everything
Christians stand for. By the way, the governments responsible for the deaths
of what is now millions of precious people of all ages happen to be led by
Muslims. These are the same terrorist armies that Christians fed for many
years as we sent food and money through televangelists thinking all the while
that the food and money was reaching the starving people. It was the secular
press that finally blew the whistle and many Christians finally woke up and
stopped supporting the very ones enforcing the genocide.
You ask, “How are we supposed to know if a plea for food, money, etc is
legitimate? The answer is simple! Giving in the New Testament was always
directed to and through the local churches. Give your tithes and offerings to
your local church and you lower the risk of deception by about 99.9%.
Mountain Bible Church has a Pastor, Elders, and Missions Team who research
the legitimacy of ministries and organizations who are pleading for your
financial support. Your giving through MBC provides support to many
ministries both locally and overseas. Mr. Brent Boyd is our Elder in charge of
Missions.
The first criteria any ministry or organization must meet before we give
financial support is that it must be working to and through local churches. This
is the safeguard God has both directed and modeled for us in the New
Testament. I’m delighted that there are Christians in places of great influence
seeking to help all of us be part of the solution for these starving masses even
as I write. I pray that God will give us great wisdom quickly as thousands are
dying daily. Won’t you pray with me?
Psalm 37:1&8 warn us not to fret or brood over the successes of the wicked
and especially not to smolder in anger at them because that won’t solve the
problem and it will make us do foolish and harmful things trying to affect justice
on our own. That not only guarantees failure, it is the converse of trusting in
God!
“The Teachings of his God are in his heart; his footsteps do not falter.” Psalms
37:31 (CJB)
Your Pastor - Marv
Don’t Look Back
Many of us are using the Bible Reading Calendar and recently completed
the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness. The Israelites continually
grumbled and complained, looking back at how much better things were in
Egypt. Really? Better off in slavery and hunger, fatigue and death? Like the
children of Israel, we often long for the good old days, forgetting how difficult
daily life was for our parents and grandparents, with few conveniences we’ve
come to see as necessities. Looking back is so common that Ecclesiastes 7:10
commands to not say that the former days were better then these.
God had a better plan for the Israelites, as He has one for us, a plan for a
future of hope and prosperity. (Jer. 29:11) Somehow the future looks brighter
in the sunshine of spring when the sky is bluer and the flowers more colorful.
Spring is the time of transition. Some days are hot with the promise of summer,
some are as cold as the winter just past. Our thoughts are like that, sometimes
filled with the optimism for the future, other times caught in the bleakness of
past insults and injuries, real or imagined.
This is a time to make a choice. Am I going to strive on toward my goal or
keep my foot planted where I’ve grown comfortable? Sometimes it just feels
good to feel sorry for myself, to wallow in my misery, to continue to be angry
over a long-forgotten insult. Like Paul, I need to forget what lies behind and
reach forward to what is ahead, pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the
upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14)
Spring comes, the days get longer, the sun shines brighter and I want to
cleanse myself of the dirty laundry of my past. “Therefore, if anyone is in
Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things
have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Embrace the new, embrace the spring. Prepare our hearts for the new
season with its opportunities, joys and sorrows, with its newness of life. Don’t
look back and be turned into a pillar of salt, like Lot’s wife. Climb the next
mountain and see the life that’s waiting on the other side.
Written by Carol Shy
AFTER MANY HOURS OF WORK RESTORING AND REPAIRING OUR
DONATED JOHN DEERE TRACTOR, DON JONES HAD THE OPPORTUNITY
TO DISPLAY HIS WORK AT THE TULARE FARM SHOW APRIL 19. THANK
YOU DON FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK.
Now Listen To Me
That is a phrase I have come to love because the source of it for me is a
wonderful Pastor and author by the name of Charles Stanley. I have actually
heard very few of his sermons but the gentleness and determined delivery of
his message tells me that he is a man who has true concern for making known
the concerns that God has impressed upon his heart.
In fact he reminds me of our own pastor at Mountain Bible Church and there
can not possibly be another man more concerned for the spiritual well-being of
his church family than Marvin. I also am sure that I have heard Marvin use the
same phrase during a sermon.
Fortunately in this day of technology with radio, television, CD’s, Ipods,
Internet, and more we have the ability to access thousands upon thousands of
sermons for the rest of our life. The point I am making is that we can choose
how much we desire God to speak to us. God speaks continually to those who
are truly seeking after Him.
Unfortunately however, much caution needs to be taken because Satan has
very efficiently placed false teachers in these high tech venues as well. They
will be Pastors and teachers who may sound good until you have read enough
of the Bible to realize and recognize the false un-biblical teaching. I also find
asking a lot a questions from those I trust at MBC is a great source of Godly
truth. It helps me get back on the right track when it seems I am getting
derailed. Instant knowledge is not what I have found to be my experience as a
new follower of Jesus. I need to work at it. I desire to work at it and frankly I
can’t find enough time get all I want of it.
Here is another caution. Once Satan knows how close we are to committing
our life to following Jesus, beware because he will come with determination to
trip us up with confusion. Satan, even though he knows he has lost another
soul, will not leave us alone. That is why we have to be together as Christians
and fellowshipping together, praying for each other for strength, and
encouragement to not give up.
So if God has placed a desire in your heart or even just an occasional
thought to become part of a church family or to start attending church on
Sunday, you can be assured that God is knocking at your door and telling you
what you need to do. Just do it! But look for the message, the most important
factor in the church, not the social or entertainment value in the church.
Without a solid sound biblical message, it is a church to leave and go
elsewhere. On the other hand, when we decide to leave a church that we have
established as our church family for reasons other than the message, it is time
to go to God’s word for direction. To leave our established church family can
show a lack of Christian maturity in us.
If we decide to leave a church family because we are not happy that our
desires in our ministry is not being met by the leadership, or we don’t like the
people or the music, but the message is good and biblically sound, we may not
be getting the message! What are we seeking?
God directs our path in life by the authority He places over us. It comes in
the form of parents, bosses, civil authorities and yes even church leadership.
We sure don’t like it though do we? And we sure do some stupid things and go
with our own timing instead of waiting on His.
I heard this recently while on my way to work. “God’s timing is always
perfect, but seldom early.” Is that ever a thing to remember!
I am learning to just wait on Him. At least I think I am. I am trying anyway; I
know it is His desire.
“Seek ye first His Kingdom and His Righteousness” Mathew: 6:33. That little
piece of wisdom keeps me pretty busy!
Written by Andy Ohmit
Thinking Of Others First
One of the lessons that is so important for our children to learn is how
blessed and privileged they are to live in the United States of America. Here in
Tehachapi, we take so much for granted. We have schools and churches to
freely attend, services to help those who need clothes or food, and a bounty of
toys.
The Sunday school children take an offering each week and then spend it
helping those who aren’t so fortunate. After many weeks the children collected
$60.
They choose to spend it buying Bibles and soccer balls for children who are
helped through World Vision. The Bibles will be written in the native language
of the child receiving it and of course who doesn’t enjoy a soccer ball.
Lives will be changed because of the generosity of our children. Some of
these children chose to give from their allowances or birthday money. It is so
rewarding to see the hearts of our children touched by the needs of others.
Thank you to all the Sunday school kidos for giving to others. Keep up the
good work!
Written by Lori Henry
Children’s Ministry Director
The Road To Getty Was A Success!
One Thursday morning in April, three cars left the church parking lot, car
pooling for a day at the Getty museum in Los Angeles. After a speedy trip
down the freeway the three cars met close by in the parking structure. The
parking structure was one of the main attractions for this writer because the
cars descended so far in the lower levels. Seven levels make you feeling like
you are descending into the catacombs.
Our group assembled for the ride up in the elevator to sunshine. Then
boarded a tram for the ride up the hill to the main pavilion. Some of the men in
the group questioned the attendant about how the tram was powered. (It is
chain driven.) Our group of eleven people were directed by Christy Boyd to go
our separate ways and meet in the pavilion for lunch.
Some of the group had been to the museum before and told of some of the
interesting things available. My group didn't get a map and we didn't really
know what we wanted to see so we chose the gardens. The buildings were
magnificent in design but the gardens were beautifully, perfectly manicured,
and designed. There were Bougainvillea growing like trees up a special
support. Every spot was covered with flowers or shrubs.
As we left the gardens we walked up the path to the most clear and
beautiful view we could have asked for! Different places were pointed out by
those who knew the area but the ocean view needed no explanation. We could
see all the way to Catalina. There was no fog and just enough clouds for
beauty.
It was hard to leave the outside but the things inside were very interesting.
At lunch time (provided by Kohnen’s Bakery) everyone shared their
experiences. After comparing places visited and with our stomachs full, we
raced to see the things we had missed, promising to be back at 1:30 for the
drive back home. Everyone arrived home safely by 4:00. A wonderful time
was had by all. Thank you to the leadership that planned the trip.
Written by Cappy Stephens
Transforming Communities, One Heart At
A Time
Four years ago, an Operation Child team delivered gift-filled shoe boxes to
60 children in Korhoxie, a remote farming village in the Ukraine. The children
were overjoyed to receive such beautiful presents, and their parents were
deeply moved that strangers cared enough to prepare these gifts for their sons
and daughters.
A group of residents were so impressed by the love shown to them that they
decided to study the Bible and worship together. There was no church in the
village, so they met in a farm building. That first year, four people accepted
Jesus Christ as their Savior and were baptized. Ten more people were
baptized the second year. Then a missionary couple moved to the area to
work in the fields and to plant seeds of faith in the hearts of the people.
Today this growing church meets regularly in the farm building or people’s
homes. During a recent visit from an Operation Christmas Child ministry
partner, the congregation expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Christians who
had demonstrated God’s love to them through Operation Christmas Child.
Thanks to those simple shoe box gifts, Korhoxie now has a vibrant body of
believers united in worship, service, witness, and discipleship.
This Ukrainian village is among thousands of communities around the world
that have been touched by our Operation Christmas Child project. Since 1993,
Samaritan’s Purse has delivered more than 46 million gift-filled shoe boxes
prepared by caring people who want to share the Good News of Jesus Christ
with hurting boys and girls. Most of the children are victims of war, poverty,
disease, or natural disaster.
Throughout the year we are collecting gift-filled shoeboxes. They are not
due until November. Seeing the happiness on the children’s faces makes it
hard not to want to give. Won’t you consider putting together a shoebox? It is
a very simple way of sharing God’s love with children around the world.
Submitted by Jean Lind
Indonesian Experience
The evening, of April 12th, had beautifully decorated tables by Yvonne
Dunlap and Tammy McCain ready for a special Indonesian Dinner. The
purpose of the event was to help students who plan to attend Hume Lake
Christian Camp this summer. (The cost is $450 this year.)
Each dish was explained by Tammy as it was passed out. Rice was of
course the main filler. Chicken and vegetables were added to the rice and
were very good. A sauce (that was hot, even though they said it was mild) was
supplied for those who wanted it. Interesting chips and peanuts were also an
option. The drinks were papaya and lime juice. A desert similar to creamed
Jello (Jadi) was given out in very small containers because the Indonesians
don't eat much desert. The meal ended with American style cake.
The McCains presented a DVD about missionary work in Indoensia. The
short movie showed how the missionaries went to a tribe in the jungle who had
always wondered why people died?
The missionaries first needed to learn their language. Then they began to
tell the story of the Bible using pictures of the events.
It was a very interesting method and very effective. The DVD will be shone
again at M&M’s on Sunday at 5:00pm on two Sunday in the Barton Room, April
27th and May 4th. This very interesting missionary story will be shone in two
parts because of the kids of M & M's have a short span of interest.
The McCains were Aviation helpers for the missionaries in Indonesian for
five years. We praise the Lord for their work of putting on this dinner for the
youth and thank all the people who came to support it.
Written by Cappy Stephens
Get Out Of The Car!
An elderly Florida lady did her shopping and upon returning to her car
found four males in the act of leaving with her vehicle. She dropped her
shopping bags and drew her hand gun. She proceeded to scream at the top
of her lungs, “I have a gun and I know how to use it. Get out of the car!”
The four men didn’t wait for a second threat. They got out and ran like
mad. The lady, somewhat shaken, then proceeded to load her shopping bags
in to the back of the car and got in to the driver’s seat. She was so shaken
that she could not get her key in the ignition. She tried and tried, and then she
realized why. It was for the same reason she had wondered why there was a
football, a Frisbee, and two 12-packs in the front seat. A few minutes later, she
found her own car parked four or fives spaces farther down.
She loaded her bags into the car and drove to the police station to report
her mistake. The sergeant to whom she told the story couldn’t stop laughing.
He pointed to the other end of the counter where four pale men were reporting
a car-jacking by a mad, elderly woman described as white, less than five feet
tall, glasses, curly white hair, and carrying a large hand gun. Thankfully, no
charges were filed.
Moral of the story? It you’re going to have a senior moment, make it
memorable.
Submitted by Maybelle Mosser
does not begin to solve the problems these people are facing. The money
gets absorbed by government officials who require hefty bribes and the food
sent to relieve the starving is confiscated by their oppressors and it seldom
reaches the starving. The situation seems hopeless but there is still a burning
desire to a part of the solution if possible.
That is why we began advising you several years ago that television
appeals are seldom, if ever, a viable solution. Sending an American, (even a
Christian American), to be the ‘super star savior’ of world problems guarantees
failure. And yet the desire to do something to help them is irrepressible.
Psalm 37:13-15 talks to this very issue. Listen as you read: “But God laughs at
the wicked, knowing his day will come. (14) The wicked have unsheathed their
swords, they have strung their bows to bring down the poor and needy, to
slaughter those whose way is upright. (15) But their swords will pierce their own
hearts, and their bows will be broken.” (CJB)
A viable solution is not their government officials or else this genocide would
already be stopped. Where can we find people with the resolve and ability to
be a part of the solution? These people must have a kindred goal of both,
“Giving them a fish and teaching them to fish.” That task is daunting and must
be locally administrated.
The Bible speaks directly to this issue also. Notice Psalm 37:26, “The
upright are always generous and lend freely. His descendants are a blessing.”
So, the next question has to be, where can such people be found? The
answer is multi-dimensional but it must include one primary ingredient, we must
work through local churches where a sustained ministry can be realized.
It’s no secret that Muslims, committed to the overthrow of Christianity have
established ‘Christian sounding’ charitable organizations and watched millions
of American dollars flow into it only to be diverted to fight against everything
Christians stand for. By the way, the governments responsible for the deaths
of what is now millions of precious people of all ages happen to be led by
Muslims. These are the same terrorist armies that Christians fed for many
years as we sent food and money through televangelists thinking all the while
that the food and money was reaching the starving people. It was the secular
press that finally blew the whistle and many Christians finally woke up and
stopped supporting the very ones enforcing the genocide.
You ask, “How are we supposed to know if a plea for food, money, etc is
legitimate? The answer is simple! Giving in the New Testament was always
directed to and through the local churches. Give your tithes and offerings to
your local church and you lower the risk of deception by about 99.9%.
Mountain Bible Church has a Pastor, Elders, and Missions Team who research
the legitimacy of ministries and organizations who are pleading for your
financial support. Your giving through MBC provides support to many
ministries both locally and overseas. Mr. Brent Boyd is our Elder in charge of
Missions.
The first criteria any ministry or organization must meet before we give
financial support is that it must be working to and through local churches. This
is the safeguard God has both directed and modeled for us in the New
Testament. I’m delighted that there are Christians in places of great influence
seeking to help all of us be part of the solution for these starving masses even
as I write. I pray that God will give us great wisdom quickly as thousands are
dying daily. Won’t you pray with me?
Psalm 37:1&8 warn us not to fret or brood over the successes of the wicked
and especially not to smolder in anger at them because that won’t solve the
problem and it will make us do foolish and harmful things trying to affect justice
on our own. That not only guarantees failure, it is the converse of trusting in
God!
“The Teachings of his God are in his heart; his footsteps do not falter.” Psalms
37:31 (CJB)
Your Pastor - Marv
Don’t Look Back
Many of us are using the Bible Reading Calendar and recently completed
the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness. The Israelites continually
grumbled and complained, looking back at how much better things were in
Egypt. Really? Better off in slavery and hunger, fatigue and death? Like the
children of Israel, we often long for the good old days, forgetting how difficult
daily life was for our parents and grandparents, with few conveniences we’ve
come to see as necessities. Looking back is so common that Ecclesiastes 7:10
commands to not say that the former days were better then these.
God had a better plan for the Israelites, as He has one for us, a plan for a
future of hope and prosperity. (Jer. 29:11) Somehow the future looks brighter
in the sunshine of spring when the sky is bluer and the flowers more colorful.
Spring is the time of transition. Some days are hot with the promise of summer,
some are as cold as the winter just past. Our thoughts are like that, sometimes
filled with the optimism for the future, other times caught in the bleakness of
past insults and injuries, real or imagined.
This is a time to make a choice. Am I going to strive on toward my goal or
keep my foot planted where I’ve grown comfortable? Sometimes it just feels
good to feel sorry for myself, to wallow in my misery, to continue to be angry
over a long-forgotten insult. Like Paul, I need to forget what lies behind and
reach forward to what is ahead, pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the
upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14)
Spring comes, the days get longer, the sun shines brighter and I want to
cleanse myself of the dirty laundry of my past. “Therefore, if anyone is in
Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things
have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Embrace the new, embrace the spring. Prepare our hearts for the new
season with its opportunities, joys and sorrows, with its newness of life. Don’t
look back and be turned into a pillar of salt, like Lot’s wife. Climb the next
mountain and see the life that’s waiting on the other side.
Written by Carol Shy
AFTER MANY HOURS OF WORK RESTORING AND REPAIRING OUR
DONATED JOHN DEERE TRACTOR, DON JONES HAD THE OPPORTUNITY
TO DISPLAY HIS WORK AT THE TULARE FARM SHOW APRIL 19. THANK
YOU DON FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK.
Now Listen To Me
That is a phrase I have come to love because the source of it for me is a
wonderful Pastor and author by the name of Charles Stanley. I have actually
heard very few of his sermons but the gentleness and determined delivery of
his message tells me that he is a man who has true concern for making known
the concerns that God has impressed upon his heart.
In fact he reminds me of our own pastor at Mountain Bible Church and there
can not possibly be another man more concerned for the spiritual well-being of
his church family than Marvin. I also am sure that I have heard Marvin use the
same phrase during a sermon.
Fortunately in this day of technology with radio, television, CD’s, Ipods,
Internet, and more we have the ability to access thousands upon thousands of
sermons for the rest of our life. The point I am making is that we can choose
how much we desire God to speak to us. God speaks continually to those who
are truly seeking after Him.
Unfortunately however, much caution needs to be taken because Satan has
very efficiently placed false teachers in these high tech venues as well. They
will be Pastors and teachers who may sound good until you have read enough
of the Bible to realize and recognize the false un-biblical teaching. I also find
asking a lot a questions from those I trust at MBC is a great source of Godly
truth. It helps me get back on the right track when it seems I am getting
derailed. Instant knowledge is not what I have found to be my experience as a
new follower of Jesus. I need to work at it. I desire to work at it and frankly I
can’t find enough time get all I want of it.
Here is another caution. Once Satan knows how close we are to committing
our life to following Jesus, beware because he will come with determination to
trip us up with confusion. Satan, even though he knows he has lost another
soul, will not leave us alone. That is why we have to be together as Christians
and fellowshipping together, praying for each other for strength, and
encouragement to not give up.
So if God has placed a desire in your heart or even just an occasional
thought to become part of a church family or to start attending church on
Sunday, you can be assured that God is knocking at your door and telling you
what you need to do. Just do it! But look for the message, the most important
factor in the church, not the social or entertainment value in the church.
Without a solid sound biblical message, it is a church to leave and go
elsewhere. On the other hand, when we decide to leave a church that we have
established as our church family for reasons other than the message, it is time
to go to God’s word for direction. To leave our established church family can
show a lack of Christian maturity in us.
If we decide to leave a church family because we are not happy that our
desires in our ministry is not being met by the leadership, or we don’t like the
people or the music, but the message is good and biblically sound, we may not
be getting the message! What are we seeking?
God directs our path in life by the authority He places over us. It comes in
the form of parents, bosses, civil authorities and yes even church leadership.
We sure don’t like it though do we? And we sure do some stupid things and go
with our own timing instead of waiting on His.
I heard this recently while on my way to work. “God’s timing is always
perfect, but seldom early.” Is that ever a thing to remember!
I am learning to just wait on Him. At least I think I am. I am trying anyway; I
know it is His desire.
“Seek ye first His Kingdom and His Righteousness” Mathew: 6:33. That little
piece of wisdom keeps me pretty busy!
Written by Andy Ohmit
Thinking Of Others First
One of the lessons that is so important for our children to learn is how
blessed and privileged they are to live in the United States of America. Here in
Tehachapi, we take so much for granted. We have schools and churches to
freely attend, services to help those who need clothes or food, and a bounty of
toys.
The Sunday school children take an offering each week and then spend it
helping those who aren’t so fortunate. After many weeks the children collected
$60.
They choose to spend it buying Bibles and soccer balls for children who are
helped through World Vision. The Bibles will be written in the native language
of the child receiving it and of course who doesn’t enjoy a soccer ball.
Lives will be changed because of the generosity of our children. Some of
these children chose to give from their allowances or birthday money. It is so
rewarding to see the hearts of our children touched by the needs of others.
Thank you to all the Sunday school kidos for giving to others. Keep up the
good work!
Written by Lori Henry
Children’s Ministry Director
The Road To Getty Was A Success!
One Thursday morning in April, three cars left the church parking lot, car
pooling for a day at the Getty museum in Los Angeles. After a speedy trip
down the freeway the three cars met close by in the parking structure. The
parking structure was one of the main attractions for this writer because the
cars descended so far in the lower levels. Seven levels make you feeling like
you are descending into the catacombs.
Our group assembled for the ride up in the elevator to sunshine. Then
boarded a tram for the ride up the hill to the main pavilion. Some of the men in
the group questioned the attendant about how the tram was powered. (It is
chain driven.) Our group of eleven people were directed by Christy Boyd to go
our separate ways and meet in the pavilion for lunch.
Some of the group had been to the museum before and told of some of the
interesting things available. My group didn't get a map and we didn't really
know what we wanted to see so we chose the gardens. The buildings were
magnificent in design but the gardens were beautifully, perfectly manicured,
and designed. There were Bougainvillea growing like trees up a special
support. Every spot was covered with flowers or shrubs.
As we left the gardens we walked up the path to the most clear and
beautiful view we could have asked for! Different places were pointed out by
those who knew the area but the ocean view needed no explanation. We could
see all the way to Catalina. There was no fog and just enough clouds for
beauty.
It was hard to leave the outside but the things inside were very interesting.
At lunch time (provided by Kohnen’s Bakery) everyone shared their
experiences. After comparing places visited and with our stomachs full, we
raced to see the things we had missed, promising to be back at 1:30 for the
drive back home. Everyone arrived home safely by 4:00. A wonderful time
was had by all. Thank you to the leadership that planned the trip.
Written by Cappy Stephens
Transforming Communities, One Heart At
A Time
Four years ago, an Operation Child team delivered gift-filled shoe boxes to
60 children in Korhoxie, a remote farming village in the Ukraine. The children
were overjoyed to receive such beautiful presents, and their parents were
deeply moved that strangers cared enough to prepare these gifts for their sons
and daughters.
A group of residents were so impressed by the love shown to them that they
decided to study the Bible and worship together. There was no church in the
village, so they met in a farm building. That first year, four people accepted
Jesus Christ as their Savior and were baptized. Ten more people were
baptized the second year. Then a missionary couple moved to the area to
work in the fields and to plant seeds of faith in the hearts of the people.
Today this growing church meets regularly in the farm building or people’s
homes. During a recent visit from an Operation Christmas Child ministry
partner, the congregation expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Christians who
had demonstrated God’s love to them through Operation Christmas Child.
Thanks to those simple shoe box gifts, Korhoxie now has a vibrant body of
believers united in worship, service, witness, and discipleship.
This Ukrainian village is among thousands of communities around the world
that have been touched by our Operation Christmas Child project. Since 1993,
Samaritan’s Purse has delivered more than 46 million gift-filled shoe boxes
prepared by caring people who want to share the Good News of Jesus Christ
with hurting boys and girls. Most of the children are victims of war, poverty,
disease, or natural disaster.
Throughout the year we are collecting gift-filled shoeboxes. They are not
due until November. Seeing the happiness on the children’s faces makes it
hard not to want to give. Won’t you consider putting together a shoebox? It is
a very simple way of sharing God’s love with children around the world.
Submitted by Jean Lind
Indonesian Experience
The evening, of April 12th, had beautifully decorated tables by Yvonne
Dunlap and Tammy McCain ready for a special Indonesian Dinner. The
purpose of the event was to help students who plan to attend Hume Lake
Christian Camp this summer. (The cost is $450 this year.)
Each dish was explained by Tammy as it was passed out. Rice was of
course the main filler. Chicken and vegetables were added to the rice and
were very good. A sauce (that was hot, even though they said it was mild) was
supplied for those who wanted it. Interesting chips and peanuts were also an
option. The drinks were papaya and lime juice. A desert similar to creamed
Jello (Jadi) was given out in very small containers because the Indonesians
don't eat much desert. The meal ended with American style cake.
The McCains presented a DVD about missionary work in Indoensia. The
short movie showed how the missionaries went to a tribe in the jungle who had
always wondered why people died?
The missionaries first needed to learn their language. Then they began to
tell the story of the Bible using pictures of the events.
It was a very interesting method and very effective. The DVD will be shone
again at M&M’s on Sunday at 5:00pm on two Sunday in the Barton Room, April
27th and May 4th. This very interesting missionary story will be shone in two
parts because of the kids of M & M's have a short span of interest.
The McCains were Aviation helpers for the missionaries in Indonesian for
five years. We praise the Lord for their work of putting on this dinner for the
youth and thank all the people who came to support it.
Written by Cappy Stephens
Get Out Of The Car!
An elderly Florida lady did her shopping and upon returning to her car
found four males in the act of leaving with her vehicle. She dropped her
shopping bags and drew her hand gun. She proceeded to scream at the top
of her lungs, “I have a gun and I know how to use it. Get out of the car!”
The four men didn’t wait for a second threat. They got out and ran like
mad. The lady, somewhat shaken, then proceeded to load her shopping bags
in to the back of the car and got in to the driver’s seat. She was so shaken
that she could not get her key in the ignition. She tried and tried, and then she
realized why. It was for the same reason she had wondered why there was a
football, a Frisbee, and two 12-packs in the front seat. A few minutes later, she
found her own car parked four or fives spaces farther down.
She loaded her bags into the car and drove to the police station to report
her mistake. The sergeant to whom she told the story couldn’t stop laughing.
He pointed to the other end of the counter where four pale men were reporting
a car-jacking by a mad, elderly woman described as white, less than five feet
tall, glasses, curly white hair, and carrying a large hand gun. Thankfully, no
charges were filed.
Moral of the story? It you’re going to have a senior moment, make it
memorable.
Submitted by Maybelle Mosser
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
A recent news report stated that entire ethnic groups in several African countries are literally
being systematically starved and thousands are dying every day. Those who have the food and
guns and political power have stolen everything of value from these people and are determined
to destroy entire ethnic groups who do not have the ability to help themselves. If they can buy
food at all they are charged 80 to 90% of their ‘slave labor’ income for it. How could one’s heart
not be touched and broken?
being systematically starved and thousands are dying every day. Those who have the food and
guns and political power have stolen everything of value from these people and are determined
to destroy entire ethnic groups who do not have the ability to help themselves. If they can buy
food at all they are charged 80 to 90% of their ‘slave labor’ income for it. How could one’s heart
not be touched and broken?
Be A Person Of Great Compassion
