The essential meaning of prayer is that it nourishes the life of the Son of God in me
and enables Him to manifest Himself in my mortal flesh.
O. Chambers
Ruth Rush was in services this past Sonday following a lengthy absence due to surgery. What an absolute joy it was to see our beloved prayer warrior. I was with Samee Meyers when we ran into Ruth. (I call Samee my spiritual mom because for the past 9 years she has taught me everything about being a woman of faith.) Samee turned to me and said, “Ruth is your spiritual grandmother” and when I gave her a puzzled look she said, “She is my spiritual mom, so she is your spiritual grandmother.” I praise God for the people of faith like Ruth Rush who reach out to the next generation like Samee Myers to spiritually parent them to be strong in the LORD, and for Samee’s generation who reach out to my generation to parent us to be just as strong. My prayer is that Father will use me as a spiritual parent to someone in the next generation.
Delaine Zody is offering praise to Father for her improved health. Diagnosis and treatment this summer of a sleeping problem has made a world of difference for her.
On Sept. 5th the Aldridges are hosting a meeting with Karl Roth on the church plant at Rio Mesa. Everybody who is interested in knowing what is going on with this exciting venture is welcome to attend. The meeting starts at 6:00. The Aldridge’s address is 36722 Pauline Avenue. Directions are: North on Hwy 41 to Avenue 15, West on Avenue 15 to Road 37, North on Road 37 one block to Pauline Avenue, Travel on Pauline Avenue to the fifth house on the south side of the road and you are there.
Let’s continue to keep Karl and the church plant in Rio Mesa and Horacio and the Life House Church in Reedley in our prayers.
Awhile back we were praying for Connie Media-Flores and her pregnancy. This past Thursday Connie gave birth to a baby girl, Marisela. Marisela is 3 months premature and only weighed 2 pounds. The good news is that she is taking her mother’s milk and has already gained several ounces. Please pray for Marisela, her parents Connie & Martin, and her sister, Marisol.
A prayer request has come in from Lois Hansen. Last week a 27 year old woman she knows, Debra, suddenly passed away leaving a devastated family behind. Please pray for the family- Debra’s mother, Pat; her two brothers and Debra’s 4 year old child. Please pray for Lois, that she can be a comfort to the family.
I have some more sad news - and yet, not so sad. 8 year old Kyle Speers went home to be with his LORD this past Thursday. I want to share with you part of the e-mail that I received from Bobby Kammer - “Thank you so much for your friendship and continued prayer. As you can imagine, this has been an extremely tough time, but Kyle was confident that he was going to heaven and his biggest concern was that he did not want to make others sad who stayed behind. He was an incredible kid!" Please keep the Speer family in prayer as they grieve their loss.
We’ve received an update e-mail from Anna Gossen. She is still in Germany and it looks like she will be there for awhile. Anna’s mother recently underwent surgery on her eye to remove fluid and a bloodclot. Please pray for Anna’s mom’s complete recovery. Anna’s papers have been lost and she cannot work in her profession until those papers are processed. Please pray that the papers will turn up so she can get a job in her field.
Kelli Hasting’s father, Chuck Johnson, has been having additional health problems and had to be taken back to Los Angeles this past weekend. Please keep Chuck & his family in prayer.
Chantel in Paris should be out of surgery by now. Please keep Chantel and Charles in your prayers as she recovers.
Please continue to pray for the following: Ray Rahn, Jr with his kidney dialysis, Julie & her mother with their broken bones, Jim Holdman and his radiation treatments, Khamla who is reaching the end of her chemo treatments (we praise You, Father!), Evelyn Hayhurst with her cancer, 16 month old Brandon Johnson who has leukemia, Peggy Molander as she undergoes physical therapy, Bill Clem’s recovery from shoulder surgery, Lois & Dan Hansen and new job for Dan, John Robert’s need to be in relationship with Jesus and for his cancer, Cheryl Balestra as she continues her cancer treatments, and Robert Kammer with his sleep apnea.
Pray for our missionaries: The Reaching Hand Society in India, Jan & Larry Martin in Thailand, Laurie Bethall & Simon in Prague, Judy, Faye & Miisaw as they work at the New Life Center in Thailand, Dr. George Pe Myat and the hospital in the Congo, Bounkham & Khamla’s mission to Laos and all the missionaries worldwide.
Pray for the eternal and triumphant Church, our local congregations, pastors, leadership and finances.
Please continue to hold up our country, her leaders and our military in prayer
Giver of Life,
How we have longed to be here in this place with You and to meet You face to face. Reveal Yourself to us as we fall on our knees in awe of You. We feel Your presence here with us and we willingly surrender to Your love.
Accept our praise and gratitude for generations of Your children who faithfully and selflessly prepare the next generation to serve You. Help us to be part of this generation that prepares our next generation.
We thank You and praise You for the great news Delaine Zody shared with us.
Mighty Foundation and Cornerstone, we lift up the two new churches that are being established in Your kingdom. We pray Your abundance on Karl & Horatio as they dare to claim big audacious goals for these churches in Rio Mesa and Reedley. Father, bring the lost and hurting to the churches so that they can find hope and comfort in You.
Abba, we lift up tiny little Marisela to You and ask that You hold her in Your mighty hand. Abba, continue to help her to develop and grow. We pray Your protection for this baby. We lift up Connie, Martin and Marisol and ask that You comfort & guide them during this difficult time. We rest on your promise that when we pray in agreement You will honor our prayers.
We pray in agreement LORD on all these requests.
Comforter of the broken, we lift up Debra’s family as they grieve the sudden loss of Debra. We lift up Pat, the two brothers, and Debra’s child and ask that Your pour Your mercy upon them. Holy One, guide Lois and the other believers who surround this family with their love.
We praise You, LORD Jesus, that when Kyle stepped from this world he stepped into Your arms. There is no more pain - only joy. Please comfort and strengthen the family as they grieve the loss of this little boy. We praise You for Kyle’s incredible testimony of faith in You.
Good Shepherd, we ask Your blessings on Anna and her mother. Restore and heal Anna’s mother’s eye and help Anna’s papers to be found and processed..
We ask, O LORD, that Your healing hand be placed on Chuck Johnson. Let the doctors be able to help him. We pray strength for his family.
Father of Mercy, we ask Your hand of healing also be on Chantel, our beloved sister. We ask that her recovery be swift. We pray for Charles during this time as he helps his wife.
LORD of All, we ask that You remember the names and situations of all that we pray for.
Holy Spirit, we pray for our missionaries as they serve You in places around the world. We call out for The Reaching Hand Society, Larry & Jan Martin, Laurie Bethell, Simon and all those who work with them, Judy, Faye & Miisaw, Dr. George and Bounkham & Khamla.
Mighty and Triune God, we pray that You bless and strengthen Your Church as we serve You. Bless our pastors and leaders, O God, and help them to lead us in Your paths. Provide for the needs of our ministries, LORD of All, as we reach out to the world in Your name.
We pray for our country - that she come back to You. We pray for our leaders that they will make decisions that best serve You. We pray protection and comfort surround all who serve in the military.
Messiah, You truly are the Way, the Truth and the Life. In the darkest nights we can look to You and know that You are our way. In the roaring confusion of this world, we seek You and know that You are our only Truth. As we live each day we rest in the promise that You are our Life and that because of You we will live forever. We love You., LORD.
HAMM-ING AROUND
Valerie Rae Hanneman
August 27, 2004
Luke 22: 31-32 “The Lord said, 'Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has wanted to have you. He will divide you as wheat is divided from that which is no good. But I have prayed for you. I have prayed that your faith will be strong and that you will not give up. When you return, you must help to make your brothers strong.'” (NLV)
Like just about everybody I have been glued to the TV watching the Olympics. I find the whole thing just fascinating, and not just the competition, but also the people who are watching them (like me!) All of a sudden new names are on our lips - Paul, Carly, Laura, Michael and the “Thorpedo.” We have new terms that we use, we talk about Carly “sticking”, Laura’s “splash” and Michael’s “kick”, sounding absolutely knowledgeable about the sports. The truth is that most of us never watch gymnastics, diving, swimming, weight-lifting and or even synchronized swimming outside of the Olympics. I can’t even tell you if those sports are on TV in between the Olympics. But still, I watch the Olympics. I guess that I like to see the drama of those who strive to touch the stars and those who inexplicably crash & burn.
Paul Hamm had a crash & burn story. The top ranked male gymnast at the Games, he was favored to take the gold in the all-around competition. Only something went horribly wrong. On the vault event his approach was perfect, his vault was near-perfect and then he didn’t “stick” his landing. Not only did he not stick on the landing - he did not stick on the mat - and he fell to the floor by the judges table. For a stunned moment the world was silent with shock. Even the commentators were silent (a miracle in itself.) When the scores came in, Paul had plummeted from first place to twelfth - with only two more events to go. One little tiny misstep and a lifetime of hopes, dreams and hard work were shattered. His face said so. There was no way that he was going to medal. His face said that too.
I have had a bunch of crash & burn stories in my walk with Jesus. Times when I knew that I had blown it so big that Jesus was up in heaven throwing His hands up in disbelief. I think we all of have had them. Simon Peter knew about them too. The same man that would take the biggest step of his faith getting out of that boat would also be the man with the greatest crash & burn in his faith when he denied even knowing Jesus. Jesus knew what was on Peter’s horizon and He warned Peter - satan’s coming for you, he wants to make sure you don’t stick. Be strong and have faith and don’t give up. Simon Peter looked at Jesus, and in his pride said, “I will die for You.” Jesus answered, “Tonight you will deny Me three times.” And just a few short hours Peter did just exactly that.
Why didn’t Jesus protect Peter from satan’s snares? He could have easily enough. He could have arranged for some temple guard to conk Peter over the head and by the time that Peter regained consciousness that whole courtyard time would have passed him by. Think of all the pain, remorse, and guilt Peter would have avoided if Jesus had just stepped in. But Jesus loved Peter more than that and He loves us more than that. If Jesus had not allowed Simon Peter to make his spectacular crash & burn would Peter have been the disciple who preached on Pentecost Sonday and kindled the fire that still burns in the church today? Or would he have continued to be the disciple of “all talk no action”? If Jesus had protected me from my crash & burns - would I be the woman of faith that I am today? Or would I be a pew-potato who never grew up in the LORD enough to live within my faith and His love? Would you be who you are?
The whole world waited with bated breath as Paul Hamm approached the parallel bars. How was he going to handle the devastation of the vault? Would he fall apart or would he hold it together? Paul held it together with grit and determination. He knew his medal hopes were gone but he still fought back and turned in one of his best performances. He inched up to 7th place. Then other competitors made mistakes, and Paul inched even closer to the top. As he got ready for the high bar we were told that if he turned in a good performance he could get the bronze, maybe even the silver. And there was the slightest window open, if he turned in the performance of his life, Paul would get the gold. Paul turned in the performance of his life and I don’t know what was going on in your living room but there was some whooping and hollering going on in mine! Now, I know that there is some controversy surrounding Paul Hamm’s gold medal but it is undeniable that Paul Hamm is a world-class champion. It is not the gold medal that makes Paul a champion. Nor is it his routines or his abilities as a gymnast. What makes him a champion is what it within him - the determination to succeed and the courage to get up from the ashes of defeat and turn it into a victory.
We are going to crash & burn in our Christian walk - it is inevitable. It may be as spectacular as Peter’s denial of Christ. What are we going to do then? The world is watching to see. Jesus is watching to see and He is praying for us while He watches. Are we going to slink out of the arena on our hands and knees, our head hung low? Or are we going to get up, dust ourselves off and approach the next event with grit and determination?
Jesus allows us to crash & burn because He knows that when we have tried everything and failed and all we have left is Him, then we will grow in our faith in Him. I can look back at the times in my life when I had my greatest growth in faith, and they are the same times when my life has been it’s darkest. Look back on your walk with Him and see if this is not true for you as well.
Jesus is looking for world class champions of the faith. And we are not champions because of how well we preach, or how well we lead a ministry. We are champions when we pick ourselves up, grab hold of Jesus even tighter, and face the next event with determination and courage.
LORD Jesus, we want to be world class champions of faith, not because we want bragging rights or because we want to show off our religion, but because we want to love You that much. When we crash and burn help us to have the courage to stand and face the next event.
Contact Valerie at valerie@fresnofirst.org
Check out the e-Ministry blog at www.fresnofirst.org
e-Praise & Prayers - August 24, 2004
“I ought to spend the best hours of the day in communion with God” E.M. Bounds
“A little less religion - a little more relationship” Karl Roth
I love having new experiences (the good kind) and Sonday night’s service was a new experience for me. I met a lot of brothers and sisters who attend Clovis First Baptist Church and got to sing some great praise to our King of kings. But there is no doubt in my mind that the best part of the night was hearing the vision of the new church plant at the Rio Mesa development. Karl Roth, the pastor of the Rio Mesa church, talked a little about himself (he made sure that we knew he wasn’t a religious man, whew, what a relief!) and talked a lot about the God we serve and a passion to reach the lost. Then this crazy, enthusiastic, committed man put the vision he has the for new church up on the screens. I don’t know a lot about church-planting - but I know big audacious goals when I see them - and these goals are big and audacious. My first though was “It is impossible for Karl to accomplish this!” And I am right. Karl Roth CANNOT accomplish these goals. I know that - and so does Karl. He said so. After he read the goals he looked at us and simply said, “I know that these are big goals - but I serve a big God.” I don’t know about you - but that is a WOW! Statement of faith. Let us praise God for His children who dare to have big audacious goals to go with their big audacious faith!
Walt Hemphill was in services this past Sonday! His wife, Donna, told me that he continues to get better! Let us praise God for this wonderful report!
I am requesting prayer for my children’s grandfather, Big John. He is facing some serious health and financial problems.
Mike Schwab was in services this past Sonday as well. He is doing much better but will be on antibiotics for some time in order to continue to fight the infection.
Bev Willis has sent us an update on Rick, his wife, Leslie and their daughter Kayla. Rick is not doing well on his chemo, however there is some good news in that they are now attending services at North Pointe Church.
I spoke on Sonday with Harold Seward and he told me that his mother, Lillian, is doing much better, although her recovery from gall stone surgery continues to be slow.
Please continue to keep the following in prayer - Ray Rahn, Jr & his dialysis; Jim Holdman and his fight against the infection that is holding up his radiation treatment; Julie & her mother for swift recovery from broken bones; Khamla who will shortly be able to stop her chemo treatments, Evelyn Hayhurst and her cancer, Brandon Johnson (16 months old) who has leukemia; Peggy Molander and her physical therapy; Kyle Speer’s & his family; Bill Clem & his continued recovery from shoulder surgery (this incredible man is still over at the church working on the landscaping to the best of his ability - I am telling you that we have some awesome people who serve God and our congregation!). Please continue to pray for Chuck Johnson and his chemo treatements. Chantel Kabambi, in Paris, will be undergoing her surgery at this time next week. Please keep Chantel in prayer. Continue to pray for Ruth Rush as she recovers from knee replacement surgery; Lois & Dan Hansen as he looks for God’s guidance in a new job situation; John Roberts and his need for a relationship with Jesus. I spoke to Annie Dennis, John’s daughter, and she said he was doing okay with his cancer treatments. Delaine Zody says that Cheryl Baldera is doing very well with her cancer treatments. Please continue to pray for Robert Kammer & his sleep apnea.
Please continue to lift up our missionaries in prayer. Laurie Bethall & Simon as they work in Prague, Judy, Faye & Miisaw as they work among the women at the New Life Center in Thailand, Reaching Hand Society in India, Jan & Larry Martin in Thailand, Dr. George Pe Myat and the hospital in the Congo, and Bounkham & Khamla’s mission to Laos.
Please lift up the world-wide Church as she serves Jesus. Please pray for our local congregations, pastors and leadership.
Continue to lift up our country, her leadership and our military.
King of kings, Lord of lords, Prince of Peace,
How we love Your royal titles, it reminds us of the majesty and power that You are. We look forward to the day that You take Your place as absolute Ruler of this earth. On that day mercy, justice and righteousness will be the norm and not the exception.
You are a great, big, audacious God and we thank You and praise You for your children who dream dreams of serving You in great big audacious ways. We thank You for Karl and the simple statement of faith “I serve a big God” We ask that You bless the church at Rio Mesa and bless her pastor as they serve You. Father, show each of us how we can be a blessing to this new church plant. We ask that You lead us in ways to use our gifts to help birth this church.
LORD God, we thank You that Walt and Mike were able to be in services this Sonday. We ask that You continue to heal their bodies and lift their spirits.
Great Provider, we lift Big John before You and ask that You heal his body and provide for his financial needs.
Father, we continue to lift up all of those that we are praying for. We thank You for the good updates that we have received on many of them this week. We pray in faith for each of these situations, not placing our confidence in any result, but in the character of You Who heals us. Our faith is in You, the results are up to You.
Blessings and honor, glory and power be unto Your glorious name!
Great I AM, we pray for those who serve You in places around the earth. We lift up all of Your missionaries and ask that You show them Your glory and renew their vision. We ask Your wisdom and abundance be poured on Laurie Bethall and Simon as they serve You in Prague, Judy, Faye and Miisaw as they serve You in Thailand, Reaching Hand Society in India, Jan & Larry Martin in Thailand, Dr. George in the Congo, and Bounkham & Khamla’s mission to Laos.
LORD of All, LORD of us, in Your last prayer You prayed for Your church that we would be known for our love for You and our love for each other. Forgive us when we allow the things that are different among us to overshadow all that unites us. Help us to overcome and to build the Kingdom as Your Church - one Church united in love.
Father, we lift up our congregation, fill us with Your Spirit and help us to make a positive impact on our community in Your name. We pray for the pastors of our churches and ask that You grant them strength and wisdom as they lead us, We ask Your abundance on the leadership in our churches and for the ministries that they lead. Abba. Let our focus never slip from You and from reaching the lost with Your message. Father, provide for the churches and the ministries out of Your abundance.
Holy One, we cry out for Your mercy to be upon our country. Father, bring her back to You. We ask Your wisdom to be with our leaders as they make decisions that will impact us, our country and the world. We as that You be with our military as they protect us both at home and abroad.
Mighty Savior, help us to have the vision and fire to dream great big audacious dreams. Start a fire of faith that will change our neighborhoods, our city, our country and our world, and let it begin with me.
We love You, LORD God, we long to joyously bow down before You. It is in Your name we pray - Amen
e-Missions Update - August 25, 2004
Train Evangelism
(From Gospel For Asia)
Newly released from jail, native missionary Devanand is especially grateful to celebrate his 22nd birthday today-not because he is out of jail, but because he was able to spend time in it.
"I celebrated my birthday by sharing the Good News with the captives," he reported joyfully.
Devanand was distributing Gospel literature at the train station two days ago when several policemen confronted him. "Are you trying to convert me also?" one officer asked. "Yes," he responded, "the Gospel is for everyone to have eternal life." The police immediately arrested
Devanand and took him to the station, where he was charged with "preaching the Gospel in the train." He received permission to phone Gospel for Asia state leaders, who began working to secure his release. They also circulated a prayer request for him throughout all GFA's Believers Churches in the state.
Because he uses a unique method of literature ministry, Devanand was not at the train station by accident that day. Three times a week, Devanand buys a railway ticket and boards the train well-supplied with New Testaments, Gospel tracts and booklets. He spends no less than four hours on the train. "His ultimate aim," says his leader, "is to share the Gospel with as many people as possible before they reach their destination. Who knows if he will get another opportunity to meet them and share the Good News!"
After Devanand's release, GFA leaders asked him about his experience. "It gave me the opportunity to share the Gospel and give New Testaments to all the police and the prisoners," he answered enthusiastically. "I am so happy to suffer for my Lord. And I will more vigorously do His
work, whatever the consequences I have to face."
Please pray that the Lord will use Devanand to bring many souls to salvation, and for the salvation of those in jail who heard the Good News. Remember also to pray for continued freedom to preach the Gospel in Maharashtra, the nation of India, and the entire Subcontinent
WHAT DO YOU WANT ON YOUR TOMBSTONE?
Valerie Rae Hanneman
August 20, 2004
2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (NIV)
I love pizza. I love pizza that gets delivered, I like pizza that I eat in the pizzeria, and I even like the frozen pizza’s you get in the store and bake yourself. My favorite frozen pizza is the Tombstone brand. I am not sure if I like it because it is better than the other brands - or if it is because I really got a giggle out of the commercials they used to run. Do you remember them? There one that sticks most in my mind is the one where the guy is facing a firing squad and he refuses the last cigarette and the blindfold, then the general asks him, “And what do you want on your tombstone?” The guy thinks for a moment and then say “Pepperoni!” I don’t know why I liked those commercials so much - my daughter thought I had taken leave of my senses when I would laugh at them.
Have you ever thought of that question though - outside of pizza? What do you want on your tombstone? Some people get pretty creative when it comes to words on a tombstone. Some of them are pretty funny “Roses are red, violets are blue, I’m pushing up daisies, someday you will too.” Some of them are pretty mater-of-fact with just a name and a date. Some of them touch on good aspects of the deceased’s life, “Good Wife and Mother” “Outstanding Father” “Community Leader” and some of them touch on other aspects. I was in Arizona one summer and saw a tombstone that read “Meaner than a snake.” I think the saddest one I ever saw was in San Felipe, Mexico while I was there on a mission trip. It had the man’s name - then one simple word - “drogas” - drugs. You were left to wonder if his addiction killed him or did drug trafficking kill him? But regardless of which it was - his legacy on his tombstone was that of another broken life.
When Paul wrote this to Timothy he was in a Roman prison and Paul knew that it was close to the end of his life. Paul looked back at his life in Christ, and wrote to Timothy “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” That was the legacy that he wanted people to remember about him. And 2,000 years later we still know that Paul fought the good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith.
What do you want them to remember about you? What do you want on your tombstone that will tell generations to come who you were? Do you want to be remembered as a good father? Good mother? Faithful servant of Christ? If I were going to have a tombstone I think that I would like it to say “She loves God, She loves her family. Not always perfectly, but always enthusiastically.”
Here comes the hard question - what would other people put on your tombstone? Would the people at your workplace write about your ambition to succeed at all cost - or your love of Jesus? Would they write that you were the same on Monday as you were on Sonday? Would your family write about the long hours you worked - or your involvement with them? Would they tell of how you showed them the love of Jesus or the love of money? Will your church family write about a Sonday-morning-go-to-meeting Christian, or an involved Christian example? A pew-potato or a servant of Christ?
I know how I like to see myself and I know the legacy that I would like to leave behind. But I wonder sometimes - is the legacy that I think I am leaving behind the legacy that I am leaving behind? Would others write on my tombstone the same thing that I would?
Sometimes I don’t think that they would.
If I want to leave a legacy behind that others in my life will agree with then I need to start living my legacy now. If I want my legacy to be “She loves God, She loves her family. Not always perfectly but always enthusiastically.” Then I need to live that way today so that it will be what people remember about me tomorrow.
First, I need to love God at my job, with my family and in my church family. I need to show my love for God in all that I do. Second, I have to love my family. I have to love them on my job, I have to love them when I am with them, and I have to love them when we are with our church family. I have to make sure that my love for them is part of everything I do. And last - “not always perfectly but always enthusiastically.” I wish that I could love God and my family perfectly - but there is a catch in that wish. I am imperfect - as my children will gladly tell you. I cannot love perfectly - yet - but I can love God and my family enthusiastically. I can give my love for them everything I have got.
I am going to live my legacy now so that when I finally leap joyously through the shadow of death and into by God’s presence I will hear Him say, “Well done you good and faithful servant.” And if I take the time to look back to the earth, I will hear those I worked with, my family and my church family say, “That Valerie! She loved God, she loved her family. Not always perfectly - but always enthusiastically!”
What legacy are you working towards?
Holy Jesus, help us to live our lives and leave a legacy of love and service to You first of all. May our lives so clearly show Your presence that when we join You those who we leave behind will always remember Your presence in our lives.
Contact Valerie at valerie@fresnofirst.org
e-Praise & Prayers - August 17, 2004
Prayer is a mighty force, an energy that moves heaven
and pours untold treasures of good on earth.
E.M. Bounds
I just flat out loved Sonday’s service! I was once again reminded of how blessed I am by Father that He brought me to this congregation! First to hear Laurie Bethall talk about the work being done among the women in prostitution in Prague and in Thailand. Laurie, like Larry Martin, who serves Jesus in Thailand, is from Fresno First Baptist. They answered the call of the Good Shepherd to serve far, far from home. We, as their home congregation, support them with our prayers and our finances. Because of our congregation’s support - lives around the world are being changed by Jesus. I am excited to be part of a congregation that fulfils the Great Commission by sending its people and its resources around the world. After Laurie we heard from Karl Roth. Karl has recently moved back to the valley to be the pastor of the church plant in the Rio Mesa development. I love people who are willing to get out of the boat and follow Jesus across the water - but Karl takes that to new levels. They haven’t even started the first bit of construction on that development and here Karl is already planning & working for the church that will be there. He didn’t just get out of the boat - he leapt out of it! I am excited to be part of a congregation that looks to the future of our community by being involved in local church plants. This coming Sonday, August 22, we will be joining with Clovis First Baptist, the LifeHouse church plant and Karl to celebrate the New Church Vision that God has given us. That celebration will be held at 6:00 pm in our worship center. Come and get your socks blessed right off!
I spoke to Ilene Luna today and she told me that her brother, Ray, is doing better. He is still on dialysis four times a day - but he has been able to go back to work part-time. Please continue to keep Ray Rahn, Jr in prayer.
We have a prayer request from Barbara for a family friend of theirs, Jim Hildman, who has had colon cancer surgery. Some suspect lymph glands were discovered and there is need for radiation treatment. In the hospital Jim contracted an infection and they can't start treatment until the infection is gone. He is currently fighting the infection. Please include in the prayer request for a financial blessing for Jim and his family as he has no medical insurance.
We have a prayer request from Julie, a sister of ours in Wisconsin. I met Julie I can’t even remember how many years ago when we were both at a job-related training in San Diego. Julie is requesting prayer for her mother who lives by St. Paul, Minnesota. Julie’s mother is almost 70, and lives alone. She recently took a fall and broke her foot. Please pray for a speedy recovery for Julie’s mom. Julie is also feeling the effects of a broken bone - she has broken a finger and is also in need of our prayers.
Please continue to keep the following in prayer: Khamla as she is finishing her chemo treatments, Mike Schwab as he recovers from his infection; Evelyn Hayhurst with pancreatic cancer; 16 month old Brandon Johnson who has been diagnosed with leukemia; Peggy Molander and her physical therapy; Kyle Speer’s and his family; Bill Clem and his recovery from surgery on his shoulder; Kerry Johnson, Kelli Hasting’s brother, with his breathing; Chuck Johnson (Kelli’s father) as he continues his chemo treatments, Chantel Kabambi as she prepares for her surgery at the end of this month; Walt Hemphill as he continues to recover; Ruth Rush’s recovery from knee replacement surgery; Lillian Seward’s continued recovery from her gall stone surgery, Lois & Dan Hansen as he searches for a new job opportunity; John Rogers, Annie Dennis’ father, as he is treated for cancer - but most of all - that he will find Jesus; Cheryl Baldera with her cancer; and Robert Kammer & his sleep apnea.
Please pray for our missionaries around the world. I would like us to include Laurie Bethall, Simon and all those who work with the women in prostitution in Prague. I would like for us to pray for Judy, Faye and Miisaw who work among the women in prostitution in Thailand at the New Life Center. Continue to pray for the Reaching Hand Society in India, Jan & Larry Martin in Thailand, Dr. George Pe Myat in the Congo, and Bounkham & Khamla’s mission to Laos.
Please pray for the Eternal Church, that she will fulfil the purpose that Jesus has called her to. Pray for our local congregations, our pastors and our leadership.
Pray for our country, her leadership and those who serve in the military.
Great Light of the World,
Every day You give us our daily bread. Every day You give us enough. Thank You for Your provision. By the world’s standards, we aren’t much at all, but everyday we live within the light of Your amazing love and we are rich beyond compare.
Holy LORD, I thank You for churches that are outwardly directed, whose prayers and resources are focused on getting Your message of eternal life to as many people around the world as possible. We ask that You bless them, provide for their needs and keep their congregations focused on You.
Jehovah Jirah, Great Provider, we thank You for the life testimony of Your servants, Laurie & Karl. We ask that You bless their efforts for Your kingdom - one in a place far away, the other just right next door. Grant them an abundance of Your presence in their lives. As they face this difficult work You have called them to, renew their vision, guide their steps, and protect them.
Father God, we thank You and praise You for answered prayers.
Thank You, LORD, that Ray Rahn, Jr is doing well enough to go back to work part time. We ask that You continue to bless him and strengthen him.
Our Solid Rock, we call out for Your mercy on Jim Hildman and his family as he recovers from the surgery. We ask that the infection will clear up quickly so that Jim can undergo the necessary treatments. Provide for their finances.
Abba, we lift up Julie and her mother and ask that You knit their bones together quickly and that they have a speedy recovery. Protect Julie’s mom as she lives alone.
LORD of all Creation, You know the names and situations of all those that we are praying for and we ask that Your hand of mercy continue to be upon them. We ask that Your will be done in each of their lives.
Father, we thank You for the promises You have made to us, but there is no promise sweeter - or more anticipated - than the promise of an eternity in Your presence. Holy, Holy, Holy, LORD God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come. We bow before You in praise.
LORD Jesus, when You walked among us Your love and compassion for the women in prostitution was extraordinary. We thank You for those who continue to show Your love to these women today. We ask Your blessing and provision be on Laurie, Simon and all those who work with them in the streets of Prague. We ask Your blessings and provision be on Judy, Faye and Miisaw, as they work with the women in Thailand. We ask Your continued blessings and provision on The Reaching Hand Society, Jan & Larry Martin, Dr. George, and Bounkaham and Khamla. We pray a wall of protection around all of the missionaries who serve You worldwide.
Holy Spirit, we pray for the eternal, world-wide Church. Guide her as she takes the message of Jesus to all the hurting people around the world. Provide for her needs, give her strength and courage to stand against all who would come against her. We pray that You will bless the local congregations - bless their pastors and their leadership. Guide the local church in the direction that You would have us go. We thank You for those who are involved in the ministry of the church, regardless of where they serve. Bless them.
Mighty God, we pray Your blessings on our counrty and on her leadership. Guide them in the decisions that they make. May Your face be sought once again. Bless all those who serve in the military, protect them and comfort them.
Precious Jesus, how we love You. How we long for the day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that You are LORD of all. We choose to bow our knees before You know. We not only confess that You are LORD of all - We confess that You are LORD of us. All I want is to be worthy of You. Help me. In Your name we pray, Amen.
SEED OR WEED?
Valerie Rae Hanneman
August 13, 2004
Matthew 13:29-30 “ 'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.' " (NIV)
I grew up back in the day when Middle School was called Junior High School and when it was three years (7th through 9th) instead of two. I have had some tough periods in my life - but none quite as miserable as those three years. I wanted so desperately “to belong” to be just like the popular girls. But my own lack of self-esteem always made me feel inferior and insignificant. After all, I wasn’t cute, my family was not well-off, I did not have a “bubbly” personality and as far as physical development went - I was all elbows & knees and flat as a board. I was so desperate to belong that I came up with this brilliant idea - I would make believe like I had a boyfriend who was in high school. I figured that that was a sure-fire way to get into the popular clique. So I got hold of a gold colored chain, put a “borrowed” men’s ring on it - then wore it on my neck. I tried to show it off without being obvious and sure enough other girls started noticing it. I had a story all prepared about this fictional Prince Charming who was a senior at Roosevelt High School and so when they started asking about the ring - I started lying. And for awhile the deception worked. I was the only girl who had a boyfriend who was a senior and that made me special. I was the center of the group - for awhile. The problem was that I may have acted just like the rest of those popular girls - but I was living a lie. I wasn’t really anything like them. I guess that in time they figured that any senior boy who was willing to go steady with a geek like me had to be a mega-geek. I may have faked it with the popular girls - I may have looked like I belonged with them - but the bottom line is that I didn’t.
Jesus was teaching His disciples about the Kingdom of Heaven one day. He compared it to a number of things and then He started talking about those who would look like the rest of His followers - but were faking it. He told of a field that was sown with seed and that night the enemy threw weed seeds in with the good seeds. Nobody noticed until the seeds started showing their fruit and the weeds were seen for what they were. The owner was asked if the weeds should be pulled and he replied to let them be - that if they were removed the good plants would be damaged. He said that the weed’s time was coming. That at harvest they would be separated from the good plants and burned.
Jesus knew that there were going to be fakers in His Church. People who weren’t really in relationship with Him. There would be those who had been in church their whole lives and figured that because they were “good” they were okay. He knew that there would be those who, like me in junior high, were looking for a way to belong without knowing the One to Whom we belong. And He knew that there would be the others who were purposely planted in the Church by the great deceiver, satan, to cause problems.
There are several very interesting facets to this parable that I would like us to consider.
When the good seed and the bad seed were first growing in the field, you couldn’t tell them apart. It wasn’t until they were reaching maturity that the servants came to the owner and said, “Hey, boss, we’ve got a problem.” It was when the seed started producing it’s fruit - it’s harvest - that you could tell the difference. Jesus told us often in His Word, “By their fruit you will know them.” The good seeds produced wheat. The bad seed produced weeds. The good seed in the kingdom’s harvest is going to produce good fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The bad seed is going to produce weeds: discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy. No matter how well the bad seed fakes it on Sonday morning, when push comes to shove, how they live their life will show if their fruit is good or if it is weeds.
It is also interesting to see that when the servants asked the owner if he wanted them to pull the weeds out of the fields - the owner said no, it would damage the good wheat if the weeds were pulled. That the situation would be dealt with at harvest. Jesus did not appoint us as weed-pickers. It is not our job to weed out the fakers from our congregation. Can you imagine the chaos and damage in the Church if all of a sudden the weed-pickers were determining if our relationship with Jesus was real or faked? And were tossing us out of the pews if we didn’t make the cut? The harvest - the kingdom work - would be severely damaged. So what do we do with the one who thinks that they are good-enough? We love them and we show them Jesus. What do we do with the one who is just looking to belong? We love them and we show them Jesus. What do we do with the one who is causing problems? We love them and we show them Jesus. Pretty basically that is the answer to everything - just love them and show them Jesus. Jesus is the owner of our field and it is His responsibility to deal with the weeds.
And he will deal with the seed and the weed. When it is time for Him to take His harvest from this among this earth, then the bad weeds will be separated from the good seed. The weeds will be sent into eternal death and the good seed will be gathered into His barn.
I am so grateful that I am headed for the barn. But while I am on this earth it is not my job to determine if another is a seed or a weed. It is my job to make sure that I bring as much seed into the barn with me as I can and leave the harvesting to my Owner, Jesus.
LORD Jesus, I bow my knee and my heart to You in gratitude that because of our relationship I am headed for the barn. Help me not to be content to just be headed for the barn but to work in Your fields of harvest so I can bring as many others with me as possible.
Contact Valerie at valerie@fresnofirst.org
e-Praise & Prayers - August 11, 2004
We cannot talk to God strongly when we have not lived for God strongly.
The closet cannot be made holy to God, when the life has not been holy to God.
E.M. Bounds
Create in me a clean heart, O God. Psalm 51:10
I have some wonderful news to report! Emmy Lou Graves was back in services on Sonday! I was so excited to see her that I was almost turning cartwheels as I hurried over to hug her! Emmy has been in isolation over at San Joaquin Gardens with a simply horrible case of pink eye, and it has been well over a month since she has been able to be in services. Thank You, Father, for bringing this beloved woman back to us!
We have another praise report. Khamla will have her last chemo treatment on Sept. 17th! She says that she is “very tired” but her beautiful smile is still in place! Khamla will have to continue taking cancer meds for about 5 years.
Mike Schwab was admitted to the hospital last Monday - a week ago - with a serious infection. The infection caused some other problems but when I talked to Edie Gates on Sonday she told me that he was due to be released on Sonday. Please keep Mike in prayer.
Please pray for Evelyn Hayhurst - she has just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Evelyn is 84 and has been a member of FFBC since 1952. (I am impressed because I was born in 1953)
Madeline Neuman’s 16 month old cousin, Brandon Johnson, has been diagnosed with leukemia. The family doesn’t have a personal relationship with Jesus, so please pray for physical healing for Brandon and spiritual healing for the family.
Peggy Molander is continuing to receive physical therapy treatments over at San Joaquin Rehab. Please pray for Peggy’s speedy recovery.
Robert Kammer has not heard from Kyle Speer’s family lately - he thinks that they are in Northern California visiting family. Please continue to pray for Kyle & his family..
Bill Clem has undergone surgery on his right shoulder - he is looking at a 6 month recovery period. Knowing Bill’s boundless energy - this is going to be hard on him!
Please continue to keep the following in prayer: Ray, Karen & Jean Callahan as they grieve the loss of Karen’s mother, Kathy; Kerry Johnson, Kelli Hasting’s brother, with his breathing; Chuck Johnson (Kelli’s father) as he continues his chemo treatments, Chantel Kabambi as she prepares for her surgery at the end of this month; Walt Hemphill as he continues to recover; Ruth Rush’s recovery from knee replacement surgery; Lillian Seward’s continued recovery from her gall stone surgery, Lois & Dan Hansen as he searches for a new job opportunity; Ray Rahn Jr. who is undergoing dialysis; John Rogers, Annie Dennis’ father, as he is treated for cancer - but most of all - that he will find Jesus; Cheryl Baldera with her cancer; and Robert Kammer & his sleep apnea. Robert is due to get a machine in September that will greatly help his medical problem.
Please continue to pray for our missionaries around the world. Bounkham will be returning to Laos soon. He is waiting for his US Citizenship to come through before he applies for a new passport. Continue to pray for his mission to Laos. Pray for Jan & Larry Martin in Thailand, the Reaching Hand Society in India and Dr. George Pe Myat and Jesus’ hospital in the Congo.
Please keep our pastors, leadership ministries and finances of our congregation in prayer. This past Sonday I dropped in on the Board of Manager’s meeting. What an uplifting experience it was as I heard the reports from the different ministry teams! Even though we are in the “lazy, hazy crazy” days of summer (did I just date myself - or what?!) - there is a lot of wonderful ministry going on around our campus! This week let’s spend a little extra time in prayers of thanksgiving for the men & women who volunteer their time to keep the church grounds looking so fantastic! We are truly blessed by their hard work! With Bill Clem out of commission for about 6 months I know that the landscaping team could use a few extra hands. Contact Bill Hansen if you are interested in volunteering a few hours a month.
Please pray for our country and her leadership. Please pray for the safety of those who serve freedom in our military.
Bright & Morning Star,
How awesome You are! You are the River of Life that flows within us.
Mighty God, we thank You for brining Emmy Lou back into services this past Sonday. Please continue to bless this wonderful woman. We thank You that Khamla is almost finished with the chemo and that her outlook on life continues to be bright. Bless her as she has so richly blessed us.
Father, we lift up Mike before You and ask that You heal his body of this infection and of it’s complications. We thank You that Mike has been able to leave the hospital and go home.
Holy LORD, we thank You for the witness of Your children like Evelyn, whose life has been spent in serving You at FFBC. We ask that You bless her and strengthen her during her time of trouble.
We cry Holy! Holy! Holy! LORD God Almighty! For You and you alone are worthy of our praise!
We ask for Your mercy to be poured on little Brandon Johnson. Father, heal his physical body and let this situation be the catalyst that will bring the family to You. We also cry our for Kyle Speer and his family. Grant that peace will be theirs as they go through this sad time.
We pray for Peggy Molander and her physical therapy. Father, continue to heal her body.
God Almighty, we thank You that You brought Dottie & Bill Clem to our fellowship. We pray that Your healing touch be on Bill as he recovers from his shoulder surgery.
We continue to lift up Ray, Karen & Jean Callahan, Kerry Johnson, Chuck Johnson, Chantel Kabambi; Walt Hemphill; Ruth Rush; Lillian Seward, Lois & Dan Hansen; Ray Rahn Jr.; John Rogers, Cheryl Baldera; and Robert Kammer.
Holy Spirit, with fervent prayer we lift up Your missionaries that serve You around the world. We pray a wall of protection and mercy around them. We ask that You provide for their needs as they build the Kingdom. We ask Your blessing on Bounkham as he awaits his citizenship. We pray for Jan & Larry Martin in Thailand - that You bless their work with Your abundance. We pray for the Reaching Hand Society in India and ask that You protect them and meet their needs. We pray for Dr. George and ask that You continue to bless the hospital in the Congo.
Jesus Messiah, with hearts brimming with love we pray for our pastors. We ask that You pour out Your power and love upon them, guide them in the direction that You would have us go. We lift up our leadership and ask that You give them a fresh vision of You high & lifted up. We pray for all the ministries and ministry leaders that they never lose focus on You. We ask that Your pour Your abundance on the finances of our congregation. Help us to use all that You give us wisely and in pursuit of You. LORD God, You have given us such a beautiful campus. We ask Your blessings on those who volunteer their time and effort to keeping it so beautiful. We ask that You bring more volunteers to this ministry.
Redeemer, we lift our country up before You and ask that You bless her as You have done so often in the past. We ask Your wisdom be granted to our leaders - that they will lead this country in accordance with Your will. We ask that You protect all those who serve our country in the military. Be with their families.
You are the Great I AM. The same today, yesterday and forever. Our lives are grounded in Your love for us. Refine us of our impurities so that we can be holy and set apart for You. We choose You over all the earth has to offer. To be honest - what they offer is nothing in comparison to You. It is in Your name we pray - Amen.
I know that I have sent this out before - but something that thrills the soul and makes you dance - like this does - is well worth the repeat!
HE IS!
He Is The First and Last, the Beginning And The End!
He Is The Keeper of Creation And the Creator Of All!
He Is The Architect of the Universe And The Manager Of All Times.
He Always Was, He Always Is, And He Always Will Be, Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, And Never Undone!
He Was Bruised And Brought Healing!
He Was Pierced And Eased Pain!
He Was Persecuted And Brought Freedom!
He Was Dead And Brought Life!
He Is Risen And Brings Power!
He Reigns And Brings Peace!
The World Can't Understand Him, The Armies Can't Defeat Him,
The Schools Can't Explain Him, And The l Leaders Can't Ignore Him.
Herod Couldn't Kill Him, The Pharisees Couldn't Confuse Him, and The People Couldn't Hold Him!
Nero Couldn't Crush Him, Hitler Couldn't Silence Him, The New Age Can't Replace Him, and Donahue Can't Explain Him away!
He Is Light, Love, Longevity, and Lord.
He Is Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, And God.
He Is Holy, Righteous, Mighty, Powerful, And Pure.
His Ways Are Right, His Word Is Eternal, His will Is Unchanging, And His Mind Is On Me.
He Is My Redeemer, He Is My Savior, He Is My Guide, And He Is My Peace!
He Is My Joy, He Is My Comfort, He Is My Lord, and He Rules My Life!
I Serve Him Because His Bond Is Love, His Burden Is Light, And His Goal For Me Is Abundant Life.
I Follow Him Because He Is The Wisdom Of The Wise, The Power Of The Powerful, The Ancient Of Days, The Ruler Of Rulers, The Leader Of Leaders, The Overseer Of The Over Comers, And The Sovereign Lord Of All That Was And Is And Is To Come.
And If That Seems Impressive To You, Try This For Size, His Goal Is A Relationship With, ME! He Will Never Leave Me, Never Forsake Me, Never Mislead Me, Never Forget Me, Never Overlook Me, And Never Cancel My Appointment In His Appointment Book!
When I Fall, He Lifts Me Up!
When I Fail, He Forgives!
When I Am Weak, He Is Strong!
When I Am Lost, He Is The Way!
When I Am Afraid, He Is My Courage!
When I Stumble, He Steadies Me!
When I Am Hurt, He Heals Me!
When I Am Broken, He Mends Me!
When I Am Blind, He Leads Me!
When I Am Hungry, He Feeds Me!
When I Face Trials, He Is With Me!
When I Face Persecution, He Shields Me!
When I Face Problems, He Comforts Me!
When I Face Loss, He Provides For Me!
When I Face Death, He Carries Me Home!
He Is Everything For Everybody, Everywhere, Every Time, And Every Way.
He Is God, He Is faithful. I Am His, And He Is Mine!
My Father In Heaven Can Whip The Father Of This World.
So, If You're Wondering Why I Feel So Secure, Understand This, He Said It And That Settles It.
God Is In Control, I Am On His Side, And That Means All Is Well With My Soul.
Everyday Is A Blessing From GOD. I Love The Lord And Thank Him For All That He Does In My Life, Therefore, I'm Passing This
On. Yes, I Do Love Jesus. He Is My Source Of Existence And Savior.
He Keeps Me Functioning Each And Everyday. Without Him, I Will Be Nothing.
Without Him, I Am Nothing But With Him I Can Do All Things.
Yes, God Is Real. Real In My Soul Today!
Greeting in Jesus' Name.
It is a joy to be writing to you again. Today afternoon has been a great one as the sun is out for the first time in 15 days. The monsoon in Malkangiri has been delayed but when it did come it came in good. One local reservoir is full and the other one should get full by the end of this month.
Worship Sheds:
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The Lord continues to move. In the month of July two the congregations in the villages of Pod Colony and Kiang built sheds. These sheds are used for the Sunday worship and the mid-week Bible Study. The entire costs of the building of the sheds were borne by the congregation themselves. Some pictures of the worship shed in Pod Colony are available at http://community.webshots.com/album/162988363wckEUe.
A witchdoctor healed:
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Last month Ram vade (Vade - Witchdoctor in Koya) was bitten by a snake and had lost the use of his left leg. After using all his as a witchdoctor and the skills of the other witchdoctors wich failed he invited Niranjan and Dilip (missionaries in Rabaguda) to pray. Praise God he has regained the use of leg. He now greatfully tells of the payer that healed him. Please pray that he will soon accept Christ.
A bear hug:
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On the night of 11th July 2004 Ranu Rabe, a seven year old girl and her mother were attacked by a bear about 50 meters from the house of Niranjan and Dilip. They gave some first aid and rushed her to Malkangiri the next morning. The girl had severe trauma in her head and a fractured arm. The local doctor gave no hope and said the girl would not survive. We went on our knees wept and prayed. Praise the Lord today the girl is healthy and is back in her village. Our God is still a miracle working God. I am moved to tears everytime I see Him at work. Please continue to pray for Ranu as her fractured arm continues to heal.
Freedom in Jail:
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Ravi Raj (name changed), who is in Malkangiri sub-jail and is under trail for naxalite (terrorist) activities accepted the Lord last month. Praise the Lord for the freedom in jail. Please continue to pray for the ministry in the jail.
Finances:
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The inflow of finances continues to be slow, however the needs keep increasing. I will appreciate your prayers and support in this regard. Please get in touch with me if the Lord lays it in your heart make a donation and I would be happy to give you the various needs we have.
Staff News:
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Many of our staff and some of your children were down with either typhoid or malaria, but now as I write this letter none of them are sick. Praise the Lord for his healing touch.
Michael (he works in Chennai along with Mr. D. V. Sunder Singh, Treasurer of RHS) and his wife were blessed with a baby girl. Yhoooooooooooooooo RHS family is bigger. Please feel free to write to Michael at rhs_chennai@mantraonline.com.
Please find at the end of this report an email from mummy. She continues to travel in the US. Will appreciate your continued prayers for her.
Personal News:
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My great grandmother completed her 100 years on the 15th July 2004. We praise God for her life and what she means to all of us.
My grandmother who is 79 years of age continues to be very sick. I will appreciate your prayers.
My sister Mary starts her class 12 on the 11th August 2004 and my brother David has finished school and joins a college in Bangalore on the 16th August 2004.
The Lord has continued to bless me with good mental, physical and spiritual health.
Thank you very much for your prayers and support.
Closing with prayers
Remo
BUG SPRAY FAITH
Valerie Rae Hanneman
August 6, 2004
Revelation 2:3 “You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.” (NIV)
There is this perfume that I simply adore. I am not enough of a perfume connoisseur to describe it as having the smoky tones of yin-yan over a base of sultry night jasmine with a satisfying hint of spices. I just know that it smells good! I am not real thrilled with its name “Opium” but it sure does smell good. Unfortunately my only experience with this perfume was as samples given away one day in Macy’s. Opium costs around $78.00 for a 3.3 oz bottle and that is way out of my price range. I am, after all, feeding a 15-year-old son and $78.00 represents a couple of days of food.
I was absolutely thrilled one day when I was in the 99Cent store and found a “knock-off” brand of Opium. I sprayed it on my wrist, and it smelled just like the real stuff! I bought three bottles of it and still saved tons of money!
The following Sonday I sprayed myself all over with the knock-off and went to services knowing that I smelled like a million bucks - well, okay - at least like a hundred bucks! I was doing one of my favorite Sonday things, hugging a friend, when she suddenly wrinkled her nose and said, “They must have sprayed for pests this week. Do you smell that?” I didn’t smell anything and that should have been my first clue. For choir practice the next Wednesday I gave myself another spray of my perfume. I got a couple of curious looks at choir, but I am used to that. When I got home that night and gave my mom her goodnight hug & kiss, she asked me, “Why do you smell like Raid?” I was mortified! How could I smell like bug spray? I was wearing $78.00 perfume!
Only I wasn’t - was I?
I was wearing a cheap perfume, an imitation of the real stuff, and it had no staying power. It may have started out smelling the same but time proved that it was worth just exactly what I paid for it.
There is a style of Christians that I call “shooting stars.” If you have been in a congregation for any length of time I am sure that you are aware of them. They show up one Sonday, fall in love with the music, the preaching, the ministries and join the church. Almost immediately they get really involved in any number of ministries. They are enthusiastic about their involvement, they are rapidly meeting everybody, they are bringing brownies to the pastor during the week, they are in classes, leading small groups, they there every time the church doors are open and then - poof - they are gone. I call them shooting stars because they show up on the horizon, make a big splash across the sky and then they disappear. The rest of us are standing there, shaking our heads and saying, “What was that?”
The reasons that they suddenly leave are varied. Sometimes they leave because they have burned out by being so involved and they feel they need to go to a church that doesn’t demand so much from them. Sometimes they have visited another church and fell in love with the music, the preaching, the ministries and have decided that they need to be attending there. Sometimes they decide that although they are giving everything they’ve got they aren’t getting anything back and sometimes there have been hurt feelings, the church hasn’t responded in the way they wanted, and so they are off to find a place where that doesn’t happen. The bottom line is that they simply don’t have any staying power.
That isn’t what Jesus intended. He didn’t say, “leapfrog from one congregation to the other, from one ministry to the other and I will bless you.” He said, “Persevere. Finish the race I have set you on - and the winner’s crown will be yours.”
I looked up persevere at www.askjeeves.com and it means to persist stubbornly, to refuse to quit, to hang in there. It doesn’t mean that when the going gets tough, the tough get going to another church.
I can understand visiting several churches trying to find the one that best suits you and I can understand trying out several ministries to find the one that best suits your gifts and your style - but you shouldn’t make a career out of hopping around. Once you find where you are supposed to be you should stay there.
Jesus says to persevere. To worship in the congregations He has placed us, to grow in the classes He leads us to, and to serve Him in the ministries He calls us to. And when the going gets tough He wants us to persist stubbornly, when we get tired He wants us to refuse to quit, and when our feelings get hurt He wants us to hang in there.
In the beginning, shooting star Christian’s faith looks the same as the persevering faith, just as my knock-off perfume smelled just as good as the real stuff. But the difference quickly becomes apparent as time goes by. At the first sign of trouble the shooting star faith is looking for greener pastures while the persevering faith says that it will not be moved. I bet that the shooting star faith smells like bug spray to God - while the real stuff - the persevering faith - smells like the finest perfume.
Jesus wants to change the world in His name - but to do that He has to have people whose faith perseveres.
What does your faith smell like?
LORD Jesus, I don’t want bug spray faith. I want faith that persevere and rises before You like perfume. Change me and mold me into what You would have me be.
Contact Valerie at valerie@fresnofirst.org
Check out the e-Ministry blog at our website - www.fresnofirst.org
Note from Valerie: Just when you think you've got it rough because you have to be at the church at 8:00 on Sonday morning for choir practice Father shows you how easy you really have it. Let's pray for the Church that doesn't have the freedom to be at the church at 8:00 on any morning. This story is from a e-newsletter "Religious Summaries from around the World" that I get.
Eritrean Police Halt Christian Wedding
Compass Direct
Police disrupted a Christian marriage ceremony in the Eritrean town of Senafe on Sunday, July 25, and arrested 30 guests and members of the wedding party. Charging in and demanding a halt to the ceremony, police officers ordered everyone who was not a "Pente" (a derisive abbreviation for "Pentecostal") to leave the place immediately. Many of the guests did so, but the 30 evangelical Christians who remained were hauled off to jail. The prisoners were released after signing a document promising not to participate in any evangelical Christian wedding in the future. Police continue to hold an evangelist, identified as Michel, of the Kale Hiwot church and Teame Kibrom, a man in his 80s. Officials declared the two responsible for the wedding that allegedly defied a government ban on evangelical church activities. More than 400 evangelical Christians are currently jailed by the Eritrean government, including prominent pastors Rev. Haile Naizgi, Dr. Kiflu Gebremeske and Tesfatsion Hagos.
e-Praise & Prayers - August 3, 2004
Jesus is moved to happiness every time He sees that you appreciate what He has done for you.
Grip His pierced hand and say to Him, “I thank Thee, Savior, because Thou hast died for me.”
Thank Him likewise for all the other blessings He has showered upon you from day to day.
It brings joy to Jesus.
O. Hallesby
I have the most incredible life. I bet that you do to. This is the life that Jesus gives us when He purchases us with His own holy blood. There is a deep river of joy running free in my life - and oh, my, how it has changed me. Just to wake up each morning, seeking His face, and anticipating my day is a 180 degree turn around from my previous life when I dreaded each morning and hated my life. Oh, I am not going shower you in rainbows and roses and tell you my life is perfect - it is not - I have faced tremendous challenges. But I don’t face them alone any more. Take just a moment to look at your life and know that my story isn’t really much different from yours. We may have different details, but the main unifier in all of our stories is the same - and that is Jesus. Let’s thank and praise Him for the miracle of our lives.
I would also like to lift praise to our awesome God for Carola & Ransom Poythress. We have been praying for Carola’s recovery from her stroke and - we praise You, Father God - Carola was in second services this past Sonday as she and her husband celebrated 62 years of marriage. What a blessing it was to hear them both speak of how much they still love each other. More than one of us were dabbing the corners of our eyes as they spoke.
Please continue to pray for Karen, Ray & Jean Callahan as they grieve the death of Karen’s mother, Kathy. As is often the case in an unexpected loss like this, tensions are running high within the extended family, placing additional stress on everybody. Please pray for strength for the family as they work through the difficulties.
Kerry Johnson, Kelli Hasting’s brother, has come home from the hospital and is doing much better. He does require constant oxygen to help his breathing. Kelli’s father, Chuck Johnson, continues to take his chemo in LA and his spirits are really drooping. Please pray for this family.
I have received the following e-mail from Charles Kabambi about his wife Chantal: “The Doctor confirmed that Chantal will be hospitalized on the 30th of August and be operated on the 31st of August. Praise God for all financial provisions, Thanks once again for your prayers.” I love getting e-mails from Charles. He and Chantel live in Paris - so all that advertizing junque that they put at the bottom of e-mails is in French. That just tickles my fancy.
I believe that Robert Kammer & his daughter are taking a trip together (I think to Florida) right now, so we do not have an update on Kyle Speer and his family. Please continue to pray for them. Kyle is terminal with leukemia. Bobbie, send us an update on Kyle when you can.
Please pray for traveling mercies on Robert, his daughter, and all of our family who are vacationing.
Please pray for the family of Geri Kinnish as they mourn the loss of Geri’s grandson, Don. Please pray for Walt Hemphill & his continued recovery, Emmy Lou Graves and her pink eye, Ruth Rush’s recovery from knee replacement surgery, Lillian Seward’s recovery from gall stone surgery, Ray Rahn Jr, who is undergoing dialyses treatments, Judi Wright and her mother, Lois & Dan Hansen with his job situation, John Roger’s and his cancer and most important - for his need to be in relationship with Jesus, Cheryl Baldera and her cancer, Mandy & her cancer, Khamla and her chemo treatments, Rick, Leslie and Kayla as Rick undergoes chemo, and Robert Kammer & his sleep apnea.
Please pray for Jan & Larry Martin in Thailand, Bounkham & Khamla’s mission to Laos, Dr. George Pe Myat and his hospital in the Congo and for the Reaching Hand Society in India.
Please pray for our pastors, leadership, ministries and finances of our church. I am meeting this week with Willie to talk about this upcoming year of Care Fresno Kids Klub. We are gearing that ministry back up to resume with the school year. We are planning some exciting changes to this ministry and I would ask that you keep all of those who serve in this ministry lifted high in prayer. If you are looking for a really fun place to serve Jesus while making a difference in a child’s life - I invite you to talk to me to see if Care Fresno Kids Klub is the place for you to be.
Please pray for our country, her leadership and our military.
Great Light of the World,
After the darkness that was my life - You truly have become the Light of my World. Where there was despair, You have become my hope, where there was sadness You have become my Joy, where there was only death, You have become my eternal Life. Thank You for the sacrifice You made in order to claim me and redeem me. Thank You for my life.
Holy Father, we thank You for the faithfulness of Your servants Carola & Ransom Poythress. We praise You for their faithfulness to You and to each other. We thank You that You brought Carola back to her family this Sonday. We ask that You continue to bless her recovery.
LORD of All, we lift up Ray, Karen and Jean Callahan and ask that You continue to bless and guide them as they grieve Kathy’s passing. Help them to have patience with the family members as they all work through this sad time.
We thank You that Kerry Johnson is out of the hospital, we ask that You continue to heal his body and ease his breathing. We continue to lift up Kelli’s father, Chuck Johnson, and ask that You be with him as he undergoes the chemo. Heal his wonded spirit, LORD.
We pray that Your peace fills Chantel as she prepares for her operation on the 31st of this month. Grant her inner strength. Father God, we ask that You place Your hands over the hands of the surgeons and guide each move that they make. Father, heal her body completely.
Alpha and Omega, place Your hands around Kyle Speer and his family as they walk down this difficult path. Give the family comfort and peace - remind them that death is not real for Kyle - it is a shadow he passes through to reach You in all Your glory. They will hold Kyle again.
We ask Your mercy on all of those who are traveling at this time. Bring them safely back to us, Glorious Father.
Abba, We lift before You all of those for whom we are praying. LORD, You know each of these situations by far better than we ever can. We ask that You continue to bless them, guide them and heal them.
Great Provider, we call out on behalf of those missionaries who serve You so faithfully in the farthest reaches of the earth. We ask Mighty God that You protect them and comfort them. We ask Your blessings on Larry & Jan Martin as they serve You in Thailand. We ask Your blessing on Bounkham & Khamla and their mission to Laos. Father, bless Dr. George in the Congo and bless the hospital there that serves the medical needs of the people. Merciful Savior, pour Your blessing on the Reaching Hand Society in India. Protect them as they serve you with strength and courage in a part of India that is known for it’s Hindu extremism.
God of Wonders beyond our imagining, how great and how marvelous You are, and how mighty are Your works among us.
We lift our pastors up to You. We ask that You fill them with Your widom, Holy Spirt, and guide them in the way that You would have us go. We lift the leadership of our church before You and ask that You bless and provide for alll their needs. LORD God, we hold our congregation up before You and ask that You let us see the world as You see the world, break our hearts for the lost and the hurting. Provide for the needs of our congregation and for the Church throughout all of the world.
Abba, as we get ready for another year of Care Fresno, LORD Above, I ask Your blessing on this ministry. Help us to reach the children of our neighborhood with Your good news. Help us to be living examples of Your great love for the children. LORD, these children can be challenging and so we ask that You grant us patience and understanding as we work with them. Let us never lose sight of the prize - to bring the children to relationship with You.
We pray in agreement for our country and her leaders. Help Your children to be the light in the darkness that fills our country. Let our light guide her home back to You. Guard and protect the men and women who serve our country in the military.
As we fall on our knees with our face to the rising Son, we thank You, LORD Jesus for the mercy and grace You have poured into our lives. We declare to the world that we are totally dependent on You for everything, including our very breath and heartbeat. Bless us, we pray. Help us to be worthy of You and Your sacrifice. We love You, LORD. Amen