Valerie Rae Hanneman
Proverbs 19:2 “Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.” (ESV)
For our Christmas celebration this year, Care Fresno Kids Klub had a sleepover. Sleepovers are always hectic but even more so on this night because we had first gone by bus over to what my kids fondly call “The Christmas House” of Jim & Donna Sullivan. We got back, hurriedly ate spaghetti for dinner and then moved over to the Senior and Junior high rooms to have the sleepover. Because we had been at the Sullivan’s, the rooms were not set up - and the “munchies” were not out on the tables yet. I sent of few of my youth leaders to watch the kids and the rest to set up our rooms. I then went back to room 310 to set up for our special activity for the night. Our special activity was cookie decorating. Char Cole had baked us a bunch of flat cookies, I had made the frosting and purchased all sorts of items to decorate with. There were nuts, marshmallows, pretzels, raisins, and all sorts of little candies that needed to be set out in little bowls. My plan was to set out just a little bit of everything in the bowls - and to refill them as needed. That way any leftovers could be used later. I was setting out the bowls when three girls came in and asked if they could help. I welcomed their help. I was giving them an overview of what we were going to do with the bowls when one of the youth leaders came in to get me. Apparently there was a dispute over a rubber ball that needed to be resolved. I told the girls to wait for me to get back and off I went. It took me awhile to make one little boy understand that bouncing the ball off the head of another little boy might be an accident the first time - but it was difficult to accept that it was an accident the 5th time it happened and that he was to stop having this accident immediately! When I got back to room 310 my girls were just beaming - they were so excited to show me what they had done. While I was gone they had put everything into bowls and I mean EVERYTHING! Some of the bowls were full-to-overflowing. Some of the items took four or five bowls to hold all of them. And they had gone one step further and had thrown out all the now empty bags - the first time any of those kids had cleaned up without me nagging them! I was just sick - there was no way that I could fix what had been done and I knew that we were going to end up wasting a lot of the decorating items. These girls were positive that they knew what I wanted and they were in a rush to get it done for me. But they only knew a small part of the picture and in their haste - they created a waste.
Do you know anybody who does this? They grab the ball and run with it - thinking they know what they are doing? But they end up making a goal for the other team because they were in too much of a hurry to realize they were going the wrong direction. I know somebody like that - she looks back at me from the mirror every morning. My boss will be explaining something that he needs and I get so busy in my head figuring out the best way to get it that I stop listening to him. Then when I get the information to him it isn’t what he asked for. Either I got the wrong information, not enough information or the information is presented incorrectly. Then I have to slink back to my office and do it correctly. In my haste - I just made waste. I have wasted my time and his time. And I have damaged my reputation with him.
But there are times that I do even worse. There are times when I get this really great idea and I just KNOW that it is from Father and off I go with it. Only - I forgot something. I forgot to ask God. Sometimes I hear Him calling to me - only I don’t pay attention. Maybe I am so convinced that I am headed the right direction that I am thinking that the voice I am hearing - God’s voice - is leading the angels in cheers for me. Only I am in too much of a rush to realize that Father isn’t cheerleading for me, He is trying to get me to slow down enough to listen to what HE wants me to do. Sometimes He gets my attention in time to stop me from falling flat on my face - and sometimes He doesn’t. Believe me, there is nothing more humbling than to be sitting there trying to dig the dirt and leaves out of your teeth and nose while finally listening to the voice you should have been listening to before you got yourself in this position.
Does Father love me any less at these times? No - that is impossible for Him, just as it is impossible for me to love my three girls any less. I can not fault the heart and the motives of my girls. They love me and just wanted to please me and help me by taking part of the stress of the evening off of me. When I am sitting in the dirt brushing it off my face and clothes Father does not fault my heart or my motives. He knows that I love Him so much - that I just want to serve Him and to please Him. What I can fault my girls for is that I told them to wait for me to get back - but they forged ahead with what they thought I wanted. Father can fault me for the same thing. He says to me, “Wait upon Me.”“Be still & know...”“Listen to My voice,” only I forge ahead with what I think He wants.
But the results in both instances are the same - waste. The girls who helped me did not waste my time. But they did waste Care Fresno resources.
I did not waste Father’s time - time is something He created and He exists outside of it, filling all of eternity at once. I cannot waste what does not affect Him. But I waste His resources. When I pledged my life to Him, when I pledged to be His duelos - His bond-servant - then I became one of His resources. And although Father is not touched by time - I most certainly am. I only have a certain number of days here on earth before I joyously leap to join Him in eternity - so I am a limited resource. When Father is trying to call me in one direction only I’ve got the bit between my teeth and I am off running in another direction, then I am wasting my time and my effort. And I am wasting Father’s resources.
Father wants us to be enthusiastic and joyful in His service - but He doesn’t want our enthusiasm to overpower His voice and His will for us. He may not show you right now what He wants you to do - but He will show you at the right time. Be patient - wait for His voice.
Father, I will never regret being Your bond-servant. It is my joy and my reason for living. But I do regret wasting my time and effort in trying to do what I think You want before I ask You what You want for me. I open my heart and my life to You and ask that You help me to seek Your voice first before I act.
Contact Valerie or subscribe to the e-Ministry at Fresno First Baptist at valerie@fresnofirst.org.
Check out our web-log at www.fresnofirst.org
Gospel For Asia Missions Update
Picking a Fight
"My son is sick," the man told the missionary. Could Jesus heal him? he wanted to know.
That was not why Shibu had initially approached the GFA missionary. He and his friend, Kumar, were really just there to argue with him - and to ask him why he was ruining their village by talking about this new God.
But then another man - a follower of this God - had approached, sharing his story of great things God had done for him. Silently, Shibu and Kumar listened.
Then Shibu asked the question that was on his heart - "My son is sick - can Jesus heal him?"
"Believe," the missionary responded, "and Jesus can heal him." Shibu believed, and the Lord healed his son!
That day, two men who had intended to cause problems instead witnessed God's powerful hand at work. Pray for these men and their families, that Jesus would become very real to them.
Do not strive on your own strength; cast yourself at the feet of the LORD Jesus, and wait upon Him in the sure confidence that He is with you and works in you. Strive in prayer; let faith fill your heart - so will you be strong in the LORD, and in the power of His might. A. Murray
Our Annual Celebration of Ministry was GREAT! Luis and Maria cooked up some absolutely fantastic food. Congratulations to Vi Norman and Caitlyn Baird who were selected for “Laity of the Year” True to their servant’s hearts - both of them were stunned to be chosen.
A wonderful praise report comes this week from Delaine Zody about her niece, Cheryl Balestra. Her chemotherapy is done and she seems to be in remission. Five years without a reoccurrence of the cancer is her goal.
What a joy it was this past Sonday to have the Molanders - Bobby Mo’ & Peggy - in worship with us! Peggy told me that they messed up her first knee replacement so they had to redo that one - so she actually ended up having three knee replacement surgeries. Ouch!
Another praise report for little 2 year old Patrick who has the brain tumor - He has been able to tolerate the chemo treatments finally, he has been released to go home from the hospital, and his little hands that had involuntarily curled up into fists have relaxed and he has regained movement and control in them. Thank You LORD God for Your infinite love and care for this baby!
Dennis Hunt is back from Michigan. He tells me that his dad had congestive heart failure and was retaining fluids. Dennis took care of him when he got out of the hospital and regained his strength. Dennis is home now and says that his dad is doing pretty well.
Vanessa Garcia, one of our youth and a leader in Care Fresno Kids Klub was headed out this past weekend for snow camp - the first time she had ever gone to camp. Unfortunately, as she was getting her stuff out of the car she twisted wrong and dislocated her knee bone. It ended up on the side of her leg. The paramedics came and took her to the hospital. Needless to say - camp went right out the window. Vanessa was in services on Sonday - and working the raffle tables! But she was still limping and in pain. Please pray for this young woman.
George Martin is now in a wheelchair and the doctors are only able to help him with pain management. The bone cancer has spread to several places in his body. Please pray for George and Margie as they face this together with Jesus.
Bev Willis is requesting prayer for Ruth Howell who underwent valve replacement surgery on her heart this past Monday, the 24th. Ruth and her husband Gordon were members of FFBC when we were located in “downtown” downtown Fresno.
Paula, Barbara Fortier’s friend, is weak and hurting. She is unable to eat solid food at this time and there is a problem controlling her blood pressure. Please continue to keep Paula in prayer.
Our senior high’ers are headed for SugarPine this weekend. Pray that Jesus will be able to reach those who are not in relationship with Him, and build up the hearts of those who are.
Kris Baiz, who has been on our prayer list for a toe amputation, had a heart attack this past Friday. The doctors put a “stint” in her heart to open up the blocked artery and Kris is home. Kris is recovering well but is having a difficult time spiritually in coping with what is going on with her. Please pray for a complete physical and spiritual healing for Kris.
We continue to pray for the following: Bobbie Ronsley & remission from lupus, Lorna’s recovery from a hernia operation, the victims of the tsunami & the relief effort, John Berg’s recovery from a heart attack, The Children of Promise ministry, Laura and her bone marrow transplant, Robert & his recovery from sleep apnea, Yolanda & her back problems, Angel & her possible MS, Ramona McDonald’s anemia, Stan Reed & his bladder cancer, 2 year old Brandon & his leukemia, Dan Hansen & his future job, John Rogers and cancer, Chuck Johnson, Kelli Hastings’ father, Dan & Sandy Austin & their struggle with finances, Gabriel, Ruth Delgado’s nephew, recovering from wounds received in Iraq, Carola Poythress’s recovery from a stroke, Ray Rahn & kidney dialysis, Johnnie Sowell & her chemo, Lois Winters & her cancer.
Pray for our missionaries - Laurie Bethall in Prague, Judy, Faye & Miisaw as they work at the New Life Center in Thailand, Jan & Larry Martin in Thailand, The Reaching Hand Society in India, Dr. George Pe Myat & the hospital in the Congo, Bounkham & Khamla’s mission to Laos, and all the missionaries worldwide.
Please keep our two church plants in prayer - the LIFEhouse church, with Horacio & Cheryl Aleman in Reedley and their official start-up service this Sonday - January 30th. The Flipside church with Karl & Shellie Roth and their next preview service on February 6th.
Pray for our pastors, our leadership, our ministries, and Father’s provision for His Church.
Pray for the safety of our troops in Iraq as they begin to deliver the voting machines. Pray for the citizens of Iraq as they vote on January 30th - a vital step in their freedom. Pray that the terrorists who would stop this election are prevented from harming any of the voters.
Pray for our country, her leadership and our military.
LORD God,
Our hearts sing HALLUJAH! WHAT A MAGNIFICENT, ALL-POWERFUL GOD! in praise of You. Thank You for the way You fill our lives with joy!
Holy LORD, we thank You for Vi and Caitlin and for their strong witness for You. Bless them.
We thank You for the great report on Cheryl and ask that her cancer continue to be in remission.
We also thank You that Bobby Mo’ and Peggy were in services Sonday. Continue to heal and strengthen both of them.
Jehovah Jirah, continue to keep Patrick close in Your loving hands. We thank You for the progress that he is making and ask that You heal him from this tumor.
Continue to be with Dennis’ father as he recovers from his heart problems.
We ask that You continue to heal Vanessa’s knee and bring it back to full use quickly.
Provider of our needs, we lift George Matin up before You and ask that You ease his pain during what appears to be the last part of his journey to You. Strengthen Margie and comfort her.
We lift up our sister Ruth Howell and ask that You heal her body after her surgery. We thank You for her and Gordon’s witness of decades of faithfulness to You.
Good Shepherd, we pray for Paula in her weakened state and ask that You place a healing hand upon her. Give her Your strength so that she can once again eat and calm her blood pressure.
LORD of all Creation, we pray for our youth as they go up to Sugarpine for the weekend. Keep them safe and draw them closer to You.
You are so good to us Father, but sometimes in the midst of our troubles we forget that. Kris has forgotten Your goodness because her spirit is so weighed down. But we know that You are good to her and we ask that You hold her close to Your mighty heart and restore her spirit to You.
Holy Spirit, You know everything about all of the situations that we are praying for and so we ask, Holy One, that Your presence continue to be in each situation and that those who need You so much will feel You close to them.
Bless all of our missionaries around the world and keep them safe.
We ask that You bless the LIFEHouse church with Your abundance this Sonday as they go from a church plant to a church. Be with Horacio and Cheryl this week as satan does his best to stop what cannot be stopped. Continue to be with Karl & Shellie Roth as they build Your kingdom and Your Church through the Flipside Church.
Bless our pastors, leadership, and ministries. Help us to engage our world in Your name - help us to make a difference in hurting lives.
Guard all those who are involved with the election in Iraq. Keep them safe and let the election go smoothly.
God - bless America and bring her back to You.
LORD Jesus, humbly we bow before You and pledge to You or lives, our possessions, our thoughts and the very beat of our hearts. Help us to be worthy of You. We love You, LORD.
Our Annual Celebration of Ministry will take place this Sonday evening at 5:00. This is my favorite get together of the year - it is so awesome! Along with a great time of praise and worship as we celebrate the abundance Father has poured on us this past year, we will be getting reports from our various ministries and looking forward to this new year of blessing. We will also be treated to a Mexican dinner prepared by our friends, Maria & Luis, from the “Super Burro” in Ensenada. I was in the kitchen tonight for Care Fresno Kids Klub and they were already cooking the homemade tortillas - they let me snag one and let me tell you - they are heavenly!
The Care Fresno Kids Klub raffle begins this Sonday. Buy tickets and take a chance on winning some really great prizes! Each prize will be it’s own separate raffle so you will only need to buy tickets for the prizes you actually want to win. The drawing will be on February 13th. Proceeds go to benefit the planned trip to Marine World in the spring.
Our college group arrived home from their weekend mission trip to Mexico at about 1:00 on Tuesday morning. I received an e-mail from Norm Baird who drove the bus for them and he says that they were able to get the sanctuary painted in the church they went to by Saturday. They had a youth service in the sanctuary that Saturday night. On Sonday morning they worshiped with the congregation, shared testimonies, and had a great time building relationships. At one point in the service they sang “Lord I lift Your Name on High” in Spanish, then the pastor invited our group to sing the same song in English and then both groups sang the song in their own language. What joy that must have brought to Father - to look down at His children from different cultures, different language - but lifting the same praise. They also showed “The Passion” to the congregation. “The Passion” has had a limited distribution in Mexico so it was the first time many of them had seen it. Their reaction was the same as ours.
A tax assessor came one day to a poor Christian to determine the amount of taxes he would have to pay. The following conversation took place:
"What property do you possess?" asked the assessor.
"I am a very wealthy man," replied the Christian.
"List your possessions, please," the assessor instructed.
The Christian said:
"First, I have everlasting life, John 3:16
Second, I have a mansion in heaven, John 14:2
Third, I have peace that passes all understanding, Philippians 4:7
Fourth, I have joy unspeakable, 1 Peter 1:8
Fifth, I have divine love which never fails, 1 Corinthians 13:8
Sixth, I have a faithful pious wife, Proverbs 31:10
Seventh, I have healthy, happy obedient children, Exodus 20:12
Eighth, I have true, loyal friends, Proverbs 18:24
Ninth, I have songs in the night, Psalms 42:8
Tenth, I have a crown of life, James 1:12
The tax assessor closed his book, and said, "Truly you are a very rich man, but your property is not subject to taxation."
I pray that all of us will have this kind of tax free "wealth."
Pray for whatsoever you will. In the name Jesus you have permission,
not only to stand in the presence of God, but also to pray for everything you need.
O. Hallesby
We have some GREAT praise & an update on Patty Tapney’s niece, Laura. Two “perfect” bone marrow transplant donors have been found. The transplant should be around February 24th.
Patty also updates us on the child custody issue for her colleague’s daughter. The father gave back the baby and she is now home. The parents are trying to “work something out.” Please pray that the child’s best interests will be served.
Another great praise and update is for Paula, Barbara Fortier’s friend. Paula is now out of the ICU following her surgery for colon cancer. She has been removed from the ventilator.
We have a prayer request for Bobbie Ronsley. I have worked with Bobbie’s mother, Barbara, since 1986 and have watched Bobbie grow up to a fine young woman. Bobbie suffers from lupus (a disease where the body attacks it’s own tissues) and they have just recently found that it has spread to her brain. Please pray for Bobbie and for the remission of this disease.
Please pray for Lorna, a young mother in our church family. Lorna is scheduled to undergo a hernia operation on Thursday morning. Please pray for her husband and their two small children while Lorna is away from the home.
Our junior high’ers are headed for SugarPine this weekend for lots of fun, snow and time being with Jesus. Pray for protection on them as they barrel down the sides of hills on inter-tubes, etc. Pray that Jesus will be able to reach the hearts of those who are not in relationship with Him, and He will build up the hearts of those who are.
Kris Baiz, who recently had a toe amputated, tells me that the doctors say that she is healing well. Although this is good news, Kris has been really down in the dumps following her surgery and I would ask for prayer that Father will be the Lifter of her head.
Please continue to pray for the victims of the tsunami and the relief workers. It is disheartening news to hear that relief workers may be the targets of insurgents and that the death toll has been raised to 225,000.
Sunshine’s grandpa, John Berg, has been moved to a nursing home after being released from the hospital following a heart attack. Sunshine reports that he continues to recover very slowly.
Please pray for our new ministry - Children of Promise - that will be a mentoring program to children whose parent(s) are incarcerated.
We continue to pray for the following: Robert & his recovery from sleep apnea, Dennis & his father as he recovers from heart problems, Yolanda & her back problems, Angel & her possible MS, Ramona McDonald’s anemia, Stan Reed & his bladder cancer, 2 year old Brandon & his leukemia, Baby Patrick & his brain tumor, Dan Hansen & his future job, John Rogers and cancer, Chuck Johnson, Kelli Hastings’ father, Dan & Sandy Austin & their struggle with finances, Gabriel, Ruth Delgado’s nephew, recovering from wounds received in Iraq, Carola Poythress’s recovery from a stroke, George Martin with cancer, Ray Rahn & kidney dialysis, Johnnie Sowell & her chemo, Cheryl Balestra & her chemo, Lois Winters & her cancer.
Please continue to pray for our missionaries - Bounkham & Khamla’s mission to Laos, Laurie Bethall in Prague, Judy, Faye & Miisaw as they work at the New Life Center in Thailand, Jan & Larry Martin in Thailand, The Reaching Hand Society in India, Dr. George Pe Myat & the hospital in the Congo, and all the missionaries worldwide.
Please keep our two church plants in prayer. The Flipside church with Karl & Shellie Roth. Pray for the LIFEhouse church, with Horacio & Cheryl Aleman in Reedley and their official start-up service on January 30th.
Pray for our pastors, the leadership of our churches, and Father’s provision for the Church.
Pray for our country, her leadership and our military.
God Almighty,
How we have longed to be in Your presence again, to be able to just rest within Your love and care. We open our hearts and souls to You, Father, and ask that You fill us, guide us and change us. You are everything we want - everything we need.
LORD God, we thank You for the two donors for Laura. We ask that You be with her and that the transplant is a success.
Protector of the Innocent, we praise Your goodness to this little girl in restoring her to her mother. We ask that You help the parents as they determine the custody plan for this baby. Show them LORD of All, that it is all about the best interests of the child.
Great Healer, continue to be with Paula as she recovers from her surgery. Heal her body and restore her spirit.
Abba, we lift Bobbie Ronsley before Your crystal throne and ask Your mercy upon Your child. We pray in agreement and ask that You send this lupus into remission and that Bobbie be granted a full and happy life. Hold her safe within Your loving hands.
Jehovah Jirah, we ask that You provide for Lorna while she is in the hospital. Guide the hands of her doctors. Bring comfort to her family while she is away from them. Allow everything to run smoothly in her home.
LORD Jesus, just to say Your name brings a smile to us. You are our peace in the stormy seas, You are our strength when we are weak. You are the promise of our tomorrows.
Be with our junior high group as they travel to SugarPine. Keep them safe as they play in the snow. Open their hearts to Your presence. Use this weekend to draw them closer to You.
Holy Spirit, Jesus’ last promise before He left was that He would send You to us to comfort us, guide us and lift us up. We ask that You fill Kris with Your comfort and ease her mind.
LORD God Who fills Eternity, we ask that You make Your presence sovereign in the areas devastated by the tsunami. Protect the relief workers. Open the hearts and minds of the people to Your message of eternal hope.
Father, we hold up before You Your child, John Berg, and ask that you continue to help him recover from his heart attack.
Father, touch the hearts of those You would have to serve in the Children of Promise ministry. Soften the hearts of the children we will be reaching out to open their hearts to Your message of love.
We lift up all of the situations that continue on our prayer list knowing that You are LORD of All and that each situation is fully within Your command. We have faith that You will work towards the good in each situation.
King of Kings and LORD of Lords, we ask that You protect Your missionaries around the world. As violence against Your children escalates around the world we ask that You grant Your peace that passes all understanding and Your courage to face all obstacles. Provide for their needs.
What a privilege You have granted us to be involved in the birth of two new churches. LORD Jesus, pour Your abundance on the Karl & Shellie Roth and on Horacio and Cheryl Aleman as they work so hard to establish these new lights against the darkness.
Light of the World, we pray for our pastors and we ask that You lift them up when they are down, calm them when they are stressed and give them patience as they serve. Help us to support them in everything they do. Bless the leadership of our church and of our ministries, provide for our needs and help us to keep focused first and foremost on You in all that we do.
Father God, we thank You that the lawsuit to stop prayer at the inauguration was stopped. Bless America, LORD God, and bring her back to You. Bless our leadership and let them hear Your voice of guidance. Bless our military as they serve us around the world. Keep them safe, Father.
LORD God, Your glory fills all of creation and all of eternity. Your radiance dispels all darkness, Your power is infinite. You are more awesome than we can begin to imagine - and yet You turn Your attention and Your love on us - mere specks of dust. Thank You for Your transforming love. Help us to be worthy of You. We love You LORD, we long to be at home with You.
Dear Prayer Partner,
Greetings in Jesus' Name.
My promise verses from God for me this New Year is from Ezekiel 36 : 25, 26 and Joel 2 : 25, 26 and 27. I Praise Him at the way he has led me all these years and I have no apt words to thank Him for all His Grace and Mercies in my life and in the life of my children and in the life of RHS staff.
After 12 long years all my Children were at Malkangiri for Christmas. Praise God. We did not celebrate New Year due to the recent tragedy, though none know to us personally was affected.
I turn 60 years on Jan 21st and I want to Praise Him and all who have prayed and supported financially all these many years. I am also very thrilled to inform that Interserve has decided to extend my term by one more year. As my personal finance is not fully ok. This is a Great Blessing to me from God and from Interserve.
I also want to thank God and each one of you who faithfully prayed for my health situation. I am very happy to inform you that my Diabetics is under full control with one or two Dionil tablet per day and my Blood Pressure is under full control with only 50 or sometimes 25 mgm of Atenol. My Cholestrol is only 156 mgms. All blood parameters are Normal too. Praise God. My eyes have not further deteriorated and though I do continue to get flashes in both the eyes, there is no increase in the floaters and I think they are a lot less now. Praise God. I can read my Bible without glasses and at times with just plus one power glass. There is No reduction in the work I do here and I think my travel to villages are on the increase and it will be more when the medical van comes back from Chennai after a full overhaul. I do tire a little more than before and I now need 6 or 7 or some times 8 hours of sleep instead of 3 and 4 hours of sleep that I was used to for over 25 years. I just Love the work here, which I do with His help. Every day is a challenge and I see God at work. Praise Him.
People say that I have reduced and I think I have lost about 4 kilos and I feel a lot healthier than before. Praise Him.
Many of you have been praying for my heart condition. I am told that a complete RBBB block with out symptoms can be ignored. Praise God.
My 100 year old grandma is with me and it is a JOY to have her and comment on beauty and dress even at this age! Yesterday she told me that my sari was too long at the back and touching the floor and so I need to make it straight one line all round so that it looks good! I was dumbfounded, at her remark. Well she is right. She always told me when I was a child that I need to wash my face, I think she was hoping that my colour will become more fairer if I washed my face more often! Well. I Love to have her at home. Praise God she has kept well these past 3 weeks."
I thank God for each one of you and Please continue to pray as often as you remember as I and my children and my staff NEED your prayers,
Closing with Love and Prayers
Yours in Christ,
Dr. Iris
Valerie Rae Hanneman
Colossians 2:6 - 7 “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness”. (NIV)
Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (NASB)
I love Christmas. I love all the decorated store windows even as I bemoan the fact that Thanksgiving is more and more of an afterthought. The madness of the After Thanksgiving Day Sale on Friday is something that I avoid, even as I marvel at stores opening at 5:00 in the morning! Lights start popping out on the neighbors houses, Christmas tree lots appear overnight, bell ringers appear in the shopping malls. The momentum continues to build as shoppers crowd the malls, laughter and children’s voices are raised. We finally get the lights unraveled from last year and the Christmas tree takes the place of honor in the living room. The ever increasingly irritating countdown of the number of shopping days to Christmas reminds us of how much we have to do in so little time. Neighbors you seldom speak to throughout the year are now calling out “Merry Christmas!” Mom starts baking her Christmas cookies and pies, making her shopping lists, planning who in the family is going to bring what food to the Christmas dinner, exclaiming “We will never get that turkey into the oven!” We find ourselves humming Christmas carols in the elevators at work and as we shop. You wake up and see the glow of the dawn to the east - only to realize that it is 2:00 in the morning and the glow is because your neighbor on the next street over forgot to turn his 14 million mega-watt light show off. Strangers smile at each other and “Peace on Earth Good Will to Men” fills each heart with hope. Winter programs at the schools, Christmas parties abound. Creche’s are on tables with Baby Jesus as the focus. Suddenly the whole world just seems brighter and happier as we celebrate. You suddenly realize that you forgot to put name tags on three gifts and have to unwrap them to see who they belong to. Then Christmas Eve and the churches are full of believers joyful to remember the birth of the Baby Jesus. “All this fuss about Jesus,” the pastor says with a big smile. Children can’t sleep that night and they are up at the crack of dawn Christmas morning. Gifts are unwrapped - paper everywhere - a bag is made to save the ribbons in. Somehow that turkey fits into the oven and the smell of it begins to fill the house. The rest of the family starts to arrive and again gifts are opened, hugs exchanged, love shared. The table groans at the weight of Christmas dinner, we collapse in front of the TV, “I can’t believe I ate that much!” “Anybody ready for dessert?” Mom calls out to even more groans. Then the family goes home. “We’ll clean up tomorrow!” Mom is exhausted.
The cleanup the next morning, turkey leftovers for lunch, turkey leftovers for dinner, turkey leftovers for breakfast?!? Why did we get such a big turkey? More and more pine needles are on the floor. Carefully you take down the tree, this year you are going to make sure that the lights will not get tangled again! (Yeah, right!) The tree continues to shed needles as it is taken to the garbage. Will we still be vacuuming them up in March this year? That neighbor takes down all of the lights that made his house visible from weather satellites - glad we don’t have his electric bill! Mom finally disposes of that last slice of unclaimed pumpkin pie. And then - the last little bit of Christmas still left. The creche on the table. You wrap up the pieces one by one and put them back into their box. The last one is Baby Jesus, and with a smile you say, “All this fuss about Jesus.” You wrap up Baby Jesus, put Him in His box and put the box in storage. With just a touch of sadness Christmas, with all of it’s excitement, is over for another year.
But it doesn’t have to be. Christmas is not just a hectic month of shopping, family, food, trees and lights. It is so much more. It is a time to remember the extraordinary night when angels sang, shepherds watched, wise men traveled, a star shone bright, and Messiah was born. A night when the God of Creation became one with His creation. A night when a dying world in need felt the stirring of hope. A night when life as we knew it was forever changed.
Make Christmas - the real Christmas - your way of life.
When the Christmas of the calender is over don’t wrap up Baby Jesus and put Him in a box until next year. Instead let Him live within your heart. Let the Christmas of the Spirit fill you through out the year. Begin each day as if you can still hear the angels sing, “Peace on earth, goodwill towards men.”and then live peacefully on the earth with goodwill towards every person. Live each day as a reflection of the Hope and the Promise that was fulfilled by that tiny little God-baby. Let the star’s light - the Light of the World - shine from you and into the world of darkness.
I am captured by the awe of Christmas and by the Child Who came to change the world and to change me. And that is what He did. I don’t want to celebrate Him for 30- 40 days then wrap Him up until next year. I want Him to live within me every day of the year and I want everything that He is - the hope, the joy, the peace on earth, the God Who came to claim me and change me, to be as radiant in my life as my neighbors Christmas lights at 2:00 in the morning.
I have a creche at work. On the Monday after Thanksgiving I take it out of it’s box, carefully unwrap each piece and set it up. Then I reach over to a certain plant where Baby Jesus in His manger sits within my view every day and I make Him the focus of the creche. On the Monday after New Year’s I carefully wrap up the creche and put it in it’s box for next year. Except for Baby Jesus, Who goes back by the plant. I literally do not wrap up Baby Jesus in the hope that seeing Him will remind me not to figuratively wrap Him up either. I want everyday to be Christmas.
My LORD Jesus, when I think of You in that manger, I am simply speechless with wonder. I don’t understand why You - infinite, powerful and eternal - would choose me over all that You are. But You did. That manger proves it. My prayer is that when Christmas is wrapped up and put away, the wonder and glory of You in that manger will shine through me..
Contact Valerie or subscribe to the e-Ministry of Fresno First Baptist at valerie@fresnofirst.org
The prayer of the feeblest saint on earth who lives in the Spirit and keeps right with God is
a terror to satan. The very powers of darkness are paralyzed by prayer.
No wonder satan tries to keep our minds fussy in active work till we cannot think in prayer.
O. Chambers
God’s love for us is the most incredible thing. It is beyond understanding to me. We (as a species) first rejected Him in the Garden of Eden and still He loves us. In today’s times we have rejected Him out of our schools, out of our courts and out of our government. There are those who are trying to kick Him out of His own birthday celebration and still He loves us. I am so glad that God is God and I am not. I think that about the 15th or 16th time that the Israelites were moaning and groaning I wouldn’t have thrown up my hands and said, “Who needs this headache?” and then hit the delete button on the universe. But God loves us so much that even when we reject Him, curse Him, try to delete Him, marginalize Him and deny His very existence He still does not turn away from us. I stand in awe of You, Father.
Great news and great praise regarding Mike Shelton. He was unanimously approved for ordination by the Board of the American Baptists.
Robert Kammer was able to come to choir on Wednesday night! He is doing much better with his sleep apnea! Please continue to pray for Robert.
Please pray for my good friend, Dennis Hunt, and his father. (Dennis knew me way back when Jesus was just a curse word to me.) Dennis’ father just got out of the hospital where they treated him for fluids around his heart. Dennis is leaving tomorrow for Michigan to help his father. Please pray for traveling mercies for Dennis and a strong recovery for his father.
I am requesting prayer for my friend, Yolanda. Yolanda took a fall some time ago and has had on-going back pain. Her doctors are trying a new treatment on her - but should it not work then she is facing surgery on her back.
Barbara Fortier is requesting prayer for her friend Paula. Paula went to the hospital yesterday thinking she had a bowel obstruction - but it was cancer. They removed her colon and she is currently in ICU, on a respirator and morphine drip.
Barbara is also requesting prayer for Angel, a single Mom, 27 with a 2 year old son, who has been diagnosed with possible MS. She will be undergoing more tests for firm diagnosis.
Please pray for the survivors of the floods, mudslides and other natural disasters in Southern California - as the rain is coming again. Continue to pray for the victims of the tsunami. Please pray for the relief workers. It has been reported that the people who are receiving aid are astonished by the outpouring of help from Christian organizations. Please pray that this will open a door for the Good News of Jesus to be spread in these normally closed off countries.
Ramona McDonald has been having problems with anemia. Please pray that the doctors can quickly identify and correct the problem. Praise Father for the baptisms of her twin daughters, Veronica and Virginia, this past Sonday!
Stan Reed has undergone a couple of surgeries. The first one on was to remove his bladder, the second surgery was to have it scraped and cauterized. Please pray for Stan & Helen.
Sunshine, one of our newest members and a member of our youth department is asking for prayer for her grandpa who had a heart attack. His name is John Berg.
Maddie Neumann’s reports that her little 2 year old cousin, Brandon’s, leukemia is in remission.
We continue to pray for the following: Baby Patrick & his brain tumor, Kris Baiz as she recovers from surgery, Dan Hansen & his future job, John Rogers and his cancer, Laura and a donor for her bone marrow transplant, the child custody issue for Patty Tapney’s colleague, Valda Evans, Bobbie Gould and Mary Dorland who are recovering from falls, Chuck Johnson, Kelli Hastings’ father, Danette’s parents Dan & Sandy Austin & their struggle with finances, Gabriel, Ruth Delgado’s nephew, recovering from wounds received in Iraq, Carola Poythress’s recovery from her stroke, George Martin with cancer, Ray Rahn & his kidney dialysis, Johnnie Sowell & her chemo, Cheryl Balestra & her chemo, Lois Winters & her cancer.
Please continue to pray for our missionaries - Dr. George Pe Myat & the hospital in the Congo, Bounkham & Khamla’s mission to Laos, Laurie Bethall in Prague, Judy, Faye & Miisaw as they work at the New Life Center in Thailand, Jan & Larry Martin in Thailand, The Reaching Hand Society in India, and all the missionaries worldwide.
Please keep our two church plants in prayer. The Flipside church’s preview service last Sonday was fantastic! Two people accepted Jesus, and three expressed interest in knowing Him! About 180 were in attendance. Another big day for the LIFE House in Reedley will happen on Sonday, January 30th with their kick-off. What a blessed time!
Pray for our pastors, the leadership of our churches, and Father’s provision for the Church.
Pray for our country, her leadership and our military.
Great and Glorious God,
How can we ever adequately thank You for the consuming way that You love us? We have turned our back on You so many times - sometimes in carelessness and sometimes on purpose. But You never turn You back on us - You never withhold Your love from us. Help us to grow stronger within Your love.
We thank You for Mike and for his heart that desires to serve You. Guide him in the paths that You have chosen. Bless Mike, Linda and Ryan as they serve You.
We praise You that after a long absence from us, Robert is able to come back to choir and church. Continue to heal him.
LORD of All, be with Dennis as he travels back to care for his father. Place You hand of healing on his father and bring him back to health.
Jehovah Jirah, God Who provides, we lift up Yolanda and her doctors and ask that this new treatment for Yoli’s back be successful so that she doesn’t need surgery.
LORD Jesus, we bring Paula before You and ask that You have mercy on her. Comfort her and her family as she is in the hospital, restore her.
We pray for Angel, Holy One, and ask that you be with her as she undergoes these tests. LORD we ask that the tests revel that she does not have MS.
Father, we pray for all those affected by the natural disasters our world has been facing these past weeks. Comfort the survivors, strengthen the rescue workers and aid workers. Open the doors of peoples hearts to hear Your message of new life.
Father, we ask that the cause for Ramona’s anemia is quickly found and that she will be restored to full health.
We lift us Stan & Helen Reed, LORD God, and ask that You be close beside them.
We cry out for John, Sunshine’s grandpa, and ask that You touch his heart and heal his body.
We praise You that Brandon’s leukemia is in remission and ask that You continue to protect this child.
Holy Spirit, we continue to lift up the many names of those we have been praying for and ask that You breathe on each situation.
Abba, continue to be with our beloved missionaries. Remind us to hold them up in prayer as they serve You.
LORD Jesus, we dance with joy - as we know that You did too - at the two new souls that came to You this past Sonday at Flipside Church. Continue to bless this new church and bless Karl, Shellie and their boys. We lift up the LIFE House church in Reedley and ask Your blessings on their kick-off service on January 30th. Bless Horacio and Cheryl as they serve You.
Father, it is our honor to bring our pastors to You and thank You for them. With open hearts we ask that You bless them in a mighty way. Bless the leadership of our churches, our ministries, use us to bring people to You.
God Bless America, her leadership and her military.
My God and my King, thank You for the life You have given us. You have shown Your love for us time and time again. The best part of Your love is Your promise that we will be with You forever and ever. The best thing about today is that it brings us one day closer to You.
What a wonderful day of celebration & worship today at the first preview service of Flipside Church! The weather cooperated, being cloudy with a few sprinkles of rain during the set-up and as the people arrived for the service. It rained during the service then cleared up again just as the service ended and people walked back to their cars.
A large number of volunteers made the set-up and tear down fairly quick and helped the service to run smoothly. Shellie Roth and her small army of volunteers made sure that the children had an opportunity to learn about Jesus in their own classes while their parents worshiped in the multi-purpose room of Valley Oak Elementary. Rick Robbins and the worship band led in some great worship music. Karl Roth’s sermon about the cisterns in our souls was fantastic!
About 180 people joined in this preview service and it quickly became apparent that for the next service in February - they will need to set up more chairs!
That next service will be held on February 6th at the Valley Oak Elementary multi-purpose room.
Valerie Rae Hanneman
“For I am about to do a brand-new thing. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? …” Isaiah 43:19, NLT
I am not real good at remembering dates. I am good at remembering holidays because of the sales that always accompany them. I have my birthday down and my mom’s birthday. I remember my sister Cyndi’s birthday because it is Christmas Day - but my other sister and two brothers I only remember their birthday months. With my children I remember their birthdays (and the time they were born and their weight and length) I don’t remember the anniversary of when I met their father, nor of when we broke up for good. I don’t remember my wedding date - sometime in April - nor when I was legally divorced. I remember the year I graduated - but not the date.
I have a tendency to remember the days that have had the most impact on my life - usually an impact that has been a positive change in my life. I am about to celebrate the third in a series of special dates that have taken on a special significance for this year. On the second Sonday in October I had my 9th anniversary of the first time I attended Fresno First Baptist. I am now in my 10th year of attending Fresno First. On the Sonday between Christmas and New Year’s I celebrated the 9th anniversary of when I joined the church - I am now in my 10th year of commitment to this church. On this upcoming January 17th I will celebrate the 9th anniversary of becoming an “official” member of FFBC and the 10th year of this church’s commitment to me.
I am truly astounded by these dates. With the exception of my family - I have never committed to anything for as long as I have been committed to this church. When I say that I am committed to this church, please understand that my true commitment is to God - Whom I worship, grow within and serve through my church.
I look back at the woman who first walked into FFBC with her two kids in tow - and I don’t hardly recognize her anymore. If you would have told that woman that not only would she still be attending church ten years later - but that God would be the Cornerstone of her life, she would have laughed so hard she would have had to change her underwear - but here I am. If you told that woman that she would be the lead volunteer in a neighborhood children’s program, she would have answered that she barely tolerated her own children - but here I am. If you would have told that woman who hid behind walls she constructed against the world that she would reveal the good, the bad and the ugly in her life through her writings she would have suggested that maybe your meds needed adjusting - but here I am. The truth is that the woman that I was back then could not even begin to conceive of the woman that I am today. But here I am.
It is plain to see that Jesus has made much of me. He made me brand new.
He made much of me first when He called me into relationship with Him. He has made much of me these past nine years by transforming me from a broken, sad woman to a woman who dances with joy within His love. And here is the best part! He has much more to make of me! I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that should Jesus tarry and I have another 10 years on this planet that is not my home, I will look back on my life within Him and marvel at how much more He has made of me.
I am everything that I am because He has made much of me. In gratitude, my desire is to make much of Him. I want to make much of Him through my worship by making it deeper and more pure. I want to make much of Him by growing even closer to Him, by learning more of Him. I want to make much of Him when I serve Him by keeping Him my focus. But most of all - I want to make much of Him with my life. I want my words, my actions and my thoughts to show how important Jesus is to me
I wonder how much more He is going to be able to make of me - if I make much of Him.
My LORD Jesus, tears of joy fill my eyes as I look back over these years and see how much You have made of me. I am Yours, and I want to make much of You with everything that I am. Teach me to make much of You.
Contact Valerie or sign up for the e-Ministry of FFBC at valerie@fresnofirst.org
What an exciting day January 9th is going to be! On January 9th Flipside Church is having it’s first public service! The preview service will begin at 10:00am at Valley Oak Elementary school (corner of Friant and Champlain just 1.5 miles East of Hwy 41). Everyone is invited to attend this first service of this new church.
43,000 invitations to this first service have gone out through different venues. What a time of joy this is for all of us who have been supporting Flipside and Karl & Shelly Roth through our actions and through our prayers
It is exciting to think of the future of this new church, knowing that in the years to come, as we watch it continue to grow and to start other church plants, as Flipside was planted, we will be able to remember this time when Flipside Church was brand new.
Please continue to pray for Karl, Shelly and their family during this new beginning, and pray for those people, families and communities that Father God will touch through Flipside Church.
Bear up the hands that hang down, by faith and prayer; support the tottering knees.
Have you any days of fasting & prayer?
Storm the throne of grace and persevere therein, and mercy will come down.
J. Wesley
WOW! Here we are in another year! I am really looking forward to this year and in seeing how our congregation will continue to worship, continue to grow, and continue to serve.
I received some Christmas pictures of little Marisela, the premature baby that we have been praying for. She is adorable! She is still a tiny girl. One picture shows her in a Christmas stocking and another shows her in her mama’s hands and they show her small size but they all show a happy, healthy baby. What a miracle Father has accomplished already in this child’s life!
The news on Patrick is not good. Patrick is the little boy who had a brain tumor this past fall. Patrick came home from Valley Children’s for a few days over Christmas - but now has gone back. He is not progressing well. Please spend just a bit of extra time in prayer for this baby.
I am requesting prayer for my friend, Kris Baiz. Even as I type this, Kris is in surgery for her foot - the same one that we had been praying about last year. They will be removing more of the bone in her little toe because it had never fully healed from the last operation
We have received an update on Dan Hansen’s job at Vendo. Lois writes, “He is still working full time. He will be there until the last employee is layed off because being the Senior Shop Steward, he has to be there to represent any employee left there. He can't take another job until Vendo shuts down completely or he will lose his Severance package (not much but something). Our prayer at this time is motivation for Dan to take advantage of this time to get back into school to retrain into something that he wants to get involved in, like Respitory therapy or Physical or massage therapy, maybe even counseling. Please pray for direction for him. He will probably be working up to or around April. Thank you for all of your concern and prayers. Dan has come a long way since 9 years ago when he was SO sick. I really feel God has a plan for us. We just need to find it!”
Please continue to pray for the big part of the world devastated by the tsunami. Hold up the victims and the relief workers. Pray for the Christian organizations that in that area, that they will be given the opportunity to share Jesus as they share supplies. At the end of our prayer together is some information on how to donate to the relief effort through our own “One Great Hour of Sharing” and some additional information on donating through the Salvation Army.
I sat with Annie Dennis in services this past Sonday and she told me that her father, John Rogers, is doing better with his cancer - but is still in need of prayer.
We continue to pray for the following: Laura and a perfect donor for her bone marrow transplant, the child custody issue for Patty Tapney’s colleague, Dr Iris and her grandmother, Valda Evans, Bobbie Gould and Mary Dorland who are recovering from falls, Chuck Johnson, Kelli Hastings’ father, Brandon and his leukemia, Danette’s parents Dan & Sandy Austin & their struggle with finances, Gabriel, Ruth Delgado’s nephew, recovering from wounds received in Iraq, Carola Poythress’s recovery from her stroke, George Martin with cancer, Ray Rahn & his kidney dialysis, my friend who is drifting away from Father, Johnnie Sowell & her chemo, Cheryl Balestra & her chemo, Lois Winters & her cancer, and Robert Kammer & sleep apnea.
Please continue to pray for our missionaries - The Reaching Hand Society in India, Dr. George Pe Myat & the hospital in the Congo, Bounkham & Khamla’s mission to Laos, Laurie Bethall in Prague, Judy, Faye & Miisaw as they work at the New Life Center in Thailand, Jan & Larry Martin in Thailand, and all the missionaries worldwide.
Please keep our two church plants in prayer - Life House in Reedley with Horacio and Cheryl Aleman and the Flipside Church of Rio Mesa with Karl & Shelly Roth. The Flipside church will be having their first preview service at 10:00 am on Sonday, January 9th. The service will be held at Valley Oak Elementary at Friant & Champlain.
Pray for our pastors, the leadership of our churches, our ministries and Father’s provision for the Church.
The atheist, Michael Newdow, has once again filed a lawsuit to have God taken out of the pledge of allegiance and this time he has other parents and students joining him. Pray that this lawsuit will be denied.
Pray for our country, her leadership and our military.
God, our Savior,
You are the Glory of Your people, You are our Everlasting Father, You are our Hope and Comfort, You are the Song of Joy in our hearts. We love You so much.
LORD of All, we thank You for the great news of Marisela and her continued development. Please continue to bless this little girl and her family.
We bring before You another child, Patrick. Holy God, we cry out for Patrick and ask that You bring healing to this little boy. Give him the strength to be able to take the chemotherapy that is needed. Bring courage and comfort to Patrick & his family as they endure this time of sorrow.
Great Physician, we lift our sister, Kris, before You and ask that You be with her as she recovers from her operation. Father, touch her foot and stop the spread of this infection in her bones. Comfort her spirit.
Jehovah Jirah, Provider of our needs, provide for Dan and Lois as Dan’s job starts to wind down. Give Dan a clear direction of where You would have him serve You through his employment and/or schooling. Bring a calmness to their spirits.
Holy Spirit, we pray that You bless and protect all of those affected by the tsunami and those who have gone there to provide help. Open doors in the hearts and minds of those who do not know You. Give them ears to hear Your message of love.
Thank You for the news that John Rogers is doing better. Continue to work in his life.
Jehovah-Tsidkenu, God of our righteousness, we praise and worship You for You are our righteousness. You cover our unrighteousness with Your righteousness. You make us clean, spotless before You.
LORD Jesus, You know the many situations and people that we are praying for. God of Eternity we ask that Your will continue to be done in each of them and that those we are praying for can find their peace within You.
Sanctuary of our Hearts, we ask that You bless all of Your missionaries around the world. Protect them as they serve You. Provide for their needs.
With anticipation, LORD, we look forward to hearing the good report that will come from this first service of the Flipside Church. Abba, bless all who are involved in serving You at this service. Bless Karl as he brings Your words to life. Bless the LifeHouse church in Reedly as it continues to grow.
LORD God, we ask that You renew the spirits of our pastors when they grow weary in Your service. Help us to continuously hold our pastors before You in prayer, and uphold them with our actions and words. Bless the leadership of our congregations, help us to keep the focus of our ministries on You and on building Your kingdom. Father, provide for the Church’s needs.
We pray for our country LORD God, we ask that You bring her back to You where she belongs. We pray for the leaders of our country and for the judges. LORD God, stop this vile lawsuit that would remove Your precious name from our pledge of allegiance. We pray fervently for those who have filed this lawsuit, that they may come to a relationship with You.
Protect our military men & women, Father, and bring them home safely
Ancient of Days, there has never been a moment when You were not sovereign over all of the heavens and the earth. We praise You and thank You for Your presence in our lives. We stand amazed by You. We love You LORD, we will love You forever. Amen
From Judi Wright - Hi Valerie...just wanted to give you a website for anyone wishing to donate to The Salvation Army...by the way donations are already coming into our local office and the bulletin received yesterday asked people to donate on line monetarily or send their donation marked 'South Asia Disaster Fund'. Website is: www.tsagoldenstate.org.
From Pam at ABC:
As your congregation prays for the people who have been struck by the horrible disaster that has taken place this week in Asia, ABC has a very effective means of getting relief aid to the area.
Gifts can be made to the Asian Tsunami Disaster through One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) and 100% of their dollars will go to work for relief in the disaster area. We have missionaries in many of the countries involved and they will be able to help distribute the funds effectively.
Very few other organizations are able to get 100% of the dollars to aid in the relief.
If you have any questions please contact our ABCW Resource Center at 925-277-3980.