South Sudan Independence Q & A
Why do most southerners want their own country?
Sudan's borders - like those in the rest of Africa - were drawn up by colonial powers with little regard to cultural realities on the ground.
South Sudan is full of jungles and swamps, while the north is mostly desert.
Most northerners are Arabic-speaking Muslims, while the south is made up of numerous different ethnic groups who are mostly Christian or follow traditional religions.
With the government based in the north, many southerners said they were discriminated against, and north and south have fought each other for most of the country's history. Southerners were also angered at attempts to impose Islamic law on the whole country.
What happens next?
The world's newest country will come into being on 9 July 2011 - exactly six years after the peace deal which ended the most recent north-south war took effect.
Then the hard work really begins.
The two sides must decide on issues such as:
• Drawing up the new border
• How to divide Sudan's debts and oil wealth
• Whether the new country will have its own currency
• What rights southerners will have in the north - and vice versa
• How vigorously the border will be enforced.
Is South Sudan ready for independence?
To be brutally honest, no.
After years of warfare and being ignored by central government, the country-to-be, which is larger than Spain and Portugal combined, has hardly any roads and not nearly enough schools or health services for its population of roughly eight million.
The SPLM (Sudan People's Liberation Movement) former rebels who have been running the region since 2005 have at least gained some experience of governance.
They have lots of money from the south's oilfields but their critics say they have so far wasted much of it on the military and not done enough to raise living standards in one of the world's poorest regions.
Some also say the SPLM is dominated by members of South Sudan's largest ethnic group - the Dinkas - and accuse them of ignoring the demands of other communities, in particular the second largest - the Nuer.
The south's government has drawn up ambitious plans to develop its cities and has decided the winner of a competition to compose a new national anthem. The south's own flag is already on display across the region.
Is Khartoum going to accept the south's independence?
After the results of the referendum were announced, President Omar al-Bashir said Sudan would be the first country to recognise its new neighbour.
But since then there has been a lot of fighting in border regions, such as Abyei and South Kordofan, which even prompted fears that war could resume.
The two sides have now signed several peace deals but tension remains high.
The SPLM accuses Khartoum of funding at least seven separate rebellions in a bid to keep the new country weak and unstable - accusations it denies.
Although South Sudan is building close links with Uganda and Kenya, its relations with its northern neighbour will certainly be one of its more important diplomatic considerations for many years to come.
What will happen to the north?
The immediate priority for the northern government will be to keep hold of as much of the oil revenue as it can, as most oilfields lie in the south.
Khartoum has some leverage, as most of the oil pipelines flow north to Port Sudan on the Red Sea.
In terms of ordinary people's lives, both sides have agreed to let all Sudanese - in particular the many southerners in Khartoum - choose which nationality to take.
But President Bashir's announcement that he will implement a stricter version of Sharia in the north if the south secedes may prompt even more southerners to leave the north.
Sudan Q&A with short term WBC missionary Jennifer Jones
1. What did your time in Sudan teach you about yourself?
Prior to going to Sudan, I had always had a great amount of anxiety when it came to even thinking about sharing the gospel. If someone asked about it, I was more than happy to discuss it, but I would never press for a decision, nor would I ever just strike up a conversation with a stranger about it. Even thinking about doing it in Sudan, where I would possibly never see these people again, made me really sick and stressed. But once I was there, I realized what I’d always known, that was fear and disobedience. I realized that this is life or death, and that if I truly loved these people then it was my responsibility to share God’s saving truth with them. I found a love and boldness in doing so. I know I’m still not as confident as I should be, but there’s definite growth and desire to do so, and for that I’m grateful.
God used Sudan to show me how reliant we, as Americans, are on things, comfort, and people; instead of relying on Him and Him alone. Not only did He show me this through the Sudanese, who have so very little, but through ourselves, as we lost our luggage and didn’t receive it until 2 days before it was time to come home. You realize in those situations how much you depend upon your “stuff” to get by instead of realizing that the Lord is ALL you need and He will provide for you in every situation. We tend to live our lives in complete excess, God convicted me of this while there and has since spurred me to begin cutting back and realizing what really matters in this world, Him and making Him known.
2. What did your time in Sudan teach you about the Sudanese people?
The Sudanese were some of the most gracious, loving and hospitable people I have ever met. Everywhere you go, people want to say hi. They consider it an amazing honor that you would come to them to share the truth with them, it was absolutely humbling. They spend so much of their life just working to survive, digging, working the fields, going for water, etc. and yet they still have the time to stop and love on you and talk to you and see why you are there. They make time for relationships. They are never too busy to talk and listen. They don’t get bored, they don’t need to be entertained, and they don’t need TV or Facebook. They are content to sit under the stars and talk and laugh and pray and just be. They taught me so much about just being, not needing to be running to the next task or event, but just sitting and soaking it in. I love them so dearly, I knew I would, I knew I did before I even got there, but I didn’t realize how much of my heart would be left with them. They are the kind of people that make you want to be a better person. They truly have a resilient spirit, especially the believers. The believers that are truly on fire for Him, they are fearless and obedient. They YEARN and COVET Bibles. They are so hard to come by that when they hold one, they have the most beautiful reverence and love for them, pray that more become available to them, but that they never lose that love for them!
Please be praying for the people. Not only are many of them still under persecution from the Northern government/people, but many are being taught false truths from some of the churches there. They are led to believe that they can’t be Christians because of certain sins or because they drink or were baptized by sprinkling instead of dunking. These are major hurdles for them, and keep some of them from ever coming to a true saving knowledge of Jesus and His grace. Many of the churches there preach such staunch legalism that the people are terrified of becoming Christians because if they backslide, it’s worse than if they were never saved. Pray that truth will continue to infiltrate, pray for safety, pray that revival spreads across that nation (not only the South, but the North as well) so that it can become a city on a hill for Him. The new Republic of South Sudan is poised to be just that. They are a brand new nation as of July 9, 2011 and are predominantly a Christian nation that has split off from a Muslim nation. They have a chance to shine for Christ in such a way that they can be used to change the religious and political landscape of an entire continent. How exciting!!!!
3. What did your time in Sudan teach you about God?
My time in Sudan taught me just how mighty, and how gentle, our Father is. While I was in Sudan, I was blessed to spend one afternoon with some Darfurians who had come to the Bible school on the e3 compound. These men and women were previously Muslims in IDP and refugee camps who came to know Christ and were brought to Kajo Keji to be discipled and to be kept safe while they prepared to return to Darfur to share the gospel and minister to their tribe members. The fact that they were alive, that while they knew they would probably be killed upon return and yet were excited to do so, that showed me just how mighty and sovereign the Lord is. He saved them. In the middle of an Islamic ruled nation, in an IDP camp where they were being horribly mistreated. He revealed Himself to them. He sent them a worker, Stephanie, who could minister to them and love them and somehow miraculously get them plugged into e3 where they could learn how to minister and share boldly with others. He is THAT big. He knows THAT much. And He cares THAT much. It was awe inspiring. You see Him everywhere there. In the beautiful lush green of the valleys, in the bends of the river, in the fact that people are alive despite horrible living conditions, in people being healed of sicknesses or years of alcoholism. He is everywhere, that’s always been something I know, but it is so much easier to see it tangibly in a place where there are less distractions.
Something else Sudan taught me about God, while His love is endless, His justice and wrath are just as endless. He does not accept sin, even though He loves sinners. He expects us to repent, and gives us the way to do it. You learn there, for a lack of better words, that God doesn’t play. I can’t put exact examples or even words on it. You just realize how short and fragile life is, and that there’s no time to waste, because once this life is over and your decision about Him has been made, there’s no changing your mind, there’s no going back, there’s no coming out of Hell. And yet, you learn just how kind and sweet He is, even in that justice. In one of the villages we worked in, a man came to know Jesus on the first day we were there. He was set to be baptized on that Sunday, he’d gone home and shared the gospel with his family and some of them came to Christ as well. He had expressed concern that he wanted his family to know Christ immediately in case something were to happen to him, he knew there was no time to waste. In the middle of the night, hours before he was to be baptized, he was struck by lightning and died. How sweet is it that God gave him urgency to know how important it was for him to come to Christ and to share that with him family. God is sovereign and mighty. I love it.
Ultimately, I guess you can say it taught me that God and His will are perfect and beautiful and so much bigger than you or me. Love you guys, thank you for your support and prayers that helped to make this trip possible for me!
Sudan Q&A with short term WBC missionary Jessica Page
1. What did your time in Sudan teach you about yourself?
My time in Sudan taught me so much about myself. I learned even more so the extent of my selfishness, how easy it is for me to want to run to comfort (my idol), whatever that may be, and how my faith can so easily lack. That sounds pretty negative at face value but in reality it's far more of a blessing because of what those things truly taught me about myself--how utterly and wholly dependent I have to be on God every single moment. My time in Sudan also taught me just how much I really do value relationships. I thrive on "living life" with people. No sidelines for me; throw me in the midst! I also came to realize that while I could say to anyone that I was content with Jesus and Jesus alone, those words at times may have been wishful thinking. God used my time in Sudan to teach me that at my core, in all circumstances, Jesus is enough. Goodness, He's more than enough! Oh, I learned too that I can live off of rice and beans for four months. Now, that is some very useful information!
2. What did your time in Sudan teach you about the Sudanese people?
Oh, what a privilege it was to learn about, live with, and love the South Sudanese people. Not to mention, be loved by them! The South Sudanese people are such a loving group of people. Their way of living and thinking is opposite of the Western way of living and thinking in that they are not always thinking about themselves. They are willing to serve their neighbor as themselves. And, they do so with such a great joy! It's simply a way of life for them. They are also so very resilient. After decades of brutal war, they still stand strong and don't give up the fight. Their new Independence as the Republic of South Sudan on July 9, 2011 is evidence of this! During my time in South Sudan I was able to watch and learn that the South Sudanese don't take things for granted, praising God when He gives and when He takes away. The South Sudanese people are simply beautiful.
3. What did your time in Sudan teach you about God?
My time in South Sudan taught me so much about my sweet Savior. It affirmed again and again what life can look like and what He will do when He has an obedient vessel readily available. He is faithful enough to do anything, and take me anywhere to simply have me to Himself--He loves me that much! He really will do whatever it takes to make Himself known. He is the ultimate pursuer and lover of my soul, so eagerly desiring to be in a relationship of oneness with me, as He is with the Father. My time in South Sudan taught me and confirmed that our mighty King is crying out to us and we so often overlook Him because unfortunately it is not really Him we are wanting to find.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
Freedom Stories
Story 1: Perception in Not Reality
Having the right perspective seems to change everything. It s real easy to be critical of others or situations based on what we think we know about people and certain situations. Just when we think we have it all figured out God, gives us a new nugget of information that changes everything. Suddenly, our perspective just got bigger and our attitude changes. We realize that perception is not reality and that we failed to be a light for Christ to that person or situation. The book of Philippians tells us to be a light for Christ in this messed up world. Philippians 2:14-15 says:
4 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[c] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky
Listen also to this story that illustrates these truths to us in a relevant way.
Luke Air Force Base is west of Phoenix and is rapidly being surrounded by civilization that complains about the noise from the base and its planes, forgetting that it was there long before they were.. A certain lieutenant colonel at Luke AFB deserves a big pat on the back. Apparently, an individual who lives somewhere near Luke AFB wrote the local paper complaining about a group of F-16s that disturbed his/her day at the mall.
When that individual read the response from a Luke AFB officer, it must Have stung quite a bit.
The complaint:
'Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base:
Whom do we thank for the morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 A.M, a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune! Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns early bird special?
Any response would be appreciated..
The response:
Regarding 'A wake-up call from Luke's jets' On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m . , a perfectly timed four- ship fly by of F-16s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt. Jeremy Fresques. Capt Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day.
At 9 a. m. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend. Based on the letter writer's recount of the fly by, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the President of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they have endured..
A four-ship fly by is a display of respect the Air Force gives to those who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.
The letter writer asks, 'Whom do we thank for the morning air show? The 56th Fighter Wing will make the call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.
Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you....Jesus Christ and the American Soldier.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom..
Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr.
USAF
What do we do when this happens to us? We realize that we are wrong and we seek forgiveness. We move on in the grace and freedom of Jesus Christ, and hopefully we learn from our mistake by living a life of freedom within the boundaries of Holy Scripture. After all the Bible has already told us that there is freedom in not complaining or grumbling.
Story 2: One Stone at a Time
Several months Jessica Page, a member of WBC, traveled to Sudan to carry Christ love to the people there. During her time there God taught her an important truth about freedom from 1 Corinthians 3:5-10 which states:
“What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds.”
Listen now to how this passage has worked itself out in Jessica’s life. These are her words…
(Becka, include the one stone at a time image somewhere close to here in you layout.)
I took this picture the second or third week I was here. It’s a picture of the foundation of the building that will soon be finished showers and toilets that is right beside my room. I found myself completely intrigued by the process starting from the ground up. I walked out one evening to see what progress had been made that day and saw this and for some reason found it to be just beautiful.
Sitting here, over 3 months later, I know why. He wanted to make a very clear point to me, and has brought me back to this picture, and more importantly, the message of this picture time and time again during these past 4 months.
I am a big ‘ol boulder.
In a country that has the history such as South Sudan, there is much, much work to do…on so many levels. I’ve found myself day in and day out going about the work God prepared the way for so long ago. Many days I struggled with the tediousness of it. Others, I was absolutely blown away by the unexpectedness of it all. All of the days, I was being used as a boulder.
One stone at a time His Kingdom is being revealed. One stone at a time His Kingdom is growing. One stone at a time lies of Satan are being extinguished. One stone at a time the Holy Spirit is being welcomed.
To Him be all the glory, forever.
Can you believe it? Jennifer Jones, Ami Trull (Also from WBC), and the rest of the team are in route as I type this. It’s so surreal. I’ve got butterflies. This time tomorrow, Lord willing, I will have welcomed them to my home here. I am just so overwhelmed with just how sweet Jesus is to me. He didn’t have to allow me the privilege of coming here. He for SURE didn’t have to allow me the privilege and enormous blessing of having two of my closest friends joining me for the last week. I would consider Him no less good if Jenn and Ami weren’t coming, but it just goes to prove that He knows how to woo me. He loves me so!
It’s bitter sweet, for sure. Those are just words though. They can’t really explain what’s going on in this heart of mine. I have so many loves in so many places, with one physical body. This is life here, and makes me that much more excited to reach my real Home. Nothing will be bitter. Only the sweet.
Come, Lord Jesus, come.
Jessica’s words point us to the truth that we do not have to all of God’s work ourselves. It’s great to see the Word of God alive inside a member WBC on the other side of the world as she realized the freedom of being one part of God’s plan for the Sudan people. It’s also great to see that God is gracious enough to send other people to help her carry the burden of His work in Sudan as He builds His kingdom one stone at a time.
Story 3: God is Wild About You
On July 18-22 we will be hosting Vacation Bible School at WBC. VBS will be based on the truth of God found in Psalm 139. The teachings and events will unpack the truth that God loves us unconditionally and we do not have to work to receive his approval. Although all of us are sinners God sees us as His work of art. He desires for us to come to the place of freedom in Him. He sent His son, Jesus Christ to the earth to die for us so that our sins can be forgiven. Here is the layout for the week:
Day 1:
Bible Point: God made you.
Bible Story: God creates the world. (Genesis 1) NLT
Bible Verse: “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!” (Psalm 139:14) NLT
Day 2:
Bible Point: God listens to you.
Bible Story: Elijah confronts the prophets of Baal. (1 Kings 18:16-39) NLT
Bible Verse: “You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.” (Psalm 139:4) NLT
Day 3:
Bible Point: God watches over you.
Bible Story: Jonah tries to escape from God. (Jonah 1-3) NLT
Bible Verse: "Even in darkness I cannot hide from you." (Psalm 139:12) NLT
Day 4:
Bible Point: God loves you, no matter what.
Bible Story: Jesus dies and comes back to life. (Luke 23:1–24:12) NLT
Bible Verse: “Lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:24) NLT
Day 5:
Bible Point: God gives good gifts.
Bible Story: God gives Hannah a baby. (1 Samuel 1:1–2:11) NLT
Bible Verse: “You place your hand of blessing on my head.” (Psalm 139:5) NLT
Having the right perspective seems to change everything. It s real easy to be critical of others or situations based on what we think we know about people and certain situations. Just when we think we have it all figured out God, gives us a new nugget of information that changes everything. Suddenly, our perspective just got bigger and our attitude changes. We realize that perception is not reality and that we failed to be a light for Christ to that person or situation. The book of Philippians tells us to be a light for Christ in this messed up world. Philippians 2:14-15 says:
4 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[c] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky
Listen also to this story that illustrates these truths to us in a relevant way.
Luke Air Force Base is west of Phoenix and is rapidly being surrounded by civilization that complains about the noise from the base and its planes, forgetting that it was there long before they were.. A certain lieutenant colonel at Luke AFB deserves a big pat on the back. Apparently, an individual who lives somewhere near Luke AFB wrote the local paper complaining about a group of F-16s that disturbed his/her day at the mall.
When that individual read the response from a Luke AFB officer, it must Have stung quite a bit.
The complaint:
'Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base:
Whom do we thank for the morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 A.M, a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune! Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns early bird special?
Any response would be appreciated..
The response:
Regarding 'A wake-up call from Luke's jets' On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m . , a perfectly timed four- ship fly by of F-16s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt. Jeremy Fresques. Capt Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day.
At 9 a. m. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend. Based on the letter writer's recount of the fly by, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the President of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they have endured..
A four-ship fly by is a display of respect the Air Force gives to those who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.
The letter writer asks, 'Whom do we thank for the morning air show? The 56th Fighter Wing will make the call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.
Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you....Jesus Christ and the American Soldier.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom..
Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr.
USAF
What do we do when this happens to us? We realize that we are wrong and we seek forgiveness. We move on in the grace and freedom of Jesus Christ, and hopefully we learn from our mistake by living a life of freedom within the boundaries of Holy Scripture. After all the Bible has already told us that there is freedom in not complaining or grumbling.
Story 2: One Stone at a Time
Several months Jessica Page, a member of WBC, traveled to Sudan to carry Christ love to the people there. During her time there God taught her an important truth about freedom from 1 Corinthians 3:5-10 which states:
“What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds.”
Listen now to how this passage has worked itself out in Jessica’s life. These are her words…
(Becka, include the one stone at a time image somewhere close to here in you layout.)
I took this picture the second or third week I was here. It’s a picture of the foundation of the building that will soon be finished showers and toilets that is right beside my room. I found myself completely intrigued by the process starting from the ground up. I walked out one evening to see what progress had been made that day and saw this and for some reason found it to be just beautiful.
Sitting here, over 3 months later, I know why. He wanted to make a very clear point to me, and has brought me back to this picture, and more importantly, the message of this picture time and time again during these past 4 months.
I am a big ‘ol boulder.
In a country that has the history such as South Sudan, there is much, much work to do…on so many levels. I’ve found myself day in and day out going about the work God prepared the way for so long ago. Many days I struggled with the tediousness of it. Others, I was absolutely blown away by the unexpectedness of it all. All of the days, I was being used as a boulder.
One stone at a time His Kingdom is being revealed. One stone at a time His Kingdom is growing. One stone at a time lies of Satan are being extinguished. One stone at a time the Holy Spirit is being welcomed.
To Him be all the glory, forever.
Can you believe it? Jennifer Jones, Ami Trull (Also from WBC), and the rest of the team are in route as I type this. It’s so surreal. I’ve got butterflies. This time tomorrow, Lord willing, I will have welcomed them to my home here. I am just so overwhelmed with just how sweet Jesus is to me. He didn’t have to allow me the privilege of coming here. He for SURE didn’t have to allow me the privilege and enormous blessing of having two of my closest friends joining me for the last week. I would consider Him no less good if Jenn and Ami weren’t coming, but it just goes to prove that He knows how to woo me. He loves me so!
It’s bitter sweet, for sure. Those are just words though. They can’t really explain what’s going on in this heart of mine. I have so many loves in so many places, with one physical body. This is life here, and makes me that much more excited to reach my real Home. Nothing will be bitter. Only the sweet.
Come, Lord Jesus, come.
Jessica’s words point us to the truth that we do not have to all of God’s work ourselves. It’s great to see the Word of God alive inside a member WBC on the other side of the world as she realized the freedom of being one part of God’s plan for the Sudan people. It’s also great to see that God is gracious enough to send other people to help her carry the burden of His work in Sudan as He builds His kingdom one stone at a time.
Story 3: God is Wild About You
On July 18-22 we will be hosting Vacation Bible School at WBC. VBS will be based on the truth of God found in Psalm 139. The teachings and events will unpack the truth that God loves us unconditionally and we do not have to work to receive his approval. Although all of us are sinners God sees us as His work of art. He desires for us to come to the place of freedom in Him. He sent His son, Jesus Christ to the earth to die for us so that our sins can be forgiven. Here is the layout for the week:
Day 1:
Bible Point: God made you.
Bible Story: God creates the world. (Genesis 1) NLT
Bible Verse: “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!” (Psalm 139:14) NLT
Day 2:
Bible Point: God listens to you.
Bible Story: Elijah confronts the prophets of Baal. (1 Kings 18:16-39) NLT
Bible Verse: “You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.” (Psalm 139:4) NLT
Day 3:
Bible Point: God watches over you.
Bible Story: Jonah tries to escape from God. (Jonah 1-3) NLT
Bible Verse: "Even in darkness I cannot hide from you." (Psalm 139:12) NLT
Day 4:
Bible Point: God loves you, no matter what.
Bible Story: Jesus dies and comes back to life. (Luke 23:1–24:12) NLT
Bible Verse: “Lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:24) NLT
Day 5:
Bible Point: God gives good gifts.
Bible Story: God gives Hannah a baby. (1 Samuel 1:1–2:11) NLT
Bible Verse: “You place your hand of blessing on my head.” (Psalm 139:5) NLT
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
WBC Servants Q&A
WBC Servant – Stephen Lile
1.Where do you serve here at WBC?
I am the Tech. Arts Dir. here at WBC
2.What do you do in your position of service?
I oversee a volunteer staff that operates the audio and video equipment for any type of event held at WBC. This includes the regular Sunday morning services as well as Weddings, Funerals or any occasion the Church gets rented out for. Not everybody knows this but it takes at least 6-7 people to run all of the equipment for a regular Sunday morning Service and we have a great group of volunteers to help accomplish this. And I really appreciate all of them and their service.
3.Why do you do it?
I do this because I really feel that The Lord has given me a gift and this is a way I get to give it back to him. And I feel that this is where he wants me.
4.Do you think all followers of Christ should be involved in service positions inside the church?
I believe that if there is a need within the Church body and your heart is being tugged at, than you need to listen and respond to that tug. All of us are different and our gifts are different but God knows you, your gifts
and talents and where to use you. You just have to listen and respond.
5. Do you think all followers of Christ should be involved in service positions outside the church?
I feel that as followers of Christ we already hold a position outside the Church. We are to be examples and a shining light to the unbelievers. That's what The Great Commission is all about. Mathew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.
6. How would you encourage people to get involved in serving God?
I would just encourage people to Listen to that still small voice. Not everybody is called to work in the nursery or to run a sound board. But you might be called to fix a meal for a family or drive someone to the Dr.that cant drive. If anything, God has given each one of us a special gift and that is to share the Gospel and be a good example of his Love.Will you listen?
WBC Servant JW Tabor
1. Where do you serve here at WBC?
I am a volunteer youth leader.
2. What do you do in your position of service?
Whatever Jacob asks me to do.
3. Why do you do it?
I do it because I love young people. I want to see them grow stronger and more mature in their walks with Christ. I really feel like this is the place the Lord wants me to be. I get great joy from watching and helping young people grow and succeed both inside and outside the church.
4. Do you think all followers of Christ should be involved in service positions inside the church?
I think that, as a church body, we should all be actively searching for our place inside the church that Christ is calling us to fill. I believe none of us are called to simply exist, there should be no appendix in the church body, everyone should be plugged in and active in helping the body grow and become stronger.
5. Do you think all followers of Christ should be involved in service positions outside the church?
I think, just as we are called to be active within the body of Christ to help in the growth of the body, we are also called to minister to a world that needs Christ. We are called to love those outside the church in the same way Christ did. I don’t see how that is possible without engaging in some kind of service outside the church.
6. How would you encourage people to get involved in serving God?
I would encourage people to at least give it a try. I’m sure there are many people in our church who are not serving only because they have not tried to find the place the Lord wants them. Jump in somewhere and get plugged in, if it doesn’t work seek the Lord’s guidance and try a different area. We could always use more people in the youth room!!
WBC Servant Arlene Hahn
1.Where do you serve here at WBC?
Nursery, Women's ministry, AWANA, Worship, SS, VBS, Missions Committee, Meals/Funeral Meals as needed
2.What do you do in your position of service?
Nursery - manage resources - set up nursery each Sunday and make sure all supplies and toys are put away, restock snacks, wash cups and smocks; serve 2nd/5th Sundays and sub when needed.
Women's ministry - assist with leader training, teaching team, small group co-leader, Missions focus for women's Bible Studies - contact missionaries for prayer requests each month, coordinate and make birthday cards for Missionaries.
AWANA - teach council time to grades 3-6 each week
Worship - Design and Evaluation committee - participate in weekly meetings to evaluate recent services and help plan future services. Sewing as needed (banners, panel covers).
SS - assist my husband Lou with our SS class, send out weekly prayer requests, organize fellowships,
VBS - Make decorations since I'm usually out of town the week of VBS
Missions Committee - participate in monthly meetings, prepare Missions House for incoming families.
Meals/Funeral Meals as needed - prepare meals for families, assist in set up, serving and clean up for funeral meals.
3. Why do you do it?
God has done so much for me that I serve out of gratitude to Him. The Bible teaches that each believer is equipped and gifted to be a functioning/serving part of the local church - I don't want the church to suffer because I'm unwilling or unavailable to use my gifts as part of the local church. 2 Thes. 3:10 teaches that if you won't work you shouldn't eat - since I'm being spiritually fed here at WBC I need to be serving/working here. It's like I used to tell my children - "you live and eat here, you help here".
4. Do you think all followers of Christ should be involved in service positions inside the church?
Definitely! If some of us aren't serving then our gifts are missing from the body...and the body of Christ will suffer in some way. Imagine a body missing some toes or fingers, a hand or foot...that's a church where some of the people aren't serving - if believers are not serving then the church can't function as well as God intended. All believers should be serving in a local church. If they aren't then that church is missing out or someone else is carrying their load.
5. Do you think all followers of Christ should be involved in service positions outside the church?
Yes...that's how we become salt and light to a dark world around us, it's how we become the hands and feet of Jesus to a lost and dying world. Jesus said that when we ministered to the "least of these" we were ministering to Him.
6. How would you encourage people to get involved in serving God?
I'd suggest they get connected to a small group and/or SS class and start getting aquainted with their WBC family. Then find out where there are ministry needs (nursery has lots of openings currently!) and then plug in there. Check the bulletin/Ignite for upcoming programs and ministry opportunities and contact the individual in charge to see what they need or offer your skills/abilities that you think might be a good match.
Don't wait to be asked to help out or serve - see where there is a need that you can help meet and then get busy! Serving brings lots of blessings and opportunities to grow and learn - don't miss out because you feel inadequate or unneeded - we're all needed! To not get involved is a real shame - you'll miss out on the role God has prepared just you for! Eph. 2:10 tells us that God has created each of us to do good works...works He has prepared for us in advance. He has a plan for each of us to serve, wouldn't you hate to miss out on that. God saves us to serve...and there are plenty of places to serve. Imagine if everyone at WBC did one thing - all needs would be covered and each of us would have the benefit of being a good and faithful servant.
1.Where do you serve here at WBC?
I am the Tech. Arts Dir. here at WBC
2.What do you do in your position of service?
I oversee a volunteer staff that operates the audio and video equipment for any type of event held at WBC. This includes the regular Sunday morning services as well as Weddings, Funerals or any occasion the Church gets rented out for. Not everybody knows this but it takes at least 6-7 people to run all of the equipment for a regular Sunday morning Service and we have a great group of volunteers to help accomplish this. And I really appreciate all of them and their service.
3.Why do you do it?
I do this because I really feel that The Lord has given me a gift and this is a way I get to give it back to him. And I feel that this is where he wants me.
4.Do you think all followers of Christ should be involved in service positions inside the church?
I believe that if there is a need within the Church body and your heart is being tugged at, than you need to listen and respond to that tug. All of us are different and our gifts are different but God knows you, your gifts
and talents and where to use you. You just have to listen and respond.
5. Do you think all followers of Christ should be involved in service positions outside the church?
I feel that as followers of Christ we already hold a position outside the Church. We are to be examples and a shining light to the unbelievers. That's what The Great Commission is all about. Mathew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.
6. How would you encourage people to get involved in serving God?
I would just encourage people to Listen to that still small voice. Not everybody is called to work in the nursery or to run a sound board. But you might be called to fix a meal for a family or drive someone to the Dr.that cant drive. If anything, God has given each one of us a special gift and that is to share the Gospel and be a good example of his Love.Will you listen?
WBC Servant JW Tabor
1. Where do you serve here at WBC?
I am a volunteer youth leader.
2. What do you do in your position of service?
Whatever Jacob asks me to do.
3. Why do you do it?
I do it because I love young people. I want to see them grow stronger and more mature in their walks with Christ. I really feel like this is the place the Lord wants me to be. I get great joy from watching and helping young people grow and succeed both inside and outside the church.
4. Do you think all followers of Christ should be involved in service positions inside the church?
I think that, as a church body, we should all be actively searching for our place inside the church that Christ is calling us to fill. I believe none of us are called to simply exist, there should be no appendix in the church body, everyone should be plugged in and active in helping the body grow and become stronger.
5. Do you think all followers of Christ should be involved in service positions outside the church?
I think, just as we are called to be active within the body of Christ to help in the growth of the body, we are also called to minister to a world that needs Christ. We are called to love those outside the church in the same way Christ did. I don’t see how that is possible without engaging in some kind of service outside the church.
6. How would you encourage people to get involved in serving God?
I would encourage people to at least give it a try. I’m sure there are many people in our church who are not serving only because they have not tried to find the place the Lord wants them. Jump in somewhere and get plugged in, if it doesn’t work seek the Lord’s guidance and try a different area. We could always use more people in the youth room!!
WBC Servant Arlene Hahn
1.Where do you serve here at WBC?
Nursery, Women's ministry, AWANA, Worship, SS, VBS, Missions Committee, Meals/Funeral Meals as needed
2.What do you do in your position of service?
Nursery - manage resources - set up nursery each Sunday and make sure all supplies and toys are put away, restock snacks, wash cups and smocks; serve 2nd/5th Sundays and sub when needed.
Women's ministry - assist with leader training, teaching team, small group co-leader, Missions focus for women's Bible Studies - contact missionaries for prayer requests each month, coordinate and make birthday cards for Missionaries.
AWANA - teach council time to grades 3-6 each week
Worship - Design and Evaluation committee - participate in weekly meetings to evaluate recent services and help plan future services. Sewing as needed (banners, panel covers).
SS - assist my husband Lou with our SS class, send out weekly prayer requests, organize fellowships,
VBS - Make decorations since I'm usually out of town the week of VBS
Missions Committee - participate in monthly meetings, prepare Missions House for incoming families.
Meals/Funeral Meals as needed - prepare meals for families, assist in set up, serving and clean up for funeral meals.
3. Why do you do it?
God has done so much for me that I serve out of gratitude to Him. The Bible teaches that each believer is equipped and gifted to be a functioning/serving part of the local church - I don't want the church to suffer because I'm unwilling or unavailable to use my gifts as part of the local church. 2 Thes. 3:10 teaches that if you won't work you shouldn't eat - since I'm being spiritually fed here at WBC I need to be serving/working here. It's like I used to tell my children - "you live and eat here, you help here".
4. Do you think all followers of Christ should be involved in service positions inside the church?
Definitely! If some of us aren't serving then our gifts are missing from the body...and the body of Christ will suffer in some way. Imagine a body missing some toes or fingers, a hand or foot...that's a church where some of the people aren't serving - if believers are not serving then the church can't function as well as God intended. All believers should be serving in a local church. If they aren't then that church is missing out or someone else is carrying their load.
5. Do you think all followers of Christ should be involved in service positions outside the church?
Yes...that's how we become salt and light to a dark world around us, it's how we become the hands and feet of Jesus to a lost and dying world. Jesus said that when we ministered to the "least of these" we were ministering to Him.
6. How would you encourage people to get involved in serving God?
I'd suggest they get connected to a small group and/or SS class and start getting aquainted with their WBC family. Then find out where there are ministry needs (nursery has lots of openings currently!) and then plug in there. Check the bulletin/Ignite for upcoming programs and ministry opportunities and contact the individual in charge to see what they need or offer your skills/abilities that you think might be a good match.
Don't wait to be asked to help out or serve - see where there is a need that you can help meet and then get busy! Serving brings lots of blessings and opportunities to grow and learn - don't miss out because you feel inadequate or unneeded - we're all needed! To not get involved is a real shame - you'll miss out on the role God has prepared just you for! Eph. 2:10 tells us that God has created each of us to do good works...works He has prepared for us in advance. He has a plan for each of us to serve, wouldn't you hate to miss out on that. God saves us to serve...and there are plenty of places to serve. Imagine if everyone at WBC did one thing - all needs would be covered and each of us would have the benefit of being a good and faithful servant.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Do You Have $10? Would You Spend it Like This?
There once was a man named George Thomas, pastor in a small New England town. One Easter Sunday morning he came to the Church carrying a rusty, bent, old bird cage, and set it by the pulpit. Eyebrows were raised and, as if in response, Pastor Thomas began to speak.... I was walking through town yesterday when I saw a young boy coming toward me swinging this bird cage. On the bottom of the cage were three little wild birds, shivering with cold and fright. I stopped the lad and asked, "What do you have there, son?" "Just some old birds," came the reply. "What are you going to do with them?" I asked. "Take 'em home and have fun with 'em," he answered. "I'm gonna tease 'em and pull out their feathers to make 'em fight. I'm gonna have a real good time." "But you'll get tired of those birds sooner or later. What will you do then?" "Oh, I got some cats," said the little boy. "They like birds. I'll take 'em to them." The pastor was silent for a moment. "How much do you want for those birds, son?" "Huh??!!! You don't want them birds, mister. They're just plain old field birds. They don't sing. They ain't even pretty!" "How much?" the pastor asked again. The boy sized up the pastor as if he were crazy and said, "$10?" The pastor reached in his pocket and took out a ten dollar bill. He placed it in the boy's hand. In a flash, the boy was gone. The pastor picked up the cage and gently carried it to the end of the alley where there was a tree and a grassy spot. Setting the cage down, he opened the door, and by softly tapping the bars persuaded the birds out, setting them free. Well, that explained the empty bird cage on the pulpit, and then the pastor began to tell this story: One day Satan and Jesus were having a conversation. Satan had just come from the Garden of Eden, and he was gloating and boasting. "Yes, sir, I just caught a world full of people down there. Set me a trap and used bait I knew they couldn't resist. Got 'em all!" "What are you going to do with them?" Jesus asked. Satan replied, "Oh, I'm gonna have fun! I'm gonna teach them how to marry and divorce each other, how to hate and abuse each other, how to drink and smoke and curse. I'm gonna teach them how to invent guns and bombs and kill each other. I'm really gonna have fun!" "And what will you do when you are done with them?" Jesus asked. "Oh, I'll kill 'em," Satan glared proudly. "How much do you want for them?" Jesus asked. "Oh, you don't want those people. They ain't no good. Why, you'll take them and they'll just hate you. They'll spit on you, curse you and kill you. You don't want those people!!" "How much?” He asked again. Satan looked at Jesus and sneered, "All your blood, tears and your life." Jesus said, "DONE!" Then He paid the price. The pastor picked up the cage and walked from the pulpit.
Free To Ride
Every journey of seeking to worship God, become mature, and carry Christ’s love works best when we are free from our own efforts of leading and control. Here is a story that leads us to let go and be free to ride with God. At first, I saw God as my observer,
my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong,
so as to know whether I merited heaven
or hell when I die. He was out there sort of like a president.
I recognized His picture when I saw it,
but I really didn't know Him.
But later on when I met Christ,
it seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride,
but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ
was in the back helping me pedal.
I don't know just when it was
that He suggested we change places,
but life has not been the same since.
When I had control, I knew the way.
It was rather boring, but predictable . . .
It was the shortest distance between two points.
But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts,
up mountains, and through rocky places
at breakneck speeds; it was all I could do to hang on!
Even though it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!"
I worried and was anxious and asked,
"Where are you taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer,
and I started to learn to trust.
I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure.
And when I'd say, "I'm scared," He'd lean back and touch my hand.
He took me to people with gifts that I needed,
gifts of healing, acceptance and joy. They gave me gifts to take on my journey,
my Lord's and mine. And we were off again. He said, "Give the gifts away;
they're extra baggage, too much weight." So I did, to the people we met,
and I found that in giving I received, and still our burden was light.
I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He'd wreck it;
but He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners,
knows how to jump to clear high rocks, knows how to fly to shorten scary passages.
And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places,
and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face
with my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ. And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore,
He just smiles and says . . . "Pedal."
-- Author unknown
my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong,
so as to know whether I merited heaven
or hell when I die. He was out there sort of like a president.
I recognized His picture when I saw it,
but I really didn't know Him.
But later on when I met Christ,
it seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride,
but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ
was in the back helping me pedal.
I don't know just when it was
that He suggested we change places,
but life has not been the same since.
When I had control, I knew the way.
It was rather boring, but predictable . . .
It was the shortest distance between two points.
But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts,
up mountains, and through rocky places
at breakneck speeds; it was all I could do to hang on!
Even though it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!"
I worried and was anxious and asked,
"Where are you taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer,
and I started to learn to trust.
I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure.
And when I'd say, "I'm scared," He'd lean back and touch my hand.
He took me to people with gifts that I needed,
gifts of healing, acceptance and joy. They gave me gifts to take on my journey,
my Lord's and mine. And we were off again. He said, "Give the gifts away;
they're extra baggage, too much weight." So I did, to the people we met,
and I found that in giving I received, and still our burden was light.
I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He'd wreck it;
but He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners,
knows how to jump to clear high rocks, knows how to fly to shorten scary passages.
And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places,
and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face
with my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ. And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore,
He just smiles and says . . . "Pedal."
-- Author unknown
Friday, March 25, 2011
"Life Flies Down and Covers Death"
Perhaps the darkest place on earth right now is any place that the church of Jesus Christ is being persecuted. As dark as these places are God light is shining brighter! In this story we would like to highlight an opportunity for you to be a part of our mission of worshipping God, becoming a mature disciple and carry Christ’s love to the world. The opportunity is a real place where the life found through the resurrection is celebrated in the context of the death of the crucifixion. Check out this story from the Voice of the Martyrs about their ministry to the enemies of God in Columbia. From old to young, retirees to homeschoolers, they are all working for a common cause — spreading the gospel to Marxist FARC guerrillas in the nation of Colombia.For more than 40 years, Colombia has been terrorized by kidnappings and murders resulting from power struggles between drug lords, revolutionaries and paramilitary groups. But in the midst of the chaos, brave Christians in Colombia are risking their lives to spread the gospel. VOM is committed to helping them, and our readers from across the country are joining the effort.
One of VOM’s partners in Colombia is a pilot named Russell. VOM helped Russell purchase an airplane, and today that plane flies over FARC-controlled areas of Colombia dropping small packages attached to parachutes. The packages, which float down into FARC camps and villages, each contain a selection of Christian books as well as a solar-powered Galcom radio pre-tuned to a Christian station. Before the parachutes are dropped, the radio is turned on so that even if the parachute catches in a tree, someone will hear the radio and climb up to retrieve it.
The Voice of the Martyrs has invited our newsletter readers to make parachutes to help Russell in this important ministry … and they have enthusiastically responded! More than 14,000 parachutes made by American Christians recently left our distribution center headed for Colombia. In total, we’ve already received more than 62,000 parachutes. Some church groups have worked together to make hundreds of parachutes, and some families have sent one or two. Each one provides a critical opportunity to present the gospel to a lost soul.
But there are still many FARC guerrillas who haven’t heard the gospel, and there is still a need for more parachutes. If you’d like a downloadable pattern to make the parachutes, as well as more information about VOM’s work in Colombia and a video of Russell talking about reaching guerrillas for Christ, contact Brenda Eaton in the church office or visit www.persecution.com/Colombia for more information about being a part of this ministry.
One of VOM’s partners in Colombia is a pilot named Russell. VOM helped Russell purchase an airplane, and today that plane flies over FARC-controlled areas of Colombia dropping small packages attached to parachutes. The packages, which float down into FARC camps and villages, each contain a selection of Christian books as well as a solar-powered Galcom radio pre-tuned to a Christian station. Before the parachutes are dropped, the radio is turned on so that even if the parachute catches in a tree, someone will hear the radio and climb up to retrieve it.
The Voice of the Martyrs has invited our newsletter readers to make parachutes to help Russell in this important ministry … and they have enthusiastically responded! More than 14,000 parachutes made by American Christians recently left our distribution center headed for Colombia. In total, we’ve already received more than 62,000 parachutes. Some church groups have worked together to make hundreds of parachutes, and some families have sent one or two. Each one provides a critical opportunity to present the gospel to a lost soul.
But there are still many FARC guerrillas who haven’t heard the gospel, and there is still a need for more parachutes. If you’d like a downloadable pattern to make the parachutes, as well as more information about VOM’s work in Colombia and a video of Russell talking about reaching guerrillas for Christ, contact Brenda Eaton in the church office or visit www.persecution.com/Colombia for more information about being a part of this ministry.
:Suffering with Hope" by Amy Joy Olivo
Any journey of worshipping God, becoming a mature disciple, and carrying Christ’s love is mark with suffering. Suffering seems to be one of the key ways God brings us to mature worship of Him. As we continue with our theme of celebrating life in the context of death, it is important to remember that this kind of celebration for now, only happens by faith, as we hope for our future reality of living face to face with God. Read these words from WBC member Amy Joy Olivo as she talks about her experience of celebrating bright hope of the resurrection in the context of dark suffering. Without Christ, I would be “like those who grieve without hope.” You see, I have a little girl that I carry in my heart but no longer in my arms. Her name is Maggie Faith and I delighted to carry her in my womb for 38 weeks and hold her in my arms for four days before she danced home to her Heavenly Father’s arms.
We knew from very early in my pregnancy that something was askew in her development. Initially, the doctors thought it was a chromosomal disorder. Then they began to suspect a neural tube defect like spina bifida in addition to the chromosomal disorder. My husband, Layne, and I were told she would probably be stillborn so we purposed in our hearts to enjoy whatever time the Lord gave us with her even if that meant the only time we would experience her life was while she was inside me. Every kick and hiccup was a treasure. It felt like she was dancing inside me and it was delightful!
As we neared her due date, we were so grateful that the Lord allowed my body to sustain her. We were hopeful and had been praying for the Lord to work in miraculous ways since the first grim diagnosis. Thirty-four weeks into my pregnancy, we were encouraged by our midwives to have a fetal MRI to see if we could confirm a diagnosis and give us an idea of the best place to deliver her. This test brought yet another possible diagnosis, this time in the Muscular Dystrophy family, with a very grim prognosis. There was so little hope offered, but we knew we serve a Living God who had sustained us thus far and would not abandon us. In fact, it was around this time that I had a vision of Jesus wrapping his arms around me. It is a vision that I continue to see to this day when I think of Maggie Faith.
Without a definitive diagnosis, we decided to give birth in a hospital where she could be evaluated and treated by neonatal experts. So on March 12, 2010, at 10:40 a.m., I delivered Margaret Faith Olivo by c-section. We had been told she would probably have to be resuscitated at birth, but, much to our great delight, she announced her arrival with a beautiful little cry! Weak though it was, it was music to my ears. She was immediately intubated and placed on a ventilator as they began to evaluate her condition. She valiantly fought for her life and delighted us with her dances for the next four days as the doctors ran tests to try to determine whether medicine could help her. Oh how we were sustained by the Presence of the Almighty and lifted up by the prayers of His Saints! Without Christ, we would have despaired!
In the end, we came to realize that the Lord was calling her home. Her body was simply too wonderful and fragile for this world. Without Christ and the promise of eternity with Him, I could never see this as a temporary, though painful, separation or eagerly anticipate a joyful reunion with her in His presence. The four beautiful days of her earthly life pale in comparison to the magnificent eternity we will spend together in the presence of our Savior. Without Christ, I could offer no words of hope to others. He has given me the words to tell her story so that I can tell of a Greater Story. I love to tell His story through her story—it helps me remember her and to deepen my understanding of all the good things we have in Christ. With Christ, yes, I grieve, but I do so as one with hope in the One who wraps His arms around me and will one day carry me safely home too!
We knew from very early in my pregnancy that something was askew in her development. Initially, the doctors thought it was a chromosomal disorder. Then they began to suspect a neural tube defect like spina bifida in addition to the chromosomal disorder. My husband, Layne, and I were told she would probably be stillborn so we purposed in our hearts to enjoy whatever time the Lord gave us with her even if that meant the only time we would experience her life was while she was inside me. Every kick and hiccup was a treasure. It felt like she was dancing inside me and it was delightful!
As we neared her due date, we were so grateful that the Lord allowed my body to sustain her. We were hopeful and had been praying for the Lord to work in miraculous ways since the first grim diagnosis. Thirty-four weeks into my pregnancy, we were encouraged by our midwives to have a fetal MRI to see if we could confirm a diagnosis and give us an idea of the best place to deliver her. This test brought yet another possible diagnosis, this time in the Muscular Dystrophy family, with a very grim prognosis. There was so little hope offered, but we knew we serve a Living God who had sustained us thus far and would not abandon us. In fact, it was around this time that I had a vision of Jesus wrapping his arms around me. It is a vision that I continue to see to this day when I think of Maggie Faith.
Without a definitive diagnosis, we decided to give birth in a hospital where she could be evaluated and treated by neonatal experts. So on March 12, 2010, at 10:40 a.m., I delivered Margaret Faith Olivo by c-section. We had been told she would probably have to be resuscitated at birth, but, much to our great delight, she announced her arrival with a beautiful little cry! Weak though it was, it was music to my ears. She was immediately intubated and placed on a ventilator as they began to evaluate her condition. She valiantly fought for her life and delighted us with her dances for the next four days as the doctors ran tests to try to determine whether medicine could help her. Oh how we were sustained by the Presence of the Almighty and lifted up by the prayers of His Saints! Without Christ, we would have despaired!
In the end, we came to realize that the Lord was calling her home. Her body was simply too wonderful and fragile for this world. Without Christ and the promise of eternity with Him, I could never see this as a temporary, though painful, separation or eagerly anticipate a joyful reunion with her in His presence. The four beautiful days of her earthly life pale in comparison to the magnificent eternity we will spend together in the presence of our Savior. Without Christ, I could offer no words of hope to others. He has given me the words to tell her story so that I can tell of a Greater Story. I love to tell His story through her story—it helps me remember her and to deepen my understanding of all the good things we have in Christ. With Christ, yes, I grieve, but I do so as one with hope in the One who wraps His arms around me and will one day carry me safely home too!
“Quite Time, Devotion, or Lent?”
As we think about worshipping God, becoming mature, and carrying Christ’s love to the world one of the ways we do that is through spiritual disciplines. What is a spiritual discipline? Well, in the last several years in the context of WBC the most popular spiritual discipline has become bible reading. Some might call this discipline a daily devotion or quite time. Another discipline that we may take part in from time to time is prayer. Are these the only two spiritual disciplines that the bible talks about? No way. The bible also speaks about other disciplines such as fasting, and Sabbath keeping. What is the purpose of practicing a spiritual discipline? Well, there are many, but mostly the purpose of participating in these things is to help point out your sin so that we can grow closer to God. Do you have daily devotions? Are they cumbersome for you? Hopefully you do participate in devoting time each day to read the bible and hopefully it is not a burden for you. The Psalmist cries out to God many times in the book of Psalms of his great love for the word of God and how he delights in it. As we think about our desire of devoting time to read God’s word how are we doing? Do you delight in it? How are you doing practicing other disciplines like fasting? Do you think that there may be things that God would like to point out to you about yourself and your relationship to Him that could from fasting? This month’s theme for Ignite of experiencing the life of the resurrection in the context of the death may be best celebrated through the discipline of fasting. Throughout history the church has attempted to celebrate Easter in this way by practicing fasting during the 40 days of Lent that come before Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and ultimately Resurrection Sunday. The word Lent comes from a German word for “springtime.” The 40 days of Lent in the Christian calendar recall the 40 days of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. Since the fourth century A.D., the Church has observed Lent as a time of “spring cleaning for the soul.” During this season, we imitate Jesus’ withdrawal into the wilderness for 40 days. We focus on Christ’s battle with Satan that he waged in order to win our salvation. And we think about our temptations and sins and repent. Lent is a time to evaluate ourselves in light of God’s Word, to abandon sin, and to receive God’s forgiveness and strength. Lent has been called the season of “Bright Sadness” because it is a time of both celebration and mourning. The spiritual discipline of fasting is highlighted during Lent. Jesus Christ practice fasting during His time on earth. Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. (Matthew 4:1) Every time Jesus responds to the three temptations of the devil in the wilderness, he quotes from Deuteronomy. “Man shall not live by bread alone but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Deuteronomy 8:3); “You shall not tempt the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 6:16); and “You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve” (Deuteronomy 6:13). Moses is speaking to Israel about their time of testing in the wilderness. Look at Deuteronomy 8:2-3 and mark the parallels between Israel in the wilderness and Jesus in the wilderness: “You shall remember all the ways which the Lord your God has led you in the wilderness [as Jesus was led by the Spirit in the wilderness] these forty years [as Jesus was there forty days], that He might humble you, testing you [as Jesus was “tested”], to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. And He humbled you and let you be hungry [as Jesus was made hungry by his fasting], and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 8:2-3) God obviously intends a parallel between Jesus and the people of Israel in the wilderness. Jesus endured His “wilderness experience” to contrast that of Israel and to show us how to negotiate ours. How can we keep our eyes on the prize, avoid moral failures, and honor Christ with the fruit of obedient lives? By following in the footsteps of The Master. Lent is the Church’s annual “wilderness experience” with Christ. He went to the desert, so may be we should too. Certainly, experiencing this would had some beauty to our Easter celebration by placing it in its proper context. So, to answer the question “Quite Time, Devotion, or Lent?” Its not an either or. The answer is “all of the above and more”. Our view of spiritual disciplines has to be bigger that just one of these things and hopefully as we practice these things our hunger and desire for God will grow along with our desire to practice the disciplines that He has given to bring us closer to Him.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Love In Action
Shortly after Christmas, WBC held an event here at church with hopes of Carrying Christ Love to world. The event was called Love in Action and it was truly a great physical picture of our church’s mission as we came together to give away clothes, toys and food to over one hundred families in the Waxahachie area. Rebecca Manguno helped organize and lead the event. Here are here thoughts about that day.
Why did you decide to help lead the Love in Action ministry?
God laid it on my heart the week before Christmas to find someone in need to pass my children's clothes and toys to. We have been blessed by the Lord through others so often and I wanted to do the same but wasn't sure WHO was in need. When Pastor Bruce spoke on 1 John 3:16-18 Christmas Eve and the following Sunday and gave the suggestion of and "after Christmas toy drive," I felt like the Holy Spirit was nudging me. I mentioned my interest after service and by Tuesday, the date was set.
What was the process like for you?
I was initially thinking on a smaller scale, keeping things within the church mostly. As I discussed ideas with Pastor Bruce, I realized that the idea was snowballing into something much bigger and something that I couldn't do alone. I contacted Brenda Eaton. I have come to rely on Brenda's wisdom and support having served under her with WBC Mommy & Me. She rallied volunteers to do the work I could not do alone. We collected bags and boxes of donations that week, each opened, folded, and sorted on the tables in the hallway. The volunteers were indispensable and came day and night to prepare for Saturday's giveaway. Saturday was amazing! We had a system in place and everything ran so smoothly. Prayer leaders were praying for and with people who came for the giveaway. Our helpers in the hallway were carry items for people and others carried bags to their cars. It was so wonderful to see the body of Christ serving the lost and needy of the community.
How did it affect your journey with God?
I prayed a lot that week! I was discouraged at one point but God reminded me that I was doing what He called me to do. I was reminded what our ministry as believers is: to reach the lost and hurting of the world and to share the love and truth of Christ. Saturday demonstrated that perfectly.
What was the best thing about Love in Action?
It wasn't just about giving people clothes, it was about sharing the Gospel. I loved hearing from the people we helped. They were so thankful to receive coats and shoes and food that they needed. They expressed the kindness of the church volunteers that day and how much they appreciated everyone involved. I loved seeing prayer leaders holding hands around tables praying with people. One of those leaders told me that NO ONE turned down the opportunity to pray. What a testimony of God's love and power!
Here are the words from one of the people who attended Love in Action”:
I just wanted to let you know that I came by this morning to hopefully get some much needed shoes and clothes and boy did I. I had been looking for a job for past 4 mths with no luck and I went back to my job I left 9 mths ago and last week started back there thanks to Gods help but didn't have a lot of winter type clothes and I got couple of jackets and shirts that I really needed since I had no income at this time. Thanks you Jesus, and I have been going back to church my brothers church actually here in Waxahachie for past month and I could only wear my jeans with the one pair of ok shoes I had but couldn't wear the many dresses I did have cause I had no shoes to wear with them but I found quite a few there that were my size big surprise and I am so happy with what I got. Everyone was so helpful and so very nice it was a great thing that you did. Many people I spoke with were so grateful for what you did and I just wanted to let you know that we all appreciated it so much. I didn't no what the food drive part was and was wondering? I heard about this on the flea market and was so glad I went and just wanted to thank you all for your generosity and may God bless you all. Thanks to KBEC your awesome!
-Anonymous.
Why did you decide to help lead the Love in Action ministry?
God laid it on my heart the week before Christmas to find someone in need to pass my children's clothes and toys to. We have been blessed by the Lord through others so often and I wanted to do the same but wasn't sure WHO was in need. When Pastor Bruce spoke on 1 John 3:16-18 Christmas Eve and the following Sunday and gave the suggestion of and "after Christmas toy drive," I felt like the Holy Spirit was nudging me. I mentioned my interest after service and by Tuesday, the date was set.
What was the process like for you?
I was initially thinking on a smaller scale, keeping things within the church mostly. As I discussed ideas with Pastor Bruce, I realized that the idea was snowballing into something much bigger and something that I couldn't do alone. I contacted Brenda Eaton. I have come to rely on Brenda's wisdom and support having served under her with WBC Mommy & Me. She rallied volunteers to do the work I could not do alone. We collected bags and boxes of donations that week, each opened, folded, and sorted on the tables in the hallway. The volunteers were indispensable and came day and night to prepare for Saturday's giveaway. Saturday was amazing! We had a system in place and everything ran so smoothly. Prayer leaders were praying for and with people who came for the giveaway. Our helpers in the hallway were carry items for people and others carried bags to their cars. It was so wonderful to see the body of Christ serving the lost and needy of the community.
How did it affect your journey with God?
I prayed a lot that week! I was discouraged at one point but God reminded me that I was doing what He called me to do. I was reminded what our ministry as believers is: to reach the lost and hurting of the world and to share the love and truth of Christ. Saturday demonstrated that perfectly.
What was the best thing about Love in Action?
It wasn't just about giving people clothes, it was about sharing the Gospel. I loved hearing from the people we helped. They were so thankful to receive coats and shoes and food that they needed. They expressed the kindness of the church volunteers that day and how much they appreciated everyone involved. I loved seeing prayer leaders holding hands around tables praying with people. One of those leaders told me that NO ONE turned down the opportunity to pray. What a testimony of God's love and power!
Here are the words from one of the people who attended Love in Action”:
I just wanted to let you know that I came by this morning to hopefully get some much needed shoes and clothes and boy did I. I had been looking for a job for past 4 mths with no luck and I went back to my job I left 9 mths ago and last week started back there thanks to Gods help but didn't have a lot of winter type clothes and I got couple of jackets and shirts that I really needed since I had no income at this time. Thanks you Jesus, and I have been going back to church my brothers church actually here in Waxahachie for past month and I could only wear my jeans with the one pair of ok shoes I had but couldn't wear the many dresses I did have cause I had no shoes to wear with them but I found quite a few there that were my size big surprise and I am so happy with what I got. Everyone was so helpful and so very nice it was a great thing that you did. Many people I spoke with were so grateful for what you did and I just wanted to let you know that we all appreciated it so much. I didn't no what the food drive part was and was wondering? I heard about this on the flea market and was so glad I went and just wanted to thank you all for your generosity and may God bless you all. Thanks to KBEC your awesome!
-Anonymous.
Firgive So That You May Live by Jan Thompson
Forgiveness is a mark of becoming a mature disciple of Christ. Listen to this story from WBC member Jan Thompson.
My beautiful 17 year old niece left my home on the morning of July 12, 1982 to go to Waco, TX. That would be the last time we saw her alive. My life totally changed on the evening of July 13, 1982 at 10:00 P.M. with the television news statement: "BODIES OF MISSING TEENS FOUND ON THE SHORES OF LAKE WACO".
Time here does not allow details of the following years of investigations and horrendous stories of the torture of my niece and two of her friends. We were told that the children were "simply in the wrong place at the wrong time."
Days and months turned to years and I realized I was becoming consumed by the feelings of, I MUST see this through"! Most of my waking time was taken up by constantly trying to find out what happened that day in July, 1982. I had become unable to carry on my daily routine of being a good wife and mother. My dear husband was taking on my role in that capacity and never complained to me, but deep inside, he was living the same torment as I. I felt guilty as I spent most of my time with the investigators, yet I was driven to continue to be involved. My heart was becoming hard and I felt so much bitterness, not only for the four men who were eventually charged for the crime, but also for anyone who could not understand my involvement.
Sometime in 1985, a dear Christian friend from my church was aware of the demons struggling inside me. She came to me with this advice: "UNTIL YOU CAN FEEL FORGIVENESS IN YOUR HEART, YOU WILL NOT FEEL PEACE OR BE ABLE TO LIVE AGAIN," ~~~~~~oh wow-THAT HIT ME HARD! Did she actually say that I should forgive the four men who tortured, raped, and murdered three children?? How in the world could she think that would be possible?? And then I felt anger toward her.
Years passed slowly and I was still feeling the bitterness taking over my heart. I attended the lethal execution of the man found guilty of killing Jill. I THOUGHT it was something I must do. I felt so ALONE, although there were dozens of spectators present. I NOW KNOW that THE FEELING OF BEING ALONE WAS BECAUSE I DID NOT ASK MY GOD AND SAVIOR TO BE THERE WITH ME! This was my worst moment!!!
From that evening forward, I got on my knees for help. That's ALL I had to do!! The change was gradual, but the Holy Spirit came along beside me and has been with me every day since. I am still reminded of the days when I had no room in my heart for anything or anyone who could not find the killers of the children. However, today, I AM FREE OF THAT HARD HEART BECAUSE GOD HAS SHOWN ME THE WAY TO "FORGIVE, AND I NOW LIVE. ~~~~~~~~ WITHOUT HIM, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE!!!!!!!
My beautiful 17 year old niece left my home on the morning of July 12, 1982 to go to Waco, TX. That would be the last time we saw her alive. My life totally changed on the evening of July 13, 1982 at 10:00 P.M. with the television news statement: "BODIES OF MISSING TEENS FOUND ON THE SHORES OF LAKE WACO".
Time here does not allow details of the following years of investigations and horrendous stories of the torture of my niece and two of her friends. We were told that the children were "simply in the wrong place at the wrong time."
Days and months turned to years and I realized I was becoming consumed by the feelings of, I MUST see this through"! Most of my waking time was taken up by constantly trying to find out what happened that day in July, 1982. I had become unable to carry on my daily routine of being a good wife and mother. My dear husband was taking on my role in that capacity and never complained to me, but deep inside, he was living the same torment as I. I felt guilty as I spent most of my time with the investigators, yet I was driven to continue to be involved. My heart was becoming hard and I felt so much bitterness, not only for the four men who were eventually charged for the crime, but also for anyone who could not understand my involvement.
Sometime in 1985, a dear Christian friend from my church was aware of the demons struggling inside me. She came to me with this advice: "UNTIL YOU CAN FEEL FORGIVENESS IN YOUR HEART, YOU WILL NOT FEEL PEACE OR BE ABLE TO LIVE AGAIN," ~~~~~~oh wow-THAT HIT ME HARD! Did she actually say that I should forgive the four men who tortured, raped, and murdered three children?? How in the world could she think that would be possible?? And then I felt anger toward her.
Years passed slowly and I was still feeling the bitterness taking over my heart. I attended the lethal execution of the man found guilty of killing Jill. I THOUGHT it was something I must do. I felt so ALONE, although there were dozens of spectators present. I NOW KNOW that THE FEELING OF BEING ALONE WAS BECAUSE I DID NOT ASK MY GOD AND SAVIOR TO BE THERE WITH ME! This was my worst moment!!!
From that evening forward, I got on my knees for help. That's ALL I had to do!! The change was gradual, but the Holy Spirit came along beside me and has been with me every day since. I am still reminded of the days when I had no room in my heart for anything or anyone who could not find the killers of the children. However, today, I AM FREE OF THAT HARD HEART BECAUSE GOD HAS SHOWN ME THE WAY TO "FORGIVE, AND I NOW LIVE. ~~~~~~~~ WITHOUT HIM, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE!!!!!!!
“Loving God with All Your Heart Soul Mind and Strength.” Matthew 22:37 by Matt Lewis
Part of the out working of the Worshipping God aspect of our church’s mission can be found in one element of our the WBC vision statement that says “We envision our church family being passionately and completely engaged in biblical worship that consumes our worship services, ministries and lives.” (Full vision statement can be found at: http://waxahachiebible.org/#/about-us/vision)
This statement is based on Matthew 22:37(among other passages) and seeks to draw our attention to acknowledging God in all that we are, and in all that we do, all of the time. Hear the thoughts of WBC missionary Matt Lewis on the outworking of this passage in to his life of worship.
1. How do see Matthew 22:37 playing out (actually/correctly happening) in your life of worship to God?
This is an interesting question in that, personally, this theme, love, has been on my heart and mind for about 2 1/2 years. It's a long story so I'll only write that I had a very difficult time that included depression and dryness of soul to the point that I didn't know what my faith in Christ meant a few years ago. One question that came out of this time was: What is love? Specifically, How does God love me?, how should I love Him?, and how should I love others?.The Lord showed me that for all the things i thought i knew about Him from scripture, these points of knowledge had become idolatry in my heart. I wasn't truly loving the Lord with everything within me. I loved things about Him but not the person of Christ. Since, that time the Lord continues to show me that I am a very self-centered person who delights in worshipping myself. This sounds harsh but I have found it to be true. Only by loving the Lord with all that I am (or attempting to do that) can I be a whole person. I believe that the basis of my life must be first and foremost to Love the Lord with my whole person, body and soul. Everything else flows from that. If i am not rightly related to God, if I'm not placing Christ at the center of my "heart, soul, and mind" then i am wrongly aligned and cannot truly love my fellow man. When I have placed Christ at the center of my life, to the best of my ability, I do find that I love my wife, Cassie, my daughter Willa, and others much better.
2. What are some ways that you seek to do that (Mt. 22:37) in your life?
I seek to develop my prayer life. I try to be in community with other Christians. I read the scriptures. Everyday I try to take control from God and so everyday I must try to realign my will with His. So, many times i try to take a prayerful attitude of humility before the Lord. I ask for forgiveness but I try to humble myself before him and ask that He would help me redirect my affections towards Himself and not myself. As a follower of Jesus, I believe that in order to Love the Lord with all of my heart, mind and soul means that the Love of Christ must be central to my entire being To the best of my abilities, through worship, prayer, scripture, the church and body of believers i try to direct my love towards the Lord so that I might glorify Him and better love others.
3. How do see Matthew 22:37 playing out in a public worship service?
First of all, this love command that Jesus gives us is severe. It requires every aspect of our being. When we gather together as Christians i think we should come before the Lord reverently with an attitude of submission and humility. I don't mean to suggest that the worship service shouldn't be joyful. On the contrary, it should be a celebration...a holy celebration. It's really ironic that I'm attempting to answer this question because many times i'm the worst at coming to the worship service seeking to be changed by the living God. Practically, I'm not completely certain how the worship service should be conducted. Does this mean a certain order? a particular style of music? style of exegesis? liturgy or no-liturgy? public readings of scripture? private moments of silence and reflection before the Lord? I don't completely know. I do think that as a body of believers we should come before the Lord to worship him with everything about us. I think we need to hear His word and be changed. I think we should lift our voices before His throne in worship and adoration and I think we need to love and worship the Lord by taking the Lord's table together. Also, I think we should let this public worship service flow outwards to the community. As we come together to love and worship the Lord it should also help us love our neighbor.
4. Do you think that different worship elements of a service help fulfill different aspects of Matthew 22:37? For example loving God with your heart vs. your mind.
Maybe. although I think the Love of God appeals not only to our hearts but our reason as well. Honestly, I'm not sure how you could break this down. I think this verse is directing us to Love God with our entire person. I think to compartmentalize it too much might diminish it. for instance, does scripture require more of my mind or heart? does taking the Lord's table fulfill me intellectually, spiritually or communally? I think the different elements of the worship service should direct all of us to Love the Lord with all that we are so that we are able to glorify Him and love others better. Of course during the worship servcie we call upon our different faculties to worship the Lord, I just don't know exactly where one begins and the others end.
5. What are some of the differences of public worship in America from Italian worship?
oooh. this is a tough one. even though Cassie and I have been in Italy several years i would hardly say we are super cultural insiders. If you mean, "what does an Italian church worship service look like?' then I'll take a crack at it. The church we go to in Florence actually resembles the services here at WBC somewhat. We gather together to worship the Lord through songs and music. Then we seek the Lord through scripture by listening to the sermon. we seek ways to serve the community outside the church building and at least once a month we take the Lord's Supper together. One of the differences is that the only space we have right now is at the Communist community center. It's pretty cool.
This statement is based on Matthew 22:37(among other passages) and seeks to draw our attention to acknowledging God in all that we are, and in all that we do, all of the time. Hear the thoughts of WBC missionary Matt Lewis on the outworking of this passage in to his life of worship.
1. How do see Matthew 22:37 playing out (actually/correctly happening) in your life of worship to God?
This is an interesting question in that, personally, this theme, love, has been on my heart and mind for about 2 1/2 years. It's a long story so I'll only write that I had a very difficult time that included depression and dryness of soul to the point that I didn't know what my faith in Christ meant a few years ago. One question that came out of this time was: What is love? Specifically, How does God love me?, how should I love Him?, and how should I love others?.The Lord showed me that for all the things i thought i knew about Him from scripture, these points of knowledge had become idolatry in my heart. I wasn't truly loving the Lord with everything within me. I loved things about Him but not the person of Christ. Since, that time the Lord continues to show me that I am a very self-centered person who delights in worshipping myself. This sounds harsh but I have found it to be true. Only by loving the Lord with all that I am (or attempting to do that) can I be a whole person. I believe that the basis of my life must be first and foremost to Love the Lord with my whole person, body and soul. Everything else flows from that. If i am not rightly related to God, if I'm not placing Christ at the center of my "heart, soul, and mind" then i am wrongly aligned and cannot truly love my fellow man. When I have placed Christ at the center of my life, to the best of my ability, I do find that I love my wife, Cassie, my daughter Willa, and others much better.
2. What are some ways that you seek to do that (Mt. 22:37) in your life?
I seek to develop my prayer life. I try to be in community with other Christians. I read the scriptures. Everyday I try to take control from God and so everyday I must try to realign my will with His. So, many times i try to take a prayerful attitude of humility before the Lord. I ask for forgiveness but I try to humble myself before him and ask that He would help me redirect my affections towards Himself and not myself. As a follower of Jesus, I believe that in order to Love the Lord with all of my heart, mind and soul means that the Love of Christ must be central to my entire being To the best of my abilities, through worship, prayer, scripture, the church and body of believers i try to direct my love towards the Lord so that I might glorify Him and better love others.
3. How do see Matthew 22:37 playing out in a public worship service?
First of all, this love command that Jesus gives us is severe. It requires every aspect of our being. When we gather together as Christians i think we should come before the Lord reverently with an attitude of submission and humility. I don't mean to suggest that the worship service shouldn't be joyful. On the contrary, it should be a celebration...a holy celebration. It's really ironic that I'm attempting to answer this question because many times i'm the worst at coming to the worship service seeking to be changed by the living God. Practically, I'm not completely certain how the worship service should be conducted. Does this mean a certain order? a particular style of music? style of exegesis? liturgy or no-liturgy? public readings of scripture? private moments of silence and reflection before the Lord? I don't completely know. I do think that as a body of believers we should come before the Lord to worship him with everything about us. I think we need to hear His word and be changed. I think we should lift our voices before His throne in worship and adoration and I think we need to love and worship the Lord by taking the Lord's table together. Also, I think we should let this public worship service flow outwards to the community. As we come together to love and worship the Lord it should also help us love our neighbor.
4. Do you think that different worship elements of a service help fulfill different aspects of Matthew 22:37? For example loving God with your heart vs. your mind.
Maybe. although I think the Love of God appeals not only to our hearts but our reason as well. Honestly, I'm not sure how you could break this down. I think this verse is directing us to Love God with our entire person. I think to compartmentalize it too much might diminish it. for instance, does scripture require more of my mind or heart? does taking the Lord's table fulfill me intellectually, spiritually or communally? I think the different elements of the worship service should direct all of us to Love the Lord with all that we are so that we are able to glorify Him and love others better. Of course during the worship servcie we call upon our different faculties to worship the Lord, I just don't know exactly where one begins and the others end.
5. What are some of the differences of public worship in America from Italian worship?
oooh. this is a tough one. even though Cassie and I have been in Italy several years i would hardly say we are super cultural insiders. If you mean, "what does an Italian church worship service look like?' then I'll take a crack at it. The church we go to in Florence actually resembles the services here at WBC somewhat. We gather together to worship the Lord through songs and music. Then we seek the Lord through scripture by listening to the sermon. we seek ways to serve the community outside the church building and at least once a month we take the Lord's Supper together. One of the differences is that the only space we have right now is at the Communist community center. It's pretty cool.
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