Moments of Reflection

2010-09-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

So, When Do You Know You’ve Reached the Mountaintop?

Sharing Lives—Connecting Journeys—Following Christ

From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. Psalm 61:2-3

Our life group is made up of very diverse and unique individuals. Spanning almost 40 years difference in age, some married and some single. We represent a wide range of interests and life circumstances and each person brings a unique perspective. We often utilize the “Heart to Heart” discussion resource that is available to our life group leaders (we have more if you need one). As people open their lives and share stories of their journey initiated by questions asked during the game I am often surprised by what is shared. One of our younger members drew the card “ask any person a question”. Turning to one of our more seasoned members with a great history of life experiences he asked, “What was your most triumphant moment”? She replied in a somewhat low key manner, “the moment I summited McKinley”. I think everyone in the room turned and looked at her to see if she was serious. Several in our group are outdoor enthusiasts and a few even have climbed mountains but none have even attempted McKinley. Called “Denali” at 20,320 feet she is the tallest peak that graces the continent of North America. As we continued on with the game each person that could, would ask her additional questions to expand on her experience. She graciously complied and an incredible story of perseverance began to unfold.

Climbing with a professional guide and an experienced team of outdoor enthusiasts the endeavor appeared well planned and orchestrated. However even in the best laid plans events may still unfold that no one could have anticipated. After the group attained the base camp at 16,000 feet it became evident that the guide himself was suffering from altitude sickness and would be physical unable to complete the ascent. The decision was made to leave two people to care for the guide and the rest to continue on up the mountain. Our group member described the awesome beauty and panorama that would await them and the incredible sense of smallness in the vastness of the mountain. Crevasses had to be navigated around or crossed and only one thin line kept them together through interment visibility and strong winds. The real test however would come only 1500 feet from the top. The physical strain of increasing altitude issues among team members plus just the overwhelming fatigue was taking its toll. At one point of stopping for a brief rest the decision was made, the team would return back to the high base camp. All but one, the lady who was sharing this amazing story with our group. Call it stubbornness or call it courage she would not go back. She had simply come too far to return without conquering the mountain. As she related the experience you just have this incredible sense of the obstacle before her. Strong cross winds with driving snow made the air and ground turn blue and blend into one. In the rare moment she could see downward from the ridge she was traversing she could see the 6000 foot fall that awaited her only a step away. The struggle was now as much mental as physical and now it was only her and the mountain. With visibility so compromised and no longer able to carry an altimeter she faced another problem and question, “how would she know when she reached the summit”? One ridge after another was attained but each like stair steps led to another waiting for her. Then the moment when the driving snow cleared and she saw all around her the flags of the teams and nations who had made the summit before her. She had at last made it….the mountain had been conquered but then another dilemma, “since she was all alone how would she be able to document her attainment to the others of her team?” At that moment she remembered the camera stored in her gear. Struggling with cumbersome gloves she was able to unpack the pack and open the camera…..now “what picture would best represent her achievement? Of course, the one with the flags in the background.” The ones who had gone before her had provided the frame for her solution but it was left to her to see the vision and opportunity. She would go on to successfully complete her descent and all members of the team would eventually recover. But for her the memory of that moment when she stood among the memorials to those that had gone before was worth the struggle.

As leaders especially on the front lines of relationships we all have those moments of fatigue and discouragement. Not all of our group members are perfect (tongue in cheek). We all live in a fallen world with fallen people. What a great opportunity for grace…..what a great opportunity for mentoring. The only thing I could envision better than climbing the mountain would be sharing the climb with others. Finding out that beyond myself, beyond my abilities is this whole new mountaintop that God is just waiting to show us. A place of unspeakable joy and beauty that will be worth the struggle.

Blessings to you all as you climb higher daily.

Pastor Steve Bishop

2010-09-08T20:45:00.000-07:00

If You Are Breathing…….. You Are Leading!!!

Sharing Life—Connecting Journeys—Following Christ

Your impact in your sphere of influence should never be underestimated. Joel Comisky—a top authority on cell group development shared a thought in his book entitled, “Priesthood of Believers”. He says, “While the church has done a good job of training people to go directly to God, by and large, it has failed to train people to minister to others. The Pastor is still considered the priest, the only one fit to minister. This barrier, tied in with lack of mentoring, produces a church of spectators who watch the pastoral performance each Sunday. Long accustomed to sit and soak, the “sermon tasters” in many churches become experts in critiquing the pastor and grumbling when their needs aren’t met. How far we have fallen from the New Testament Christianity of Peter’s day when he depicted the church as “….a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God” (1Peter 2:6).

God has prepared a place for each and every one of us…not only a physical place, but a role in His kingdom. Sometimes that place is in the business, farming or medical world. Sometimes it is in the public classroom and certainly it is in our own families. We are all leading in some capacity, and most of us desire to do it well but struggle with “how”. Often we are coming from a point with very little personal mentoring and few role models who have demonstrated to us how to lead and disciple. While the Holy Spirit often directs and guides our interactions with others we are also called upon to be diligent in our own pursuit of learning and intentional growth.

This fall starting September 12th Dr. Mitch Whitman will be making available to our congregation a series of classes taught specifically with developing the skills of leadership in mind. This is a series that is taught internationally by Dr. Whitman’s leadership resource organization with the focus being primarily on Christian leadership and mentoring. It will introduce both the practical and the biblical application of leadership in the Christian community, the secular community and the family. In other words in the places where we all live, serve and work.

Who should attend: All who see themselves as leaders, or potential leaders in any way. Life group leaders, teachers-sacred and secular, Dads and Moms, grandparents, those who currently lead in their business or profession.

Pastor Steve Bishop

2010-06-07T17:17:00.000-07:00

The Prime Directive

Sharing Life—Connecting Journeys—Following Christ

The Shima---“Hear o Isreal:The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up…”. Deuteronomy 6:4-6

I think everyone who watched TV during the 70-80’s will remember the words of the introduction to Star Trek; “These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise. It’s five –year mission: to explore strange new worlds; to seek out new life and new civilizations; to boldly go where no man has gone before. (Modified quote from White house booklet published in 1958.”The Introduction to Outer Space”. Originally published in an effort to garner support for a national space program in the wake of the Sputnik flight.

Both the mission of the Enterprise and the words of the Shima speak to intentionality. Words that remind us that we live for more than ourselves alone and our lives should be lived with thought and premeditation (as much as possible).

I could not have imagined that the Star Fleet directors would have ever sent the Enterprise on a Sunday drive with no purpose. Can you imagine that discussion, “Go ahead and take her for a spin Jim along with the 350 crew members…let us know if you find anything interesting.” While the mission may have sounded a little vague in its wording it still pointedly defined their calling---

Explore, seek, Go boldly.

When God directed Moses to share the Shima He knew He was speaking to a people who wandered, who had issues with authority, who wouldn’t always show up when they were supposed to (sounds a lot like a life group) but He still called them beloved and “my people”.

God in His infinite wisdom has chosen us….frail, inconsistent beings that we are to help lead and mentor His kingdom here on earth. What a privilege…I love the words “God doesn’t always call the able, but He always enables those He calls”.

Summer is a great time to be intentional. Let me encourage you to continue meeting. It would be a great time to rotate leadership if you haven’t done so before. You could do it directly or simply take the opportunities when you are gone yourself to ask someone else to lead. Summers are great get together and party times…have your meetings at a local park so nobody has to vacuum or fix coffee. Pot lucks and picnics always are good connecting and inviting times. I know the creative group you are and have no doubt you can come up with lots of imaginative ways to connect and serve.

As was shared this last Sunday Kay Kolde has put together a study guide for Philippians that corresponds with what Pastor Joshua is teaching. Designed for families the study guide works very well for Life Groups as well. There will be a single sheet with Bible references and questions for each week in the usual place by the front office. If Bible study is important to you (which it is for all of us) consider utilizing the excellent study for your group. Why not have a different member of your group facilitate and lead one of the nine weeks of the study?

We are also looking for a person or couple who might have a particular burden for single Moms. The objective would be to facilitate a Life group on Sunday mornings helping the single Moms in our church to connect. If interested or you know of a good fit just send an email to Steve or Margo.

In all things we give thanks for you!!! YOU ARE APPRECIATED.

2010-05-26T17:37:00.000-07:00

Is There A “Code 10-13” in Your Life?

Sharing Lives—Connecting Journeys—Following Christ

In moments of watching fictional or “reality” police shows we have all heard at sometime or other the radio call codes that officers of the law utilize to alert one another to transpiring events they need to respond to. Usually preceded by a number then another number these codes can be shared over radio waves and the public, whether citizens or crime perpetrators seldom have any idea what is being communicated. To those in the law enforcement community however call codes and knowing what they signify can make the difference between life and death. Between a routine traffic stop needing little back up or arriving at a scene with a hail of bullets to greet you.

I recently had the privilege of attending a men’s retreat with a number of men from our valley at the Young Life camp at Malibu, British Columbia. The main speaker was Bill Page a retired New York City detective with an amazing testimony. He shared with us the stories of his own troubled past and the redeeming work of Christ in his life and his eventual call into ministry. His love for his prior profession and the men and women he served with was evident. He reiterated over and over the stress that these public servants live in daily and the sad statistic that twice as many police officers will take their own lives out of quiet desperation than will die in the line of duty defending the public. He shared with us the priority in his life to continually answer the code 10-13 calls in his role as police chaplain. Code 10-13….the call sign that every officer dreads receiving, officer in imminent life threatening danger, all units proceed immediately to the location in full support. No hesitation, no priority greater. A brief numerical description of a potential event with life altering circumstances for everyone. Here are a few of the 10:13 verses in the Bible:

Daniel 10:13b …..then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the King of Persia.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Romans 10:13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Just a few verses that confirm that we serve a loving God that knows our 10-13 moments before we even have them. As you serve and occasionally have your 10-13 calls know that what you do, and the care you bring as extensions of the “hands of Christ” matters. Thank you for answering the call and even loving the EGR (extra grace required) folks.

YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!!

Stephen Bishop—Director of Life Groups

“Mr. Gorbechov Tear Down That Wall!!!”

2010-03-11T21:19:00.000-08:00

Sharing Life—Connecting Journeys—Following Christ

Isaiah 60:18 No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise.

We have been blessed by Pastor Joshua preaching from Nehemiah and the narratives reflecting God’s provision and care of His people. I personally have a renewed sense that as the Jewish nation found purpose and protection in the building of the wall around Jerusalem they were laying groundwork not only for the protection of their families of the day but also lessons for us for the present day.

Historically walls have served many purposes not only to protect and define territory but also to restrict and control. Just a few walls that come to mind; the Great Wall of China that protected that nation from the Mongolian hordes, Hadrian’s Wall that protected the Roman military forces and colonists of England from the Scots and Picts of the north. Many of us remember the wall of more recent times erected to separate the “East” and “West” portions of Berlin. After World War ll the nation of Germany was partitioned between Britain, France, the Soviet Union and United States and the city of Berlin was isolated totally within the Soviet held portion. The city of Berlin itself was also allocated between the four powers with separate sections designated for each nation. As the citizens of Berlin and the surrounding countryside realized that partitioning was happening a mass migration began to occur from the Soviet held portion of the city (and the countryside) to the portion of the city held by the three western powers. The Soviets countered this by erecting first a barbed wire barrier between the two areas, then more extensive brick and concrete walls with sophisticated monitoring towers and machine gun emplacements every so many feet. The people however still found ways to escape from “east to west”. The Soviets were dealing with a real public relations problem with so many citizens fleeing from the “utopia” of the Communist State to the freedom of the nations that advocated free enterprise and self determination. In typical Soviet style they resolved that this had to be dealt with severely and immediately. Tanks and soldiers rolled into place and as we remember they blockaded the city of Berlin preventing all ground access. Starting January 26^th 1948 the Soviets were going to starve Berlin into submission and hold the people of the city hostage until the nations of the west relinquished control and sovereignty over the western part of the city. The blockade would last 14 months and would initiate one of the great logistical accomplishments of the last century the “Berlin Airlift”. Berlin’s lifeline became the steady stream of aircraft departing from the supporting nations and arriving every so many minutes for 14 months straight. As my Dad recalled this event I remember that he said it made him “proud to be an American” to see our nation coming to the aid of a besieged people. Dad was so proud of that event that as soon as he was old enough to enlist he put on the uniform of the United States Air Force and would go on to serve for many years in wartime and peace.

Flash forward to 1968 and I was standing on the observation platform looking over the Berlin wall at the great Market Platz…the Wall Street of the pre-World War ll world. Now in Soviet hands the great center of commerce was a shadow of what it had been. Guard towers, barbed wire, masonry walls with great rollers and broken glass on top stood as silent reminders of the oppression that now was present. The great wall stretched into the distance both directions from where we stood. Along the west side of the wall commemorative wreaths bore witness to those who had died while attempting to escape to freedom since partition had occurred. Quiet reminders that there are things that act upon the human condition that people will pay any price to be free of. Reminders that battlegrounds don’t always have the sound of gun fire or bombs exploding. Sometimes battle fields look like schools, workplaces, malls, funeral parlors and hospitals. Places where as Thoreau put it “people lead lives of quiet desperation”. As a Life Group leader you move in that world..…so often you are the front lines of that battle where people really live. Walls and fences may not be the limiting factors in our community but relationships, and mortality certainly can be. Airlifts these days as in the past are largely a matter of caring for others right where they live and struggle.

In our desire to equip you for the front lines you serve on, our April 10^th huddle will be like no other we have had……. We will have a panel of long time servants and professors of life experience……who will review with us real life scenarios…how do you as a leader, and how does a Life Group respond when;

One of your group members shares that they have been diagnosed with cancer (or other debilitating disease)…..

A marriage is disintegrating

A death occurs…expected, unexpected

A member repents and confesses to……..

And other scenarios….

Practical wisdom shared with Godly folks!!!

What we really need is you!!!! Haven’t connected for a while?

Why not be armed anyway?

Please extend the invitation to your apprentice leader (or one who fills that role).

April 10^th, Saturday from 10 am to 1pm. Lunch will be provided!!!! Fireside Room.

It is How You Finish!!!! An Olympic Moment!

2010-02-17T16:57:00.000-08:00

Sharing Life---Connecting Journeys—Following Christ

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day…….2 Timothy 4:7

Given that we are watching the Winter Olympics on television now it seems fitting to recall a moment when character was on display for the whole world to see. This is one of my personal favorites from an anthology of Olympic moments.

The year was 1968. The place was Mexico City, site of the 1968 Summer Olympic Games. It happened late one night in the main track and field stadium. Out of that cold darkness. John Stephen Akhwari from Tanzania entered the stadium. He hobbled slowly and unsteadily. Pain filled his every step. Blood ran down his bandaged leg. His dreams of Olympic glory had long since faded into the shadows of the night.

More than an hour earlier, the winner of the Olympic marathon had already been declared. The other finishers began streaming across the line slowly thereafter. By the time Akhwari approached the stadium, only a few spectators remained in their seats. There was no one cheering, no flag waving. Yet the lone runner pressed on.

As he neared the Olympic stadium, word circulated that there was one runner still struggling to compete the 26.2 mile course. Other Olympians and spectators quickly came back to the stadium to watch the scene unfold. The stadium lights flickered back on. Akhwari entered the stadium and began to wearily pound out his final lap around the track. As he neared the finish line, the small crowd that had gathered began to roar with appreciation. They stood and cheered the lone runner all the way to the finish line. After crossing the white stripe, an exhausted Akhwari nearly collapsed. Yet in his anguish, he managed to stay on his feet and acknowledge the faithful few who had witnessed his final steps.

After it was all over a reporter asked Akhawari why he had not retired from the race, as he had fallen so far back and had no chance of winning.

Akhwari seemed confused by the question but finally answered.”My country did not send me 5,000 miles to Mexico City to start the race,” he said. “They sent me 5,000 miles to finish the race.”

As each of us considers the race behind and before us let us choose to persevere. As Christ and the apostle Paul demonstrated character shows not in the moments of public acceptance and idolization but in the darkness of Gethsemane and the prison cells of Rome. As you lead and may have times of discouragement and fatigue know that you are not alone. There is a great crowd of witnesses in heaven and teammates here on earth as well.

Thank you for leading—thank you for persevering—YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!!!

Thoughts of Emi Woro

2010-02-05T06:43:00.001-08:00

Sharing Lives---Connecting Journeys—Following Christ
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work”.
2 Corinthians 9:8

The Bible is full of stories of ordinary folks……shepherds, fishermen, salesmen, tent makers, farmers, tax collectors, etc who make extraordinary contributions to the Kingdom of God. People whose stories we read about simply because they were obedient to the call of God on and in their lives. I often wonder how many more stories there should be in the Bible that were never written. People of extraordinary abilities that simply became a footnote in the history of time because when their moment….their “for such a time as this” came, they were staring out the other window or looking in the rear view mirror.
After spending the better part of three weeks with Devin and Bridget Myers in Emi Woro, Nigeria I am so impressed with their intentional pursuit and obedience to God’s call on their lives. I watched them process relationships with the people of their community, church and school like seasoned veterans not thirty day survivors. Dealing with labor, contractors, suppliers, fellow church members all in the framework of cultural differences and the politics of different tribes and villages would require someone with diplomatic seasoning beyond ordinary Americans but they do it so well and always with grace. You just have a sense that God has been preparing them their whole lives to fill this role, this day, in this place. When they encounter something unusual or beyond their ability of the moment then God fills that void with His ever present sufficiency and they demonstrate the humility to allow that to happen. One of the messages that they asked us to bring back to their family at WFMC is that they are well. Their concern, for our concern for them was touching and they wanted to make sure that we communicated to all their family and friends that they are growing and thriving.
They are an example to all of us that as believers we are all called to the “priesthood of all believers”. As Pastor Joshua alluded to Sunday we are to be FAT (faithful, available and teachable). There are no bleachers in the stadium—no spectators in the community of faith while we are here on earth. We are all called to be ministers, participants and builders on our “part of the wall”.
You as life group leaders have chosen to be participants, fellow engagers for the kingdom and I honor you for stepping up. No, we don’t all have to go to Emi Woro to be builders of the kingdom and I want to thank you for ministering right where you are. Keep loving, keep discipling and keep encouraging those God has placed in your circle and I celebrate with you the difference each of you are making in eternity.

“Third Cup of Tea”

2009-12-23T21:39:00.000-08:00

Life Groups are the “Third Cup of Tea”
“Sharing Life—Connecting Journeys—Following Christ”
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of this service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God……2 Corinthians 9:12-13a
Many of us have read Greg Mortenson’s book entitled “Three Cups of Tea”. It is an amazing story of a young American who is living a fairly experiential self absorbed life until he is lost while returning from a mountaineering expedition in Pakistan. In his wanderings he encounters the people of the steppes and mountains and they welcome him as the traveling stranger among them. The unwritten tribal code of conduct requires that strangers be welcomed and invited in. For the few days Greg resides in a particular village he observes the joys and challenges of their existence and shares the daily lives of these warm people. One glaring deficit that troubles and convicts him is that the children have no school and are limited to writing their studies in the dirt. After he is “rescued” he is haunted by the memories of the children he saw studying in the dirt with no school building. The conviction continues to weigh heavily upon him and he goes on to make it his life’s work to procure construction materials for buildings and learning materials for the children of both Pakistan and Afghanistan. Needless to say there is an entire book enfolded in the stories of his trials and failures, successes and struggles. He builds relationships with many village elders, tribal leaders and common people of the areas he connects with. Greg’s mission grows dramatically with support from many international agencies and private donations. He is recognized in many parts of both Pakistan and Afghanistan and can travel freely where most westerners could never safely go. He made it a personal priority to honor the traditions and customs of each area he visited and during one of those welcoming cultural exchanges of greeting he receives the explanation and title of what would become his first published book, “Three Cups of Tea”. In Greg Mortensons own words………, “Haji Ali spoke. If you want to thrive in Baltistan, you must respect our ways,” Ali said, blowing on his bowl. “The first time you share tea with a Balti, you are a stranger. The second time you take tea, you are an honored guest. The third time you share a cup of tea, you become family, and for our family, we are prepared to do anything,” he said, laying his hand warmly on Mortenson’s own. “Doctor Greg, you must make time to share three cups of tea. We may be uneducated. But we are not stupid. We have lived here for a long time.”

Is There Room in Your Stable?

2009-12-10T21:41:00.000-08:00

Is There Room in Your Stable?
Sharing Lives—Connecting Journeys—Following Christ
“And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the Inn.” Luke 2:6-7
As I read these words I forever will hear them in the voice of a child. The solitary figure of Linus standing on the stage in the “Peanuts Christmas Special” school performance. Overcome with the message and significance of the moment Linus articulates his epiphany before an adult audience with a passion that comes from his conviction that he has an important story to share.
As I read the narratives of the Bible I try to understand both the context of the person documenting the event as well as the person sharing the story. In the case of this story I have an image of Mary, the mother of Christ, the only directly involved person that we know of still alive on earth at the time of this documentation, sitting and talking with Luke, the reporter. What did she remember that she felt was important to share. What was important to the now mature and reflecting gentle lady of that moment of her teenage life when she gave birth to her first-born son. So much of those days we only know through her willingness to remember….the angel’s announcement, the coming of the Holy Spirit, her prayer and obedient response to the wonder of Gods choice. One comment that stands out in Luke’s narrative that she and he both felt was important to remember was that there was “no room in the inn”. An obscure fact perhaps to us two thousand years later but to the teenage girl in labor a very relevant issue. I remember well the birth of my own three children and the details of those events are strongly imbedded in my memory. The room, the table and gurneys, the infant warmer, the doctor and nurses, where they stood and how they moved. The process of the actual birth as I saw it, and the moment of the miracle….the first cry. But as Mary relates her story even in the emotion and celebration of that glorious memory, this fact still mattered to her, “there was no room in the Inn, and she had to lay him in a manger”. Location and welcome mattered to her as it does to all of us. As Life Group leaders we often find ourselves involved in the “labor” of others. Moments when they are doing the sometimes hard work of growing, healing and learning. What are the memories we will leave with them of those struggles. Do our ears work better than our mouths. Are our hearts open, or do the walls perhaps built in our own struggles keep them out. The challenge to all of us is to continue as the ministers we are called to be among the communities God has placed us in.
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:3-6

2009-11-19T10:18:00.000-08:00

Who’s On Your Team?

Sharing Lives—Connecting Journeys—Following Christ

We love you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.

1 Thessalonians 2:18

During the mid 1990’s our son Nathan had the privilege of playing collegiate baseball for Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California. The strong baseball program, the Christian environment on campus and the great year round weather were strong influences on his decision to leave and head south for the experience. During his first recruiting trip there the coach emphasized an attitude that resonated strongly with us as parents. The stated philosophy that each level of the game (little league, high school, college, professional) has a responsibility to those who have gone before and those who come after to play with integrity, sportsmanship and with a constant awareness of personal improvement. We saw this first hand as we made the trip down for the alumni game and saw the past graduates of the program taking time with the current players to instruct and encourage. Professional players signed autographs and sat in the dugout right beside their collegiate counterparts and good naturedly challenged them to “give one up for the old guys” and then went on the field and demonstrated why they were the elite in the sport. Nathan shared with us the other end of the mentoring process as well. He talked about how every so often the team would be required to take time to help out in the little league and high school programs and individual players would be assigned to do clinics for the little guys and gals and encourage them. He also shared about how the coach would take the team bus down to the Los Angeles homeless shelters and bring the children who were residing there to the ballpark for home games and let them sit in the dugout with the college players. Great ways to not only love on some children who didn’t have a lot to look forward too, but also a wonderful way of growing young men into responsible, caring citizens of the Kingdom, It is always amazing how in the mentoring process the blessings are reciprocal. As we pour our lives into others we in turn are filled. What brings meaning into our lives is no longer focused on what we have and do, but rather on whose we are and how we pass it on. As is often said humorously” there are no U-Hauls behind the hearse” for possessions, I would also add there are no U-Hauls for time and talents either. Let leave it all on the field as we “pay it forward” for the kingdom. Thanks for stepping on the “field” to lead your life group.

YOU ARE APPRECIATED

Steve Bishop----Head cheerleader of a great team!!!

2009-11-11T11:33:00.000-08:00

Have You Carried Someone Today???
Sharing Lives—Connecting Journeys—Following Christ
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ”. Galatians 6:2

In 1997 I had the privilege of serving in a short term mission team to the Rivne region of Ukraine. Our team was composed principally of medical providers and we were focusing on working with children in the rehabilitation camps and orphanages of the region.
As always when on a short term mission trip you never know when the “divine appointments” might happen when God teaches you a lesson that he may have brought you 7,000 miles to learn. I remember very well such a poignant moment while on our 1997 trip.
A small medical clinic was located on the perimeter of “Camp Elektronic” where we were billeting and providing care for the resident children and outpatient services for the community. As I was walking to the clinic one morning I saw a Lada (small Czech made communist era sedan) pull up close to the door of the clinic. Out from the driver’s side stepped a wiry weathered man of undeterminable age. I watched as he went around to the back door on the passenger side and opened it up to assist the passenger inside. As I paused and went over to also offer assistance if needed I realized that the passenger was a large young man who for some physical reason was quite flaccid and did not even have enough muscle tone to be able to sit up unaided; a woman somewhat hidden by the profile of the young man was sitting behind him and propping him up into a sitting position. I extended a hand to help and was politely directed to stand aside as this slightly built father demonstrated the proper way to carry someone at least half again his weight. He bent down with his back towards his son and crossed his son’s arms over his shoulders and onto his chest with his own arms gripping his son’s hands and crossed over his own chest. I watched in amazement a scene that was no doubt played out several times a day as the slight father would carry his much heavier adult son from place to place. When I asked them (through an interpreter) they shared with me they had no wheelchair plus the uneven steps of the apartment buildings rendered a wheelchair almost useless going up to their flat. When I asked them why they came they shared that they had heard the American doctors were in Camp Elektronic and they hoped to have their son seen. They were hoping for a miracle of some kind to help their son since they were getting older themselves and weren’t sure what would happen to him when they couldn’t care for him. I witnessed a wonderful example of what unconditional love looks like; Parents who did the hard work every day, day in and day out providing care for their son in a remarkable unselfish way.
Reflecting on the opportunities of that day in my journal I had written that I saw what God does for each one of us. Granted we are never too heavy for him to carry but the redundancy of the task must at times seem to never end. Same mistakes, same deaf ear, same idle tongue, same self centered worship. While the young man I saw may have issues with physical limitations how many of us have spiritual issues that if translated into physical representations would look flaccid and minimally developed as well. It was a moment of reflection that cause me to think about being more intentional in my role of being a disciple and being available as well to carry my spiritual brothers and sisters. All of us are different points of grace and sometimes we need to be carried and sometimes we are the ones who just have to do the hard work of carrying our brothers and sisters.
Thank you for serving as a life group leader and for being willing to carry others….may there always be someone to carry you when you need “God’s presence with a little skin on”.
YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!!!

Steve Bishop—Life Groups Director

2009-10-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

So, Who is the Namo In Your Life?
Sharing Life—Connecting Journeys—Following Christ
Matthew 25:40 “The King Will Reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’
One of my favorite authors is Phillip Yancey and as usual my favorite book is the one I just finished reading, or re-reading, or re-re-reading. One book in the last category that I make a point of reading at least once a year is the book entitled; Soul Survivor. It is an anthology of mentors that have impacted Philip Yancey in his own spiritual journey and in his personal interacting with both the world of the Church and the world at large. One of the mentors that he shares with the readers is the world renowned surgeon Dr. Paul Brand. Dr. Brand is one of the foremost medical researchers and experts in the treatments of Hanson’s disease more commonly known as leprosy. He was the son of medical/evangelist missionaries to India and while growing up in India encountered the devastating physical/social/emotional and spiritual impact of leprosy on almost a daily basis. He was so impacted by what he observed that he made research of the disease and the care of its victims his life work. He would go on to be recognized worldwide as a surgeon, research specialist, sought after speaker in medical circles and the author of several books including, “The Gift of Pain”. Philip Yancey would describe Dr. Brand on a personal level with the words, “humility and gratitude flowed from him naturally, and in our time together I sensed a desperate lack of these qualities in myself.” Yancey relates an account of traveling back to India with Dr. Brand to his childhood home in the Kolli Malai Mountains and the incredible witness of the ministry of his parents that is still there today. He also met a man named “Namo” who had been one of Dr. Brand’s first patients. A young university student when first diagnosed with leprosy (one of 4 million in India alone) Namo was forced out of the university and found his way to the only orthopedic surgeon willing to treat the deformities of the disease. Dr. Brand undertook treatments of Namos leprosy and was able medically to not only halt the disease progression but surgical reconstruct Namos hands that had been severely damaged in the course of his affliction. At the time of the writing of Yanceys book Namo had returned to the university and graduated and had gone on to become the Chief of Physical Therapy at the All-India Institute. When Yancey visited Namo’s home he saw on the wall a picture of Dr. Brand and underneath the picture the words; “May the Spirit that is in him live in me”. What an incredible witness of the fruit that comes from simply living as Christ would call us unto the “least of these”. Namo may not have been the epitome of a “desirable disciple” when he came to Dr. Brand but in the economy of heaven he is an ongoing witness to Christ ability to use ordinary people in extraordinary ways.
As a life group leader and a minister of the Gospel do you have sense of who the “Namo” might be in your Life? The “Namos” in our lives are not necessarily always obvious and you may have to look a little deeper than the polite surfaces we all have for each other.

2009-10-26T09:53:00.000-07:00

So!! How Does God Speak to You?
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105
In the early to mid 90’s a series of messages began to appear on billboards on the Ft. Lauderdale area. They were cryptic one liners that caught people’s attention as they would drive on the freeways and could be read in a simple glance. Various media outlets pursed intently information regarding the authorship of the billboards and no one seemed to be able to identify the unnamed donor funding the effort. The anonymous donor chose to remain unknown and let the attention remain on the Speaker. The billboard idea caught on and began to bloom in over 200 cities across the country. I encountered them on my first trip to Gulfport Mississippi as part of the Katrina rebuilding/relief effort in 2005. Especially poignant in that time of intense need for so many the messages were timely and impacting. Along I-10 just east of Gulfport was a row of billboards….stark black in appearance with large white letters they stood out and you could not miss them or their messages. Messages like;
Let’s Talk………..
That “Love Thy Neighbor” thing----I meant it……
Ok, Now I have Your Attention…
Let’s Meet at My House Sunday, before the Game
Have you read My #1 Bestseller? (there will be a test)
I Love you…..I Love you…..I Love You
God
Our God is not silent nor is He absent. He inhabits the praises of His people, and the heart of every individual who gives him permission. We are blessed at so many levels of our lives to be His people called by His name. But we are blessed to be a blessing as well and there are a couple of opportunities for service I wanted to make you aware of.
October 17th at 5:30 pm at our church will be a silent auction and dinner as a fundraiser for Devin and Bridget Myers as they prepare for their commitment to Nigeria as missionaries from our church. We have a chance to be part of their faith journey and bless them and their ministry.
October 31st our church will once again be providing the “Light the Night” opportunity….a fun evenings when folks can tailgate in our parking lot and bless some children in the process. Volunteers are still needed as hosts and for set-up and clean up. Several life groups have volunteered in the past in some really humorous and creative ways. You don’t have to be a parent to be involved.
As we are getting a great response from folks looking to be part of the life group experience it would be especially helpful if you would respond to this email with your attendance and if you have room for more folks.
Just hit reply type in the attendance for your group and indicate open or full.
Any other stories you have to share about what is happening in your life groups would also be appreciated.
Blessings in all you are doing!!!
YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!!
Stephen Bishop Interim Life Group Director

2009-10-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

Hospitality 101
Sharing lives--Connecting journeys—Following Christ
Romans 12:13-16
Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn, live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position…….
In 1990 our church sent several teams in succession to do construction work in Chillian, Chile. Our purpose was to construct a multipurpose building in the city of Chillian in support of the ministry efforts of Pastor Sergio and Maria Loyola. The building would be utilized as a seminary, for worship gatherings and as a general community center. Our church sent 3 teams for periods of 3 weeks each for a total of nine weeks and for a bunch of gringos learning to build the “Chillian” way I thought we did pretty well. The local congregation in Chillian provided an incredible level of hospitality while we were there and made sure that nothing was lacking as much as possible in our “home away from home”. Meals were always incredible and I was especially impressed with eating watermelon and fresh fruit in January. Remember in the southern hemisphere our winter is their summer and vice versa. We enjoyed days of work under an incredible blue sky and warm evening walks with all the neighborhood kids. When our team finally came to saying goodbyes there were easily 400—500 people at the bus station from a congregation of about 200. We connected with so many neighborhood folks beyond the congregation we came to serve that many non-church attendees came to see us off. We experienced an incredible level of love and hospitality that truly humbled us all. I remember two instances of hospitality that really stood out for me; the first instance-- we were fed far more food that we could all eat and I remember asking myself where the extra food was going until one of our team members discovered the secret. He inadvertently stopped by our lodging place during the day and found a large number of children eating our leftovers. It turned out that what we had been leaving the hostesses had been passing on to the hungry kids from the barrio. The food we were getting was far more desirable than the usual Chillian fare. So quiet lesson to construction team…eat less, leave more. The other example came when I noticed that the furniture in our lodging place was very nice especially with the observable poverty all around us. When I asked one of the church members if this was typical of a chillian home and I will never forget his response, “oh no Stephen….the furniture in the place you are staying is the very best. Each of the families of our church brought their very best piece of furniture to the place you are staying so we could make you feel welcome. They had all brought their best for us to use…not their cast-offs, not their surplus, but their best. Their desire to bless us exceeded their concern for their “stuff” and they shared it willingly.
What a great witness to a bunch of gringos.
As we are welcoming our brothers and sisters into our homes and groups…lets give them our best.
Do you have stories you would like to share about what is happening in your group. Let us know about them and your attendance this week. Please hit reply type in your response then hit send.
Remember; YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!!!

Stephen Bishop---Interim Director of Life Groups

2009-09-13T11:32:00.000-07:00

Coming Soon; “Playing For an Audience of One”
Imagine if Christs church were filled with people willing to follow in the apostle Paul’s footsteps, willing to live with this same conviction about playing for an Audience of One………Deep down, isn’t this the way you want to live? Page 21; Playing for an Audience of One…Learning to Live for the Approval of Jesus.
Fully formed Followers of Jesus Christ are under construction here!!! Life groups are Sharing Life, Connecting Journeys, and Following Christ. A new season of ministry is underway and along with it new opportunities to celebrate what Christ is doing in our midst. October will be a special beginning for our Life Groups with several options for Life groups to connect with. In the past we have utilized specific books (Purpose Driven Life, Connecting Together, Andrew Murray—On Prayer) as an option for Life Groups during the fall. This Year we are very fortunate to have available to us an outstanding book entitled “Playing For an Audience of One”. Arranged in such a way that each chapter has a specific point/topic that focuses on living a life of holiness and significance it naturally lends itself to weekly Life Group discussion. In an exciting and timely opportunity this book is also authored by our incoming Pastor Joshua Brooks. Several of us have read “Playing For an Audience of One” and I was approached by one of our life groups leaders interested in utilizing the book for his life group’s focus for this fall. One thought led to another and of course after much prayer, discussion with other leaders within our church, our Life Group leadership team and then obtaining permission from Pastor Joshua we pursued this as an option for you. Since we would be able to purchase the books at a significant discount we can pass that savings on to you and the sale proceeds beyond the cost of production are being donated to the Burundi Widows fund. When I approached Pastor Joshua about the concept he shared with me that his desire from the beginning has been that the proceeds of the book sales would go to further the kingdom. What a truly unique opportunity we have to partner in this ministry, and be blessed in our own discipleship.
In celebration of what the Holy Spirit has done, and in anticipation of what He is yet to do among us!!! Stephen Bishop; Interim Director of Life Groups

2009-09-08T19:48:00.001-07:00

Moments of Reflection
Sharing life—connecting journeys—following Christ
So Where is Oberammergau?
Ecclesiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

In the early 1600’s, much of what is modern-day Europe faced an overwhelming foe; The Black Death. As a result of the ravages of the Bubonic plague many perished both in the countryside and cities from this indiscriminate foe. One small Bavarian village called Oberammergau had lost a large number of its citizens by 1633 and the future seemed bleak. As a community they turned to the great physician for help and prayed that if they were spared they would create a lasting memorial to God. They committed themselves as they had known suffering; they would honor God by performing a “Play of the Suffering, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ” every ten years until the end of time. As the number of deaths began to dramatically decreased, plans for what we would come to call, “The Passion Play” began to take shape. On the still fresh graves of the town cemetery in 1634, Oberammergau performed its first Passion Play. Every decade for the last three centuries (except in 1870 and 1940 during war time) the village has performed the Passion of the Christ. The now famous Passion Play is performed in all years ending in zero and involves over 2000 actors and artists, whose good moral standing is as crucial as their acting ability. Anyone involved must have lived in Oberammergau for at least 20 years. The play is performed in the open air before an audience of five thousand, and lasts six hours and is repeated five days a week from May through September.
Our lives when taken in the context of our time can seem so meaningless and insignificant but when taken in the context of eternity can be so much more. As Life Group leaders and members of the Body of Christ we have such a privilege to be influencers for eternity. The Passion of the Christ can play out every day in our lives. Certainly not always in the scale or production that Oberammergau exhibits, but the impact on eternity can be just as significant.

2009-08-26T13:40:00.001-07:00

Reflections for Life Group Leaders
Sharing Life—Connecting journeys—Following Christ
Where is your victory won?
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:11-12
Like many American men (for that matter almost all men) I have a passion for sports, especially football. I loved to play it growing up and enjoy watching it even today. I remember so well the two-a-days practices of August when high school football teams would gather together for intense practice times of contact and conditioning. I remember waking up every morning with pretty much every muscle in my body telling me I should not be doing this and painfully reminding me of my need for conditioning. It was a time when coaches would use words like commitment, desire, intensity and teamwork. Outstanding athletes who were in poor condition would find themselves being out--competed by nominal athletes who were in good condition. Preparation and conditioning, or lack of preparation and conditioning were both very obvious in my team mates and myself. I remember the football coach of my senior year Kevin Thomas instilling in us that the victories of September, October and November were really won in June, July and August. The hours in the weight room working out, the time spent studying last year’s game films and the repetitive drills and time spent practicing with teammates really made possible the success to come.
As the great Abraham Lincoln shared during his trials while enduring the criticism of the press for not being active enough in engaging the enemy during the Civil War, “if I had 8 hours to chop down a tree I would spend 6 hours sharpening my ax”. Deliberation and preparation were important parts of his battle plan.
As we anticipate an exciting new season of ministry, a time of transition and opportunity before us…..how do we prepare. As a life group leader are you praying for your “team”? Are you considering how to best disciple the disciples God has brought into your personal ministry. What does your group do well….what do they need to grow in. Does your group need a greater sense of purpose and mission, or do they need a season of rest and reflection?
Resources are being networked, identified and developed that will be available to assist you as a leader. Margo will be asking your help in facilitating a resource catalog including general information about your group. The catalog will also include a list of multiple media resources, books in our library, DVD programs topically indexed, studies specific to developing “life” in life groups. The information about your group will be made available to other leaders so they can network with you and perhaps even utilize your knowledge and experience. We are all part of the same team and this will allow all of us to be “stronger, faster and better support for each other”. Where is our victory won? It is won on our knees and in our total dependence on the God of the universe who calls each of us to be part of His team. October will be a special time of emphasis for our Life groups to encourage participation by our members and invitation to pre-members to “try out” life group communities. There are exciting opportunities and you need to know about them.

2009-08-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

Are you leading by the quail or the rope principle?
Ephesians 4:11—14 “he gave apostles, prophets...to equip the saints for the ministry, for building the Body of Christ”……..so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning……
I find it interesting and often humorous as I watch people cross the intersection in front of my office at Fifth and Miller. Especially the Moms with little ones in tow or the daycares/pre-schools as they go for an outing.
Some travel in straight lines with the leading parent/teacher eyes front obviously with an expectation that those behind regardless of age and personality will follow. They know their destination and it is all about getting there and not so much about enjoying the journey. Other adults push/herd from the back with an eye on every child and look a little like a random flock of quail wandering down the sidewalk. There is sense of chaos but usually also time taken to appreciate the occasional butterfly or flower. Some larger groups travel with a connecting line of hand-holding followers strung out behind and an adult taking up the rearguard position. Definitely a military style operation and the care and safety of the group uppermost. I am really impressed by the organized groups which have a rope held at each end by an adult and the little ones in between and obviously admonished to hold on to the rope and stay in line. They have provided a way to stay connected and yet are able to keep their charges moving along in a purposeful way and be able to watch for potential dangers as they travel.
I would wonder if perhaps from Gods perspective as He watches us travel through life with our families, life groups, churches and communities if the patterns He sees might be very similar to the four I described. We start out as followers then progress to leadership. Groups change in personnel and personality and if they are healthy will see their members go from being followers and children to leaders and parents. One quote about the role of parenting resonates with me, “we are to give our children roots so they are anchored and solid when the winds of life blow but also give them wings so they can fly on their own, they were not designed to stay in the nest.” (italics mine) Parenting has to be an intentional process forming and shaping those in our care with the big picture in mind throughout the process. So it also is for us as Life Group leaders. Leadership needs to be intentional and with an eye towards the big picture, helping each member fulfill the role God has for them in their journey so that when they step into eternity their lives will reflect fruit and having lived a purpose driven life.

Great things are happening in our churches Life Group Ministry and we appreciate you being part of it. We will be developing a resource catalog for life group leaders, potential life group members and current life group members. One section will feature life groups-- location, leadership and demographic. We will be asking for a picture of you and your spouse( if appropriate) to include in the reference to your life group. Margo will be getting in touch with you to arrange for either a photo from you or a time to take one for our catalog.

Blessings to you and again YOU ARE APPRECIATED.

Please let us know of ministry you are about this summer and again any meaningful things that you are experiencing.

2009-07-21T20:32:00.000-07:00

Stepping up and Stepping Out;
Matthew 10:32 “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.”
This week we celebrate a significant event……the 40th anniversary of mans first steps on the moon. Most of us who were alive can remember where we were and the grainy black and white TV screen we looked through as that icon of American broadcasting Walter Cronkite spoke emotionally of the significance of the historical moment. We can remember the words, “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” and the gut level pride and inspiration we felt in that great achievement.
Now let me take you back to December 8th, 1903. Samuel Langley, head of the Smithsonian Institute and America’s foremost expert on flight, was ready to make his most important attempt at manned flight. The press was on hand waiting expectantly. Unfortunately through a failure of the launch mechanism the plane went straight down and never got off the ground. The New York Times, scornful of attempts at powered flight heaped abuse on Langley. They editorialized: “the ridiculous fiasco…was not unexpected. The flying machine might be evolved by the combined and continuous efforts of mathematicians and mechanicians in from one to ten million years.”
Nine days later, on December 17, two bicycle makers from Dayton, Ohio—Wilbur and Orville Wright—achieved the goal of all the worlds would be aviators: powered flight. Within 67 years man would set foot on the moon.
So let me ask you, which step in the process was the most important? Which step in the process was the most difficult? Perhaps the struggle to begin is just as important as the celebration of the eventual great accomplishment. As life group leaders we have to recognize that the first smile, the first intentional invitation is perhaps just as important as the moment when someone places their faith in Christ. All the hours of mentoring, following up, praying and connecting do matter. I celebrate with you the importance of your day to day ministry doing the ordinary things of life in extraordinary ways.
Blessings to you all!!!

Stephen Bishop Interim Director of Life Groups

2009-06-30T20:29:00.000-07:00

“Wonderin, Blunderin and Thunderin”
“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears let him hear. Matthew 13:1-9
Going through cherry harvest this last week has brought a whole new perspective for me on the above verse. Reflecting back over the years and remembering my friend Chris Quinn’s advice that cherry farming is a wonderin, blunderin, thunderin proposition. The first phase is the “wonderin” phase. Do I have the right site? Do I have the right variety of cherry? A thousand questions to wonder about. The next phase is the “blunderin” phase----here is where you pay for the wrong decisions from the “wonderin” phase and you wonder if you will ever have an orchard that will be productive much less financially viable. Then with corrections of mistakes learned during the “blunderin” phase you began to see results. And one day you are amazed at what a relatively small plot of ground can produce. You see the converging of all the variables both within your control and outside of your control. You have a sense of Gods “thunderin” presence and provision.
So what does this have the do with leading a small group? So often in small groups the “wonderin” phase looks like a step of faith; a response in obedience to lead and make oneself available for the work of the Kingdom. It’s about your intentional decision to step out and begin the planting, facilitating and leading process. The “blunderin” phase is what we all go through….mistakes made in working out the process of ministry. Making mistakes and being transparent before our groups while modeling our imperfections and our successes. As we open our lives they began to open theirs and “life” begins to invade our life groups.
The “thunderin” phase often comes in ways that we would never anticipate. Perhaps in seeing a leader rise among your group and then a new group is planted. It may come as fruit is evident in the changed lives of your group members and life decisions become more Christ-like and less self centered. It may come in a moment of tears when you begin to see a wound opened so healing can at last begin. In the economy of heaven the one is as important as the ninety-nine and fruitfulness is not measured in numbers. If the fruitfulness of your ministry impacts one life, if you see life changes happening around you in those God has placed near you, congratulations I celebrate your “thunderin” phase with you.

Share with us how your attendance is going and what fun things your group is doing this summer.
Hit reply, just type it in and then hit send.

Stephen Bishop Interim Leader of Life Groups

2009-06-15T20:17:00.000-07:00

The message of the Gospel (good news) will find a way!!!
Ephesians 4:11-13 “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
Reflecting on Pastor Les’s message this Sunday and the calling of all believers to step up and make their time, talents and treasures available to the Body of Christ reminded me of the chronicles of the Japanese church of history.
We of the west often know our own church history well but have forgotten that the gospel truly went to many peoples before the advent of the modern missionary movements. Christianity first reached the shores of Japan in the year 1549 in the form of Jesuit priest named Francis Xavier. Father Xavier spent 2 years in Japan establishing a church and within a generation there were over 300,000 believers. Persecution soon followed as the shoguns became suspicious of the outsiders influence and the changes in their society Christianity was bringing about. The shoguns expelled the missionaries and required that all Christians renounce their faith and register as Buddhists. Twenty six crucifixions soon followed and a national campaign took place to exterminate all believing Christians and many stories are told of the extreme cruelty performed on Christians who would not renounce their faith. Terror and torture were the weapons of choice and a special emphasis was reserved for evangelists and leaders among the congregations. To avoid extermination and annihilation the church went underground and to the eyes of the governing shoganate disappeared.
Flash forward to the late nineteenth century when a church was again allowed to be built in the city of Nagasaki, Japan. When the doors opened priests were astonished to see thousands of Japanese Christians streaming down from the hills. They had been worshipping in secret for over 240 years without any formal clerical leadership. The members of the house churches that had sprung up during the persecution had assumed the roles of priest, pastor and evangelist. The leadership had no formal training and no discipleship program to administer, they simply did what they felt the Holy Spirit was calling them to do and what they knew of the example of Christ.
What is exciting to me is that this is the legacy we as life group leaders have to look to. It is not only the story of the Japanese church, it is the story of the church universal, the Body of Christ…our family.
Let’s remember this rich heritage as we too minister for the “cause of Christ”.

To submit your weekly attendance simply hit reply and type in the number then hit send.
For the summer months we will include these notes and updates on an every other week basis.

Steve Bishop
Interim Director of Life Groups

2009-05-18T09:41:00.000-07:00

“..….with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
On December 8th, 1903, Samuel Langley, head of the Smithsonian institute and America’s foremost expert on flight, was ready to make his most important attempt at manned flight. The effort was planned to launch from a boat on the Potomac River. The press was all at hand, waiting expectantly.
But it didn’t happen. Unfortunately, the launching device, which was supposed to hurl the plane into the air, snagged the plane at the last second..and it went into the water “like a handful of mortar”.
The New York Times, scornful of attempts at powered flight, heaped abuse on Langley. They editorialize: “The ridiculous fiasco…was not unexpected. The flying machine might be evolved by the combined and continuous efforts of mathematics and mechanicians in from one to ten million years.”
History tells us that nine days later at Kitty Hawk, Wilber and Orville Wright did what the press reported was impossible and achieved powered flight. It was a revolutionary development…but few reporters even noticed. Most editors considered the whole thing a scam.
The world has a history of missing the really important stories because of preconceived ideas…..like the one of the baby born in the manger to a common ordinary Galilean couple. A baby who was the Son of God who came to take away the sins of the world.
Let celebrate Him in our life groups this week. Be encouraged it wasn’t easy for Christ to reach people either.

To respond hit reply, then type in the number of folks this week, then hit send.
YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!!

Stephen Bishop

2009-05-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

We were made for community!!!
Then Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God. 1 Samuel 23:16

Army historian Brigadier General S.L.A. Marshall, after extensive interviews with soldiers returning from combat, concluded that the primary motivation for a soldier to fight is a sense of unity with his immediate combat unit. “I hold it to be one of the simplest truths of war,” he said, “that the thing which enables an infantry soldier to keep going…..is the near presence or presumed presence of a comrade.”
Paul didn’t go to the mission field alone; he always had partners, Jesus sent his evangelists two by two. The “three fold cord is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12). What would David have done without Jonathan’s support in the wilderness? Even our Lord Jesus wanted His closest friends near Him in Gethsemane. Our faith is strengthened when godly peers stand with us in difficulty.
But the question isn’t, “do I have a close friend on whom I can lean?” It’s, “how can I be such a friend?”
As you and your group start to consider how you will plan your summer “get togethers” and meetings, I would encourage you to meet several times for connecting and sharing over the summer. It’s always great to continue to meet on a weekly basis but if not, then at least get together every 2-3 weeks. The shadow of crises can appear unexpectedly especially in these uncertain times and it is important to be close enough to be the “friend” our brother/sister may need to lean on.
YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!!!!
To send your weekly attendance please hit reply, inter the number. Then hit send. Thank you.
Stephen Bishop—Interim Life Groups Director

2009-05-04T09:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”. Acts 1:8
One of my favorite stories involves the renowned polish pianist Ignacio Paderewski and a small boy. Prior to one of Paderewski’s performances a young mother in the audience noticed that her little boy was missing from the chair beside her. To her astonishment as the floodlight illuminated the stage there sitting at the grand piano was her small son innocently picking out “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”. At that moment the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy’s ear, “Don’t quit. Keep playing.” Leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his hands and began to transform the simple little tune into a moving musical presentation. The interaction of the child and the great master took a potentially uncomfortable situation and a routine concert and made of it a story that is told and retold.
As small group leaders we often find ourselves playing “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”. Then, when we let the Holy Spirit come into our group and began to work with our heart, and the hearts of those around us we have a sense of what the great Master can do, and our little contribution moves from our living room into the lives of all who come. The challenge for each of us as leaders is rather than be lecturers and directors, to be facilitators and encouragers. Let the Master lead your group….welcome the Holy Sprit.
Our next small group leaders huddle is coming June 7th: 4PM looking forward to seeing you there.
Let us know of your attendance this week…..simply hit reply…then type in the number…then hit send.
YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!!

Steve Bishop---Interim Director of Small Groups

2009-04-26T20:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters; We appreciate all you do and as part of our focus on small groups your weekly notice will change in its format and information provided. Following is the first of what hopefully will be many notes and insights on leadership and the calling that is before as disciples of Christ…….
How should we describe success in our ministry?
You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence . Acts 2:28
Former U.S. senator Mark Hatfield tells of touring Calcutta with Mother Teresa and visiting the so-called House of Dying, where sick children are cared for in their last days, and the dispensary, where the poor line up by the hundreds to receive medical care. Watching Mother Teresa minister to these people, feeding and nursing those left by others to die. Hatfield was over whelmed by the shear magnitude of the suffering she and her co-workers faced daily. “how can you bear the load without being crushed by it?” he asked. Mother Teresa replied, “My dear Senator. I am not called to be successful, I am called to be faithful.”
God has given us the tools to succeed. First Samuel 18:14 says, “In everything he did he had great success, because the Lord was with him”. When we are faced with overwhelming or seemingly impossible situations, it is our duty to remain faithful. My challenge to each of us is to remember what success truly is in the economy of heaven, “one is as important as the ninety-nine”. Love your small group members even the ones with the EGR (extra grace required).
Small group tidbit……This Thursday, April 30th at Memorial Park, 6:00 pm is Wenatchee’s observance of the National Day of Prayer----Why not go together as a small group and celebrate “your community” among the larger community!!
YOU ARE APPRECIATED
Let us know about your weekly attendance…just hit reply, add your number, your name and hit send.
Stephen Bishop…interim director of small groups