Super Sunday Results - Praise the Lord!

This past Sunday (Feb. 5, 2012) was "Super Sunday" and we took two offerings:  one our regular offering and the other a special offering for our debt. First of all, REGULAR giving on that Sunday was $18,017.12. The last time we were that high was Easter or if you don't want to count that, it was two weeks prior on April 3rd. On this Sunday I honestly expected it to be less due to the special offering but even our ‘average’ was exceeded.

Then our SPECIAL giving was ……. $32,644.71. I couldn't believe it. My faith is so small. I was praying for one mortgage payment ($13K) and we surpassed that in the first service. There was such a moving of God and such a move of worship - it was truly awesome and of the Lord.  So this week we caught up on mortgage payments and our credit card bill and all we have left to pay off is Pastor Craig’s annuity.  Praise the Lord!

We've had so many testimonies of people during this time who are seeking to follow God and what God is doing in their lives and I’ve been blessed just to hear the stories.  We are not out of the woods yet; but moving forward and things seem to be healthy.  For that I am grateful.

I want to encourage each of you to continue to be faithful in your giving.  All it takes is a let down and we are back in the hole again.  We still have a mortgage payment due this month (the other two were past due) and payroll; but our regular giving (as we each seek to reach a tithe and beyond) should cover that and our regular expenses.

I’m so proud to be a part of East Hills and to see God bless His children and their faithfulness.  May God continue to pour out his blessings (Malachi 3).  Join with us in praising God.

Click here to see the pictures of that morning...

In the service of Him who deserves all praise,

Pastor John

Real

All one needs to do is find an inconspicuous spot in the church, sit quietly, close the eyes, and listen to the voices of the people lifted in song to Jesus.  Then, observe the people as they praise Him and watch how they humble themselves with eternal gratitude for His love, mercy, kindness, and forgiveness  For a brief moment, and with an open heart, they will capture a glimpse of Heaven and see Almighty God.  They will know He is real.

 At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.  (John 14:20)

Commission their Calling

Last week a group of our high school youth spent a week at summer camp and experienced a unique encounter with God. Many came back with a sincere calling upon their life to serve God with their talents, abilities, and willingness.

In their own words are the excerpts by several of our young men and women (their ages in parentheses) who felt a definitive calling upon their life. In addition, is an observation or suggestion of how those of us with similar callings can come alongside and mentor each one.

Chris Biber (17):

God showed me that worship isn't about the notes I play, but how I use worship. The words in a song are more important than the notes.

Is the calling upon Chris' life that of a songwriter writing hymns of praise which draws the singer into the embrace of God's love and power? If so, what opportunities are available for him to put music to the words he writes and include them in worship? Perhaps, one of our music leaders can come alongside Chris, grow this ability and fulfill his calling.

Corbyn Gilbert (15):

God spoke to me very clearly and told me I was going to be a missionary.

The life of a missionary is not an easy one, though it may be one of the most rewarding. How can we ensure Corbyn is prepared for the missionary field?

J.T.(18):

Finding God again and being called into the vocational ministry as a worship pastor. I led worship for the first time. It was a great blessing.

There are many opportunities for J.T. to lead worship during weekly youth meetings, LIFE study groups, and of course, Sunday mornings. He has already taken the first courageous step in faith to fulfill his calling during summer camp by leading worship for the first time.

Shane Koozin (16):

I felt God was calling me to be a minister for him. I don't know when I'm going to be used, but I know that he is going to use me.

Shane is exploring his calling into the ministry, but is unsure about when or what that ministry is going to be. Is there a mentor who can help Shane discover his ministry and equip him to meet its needs? What are his talents, abilities, or gifts which hint at his future ministry?

Chris Merrell (15):

I loved being on the praise team...I believe that my future in God will be in worshipping musically.

There are a few great singers on the worship team who can teach Chris to sing or teach him how to play an instrument or provide him with resources to do both.

Darrien Trias (17):

[God] called me out to step forward and confirm my decision as being a youth pastor.

Darrien says his decision is confirmed. Maybe it's time to start putting him into those youth leadership positions and give him those opportunities to explore his calling. We can start with small opportunities and move forward with grander opportunities of service.

This article is only meant to encourage the good folk at EHCC, who share the same talents as these young men and women, to come alongside them and help fulfill their calling. In a few short words, to be a mentor lest they should become discouraged and their calling remain unfulfilled.

I had similar experiences at the summer camps I attended in my youth, but my calling was laid to the wayside for the lack of guidance. It was only years later in my adult life and with the inception of the internet I could fulfill my calling--writing. It's an "if only" regret which resides in the past and I'm over it. I'm over it because, like J.T., I took a step in faith and started writing. Though it's mainly a hobby rather than a profession I am doing it to the best of my ability with satisfactory joy. EHCC has provided another opportunity to hone my skills, find my niche, and share my heart. If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then words are the doorway to the heart.

Will we share in their calling and give them opportunity, the means to fulfill it, and commission their calling?

Collide East Hills High School Summer Camp 2011

Church summer camps were some of the best times I had in high school and were some of the most important, formative times in my relationship with Jesus. There were also lifelong friendships formed during these camps.

I remember the power, packed worship services which lasted several hours some nights. The presence of God was tangible during those moments and His voice could be heard in the midst of the loud praise. Lifelong bonds were made with old and new friends. We opened up our hearts to each other during prayer. Confessed our sins to each other in loving, tear-filled embraces. We laughed! Oh, how we laughed so hard until our vision was blurred by tears of joy and we nearly hyperventilated to get our breath back. Even as I write these tears are being choked back as I remember those great times at high school summer camp. Great times. Good memories. Memories I had forgotten until I read the answers on the questionnaires I asked several high school youths to complete.

Following are some of insights and answers the youth provided. The questionnaire asked the following questions: (1) What was the best thing about summer camp? (2) What made you laugh the hardest at summer camp? (3) How did you experience God at summer camp?

Worship must have been an astounding experience. Most of them answered worship was the best thing about summer camp describing their experience as "amazing." Others shared how they were able to "reconnect with God" or were humbled by its power. Chris Merrell said, worship "put me on my knees." J.T. believes he is being called into the ministry as a worship pastor after leading worship for the first time at summer camp. He took a step of faith and may have found his calling.

Christ Biber seemed to sum up the experience for everyone and shared, "worship isn't about the notes I play, but how I use worship. The words in a song are more important that the notes." It would seem all the youth heard the words to the songs which had a significant impact on their lives.

When worship ended they fellowshipped playing paintball, during meals, strolling together around the camp, or just hung out in the cabins cracking jokes. There was no shortage of laughter during these times of koinina. Garrison Gomez shared the experience which made him, Quinn Gilbert, Shane Koozin, and Jeffrey Kurtz laugh the hardest. The four of them pranked Zach Ontiveros when he left the dining table to refill his cup with lemonade. Everyone knows you never leave the table with uneaten food left behind because it will be tampered with. They peppered Zach's watermelon with Tabasco sauce so after he returned and took a few bites, he stopped chewing and paused. At this point I am sure the four pranksters were trying with all their might to hold back their laughter. A few seconds pass before Zach makes a B-line out of the room and vomits. Hilarious. (Disclaimer: The retelling of this story does not mean endorsement nor approval for such pranks, or any other type of pranks, at future summer camps.) Still, gut-busting hilarious. Sorry, Zach.

The gals were having just as much fun. Madison Trahtham said, "Ashley and Cassie are crazy," but didn't elaborate on the details. If the girls are anything like the boys when hanging out in the cabin one can only imagine the antics. According to Corbyn Gilbert it appears mimicking foreign accents was apparently one of the ongoing, hilarious highlights at camp. Maybe we should have them demonstrate this accent in a short skit for the rest of the church.

One thing they all had in common with their answers is when they laughed the hardest it was always with friends. Developing bonds for lifelong friendships is as important as to strengthening a relationship with Jesus at summer camp. Both relationships are personal. Both relationships are filled with lifelong joys. What better way is there to do that than laughing to the point of passing out?

Another thing they all shared in common was having a unique, personal experience with God. Many felt a genuine calling into the ministry. Darrien Trias said he confirmed his calling to become a youth pastor. Christ Merrell believes his "future in God will be in worship." Corbin Gilbert said, "God spoke to me very clearly and told me I was going to be a missionary."

It seems every high school youth was impacted at summer camp with their own unique experience and lifelong memories. There was an unrestrained connection with God which provided many of them with a blod, new direction in their life and a closer relationship with Jesus. Darrien Trias put it best and recommended, "Everyone should have a chance to go because it is just an awesome, God-filled experience." A God-filled experience of worship, laughter, and hanging out with friends. Great times. Good memories.

Check out the photos here.

Thank you to Chris Biber, Samantha Biber, Corbyn Gilbert, Garrison Gomez, J.T., Shane Koozin, Chris Merrell, Madison Trantham, and Darrien Trias for sharing their experiences.

Peace in the Valley

Following is a link to an article I posted on another blog. I enjoy gospel music, especially Elvis Presley's gospel music and one of my favorite gospel songs is Peace in the Valley.  While attending a concert at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library I was inspired by the meaning of the song as it was being played and wrote the following article.

Excerpt:  Sometimes I am just weary from the demands of this world upon my human spirit. Daily are the struggles of life filled with moments of heartache, helplessness, and defeat and then I hear those words:  PEACE IN THE VALLEY FOR ME. Then, my mind is cleared, my heart fills with joy and right there in middle of the concert surrounded by friends, family, and strangers, I have peace in the valley of life.