Light shining in the darkness

Today is Halloween.  It is a day when the world celebrates darkness and evil.  As children of the light, and of our Heavenly Father, of course, we have an opportunity to be light in the darkness today and every other day of the year.

Two days ago, Dale Drury, one of our elders here at College church of Christ, lit a candle in my darkness without even knowing he had done so. 

I was sitting with Peter, our 24-year-old son, in a Fresno County Superior Court room, waiting for the judge to dismiss the case because Peter had fulfilled all the requirements of his sentence.  It was the consequence of foolish and sinful behavior on his part and the part of other people. 

This is not the dream a mother has when she holds her baby for the first time in the hospital or when she stands in front of the church to have his life dedicated to the Lord, or when she teaches him his first Bible verse and prays with him as she tucks him into bed at night.  If she pictures herself in a courtroom with her adult son, she sees him as the well-dressed attorney or the robed judge, not as the defendant.

"This is a lab class for my study of the book of James," I thought to myself as I sat on the hard wooden bench. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."  James 1:2-4 (New International Version)

I had brought my Bible and the prior week's church bulletin into the courtroom with me.  While the judge dealt with other cases, I opened the bulletin and read these words from our elder, Dale Drury:

"We, at the College Church of Christ are on a journey which encourages unity in Christ.  We're seeking to be a relational church who is concerned about being Jesus; not only to each other, but to those we come in contact with each day.  As I thought more about this, our 'narrative', which we completed last year came to mind.  It clearly reflects this journey as part of our history.

"We are being Jesus and encouraging unity when we welcome people/Christians who:
...struggle with sin every day, regardless of the sin;
...were cast out by 'Christians' because of life choices they have made;
...are seeking a 'safe' place to experience God;
And this list could go on and on.

"ALL of these actions lead us toward unity in the body of Christ and reflect the love from the Father.  How do the people around us interpret the evidences they experience in our lives?

"May God bless us as the people around us are able to experience Jesus through us!"

Thank you, Dale Drury, and all those at College church of Christ who are a light in the darkness for people like Peter and me, sitting in a Fresno County Superior Court room!
--Posted by Mama O.
"

Being There!

How did the Ocheltree's and the Sue's spend their weekend?  On the road with their kids!   

 

  

Andrew Ocheltree is the drum major on the right
Bullard High School Marching Band and Colorguard
Competition in Pleasanton, CA

 

Julian Sue, front and center, holds the trophy for his team
Las Vegas, NV

Coming home champions!! They played hard and it paid off!

Veronica Sue (Facebook)

 

We go on the road with our kids because we love them.  We want to be there for them and with them. Our love and support are the most precious gifts we can give to our sons and daughters.

If we, as imperfect human parents, can give something so valuable to our children, how much more valuable is God's presence in our lives, wherever we go?

 

"O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.

You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I'm far away.

You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.

You know everyting I do.

You go before me and follow me.

You place your hand of blessing on my head.

Such knowledge is too wonderful fo rme,

too great for me to understand!"

Psalm 139:1-3,5,6

--Posted by Mama O.

 

Volunteer in the church nursery!

Drake vonBieberstein and Amity Minjarez play while
Christi Dillon loves on them

Noah Mason

Ethan Buchanan

Beckett Allan

Look at the wonderful young people I had the privilege of meeting on Sunday morning when I worked in the church nursery! I met wonderful mommies and daddies and grandpas and grandmas.  I got acquainted with my fellow nursery worker, Chrsti Dillon, and discovered she is a real treasure.  What a great way to spend time on a Sunday morning.  I highly recommend it!
--Posted by Mama O.

Happy birthday Steve Ocheltree!

 

Steve serves 9-Lives to Murray, Tom and Bob, the cats,
on his birthday

"But Jesus called them to Himself, and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them.  It is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.'"

Matthew 20:25-28 (New American Standard Version)

 

I heard a story about President Ronald Reagan, how, when he was in the hospital after being hit by an assassin's bullet, the nurse spilled a glass of water accidentally.  Instinctively, President Reagan got up and began wiping up the spill, before he was scolded for not resting and allowing others to serve him, the greatest leader in the Free World, in the hospital!

 

It reminded me of my husband, Steve, whose wonderful life we celebrate today! Steve is a true servant-leader wherever he goes, making sure that others are comfortable and cared for.  I knew I had to marry him when he described the house he and his father and brother were building with very modest means back in 1977. He explained how they had purchased the very nicest microwave oven they could afford and designed the kitchen with as much possible space as they could, including a roomy center island, so his mother could be free to prepare meals as easily as possible. 

 

And he's still that way to this day.  The other morning, Steve washed his hands and went to dry them.  My bath towel was more conveniently located near his wet hands than his was, but he deliberately inconvenienced himself to use his own towel because he did not want to get my towel wet before I showered. 

 

Happy birthday to a great man!

--Posted by Mama O. 



Walking with God

"And Enoch walked with God; and he was not,

for God took him."

Genesis 5:24 (New American Standard Version)

"By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death;

and he was not found because God took him up;

for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God.

And without fiath it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God

must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him."

Hebrews 11:5,6 (New American Standard Version)

 

When I lace up my walking shoes and head out through my neighborhood on these pleasant autumn days and evenings, I think about Enoch, who "walked with God".  It is a privilege to live in a Mediterranean climate, where the same crops grow that grow in Israel, where so many of the Bible stories and parables are located.

 

Just around the corner, a neighbor has a fig tree. When I walk under its sprawling branches, trying to avoid the fruit that drops onto the sidewalk, I think of Jesus' encounter with the fruitless fig tree, which bore all the characteristics of a fig tree except the fruit. Jesus cursed the tree and it withered from the roots up. The tree was a symbol of the unbelievers within the nation of Israel, who had been given the truth through Moses and the prophets, yet refused to accept Jesus as Messiah, when he appeared in person among them. They bore all the characteristics of God's people except the saving faith in their Messiah. And, "without faith, it is impossible to please God". (Hebrews 11:6) 

 

Our next-door-neighbor has an olive tree, which makes me think of the illustration of the natural olive tree, being the Jews, and the wild olive branches, being the Gentiles, who are grafted onto the natural trunk.  In Romans 11, Paul instructs us Gentiles not to be arrogant against unbelieving Jews, because the Jewish faith is the foundation of the Christian faith.  We need to be praying for the Jews to accept Jesus as Messiah (Psalm 122:6; Romans 11:30-32).

 

Do these two tree stories seem to contradict one another?  They don't, really.  There are individual Jews who rejected Jesus as Messiah and came under God's curse, because they did not accept salvation through Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:16,17) And, there have been and will continue to be Jews who recognize Jesus, by faith, and accept his salvation. (Acts 6:7; Romans 11:23-28)

 

That's a lot to ponder on a walk with God!

--Posted by Mama O.

 

University of Joy Through Trials

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Perseverance must finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete,

not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God,

who gives generously to all without finding fault,

and it will be given to him."

James 1:2-5 (New International Version)

 

My friends and I are attending the University of Joy Through Trials together on Tuesday morning as we study the book of James.  We talk and laugh together and we pray together for one another.  Pam Caples assembles an e-mail prayer list for us and she always gives some insightful commentary before she lists the prayer requests.  Listen to Pam's thoughts on this week's lesson:

 

"GOT TRIALS? Every one of us has gone through trials some time in our lives. In fact, many of us are going through a trial at this very monent.  Experiencing trials can cause us to doubt God and His love for us, become discouraged, complain about our situation, or even make us blame God for the hardship we are going through.  Instead, James tells us to consider it a great joy whenever we experience various trials.  If you're like me, joy is not what I'm feeling when life is 'chewing me up and trying to spit me out'!  In James 1:2-3, James is asksing us to choose to have a joyful attitude when life has 'thrown you a curveball', because that trial will test the faith in God you claim you have.  And, when you have passed the test with 'flying colors', it will produce the endurance you need to get through the next trial and the next...So, GOT TRIALS...BE JOYFUL!"

 

Our study meets Tuesday mornings from 9:45-11:30 a.m. in Room 405.  We will be offering the same study in James on Wednesday nights, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., beginning Wednesday, November 7, 2012. Both men and women are welcome at the Wednesday night study.  Plan to join us!

--Posted by Mama O.



In loving memory of Laura Reppart

"For I am already being poured out as a drink offering,

and the time of my departure has come.

I have fought the good fight,

I have finished the course,

I have kept the faith;

in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness,

which the Lord, the righteous Judge,

will award to me on that day

and not only to me,

but also to all who have loved His appearing."

2 Timothy 4:6-8 (New American Standard Version)

 

Laura Reppart, long-time missionary to Kenya, finished her course of faith on Tuesday, October 23, 2012, in Dallas, Texas.  Laura and her husband, Jim, together founded the Nairobi Great Commission School in Kenya, where Jason Locke, our senior minister, and Robert Chisley, just visited.  The Repparts worked with the school from 1991-1999. 

 

College church of Christ has supported this ministry since its founding.  More than 800 African leaders have been trained at this school and have returned to at least six African nations, many with a large Muslim population, to spread the gospel.  The school is run today by locals.

 

As the song says, Laura, "Thank you for giving to the Lord...I am so glad you came!"

The picture below, from Dr. Jason Locke's Facebook page, shows the ongoing work of the Nairobi Great Commission School today:

A closing picture with most of the folks who came to NGCS for the two-day seminar. These folks are elders, preachers, evangelists from across Kenya (plus one each from Tanzania and Uganda) along with teachers/staff at the school. They richly blessed us as we tried to impart a blessing to them as well. — with Jacob Randiek and 2 others.

--Posted by Mama O.

everyneighborhood.org

"Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who blessed of My Father,

inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink;

I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick,

and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.

Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine,

even the least of them, you did it to Me.'"

Matthew 25:34-36,40 (New American Standard Version)

 

Artie Padilla talks to the Ocheltree Group about
opportunities to serve the people of Fresno through
everyneighborhood.org

"The purpose of everyneighborhood.org is to get the body of Christ out into our city," Artie Padilla told members of the Ocheltree Shepherding Group on Sunday morning. He said that there are many parts of our city that we might not normally see, because we do not live there, attend school there or do business there.  But everyneighborhood.org, also called Every Neighborhood Partnership, gives Christians the opportunity to meet and become involved with their neighbors all over the city.

 

Service opportunities are endless:

 

1. Saturday morning sports programs at schools and playgrounds

2. Classroom volunteers

3. Summer reading programs

4. Recreational activities

5. Cooking classes

6. Community pantry helpers

7. Thrift shops

8. Financial workshops

9. Community meeting hosts

10. Senior citizen visitation

11. Park graffiti clean-up

12. Day care

 

The opportunities are as numerous as are the people who want to help out.  On any given Saturday, everyneighborhood.org has 27-30 outreach projects going on within the community.  We can become involved as inidividuals or as a group.  Our group can work on its own or join up with other churches in the community. Visit the website to acquaint yourself with this great ministry.

 

Artie's guarantee: "I guarantee you will grow in your walk when you do what God is calling you to do!"

--Posted by Mama O.



Crockpotluck

"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

John 13:35 (New American Standard Version)

Jeremy Ellington and Jacob Locke wend their
way down the long line of Crock Pots

Members of the Ocheltree group dine al fresco (outdoors)
under the shade of our large tree

Lisa Johnson laughed when she saw the long line of Crock Pots on the counter at our potluck yesterday:

 

"It's church of Christ, all right!" she said.

 

I guess we have a reputation for being hospitable and homey and kind of thrifty all at the same time.  That's good!  I like that reputation!

 

We spent our morning in church and class time focusing on our need to get acquainted with our community, its different races and ethnic groups, to take the opportunity to introduce other people to Jesus' love.  Dr. Dan Rodriguez challenged us during an excellent sermon in church.  Then, Artie Padilla of Every Neighborhood Partnership (everyneighborhood.org) gave us many practical ways to volunteer within our community during our class time. 

 

And what better way to celebrate such a morning that to pile Chinese chicken salad next to taco casserole next to potstickers next to Lil' Smokies in barbecue sauce next to pizza on your plate!  As we meet together, we encourage one another and remind each other that we are here to serve God, to serve others and to get a case of multicultural heartburn on Sunday afternoon!

 

Thank you, brothers and sisters, for a great Crockpotluck!
--Posted by Mama O.



How should we pray?

We have a presidential debate coming up on Monday night.  We have a presidential election coming up on November 6.  How should we Christians be praying for our country? Do we need to pray for a better economy?  More jobs?  Fewer home foreclosures? All these are worthy aspirations.  But, Christians have a higher, overarching goal.  And that's what Dr. Daniel Rodriguez preached from our pulpit Sunday morning.

Dr. Dan, a religion professor at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, grew up in our church and married a girl from our congregation, Jeanette Martin Rodriguez, daughter of Arnold Martin.  They have many family ties to College Church and consider us their "home" in many ways.  All of us prayed for the health of Dan and Jeanette's grandbaby, Caleb, after he was born.  Caleb is now healthy and expecting to be a big brother very soon.  When Dr. Dan showed the picture of Caleb on the screen, it was to illustrate the point of "dual citizenship", little Caleb is a citizen of both China and the United States.  But, for the many of us who prayed for Caleb, it was an illustration of far more--it was an illustration of God's miraculous healing power through the prayers of his people.

Which takes me right back to the original question. How should we pray? As dual citizens--of heaven first, and of the Unites States second, we need, first of all, to pray for "God's foreign policy" (Isaiah 60:1-3), that the nations will come to God's light.  Dr. Dan suggested that those coming to America from other lands may be sent here by God, not to lower our property values, not to take our jobs away, but to give us the opportunity to introduce them to the love of God!

He offered a "model prayer" for us at the end of his sermon:

"May God be gracious to the College church of Christ and bless us and make his face

shine on us--So that your ways may be known in Fresno, your salvation among all the different

races and ethnic groups in and around Fresno.

May the peoples praise you, God; may all the different types of people in Fresno praise you. 

May every type of person in Fesno be glad and sing for joy for you rule all who surrender and submit to your authority with equity and guide the nations of the earth.

May the people priase you, God; may all the peoples in Fresno praise you."

(Based on Psalm 67)

 

Will this be your prayer?



Good and perfect gifts

"Don't  be deceived, my dear brothers.

Every good and perfect gift is from above,

coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,

who does not change like shifting shadows."

James 1:16,17 (New International Version)

 

This week, in our Tuesday morning study of James, chapter 1, our author, Beth Moore, is challenging us to list God's good and perfect gifts in our lives.  She had us divide our lives into quarters, then list specific good gifts that have been given during each of those quarters.  It was a powerful exercise in acknowledging God's goodness and thanking him for all he has done!

 

You might want to try it.  I guarantee it will change your perspective on your life.

 

We will be offering the same study on Wednesday nights, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., beginning Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012.  The Wednesday night study is open to men and women.  I encourage you to consider joining!

 

I will leave you with a few verses from Psalm 34 to jog your memory on God's goodness to you today, and in each quarter of your life (which reminds me, we are going to a Bulldogs football game tonight where we get to appreciate the excellent musicianship of band members Paul Ocheltree-trumpet, and Jason Gresham-snare drums, during each quarter of the game!).

 

"My soul will boast in the Lord;

let the afflicted hear and rejoice.

I sought the Lord, and he answered me;

he delivered me from all my fears.

Those who look to him are radiant;

their faces are never covered with shame.

Taste and see that the Lord is good;

blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted

and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Psalm 34:2,4,5,8,18

--Posted by Mama O.


Do the ends justify the means?

"Why not say--

'Let us do evil that good may result.'"

Romans 3:8 (New International Version)

 

Do the ends justify the means? Is it okay to lie for a good reason? If we see the wrong thing happening, isn't it okay to step in and "make it right", no matter what we have to do?

 

Situational ethics are nothing new to the human race.  They may be a favorite topic today in leadership and ministry conferences or games designed to get people talking, but it's not because they are new. It is because they reflect an important aspect of human nature: our power of choice.

 

God created us in his image (Genesis 1:26), with the power to choose good or evil (Genesis 2:16,17). But what happens when the lines between good and evil appear really blurry?  What happens when good people lie and manipulate other people?  What happens when godless people are duped or tricked by those who name the name of God?

 

These are complicated issues and the answers are not easy.  These are the issues we will be discussing in the Ocheltree Shepherding Group on Sunday morning as we study Genesis 27, in which the godly brother, Jacob, tricks his ungodly brother, Esau, out of the blessing that God promised to Jacob in the first place but their godly father, Isaac, was trying to give to Esau anyway.  Confused? Good! Come to class and get even more confused, and then sort through some difficult issues together with us! 

 

And stay for the potluck afterwards! If possible, bring venison or goat.

--Posted by Mama O.

Great servants

"Whoever wishes to become great among you

shall be your servant."

Matthew 20:26 (New American Standard Version)

 

Pat McKinzie, Brian MacDougall and Tom La Notte clean
the kitchen after dinner

Ray Limon vacuums a children's classroom

Luis Perez pushes the custodian's cart

We have Great Servants at College Church of Christ!  We have so many people with willing hearts, hands and smiles, who serve God and one another.  Last night before Wednesday night church, we all ate a delicious chicken spaghetti dinner prepared and served by Aaron Scott and crew.  Then faithful servants Pat McKinzie, Brian MacDougall and Tom La Notte came in and cleaned the kitchen, while custodian Ray Limon carefully vacuumed the classrooms with his young helper, Luis Perez.  Luis is Ray's neighbor.  He is 12 years old, in seventh grade at Cooper Academy, where he takes his studies very seriously.  It is an honor to have this fine young man joining our crew of Great Servants at College Church of Christ.  Thank you, church family, for another wonderful Wednesday night together!  We look forward to many more!

--Posted by Mama O.



Working Faith

"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?

Can such faith save him?  Suppose a brother or sister is without

clothes and daily food.  If one of you says to him,

'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,'

but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

James 2:14-17

Gary and Grace Pendleton and Gabriela Lopez
load up the car for food deliveries

Carina, Maria and Marco Fajardo at their home in Mendota

Felipe and Araceli Perez in Firebaugh

Graciela and Valeria Martinez in Firebaugh

On Tuesday afternoon, we loaded up Gary Pendleton's car and headed out to Mendota and Firebaugh to deliver food to three families.  Gabriela Lopez, the Community Services Coordinator for Fresno Economic Opportunity Commission, located the families and accompanied us on the trip.  She shared stories of the hardships these families have endured. Farmworkers on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley have been hit hard by drought, freezing and the economic downturn.  Many acres of farmland are not being cultivated, leaving no work and no place else to go for many families. But, beyond these general hardships, individual families have their own stories of enduring trials: 

 

Our first stop, the Fajardo home in Mendota, is one where love and patience flow like a healing balm from the hands and heart of Maria Fajardo as she cares for her invalid 14-year-old son, Diego, who was stricken with meningitis a week after his birth in Mexico.  He is bed-ridden to this day, and must wear diapers and be fed a liquid diet.  Maria patiently loves this boy, wiping the drool from his chin, shooing the flies from his face when they sit outdoors. Her other children are attending school here and her husband works.  But the family struggles to make ends meet as they live in a very tiny apartment in Mendota.  When I told Maria that Diego was blessed to have her for a mother, she responded that she is blessed to have Diego, this invalid boy, for a son!

 

Next, we stopped at the home of Felipe and Araceli Perez in Firebaugh.  Felipe's foot was injured in a farm machinery accident back in 2000 and he has not been able to work in agriculture since then.  His wife learned English and got a job to support their three children who attend school in Firebaugh and are doing very well in their studies.  Felipe has made the most of his time, helping other people who are recovering from physical injuries and he has come to know so many people in the community he is running for Firebaugh City Council in this election.

 

As a point of historical interest, the Perez family lives in a very modest house in a "government camp", now under the auspices of the Fresno County Housing Authority.  This is the same "government camp" where Gary Pendleton, who was delivering the groceries, spent his growing-up years, the son of a farmworker who migrated to California's Central Valley from Oklahoma in the 1940's, as part of the great Oklahoma Dustbowl migration.

 

Our final stop was the home of Graciela Martinez, the mother of five children.  She and her husband and their children (seven people) live in a single-wide mobile home in Firebaugh. She had two friends on her porch when we arrived and one of them wondered if we had food for her family as well.  Graciela will share some of the 25-pound bag of beans, 20-pound bag of rice, flour, sugar and other essentials with her friend.

Thank you to everyone who contributed food for the Westside Farmworker Relief Project! Your faith is working!
--Posted by Mama O.



Who is my neighbor?

"If someone has enough money to live well

and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion--

how can God's love be in that person?

Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other,

let us show the truth by our actions.  Our actions will show that

we belong to the truth."  1 John 3:17-19a (New Living Translation)

 

Today, we will drive out to Mendota to deliver groceries to three farmworker families who have been devastated by the lack of farm work.  When I talked to Amanda Ellington about the project last week, she expressed her keen desire to help out because, as she said, "I grew up on the Westside."

 

Next Sunday, Casey Sue will explain our Thanksgiving Basket project, where we will be assembling baskets for families who are not able to provide for all their own needs this holiday season.

 

When Jesus was asked the question, "Who is my neighbor?" he told the story of "The Good Samaritan", who showed mercy to a Jewish man who had been robbed and left on the side of the road by bandits.  The man's own countrymen passed him by, out of sheer busyness or self-absorbtion, while the Samaritan, who Jews hated, showed compassion, dressed the man's wounds and took him to get medical help and safe lodging.  At the end of this powerful story, Jesus asked his questioner, "Now which of these three men would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?"

 

"The man replied, 'The one who showed him mercy.'

 

"Then Jesus said, 'Yes, now go and do the same.'" Luke 11:36,37 (New Living Translation)

 

We will be visiting our neighbors this afternoon, out in Mendota. Thanks to all who are sending along well wishes in the form of flour or oil or sugar. Help us visit our neighbors at Thanksgiving, as well.

--Posted by Mama O.

 





Uptown

Have you heard about all the excitement going on in Uptown, where all our Kindergarten through 6th graders meet every Sunday morning and Wednesday night?  Our elementary school students are becoming Bible scholars as they travel the ancient roads of the Old Testament patriarchs, heroes and prophets.  Our children are dramatizing tragedies like the destruction of Sodom and Gommorah, and triumphs like the miraculous rescue of Isaac from the altar of sacrifice.  They are sitting around the campfire and counting the stars with Abraham, imagining the great nation that will come from this one faithful man and his wife.  They are reenacting the 10 plagues that struck Egypt before the Hebrew slaves were set free.  They are roaming the hills with nomadic shepherds and tracing the route of the Hebrew slaves as they crossed the desert from Egypt to Canaan.  They are tasting foods like lamb and horseradish as they reenact the Passover Seder, celebrated on the night the Hebrew slaves left Egypt.  They are performing scientific experiments on flotation as they study Noah's ark.  They are being quizzed on Old Testament facts and they are learning Bible verses by heart.  They are praying with one another and for one another.  They are developing relationships with each other and with adult guides and mentors who pray with them and study the Bible, learning right alongside them.

This exciting Bible-learning experience requires many, many loving people, who give generously of their time and talents to make a learning environment that is fun, educational and Spirit-filled.  Ashley Henderson decorates each of the environments where the children spend their time.  Each room reflects the story the children are studying at that time.  We've had tents and stars and rainbows and campfires and lots more cool stuff in those rooms (not real fire!)   Julie Locke makes sure all the teachers have the right curriculum and Mandy Oehlschlaeger makes sure they have all the materials they need.  I have had the privilege of recruiting many wonderful teachers, and will be doing so again in March-April of 2013 (don't think I don't know your name!).  Doug Baker works night and day to love, teach and train this crew.  I could fill up a lot of space with the names of those who helped build the beautiful Uptown lobby, who pray with our children and guide our children each Sunday. 

Please consider accepting an assignment to teach or guide or mentor the children.  The assignments are usually only 2-3 months in duration.  I guarantee you will gain far more than you give in the process!
--Posted by Mama O.

Joshua!

"Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face,

as one speaks to a friend.  Afterward Moses would return to the camp, but the young

man who assisted him, Joshua son of Nun, would remain behind in the Tent of Meeting."

Exodus 33:11 (New Living Translation)

 

Thank you, Doug Baker, for considering the adults of our church important enough to share the stories the children are studying in Uptown, our childrens' ministry, on Sunday mornings.  Our children are traveling through the Bible, from beginning to end, in Journeyland, every Sunday morning.  Currently, the children are studying the life of the great war hero of the Old Testament, Joshua.  He was a five-star general of the Israeli military, a man of unparalleled military feats.  Under General Joshua's leadership, six nations and 31 kings fell in defeat!  Joshua led victories through what we would call "natural" means of military conquest and through what we would call "supernatural" means: huge hailstones destroying the enemy, a city wall collapsing on its inhabitants through no use of force, the sun standing still to enable the Israeli troops to fight through to victory.

 

Books and leadership seminars have been based on General Joshua's life.  Leadership seminars have been named after him.  What is the secret to the incredible productivity of this man?

 

According to Doug, the center shelf of General Joshua's trophy shelf, the very essence of his being, is shown in Exodus 33:11, where this incredible young man remained in the presence of God, even after his mentor, Moses, had left.

 

Joshua's faith in God, Doug said, was simple "weapons assessment: big, ugly guys with sticks on one side, Yahweh on the other side!"

 

And that is what our children are learning on Sunday mornings these days!  Powerful stories, powerful faith in a powerful God!  Thank you, Doug, for letting the rest of us in on the secret!

--Posted by Mama O.



True Value

Tomorrow, we continue our in-class discussion of Jacob's life.  We will be studying Genesis 25:27-34:

"The boys grew up and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was a quiet man, staying among the tents.  Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob.  Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished.  he said to Jacob, 'Quick, let me have some of that red stew!  I'm famished!' (That is why he was also called Edom.) Jacob replied, 'First sell me your birthright.' 
   "'Look, I am about to die,' Esau said, 'What good is the birthright to me?' But Jacob said, 'Swear to me first.' So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob.  Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew.  He ate and drank, and then got up and left.  So Esau despised his birthright." (New International Version)

This is very serious stuff.  Jacob used wrong methods to get the right thing.  Esau did not value the right thing enough to even resist Jacob's attempts to manipulate it away from him.  Both men were wrong. But one man went on to become a patriarch and a hero of the faith.  And one man went on to become the father of a nation that opposed God's people and a warning against spiritual indifference.  What made the difference?

Come to the Ocheltree Group tomorrow and we'll talk about it.  See you there!
--Posted by Mama O.

Dinner at Delancey Street

Delancey Street, San Francisco - Ground floor retail and housing above (overall about 370,000 square feet). In 1991 we completed construction of an expanded and centralized home on the waterfront in San Francisco. This 370,000 square foot complex was primarily built and supervised by Delancey residents. Mimi Silbert was the developer, and Delancey was its own general contractor for this unique development called a “masterpiece of social design” by Pulitzer Prize-winning architectural critic Allan Temko. Covering an entire city block, this four- story complex contains street level retail stores, a popular public restaurant and highly reviewed outdoor espresso café and bookstore, and several other vocational schools and housing units for 500 people that overlook a Mediterranean-style courtyard, which also holds a vast array of educational and recreational facilities for Delancey residents. This was also an unprecedented vocational training program providing 300 formerly unemployable drug addicts, homeless people, and ex-felons now in Delancey Street every skill in the building trades with the support of the unions, as well as training in purchasing, contracting, computer and accounting services. There is nothing else in the country like this self-built, self-managed, self-help complex. George and Cindy Freeman and Steve and Carolyn Ocheltree enjoy dinner at the Delancey Street Restaurant on San Francisco's Waterfront This new home has received numerous commendations including awards from the American Architects Association, Urban Land Institute and the Gold Nugget Building Award. It allowed Delancey Street to expand its population, as well as its services, recreational and vocational opportunities. But more than that, it is a tangible representation of the Delancey Street principle that ordinary people can transform extraordinary – even impossible – dreams into reality by pooling their resources, supporting one another, and living lives of purpose and integrity. This is an excerpt from the Delancey Street website, with an insert of our photo on Thursday night, enjoying a beautiful meal with our friends.  The atmosphere is beautiful, the meals are elegant, yet affordable, and we had a lovely conversation with one of our waiters who is re-establishing relations with his two children.  George asked if Delancey Street is affiliated with Christianity, or any other religion, and our waiter told us it is not.  We believe the only true and eternal healing of the spirit and soul comes through Jesus Christ, but we acknowledge and are thankful for the excellent work that many organizations do to rehabilitate those who have been addicted and incarcerated. And, ultimately, "Don't be deceived, my dear brothers.  Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."  James 1:17 (New International Version) --Posted by Mama O.

Helping "the least of these"

Cindy and George in the Ellis Room

George at the window of the YWAM Staff Prayer Lounge
overlooking Ellis Street where the homeless and addicted
line up for meals and medical assistance at Glide Memorial
Methodist Church



The "Real" Answer to our problems!

Banister on the stairs of the Discipleship Training School lounge

We visited our friends, George and Cindy Freeman, yesterday, who have committed to spending three years working in San Francisco's Tenderloin District with the homeless and addicts at Youth With A Mission. The Ellis Room (photo at top) is a large room where street people can come during the day.  There are pool and ping pong tables and tables and chairs in the facility, where people can spend time during the day.  Cindy spends time praying with people who come in. She also does administrative support work. George spends his days working with the people, counseling, praying and befriending them. George will be teaching and developing curriculum for a program called 360, meant to help street people turn their lives around and learn the "360 degrees" of a new life: spiritual, mental, physical and emotional.  Those who take the class are required to attend daily for one year, from 9:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

The Freemans will live at the facility.  George is standing by the window of the YWAM Staff Prayer Room in the second photo.  The Freemans will live in Room 20, just a few doors down from this room. Smoke from the crack pipes of the addicts literally wafts into these windows at night. This is truly the inner city, with all of its worst problems.

Christian author Francis Chan has moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and hopes to work with the people of this area, establishing home churches in each of the apartment buildings in the Tenderloin District.  YWAM, and our friend, George, may be involved in training pastors for these home churches.

YWAM San Francisco has a Discipleship Training School, where young people come to be trained to serve short-term missions where they share the gospel in different cultures.  Most of the people trained in San Francisco are sent to Vietnam or to Italy.  There is a small patio area outside the classroom, where students write messages in chalk and other mediums.  The lower two pictures are taken in the Disciples' lounge outdoors.

"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.'" Matthew 25:40 (New International Version)

Thanks you, friends, for doing what you do for Jesus!  May we support you in prayer and love!
--Posted by Mama O.

Blood transfusion

"Jesus said to them, 'I tell you the truth,

unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood,

you have no life in you.  Whoeveer eats my flesh

and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will

raise him up at the last day.  For my flesh is real food

and my blood is real drink.  Whoever eats my flesh and

drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. Just as the

living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one

who feeds on me will live because of me.'"

John 6:53-57 (New International Version)

 

When Jesus spoke these words, they were shocking.  Even his own disciples called this a "hard teaching" and asked "Who can accept it?" (John 6:60)  And, as a result of this teaching, "many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him." (John 6:66)

 

Powerful, life-changing statements are controversial.  There is a lot at stake when a person believes and acts on such a statement.  In this case, Jesus was talking about an entire blood transfusion, changing from one family line to another. From one inheritance to another.  Our original bloodline is "of the flesh", separated from God.  Through Jesus, God offers us a new bloodline, "in the Spirit", which is united with God.

 

"For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace." Romans 8:6 (New American Standard Version)

 

Every time we take communion, we are receiving a "blood transfusion". We confess our sins of the past week and allow our cancer-filled blood to be replaced by the healthy, pure blood of Jesus Christ, who brings eternal life and joy wherever he goes!

--Posted by Mama O. 

Cultural differences

"For He Himself is our peace,

who made both groups into one,

and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall."

Ephesians 2:14 (New American Standard Version)

 

I had the privilege of meeting with two people from different cultures last evening.  We are all scheduled to teach a class together on a very difficult topic.  One of the two teachers was very uncomfortable with the subject matter.  I observed as the other member of our group responded with understanding, empathy, wisdom and humor, finding common ground between the two cultures and building on the common ground, rather than making divisive or judgmental comments about the differences.  Because of a spirit of understanding, we were able to come up with ways to address very difficult subject matter in a way that will show respect to people coming from different cultures, while still addressing some harsh realities.  While this was not a specifically "Chrstian" meeting, I did observe many Christian principles at work in the way we communicated with one another.  It reminded me of the principles I am learning (and memorizing) in the book of James in our Tuesday morning women's Bible study (9:45-11:30 a.m., Room 405):

 

"This you know, my beloved brethren. But let every one be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger." James 1:19 (New American Standard Version)

 

In our study of James, we are learning about the intense culture wars raging between Jews and Gentiles. It was the sacficial love of Christ that reconciled these two cultures, and brought them all into the family of God, just as Ephesians 2:14 states. 

 

I'd like to carry that heart of reconciliation away from our study: a heart that considers the human being created in God's image more important than the cultural differences that separate us. A heart that is willing to allow God to reconcile me to other people through his love.

--Posted by Mama O.



The body of Christ

""The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed,

took bread, and when he had given thanks,

he broke it and said,

'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.'

In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying,

'This cup is the new covenant in my blood;

do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.'"

1 Corinthians 11:23-25 (New International Version)

 

I had a brand new experience in God's grace during our church family's communion time yesterday.  While we partook of the bread and wine, I turned to my new friend, sitting next to me, and asked her if she was familiar with the story of the bread and the wine Christians take at communion.  She said, "no", so I whispered, briefly, the story of the Passover celebration, which Jesus was observing with his disciples on the night he was betrayed, before his death and resurrection.  And, I explained that it is customary to wait until you have been baptized, and become part of the body of Christ, before partaking of the body and blood of Christ.

 

My friend is a resident at Rescue The Children, which is the womens' and childrens' shelter run by the Fresno Rescue Mission.  She has recently started the 18-month rehabilitation and training program, and we have been paired in a mentoring relationship.  She grew up in Fresno, but within a different religious and cultural background, and had never heard the stories that are so familiar to Christians. 

 

What a wonderful primer in God's grace this was for me! I can't really find adequate words to describe the fathomless depths of God's love, that we could be worshipping together on Sunday morning and partaking in the mystery of the body of Christ.

"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom

and knowledge of God!"

Romans 11:33 (New International Version)

--Posted by Mama O.  

Hungry for righteousness

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled."

Matthew 5:6

 

 

Arthur Wint spoke to us today about being hungry for righteousness.  He defined hunger as "the painful sensation caused by want of food or a strong desire or craving (for food)."  And what happens if that hunger and thirst are not satisfied eventually? You die.

 

"My hope and prayer is that there is nobody dying here," Arthur said. He made sure that each of us knew that the elders and ministers are available to offer us God's life-giving love through prayer at the end of every Sunday service.

 

He talked about people who had that craving for Jesus' love.  Mary, the sister who sat at Jesus' feet, listening to his words, was one of those people.  Jesus told her sister, the worrying, hurrying Martha, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41

 

Then, there was Zaccheus, the short man who had to climb over many obstacles to satisfy his hunger for Jesus.  But, once he found Jesus, Zaccheus wasn't too short any more!  He had everything he needed in Jesus! No matter what the circumstances, he could face them with Jesus.

 

"Carlotta and I used to tell our kids, 'You and God and I make a majority!'" Arthur told us. We are never outnumbered, never too short, never too poor, never unprepared when God calls us to do a job!

 

But, brace yourself, you will not remain the same person in God's presence.  "People change in the presence of God," Arthur said. "You can't be bitter and angry when you taste and see how good God is!"

--Posted by Mama O.

In Loving Memory of Mary Tarkenton



Mary, you are in our hearts forever!

"'For I know the plans I have for you,'
declares the Lord,
'plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.'"
Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)

Mary's son, Scott Tarkenton, shared this
verse, one of his mom's favorite verses,
with friends and family at yesterday's service
in Mary's honor. 

"Mom didn't trust in the things of this world,"
Scott shared,
"she trusted in God."

"She didn't think of herself,"
Scott said.
"She thought of others first. 
When you opened up her prayer journals,
she was praying for us."

Mary's son-in-law, Shawn Kirkley,
remembered her being wheeled into the
operating room for a painful and invasive
procedure.  Her words:
"I hope these doctors are ready to hear about Jesus!"

"I never saw her glorious joy waver,"
recalled Steve Thurman, family friend
and presiding pastor over Mary's service.
"That unshakeable joy of hers made her a
powerful evangelist in the cause of Christ."

Thank you, Mary for showing us all how to live!
--Posted by Mama O.

 

God's breath

"Then the Lord formed man of the dust from the ground,

and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life;

and man became a living being (soul)."

Genesis 2:7 (New American Standard Version)

 

I am studying the book of Genesis this year with Bible Study Fellowship.  One of my fellow students pointed out yesterday that all the rest of creation was brought to life by God's speaking.  Only man was given life by God's breath.  This sets man and woman apart from all other creation.  We are formed in God's image.  We bear his characteristics and likeness.  We are not "God", but we are like God in many ways.  We have the ability to reason, to choose, to love, to hate and to create, among other things.

 

There is a parallel account in the New Testament, to God's breathing life into mankind.  In John 20:22 we read:

 

"And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit...'"

(New American Standard Version)

 

Again, God's breath created new life, in his very image, in mankind.  We have the very "mind of Christ" because of the Holy Spirit living within us.

 

2 Timothy 3:16 says that God's Word, the Scripture, is also God-breathed: "All Scripture is inspired by God (God-breathed) and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for traiing in righteousness." (New American Standard Version).

 

So, when I memorize Scripture verses, I have the very breath of God giving me healthy, vigorous spiritual life as the Holy Spirit quickens my thought-life with God's thoughts!  That is good news!

--Posted by Mama O.



Fond memories of Mary Tarkenton

Kathy Wagner, Mary Tarkenton and Jean Lee in 2003
Photo courtesy of Dawn Frame

Late Monday afternoon, October 1, 2012, our sister, Mary Tarkenton went to be with our Lord. Following are a few of the fond remembrances of this great lady from her church family (via Facebook):

 

"Mary's legacy and example lives on. Like when we were just getting to know you all...jumping right in! 2003"--Dawn Frame

 

"Yes, I remember that too!  They all totally immersed themselves, didn't they?  After a few weeks, it seemed like they'd been with us forever.  So therefore Mary will be with us forever and evermore.  Thanks for the reminder, Dawn."--Robin Button

 

"What a blessing it was to the College Church to have such an infusion of life in '03.  Mary's spirit was truly remarkable.  She will be mised.  I just keep thinking about what a great day this must be for her."--Doug Baker

 

"The Lord has a new perfect soul with him.  I will miss you Mary.  I will always remember your beautiful face, sweet heart and seemingly unending and unconditional love.  We will see each other again."--D'Andra Buchanan

 

"(God) now has an earthly angel at His side.  My prayer is that you are in that perfect garden...I will miss you sweet friend."--Kimi Lopez

 

"What a great gain for heaven to receive such an awesome spirit, if at all possible, Heaven is a much greater place today.  blessings and prayers to Mary's family!"--Dave Lopez

 

"Thre is no way I can express my gratitude to God and to Mary Tarkenton's family for letting me be there with Mary, holding her hand as she passed into glory.  I FELT her tremendous burden lifted in those last moments.  Though we are all so very sad at the prospect of going on without her, we rejoice together for the healing God granted today.

Now God, please grant that I can show the same grace and faith that my sister Mary has shown these past months.  And give all of her earthly family comfort and peace."--Steve Thurman

--Posted by Mama O.

In Loving Memory of Robert M. Burrell

"A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children..."
Proverbs 13:22 (New International Version)

"From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things
as surely as the work of his hands rewards him."
Proverbs 12:14 (New International Version)

I stand amazed at the treasure that Bob Burrell was to this world! 
I listened to his son-in-law, David Shabaglian, describe the
legacy this good man left to him, as the father of Bob's
grandchildren: a legacy of uncomplaining joy in the Lord's
provision, of unconditional love for people made in God's
image, of uncompromising support for family and friends,
of unwavering faith in a God who loves the whole world,
of unspeakable wonder at who God is. David had the privilege
of reading Bob's favorite Scripture passages out loud to
him and of playing his favorite worship music off of
You Tube as Bob left this world and entered into Jesus' presence.

Bob's service on Monday was filled with testimony after testimony
of Bob's cheerful, uncomplaining spirit, of his encouraging words,
his humor, his gentleness, his kindness and, yes, his ability to
"dress to the nines".  Seldom does the world have the privilege
of watching a man whose impeccable sense of fashion and style
on the outside is actually superseded by his inner sense of beauty
and love.  Robert M. Burrell was one of those "few good men."
I am thankful he was my friend.  My goal: to honor his memory
by imitating his goodness! Join me!  I guarantee the world will be
a better place for it!
--Posted by Mama O.

 

ABIDE

"I am the vine, you are the branches;

he who abides in Me, and I in him

he bears much fruit;

for apart from Me you can do nothing."

John 15:5 (New American Standard Version)

What a joy to encounter the smiling enthusiasm of my friend, Sonia Villareal in the lobby of church first thing Sunday morning.  She was positively bubbling over with excitement over our new women's Bible study on the book of James (Tuesday mornings: 9:45-11:30 a.m., Room 405).

 

"I'm going to do all five levels," she announced to me, giving me the challenge and inspiration I need to do them alongside her.

 

The five levels include:

 

1. Watch the videos

2. Do the homework

3. Handwrite the entire book of James

4. Study the in-depth articles

5. Memorize the Book of James

 

Beth Moore gives hints on memorizing an entire book. She bases them on the acrostic of ABIDE:

 

A--Ask for the ability to memorize an entire book (God is generous! He loves to give good gifrs!)

B--Believe you can do it!

I--Increase the portion you recite each week. She recommends learning a chapter per month.

D--Determine a set time daily to practice your memory work.  You may discover a discipline in yourself that you never knew existed.  Persist.  She recommends 30 minutes a day.  This can be done while you are walking or riding an exercise bicycle.

E--Enjoy it!

 

Thanks, Sonia, for your encouragement!  We are on our way together!

--Posted by Mama O.