Christmas is just around the corner. You have asked or you have been asked this question before: What does Christmas really? Probably we can make the question a bit more personal and ask ourselves "What does Christmas mean to me?" Remember that it was not just one night when a baby arrived. It was the coming of Lord Jesus for a reason. Think of who He is and what He would do in the next 30+ years on earth. Think of what He has done and paid for you and me. The birth of that baby is really something special and personal to us.
What does Christmas mean to you?
週會表 Current Schedule
Monday, December 17, 2007
Looking back. Looking beyond.
As we are approaching the end of the year, it is time to look back on how God led us, and also to look forward to His teaching and guidance in the time ahead. Is there at least one thing that you can thank God for? A blessing? Comfort? Trial? Challenge? And, what is that one thing you would pledge to God for the coming year?
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
探訪長青養老院 11/24/2007
這是很有意思的一天, 在感恩節的週未可以與一班公公婆婆相聚, 藉著詩歌, 遊戲和小禮物分享從神而來的愛與關懷, 最開心是能夠跟他們閒話家常. 希望大家繼續為這班長者禱告, 亦盼望我們可以將來定期的探望他們, 知道一般不是太多團體去探訪這一所養老院, 那裡的負責人都很感謝大家的熱心.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Genuine Salvation
This Sat we will study 2 Peter 2:10-22 and it talks about false prophets and false teachers. I came across this article this morning and it is somewhat related. We need to be careful of what we think we believe and let's not be misled that being a Christian means everything will go smoothly in life. However, God do promise us peace and strength and shelter at difficult times. -Alvin
"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it."
--Matthew 7:13--14
Many people today have essentially believed a watered-down gospel that deletes the message of repentance. They believe in an all-caring, nonjudgmental God who requires no repentance or a change in their lifestyle. They will say things like, "I believe in Jesus Christ, but my God is not judgmental. My God would never send a person to hell. But I am a Christian."
Yet they cannot have it both ways. They can't make it up as they go.
There are many people, even in the church, who hold to a watered-down belief. This diluted gospel may be the most dangerous plague the church is facing today, because it gives a sense of false assurance to the person who believes it.
The Bible speaks of false prophets who give false assurance. In Jeremiah 6:14, God says, "They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly, saying, 'Peace, peace!' when there is no peace."
It would be like going to the doctor when you are having a heart attack, and having the doctor tell you, "Oh, you are fine. You are being so dramatic! You will be OK."
There are ministers today who say, "God loves you and everything is fine. You can do whatever you want and live however you want to live. Let's just love one another and have a great time."
But that is a false gospel. Yes, God loves us. Yes, God receives any person who comes to Him. But He asks us to repent. He asks us to turn from our sins. If we are not willing to do so, then we are not experiencing biblical faith. And thus, we are not going to receive what the Bible describes as genuine salvation.
For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org.
"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it."
--Matthew 7:13--14
Many people today have essentially believed a watered-down gospel that deletes the message of repentance. They believe in an all-caring, nonjudgmental God who requires no repentance or a change in their lifestyle. They will say things like, "I believe in Jesus Christ, but my God is not judgmental. My God would never send a person to hell. But I am a Christian."
Yet they cannot have it both ways. They can't make it up as they go.
There are many people, even in the church, who hold to a watered-down belief. This diluted gospel may be the most dangerous plague the church is facing today, because it gives a sense of false assurance to the person who believes it.
The Bible speaks of false prophets who give false assurance. In Jeremiah 6:14, God says, "They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly, saying, 'Peace, peace!' when there is no peace."
It would be like going to the doctor when you are having a heart attack, and having the doctor tell you, "Oh, you are fine. You are being so dramatic! You will be OK."
There are ministers today who say, "God loves you and everything is fine. You can do whatever you want and live however you want to live. Let's just love one another and have a great time."
But that is a false gospel. Yes, God loves us. Yes, God receives any person who comes to Him. But He asks us to repent. He asks us to turn from our sins. If we are not willing to do so, then we are not experiencing biblical faith. And thus, we are not going to receive what the Bible describes as genuine salvation.
For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
馬飛的分享
I want to share you guys an event happening during 12:00A.M to 6:30A.M on Nov. 3 2007.The event in brief is as follow,
A student living I-house of CSU East Bay called me at around 12:00 A.M,telling me that her classmate got serious disease and asking me whether I could take them to a hospital.Actually I didn't know how to handle the issue at that time. and I didn't know who was calling me.I called Didio first.As you know,she is a nurse.Then I called Pastor,who told me that he will meet us soon.I went to I-house to see two students.I realized that I knew the student calling me,but I didn't know her name.Patient was a guy.Actually it's first time to meet him.After a while Pastor and Didio came over .Based on the insurance,Didio took me and other two students along with Pastor to a hospital located in Tennyson street.
A couple of patients waited for doctors.Until around 3:00A.M,a nurse called the student.Unfortunately,he had to wait for about an hour to see doctor.Pastor took me and female student back.Didio accompanied the another student to see doctor.I still remembered time when I got back,it's 3:25 A.M.After the student saw doctor,he can't get medicine in the hospital.Didio went to several pharmacies.Since most of pharmacies were closed at that time.Finally she found the medicines that the student needed.It's around 6:30 A.M when Didio went back her home.
I very appreciate what Pastor and Didio did.I want to give special thanks to Pastor and Didio.Without her,I don't know how to handle that issue. since I don't know where I should go.Without her,I can't know how to talk with doctor since my English is limited.Without her,I don't know where I should go to get medicine.Thank you,Didio and Pastor.Thank you for you guys love to CSUEB's students.
As you know,Pastor built up the CSUEB student fellowship one month ago.I further understand love from God and from all of you through the fellowship.Pastor,Didio,Joyce,Jeff,Alvin spend much time with students,preparing delicious foods for them and helping them including me to improve English.Alvin's mother and Selena's mother also cook foods for the fellowship.Because of love,all of you try to help students from China.Because of love,all of you are the channel of God.Because of love,all of you keep the fellowship into your pray.
I went to pray meeting in Castro Valley a couple of weeks ago.I'm deeply moved by what brothers and sister did.They tried to figure out ways to help student,to build up closer relationship with them.A power push me to tear.I'm sure it's love from God and love from all of you.Thank you for all of you.All of you are my encouragement.When I see you,I realize that we need to work together to outreach to students from China.
When I think about the fellowship,I give thanks to God putting the burden to all of you.We are a team in which God head us.I'm sure God's goal will be fulfilled through His way.He will make a way for us.Actually he is making a way for us to help students from China.step by Step,they could come to know God's love.
I'm very delighted that Dawei,a student from China,accepted God on outreaching night.I knew her when I took her to Bestbuy in Union City.Another student named Mozes told her I'm a Christan.She asked me whether I can take her to church.Because her father hoped she could go to church when she was in China.This is why Dawei goes to our church.More amazing,she accepted God through a special thing,through which Pastor and Didio helped her a lot.She realizes that all of us are helping her and loving her.God has led students from China to our doorstep.What we need to do is to help them and love them.Finally we could lead them to come to God.It's hard job.But no job is better than working for Him.
Praise to God
In Him
Fei Ma
A student living I-house of CSU East Bay called me at around 12:00 A.M,telling me that her classmate got serious disease and asking me whether I could take them to a hospital.Actually I didn't know how to handle the issue at that time. and I didn't know who was calling me.I called Didio first.As you know,she is a nurse.Then I called Pastor,who told me that he will meet us soon.I went to I-house to see two students.I realized that I knew the student calling me,but I didn't know her name.Patient was a guy.Actually it's first time to meet him.After a while Pastor and Didio came over .Based on the insurance,Didio took me and other two students along with Pastor to a hospital located in Tennyson street.
A couple of patients waited for doctors.Until around 3:00A.M,a nurse called the student.Unfortunately,he had to wait for about an hour to see doctor.Pastor took me and female student back.Didio accompanied the another student to see doctor.I still remembered time when I got back,it's 3:25 A.M.After the student saw doctor,he can't get medicine in the hospital.Didio went to several pharmacies.Since most of pharmacies were closed at that time.Finally she found the medicines that the student needed.It's around 6:30 A.M when Didio went back her home.
I very appreciate what Pastor and Didio did.I want to give special thanks to Pastor and Didio.Without her,I don't know how to handle that issue. since I don't know where I should go.Without her,I can't know how to talk with doctor since my English is limited.Without her,I don't know where I should go to get medicine.Thank you,Didio and Pastor.Thank you for you guys love to CSUEB's students.
As you know,Pastor built up the CSUEB student fellowship one month ago.I further understand love from God and from all of you through the fellowship.Pastor,Didio,Joyce,Jeff,Alvin spend much time with students,preparing delicious foods for them and helping them including me to improve English.Alvin's mother and Selena's mother also cook foods for the fellowship.Because of love,all of you try to help students from China.Because of love,all of you are the channel of God.Because of love,all of you keep the fellowship into your pray.
I went to pray meeting in Castro Valley a couple of weeks ago.I'm deeply moved by what brothers and sister did.They tried to figure out ways to help student,to build up closer relationship with them.A power push me to tear.I'm sure it's love from God and love from all of you.Thank you for all of you.All of you are my encouragement.When I see you,I realize that we need to work together to outreach to students from China.
When I think about the fellowship,I give thanks to God putting the burden to all of you.We are a team in which God head us.I'm sure God's goal will be fulfilled through His way.He will make a way for us.Actually he is making a way for us to help students from China.step by Step,they could come to know God's love.
I'm very delighted that Dawei,a student from China,accepted God on outreaching night.I knew her when I took her to Bestbuy in Union City.Another student named Mozes told her I'm a Christan.She asked me whether I can take her to church.Because her father hoped she could go to church when she was in China.This is why Dawei goes to our church.More amazing,she accepted God through a special thing,through which Pastor and Didio helped her a lot.She realizes that all of us are helping her and loving her.God has led students from China to our doorstep.What we need to do is to help them and love them.Finally we could lead them to come to God.It's hard job.But no job is better than working for Him.
Praise to God
In Him
Fei Ma
Monday, October 29, 2007
迎新會+感恩節晚餐 Welcome Night and Thanksgiving Dinner
這是一個邀請家人和朋友來到教會的好機會﹐ 請不要錯過﹗
Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to invite your family and friends to church!
日期 Date: 11/10/2007 Sat
時間 Time: 6pm-9pm
地點 Location: 教會 Church
節目Program:
感恩節晚餐﹐詩歌﹐見證分享﹐短片
Thanksgiving dinner, songs, testimony sharing, video
Click here for details and the flyer.
Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to invite your family and friends to church!
日期 Date: 11/10/2007 Sat
時間 Time: 6pm-9pm
地點 Location: 教會 Church
節目Program:
感恩節晚餐﹐詩歌﹐見證分享﹐短片
Thanksgiving dinner, songs, testimony sharing, video
Click here for details and the flyer.
請你代禱
- The sisters going to Israel next Sunday. Pray for their safety.
- Outreach to the Cal State East Bay students--new Friday night gathering and Sunday School class. Instead of bring us to China to tell the Good News, God has put them right at our doorstep.
- People who attended the movie outreach night few weeks ago. We would like to be in touch with them and invite them to the Welcome Night+Thanksgiving Dinner 迎新會+感恩晚餐 on 11/10/07 Sat.
- 2008 fellowship committee election and God's guidance and vision for the coming year
- Our Nov visit to the senior home in Oakland
- Mexico short-term mission trip 11/30-12/2/07 and our Shoebox Gift drive for the kids there
- The search for English congregation pastor
- People around us, especially those who are going through difficult time in life
- Those suffering from the southern California fire
- Our parents and family members--their salvation and well-being; our relationship with them
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
代禱事項--新的主日學
這個星期天會開始一班新的主日學, 對象是說普通話的初信和慕道的朋友, 將會由馬飛, Felix和Alvin去負責. 請大家為這件事祈禱, 祈求聖靈親自工作, 讓神的話語和福音訊息進入人的心. 亦請記念負責的弟兄, 求神幫助他們去預備他們的心和教材, 突破語言上的障礙, 堅立他們的信心全然倚靠神. 謝謝.
Monday, October 15, 2007
我是......
在上星期六看的"恐懼森林"裡面, 有一句對白講到一個人的價值不是由別人去決定, 而是在乎於我們自己和神(的關係). 今天看到下面的文章, 又再想到那一句對白. --Alvin
On Location - Sam I Am (Scar Tissue) by Ed Young
Who we are today is a direct result of our past. We all have scars and wounds from the words and actions of others and from our own failures and mistakes. But for the Christ-follower this is not the end of the story.
As the Spirit of God uses the Word of God to remake us into new creations, these scars from the past become stepping stones to spiritual maturity. Embrace these top ten principles from God's word and allow Him to rebuild your battered self-esteem:
10. I am created
For we are God's workmanship. Ephesians 2:10
9. I am chosen
For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you...1 Timothy 1:4
8. I am protected
Protect me as you would the pupil of your eye. Psalm 17:8 (NLT)
7. I am complete
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3
6. I am victorious
In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37
5. I am called
[God] has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace...2 Timothy 1:9
4. I am forgiven
There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1
3. I am free
Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. John 8:32
2. I am loved
I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. Jeremiah 31:3
1. I am accepted!
Friday, October 5, 2007
Joan - 上一年的佈道會
如果沒有記錯, 上一年的佈道會是在10/21/2006.
還有8天就到今年的佈道會. 雖然不是同一天,但也感觸良多.
身在Irvine的我仍很緊張CCCAC的一切, 久不久問下佈道會準備的進度, 有甚麼困難, 又會問中文班, 詩班和弟兄姊妹的事. 當Lawrence話我知找不到 greeter 的時候,我真的後想回去幫手……
記得一年前的我就以一個guess的身份走進正堂聽佈道會, 和Janet 坐在林修榮和牧師後面. 一切感動了我, 特別是Alvin的那首歌. 於是戰戰競競地站起來, 一直合着眼低着頭, 不敢看. 決志後走出正堂的我, 就似初生嬰兒, 重生的感覺, 也帶着一點兒害怕的感覺.(可能因為這也是我人生中重要的決定. 父母在場,而旁邊又是一個剛認識的Janet, 在衆人下作的決定, 不免有點害怕). 邊走出正堂,邊有人恭喜我,最記得, Alvin, Joyce, Felix等人在後面等我, 紛紛和我握手, Joyce 還擁抱我. Alvin 話 “呢期最紅係你啦” 哈哈.
一年這樣就過去, 今年我再不是guess, 所以好想幫手, 做greeter也好. 不竟我的開始是在CCCAC的佈道會, 可惜我不在Bay area. 我做到的只有拍了一個不知道work 唔work 的見證video 及不斷為你們祈禱. 加油呀, 弟兄姊妹!!! 支持你地, 更支持牧師!!! 唱好D呀 Alvin, 詩班都係呀~ 快D背好首 “尋找”啦!!
當別人問我 “Joan, 你係邊間教會?” 我以前會猶疑, 因為曾有人話我不是屬CCCAC的,我不是CCCAC的member. 但經過昨晚後, 我以後可以好肯定的向人說 : “I am from CCCAC” 因為我在CCCAC找到歸屬感, 那裏是我屬靈的家
P.S. ( Thank you very much Lawrence)
還有8天就到今年的佈道會. 雖然不是同一天,但也感觸良多.
身在Irvine的我仍很緊張CCCAC的一切, 久不久問下佈道會準備的進度, 有甚麼困難, 又會問中文班, 詩班和弟兄姊妹的事. 當Lawrence話我知找不到 greeter 的時候,我真的後想回去幫手……
記得一年前的我就以一個guess的身份走進正堂聽佈道會, 和Janet 坐在林修榮和牧師後面. 一切感動了我, 特別是Alvin的那首歌. 於是戰戰競競地站起來, 一直合着眼低着頭, 不敢看. 決志後走出正堂的我, 就似初生嬰兒, 重生的感覺, 也帶着一點兒害怕的感覺.(可能因為這也是我人生中重要的決定. 父母在場,而旁邊又是一個剛認識的Janet, 在衆人下作的決定, 不免有點害怕). 邊走出正堂,邊有人恭喜我,最記得, Alvin, Joyce, Felix等人在後面等我, 紛紛和我握手, Joyce 還擁抱我. Alvin 話 “呢期最紅係你啦” 哈哈.
一年這樣就過去, 今年我再不是guess, 所以好想幫手, 做greeter也好. 不竟我的開始是在CCCAC的佈道會, 可惜我不在Bay area. 我做到的只有拍了一個不知道work 唔work 的見證video 及不斷為你們祈禱. 加油呀, 弟兄姊妹!!! 支持你地, 更支持牧師!!! 唱好D呀 Alvin, 詩班都係呀~ 快D背好首 “尋找”啦!!
當別人問我 “Joan, 你係邊間教會?” 我以前會猶疑, 因為曾有人話我不是屬CCCAC的,我不是CCCAC的member. 但經過昨晚後, 我以後可以好肯定的向人說 : “I am from CCCAC” 因為我在CCCAC找到歸屬感, 那裏是我屬靈的家
P.S. ( Thank you very much Lawrence)
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
9/29/2007 Bible Study Summary
彼得後書1:12-21
在經文中, 我們看見彼得雖然他自知時日無多, 仍苦口婆心地循循善誘要留下這些重要的話, 幫助各時代的信徒.
信徒處在這世代中, 如逆水行舟, 若非不斷追求屬靈品德上長進, 生命要結出信心、德行、知識、節制、忍耐、虔敬和愛的性情, 便很容易被今世的風俗、罪惡的習慣、人的道理、各種壞潮流, 漸漸將我們屬靈的眼光蒙蔽, 以致我們的心思、意志和觀念，也漸受其影響, 便漸漸看不見屬靈之事的美好, 慚漸效法世界的樣式.
信主的年日日增, 在教會中的資歷愈來愈「老」, 對各種道理的知識愈來愈多, 信徒以為自己在某方面的真理已十分熟識, 已經聽過, 便忽略了它, 自己可以不必再受題醒, 甚至聽到別人提及自己所熟識的真道時, 便十分傲慢地輕視別人, 以為自己所知的比別人多 , 結果必然會驕傲自大. 信徒要在真道上堅固, 彼此題醒, 不可放鬆、懈怠.
當時有異端或假傳道 , 隨自己的意思講解聖經的話, 傳錯誤的道理, 引誘信徒, 以致有些信徒對主再來之真道發生疑惑. 所以彼得在此再一次堅固他們的信心, 使他們知道使徒對他們所曾傳講有關主再來的事, 絕非使徒憑個人意思推測出來的道理, 乃是直接從神得到的啟示, 也是彼得親身經歷, 親自聽見的, 在此特別題醒信徒, 這位要來的耶穌基督, 乃是神所親自印證是祂愛子的那一位, 使他們深信主再來之真確.
請不要忘記對基督徒來說, 生命中最重要的事就是跟上帝有好的關係. 這是我們所有優先次序中的第一位.
第二件我們需要的提醒是, 不要忘記神在我們身上的作為. 彼得用了他的兩個親身經歷 來提醒我們.
第三件基督徒不能忘記的是, 我們要記得每天讀聖經領受的真理.
在經文中, 我們看見彼得雖然他自知時日無多, 仍苦口婆心地循循善誘要留下這些重要的話, 幫助各時代的信徒.
信徒處在這世代中, 如逆水行舟, 若非不斷追求屬靈品德上長進, 生命要結出信心、德行、知識、節制、忍耐、虔敬和愛的性情, 便很容易被今世的風俗、罪惡的習慣、人的道理、各種壞潮流, 漸漸將我們屬靈的眼光蒙蔽, 以致我們的心思、意志和觀念，也漸受其影響, 便漸漸看不見屬靈之事的美好, 慚漸效法世界的樣式.
信主的年日日增, 在教會中的資歷愈來愈「老」, 對各種道理的知識愈來愈多, 信徒以為自己在某方面的真理已十分熟識, 已經聽過, 便忽略了它, 自己可以不必再受題醒, 甚至聽到別人提及自己所熟識的真道時, 便十分傲慢地輕視別人, 以為自己所知的比別人多 , 結果必然會驕傲自大. 信徒要在真道上堅固, 彼此題醒, 不可放鬆、懈怠.
當時有異端或假傳道 , 隨自己的意思講解聖經的話, 傳錯誤的道理, 引誘信徒, 以致有些信徒對主再來之真道發生疑惑. 所以彼得在此再一次堅固他們的信心, 使他們知道使徒對他們所曾傳講有關主再來的事, 絕非使徒憑個人意思推測出來的道理, 乃是直接從神得到的啟示, 也是彼得親身經歷, 親自聽見的, 在此特別題醒信徒, 這位要來的耶穌基督, 乃是神所親自印證是祂愛子的那一位, 使他們深信主再來之真確.
請不要忘記對基督徒來說, 生命中最重要的事就是跟上帝有好的關係. 這是我們所有優先次序中的第一位.
第二件我們需要的提醒是, 不要忘記神在我們身上的作為. 彼得用了他的兩個親身經歷 來提醒我們.
第三件基督徒不能忘記的是, 我們要記得每天讀聖經領受的真理.
Alvin的分享-- In the Drawer
Today is one of those days that I need to wear my glasses. My eyes just became sore after lunch. The glasses cost me quite a bit because it is hard for me to find a frame that fits comfortably. Still I don’t like to have anything in front of my eyes, and it is some kind of obstacle to me. I know I should wear it whenever I am sitting in front of the computer for a long time (that basically means every day), but for over a year it has not become a habit yet. The only time I think of it is when my eyes feel terribly tired and sore. Tomorrow I probably will put the glasses back in the nice looking case and leave it in the drawer. You know, sometimes that’s also how we treat God and our fellowship with Him. Our restored relationship with God is paid by a costly sacrifice of Jesus. Do we treasure it? Yes, No, May be. There are times we don’t want God’s participation and intervention in our life especially when we are on cruise control. We may put Him aside until we have to send our S.O.S. Is God somewhere in one of your deep drawers? Or, is He actively involved in your everyday life?--Alvin (Original from http://nolegstoland.blogspot.com/)
Monday, October 1, 2007
Joan的分享
還記得曾經有好幾個人對我說過, 一個旅程的結束其實是另一個旅程的開始, 而人生裏就是有很多不同的 “旅程”.
剛離開bay area一星期, 覺得時間過得好慢. 所有野也算settle down 了, 沒有在campus 迷路 (暫時), 至少識去class rooms, book store, student center, international center同埋識得找野食. VCD Norte (my apartment) 非常好, 我住左Graduate section, 所以好寧靜. 坐shuttle 返學又非常方便. 現在還有一間很不錯的church (cbccoc). Those already fit my needs and wants.
如Alvin 說, 我該懂得去看自己所擁有的, 而不應去看自己缺少的. 現在我很滿足了. 之後的日子就是一個好好的機會給我學習, 讓我成長.
感謝神!! 有時覺得祂真的很了解我, 知道我是怎樣的人就給我適當的挑戰, 讓我學識獨立, 讓我一步步地成長.
第一次去活石團契, 感覺很不錯. 剛巧他們分享的其中一首歌是 “全因為你”, 是我很喜歡的一首歌. 也就是離開bay area 前一晚在Janet 家分享的一首歌. 彷忽神在告訴我很多東西正在弦續下去 – 我的教會生活, 團契生活, 那當然還有和你們的友誼. 我該好好珍惜我所有的.
活石是一個College團契, 每一個也在讀書, 所以特別有親切感. 和以前不一樣, 我再不是大家的小妹妹, 我現在也算比較大的一個, 哈哈, 突然覺得自己好老.
今早my mom and aunties 走了, 有點不捨. 由今天起我要靠自己, of course 也有父神一起與我同行.
剛與鄧牧師,師母吃過午飯, 他們好nice, 好好人, I feel so warm.
明天會去Sunday school, worship, lunch @ church. 就這樣慢慢展開我的新生活.
Thanks a lot for all your prayers and wishes~
非常感謝幫我找教會的弟兄姊妹及林牧師,師母.
11月20日, 我會返Bay area, 到時再見 ^^
剛離開bay area一星期, 覺得時間過得好慢. 所有野也算settle down 了, 沒有在campus 迷路 (暫時), 至少識去class rooms, book store, student center, international center同埋識得找野食. VCD Norte (my apartment) 非常好, 我住左Graduate section, 所以好寧靜. 坐shuttle 返學又非常方便. 現在還有一間很不錯的church (cbccoc). Those already fit my needs and wants.
如Alvin 說, 我該懂得去看自己所擁有的, 而不應去看自己缺少的. 現在我很滿足了. 之後的日子就是一個好好的機會給我學習, 讓我成長.
感謝神!! 有時覺得祂真的很了解我, 知道我是怎樣的人就給我適當的挑戰, 讓我學識獨立, 讓我一步步地成長.
第一次去活石團契, 感覺很不錯. 剛巧他們分享的其中一首歌是 “全因為你”, 是我很喜歡的一首歌. 也就是離開bay area 前一晚在Janet 家分享的一首歌. 彷忽神在告訴我很多東西正在弦續下去 – 我的教會生活, 團契生活, 那當然還有和你們的友誼. 我該好好珍惜我所有的.
活石是一個College團契, 每一個也在讀書, 所以特別有親切感. 和以前不一樣, 我再不是大家的小妹妹, 我現在也算比較大的一個, 哈哈, 突然覺得自己好老.
今早my mom and aunties 走了, 有點不捨. 由今天起我要靠自己, of course 也有父神一起與我同行.
剛與鄧牧師,師母吃過午飯, 他們好nice, 好好人, I feel so warm.
明天會去Sunday school, worship, lunch @ church. 就這樣慢慢展開我的新生活.
Thanks a lot for all your prayers and wishes~
非常感謝幫我找教會的弟兄姊妹及林牧師,師母.
11月20日, 我會返Bay area, 到時再見 ^^
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
New study material to be used in the fellowship
We want to beef up the fellowship programs with more Biblical material and we’ve been looking for the right package. With God’s timely provision, we’ve found a DVD curriculum "Faith Lessons on the Promised Land" with study guides. That is the first volume of the “Faith Lessons” series, and there are other volumes with different themes. Filmed on location in Israel and Turkey, Faith Lessons is an in-depth video tour of the buried, distant, or otherwise forgotten places where the stories of the Bible actually happened. From this cultural perspective, teacher and historian Ray Vander Laan challenges long-held Western assumptions about even the most well-known Scripture passages. The first Faith Lessons volume focuses on God putting his mark on a people and their land, a mark he has extended through ancient Israel to the faithful of today. Each episode comes with Bible scriptures and discussion section. We are looking forward to learn together with this curriculum. Expected start date is mid November.
Content:
Tel Gezer - Standing at the Crossroads
Jordan River - Wet Feet
Tel Jericho - First Fruits
Tel Beth Shemesh - Confronting Evil
Tel Azekah - Iron of Culture
Link for more detail:
http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Product/ProductDetail.htm?ProdID=com.zondervan.9780310678700&QueryStringSite=Zondervan
Video samples:
http://www.zondervan.com/media/samples/video/excerpt/0310678560_videosample.wmv
http://www.zondervan.com/media/samples/video/excerpt/0310256003_videosample.wmv
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Messages from the 2007 retreat
Message 1: Status of a channel 管道的身份
- Be humble (2Cor 4:7)
- Be clean (2 Tim 2:20)
- Be a catalyst (Phil 1:21, Gal 2:20)
- Be submissive to be shaped or molded
- Be available (Isa 6:8)
We, as the worthless clay pot, was carrying dirt in the past. We are now cleaned by God to carry something precious from Him. Still, this clay pot will be forgotten like the catalyst after the chemical reaction. The potter designs the pot and shapes it for his purpose. He will also test it continuously.
Message 2: Be a channel of... 作一個......的管道
- Truth/God's message (2 Cor 4:2)
- Gospel (2 Cor. 4:3)
- Life of Jesus Christ (2 Cor 4:5,10 and 11)
- Light (2 Cor 4:6)
- Grace and Thanksgiving (2 Cor 4:15)
- Love (1 John 4:19-21)
- God's power (2 Cor 12:7-10)
- Comfort (2 Cor 1:4)
These are all blessings from God.
Message 3: Become a channel for God 成為神的流通管道
- God has already prepared a backpak filled with tools you need for the jounrey. (Exodus 35:35)
- God will work in us and help us. (Phil 2:13)
- Find and understand your spot in God's church. The "Sweet Spot" is where you will glory God the most. (1Cor 12:18)
- Come face to face with God. Our ultimate life purpose is to reflect God's glory. (2 Cor 3:16-18)
Fellowship Retreat 2007@Sugar Pine Cabin, Twain Harte, CA
Praise the Lord with a thankful heart for the past weekend. It was wonderful in many special ways. The teachings, the sharings, the good time, the tears and laughters, the food, the place, the whole experience...all are still vivid in our mind. Share your thoughts by adding comments to this post. We are all thrilled to witness how Aggie received the salvation. Pictures are being collected and soon will be available here. Also, the main points from the messages of "Be a channel of..." will be posted here soon. Stay tuned.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Seek Him First and Pray For Each Other
- Movie outreach night in Oct--Pray for those we will invite and for the preparation of the event. It is a good opportunity for us to experience God and to work with others in unity.
- New pastor for English congregation--Pray that God provides the wisdom, the path and the selection, and through this process we all see His vision and direction as one body of Christ. Pray for the interim arrangement and the patience to seek His will. At the same time, thank God for Pastor Darren and his family for being faithful servants all these years and pray that God lead them every step of the way in the coming days.
- Fellowship retreat. Pray for the preparation going on right now, our speaker Pastor Clement, the safety on the road and most of all a heart to learn from God’s word and each other.
- Janet’s taking the driving test on Friday. Pray for her safety, confidence and calmness. (Pray for the DMV examiner and other cars on the road too. Hahaha…)
- Si-Yin’s knee and back pain. Pray that God will guide her through the treatment and give her the assurance that God’s watching over.
- The Chinese students in CSU East Bay. Pray that God prepares a way, through our church or others, to reach out to them and to build a bridge to the Good News.
- Chinese class will begin in Sept--Pray for the kids for a willing heart to come and their parents for opportunities to build relationships with them. Pray for the teachers and their wisdom and perseverance and especially their loving hearts. It is also a great way to disciple the teenage helpers.
- Choir--Choir practice has resumed, and we pray that God provides us more people in His time.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Home Fellowship and BBQ 8/18/2007
Last Sat we had home fellowship at Alvin's place. After singing some songs, many of us shared on things God allowed us to experience during the week....from jury duty to God's guidance at work to drinking the water from a swimming pool scheduled to be cleaned. In the special program, each of us had to teach the others some skill or trick in 5 min. We learned some Mandarin tongue-twister, poker card trick, exercises, origami craft and maintenance on car, teeth and cat. The fun time continued with the BBQ dinner and later some interesting conversation and card games. It was great that some of our parents and family members were able to join us too. What a blessed day!
Below is the 绕口令 Aggie taught us. Can you do it?
yī píng pén miàn,lào yī píng pén bing,bing pèng pén,pén pèng bing.
一 平 盆 面 ， 烙 一 平 盆 饼 ， 饼 碰 盆，盆 碰 饼 。一 平 盆 面 ， 烙 一 平 盆 饼 ， 饼 碰 盆，盆 碰 饼 。
Friday, August 17, 2007
Fellowship Committee Meeting and Retreat Preparation
The committee will have a meeting this Sunday afternoon to work on the Sept to Nov 2007 schedule. We will also need to finalize the retreat items. Joan is helping us on the campbook design in HK and Emily and Joyce are trying to come up with a meal schedule. Felix has already contacted the retreat site for direction and instruction, and transportation arrangement is being made. Another news is Angela C-Mo will join us. At some point we really worried about the lack of attendants in this retreat, but God not only provided us a wonderful site (http://www.sugarpinecabin.com/) but also the people to make it happen. Please keep praying for the retreat and our speaker Passtor Clement. Certainly we will post the pictures and sharings here later.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)