20 December 2012

Update: Cup of Cold Water

Yesterday, we did the final packing of the container to ship overseas to Africa!  Below are a few pictures of the work going into the process of packing the container.  Thanks to all of those who donated towards this project and to our wonderful volunteers who helped us load and unload truckloads of supplies and load and pack the container.  The chaplains and their families will be so blessed by you all!
 
Just some of the pallets we got to load!
Lumber for repairs
Victor helping us load the container with help from Clyde, a volunteer
Clyde and Justin; palletizing
Justin and Emily; team-work!
Edward, Emily, and volunteer Justin; container's almost full!

17 December 2012

CONNECTIONS



In Southern Sudan, there are women that have experienced deep suffering.  Far Reaching Ministries seeks, first, to share the message of salvation with these women, via a program called Rabuna Fi.  The name is Arabic for “God is here”, and through the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit, these women are discovering just that.  They are finding peace and hope in Jesus Christ.

Women with little, or no, education come to Rabuna Fi and are offered an opportunity to truly study the Word of God.  As a discipleship program, Rabuna Fi gives them the chance to grow spiritually.  However, there is also a need to provide for their families.  That’s why the ladies create and sell handcrafted gifts that allow them to tend to their family’s physical and financial needs.

Last summer, I had the opportunity to travel to South Sudan and spend time with the ladies of Rabuna Fi.  In the commons area, I watched as they diligently worked - making necklaces.  Other women checked the completed necklaces for quality and then paid for them.  I noticed their children playing, nearby, and realized that I was getting a unique chance to peek into the world they live in.

Watching this process, it dawned on me that (even though we had never met) I knew all these women!  Their names were familiar to me.  You see, I handle the files of craft receipts from Rabuna Fi when they are sent to the FRM office.  Suddenly, all the names on those receipts had faces… and smiles… and children!  They were no longer only names on receipts, but active and mature believers – involved in community outreach, themselves.  They want, so much, for others to know the transforming power of Jesus Christ.

We invite you to visit our office and see the handmade crafts from the ladies of Rabuna Fi. When you visit, think of them.  If you are too far away to visit our office, you can still support our sisters by hosting a Rabuna Fi party.  A party kit includes everything you need to share, from your own corner of the world, what God is doing in Africa.  For more information, you can reach us at 951-677-4474.  

Please come visit us at:
38615 Calistoga Drive, Suite 100
Murrieta, California

Our office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to 5:00pm. 
 Hope to see you soon!

07 December 2012

HIMSELF By AB Simpson

Once it was the blessing, Now it is the Lord;
Once it was the feeling, Now it is His Word.
Once His gifts I wanted, Now the Giver own;
Once I sought for healing, Now Himself alone.
Once 'twas painful trying, Now 'tis perfect trust;
Once a half salvation, Now the uttermost.
Once 'twas ceaseless holding, Now He holds me fast;
Once 'twas constant drifting, Now my anchor's cast.
Once 'twas busy planning, Now 'tis trustful prayer;
Once 'twas anxious caring, Now He has the care.
Once 'twas what I wanted, Now what Jesus says;
Once 'twas constant asking, Now 'tis ceaseless praise.
Once it was my working, His it hence shall be;
Once I tried to use Him, Now He uses me.
Once the power I wanted, Now the Mighty One;
Once for self I labored, Now for Him alone.
Once I hoped in Jesus, Now I know He's mine;
Once my lamps were dying, Now they brightly shine.
Once for death I waited, Now His coming hail;
And my hopes are anchored, Safe within the vail.

     by A. B. Simpson

One of our co-workers read this and was blessed, so we thought we'd share.  
Enjoy! 
 


04 December 2012

Wes Bentley will be speaking at Calvary Chapel Cost Mesa

Wes Bentley will be teaching at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa on Wednesday, December 05, 2012 at 7:00 PM (PST). 

If you’re in Southern California, we would love to see you there!  If you’re out of state, you can watch the live steam at www.calvarychapelcostamesa.com/media/watch-live.

Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa
3800 South Fairview Street
Santa Ana, CA 92704