Emmanuel Faith . . . In Words & Deeds
This page features the archives page for EFCC's online E-newletter. The last couple of editions are available below in case you missed a previous edition.
November/December 2010, Volume 6
Welcome to the latest edition of Emmanuel Faith's online newsletter! In Words & Deeds exists to report on results and "life-change" stories from EFCC ministry events and activities. Look here as your source for ministry updates and stories about Emmanuel Faith, our people, and their stories as they reach out and serve the Lord and His greater purposes.
Our latest edition below features the following stories. Click on a link below to read the article, or just scroll down:
+ NEW! Children's Christmas Concert Update
+ Photos from Recent Christmas Events (and more)
+ Women's Christmas Elegance Update
+ Christmas Concerts Ministry
+ Junior High Christmas Gift Boxes Trip
+ LifeDesign Class 101 Update (November 2010)
+ Homeless Ministry Annual Thanksgiving Dinner
+ EFCC GPS Team Ministers in China
+ Summer Ministry Rewind
+ Personal Testimony: Omeed's Story
(previously highlighted in Pastor Dennis' year-end letter)
The Christmas S.O.C.C.E.R. Team
:: Shared by Lori Smith, Director of Children's Choirs ::
On Sunday night, December 6 (2010), the Worship Center was packed with excited parents, grandparents, neighbors, teachers and friends. The children's Christmas musical is the only time during the year when all three choirs perform together. It's always a delight to include Joyful Hands, and this year we added 22 senior adults to the mix.
When the kids came dressed out for The Christmas S.O.C.C.E.R. Team sign-ups, they quickly realize they had fouled out! "S.O.C.C.E.R." stands for the Society Of Christmas Carolers Emergency Rescue, a team of senior singers who strive to save Christmas carols from extinction.
Being good sports, the kids agreed to share their songs about Jesus' birth and learn some of the S.O.C.C.E.R. team's carols. From Wee Sing to One Accord, the children learned many of the old carols and the history behind the carols. And our family friends had a great time at our annual concert! (CLICK HERE to see more concert photos.)
Christmas Eegance 2010 Update!
:: Shared by Marilyn Williams, Director of EFCC W.O.M.E.N. ::
Kingdom work most definitely takes team work! I cannot thank each person enough for their hard work and vested time into our Christmas Elegance Outreach to women on Friday evening, December 3. It was a huge success! The ladies were truly blessed!!
After sorting through the response cards, I have received nothing but great reviews! Also, I have tallied the response cards (there were seven boxes to mark) at the end of the evening. and wanted to give an update regarding what the Lord did through His servants last week:
+ 7 women made a new commitment to faith in Jesus Christ;
+ 17 women made a rededication to Jesus;
+ 1 woman requested baptism;
+ 23 women requested to get information about joining an women’s Bible study and/or fellowship ministry here at EFCC;
+ 8 women requested to join a small group at EFCC;
+ 25 women responded to our upcoming Mentor Ministry for 2011; and
+ 6 women requested to meet for personal counsel.
I’m thrilled with all that God has done and I’m sure this is just the beginning. I believe the evening planted many seeds of inspired faith and hope in the hearts of the women who attended such a special evening.
Once again, thank you to all who offered your time and talents to God’s plan for our Christmas Elegance Outreach this year. I hope you’ll be up for it again in 2011!
2010 EFCC Christmas Concerts Ministry
:: Shared by Pastor Assad Saif, Pastor of Welcome & Membership Ministries ::
We praise the Lord for this year's Choir & Orchestra (led by Pastor Tim Mayfield) Christmas Concerts! It was an incredible time filled with Christmas music and creative visuals. The Choir & Orchestra and Silent Witness really offered an outstanding performance. Several people were challenged to make a decision in their faith journey, and here are some of the decisions that were made:
Attendance & Volunteers:
+ Over 6,000 people attended our 2010 Christmas Concerts!
+ Over 2,200 people gathered at the five Concert Receptions that we hosted!
+ About 350 people volunteered to help put on the Christmas Concerts (including the Choir & Orchestra, Silent Witness, Media/Tech crew, extra ushers, childcare workers, reception servers, and more)!
Decisions Made:
+ 8 people wanted more information on how to trust Christ as their Savior.
+ 17 people are ready to take the next step and grow as believers.
+ 40 people requested information on how to get involved at EFCC.
Additionally, over 100 prayer requests and comments were given to the church staff to lift up in prayer. Please keep these people in your prayers as we help bring them into our family here at Emmanuel Faith Community Church.
For more images from the concerts, please click here.
Our Children's Choirs also held their annual concert on Sunday, December 5. Choirs Director, Lori Smith, reported recently that a great time was had by all, performers and attendees.
We'll post an article and photos (click to view) to report on this event soon!
Junior High Gift Boxes Ministry Trip
:: Shared by John Riley, Junior High Pastor ::
Our Junior High Ministry recently wrapped up their Christmas Gift Boxes ministry to Mexico and it was another great trip of outreach and touching the lives of children. Please click here to read the separate article (PDF file) online now!
Update from LifeDesign Class 101 (November 2010)
:: Shared by Assad Saif, Pastor of Welcome & Membership Ministries ::
Praise God for the awesome Class 101 we had on Sunday night, November 14! We had a great turnout with a total of 36 taking the class for the first time. Below are some decisions and commitments that people made. Please join me in prayer for these people as they pursue the Lord by taking steps closer to Him in their relationship with Christ.
Decisions:
+ 4 people made a first time decision for Christ;
+ 5 people made a commitment to be baptized;
+ 11 people committed to tell his or her story to someone this next week;
+ 10 people asked to join a small group;
+ 29 people applied for membership at EFCC;
+ 16 people signed up for Class 201 in January; and
+ 16 people indicated they would like to serve at EFCC.
Comments from Attendees:
+ “I was apprehensive to share my story, but when it was my turn I was so glad to share, and hear the testimonies of others.”
+ “Hearing the vision and mission of EFCC helped me feel ‘wanted.’”
+ “Helped me understand more clearly about Christ and helped me tell my story for the first time.”
Prayer Requests:
+ Pray that those who made a first time decision would follow through and join our new believers class.
+ Pray for those who noted they wanted to be baptized that they will follow through.
+ Pray for a young lady who was on the edge of making a first-time decision for Christ but, is struggling with faith.
2010 Homeless Thanksgiving Dinner Update
:: Shared by Hector Morales, Pastor of Community Outreach ::
On Monday, November 22, EFCC served a Thanksgiving meal to approximately 200 people in our community that are classified as either “homeless” or are a part of the “working poor” in our community. Many of these working poor families are single moms trying to do the best they can with their kids. We have some of the same families show up every year for a nice meal and some of the clothes, jackets and warm blankets that we distribute. One mom shared that the clothes she finds for her kids helps her make it through the year.
We had approximately 50 volunteers from EFCC that helped and Pastor Josh Rose assisted us by bringing high school students to help sort donated clothing from our congregation. We had lots of jackets, blankets and other warm items that filled about 10 long tables. We had clothes left over, but most, if not all of the guests, walked out with plenty to keep them warm. We have some generous people at EFCC. The dinner was prepared by our regular kitchen prep team that serves meals every Thursday, and the additional volunteers helped serve the meal and drinks to our dinner guests. This was probably the best staffed dinner we have had in quite some time, and also the most guests we have served in a while. Many who served were really glad that they came and want to make their serving an annual event.
We also gave out 135 sleeping bags on this one night. Sleeping bags are only given to individuals that are sleeping outdoors, as opposed to those who might be staying with friends or family, but might still be considered homeless. The sleeping bags are a great gift to help keep the homeless warm during the winter season. This year we gave out about 25 more than we gave out last year, which makes sense since we are seeing more new homeless people as a result of the economy. We always purchase more than we need so we can hand out to those who did not come to the dinner and for those who get out of prison or jail and end up homeless.
I (Hector) also had the opportunity to give the devotional for the evening out of James 1:2-5. It was a blessing to share how God wants to use difficult circumstances to make us more “mature and complete.” I focused on verse 5 and how God wants to give wisdom to those who need it, and that He gives “joyously to all without finding fault.” I asked how many people needed wisdom from God and gave them a few moments to talk with their Creator and ask Him for wisdom through their difficult circumstances. You could hear a pin drop during this special time between these individuals and their Creator.
EFCC GPS Team Ministers in China
:: Shared by Rhonda Harlan ::
A team of six people from EFCC traveled to Beijing, China, in early September to meet with and train over 600 Chinese Christians over the course of 12 days. The 15 discipleship sessions covered a variety of topics including personal discipleship, biblical understanding, leadership development and ministry training.
The team returned home with a new understanding of the magnitude of the work that God is doing in China and the unique challenges that Chinese Christians face. An estimated 30,000 people come to know Christ each day in China and the rapidly multiplying house churches often leave new believers in leadership or pastoral positions without training.
Through short-term trips and continued relationships via Skype, a small group of individuals can help new believers in China grow in their faith and reach out to their communities.
Summer Rewind: High School GPS Teams
:: Shared by Tara Quicke & Jeff Blied, High School Ministry Staff ::
Time to hit the rewind button on your life! Going back a few months, our High School Ministry sent summer GPS teams to Albania and Germany. God did some great work through both teams.
Click either link below to see and read more about what each team did and learned from their time overseas:
+ Albania GPS Team Trip Report (PDF file)
+ Germany GPS Team Trip Report (PDF file)
May/June 2010, Volume 5
Welcome to the latest edition of Emmanuel Faith's online newsletter! In Words & Deeds exists to report on results and "life-change" stories from EFCC ministry events and activities. Look here as your source for ministry updates and stories about Emmanuel Faith, our people, and their stories as they reach out and serve the Lord and His greater purposes.
Our latest edition below features the following stories. Click on a link below to read the article, or just scroll down:
+ ServeDay Update: Thanks EFCC!
+ Senegal Partnership Update
+ LifeDesign Class 101 Update (May 2010)
+ EFCC 2020 Vision in Practice
+ Personal Testimony: A Muslim's Journey to Faith
ServeDay: Thank You Emmanuel Faith!
:: Shared by Terri Winkle ::
I attend EFCC and I am also a kindergarten teacher at L.R. Green School. On behalf of all of the kindergarten teachers, I really want to thank you for all the work your volunteers did to make our kindergarten playground look so beautiful (back on Saturday, April 17)! The sod that you put in looks amazing! The kids just love sitting on the new grass area every day to eat their lunch and play at recess. We sat around that area to let our classroom butterflies fly free; to take our chicks outside for time on the grass; we'll do P.E. on it; etc., etc. It will receive years and years of use by happy kindergartners and we thank you so much for all your volunteers' time and hard work to make that happen!
We also thank you all for repainting the shapes on our kindergarten sidewalk area, cleaning our classrooms, repainting our lunch tables, stairs, the USA map, the landscape maintenance and all the other incredible work on our campus! Everything they did looks fabulous!
Recently, at our school district board meeting, there was an acknowledgment/thank you presentation showing all the work that EFCC volunteers did at all three campuses. There was much appreciation for all you did.
Thank you so much again for everything! Please pass on our thanks to all of the other wonderful church staff members and volunteers involved in making our kindergarten playground and rooms look so awesome!
Click here to see more pictures from ServeDay 2010 (April 17).
Global Outreach: Senegal Partnership Update
“Almost the Whole City Gathered . . .”
:: Shared by Phil Howard, The Senegal Partnership ::
Acts 13 tells the story of one of Paul’s first missionary experiences. Having been commissioned by the church in Antioch to pursue the Holy Spirit’s leading, Paul and Barnabas journeyed to the region of Galatia, proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ in each town they entered. In the town of Pisidian-Antioch, they preached their message of hope in the synagogue and created quite a stir. “[T]he people invited them to speak further about [the Gospel] on the next Sabbath,” and many Jews and God-fearing Gentiles were open to the Gospel. Imagine the scene the following Sabbath when, as Scripture tells us, “almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.” (v. 44)
If you can picture that scene in your mind’s eye, you can visualize some of the experience our Senegal Team witnessed in the village of Doudam on our most recent visit (April 2010).
Eleven men and women from EFCC and MHC traveled to Senegal just after Easter to participate in an evangelism program designed and run by members of the Evangelical Baptist Church in Thies, our partner in this new global outreach ministry. For several days, the team camped outside the church building in Doudam, each day serving alongside believers from Thies, Doudam and other rural parts of Senegal. They shared meals; they shared stories; they shared laughter; they shared life. They also shared the task of proclaiming a message of hope in three separate villages over three consecutive days and nights.
By day, they visited with village residents and held special programs for children of all ages. Through translators, they listened and shared with villagers in both group and individual conversations. Some were blessed with opportunities to share testimonies and lead others toward faith in Christ. By night, the team watched as members of the national church led whole villages in celebrations of music, drama and preaching.
Each night, hundreds of Serer people heard the word of the Lord -- a message of hope -- proclaimed in their own language by their own people. And just as happened in that Galatian synagogue when Paul and Barnabas spoke, many of the Serer expressed a desire to hear more and to better understand how one follows Christ into a life of peace, hope and forgiveness of sin.
But the picture was not complete until Sunday. That morning, the team attended worship in the village of Doudam. Normally, a group of 40 to 50 would gather in the one-room church to worship. On this day, however, it seemed as though “almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.” The room was packed with three or four times the normal crowd. People who could not find room inside huddled around windows straining to see and hear all that transpired inside. There was much singing and worshipping. The Gospel was preached. The church was strengthened and encouraged. So too were the team members -- some of whom learned a new dance move or two.
Thank you for your partnership in this ministry endeavor.
Update from LifeDesign Class 101 (May 2010)
:: Shared by Assad Saif, Pastor of Welcome & Membership Ministries ::
I pray you’re having a great day. We had a great time at Class 101 on Sunday night, May 2. It’s always amazing to see what the Lord does in the lives of people as they surrender their lives to Him. Please take a moment to see the different decisions people made. I also ask you to join with me in praying for the people who have made decisions. We had a total of 27 people in attendance.
Decisions:
+ 27 people attended Class 101.
+ 2 people made a first time decision to trust Christ!
+ 4 people signed up to be baptized.
+ 12 people committed to share their testimony.
+ 19 people applied for Membership.
+ 11 people signed up for Class 201.
+ 8 people signed up to join a small group.
+ 7 people signed up to serve at EFCC.
Comments from Attendees:
“Having gone to your church now for about a year, I’ve truly began to enjoy the church. The Resonate music is very inspiring and the messages are always very enlightening. I love waking up on Sundays and going to church.”
“I enjoyed Class 101 because I learned more about my church that I grew up in and learned how to strengthen my faith.”
“I got a lot of answers I was looking for, thank you very much.”
Prayer Requests:
+ Pray that we are able to get the new believers connected well at EFCC.
+ Please pray that people will follow through with their commitments.
EFCC 2020 Vision: Adult Fellowship Partners With InterFaith
:: Shared by Bill Pinkerton ::
Editor's note: As we continue to incorporate our new EFCC 2020 Vision, here is a great example of how one Adult Fellowship is starting to live out the vision (especially see "endeavor #3"). (Click here to hear Pastor Dennis' April 24/25 vision message.)
In September of 2009, Pastor Tom Thies came and shared with our Adult Fellowship about the Adopt a Family Program through Interfaith Community Services.
Carol Needham was led to ask if she could take the lead in our fellowship adopting a family. This would be for a one year period and involve preparing an apartment with needed furniture and the things needed to make it a home. It would also require a commitment of one year of supporting the family in many ways. We presented this to our class and had 18-20 people sign up to prepare the apartment by cleaning and moving in furniture and need items. We also had a sign up to obtain the needed items for the apartment and then two work days to get it ready. It was a real blessing to see the finished product of our labor. Our adopted family, Pam and her family, had been living in a tent near Lake Dixon.
Well, this was just the beginning of the process. There were varied needs coming down the road. Pam had appointments and Wesley had to get into school, etc. Carrie, her niece, has started community college. There was a need for a computer and Wesley needed some help with school. Two of our class members jumped in to help. Sam got a computer put together and hooked up, and George has become Wesley's big brother. This past April, Pam came to church at EFCC and then shared with our class her appreciation.
Through this process we are building a relationship with Pam, Wesley and Carrie. We have had the opportunity to start sharing our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ with Pam and her family.
Personal Testimony: A Muslim’s Journey to Salvation
:: Shared by Nancy Kurrack ::
Editor’s note: In some limited readings that I have done on Muslims and their journeys to faith in Christ, it is interesting to note how many of them have talked of having dreams or visions leading up to their conversions. EFCC member, Mariam Tripp, has just such a story to share.
Growing up in Iran in the 1950’s, Mariam Tripp was a very stylish, but not very observant Muslim. Her father was a doctor and she wore clothes from Paris and enjoyed the luxuries of the upper class. Living in Tehran, she called herself a Persian. She definitely believed there was a God and one night when she was 12 she had a strange dream:
She was walking through a beautiful grove of trees where there was a grand house. As the leaves fell, she heard the voice of God calling her. Then the wind came up and a crazy man was punching thin air near a swimming pool. She would never forget the dream, but what did it mean?
Mariam was 17 when she married a Muslim, and two years later, in 1976, her aunt sent the couple to the U.S. to earn their degrees. They eventually lived in San Diego where her husband earned his Ph.D. and Mariam continued her schooling and raised their son. She never imagined her husband would get involved with radical Muslims in the U.S., but in 1979 he became cruel and wanted to take her and their son back to Iran. He had become passionate about embracing Ayatollah Khomeini, Allah and making Mariam a submissive wife.
Mariam knew her life would turn for the worst with the new regime in Iran. So, with undeterred determination she managed to stay in San Diego to finish her degree while her husband left for Iran with her son. Her decision cost her access to her son, to family money and she divorced, but she took on many jobs to try to stay her course despite her new poverty. Five years passed.
One evening she went to a restaurant in La Jolla, California with a girlfriend. As she danced with an admirer, another man was asking her friend about her. Carver Tripp II “fell for her” instantly and wanted to meet her. A few days he later he showed her his father’s house in San Diego. Astounded, she said, “I’ve seen this house before! And there’s the grove of trees!” Yes, it was the same house she had seen in her dreams as a young girl. Just as the dream had progressed, they walked to the pool where his father was boxing in thin air! Soon Carver and Mariam were married.
Carver was a jeweler and had left his job in New York to marry her. Even though they were living in his father’s home, they were quickly running out of money. In desperation, Mariam began praying to Mohammed for help (for her at the time, prayers to any “god” would have seemingly helped). As she prayed, there in her doorway stood Jesus! She had always thought of Him as a prophet, but at the moment she saw Him she knew He was God! Now she would pray to Him, and she couldn’t wait to start reading the Bible!
One morning in 1991, Mariam was flipping through television channels. She stopped when she saw Pat Robertson talking about Jesus. She couldn’t get enough of his teaching, and at the end of the program she called The 700 Club and invited Jesus Christ into her heart as her Savior. Once again she saw Jesus standing there for her! She immediately became a CBN partner and soon found a church. Since that day, Miriam has never stopped learning more about the one true God of the universe and His son, Jesus Christ. Her prayers are now for her family in Iran to know the truth. (Miriam currently attends and serves at EFCC.)
March/April 2010, Volume 4
Welcome to the latest edition of Emmanuel Faith's online newsletter! In Words & Deeds exists to report on results and "life-change" stories from EFCC ministry events and activities. Look here first as your source for ministry updates and stories about Emmanuel Faith, our people, and their stories as they reach out and serve the Lord and His greater purposes.
Our latest edition below features the following stories. Click on a link below to read the article, or just scroll down:
+ Ministry to Students
+ High School Winter Retreat
+ 3rd to 5th Grade Camp
+ LifeDesign Class 101 Update
+ Practice of Prayer Class
+ God's Unfolding Plan Series
+ One Accord Mini-tour
Ministry to Students: Catching Up With Winter Retreat News
Both our High School and Kids Lighthouse Ministries had some great times at their winter retreats in February and March 2010 respectively. Here’s a few highlights:
High School Ministry Winter Retreat
:: shared by Josh Rose, High School Pastor, and Delores Thweatt, High School Administrative Assistant ::
God did amazing things this year at High School Winter Camp! There were 175 of us who braved the snow over the three-day, Presidents’ Day weekend up at Mile High Pines Camp, just outside of Big Bear. Our speaker, Ryan Paulson (our College Pastor), did a great job of challenging students and presenting the gospel with clarity and conviction. After it was all said and done, nine students indicated that they made first time commitments to Jesus Christ! And then there were many, many more who made other great, life-changing commitments.
Let me tell you about two stories. On the last night, we sent the students off to their cabins after the final message to discuss what they had heard and to talk about the commitments they had made. After Cabin time, we had a night game on the schedule. Well, there was one entire cabin of sophomore guys that never showed up for the game. After the game, a few of the students from that cabin found me and explained what happened. One of them, who clearly had been on the brink of tears, told me that they just got done with “the most incredible cabin time ever!” It was now, more than two hours after our meeting (there are many people who would liken two hours with sophomore guys to a jail sentence, but not here).
These students spent the entire time confessing their sins, praying for each other, and planning ways to keep meeting together after camp. I came to find out that it all started when one of the students in the group told his counselor he was quitting drugs and said, “I can’t do this any more.” Well, these guys haven’t given up. They have met together ever since and are continuing to hold each other accountable. This is just one of the many stories of what God did at camp. So thank you for all who prayed and supported us. We couldn’t have done it without you.
And then there was this quote from Christopher who came to camp with us from another church: “I'd like to thank Josh and Ryan for teaching me many lessons, and Diana, the lady from Albania, for playing games and talking to me when I sat alone. I used to absolutely hate church and the people, but after the winter camp, I've been better. I'm accepting God and I'm going to play guitar for my church. I got a Bible yesterday and started reading it, which I haven't done in at least 11 years.”
Christopher was the very last student that we signed up for winter camp! It just goes to show that you always want to take that last minute kid! His pastor reports that Christopher has been playing guitar with his dad at church since camp. God is good!
Kids Lighthouse Winter Camp (3rd to 5th Graders)
:: shared by Chris Montgomery, Director of Kids Lighthouse ::
Thank you to all of you who prayed for our 3rd-5th graders as they went to Camp Cedar Glen in Julian on March 5-7 for winter camp. It was a wonderful time of fun, games, great counselors, skits, singing, and even snow.
The camp theme was “Kids Under Construction”. The kids learned that God has a plan, He gives us tools to know what is right and to help us follow Him, we must build on the right foundation -- faith in Jesus -- and that God is building them into someone He can use so that others come to know Him. Most importantly, seven of our kids indicated they made first-time decisions for Jesus, and many others renewed their commitments!
One little girl, Karen, was asked by her counselor, “Do you know Jesus? Not just about Him, but do you have a relationship with Him?” Karen replied, “No, I don’t think I do know Him. But I want to.” And that counselor had the joy and privilege of leading her into the family of God.
Many of our kids were able to come because of the money generated for camp scholarships through our recycling program, so again, thanks for your part in making it possible for them to be there. You did your part, and God was faithful to do His.
LifeDesign Class 101 Update
:: shared by Assad Saif, Pastor of Welcome & Membership Ministries ::
We held Class 101 on Sunday, March 14, and had an awesome time getting to know people from our church. We had a great time helping people know more about EFCC, our desire to help people grow in Christlikeness, and challenging them to take the next step in their spiritual development. Below are some of the decisions and comments.
Decisions:
+ 3 People signed up to be baptized
+ 8 People committed to Share their Story with someone this week
+ 4 People signed up to be in a Small Group
+ 13 People applied for Membership at EFCC
+ 6 People signed up for the next Class 201
+ 4 People signed up to start serving at EFCC
Comments:
+ "I thought it had great information."
+ "I loved the setting and felt very welcome."
+ "I liked learning about the History of EFCC."
+ "This class was uplifting and encouraging."
Prayer Requests:
+ Please pray people follow through with the different commitments they made.
+ Ask God to help these folks get plugged into a Small Group.
Highlights from the Practice of Prayer Class
:: shared by Jeramy Clark, Pastor of LifeDesign Ministries ::
Recently, EFCC has held a couple of classes on prayer with Pastor Jeramy Clark. Here’s a few quotes on what people have learned through their attendance:
“If someone were thinking about attending the next class, and asked me what it did for me, I would say that for the first time it showed me how to fill a vacuum that I've always felt in the 40 years of my Christian life: Consistent, daily time with the Lord. And it was much easier than I thought. Victories are being won in my life that did not seem possible a couple of months ago.”
And “The Practice of Prayer gave me a structure to get my prayer life going. I had been giving God lip service about needing to get a more disciplined prayer life. The class materials and a commitment to one hour of prayer each day was what I needed to jump start my prayer life. If you commit to the one hour per day, the Holy Spirit will pick up where the class leaves off.”
Our current class will be finishing soon, but please stay tuned for information about the next upcoming round of classes (each class is four weeks in duration).
Update from God's Unfolding Plan Series
:: shared by Todd Willer and Brady Cahill, lay teachers of the God’s Unfolding Plan series ::
From our recently finished class, God’s Unfolding Plan, the teachers reported a great time of learning. From starting with 90 people in the first session, “we were blessed to have multiple people who have been coming to church for many years, reading Bibles regularly, who said that they have a better understanding of God’s redemptive plan than they ever have before. As well, they understand the Bible much better than ever before because of the ‘big picture’ approach of the class.
“We consistently had 50-60 people, all the way through week nine. We had people come from different churches. Some attendees traveled from San Diego each week; others stayed in town after work to make it and then drove home down in San Diego.
“Many relationships were developed over the course of the class. We had at least one person attend the entire time who is just trying to understand the message of the Bible (not currently a believer) but felt comfortable enough to keep coming and keep learning.”
One Accord Choir Mini-tour: Ministering on the Road
:: shared by Lori Smith, Director of Children's Choirs ::
Our One Accord Children’s Choir (3rd to 8th graders) recently traveled to several locations on a “mini-tour” in early April. Here’s a brief look at their time on the road . . .
This weekend was awesome. It was interesting to watch the kids at the Lutheran church one morning. They had kneel benches that the congregation pulled out during the time when they were supposed to pray for forgiveness of sin. I could tell that the kids were watching me throughout the service. I didn't feel the need to pull out the bench for us to pray, but we definitely prayed. Later during lunch, we were able to talk about our entire weekend’s experiences, including that morning church service.
One of the chaperones said they had great conversations on the bus and that is exactly what I wanted to happen. One of the dads that was a chaperone and attends New Hope, (his mother brings the kids to EFCC for choir and clubs) thanked me for booking the kids into that church and it was a good, new experience for them. He was surprised that I booked that gig, but was very grateful for the added experience for his son. Light and Life School, Redwood Town Court, Tom's Farms, and The Grove Church. We had an overnighter of 80 people in our downstairs Chapel, up at 6 a.m. and off by 7 a.m. after getting everyone ready, feeding them and resetting the Chapel for Sunday School. We were then off to Faith Lutheran Church to sing at 8 a.m. and then Maranatha at 10:30 a.m. That morning gave each student an incredible experience to share their faith.
Each venue had some quirky thing happen, but the topper was a sick student and his mother driving in my car from Riverside to EFCC, and having the student throw up all over my car, plus another student on the bus. My favorite time was Saturday night, at about 11 p.m., sitting with all the kids in the downstairs Chapel in their pajamas and having about a dozen kids praying that the Lord would make the sick kids well, and to lead many to Himself through our seed planting endeavor. Brian and I were exhausted, but in a wonderful way as we know that the Lord gave these kids the opportunity of a lifetime to preach the gospel through their songs and drama.
The people at each venue were absolutely in awe of how talented our kids are. The magician at Tom's Farms and the Manager both shook my hand at least twice, complimenting me on our kids' behavior, their professionalism, attitude and on our chaperones and staff that set up and tore down the sets, those dreaded risers and the sound equipment in 15 minutes so the magician could go on stage at the exact time scheduled. Just that little thing seemed to be a great witness to both of them. We were invited back. The Children's Choir Director at the Grove said that she had never seen such a polite and well behaved group of students and we were invited back. She also wanted to know how long the kids had been working on the choreography. Thanks Chris McPherson for the help!
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to take the kids out to share their talents and faith and stretch them for Jesus.
January/February 2010, Volume 3
Our latest edition below features the following stories, or just scroll down to start reading:
+ Junior High Update
+ LifeDesign Class 101 Update (January 2010)
+ Financial Peace University (from Fall 2009)
+ Sun-Deo Answers the Call
+ The Christmas Coat
+ Touch of Love Visits
+ Helping Hands Mends Fences
Focus on Reaching Out Overseas:
+ Senegal Partnership Update
+ EFCC Couple Ministers in Africa
Catching Up with the Junior High Ministry
:: From John Riley, Junior High Pastor ::
Praise the Lord for the three students who indicated that they accepted the Lord during the annual January over-night event, Overtime. Join us in thanking God for this good news and praying that these students will take further steps to grow in their knowledge of God and relationship with the church.
Ministry Update: LifeDesign 101 Class (January 2010)
:: From Assad Saif, Pastor of Membership & Welcome Ministries ::
We had another great time at Class 101 on Sunday, January 10! It's always amazing to watch people connect as they share how Christ has utterly changed their lives. We had 36 people in attendance that night and here are a few of the decisions they made.
Decisions:
+ 1 person trusted Christ as their Savior for the first time.
+ 3 people decided to get baptized (January 30-31).
+ 12 people committed to share their story with someone this week.
+ 11 people signed up to join a small group.
+ 20 people applied for membership at EFCC.
+ 8 people signed up for Class 201.
+ 7 people signed up to serve somewhere on campus.
Comments:
+ "This class helped me to meet new people."
+ "It was a clear and concise description of what the church stands for."
+ "It was great, I loved the fellowship!"
Prayer RequestS:
+ Pray we are able to get the new believer connected well.
+ Please pray people follow through with their commitments.
Getting Our Financial Houses in Order
:: From Kathy Lorenz ::
EFCC held its first Financial Peace University class this past fall season. About 70-80 attendees came every week. The attendees found the weekly classes to be both exciting and challenging. Not only were we challenged in our finances, but the classes also opened up communication in marriages and families.
During the 13 weeks the class paid off $124,203.14 of debt and saved $90,896.06! Praise the Lord! This spring, starting on February 21 and 22, EFCC will offer a Sunday morning and a Monday night class. To sign up for the class and make a fresh financial start this year, call (760) 781-2161 or e-mail to for information.
Here's a few personal quotes from class attendees:
+ "This course has been fantastic and something that we have needed for years."
+ "Thanks for offering this class. We are loving the transformation"
+ "This class has been an eye-opener"
+ "I am very grateful for this class and the principles learned. I have more hope and a sense of direction. I also have gotten more in touch with our unfortunately frightening current financial state."
EFCC Adult Fellowship Answers Call to Serve Dinners at the Salvation Army
:: From Hector Morales, Pastor of Community Outreach ::
We wanted to pass along some of the highlights of how one EFCC Adult Fellowship is serving weekly at the Salvation Army's winter shelter. Every Tuesday a group from Sun-Deo buys, prepares, and serves the meal to approximately 40-45 residents at the shelter. Here's some of the participants’ stories, in their own words:
"Emmanuel Faith had a unique opportunity to partner with North Coast Church of Vista and serve meals to the homeless at the Escondido Salvation Army Winter Shelter this winter. The Sun-Deo adult fellowship class took up the mission. The response from both the church family and the homeless shelter residents has been overwhelming. The process has powerfully moved many members of Emmanuel Faith. So much so that Sun-Deo and other members of the church are looking towards adopting their own night to cook and serve next winter by using the skills and resources they have learned from our new partners at North Coast and the Salvation Army.
"Sun Deo classmates are bringing family members and their children to the shelter as well. This helps teach the value of service and compassion early in a young child's life. Meals have included chili and cornbread, pot roast, chicken dumplings, lasagna, and fried chicken. The shelter residents are keenly aware of our love for them and often reciprocate with and gentle words of thanks for the meal and for God's blessing that they would be served in this way. This ministry to the homeless has been a tremendously satisfying and easy service activity in the Lord's name." - Karl Higgins, who recruited several churches to assist at the Center
"When our class was asked to prepare and serve dinner to the homeless people at the Salvation Army, I knew I wanted to be a Team Leader. My team and I put thought into the menu and worked very well together towards a common goal-to help others. The evening we spent there, on a cold and rainy night, was very humbling. There were 5 of us at the window smiling, greeting, serving with love, all through Christ. The people were very courteous, respectful and thankful. I felt we represented EFCC and God in a memorable, special evening. We all left feeling like we want to do this again, making a positive impact on people's lives.
" - Christie Manry"It has been a personal encouragement to me to see the body come together and serve Christ this way in the local community. To take on 16 plus Tuesdays requires a large number of people working side by side exercising a wide variety of gifts. This has been a wonderful picture of Romans 1:12 and the 'being encouraged while together each by the others faith.' The members of Sun-Deo are not only being used to bless those in need, but also those of us who witness this servant spirit!" - John Wojnicki - President, Sun-Deo
"We enjoyed and experienced a blessing when we helped prepare and serve a meal for the homeless at the Salvation Army Center. The residents appreciated the meal so much and since it was near Christmas (December 22), some of us were able to share the true Christmas story with them. We were thrilled that our 11-year-old grandson, Evan, wanted to, and, in fact, did help set up chairs and serve the dessert. He gained a new understanding of how blessed he is. All of us found that 'the homeless' are pretty much like us. We came away knowing that, 'but for the grace of God, there go I.'" - Jo and Duke Argabright
"Participating in Sun-Deo’s outreach to the
The Story of the Christmas Coat
:: From Jere Smith ::
About a month before Christmas, a nice coat was found in a bag lying on the floor in the office with price tags still attached. Messages were sent out, but no one ever came forward to claim the coat, so it remained in our lost and found area.
Then on Tuesday, December 22, I was working at the front desk and a sweet, sweet lady came to me and asked if someone had come by looking for her. I said "No," so she sat down to wait. After a while she approached me again and told me that she was waiting for someone she met in the Health Stewards class named Maria. She said that she was starting a new job, but had no new clothes so Maria was going to give her some.
Just then I remembered the coat and thought that it might fit her. The lady, Charleen, put it on and was amazed at the perfect fit, as was I. I then told her that the coat was now hers. She began to cry and could barely speak, but said that she didn’t have a coat and that she and her husband couldn’t buy Christmas gifts for each other this year. She whispered "thank you" and "Merry Christmas" as she walked away, crying.
I believe that God meant for Charleen to have that coat. This absolutely made my Christmas!
Getting Up Close & Personal with Touch of Love (Part 2)
Touch of Love is an EFCC ministry mostly to the elderly, many of whom are "shut-ins." A few of our ministry partners recently took the time to write down a few anecdotes about past or recent visits. Here's an entry from Laurie Trouw that we promised to share that did not make it into our last issue:
"Public speaking is not my forte, but I have found the perfect ministry for me at EFCC, TOL or Touch of Love. It consists mostly of listening, not speaking. Once a week I am privileged to visit an elderly 'shut-in.' There is no lesson plan or formal format, just set a time, pray to be a blessing to the individual, and show up. As every TOL volunteer will tell you, a funny thing happens during the visit. It's the volunteer who also ends up feeling very blessed.
"Some of my more memorable visits include singing an impromptu Happy Birthday and bringing cookies to a sweet lady in a nursing home. She sang along at the top of her lungs and proceeded to give away all the cookies to her fellow-residents. Also a visit to a missionary couple who shared stories of hardships in countries overseas where they served. I was humbled and ashamed of all the worldly stuff we think we need here, when all they needed was the Lord. Or the woman who taught many years in the orphanage, telling abandoned children about Jesus.
"Then there was the gentleman who served in the armed forces all over the world, and became a widower, never once doubting Gods plan for him. Once I visited a spunky gal with Alzheimer's. She 'fired' me and sent me packing, and told me not to come back. The Lord kept her trait of authority intact! I said a quick prayer and honored her wishes before she had a chance to hurl that vase at me.
"As we know little children can be a blessing to the elderly and visa versa. On occasion I bring my three-year-old granddaughter with me on visits. She holds my hand, wide-eyed, minds her manners, and before long is engaged in a lively conversation with the 'grandma' we came to visit, sometimes even up on her lap. God has made a special connection between little kids and our dear seniors.
"Once I assisted a resident with her bingo game in progress, and another time sat on the porch of a lovely board and care home, on a hillside, overlooking Escondido. This lady and I both marveled at Gods handiwork and simply sat and enjoyed nature quietly.
"I could go on and on, as each visit is a treasure. The leaders/organizers of this ministry are amazing, dedicated individuals, led by Pastor Tom and Wanda Thies. I hope I have been able to lift some shut-ins spirits, as I know they have continually lifted mine." - Laurie Trouw
Helping Hands Mends Fences? Yep, We Do That!
From time to time, members of EFCC’s Helping Hands ministry serve folks in our church body with "handyman" type jobs. Here’s a recent story that a congregation member wanted to share with our pastors.
"I want to express a great note of appreciation to Emmanuel Faith, Helping Hands, and in particular, Jack Faulkner. I recently contacted Pastor Greg concerning my 25-year-old fence which was falling in. I was directed to Helping Hands and Jack Faulkner magically appeared and came to my rescue.
"My situation was not the norm. I have four neighbors adjacent to my three fences. Three of the four are less than kindly or neighborly, and there have been issues over the years including police involvement. Needless to say my children and I do not feel safe or secure in dealing with three of them. My neighbor on the north is truly a blessing.
"Due to the nature of the challenges with my neighbors, and their actions in cutting back embankments causing erosion of the land on my side of the fencing, it was decided that an independent contractor was the best solution.
"Jack Faulkner obtained a total of six estimates for me. Jack then brought the best three estimates to me and explained in detail which he felt was the best. Jack’s gentle spirit, professionalism, knowledge as a contractor, and ability to deal with all types of personalities led to a successful project. Of particular import was Jack’s knowledge of the Lord’s word and his ability to implement it when dealing with the many challenges and personalities involved with such a simple project.
"I had extensive shoulder surgery on last December 18. Jack served as a buffer and mediator with my neighbors, supervised the work daily morning and night, and even emptied (and repacked) storage sheds.
"I am forever grateful to EFCC and Helping Hands for assisting me. I could not have hired a fencing company on my own, dealt with the neighbors’ issues and seen completion of the project.
"I do not want to overlook anyone and if there were any others who helped on my project I wish to thank them as well for a job well done and serving the Lord. I know He is saying 'well done my good and faithful servant'. Sincerely, Joyce E. Stone"
Focus on Overseas Ministry
Update from the Senegal Partnership
:: From Phil Howard with the Senegal Partnership ::
"Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." 1 Timothy 4:15 (NIV)
On January 26, 2010, a group of nearly 30 village pastors were recognized by leaders of the Evangelical Baptist Church of Thies and several Christian mission organizations for completing a rural pastorship training program called the Timothy Course. Participants receive a total of 15 weeks of intensive training over a three year period in critical areas such as pastoral care, church administration, church doctrine and history, spiritual disciplines, Bible interpretation, missions and evangelism, Christian education and conflict resolution.
These men, responding to God’s call to proclaim the Gospel in and around their home villages, have spent the last three years heeding the apostle Paul’s instruction to young pastors like Timothy. Their progress is evident to all. Lift them up in your prayers as they minister among the Serer people of Senegal.
Among those recognized for their diligent preparation for ministry was Joël Ndiaye, the pastor of small congregations in the villages of Doudam, Diarekh and Dafeme. Emmanuel Faith now works in partnership with the Evangelical Baptist Church of Thies to support Pastor Joël’s work, to strengthen the rural village church and to proclaim the Gospel among the largely unreached Serer people of Senegal.
Remember to thank God for Pastor Joël’s ministry and to pray for Senegal.
EFCC Couple Ministers in African Orphanages
Michael and Danielle Friedrich recently spent the several weeks in Africa, working in a couple of orphanages. Please click here for the PDF file to learn more about their exciting trip.
More About In Words & Deeds
Emmanuel Faith . . . In Words & Deeds focuses on ministry results and reporting, including personal stories and testimonies. An e-mail will be sent out to EFCC attendees who are signed up to receive all church e-mails prior to each issue being released on the web site.
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Sorry for any inconvenience, but Volumes 1 and 2 are no longer available.