Author: Mark

Hubby to the greatest gal, Pastor of an amazing community, brother to a bunch of people called my family, lover of God, follower of Jesus.

God’s House

On By MarkIn GRACE, Serving, ThanksLeave a comment

But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, 

will enter your house. 

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; 

let them ever sing for joy, 

and spread your protection over them, 

that those who love your name may exult in you. 

Psalm 5:7, 11

Today, Grace experienced a great ‘work-day’.  We are moving our Ministry Center and Offices to another temporary rented location.  The reason: about twice the space, much less in rent, allowing us to move forward with ministry while being financially responsible as we continue to pray and look for a place to purchase for our church!

We actually have two suites, very close together; one for offices, and the other is the main meeting room area.  The Ministry Center side is mostly good to go, we will be redoing the stage area and painting the entire room, but otherwise it’s in great shape.  Today’s work was tearing stuff out in the other room so the builders can get to work building out the office space.  I was so encouraged to work alongside so many great people today.  There’s a lot to do still, but today was good.  I’m sure I’ll get some pictures posted soon.  Thanks to all of you who were able to carve out most of your morning to lend a hand.

20 People for 20th Year

On By MarkIn 20th Anniversary, PrayLeave a comment

As Grace Community Church celebrates our 20th anniversary later this year, the challenge has been made to pray for 20 people. Let’s pray for people that need Jesus as Savior, let’s also pray for those who need to return to the Lord.

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Instead of coming up with a ‘top ten’ list to pray for, pair up with someone and the two of you combine your lists to come up with 20 people. Maybe you can only think of a few and your partner has more.  Either way, the beauty of pairing up is that you are encouraging and reminding each other to pray.  And remember, prayer is near the heart of God. He loves to hear us come to him in worship, adoration and dependency. We’re asking Him to do His work of saving people.  Let’s ask.

Thankful

On By MarkIn Love, Thanks2 Comments

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, 

for his steadfast love endures forever. 

Psalm 136 may have been read or sung in the temple as the Passover lambs were being slain. The priest would read or sing the first part of each [verse] then the congregation would sing or read the last phrase which is the same throughout the Psalm.

The key word in the response is the Hebrew word for ‘mercy’ or ‘steadfast love’. We might pronounce is ‘hesed’, with more of a ‘ch’ sound at the beginning. Defined in part as “loyal love” it’s God’s gift of love towards us, as best seen in words like ‘mercy’. A brief survey of English translations shows even a fuller meaning of the term, and this in turn can help us see the root of our thankful hearts. It’s Who God is and what He’s done for us.

ESV: for his steadfast love endures forever

NKJV: For His mercy endures forever

NASB: For His lovingkindness is everlasting

NIV: His love endures forever

NLT: His faithful love endures forever

There is so much to give thanks for on this Thanksgiving Day 2013. At the center of it all is the finished work of Jesus on the cross, taking my place, paying for all of my sin. And now as His very own, I will proclaim His goodness, His love and mercy, His ‘hesed’ for all to hear.

God bless each of you this Thanksgiving!

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thes 5:18 NLT

 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you Phil 1:3

This Week @ Grace

On By MarkIn Bible, Serving1 Comment

Last Sunday I began teaching through the New Testament book of Philippians. Wow! What a letter for the church today.  How revolutionary in our thinking that we too are “servants of Christ Jesus” and “saints in Christ Jesus”. And! He’s not done working on us yet.

“He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” 1:6

This coming Sunday we’ll discover what I believe to be one the biggest keys in the entire Bible on ‘how to live for God’.

This Sunday also provides an opportunity to learn about our awesome Children’s Ministry and how you can be a part of a great team doing an amazing work.  Right after our service there is an informational lunch just for you. Whether you have experience or are just curious, please plan on joining the team downstairs in the Commons for lunch and a brief meeting.

To my fellow Servants and Saints: wherever you go to church, go this week expecting. Go prepared to worship with the other saints, be ready to bless someone else and be ready to hear from God.

Two ways to help those in the Philippines

On By MarkIn GraceGives, Pray1 Comment

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Matthew 25:35-40

Pray. Whether you can give or not, the best thing we have going for us is to pray earnestly. So, let’s do that.

Give. There are many opportunities to help those suffering in the Philippines.  At Grace we’ve primarily used Samaritan’s Purse in the past. So we will again this time.  If you’d like to go online and give directly through their site, you can do so here.

If you’d like to give through our church, you can do so these next few weeks. Whether you give at church or online we’ll send whatever comes in to Samaritan’s Purse. We love what they do and how they do it.

 

For God’s Glory

On By MarkIn God's Glory, GRACE, Jesus!Leave a comment

Nineteen years ago today it was a Sunday. This would be our first Sunday meeting as Grace Community at Sinagua High School. We advertised in the paper. We had dorky little cards made up. We called it a new beginning.  And it was.

Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. Eph 5:25-27

Thank you, Jesus, for the sacrifice that cleanses us and makes us new and for the assembly of those with whom we share this new life.  For Your glory!

Headed Home

On By MarkIn Pray, Thailand, TravelLeave a comment

 

 

It’s been a great few days in Bangkok.  We were able to worship with Molly on Sunday morning; then spent time with her at the school on Monday.  Molly is doing great with language school and working in the ministry at Word Made Flesh as she’s able. We met her kids and coworkers as we got to tour the Community Center. It was so nice to have lots of time to visit and catch up.  I think we were all mutually encouraged.  One of the highlights was presenting the kids with the supplies that Grace sent over, including ipads for the classroom!  Great job Grace! Your generosity is a huge blessing.Newspring BangkokGreat to be with Molly at her church in Bangkok on Sunday morning.

BangkokWe are getting ready to go to bed. Tomorrow morning we leave early for the airport and the beginning of our long journey home.  Thanks again for your prayers.

 

 

Teaching in Thailand

On By MarkIn Missions, Thailand2 Comments

What a great few days so far. Tonight was a great end to a wonderful day. There was a lot of teaching and worship. My cup is full.  Tomorrow we will conclude our part of the Pastor’s Conference.  Here are just a few pictures of our teachers and the beautiful Hmong people.

This is Ron Miller teaching the first night. Ron leads the Baan Immanuel ministries
This is Ron Miller teaching the first night. Ron leads the Baan Immanuel ministries
Here's Linda Holgate teaching the women
Here’s Linda Holgate teaching the women

 

Here's Dan Holgate teaching with our interpreter
Here’s Dan Holgate teaching with our interpreter

 

Paul teaching
Paul teaching

Ladies SessionHmong ConferenceI think we’re all doing well, but feeling spent. Pray for a good night’s rest and a very effective closing day tomorrow.  This has been great! I am so thankful to the Lord for allowing us a small part of an amazing movement.

 

On By MarkIn Pray, Thailand, Thanks1 Comment

We’ve enjoyed a couple of days getting acclimated to the time zone and visiting some of the local ministries. I was so blessed to hear things went well back home with our Men’s Advance and at Grace on Sunday morning. I sure love our team.

Today, we’ll travel north to the city where we will meet up with the Hmong pastor’s and their wives where conference starts this evening.  Pray for all the guys to get there safely. I know some were held up yesterday at the Laos border.  Many of these guys travel for days.  I’m really looking forward to seeing some familiar faces from last year as well as meet many new guys.

Thanks for your prayers.

This is our team. Great people!
This is our team. Great people!
Enjoying beautiful gardens
Enjoying beautiful gardens