Israel-Palestinian peace talks

Sometimes I read someone’s writing that is too good & too important to keep to myself, and such is the case today regarding the meetings this week between Israel and the Palestinians.  I highly recommend you read this and pray for God’s wisdom for these leaders.

DRATS!

Does anyone still use that word, or did I just date myself?

Anyway, it expresses how I feel, after just receiving a phone call from the Watoto Choir that I wrote about yesterday.  It seems the US Embassy in Kampala will not give them an appointment to receive their visas until September 15, which effectively wipes out the first 2 weeks of their planned 6-month tour.  The Watoto office even appealed through US Congressmen & Senators, to no avail.

So, as much as I hate it, the choir will NOT be performing at CLC in September as announced.  They will visit us at the end of the tour next March, so it’s technically not a cancellation, just a postponement.

Of course, that doesn’t help with our planned opportunity on the heels of our ONE series, to give you a ‘good excuse’ to invite your unchurched friends to attend.  (What is it they say about the best-laid plans of mice & men?)

Oh well.  Nothing much left to say – except that I’m sorry we didn’t know sooner, before you started telling others about it.  And we’ll look forward to March!

The Power of One

We’ve spent the entire month of August emphasizing the value & importance & power of ONE.  Think of it: Jesus died so that even ONE could be saved.

Our plan is to follow up this emphasis with some “user-friendly” events that will be easy for you to invite your friends & co-workers to attend, and the first one is coming at the Tinley Park campus on September 12, when we’ll host the internationally-known Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda!

These AIDS orphans have performed in various nations, before all kinds of audiences, including the White House, the parliaments of several nations, from Presidents to paupers  (for instance, they’ll be appearing at Trinity College & at Navy Pier on this tour). Their cause is worthy.  Their leader is a godly man who is leading an incredible ministry that is impacting Uganda.  I’m honored that we get to host them at CLC.

Speaking of ‘hosting’, we do still need a few families who would be willing to keep a few of the kids & an adult chaperon overnight on Saturday, Sept. 11.  If you’re interested, please let us know here.

Most importantly, this is one of those events that even unchurched folk will attend – the kids are that winsome & their story is that compelling.  So start inviting NOW. You won’t regret it, I promise.

A mosque near the World Trade Center?

I’ve been asked to weigh-in on this controversy that you’ve no doubt heard about by now.  As a pastor, I normally steer clear of political issues, since there’s usually little to gain and a lot to lose in doing so.

But because of our missions heart at CLC, I’ve decided to comment:

• Please understand that Islam is, in the words of George Otis, Jr., “The Last of the Giants” that the Church faces in fulfilling the Great Commission.  If you look at the areas of the world that are still unreached with the Gospel, for the most part they are Islamic-dominated societies.

• We are called to reach Muslims with the only Gospel that saves.  At CLC, we are investing our missions dollars heavily in Muslim nations such as Senegal, Turkey and Iraq – knowing that Islam must eventually yield to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

• From my understanding of the world, this determination on the part of the Church to reach Muslims is matched by Islam’s determination to dominate the world.  If you’ve read the statements from the leaders of Muslim nations in the Arab world as I have, then you know that the religion of Islam is really not seeking to live in peaceful co-existence with other religions; Islam seeks to dominate, and it’s adherents are convinced that one day Islam will rule the world.

• Part of that mentality throughout history has been for Muslims to build a mosque in places they have conquered for Islam.  That’s why the holiest site of Judaism (and Christianity, for that matter), the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, is also home to the Dome of the Rock, the oldest Islamic shrine in the world – for when Muslims conquered that area in the Middle Ages, they built a mosque to show the world they had conquered.  There are numerous other examples of this mentality, including some that I’ve visited personally, such as Hagia Sofia in Istanbul, which was the largest Christian cathedral in the world for a thousand years, before it was taken over by the Muslim Turks and turned into a mosque.

• For that reason alone, I personally feel that building a mosque so near the World Trade Center sends a message to Muslims in the Arab World that we don’t want to send: namely, that they were successful on 9/11/2001, and that they have prevailed in America!  Not all Muslims will see it that way, for sure, and particularly moderate Muslims here in the USA – but in the nations of the world that I often visit on missions assignments, trust me, that IS the message they will receive.

• In addition, even moderate Muslims have spoken out as to how inappropriate this mosque would be, in light of the emotions of so many Americans who lost loved ones at 9/11 – and even in the interest of advancing their religion, they feel it would be wise not to provoke Americans by building at this site.

Of course, I understand that political leaders, including our own President, often times say things to be “politically correct”, whereas you and I still have the freedom to speak from our heart.  My heart hurts at the thought of a mosque being erected just 600 feet from Ground Zero.  But the bigger concern I have is that we (The Church) continue to reach out in love to Muslim nations with the Good News that can set them free – just as is happening in various nations all around the world, as Jesus is appearing to sincere Muslim believers in dreams and visions, and thousands are coming to faith in Christ.  May the name of Jesus be lifted higher, not only in lower Manhattan, but in ALL the nations of the earth!

Heads-up!

If you’re reading this the day it’s posted, you’ve probably already had your head-up looking at the near-record rainfall we’ve been experiencing.  But I’m really wanting to address some important stuff coming right up:

BTW, if you were at morning prayer today, was that AWESOME or what? So pleasantly surprised to see so many out in spite of the storms, and we “prayed up a storm” in the auditorium, too!  You can get in on it EACH Saturday at 8 a.m.

• Backyard Bible Clubs!  We doubled the number of clubs we’re offering after last Sunday’s message – so THANKS to each CLCer who’s hosting or helping reach kids in your neighborhood.  And it’s not too late – if you’re interested, just click here.

• ONE! I’m totally pumped about our new sermon series beginning August 1 at each CLC campus.  (You know what I’m gonna say next, right?) It very well may be the most important & timely series we’ve ever done!  (seriously!) We’re going to explore the ONE thing that’s most important on God’s heart – the ONLY one, the VALUE of one, the POWER of one and ONE like this – so get ready for a terrific August at CLC!

• What’s YOUR story? Can you believe it’s almost time for FRIEND DAY again?  This September 26 at each campus we’re hoping EVERY CLCer will bring a friend, and we want to share “cardboard testimonies” to help reach them.  Here’s a link to the promo from last year (ignore the date, but everything else remains the same.) If you want to be a part by sharing your story on cardboard, please click here.

That’s all coming right up…..but right now I’m SO excited about this weekend, knowing that God is speaking to CLC about our role in reaching the Jewish people, and how HE supernaturally connected us with the right partners to do that……just can’t wait for tomorrow morning when we hear from Daniel Juster in all 3 services at our Tinley campus!

10 reasons

With apologies to David Letterman, here’s my top 10 reasons that YOU should join us at CLC this Sunday:

10.  It’s Sunday! (where else would you rather be?)

9.  The CLC band is HOT!

8.  The speaker, Daniel Juster, is from JERUSALEM! (how cool is that?)

7.  You’ll probably learn something (he’s reportedly the leading Messianic theologian in the world!)

6. Israel is THE key to all “end-times” prophecy! (we’re all interested in the future)

5.  The Middle East is in the news daily! (find out why)

4.  Daniel’s ministry is CLC’s #1 partner in missions-giving! (Scripture says, “to the Jew first)

3.  Destiny: these services have been scheduled for almost a year (ONLY opening on Daniel’s calendar!)

2.  You might win a free trip to Israel! (Probably not, but you never know how the Spirit might move…)

1.  JESUS will be there!

See you Sunday morning at 8, 9:30 or 11:30 a.m.

serendipity…

Serendipity, as you probably know, is a propensity for making fortuitous discoveries while looking for something unrelated.  According to Wikipedia, it’s also one of the top 10 English words that are the most difficult to translate!

I was thinking of it this morning because of my own experience in missions through the years – it’s been absolutely amazing to me how many unexpected good things I have discovered while serving a missions project or conference overseas.  Even more specifically, I’m thinking of relationships that I now enjoy with people I would never have known had it not been for some missions involvement.

For instance, did you know that I am blessed to know each of these men because of a ‘chance’ meeting (there’s a story behind each one):

• Charles Bavelloni
• Dale Van Steenis
• David Hatley
• Pade Tokun
• Amos Aderonmu
• Ken Sandberg
• Herley Montes

There are others that you don’t yet know, including our special guest this Wednesday night.  I met Brad Mayer earlier this year in General Santos City, Philippines at a Global Advance conference for pastors.  Brad & his wife were the other invited speakers besides me & Chris, and it didn’t take long for me to recognize that he is the real deal!  Brad serves as a pastor in the inner-city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.  You may never have heard of Saskatoon, and I certainly didn’t know that it had a inner-city with the same challenges of gangs, drugs and urban decay – but it does, and Brad’s church is making a difference in the lives of people there!

We really hit it off in the Philippines, and have continued to grow our relationship via FaceBook.  He and his family are passing thru Chicago on their vacation this summer and I persuaded him to speak at CLC tomorrow night.  I really hope you’ll join me in welcoming him to CLC!

Who knows, it just might be a serendipitous moment for you!

Philippine Youth Camp

I just received a glowing report from our partners in Manila about the youth camp that was made possible by the generosity of CLCers.  I thought you’d enjoy it, too:

To our Friends at Christian Life Centre,

Thank you for partnering with us to help make SINAG youth camp possible for young people who spend almost every waking hour just trying to survive. Your love and generosity enabled us to take 115 teenagers, 18 staff and volunteers up North to Zambales for 4 days and 3 nights. For most of these young people it was their first time to leave the dumpsite or cemetery where they live. It was their first time to sleep on a mattress, to have running water and not have to worry about where food was coming from. Some are abused at home and you helped us to give them a few days where they could be safe and loved, and above all an opportunity to know Christ, receive healing and be changed from the inside- out.

Highlights day 1

-Young people split into Tribes – Joseph, Zebulun, Judah and Levi where they took part in team challenges.

- swim time

-night of worship and prayer

Highlights day 2

- morning devotions lead by the young leaders

- guest speakers, prayer and worship

- SINAG’S got Talent night and bonfire

Highlights day 3

- morning devotions lead by young leaders

- True Love Waits sessions

- treasure hunt

- worship and prayer

Highlights day 4

- morning of worship, prayer and testimonies

- True Love waits sessions

- 22 Baptisms

The spiritual breakthroughs really came on the eve of the last night and the third day. There was brokenness and healing. We really sensed the Lord wanting us to bring certain young people who are involved in gang activity. This really had its challenges but praise God, by the last day we visibly saw how the Lord had been working on hearts. Young men and women that on day one seemed hard and cold were full of peace and joy. Please continue to pray for them now as there is so much pull to be in gangs in both the dumpsite and cemetery communities.

From thankful hearts

Kim, 17

“Thank you so much for sponsoring us for youth camp .The Lord is so good to us. If it’s not for Him we won’t be here. We have learned a lot from the camp. First I get to spend some time with the youth leaders and Pastors for 4 days. I was so glad to be with them. There are emotional times just like when our guest speaker came when we learned a lot about Gods word through them. I’m so happy in the camp. I think that’s the Lords plan that we badly behaved in the beginning and we are changed in the end”

Andrea, 13

“Thank you for all your help to us. We will not be able to experience youth camp again if i’ts not for your help. Thank you so much and thank you for everything. God bless. You know it feels so good to be included in the youth camp. We were able to swim in the ocean and have time with friends. Me and my friends are so happy. The water in the beach is so cold. This youth camp is very memorable for me. The happiest days i have had. God Bless. From Andrea”

Alvin, 14

“Thank you very much for helping us. I have learned a lot from youth camp. I have changed a lot. I want to thank the Lord for guiding me here in learning his word. I have experienced swimming in the beach and playing with friends. From Alvin”

Clarissa,15

“Thank you to you and to our leaders. If it is not for all of you I will not be able to join youth camp. I want to thank the Lord for answering our prayers for the youth camp to happen. I was so happy to meet so many friends and I have learned teachings about God. I hope this happens again next year and I will never ever forget this. I will miss this place. I thank the Lord again. Thank you so much and I love you. From Clarissa”

Rolando,17

“Thank you for sponsoring me to be able to join youth camp. Thank you for helping us. I am so thankful because this is the place my mind is at peace and this is where I met God .I met new friends too. From Rolando.”

Thank you with all of our hearts for helping us help these precious young people. You are enabling us to let them see their value and potential as Christ as their saviour. They all live in horrendous dark conditions, but with Jesus they are able to shine and bring hope to a very hopeless community. Thank you for loving enough to help them.

With Love, Ron and Joanna

corrected link

Here’s the correct link for the ‘rest of the story’ regarding the flotilla and Israel this week.  (Sorry for the earlier confusion on yesterday’s post)

Once again, it’s important that we stand with Israel in prayer & support!

Israel in the news

That’s not so surprising; it seems that Israel is almost always in the news.  What is disturbing to me is how often the media takes such a biased view against Israel and in favor of whoever else happens to be opposing them.

The incident today with the flotilla attempt to break the Israeli embargo and bring humanitarian supplies into Gaza is a classic case in point.  For those of us who believe Genesis 12:3, there is another explanation of the events that took place – quite different than what we heard and saw from the mainstream media today.

Here’s a much more complete report of what happened.

As things heat up in the Middle East, I know that I know God is speaking to us at CLC to take our stand with Israel by supporting Jewish evangelism as our #1 priority in missions.  I can’t wait for our trip there this November, and I would urge you to consider going with us – it’s not too late!

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