This Lord’s day we will wrap up our sermon series entitled “Core Values for a Life that Really Matters”.  Our last Core Value is Integrity.  

During the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Selena Roberts wrote in the New York Times of a heated controversy that threatened the integrity of the games:

About 10 yards past a security [...]]]> Dear Friends,  

This Lord’s day we will wrap up our sermon series entitled “Core Values for a Life that Really Matters”.  Our last Core Value is Integrity.  

During the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Selena Roberts wrote in the New York Times of a heated controversy that threatened the integrity of the games:

About 10 yards past a security checkpoint along the path of a cinder-block hall inside the Salt Lake Ice Center, a panel of nine judges filtered into a room for a standard post-competition meeting last Tuesday morning. Twelve hours removed from the controversial moment when gold medallions were draped over Russia’s Yelena Berezhnaya and Anton Sikharulidze instead of Canada’s Jamie Salé and David Pelletier, the judges assembled for a review of the decision under Ron Pfenning, the head referee.

At first, it was business as usual as the judges sat around a table, pouring over marks for several skaters, according to two high-ranking figure skating officials who spoke Friday on condition of anonymity.  Then the meeting took a bizarre turn. Pfenning, known as a gentle and meticulous caretaker of skating, handed each judge a piece of paper with a passage about honesty and integrity, officials said.  As each person passed back the pieces of paper, the judge Marie-Reine Le Gougne began to sob, officials said.

“It was a rambling avalanche of words,” Pfenning said when reached by telephone. “I hadn’t asked her a question. She had been teary-eyed through a lot of the meeting. It was an outburst: ‘You don’t understand. You don’t understand. We’re under an awful lot of pressure. My federations, my president Didier, I had to put the Russians first.’  Didier Gailhaguet is the president of the French Figure Skating Federation. Pfenning said that when Le Gougne called out Gailhaguet’s name, he knew he had to report the incident to the International Skating Union. “I never gave it a second thought,” Pfenning said.

For several minutes, the wail from Le Gougne grew so loud, one official said, that a person in the room stripped tape over the crack in the door in an apparent soundproofing effort.  The two high-ranking skating officials said no one embraced Le Gougne, the stylish 40-year-old Frenchwoman, as she cried out. Many of the judges, officials said, saw her as a pathetic figure. They already knew why Le Gougne was distraught, they said: her conscience had caught up to her.

What do we do when our conscience catches up with us?  How does a commitment to Integrity of heart and life save us from disastrous relationship crises?  This is our focus for this Sunday! 

On another note altogether, many of you have taken a keen interest in the earthquake tragedy in Haiti.  We have raised (and sent) over $3,400 to help with the relief efforts.  Thank you for caring.  Here is a letter to the Grace Covenant Mission Agency sent by one of their pastors, who lives in Haiti and head up the work there.  The Hernandez family serves with Grace Covenant in Paraguay, so they are our connection in Haiti.  I am printing the letter as is, with grammatical errors and all: 

Greetings today in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus-Christ!
There is no way to explain what is happening right now in Haiti. We can
resume all in one word: If the Lord is not the author of what we have seen,
God has a reason for it to happen. Since January 12, the number of
Christians is increasing. Here in Mont-Rouis, during the fasting days (3
days) 590 people have come to the Lord. 95% are young people. The church of
God where I used to attend is too little to receive the Christians. Pastor
Meres, in Lanzac was asking me for help to buy more chairs or banches
because there is not enough room for the people. We had this event in every
village in Haiti.
Our churches are doing good. The ministers are doing good, too. Pastor Oseme
was the only victim during these days. He was in PAP, a block fell on his
knee, it was not too bad. But, he was later kidnapped and had to pay a
ransom of 1,500.00US. I lent him some money, other people lent him to
re-emburse the money he lent.
I will try to send some pictures of people we were and are helping now. We
were helping people to go to the hospital, medicines. Milk for the little
children etc. We want to thank everyone who has contribute to send an
offering to help our Haitian brothers in their circumstances.
You could not hear from me since there was no signal on Haitel to use the internet.  Try to write more next time, God bless.   Raquens Turenne.

The takeaway is that God can use even disasters and tragedies to bring more people into his forever family.  Every pain has a purpose, and every ruin is redeemable.   

I hope to see you Sunday!    

Love in Jesus,  

Pastor John

This Sunday we will look at Core Value #5 for a life that really matters – SHARING THE GOOD NEWS.  Author Kevin Harney tells the following story in his book Seismic Shifts:

It was a battle. A wrestling match. A test of wills. Every day, at exactly the same time, Margaret would go to the bathroom cabinet, open it, and [...]]]> Dear Crosswalkers,

This Sunday we will look at Core Value #5 for a life that really matters – SHARING THE GOOD NEWS.  Author Kevin Harney tells the following story in his book Seismic Shifts:

It was a battle. A wrestling match. A test of wills. Every day, at exactly the same time, Margaret would go to the bathroom cabinet, open it, and take out a huge bottle of Castor oil. Then she would head to the kitchen to get a tablespoon. At the sound of the drawer opening and the silverware rattling, Patches, her Yorkshire terrier, would run and hide—sometimes under the bed, at other times in the bathtub or behind Margaret’s recliner. Patches knew what was coming.  Someone had convinced Margaret that her beloved dog would have strong teeth, a beautiful coat, and a long life if she gave him a spoonful of Castor oil every day. So, as an act of love every 24 hours, she cornered Patches, pinned him down, pried open his mouth, and—as he whimpered, squirmed, and fought her with all his strength—poured a tablespoon of Castor oil down his little doggie throat.  Then one day, in the middle of their battle royal, with one sideways kick, Patches sent the dreaded bottle of Castor oil flying across the kitchen floor. It was a momentary victory for the canine, as Margaret let him go so she could run to the pantry and grab a towel to clean up the mess.  When Margaret got back, she was utterly shocked. There was Patches licking up the spilled Castor oil with a look of satisfaction only a dog can make.  Margaret began to laugh uncontrollably.  In one moment, it all made sense.  Patches liked Castor oil.  He just hated being pinned down and having it poured down his throat.

Do you agree with me that this has an application to faith sharing?  The message is wonderful; the methods often leave something to be desired.  Good news was meant for sharing, but we all feel intimidated about the methods of sharing that good news.  This Lord’s Day we will see why faith sharing is such a central core value for living a life that honors the Lord! 

Thank you so much for your prayers last week regarding Pastor Oseme of Haiti.  He was kidnapped and threatened with death if a ransom wasn’t paid.  When we learned of his release, I let you know, and we praise God for answering our prayers.  Here is the rest of the story: 

It turns out Pastor Oseme was with another, more prominent pastor, and that more prominent pastor was the one targeted by the kidnappers.  Pastor Oseme was included in the kidnapping simply because these fellow pastors were travelling together.  Interestingly, the ransom for the prominent pastor was $7,500 and for Oseme it was only $1,500.  For having a smaller church and less prominence his ransom price was significantly discounted!  It makes me reflect on how we value life.  Of course the biblical world view says that all life is of infinite value because we are created by God and we have eternal souls!  Back to our story, the bottom line is that both families paid the ransom and secured the release of the pastors (I was told that the kidnappers settled for $6,000 for the prominent pastor because that was all that could be raised.  I guess he wasn’t as prominent as they thought!).  In a perfect world the kidnappers would have repented or at least been captured.  So while this wasn’t the perfectly ideal outcome, I believe that given the extremely unsettled situation in Haiti in the earthquake’s aftermath, this was a wonderful result.  If Pastor Oseme was my son, I would be rejoicing.   Dallas Elder, the Executive Pastor of Grace Covenant, extends his heartfelt thanks for our prayers!    See you Sunday!

Love in Jesus, Pastor John

Many thanks your prayers regarding Pastor Oseme, who was kidnapped in Haiti and was threatened with death unless a ransom was paid within 24 hours.  Great News!  Pastor Oseme was released earlier today!  I don’t have any details to share at the present time, but I want you to know that prayer works, and let’s praise God for sparing [...]]]> Dear Friends, 

Many thanks your prayers regarding Pastor Oseme, who was kidnapped in Haiti and was threatened with death unless a ransom was paid within 24 hours.  Great News!  Pastor Oseme was released earlier today!  I don’t have any details to share at the present time, but I want you to know that prayer works, and let’s praise God for sparing this pastor’s life.   

Haitian theologian Dieumeme Noelliste, currently professor of theological ethics at Denver Seminary and president of the Caribbean Evangelical Theological Association, was recently interviewed.  This is a portion of what he said:
“One story that hasn’t been told in the secular media is the number of Haitian pastors who died in the earthquake, leaving their parishioners without any shepherd. The American church should know about this and think about what can be done to help. Haiti was already struck with a paucity of pastors before the earthquake; many trained pastors have left for Canada, the U.S., and other places…  On the theodicy question: I don’t believe people will turn from God. I don’t think there is the kind of approach to life in Haiti that would lead people to think this is proof that God doesn’t exist or think God is against us. If anything, believers in voodoo will think the voodoo god is angry or that things weren’t done to appease the voodoo god. They will be searching their souls for what it is that they didn’t do. As far as Christians are concerned, this is not the first time that disaster has come to us. This may be the most brutal, but two years ago we had four devastating hurricanes and even then the people didn’t turn against God. They’ve suffered many things at the hands of fellow Haitians and remained fast to God… I see the church continuing to grow. In these situations people tend to turn to God. This is their only hope.”  

One of our missionaries, Christian psychologist Wilson Phang, has been invited to Haiti to provide counseling and support for the medical personnel there who are overwhelmed with the stress of dealing with so much death, devastation and destruction.  Lord willing, Wilson will be leaving for Haiti on Feb 1.  Please keep him in your prayers!    You can still give to the relief efforts in Haiti through Crosswalk Church, either on Sunday morning or through our website.   

Many Blessings, and I hope to see you Sunday,  

Pastor John

Five years ago Angel and Malia Hernandez, from our church family, were commissioned as missionaries by Grace Covenant, a mission sending agency.  At their commissioning there were other missionaries from the Grace Covenant family, including Pastor Oseme from Haiti.  He struck me as a very spiritual man who had a heart for his fellow Haitians and who was dedicated [...]]]> Dear Crosswalkers,

Five years ago Angel and Malia Hernandez, from our church family, were commissioned as missionaries by Grace Covenant, a mission sending agency.  At their commissioning there were other missionaries from the Grace Covenant family, including Pastor Oseme from Haiti.  He struck me as a very spiritual man who had a heart for his fellow Haitians and who was dedicated to hearing the Lord’s word and boldly yet humbly passing that word on to others.  He was unharmed by the earthquake, even though his neighbors on both sides lost their homes and their children. 

Today I received this word from Grace Covenant of an urgent prayer need.  I will print it in full:

Pastor Oseme of Haiti went into Port Au Prince (earlier today) to meet with the American Consulate.  While he was there he was kidnapped.  He is now being held for ransom.  Unless $1500 US is paid in ransom by tomorrow, Pastor Oseme will be killed.  It would appear that the logic here is that being Pastor Oseme went to the American Consulate that he has contacts in the US who would pay.  Otherwise, Haitians would not kidnap another Haitian.  Pastor Raquens and I agreed that right now we need to bathe the situation in prayer and pray for his release.  Remember Peter was released from prison by the power of prayer.  If the Lord shows us something else to do we will do it.  But for now we need to generate as much prayer toward Pastor Oseme, his captors and his family as possible.  We will give updates as we get them.  Please seriously pray and get the word out to other intercessors at this hour. 

As you get this email, please take a few moments and lift this brother in your prayers.  I remember full well when my family were missionaries to Ghana, Leanna and I signed a form saying we understand that no ransom will ever be paid for us in the event of our kidnapping.  This is standard operating procedure for most all mission agencies.  Obviously, the payment of any ransom would be self defeating as it would endanger missionaries around the globe.  Besides, the theological basis for mission life is this:  Jesus Christ has already given his life as a ransom for those who love him.  This is our faith, and we must live it out during these dark days.  Please pray for Pastor Oseme.  We are engaged in spiritual warfare and our missionaries are on the front lines. 

This Sunday we will look at Core Value #4 – VISIONARY LEADERSHIP.  God wants you to have a vision for your life, for your family, for your church, and for using your time, talents and treasures for his glory!  Please plan to stay for lunch at noon, followed by our Annual Meeting. 

Love in Jesus,

Pastor John

This Sunday we’re continuing our series “Core Values for a Life That Really Matters.”  Core value #3 for this Sunday is “Managing My Life to Honor God.”  We are in for a special treat because our missionary, Michael Mozley will share this message.  Those of you who remember [...]]]> Dear Crosswalkers,

This Sunday we’re continuing our series “Core Values for a Life That Really Matters.”  Core value #3 for this Sunday is “Managing My Life to Honor God.”  We are in for a special treat because our missionary, Michael Mozley will share this message.  Those of you who remember Michael from the last time he was here know he is a dynamic speaker who breathes excitement and relevance into each message! 

The death toll in Haiti continues to rise, and at this writing stands at 200,000.  The ongoing suffering will be tremendous.  At Crosswalk, we are still receiving special offerings for Haiti, one hundred percent of which will go to provide for crucial needs in the name of Jesus.  Some have asked, “Why should I give if the United States is sending $100 million from American taxpayers to help aid the Haitian people?”  Good question.  The answer is simple:  You should give because government aid isn’t enough.  Mission agencies have been there for years and will continue to be there.  Also, God wants us to give in the name of Jesus, so the Lord is honored and glorified.  Furthermore, God wants you to give because it is good for your soul to give and help those who are hurting.  It is like Jesus to give!     I want to share a verse with you that our small group studied earlier this week:

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.                                                                                                                                                – James 1:2-4

In the Bible, God has promised to help us as we navigate through life.  He’s given us his Spirit to guide us into the truth and help us make the right choices, and he’s given us a spiritual family to encourage us and help us.  But these verses indicate that God has also given us problems to help us along the way!  Now I know this sounds shocking.  We’re all thinking, “We don’t need problems to help us, we need help for our problems!”  Well, God wants us to view our problems in a new light.  We can see them as helps as well as hurts, as something God can use to help us become the people he wants us to be.  Here’s a sobering reality:  It is sometimes God’s will for you to have problems.  The good news is this:  God’s purpose is always greater than your problems!

Since our small group met, I’ve been reflecting further on these verses and was impressed by the emphasis on endurance.  One of God’s purposes for the problems we face is that we can learn to endure.  One early church father called endurance “the Queen of the virtues”.  Jesus said, “The one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13).  Chuck Swindoll wrote this:

“I fear our generation has come dangerously near the ‘I’m-getting-tired-so-let’s-just-quit’ mentality.  And not just in the spiritual realm.  Dieting is a discipline, so we stay fat.  Finishing school is a hassle, so we bail out.  Cultivating a close relationship is painful, so we back off.  Working through conflicts in a marriage is a tiring struggle, so we walk away.  Sticking with an occupation is tough, so we start looking elsewhere.”      A repeated entry in Christopher Columbus’ diary as he sailed to the new world was this: “This day we sailed on…”  Simply that.  “This day we sailed on…”  He didn’t often mention the disease, the discouragement, the men who wanted to turn back, the fact that one of his ships, the Pinta, was in danger of breaking up.  But he did mention his resolve.  “This day we sailed on…”  

Of course, God doesn’t want you to stick it out with a bad idea or a wrong course.  But he does want you to hang on to your faith through every problem and trial and trouble.  He wants you to endure.  Your problems right now are designed to teach you to endure.  Let’s sail on together.  There will be storms and disease and trouble, but may this be our daily resolve: “This day we sailed on…”  

Love in Jesus,

Pastor John

Dear Crosswalkers,

We are saddened, of course, by the earthquake disaster in Haiti.  As followers of Jesus, we share his compassion for those who have lost loved ones in this tragedy.  Many are injured, and there has been much property damage.  Crosswalk Church is a part of a Region which [...]]]>

Dear Crosswalkers,

We are saddened, of course, by the earthquake disaster in Haiti.  As followers of Jesus, we share his compassion for those who have lost loved ones in this tragedy.  Many are injured, and there has been much property damage.  Crosswalk Church is a part of a Region which has a connection to Haiti through the “One Great Hour of Sharing” benevolence fund.  If you wish to contribute to those hurting in Haiti, you can write a check to Crosswalk Church or give online and earmark your gift:  HAITI.  Rest assured that 100% of your gift will be given to meet the glaring needs in Haiti in the name of Jesus.  Other good organizations are World Vision and Compassion International, each of which has a presence already in Haiti and is accepting donations through their websites to help in the crisis.

A terrible event such as this is always troubling for some.  They wonder, “How can God allow such things to happen?”  Of course, there is a great mystery surrounding the presence and power and purpose of evil in the world.  There is much we can say in response to this question, but ultimately, the most important thing we can to is to respond with the compassion of Jesus.  People are generally won to faith in Jesus by demonstrations of his love, not by answers that satisfy our curiosity.  However, remembering that we live in a world of darkness; a world that crucified our Savior, it always comforts me that Jesus saw through the years and predicted a time of earthquakes and trouble and disasters prior to his Second Coming.  I read the headlines and think, “Yes, it is just as Jesus said it would be.”  And now he wants us to respond as he would. 

Here are some updates for you:
·         Please keep our Children’s Pastor, Peggy Graves in your prayers.  She has a blood clot (which is not life threatening) and such a severe problem with her hip that it will in all likelihood need replacement.  I visited with Peggy today in the hospital and she sends her love.  Many thanks to James English and our dedicated Children’s Ministry staff who have stepped up to be a rich blessing to our kids during Peggy’s absence!
·         This Saturday will be another awesome Men’s Breakfast, with our Leader Erik Aldana speaking on the subject, “You will feel better if you throw up.”  It will make you sick if you miss this message!  Frankly, I can’t wait!

We praise God for the great kickoff last Sunday to our series, “Core Values for a Life That Really Matters.”  Core Value #1 is INTIMACY WITH GOD, and as a reminder, here are three ways to pray that will draw us closer to God:  PRAY “Let Me Know Your Ways”, “Let Me Experience You in My Life”, and “Show Me Your Glorious Presence”  This Sunday we’ll look at Core Value #2.  You won’t want to miss it.

In her book Traveling Mercies, Anne Lamott shares a story about one of her pastors:  When she was about seven, her best friend got lost one day. The little girl ran up and down the streets of the big town where they lived, but she couldn’t find a single landmark, and became very frightened. Finally a policeman stopped to help her. He put her in the passenger seat of his car, and they drove around until she finally saw something she recognized, her church. She pointed it out to the policeman, and then she told him firmly, “You could let me out now. This is my church, and I can always find my way home from here.”

Then Annie Lamott writes:  “And that is why I have stayed so close to [my church family]—because no matter how bad I am feeling, how lost or lonely or frightened, when I see the faces of the people at my church, and hear their tawny voices, I can always find my way home.”

What does God desire for his church?  To be a community where we can always find our way home!  Of course, our real home is in heaven.  In the meantime, the church is God’s family, a community of people where I can discover God’s purpose for my life, and where I can always be reminded of where true home really is.  Tragedies will come and go, but our home is eternal for us! 

Love in Jesus,
Pastor John