Response: Women's Day
A Special Report about HICC Women's Day
Guest Editorial: Joan Bartholomew
"From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. And they stayed there a long time with the disciples." Acts 14:26-28
There has been a lot to be grateful for these past couple of months: God has consistently added to our number (going from 23 to almost 40 disciples), we have become financially self supporting as a congregation, and the older disciples have begun to rekindle the fire they once had as young Christians. As if this wasn't enough to be grateful for, God has surpassed even our expectations by "blowing out" our first Women's Day as a congregation with over 52 women in attendance: 16 disciples from Honolulu, 8 disciples from Hilo, and 28 visitors.
The Secret of Being Content
A Special Report for HICC Women's Day
Guest Editorial: U'i Tyrell & the HICC Women's Ministry
"I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the SECRET of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philipians 4:12-13
About two years ago I was diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid cancer. I went through two surgeries and radiation and it's been in remission ever since. But something frightening happened to me a few nights ago. I was asleep and I tried to take in a breath of air and my throat locked up on me. I couldn't get air in or out, I couldn't speak. My husband rushed to my side and tried everything he could to help me breathe and calm my fears. It was the most helpless feeling I've felt in years. It reminded me of the time I felt helpless when we went in for our ultrasound for our first pregnancy and the doctor announced that there was no heartbeat that our 1st child had died in my womb.
Helpless, when I was 6 months pregnant with our 2nd child and was in a 3 car accident on the freeway not knowing if our baby would survive. It brought back the helpless feelings the day we heard the news that I had cancer and the risks involved with the surgery. I had helpless thoughts of not being around to see my children grow up.
The word HELPLESS in the dictionary means:
1. "unable to function; without help.
2. Deprived of strength or power. Impossible to control."
September 14, 2008 Inaugural Services
New York City And Washington DC
Report: Empire City International Christian Church
Guest Editorial: DJ Comisford – Evangelist
“All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth.” Colossians 1:6
equipped with the Word in hand, and Mountain Dew close by!
What an amazing Sunday! With 20 disciples on the New York City Mission Team, one Christian placing membership last week, as well as the McKeans and four other disciples visiting from Los Angeles, God blessed us with 78 people in attendance at the Inaugural Service of the new Empire City International Christian Church! The fellowship was electric, the singing was full of joy echoing through the halls of the Westside YMCA as hearts were being moved by God. Amazingly, from the 50 non-Christian visitors at our service, we currently have about 40 people studying the Bible! I am so proud of our little mission team and how hard they worked for the Lord to make the weekend such a memorable one. Surely with just a small base of sold-out disciples, we can spread the “aroma of Christ” through an entire city no matter how big!
A "Portland Report" According to My Convictions
Guest Editorial: Chris Broom - Evangelist Chicago International Christian Church
"Now the men of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, 'You know what the Lord said to Moses the man of God at Kadesh Barnea about you and me. I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, but my brothers who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear. I, however, followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly.'" Joshua 14:6-8
Here we see an incredible chapter in an epic story. Joshua and Caleb were two of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the Promised Land. They found the land to be exceedingly good and yet 10 of the 12 most prominent leaders of the tribes of Israel, the vast majority, gave a faithless report. They did not believe that God would bring them victory and therefore led the Israelite community into grumbling against their leader Moses, and thus God Himself. (Numbers 14:2, 27, 36)
1. What is unwholesome talk and slander?
2. Why did so many people leave the Portland Church after the mission team to Los Angeles was sent out in Spring of 2007? (And why are they still leaving?)