Friday Mashup

The Mission Foursquare Church Geyser has been stopped... thanks to the quick work of John C. the parking lot was dug up and the leaking pipe repaired all in a day!

This week... I worked at the Church for a bit on Monday then weeded in my backyard a bunch.  Tuesday evening, I met with Eugene & Catherine D. to talk about our plans for the Fall in running Freedom Sessions.  The more we talked the more we got excited about the good things that will happen in and through this program.  On Wednesday night I worked on our bathroom renovation (yes, it's still in progress).

Today I've got lots to do at the Church.  The Justice Festival starts tonight and runs this weekend.  The Chili Cook-off is this Sunday.  The Skatin Team leaves on Sunday too.

Monday Morning Thoughts

I was about to head into PLBC today when I received a call from Isaac saying that mini geyser has been discovered in our parking lot.  Looks like we have a leak in our water line.  City workers are here trying to find the water shutoff.  This will be my excitement for the next couple days!

Yesterday was an interesting service... in hindsight, I would have structured things a little differently, but that's looking at things with 20/20.  It was nice to have Chad back leading us in worship.  The Vanson's rocked the breakfast.  Dave preached a challenging message on not being ashamed to speak Christ's name.  And we had some special guests from California... the Warkentin family.  We've been praying for Shaela Warkentin and her family for the past five months as she was involved in a horrific car accident and lost her sight.  Yesterday, Shaela and her three sisters sang a beautiful song.

Following the service a number of families went out to Hayward Lake and enjoyed perfect weather for a picnic at the beach.   It was sunny with a warm breeze.  We built sandcastles, went swimming, relaxed on blankets and chairs, and enjoyed good food.  I enjoyed getting to know a couple people better by hearing some of their life's story.

This week is our second annual Chili Cook-off.  I am really looking forward to this year's event... it's going to be even better than last year!

Prayer Focus This Week

Prayer Focus This Week

Church Family

• Friend of Rob G. who is fighting cancer.
• Co-worker of Rob G. who was in a serious car accident.
• Friend of Angela N. who is fighting cancer (only one week to live)
• Friend of Eugene D. who is fighting cancer.
• Friend of Laurie C. whose family was in car accident.
• Shaela Warkentin (eyesight)
• Zain Krikau (Health)
• Mike K. (Health)

Foursquare Family

• Harvest Church (Kelowna, BC)
• Barry Buzza (President of Foursquare Canada)

Other Churches

• The Crosscurrent (Mission, BC)

Our Community & World

• Mayor James Atebe & Council
• Premier Clark & MLA's
• Prime Minister Harper, Senate, & MP's
• Norway, Somalia, Israel, Haiti, China, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Yemen

What Persecution?

Explore More
What Now? A Study in Acts (Pt. 14)
What Persecution? (Acts 5:17-42)
By David Parsons
August 7-13, 2011

PRAY
Before you begin reading, reflecting, discussing, and applying, begin by opening your heart up to our Savior and Lord. Praise Him and ask Him to incline your heart to His. Invite Him to search your heart and make Himself known.

STUDY
Read Acts 5 and Luke 9:23-26. Continue to read Acts to get more comfortable with this part of our history. We encourage you to make time to sit down and read all of Acts in one sitting at some point... the context of everything really hits home then.

DISCUSS
What is persecution? Have you personally faced persecution because of your faith in Jesus Christ? If so share that testimony with someone this week. Why do you think that the North American Church does not experience the level of persecution that other Christians do? Is it because we live in a free society or is it because we have already lost our voice.

LIVE
Consider how your life would be different if you daily shared your testimony and witnessed that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Ask God to give you the wisdom and the power to be His witness every day and everywhere.

Friday Mashup

I never thought I'd watch 15 hours of Robin Hood in one day, but that was my Wednesday.  Beginning Tuesday afternoon I felt my body lock up with aches in my joints and so I left the College and slept at home for 12 hours.  I woke up the next day still feeling horrible, but not able to sleep so I watched 15 hours of Robin Hood on Netflix (we're trying out the free month).  I slept for another 12 hours the next night and woke up on Thursday morning feeling okay.  I'm not sure if it was a flu or what, but it wasn't fun.

Last night was awesome.  I got to hang out at Hotel Hersey with good friends and enjoy their cool new place and good food.  We drove a sweet go-kart, chased frogs, and learned about gates.

This morning I've got three energetic and passionate interns sitting in my office.  Isaac, our faithful intern, and two missionaries/interns from Northridge Foursquare Church.  We'll be going over a bit of what I do on Fridays, showing them the beauty of Mission, and giving them an opportunity to put their servant's heart to work.  Isaac is a lucky man.

Tonight I'm going to a Lions' game with my brother-in-law.  I'm looking forward to stealing my boss' (at the College) free parking spot before he gets there.  Tomorrow I'm hanging with my in-laws in Port Moody... always good to spend time with the fam'.  I hope to get to my lawn tomorrow as well (parts of it are a foot tall).

On Sunday, Dave is preaching from Acts... it's a really good passage so I'm pumped.  Following the service we're heading over to Hayward Lake for a picnic.   You're all welcome to join.

I'll leave you with Isaac's infamous dance at his sister's wedding: