A View From Within

Looking Forward

In a few days, 2011 will become a part of history. It was truly a very challenging year for so many. It was also a year of great blessings in the lives of a great number of people. There is nothing we can do to correct the injustices of yesterday. Often I meet people who were so damaged by the issues of yesterday, they find it extremely difficult to move forward.

2011 can teach us many things, such as families drawing closer together in hard times, friends responding to urgent calls, many extending love and compassion to strangers and untold numbers living out the presence of God with actions.

2012 will be a year of great achievements. There are organizations making decisions which will change the way we minister in California. My desire is to say "thanks for the journey" and call our people to stay focused on our God who is still in control.

 

Faithful

Pastor Luis Quilo and his wife Raquel celebrated 70 years of marriage as well as 80 years in the ministry. The recent celebration was special. Many years have passed since they arrived from Guatemala. I was a young Pastor at Primera Iglesia Bautista del Sur in Pico Rivera, California and hosted them as new immigrants. I reflected on the length of their marriage and service in ministry. The thought kept surfacing "Outstanding faithfulness". It is good to participate in these events and celebrate the sustaining power of our God in the lives of His children. There are many, many others who serve silently and faithfully. Often they are overlooked, ignored and shunned because of their age. Caleb was 85 years old when he asked for the hill country. Difficult assignment, but he was confident in the power of God to achieve victory. Let us not forget to honor and encourage our elder servants as they serve in the sunset period of their lives.

CSBC Nuggets-Evangelism

Evangelism efforts yield 18.5% baptism increase 

In 2010 California Southern Baptists participated in a 10-year, nationwide emphasis called GPS (God’s Plan for Sharing) that encourages very member to share the gospel so every person can hear and respond. More than 500 California churches prayer-walked communities and distributed 1.3 million gospel tracts with an invitation to attend Easter services. 

California Mission Offering gifts were invested to blanket our state with more than 2,100, 30-second commercials urging people to check out FindItHere.com. More Californians visited the Website than any other state’s residents. The evangelistic results indicate that the heightened emphasis on evangelism yielded an evangelistic harvest. In 2010 while the SBC experienced a 5% decrease in baptisms, California Southern Baptists had an 18.5% increase over the previous year!

A Passion For Souls

He is a chaplain at one of California’s prestigious medical centers. Semi-retired, he looks invigorated. We met for lunch after church and I was blessed by his testimony. As he shared about his ministry, I was proud to be in the presence of this passionate evangelist. I wondered if his story would ever be told. He shares Christ with many, some on their deathbeds, who accept Christ as their Savior. Families and medical personnel impacted by the soft voice of a Christian worker, tirelessly holding hands, softly speaking words of comfort, as a patient makes the journey to meet God. 

Chaplains, their ministries affect lives daily, yet are never known. They serve in some of the most difficult areas while impacting the lives of many. Listening to this chaplain's ministry brought great joy to my heart. All around us, men and women are on mission for Christ. Because we do not hear the results of God's transforming power in the lives around us, many feel that Christianity has lost it's power and focus. I do not believe that to be true! 

Web sites, blogs, tweets, innovative presentations tell the stories of transformed lives. Churches are re-energized, pastors are refocused, church members experiencing unexpected adventures in sharing Christ bring a sense of refreshment to my soul. Let me encourage you to spend time with God and listen to him instead of the distracting noise our world has to offer.

I encourage you to tell your story (testimony) this week. You will be amazed at the impact the Gospel will have on those around you!

Strategic Distractions

I am amazed at God's continued blessings on the ministry of California Southern Baptist churches.
 

I remember seasons as a pastor when I would rejoice in what God was doing in my church, my association or the convention. Then, suddenly, "strategic distractions" would come out of nowhere. Satan, the deceiver, master of lies and king of strategic distractions, would do his best to change my focus.

Sometimes, it is difficult to maintain focus, but I believe we can conquer him because the enemy of our souls has no power to control us. He can try to influence by using others, but we must remember he was defeated on the cross.

In my case, there is always something or someone crying out for response. As I analyze the situation I usually find that it is a strategic distraction by the enemy to keep me from reaching the lost and making disciples.

What are the strategic distractions in your life? Looking around I see many who are busy, but not in starting new churches or sharing the transforming power of Christ. Instead, they are chasing after the "wind." They have forgotten the only answer to the conflict in the world is Jesus Christ.

Not long ago, I had the opportunity of talking with a young couple who are ministering among Afghanis in the Bay Area. During the conversation, this young man shared about five young adults who were baptized recently. My heart rejoiced!

He is from India and said Hindus have many gods, and some are willing to add Jesus to their list of gods. Yet five young adults declared Jesus is the only way and now follow Him. 

I am pleased to have so many California Southern Baptists focused on reaching their communities for Christ. Your support of CSBC ministries through the Cooperative Program and various mission offerings provides opportunities to touch thousands of lives weekly throughout our state.
 

I pray that we stay focused and not let "strategic distractions" keep us from the task to which we have been called.

2010

A new year has begun! Behind us is 2009 - a year of  challenges, certainly, yet of the blessings of God.

Many experienced the ups and downs of life, notably the economy. Even with the uncertainty of this world in 2009, God proved to me many of His characteristics - compassion, love, provision, peace and hope - to name a few.

As I begin 2010, I look to God's Word, the Bible, for my footing. In His Word I find great promises for life. One passage which always helps keep me focused is God's encouragement to Joshua. In the first few verses of the Book of Joshua we find: "Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give them - to the Israelites."

His instruction was clear, and it literally begins a new chapter in the life of the nation of Israel. This year is a new chapter for us as well. Yesterday is but a memory, so we must live today to see what God has in store for us tomorrow.

The entire first chapter of Joshua is a must-read, but as we begin 2010, I believe verse 9 provides such encouragement for the believer that God is still with us: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

When I left Primera Iglesia Bautista del Sur in Pico Rivera in 1976, a young person gave me a plaque that reads, "The future is as bright as the promises of God." Throughout the years, in good and bad times, I have gone to the Bible for God's promises of encouragement and strength.

So, have courage this year. Do not be afraid. Now more than ever, the world needs a clear voice that God is the only one who can be our refuge and strength.

In 2010 my prayer is for California Southern Baptists to remain focused on telling the Good News of Jesus Christ, the only one who can transform lives.

Click here to read previous issues of "Perspective."

Last Published: December 22, 2009 11:55 PM

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Priorities

God, family, work. I have often reflected on this order in my life. There are times when I get off track listening to the voices of others. Every day at the beginning of my day I pray for double portion of wisdom, to ask the right questions and have the appropriate answer for every question. I am amazed at how God answers this simple request.

My spiritual journey must take first place every day. So many have taken a wrong turn or show a wrong attitude in relationships. People are important to me. I have a hard time when we forget the instructions of God to love one another. Because God is in the center of my life, I have found joy in loving people, even when they disappoint and hurt me. Without God, you cannot experience the joy of loving people.

Family, for me, is a crucial part of my life. My parents were born in Providencia, Colombia. It is a small island, and I have only been there once as a child. Researching history has brought forth many interesting facts about the people of Providencia. It is an amazing journey! One must never forget the sacrifices of our parents, and others who have helped us along the way.

I love the assignment the Lord has called us to. Preaching, encouraging, listening and standing beside our brothers and sisters bring unspeakable joy. Serving California Southern Baptists is an exciting task. Priorities are crucial in my life, in the order reflected in this blog. God, family and work. Special words.

"Oh, my God"

The day after terrorists attacked the United States on 9-11, The Fresno Bee, our local newspaper, had a bold headline on its front page. The words "Oh, my God" echoed what many were thinking. The all-encompassing tragedy had many wondering where to turn for comfort. I do not know how many newspapers ran similar statements, but I will never forget reading in my local paper, "Oh, my God.”

On Tuesday, March 10, I spoke at the Fresno/Clovis Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. This is an event attended by business, educational, civic and religious leaders. Prayers were offered for each of these groups. My message was one of hope because of where we find ourselves as a nation related to morality, economics, ethics, etc.

As a Christian, I find my encouragement in the Word of God. I also find strength in listening to the music and words of songs and poetry. One of the most impacting songs was written by Mosie Lister "Till The Storm Passes By.”

The words of the song are: "In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face, While the storm howls above me, and there's no hiding place. Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry, Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

“Many times Satan whispered, There is no need to try, For there's no end of sorrow, there's no hope by and by But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I'll rise Where the storms never darken the skies.

When the long night has ended and the storms come no more, Let me stand in Thy presence on the bright peaceful shore; In that land where the tempest, never comes, Lord may I Dwell with Thee when the storm passes by.

“Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more, Till the clouds roll forever from the sky; Hold me fast let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand, Keep me safe till the storm passes by."

As leaders in our communities, we need to sound the voice of hope, and encouragement until the storm passes by. Those of us who are Christians know there will be another storm after this one has passed, but we have hope which is found only in Jesus Christ. He truly is the one who can calm any fear we have no matter the storm.

Choices

Marcy Blochowiak, CEO Marketing Director with World Financial Group, has said, "You are always only one choice away from changing your life."

How true because each of us make life changing decisions daily, some that will affect us forever.

Choices in relationships can affect us for a long time. Almost weekly I have the opportunity to visit a California Southern Baptist Convention congregation. I am always blessed, especially with the fellowship and interaction with the leadership of these churches. Two recent events-one in Los Angeles and another in Fresno-were especially encouraging.

On Sunday January 25th, I spoke at Mt Carmel Holy Assembly Baptist Church in Los Angeles. This was my 12th annual preaching event at this church in South Central Los Angeles where Rev. Darryl Beard is pastor. I was impressed when I heard the church had 17 young adults in colleges and universities throughout the United States. The church provides scholarships to help each student. This church has made a choice to lead people to Christ and to help their young people receive an education to become influencers in the church and community. What a great choice.

On a Monday evening in Fresno, I met with Korean leaders from Southern Baptist churches throughout California. They share the excitement of reaching their communities for Christ. During the dinner we had the opportunity to introduce Sherann Kim, our new USC2 missionary, assigned to work in student evangelism for the next 2 years. She is an outstanding communicator and served as youth leader at the Korean Baptist Church of San Jose. I was blessed by the energy and excitement this group has for evangelism. Each leader made a choice to serve God in California, one of the most exciting worldwide missions fields.

Just imagine. One choice. What would that choice be for you? Mac Anderson's new book Charging the Human Battery: 50 Ways to Motivate Yourself encourages readers to get energized and make choices that will change our lives. My prayer is that the next life-changing choice either I or you make will be one that points people to Jesus and glorifies Him.

Thirst for Knowledge

Reading has always been a passion in my soul. I love books, especially biographies and history. I can still remember some of the major events that impacted my life as I read about Simón Bolivar, born in Caracas, Venezuela. Bolivar liberated much of South America from Spain. He established the republic of Greater Colombia, which included present-day Venezuela, Panamá, Ecuador and Colombia. He also liberated Perú and present day Bolivia, which was name after him.

Another indigeneous leader was Urraca, an Indian chief from Panama, who fought against the Spanish army. His passion was the freedom of his tribe. One of my heroes today is Elmer Towns, author and leader at Liberty University. 

I enjoy the way he writes. As a young pastor I read about the greatest Sunday schools and churches he described. It seems like a long time ago, and in reality it is. This year I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Towns, a humble and gracious servant of the Lord. He spoke at our annual ministers conference. After the conference I secured the book he co-authored with Douglas Porter, The Ten Greatest Revivals Ever.

Reading about God’s movement across the world, in amazing ways, has been exciting. Many of the issues we face today can be resolved with a transforming movement from God. A verse keep coming to my mind “Not by might, or by power, but by my spirit said the Lord. Great awakenings happen when God moves in power among the nations. I suggest you secure a copy of the book The Ten Greatest Revivals Ever and pray for God's visitation on our nation and the world.