Haiti Update

Good day to all of you.

As I shared previously from the pulpit, CCM collected a little over $2,000 for the Haiti Relief. Perhaps a pittance to some. But not to me. It's a gift, heart-impromptu-impulse,motivated by love and compassion.

Our meager benevolence will translate into many, many tents in Port Au Prince, Haiti. CCM reminds me of the Philippian church, in the region of Macedonia. While not wealthy, they gave and gave for cause greater then their own interests:

Romans 15:26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.

Read below. There are Calvary Chapel Relief Teams in-country; footsoldiers, Christian doctors and medical personnel; a consortium of several Calvary Chapels working in conjunction and mutual endeavors.

We're wiring the financial-gift straight, directly in the very hands of those daring and caring souls mentioned below. Love you. And once again, my appreciation and gratefulness in allowing me to represent a beautiful flock. God bless you all.

TONIGHT'S STUDY:
If you're not attending tonight, please read Jeremiah 14-15. If Haiti was not on the forefront of our media and consciousness, these chapters would be very hard to accept morally, and digest intellectually and believe spiritually. Why would a loving God cause havoc upon His own people? Destroy His own heritage? His Temple? His beloved city, Jerusalem? The carnage...the method of destruction: Draught, Dearth, Sword, Famine and Pestilence (Diarrhea, hepatitis, typhoid fever, dengue fever, malaria and uncontrolled leptospirosis!) WHAT ABOUT HIS PROMISES?!!!!

Why do bad things happen to good people? Were the people of God good...or bad? Read and hear from God Himself as He declares it to the weeping prophet.

His and Yours,

Pancho

An update on CCOB ministry in Haiti will follow later today. In the meantime, our teams in Haiti have been blessed to use a ministry home operated by CC Delta (PA) as their basecamp for the past two weeks. On Monday they were joined by Pastor Doug of CC Delta, whose church sent us the following report about yesterday's joint ministry with CCOB and other churches in Port-au-Prince:

This morning they left at 6 am to assess the situation to decide how they might best serve and how our fellowship in Delta and ministry in the DR can be involved in aiding the Haitian people. Their first stop was a visit the hospital in Jimani, Dominican Republic that we had heard about. It is on the border, and they talked with the medical personnel. They have a huge need for nurses right now.

After leaving there, they tried to contact Pastor Serge, the pastor of CC Port-au-Prince, who was to meet them at the border. The phone service was not working, even though they talked to him by phone the day before. They made their way into Haiti, having no problem crossing the border. They were never able to locate the pastor to help them, but the Lord miraculously led them, and they ended up at CC Port-au-Prince! The pastor was able to show them the church, their small orphanage, and then discuss the needs they had. It was so encouraging to hear that this group of Haitian believers who have personally lost so much were going into the tent cities and sharing their faith in Jesus Christ. They report that people have been very open to the gospel. Pastor Serge also took the team(which also included 3 of the leaders from CCOB, a doctor from Boston, to visit the site of a new tent city they are establishing 15 minutes outside of the downtown area. There is a great need for tents, so please pray that we can access some. The church there had already moved a group on handicapped women out of the main downtown area to the new tent city location.

After leaving the church, they travelled into the downtown areas of the city, including the area around the Presidential Palace, and saw the devastation first-hand. They had to travel with the windows up because of the smell. Traffic was quite heavy. Our pastor was overwhelmed by the magnitude of the destruction, commenting that the news can't do it justice. He said that large 3-4 story buildings were collapsed down to around 6' tall. He was surprised at how large a city it is and how crowded, with people too fearful to move indoors, and thankfully, many foreigners. However, even with all the aid workers, there is still way more need than supply. They only saw 2 food distributions and are wondering where the rest are. He said that there was no where you could turn to look away from the destruction. One of the other team members commented that it was the closest thing any of them would probably ever see to an apocalyptic scene.

They travelled back to Barahona, DR in late afternoon. The plan for tomorrow is to try to buy supplies in Barahona early in the morning, including tents. They aren't sure that there are tents in Barahona, so please pray that the Lord would direct them and provide the tents and supplies that are needed. Then they are intending to go back to Port-au-Prince to deliver the supplies and tents to the church. They are going to try to evangelize in the tent cities. Pray that they have an open door to sharing the gospel and that people wouldn't miss hearing the message because it comes from Americans who are seen as physical aid providers. They will be joined by other servants, including one who speaks Creole. They are also looking for a secure place to stay in Haiti, and if they can locate one, will be spending the night. The pastor has some connections to hospital personnel, and they will help our medical team to see where the areas are that have the greatest need.

Pastor Doug asked me to ask you all to pray for the things above, for safety(he said it wasn't scary at all today), and for Holy boldness to share the love of Christ with these hurting people. His heart is broken, and they need God's heart and empowerment as they go.

Blessings to you all, and thank you for your prayers and support for the lost in Haiti.

--
Patrick Farrell
Assistant Pastor
Calvary Chapel Old Bridge • www.ccob.org

Two Dollars A Day

“Hey, Panch, I have two dollars. It was for my daughter’s lunch tomorrow. But she wants to help out the Haitian people. She saw some pictures of their devastation.” With that, the modern day East L.A. widow and her daughter dropped their two last, meager mites and morphed away into the church crowd. I was very moved to say the least.

Last Wednesday I asked and challenged those in service if they were willing to donate at least two dollars towards the Red Cross.

What can two dollars do?

As I write, many of my peers are strategizing and marshaling plans to help out. But the reality is that the launch will lift off within ten to fifteen days, if that.

As I see the dreadful, shocking, unimaginable images of the Haitian people, my heart runs amok with helpless sensation. What can I do? Sure, I’ve prayed. Of course I would like to see our church mobilize and get in-country and help out…but I am powerless.

Driving to church Wednesday morning, my heart kept hearing incessantly that the average Haitian lives on less than two dollars a day. Two dollars a day. How can anyone live on two measly, miserable dollars a day?

On my way to church, a Red Cross spokesperson exhorted and pleaded the radio listening audience to consider donating just "two dollars.” Later that night, on a PBS channel, former President Clinton was being interviewed. Again, in the midst of his splendid elucidation, there, the catchphrase, "…even if you can just donate two dollars, it’ll go a long way…" rang out loudly. That was it for me.

Two dollars, man.

Lamentably, actually quite deplorable, there are numerous bogus, heartless, soulless sub-humans already trying to exploit the Haitian victims in scheming shamelessly the American goodwill. Be careful.

Powerless no more.

Pancho

He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, and He will pay back what he has given. Proverbs 19:17

Happy New Decade!!

Happy New Year.

Waaass happenin’!

Well, here we are: New Year and a brand-new, spankin’ decade.

What’s it all about? What’s God’s will for my life? Where am I going? We can’t not help it; these and a myriad of other inquisitive questions and thoughts overwhelm our hearts and minds as a year closes and ends, and with much more fierce intensity, as a decade ebbs away and another is introduced.
Many people freak out and are gripped by phobic apprehension during this time of the year. I don’t blame them! I don’t blame them, simply because they may not know Him, the One that holds the future in His hands.

1969—in a turbulent decade marked by a stupor of drugs, sex and rock n roll and an unpopular war in Southeast Asia was raging on, my last decade as a non-believer, I started the new era by enlisting in the Marine Corps desiring to enter the combat fray. In the next ten years, the Lord found me. I found a wife. My wife found her dream hunk.

1979—After four years of marriage, a very pregnant Millie and I closed the end-of-the-decade-year in our recently purchased home, awaiting the birth of a set of twins. Definitely a new, scary ten years were to be upon us: Parenthood. Our Alexandria joined the Juarez clan, exciting the hearts of her twin sisters, Jasmine and Bianca, 1984.

1989—What was I thinking? Me, Lord? Me?!!! After losing our house by volitional default and a very economically deprived decade, I was still committed and faithful to God in my servanthood. During this time a small home-fellowship was started in Montebello, off California Street, by the iconic Krazy Cone ice cream shop. Sebastian is introduced to the world on the very day the United States engaged war with Iraq. A boy!! Sunday morning services begin. I am now ordained. Calvary Chapel Montebello is inaugurated and it’s an official church. Taylor Ranch, Schurr High and Montebello Intermediate schools. CCM then moves into our current location, leasing. Two years later, the building is ours. Our Zoe makes a dramatic, miraculous entry and joins the Juarez clan. We’re now eyeing other next door properties to the church. No way! Too expensive. No money. No way, man. The ministry grows. A big surge in attendance. What’s it all about, Lord?

1999—Are you kidding me? I am going to be fifty years old? Dude…!
The World Trade Center towers in New York crumble to the ground. Millie is diagnosed with two types of cancers (lymphoma meningitis and orbital malt-lymphoma, eyes).
Chemo-therapy, radiation, oncologists, spinal taps, blood tests, MRI, PET-Scan, morphine, pick-line, etc., etc. Death becomes a friend and a house guest for over five years. He lost his grip on the Juarez spirit, gave up, left stomping mad! We were never to be the same. Cancer survivors to the bone, A! The church purchased two more buildings and a house with ten units across the street. One daughter married. Millie's mom and dad went to Glory! Family dog hit by car and died. Hair lost. Thanks to the Cal-Vet Program, we buy our house.

2009—I DHANT KNAOW!!!!!! But here is what God’s world whispers loudly to my heart, soul and mind: “Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; and Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. Psalm 40:5

Happy New Decade! Maranatha!

Merry CHRISTmas!!

On behalf of my entire family, we wish you all a wonderful, meaningful and memorable Christmas.

Just as Joseph and Mary marveled at the supernatural phenomena swirling about, changing their personal lives (Luke 2:33), I too, marvel in awe as I ponder over the historical, sensational birth of Christ the Lord; and how, in spite of grief, sadness and disappointment, the Spirit of God can excite my inner-heart with rapturous, spontaneous joy, assurance, hope and peace throughout this season of merriment.

Thanks to Ms. Jacquie Lawson's website, we send you this link, expressing in one of the most animated, colorful expression that captures the real reason for the season in such a simplest way. Click here to watch!

Andy, Cindy, Liz, Sarah, Margaret, Tommy, please know that were praying for you during this dire time. IMMANUEL!

Love you.

Feliz Navidad!

The Incarnation and tamales on my mind

"There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:6-14

Merry Christmas everyone, especially to my four, hard-core, faithful blog-devotees from El Monte, Montebello, Pico Rivera and East Lost Angeles, respectively! Hoooorah!

Though I wanted to wait till January 2010 to emerge from my self-imposed, cyber-cocoon, I just couldn’t wait any longer! As I am in a lock ‘n load mode, getting ready for this coming Sunday morning-services, pouring over the Christmas story, absorbing the sensational, estimating the powerful and overwhelmed by the glorious mystery of the Incarnation of God, which is one of the central heartbeats of Christian doctrine, I just had to shout-out to Jesus and thank Him publicly, unashamedly proclaiming of His goodness and benevolence, and to celebrate the reason for the season.

Incarnation [Lt. being or taking flesh] While a biblical idea, is not a biblical term].
Its Christian-use derives from the Latin version of John 1:14 and appears repeatedly in Latin Christian authors from about A.D. 300 onward:
et Verbum caro factum est et habitavit in nobis et vidimus gloriam eius gloriam quasi unigeniti a Patre plenum gratiae et veritatis

As a biblical teaching, incarnation refers to the affirmation that God, in one of the modes of His existence as Trinity and without in any way ceasing to be the one God, has revealed Himself to humanity for its salvation by becoming human.

Jesus, the Man from Nazareth, is the Incarnate Word or Son of God, the focus of the God-human encounter. As the God-Man, He mediates God to humans; as the Man-God, He represents humans to God. By faith-union with Him, men and women, as adopted children of God, participate in His filial relation to God as Father.

Incarnation—the union of divinity with humanity in Jesus Christ; it used in a theological term referring to the embodiment of God in Jesus Christ the Lord.
An act of grace whereby Christ took our human nature into union with his Divine Person became man. According to Matthew and Luke, Jesus was both divine and human at His birth and continued thus through His life.
Jesus Christ has taken upon him our human nature that by that mysterious union of the human and divine in the one Person of Christ our human nature might be cleansed from the dark stain of sin and created anew after the image of God


While there are multiple purposes through the Incarnation of God, like...
Revealing the Father - John 14: 8-11
Becoming our High priest - Hebrews 7: 24-28
To fulfill God’s will - Hebrews 10: 5-9
To become our example - 1 Peter 2:21-23
To fulfill prophecy - Luke 4: 17-21
To fulfill Righteousness - Matthew 3: 15
To reconcile the world - 2 Corinthians 5:18-21
To destroy and dismantle Death, once and for all, and he (Chamuko, cha-mooko) that had the power to paralyze people with dread and phobia – Hebrew 2: 14-15: Since the children, as he calls them, are people of flesh and blood, Jesus himself became like them and shared their human nature. He did this so that through his death he might destroy the Devil, who has the power over death, and in this way set free those who were slaves all their lives because of their fear of death. TODAY’S ENGLISH VERSION

However, according to the Christmas narrative, Luke states that the number one reason for the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ…Jesus came to die for the sins of His people and of the world…and to become our personal Savior, personal intercessor and personal High Priest!

Romans 8:3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin.

Merry Christmas!!!

Tencha, Lety and Nympha, your tamales are a bomb!!!! Thank you in advance (hint, hint)

A Moral man in need of Salvation!

While I was in Washington, D.C., I was astonished to see so many immigrants were enmeshed in the mundane, labor force that supports the economical and tourism infrastructure that it is.

I dialogued with more than a few Muslims. Taxi drivers, waiters, and barkeeps and a small number of ‘lapsed’ Mohammad-influenced believers.

The eventual question, “How do you get to Heaven (Paradise)? was usually responded with a Cornelius disposition and character influences, see below).

According to Acts Chapter 10, Cornelius was a high-minded, moral man…but he was LACKING something!!!!

1. I am a good person. I hate evil and evil people and evil ways

2. I help the poor; I fight injustice and I am a defender of just causes

3. God helps those that help themselves…I help myself!

4. I’ve been a good son/daughter; I am good husband/wife

5. I keep the Ten Commandments

6. I was raised in a Christian home

7. I always pray

8. I never stolen from anyone, or killed anybody…live and let live….

9. I am an honest, tax-paying, hard worker.

10. I am a good parent and a good citizen and I’ve never smoked weed and don’t do drugs or drink

11. I was baptized as an infant and I did all my religious rites, and ceremonial, ritual obligations…

12. I go to church.

13. God knows that I am a sinner…but I know He will understands me when I see Him face to face..

14. All religions lead to God

As one reads the entire chapter, we can safely and assuredly come to the conclusion, that Morality does not have the power to forgive sins and transgressions. Only God can!

Cornelius moral character features:

A) Devout man

B) Fears God

C) Family man

D) Giver of Alms (generous, benevolent, sharing his wealth to aid, relieve and assist the poor and deprived.

E) Man of prayer

F) Just man—guided by truth, reason and justice and fairness.

G) Good reputation among the Jewish nation---integrity, character and integrity

What was Cornelius lacking?

Forgiveness of his sins…..

....according to the Bible, only Christ Jesus can forgive, forget and bury our sin(s) in the deepest part of the ocean….forgive and forget. Wow!

Are you a moral person, or are you in need of a Savior to forgive you of your evil and deviance you’ve ever committed…? Then, my dearest friend, Jesus is YOUR answer!!

These Sunday morning services are going to be a blast, and our eyes will witness the power, authority and the supremacy of the Gospel…shek eet awt.

Our four Sunday morning services are streamed live onour website: www.ccmtb.com .: 7, 9, 11, and 12:55

See you in heaven?

Washington, DC (day 3)

The trip has been great and meeting with people who represent us and this country. Here are a few pictures of our last day. I can finally say the trip is complete!

Here is the King of the Tapados! Why that face?!

Here is the king again in front of a secret service cop car.

Here is the tomb of the unknown soldier. I need to get home because I might just end up in the tomb of the unknown husband.

See you Sunday!