Going Global...Samaria & to the ends of the earth

Cross-cultural ministry can occur in our backyard and across the sea...anywhere we have the opportunity to step outside our comfort zone and exprerience God in a culture other than our own. It is my hope that more and more people begin to experience God "on mission" with their families and small group. There are many opportunities to explore cross-cultural encounters in our community. Go to the Clovis Hills website for current updates.

Pray as a Small Group and ask God where he wants your group to go. Then create a savings plan to help it all happen. Decide where you will go and begin preparing. There are many options to choose from:

One such opportunity is our Mexico Mission...it's a great trip for a Small Group! You can build a home while building relationships! Check out the Amor Ministries website.

3 DAY TRIP -
Be a part of a movement of individuals coming together for three days to give the tangible gift of love in a new home to families in Mexico.

• Dates: Jun 29th–Jul 1st OR Aug 3rd– 5th OR Nov 9th–11th
• Cost: - $425 per person or $210 for 10 & under- $50 deposit due on sign-up - deadline 2 months before the trip. Checks made out to Clovis Hills and given to Terry Maldonado.
• All participants will meet at the Amor headquarters in San Diego, CA by 7:00 a.m. All meals, from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day, as well as tents and tools are included.
• To sign up or for more information, contact Terry Maldonado at 550.297.2600 ext. 19 or email terry.maldonado@clovishills.com

Prayerfully consider taking on the challenge of going global...to Mexico!

Encounter Jesus

Easter is approaching thus it becomes a time to reflect on Jesus and what he did for us on the cross. The fact that he willingly submitted himself to suffering death on the cross...for me is beyond comprehension. Jesus chose to be obedient to God so that we could have the opportunity to know God. That's an amazing fact...one we should prayerfully reflect on from time to time -especially now! Clovis Hills is having several services this weekend to celebrate Easter - we are anticipating many visitors this weekend...it's an exciting time!

Normally during this week, I am in Mexico serving on mission through Amor Ministries. This has been our Family Mission for the last 6 years. This year we did not go...not yet anyway. So, in previous years during this week, I'm swinging a hammer, sweating, getting dirty for Jesus and serving the poor instead I'm home writing on my blog! Although, I'm still focusing on Jesus and serving him in other ways, it is my hope that people prayerfully consider going to Mexico sometime this year. All you have to do is pray, decide when you and your family or small group could go and sign up!

Being on mission is one of the most incredible ways to encounter Jesus...I highly encourage it! Are you ready to enounter Jesus?

St. Patrick...The Missionary

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Did you know that St. Patrick was a missionary from Britain? Although he is often referred to as the "Irish Saint", he was neither Catholic nor Irish! I read a story a few years ago on the Urbana website that enlightened me about this great missionary. St. Patrick had an incredible impact by leading many in Ireland to a faith in Jesus Christ. He used the simple three-leafed shamrock to illustrate to the king the nature of the Blessed Trinity - Three Persons in One God. Pretty creative dude, don't you think?!?

Another creative venue is Christian radio. What is interesting to me is that according to KLOVE radio there are no Christian radio stations in Ireland. KLOVE is promoting the Ireland project that plans on establishing the first Christian radio station...awesome!

Hope your day is a great one...and especially blessed by the presence of God.

Spiritual Renewal

I went to a Small Groups Conference at Saddleback a few weeks ago and was able to hear Rick Warren speak on renewal. He was scheduled to speak on P.E.A.C.E. but not unusual for Rick...he veered from the schedule and spoke from his heart. Since the audience was made up of pastors, church leaders and small group leaders...he spoke to us! It really was powerful what he had to share so much so that we from Clovis Hills felt that the Spirit was speaking through him...what a concept. Anyway, I will attempt to summarize so as to offer you an opportunity to do some self-reflection with regards to your role in the ministry. As for me, it emphasized and reminded me of the importance of some simple steps that have a direct impact on the ministry.

As I understand the steps to renewal are:

1. Personal Renewal - Ask yourself: What is the condition and health of my personal relationship with God?
2. Relational Renewal - Ask yourself: Do I have any fractured relationships with family, friends or coworkers that need mending?
3. Missional Renewal - Ask yourself: What is my purpose in this world and am I striving to fulfill that calling?
4. Structual Renewal - Ask yourself: What structures and/or programs am I involved with to accomplish the work of the Kingdom?
5. Cultural Renewal - Ask yourself: Am I a part of the cultural change that is needed for the expansion of the Kingdom of God?

My understanding is that we are to review each of these areas and proceed accordingly once an area is "renewed". In other words, if my personal relationship is not solid or lacking in any way, shape or form then I must work on that first before proceeding to the next step. Now, in reality, we will regularly have to evaluate our lives because we are on a journey with Jesus and hopefully we are growing and changing. Therefore, if we find that an area needs some renewal...we are to look at the previous areas as well and adjust accordingly. These are my words, not Rick's...it's just my take on the message but it makes sense...don't you think?? Anyway, I hope I've given you something to think about and I welcome your feedback!

Blessings!

God's Mission

God often uses ordinary people to do the extraordinary for his glory. His mission is to restore broken relationships. He longs to hang out with each one of us...and especially those that don't yet know him. He wants his children to join him in the mission of reconciliation...and that means us! Clovis Hills is intentional about sharing the love of Jesus to everyone. We have a value of Open Acceptance: A Heart for the Lost...welcoming people just where they are...and helping them take the next steps as they strive to become more like Jesus. God doesn't expect perfect people...just people with a heart's desire to love him and strive to model such a lifestyle.

Living such a life means to be intentional about serving God on his mission...to share the love of Jesus...across the street and across the sea. I know that for some people the thought of this can feel somewhat overwhelming...thank God he's with us on the journey! Fortunately, we also have another "tool" and that's Saddleback church. They have been working on a Missions strategy for the last couple of years called P.E.A.C.E. - we have been part of working through some of preliminary steps. Rick Warren has often said "It is time...for the church to be the church." The P.E.A.C.E. plan is a strategy that will help Clovis Hills to continue being a church with an intentional purpose of fullfilling the Great Commission. This is an exciting time in the life of our church...yeah God!

Are you ready to join God on his mission? What are you waiting for...let's go for it!

Small Groups...On Mission

There is something that happens when a Small Group chooses to serve together. God transforms not only the group but the individuals themselves...it's truly amazing! You know, when you actually stop to think about it...Jesus served with his small group on various occasions. Therefore, it is my desire to see Clovis Hills on mission primarily through their Small Group. This is not to suggest that individuals should not serve alone but I do know that we are better together...so we will encourage to choose a mission together. Go to the website to explore the latest missions opportunities.

One such opportunity is our Mexico Mission...it's a great trip for a Small Group! You can build a home while building relationships! Check out the Amor Ministries.

• 7 DAY TRIP -

Clovis Hills has been partnering with Amor Ministries for the last 6 years to put together our Family Mission. This year is no exception! Please note the fast approaching DEADLINE to sign up – March 4th! Call or email Terry Maldonado at 297-2600 ext. 19 or terry.maldonado@clovishills.com
Dates: March 31st – April 6th (the week before Easter)
Cost: $210 per person over 10 years old; under 10 - FREE
Please note: Price does NOT include food, transportation, tools or camping equipment – each family/small group provides their own.

• 3 DAY TRIP -

Be a part of a movement of individuals coming together for three days to give the tangible gift of love in a new home to families in Mexico.
Dates: Jun 29th–Jul 1st OR Aug 3rd– 5th OR Nov 9th–11th
Cost: - $425 per person-$210 for 10 & under- $125 deposit due on sign-up
All participants will meet at the Amor headquarters in San Diego, CA by 7:00 a.m. All meals, from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day, as well as tents and tools are included.
Call 619-662-1200 ext.126 or e-mail: BenGarber@amor.org to sign-up.
You can also go to the website for more information.

My hope is that this year Clovis Hills has several Small Groups on mission to Mexico! Will yours be one of them?!?

God's Leadership

I got my DVD in the mail! You may be wondering...what DVD?!? Glad you asked.

Last Fall, I had the opportunity to see the movie Facing The Giants. It was awesome! The acting was fair to good and it was low budget but the story was great! The movie is about faith in God that transcends our human understanding. The emphasis on leadership is very powerful. So powerful that I was ready to join the coaches' team! The truth is I am on the team for God and the thing I'm realizing lately is that I am passionate about leadership. I love to help someone get a glimpse of what God has purposed them to be and do...and then serve in the ministry of their choice.

I have had the privilege of coming along side many leaders serving on mission. The experience has afforded me countless opportunities to grow in my own faith and leadership ability. There have been times when I've been on the sidelines watching a new leader emerge, testing their own ability, trusting God to guide them and then bearing fruit....such sweet fruit! It's soooo exciting - I'm about to burst!!! :-) This is really when I know what my passion is and that is to continue to train, equip and empower leaders for the Kingdom...it doesn't get any better than that!

So, check out the movie...tell me what you think and let's see what God does!