Sweet Spot

What image comes to mind when you think of the phrase "sweet spot"? I know that in tennis there is a "sweet spot" on the racquet. In softball...the bat has a "sweet spot". As we do life...the term is used in reference to an experience that is "sweet"! All this talk of sweet is making me think of ice cream which of course, is SWEET! Anyway, I'm typing the word so much that I'm beginning to question the spelling! Have you ever done that?? Ok, enough distractions...back to the discussion...

Lately, I've been reflecting on my own "sweet spot" in ministry. It's been a challenging time as I juggle work, family, school and attempting to maintain a healthy personal & social life. On the family front, my dad has alzheimers and is now going to live with me, my mom, sister and niece...I have a house full! It's a very stressful time and one that I was not entirely prepared for but nonetheless have to deal with...when you think of it you can pray for me and my family. The school situation is a place where I am stimulated and energized...I love learning new stuff! I am pursuing a Master's degree in Intercultural Missions at the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary in Fresno...I'm now just 20 units towards completing my degree! My work is the full-time ministry that I get to do both in missions and singles.

This week I've been "knee deep" in serving through World Changers. So you can see...there is not much time for reflection. However, I've encountered my "sweet spot" in ministry this week. As I've been out and about visiting the 23 sites being worked on, interacting with the homewners, sharing a meal with the crews, hanging out with the students...I've "tasted" the "sweet fruit" of Jesus. It's been very cool. It's like a gift from God during a very stressful time in my life...it's like He is giving me a glimpse of heaven. Thus, I am reminded of all the missions projects & trips that I've been on...I always seem to get a glimpse of what heaven must be like...and it is "SWEET"!

My hope is that you also will experience the "sweet spot" of ministry in wherever you serve the Kingdom.

Africa

I’ve never visited Africa, but hope to have the opportunity one day. When I think of Africa I think of poverty, hunger, disease such as AIDS...sure it saddens me but mostly it humbles me in that I am healthy and certainly not hungry! :-) Then I think of my friend Mica who has graciously agreed to serve for 2 years...and she has been there almost 6 months now...how time flies! She is an amazing young woman of God who hopes to be used by God in a BIG way in Africa and all over the world. Clovis Hills has an incredible opportunity to participate with her in making an impact in Africa...very cool!

Horn of Africa Mission known as HOAM is a ministry that is directly involved in ministering to the African people by planting churches, leadership development, education and health clinics. Clovis Hills is financially supporting the ministry and we look forward to forming an intentional partnership that mobilizes many to travel to Africa...awesome!

Another way for us to get involved is to learn more about what's going on in the world. Kay & Rick Warren of Saddleback church are taking action when it comes to fighting AIDS all over the world and especially in Africa. A student at Saddleback created a video entitled 8000 a day/everyday...check it out...it will make you think.

Until next time...PEACE!

World Changers

Serving on mission in our community is an awesome way to experience God in our backyard. Often times in our busy lives it's hard to imagine how we can find the time to serve God on mission. Certainly, this is a constant challenge for all of us but with God it is possible. One way for us to serve in our community is through World Changers this summer!

• Saturday, June 23rd – Saturday, June 30th
• 18 homes in the Clovis area will be repaired, painted, roof work, fence replacement, and more!
• Churches can participate in this project by “adopting” a crew for the week!

“Adopt-a-Crew”

1. Host them on Sunday, June 24th by leading them to your church for service. After church, provide lunch, encouragement, prayer and then take them to meet their “homeowner” for the week.
2. Throughout the week Monday, June 25th – Friday, June 29th provide lunch at their worksite for about 15-20 students and adults.
3. Attend the Celebration event on Friday evening, June 29th to glorify God!
   

18 churches are needed to “adopt-a-crew” – will yours be one of them? For more information, contact Terry Maldonado at 559.297.2600 ext. 19 or email: terry.maldonado@clovishills.com

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!