Thursday, July 26, 2007

What Can I Do In Mexico For 3 Days??

You can be part of building a home for a needy family in Mexico! You may be wondering how is that possible? Well, through AMOR Ministries...it is very possible.

Clovis Hills has partnered with AMOR for the last 6 years in Mexico and it has been amazing to see what God does in and through each one of us. This trip is very doable especially because AMOR lays the foundation before we even arrive. When we do arrive we begin framing, preparing for windows and a door and finally finish up with the roof. AMOR provides camping equipments, tools, and food...we just need to be in San Diego by 7:00 am ready to serve.

Would you consider joining me November 9th-11th? Pray about bringing along your family and growth group too! If you are ready to sign up, please contact me at terry.maldonado@clovishills.com or call 559.297.2600 ext. 19.

Deadline to register is September 1st.

Adios amigos!

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Attention Nurses and Doctors!

It is the vision of Clovis Hills to mobilize growth groups on mission. It is my passion over the next year to spend time with Clovis Hills' Growth Groups and share a few of the many opportunities that will entertain the vision and process. I look forward to spending time mobilizing the Lord’s church to action.

That being said, I have an amazing opportunity and have become aware of an urgent need for medical personnel to travel to China this fall. To be more specific, the dates are for October 15th-31st of 2007. I personally partnered with this organization on a medical mission in the fall of 2006 and it was awesome! I was very impressed as they did a great job on the training, logistics and overall coordination of the trip.

If you are or know of an RN and/or MD who would prayerfully consider this adventure - this is for you!

Some details...

  • The mission is humanitarian in nature by providing basic medical care to Villagers.
  • October 15-31, 2007.
  • Deadline to sign up to go is JULY 31st.
  • PRAY, think about your growth group supporting you, get a passport, attend the informational meetings, required immunizations.
  • Contact Terry or write medical mission on the communication card.
  • Cost - $2,700 all inclusive.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like to sign up. I can be reached at 559.297.2600 ext. 19, terry.maldonado@clovishills.com, on Sundays in the Connection Courtyard at Clovis Hills...come by and see me! :-)

Thursday, June 28, 2007

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.

Friday, June 1, 2007

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!



Wednesday, May 2, 2007

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

Monday, April 23, 2007

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!

Thursday, April 5, 2007

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?