A letter that is worth reading

hello Church,

WOW!

serving The Lord has never been so much fun!

the Womens Ministry at CRPC is reaching out to women incarcerated in jail. we provide Bible Studies three times a month. and a clear Gospel presentation is given everytime using the 5-point Evangelism Explosion training materials by EE Certified Trainers.

so far this year over 400 women have prayed to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior! and now we want to increase our mission field by following up with their children!

Angel Tree Projects will provide EE materials and Christmas presents delivered to the children of women in jail by Certified EE Trainers.

the field is white unto harvest!

pray how you may support this opportunity. call the Outreach Office today and get involved!

to God be The Glory!

sincerely,
ellie van der velden

What is Sacrifice?

The answer to this question has been difficult for me to define lately. I often wonder is my life truly an example of a Holy and Living sacrifice. I don't know, but I want it to be. Does that desire count for something? I want to say yes, but with no immediate action on my part, it's hard to reconcile. Tonight I will head out to "Love Bags". Collectively we will continue to fellowship and help feed our communitie's homeless. I will "sacrifice" my time or at least that's what I will tell myself. Is it a sacrifice though? Maybe. What if it were truly a Blessing? And I just can't see it. So often I wonder, what is God doing? Oh how I wish I knew. When I don't know, does it mean something different to me? I hope not, but I'm afraid that is too often the case. With that said, I've been thinking a lot about Abraham. His faith and trust in our Lord was truly remarkable. Will I ever have deep faith like that? I want to believe I would. I want to believe I would take all that I am, all that God has given me, even those things I hold so close so precious, like my Only son and offer it all to God. Will I ever truly sacrifice like Abraham? Will I ever see that sacrifice as a blessing? Abraham did and he didn't even flinch. He never wavered. He just rose and went out in faith! "Here am I", he said, "Here am I"! What will we say? God's Blessings.... Brent W.

What is Avondale?

What is Avondale? Every week people ask me about Avondale. I thought it might be important to explain what and why we are in are in Avondale. Avondale is a neighborhood in Pompano Beach, Fl. The neighborhood is located across the street from John Knox Village. The neighborhood is comprised of multiple ethnic groups. Recently, I was approached by OneHope (formerly Book of Hope) to participate in a community transformation project with Calvary Chapel. Calvary has been in this community working for over eight years they have started Calvary House a rehabilitation center for men with addictions. They have also planted a Church called the "Refuge". Since we agreed to participate in this project we worked together as we did the Health Fair. We are going to do a Thanksgiving project together. So why are we working in this community. It is clear that our church is committed to working in our city. As our pastor has spoken from the pulpit many times, it is our mission to strive to renew the world both physically and spiritually. Avondale needs renewal. Presently Avondale has 187 incidents of crime per 1000 people, compared to the national average of 34 per 1000. Avondale on a scale from 1 to 100 for the crime index, Avondale is a 1 which is the worst ranking of any community within South Florida. As we learn from our experience in this community it is our goal to collaborate with other churches and share what we learn. Coral Ridge will be a church who is committed to encouraging ministries and churches to participate in our city together. So let's begin.

Hope Pregnancy Center -Walk For Life 2009!

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,

the fruit of the womb a reward. -Psalm 127:3

This month 'Hope Pregnancy Center' hosted and celebrated the 'Walk For Life' event,which to God's glory was a huge success. Over $86,000 was raised, and the donation lines are still open through the end of October at: www.friendsofhope.com

The 'Walk For Life' event opens doors of communication for women who may have been through an abortion, or know someone who has, or is contemplating one. Often times these women later become strong volunteers because of their personal experience which equips them to minister at a deeper level.

Laura Oates, a registered RN who offers her skills at the Hope Pregnancy Center, explained to me that performing ultra sounds on young girls is an emotional experience for them, and for her. The goal of course, is to encourage mom's to go to term with their babies, but unfortunately even the heart beat of a child on a screen doesn't always bear the fruit of a birth.

Laura also shared that 'Hope' display tables at church have the potential to draw women in to be vulnerable and speak about their sometimes painful pasts. This in turn has healed entire familes and set the stage for new volunteers. Post abortion seminars are also extrememly effective in healing deep wounds.

For more information, please visit: www.hopewomancenters.com

-Robin Revier

Blue = West Culuture vs. Red = Eastern Culture

A College Chinese Girl compares two cultures after living in Germany.

The Boss

Conflict

Party

Punctuality

State of Life

Opinion

The Next Evangelicalism

I just recently started to read a book that truly challenges my assumptions about the practice of church. Here's a quote, "How substantially differently would the Church look if measured success on the parable of the sheep and the goats of Matthew 25 or self-sacrificial community of Acts 2 instead of measuring success based upon cultural values of consumerism and materialism?" The author of the book "The Next Evangelicalism" is Soong-Chan Rah sounds angry with the Western Church. As I was reading I was discounting what he was saying because of the tone it was delivered, but as I began to examine myself it is clear that he is correct on many of his assertions. We need to reexamine our value system about money, status and success.

"Love Bags".... More than you can Imagine

Last Tuesday I went to an Outreach opportunity that CRPC is a part of. It's called "Love Bags"! Love Bags is headed up by Ryan Alexander from another local church. More than 50 people showed up from the surrounding area's churches, including CRPC, with bags in hand. CRPC also helps to provide the food. The Goal of this outreach is simple.... To build personal relationships! Though not first with one another, but with the homeless. Although it is an opportunity to feed the homeless and build unity amongst the group, it is first an idea centered around investment. A personal investment in another, yet the idea continues to grow. The focus.... the bag you bring filled with the things that helps to meet their specific needs, hence the name "Love Bags". The most interesting and personal thing is not so much the items in the bag, but the personalized message you write on the bag to that person your trying to get to know. This is the best part. The "Love" part. Now this person is not just homeless, but a friend! Someone you care about and invest in. Someone you provide for. Someone you love, as we have been loved by Christ! Is this not the hope and desire for our own church community? I left thinking about that verse in James, verse 2:15, "If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?" Now I'm pretty positive that describes me, who I am, what I might do, but it is definitely Not who I hope to be!

For our good and His Glory,
Brent W.

Lesson #1 EE - Modernism vs Postmodernism

Simple Characteristics of Modernism

1.) A value placed on science, reason, and Logic.
2.) This movement was believed to end misery, superstition and religion.
3.) Built on Objective truth.
4.) Some of the negative results of Modernism - The rationality of death camps, World War I and II, Hiroshima, and the advent of totalitarianism for many countries. Many of these ills were attributed to Enlightenment of Science and progress.
5.) Theological implications - An appeal to universally agreed truth. All truth is God's truth. This means that the use of Classic Apologetics became extremely prevalent. Many theologians also had an optimistic view of the world (Post and Amillennialism) were taught in the most prestigious religious institutions like Princeton.

The Shift to Post-Modernism

1.) After the death of Men like Hitler, Nietzsche, Mao, and Stalin the age of Reason was challenged and the void was filled with Post-Modernism.
2.) The loss of Reason brought loss of anything Sacred.
3.) There became a shift to Subjective truth.
4.) Based on Language and expressed in art.
5.) Theological implications - D.A. Carson wrote "The Gagging of God" which identifies the difficultly of communicating in a world with pluralism in science, culture and hermeneutics. This means that subjectivity gives every person a individual reference to reality which is independent on any objective or absolute.


Timeline of Modernism to PostModernism and the men who contributed to that shift.

Karl Barth	c.1925	fideist approach to theology brought a rise in subjectivity
Martin Heidegger	c.1927	rejected the philosophical grounding of the concepts of "subjectivity" and "objectivity"
Thomas Samuel Kuhn	c.1962	posited the rapid change of the basis of scientific knowledge to a provisional consensus of scientists, coined the term "paradigm shift"
Jacques Derrida	c.1967	re-examined the fundamentals of writing and its consequences on philosophy in general; sought to undermine the language of western metaphysics (deconstruction)
Michel Foucault	c.1975	examined discursive power in Discipline and Punish, with Bentham's panopticon as his model, and also known for saying "language is oppression" (Meaning that language was developed to allow only those who spoke the language not to be oppressed. All other people that don't speak the language would then be oppressed.)
Jean-François Lyotard	c.1979	opposed universality, meta-narratives, and generality
Richard Rorty	c.1979	argues philosophy mistakenly imitates scientific methods; advocates dissolving traditional philosophical problems; anti-foundationalism and anti-essentialism
Jean Baudrillard	c.1981	Simulacra and Simulation - reality disappears underneath the interchangeability of signs

Summary - The modern era brought forth science and reason, but lacked elements of compassion and empathy because of the stringent adherence to empirical evidence. Post-Modernism gave rise to spirituality, subjective beliefs and sensual expression. Postmoderns see arguments as propaganda, yet there is the ability to show others your position by living out what you believe.

EE - Lesson # 4 the Opposite Side of the Spectrum

On opposite sides of the spectrum.

Monochronic culture vs PolyChronic culture.

Many cultures view time differently. According to a study in "Figuring Foreigners out " each country was placed on a spectrum. The spectrum indicated which countries were most concerned with time to those which are least concerned. Monochronic cultures believe that managing time is imperative, while the Polychronic culture is much more concerned with many things other the time. The most Monochronic cultures in study were the United States and the United Kingdom. The most Polychronic culture was Africa.

Americans may or may not have coined the expression "Time is Money", but they certainly embraced that idea. Because of some of the culture drivers such as capitalism and individual development, time keeping is very important. Our computers have outlook, our phones are blackberries and the iphones have time keeping apps.

Africans and Mexicans are much more inclined to develop relationships at the expense of a stringent schedule.

When two cultures maintain polar views on an issue it is easy to see the flaws in each. A pastor that I work with in Uganda had scheduled a meeting with a partner in ministry. The pastor ended up showing up the following day for the scheduled meeting. When asked what happened it he said that he needed to deal with a congregants needs. He was late a whole day, not an hour.

It is easy as an American to feel frustrated, but as we look at the difference it is important to understand our goals.

May we be quick to listen to others and maintain a position that is receptive to learning from people who maintain a different opinions. Often the view we embrace is a matter of preference and not an absolute defined in scripture. It is interesting to see Christians place priorities on ideas that have very little consequence on the gospel. If we are not careful we substitute substance for an argument. Should we consistently strive to make people who are on the opposite side of the spectrum come to our view or should we learn from one another so that we can have dialogue on issues of substance.

Excerpts from "When Helping Hurts". The authors are Steve Corbett & Brian Fikkert.

Outreach Opportunities

If you received this in an email it is because you are awesome. If you saw it on the blog that means you are still awesome, but I don't know who you are so please call us and help get people involved in outreach.

October events

Avondale Sports Committee October 9 - Friday for lunch.

Hopewalk October 17th - We need people to get involved by participating in walking and raising money. http://www.thereishope.org

Harvest Fest October 30 - An outreach to the community that saw over 1500 people walk through the doors of the church last year. We need volunteers. Please call the church and ask for Debbie Broek @ 954.334.5201



November events

Nicaragua Planning Trip November 12-16 - A team of educators, children leaders, church planters, youth pastors and community workers are looking to establish a partnership in Nicaragua in a long term effort.

Avondale Thanksgiving Project November 22 - We will need help serving 400 people in the Avondale community.


Weekly Events

Feed the Houseless with XEE every Tuesday Night at 6:30 (meet in the Gangway)

Help on the Benevolence team Sunday Mornings at 9:00 AM in the Outreach office.

Help with the food Drive Salvation Army the first Sunday of Every Month.

Evangelism Explosion Tuesday 6:30 pm, Wednesday 9:00 am, Thursday 6:30 pm.

Abercrombie and Fitch

Check out the Abercrombie and Fitch Shirt. The Little guy in the front in red. I guess the world is really Flat. I saw a Marlins shirt also. I would love to hear the story behind the shirts.

Upcoming Service

Today I was in my office talking with John, a fellow co-laborer, in missions. He and I spoke about how amazing it is to see God's Kingdom expanding around the world. John is excited about something that gets overlooked by many in the church. He got me excited. I thought that if we could see things the way he does then many of the problems we face would go away. He wants others to see what he has seen. The slums of Kenya. Sounds incredible, kind of. The thought has little appeal to most of us because we don't see how God works. I mean, God does not work the way we do. He seems to work opposite to us. I think my couch at home is many times my main goal in life so that I can be comfortable. God does not want me to always be comfortable. John Piper tells of two women who were missionaries. They had served the church for years. They were older and had given the best years of their life to the missions field. One day they were driving a car when they had a terrible accident. They drove off a cliff. They both died. Many could not understand how to explain this tragedy. Piper on the other hand had a different perspective. Maybe he saw it the way God sees things, Piper said that he believed that the only real tragedy in life was a life not lived for the Lord. My friend John sees how amazing God works in the lives of those who serves. One of his great hopes is that he can be a catalyst for others to be blessed through service. Get involved in service and maybe we will see what he sees. The slums are waiting for you.

Prayers for Ghana

It all started in the Delta concourse. Our team of six guys checked through 13 pieces of equipment and luggage for our trip to Ghana. The overage for the luggage was significant. The person behind the counter told us that the cost would be $950, before I had a chance to gasp, she realized that I had booked all the tickets together under my name. I had just enough miles to qualify as silver medallion. She then informed that she would try to put all the luggage under my ticket. A moment of typing passed and she quickly informed that we would only need to pay for 1 extra piece of luggage. The cost went from $950 to $200, we saved $750 before we were even in the air. Then we landed only to find out that my visa was a little over a month expired. The man at the counter told me that I would need to fly back to the States. I could only think of one thing to say, "I can't". He looked at me startled. I told him that I needed be here because we were on a very important project to help children understand their faith. He paused and starred at me. He then said that he needed to figure out what to do. A few anxious moments passed and he told me to move through. He let me pass to the other side and then brought me passport. He smiled and told me to have a great trip. I started to think Prayer might be working. Encouraged by these amazing events, I knew that there was more to come. Customs in Ghana is one of the most regulated in all of Africa. We were bringing $6100 dollars worth of video and sound equipment into the country. The expected taxes on the equipment was $3000 dollars. I brought a letter of donation explaining our plans to give the equipment to the Ghanaian churches. The custom agent looked at the letter and said that we need more documentation from the churches. She asked me our plans. I told her what we were doing. Very similar to the man looking through my passport. She starred at me and paused, she then had the team take the equipment off of the carts and had agents confirm what we said. There was some tension. I knew we had not done anything wrong, but I was anxious to see what she was going to charge us for the taxes. She barked a few commands to the other customs workers in "EWE" an African language and then looked me straight in the eye and told me to have a good day and to pass through. We did not pay anything. I really started to believe in Prayer. Before, we ever did any work God was showing us the power of prayer. These were things that we could not take credit for. They were all him. Our trip was equally blessed. Your prayers made all the difference in the world. All of us were blessed because we have a church who truly believe in the power of prayer. 850 children in Ghana heard the gospel. They learned about the Bible and we saw God move. Thanks for the prayers.

Outreach Workshop Highlights by: Robin Revier

"So Pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields." Mt. 9:38

On July 23rd, the Outreach Department hosted a workshop that concentrated on establishing bonds of fellowship and purpose as a united team. The outreach vision was more clearly defined from 'feet to faith' to 'equipping the church.'

Various roles were determined for different teams, and strategic plans were put into place to strengthen outreach efforts and to effectively communicate with each other, and with the congregation at large.

Following a prayer for wisdom, compassion and grace, sincere fellowship was enjoyed along with great food and conversation that centered around the focus of ministry.

Duane Mellor did a terrific job of facilitating this event, as he provided an open forum for all to speak their concerns and share as well, the victories they have witnessed as they continue to reach out to a lost world.

Local, National, and International team strategy development was addressed as well as individual needs for various teams. Also discussed were some new ways to approach ministry and ways to establish future steps and a call to action for each team.

As I sat and listened to the stories of these magnificent servants, I was deeply moved by their individual passion for the various needs that exist locally and globally; it was so obvious that God had hand picked each one for a specific ministry.

I realized too that there was no turning back for these men and women, like seasoned surfers paddling out to sea with no reservations or fear of losing a leg, they were going to catch the 'wave' they came for, defined in this case as 'the work God has called them to do.'

These are great men and women of God and I am honored to write on their behalf and on behalf of the Outreach Department. May God richly bless you as you richly bless!

CRPC Jumps on Board With '4KIDS' By: Robin Revier

"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." -Jer. 29:11

CRPC Jumps on Board With '4KIDS'

We are excited to announce our new affiliation with 4KIDS, an incredible organization that primarily ministers to the needs of children in crisis situations.

It's hard to fathom that every day right here in our own communities, 8-12 children are removed from their homes due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect? That is a staggering statistic! 4KIDS is an organization whose primary goal is to meet the needs of these victims. Since 1999, they have provided housing and care for thousands of foster children.

1 John 3:17 - "But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother In need, yet closes his heart against him, How does God's love abide in him?"


There are many facets to this ministry, as the journey through foster care is just that...a journey!

The following is the order in which each case is addressed:

Safeplace 4KIDS-

This particular ministry meets the immediate needs of the child upon removal of the home. As you can imagine, this is a most sensitive situation so the atmosphere caters to the emotional distress that follows. Safeplace 4KIDS is staffed by trained volunteers and employees who are passionate about alleviating the terror and fear that accompanies a child who is so uncertain of his/her future.

Placement In A Foster Family-

Locating the appropriate foster family is the primary function of this department. This is not always an easy task, and many difficult challenges can come into play, such as shortages of foster homes, age issues, is the child alone or part of a sibling group, to name a few.


Residential Homes-

4KIDS has established a number of 'family style' homes to care for these children at various stages of their journey. These homes are staffed by dedicated individuals (houseparent's) who are prepared, and eager to extend the love and support that these kids so desperately need.

Permanent Solutions-

4KIDS offers classes and support services to biological parents in the hope that these families may be reunited. Unfortunately, reunification is not always possible and in those cases, 4KIDS will assist in placing children with loving adoptive families.

Independent Living Program-Spirit of Success Institute-

If foster children reach the age of 18 without being adopted or reunited with their biological family, they are often lacking even the most basic life skills and social support. The 4KIDS Independent Living Program-Spirit of Success Institute, provides them with an entire staff, and volunteers to guide them on their journey into adulthood.


Some Interesting Facts-

As of 4/30/09 4KIDS had 149 kids in their care. That is a 32% increase over the 110 kids in their care as of 4/30/08. What is really interesting is that operating costs came down 8% over the same period. God is doing amazing things in, with, and through this ministry; not the least of which is engineering a new partnership between CRPC and 4KIDS.


Answering The Call-

If you believe in your heart that God is calling you to be a part of this ministry and you'd like to learn more, please log on to the 4KIDS website at: http://www.4kidsofsfl.org/

You might also consider attending the 'Vision Tour' on July 2, from 12-2 p.m. at the 4KIDS of South Florida office, 827 S State Road 7 # 1 B, North Lauderdale, FL (954) 979-7911 (behind 'Second Chance' thrift store on 441.)


May God give you wisdom and discernment as you prayerfully consider your role in this vital ministry.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go, I will guide you with my eye.
-Psalm 32:8


For further inquiries concerning this outreach, please contact- Chickie Alexander @ 954-334-5069 or email at: CAlexander@crpc.org

Avondale Project By: Robin Revier

"To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me."

Acts 26:18

The 'Avondale Project' was established in 2004 by Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale. 'Avondale' is located in Pompano Beach and is considered a minority community consisting of 60% Mexican, 30% Haitian, 10% African American, and others.

In Matthew 22:38-40, Jesus makes quite clear the responsibility of the believer when he states that loving God is the first and greatest commandment, and the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

K.P Yohannan in his book 'Revolution in World Missions' says, "We cannot love others if we ignore their spiritual needs. Just the same, we cannot say we love others if we ignore their physical needs. Jesus came for both."

Coral Ridge Church is pleased and privileged to partner with others who are committed in this particular outreach to effect this precious community for the gospel of Christ, and to meet their various spiritual and physical needs according to God's Word. Our main goal is to exercise a holistic approach to "Transformational Community."

"One Hope" (formerly "Book of Hope") is the research component to the project responsible for quantitative (amount) and qualitative (condition) research.This outreach is being monitored by other churches as well, with the primary objective being that of taking it to a national level.

Calvary Chapel, CRPC, and One Hope will hold a 'Stake Holders' strategic planning meeting on July 28th. Please mark this on your calendar as a reminder to pray for the leaders who will be trusting God for the direction of this vital ministry.

CRPC attendees, please make a note of the following date:

July 18th - CRPC will host a 'point of entry' meeting, which will be the first of many meetings to follow. If you have an interest and believe God is calling you to serve in this capacity, please contact Debbie, 954-334-5201 or dbroek@crpc.org for more details.

Luke 4:18 - "The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor

May God bless you and give you discernment and wisdom as you consider your involvement.

Psalm 32:8 - "I will teach you and instruct you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you."

From Duane Mellor, Director of Outreach

It is a new day in our church. Many of you are ambassadors for the ministry of Evangelism Explosion. In the last few days our new Pastor has asked me to help us move forward with the Outreach Department. Because of the changes that you have already received I believe that it is imperative that you understand what will happen with EE in the future at our Church.

EE will remain a vital ministry to the life and body of our Church and the world. The classic version will be the version we use to teach and train others. There will be no changes to the times for Wednesday morning and Thursday Evening. As requested by Pastor Tullian, we will continue to keep EE operating the same way it has over past years. He asked me to keep the ministry of EE a constant for the Church.

We are all still being blessed by the past work of the Church. Apart from my parents, Dr. Kennedy has had the most significant influence on my life. I graduated from Westminster Academy which he founded. I graduated from Knox Theological Seminary which he founded. I worked on the executive staff over the last 12 years of this Church, which he founded. I have trained people all over the world through Evangelism Explosion, yet another ministry also founded by Dr. Kennedy. I say this to show Dr. Kennedy’s influence and that my whole life was directed by his leadership. We will not forget his work and ministry.

As servants of Christ we will need to work together. It is my hope that we embrace our rich heritage at Coral Ridge while looking forward to our new Pastors leading. Change is difficult at times, but it is also transforming. There are many new faces that will be introduced to EE because of the influx of young people. This ministry can even become more of a force in our Church with the development of these young people. The torch will continue to be passed on through the generations, but it will be necessary that we begin to trust those who God has sovereignly appointed. Tullian is our Pastor. He is a friend to me and the staff. He has a sincere love for Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. His heart is to reach the lost and transform this community as well as the world.

I love both Dr. Kennedy and Tullian because of their love for the Lord and their love for people. As we move forward we must support the work of this Church together, past and present, so that we can reach the lost world through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for your continued service. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord (I Corinthians 12:5). Let us serve together under the same banner.

Duane Mellor
Director of Outreach
Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church