philippines-1

I really did not know what to expect when Pastor Yee told us that we are ministering at the City Jail of Baguio City. Middle of the night the HOly Spirit clarified the message He wanted me to share. It was the first time for all 6 of us to enter a jail. Thank God it was an invitation to minister in their chapel not a conviction of any crime.

The people. both men and women who came to the chapel looks like any group of Christians attending a service..most of them were smiling,extending their hands to greet us as they enter the hall. The inmates themselve led the worship and it feels surreal to see them worshiping the Lord with eyes closed and lifted hands..singing Above All Power..Crucified laid behind a cross...He took the fall and thought of me.

We only had about 30 minutes..Bro.Jim shared precisely of how Jesus had changed his life of worldly pursuit to one that honors and glorify Jesus. I preached of the prodigal son who found himself oneday in a place he never imagine he could be...he had lost everything except his memory of his father's house and made a decision to return. The message resounded with many of them and I noticed that some were beginning to weep under the touch of the Holy Spirit.Most of the ladies came forward and about 3 brave men step to the front at the altar call..weeping. It was a moment never to be forgotten as I thank God for giving hope to my brothers and sisters in a place of uncertainty and hopelessness.

The local pastor who took us to the jail shared with me the stories of some of the men who return to the Lord when they found themselves in the jail. Jesus is still the One who offers true forgiveness, hope, purpose, love and joy to all who come to Him.

This is my highlight of the trip so far. Thanks be to the Lord Almighty.

August happenings

This is the forth year that FCC is doing a mission trip and 6 of us are going to Philipines. Jim and laily Lim will be there for 4 days while the rest of us [ Samuel Young, Lemuel, Joash and myself ] will stay until August 10. Please remember us in prayer.We will be visiting prison, schools, dumpsite [ smokey mountain ] churches and trying to connect with some pastors for future partnership. FCC can and is a blessing to other nations. Amen.
While we are away, please continue to participate in the House of Prayer and Healing. There is a prayer camp on August 7-8 at FCC House of Prayer. If you have been coming for the monthly Unity Prayer, All night prayer and Wednesday Power Encounter, encourage the other cell members also to join.
We are encouraged by the great response to the Prayer Drive - Cell by cell. I hope that we had a clearer glimpse of our community and the Holy Spirit would have imparted a burden and a passion for us all to seek His Face on behalf of our community.
I am also very thrilled to see many of you staying back for table fellowship at our Level 2 Cafe with free coffee and inexpensive simple food. In the near future we hope to get many more people involved in preparing inexpensive and creative menu. The funds raised will go towards good causes to help those in needs. We need both those who has the cooking talent as well as eating talent. We like to see building of better relationships of old and new people at FCC. Halleluyah.
Well if you have not register for church camp. maybe it is still not too late. Check with your cell leaders. It's going to be a fantastic family gathering to experience His love and healing in our midst - August 30- September 2.
By the way some youths will join me in a short mission trip to Malacca on August 17/18. See your youth leaders if you are interested.

Shalom and love...Ps. Luke and Ps.Nellie

I know you.

In a conversation I was asked " what do you think of this or that preacher/pastor?" Of course the person was referring to some well known persons and Big names in the Christian World. My answer was " i do not know them personally so I cannot comment.'
It is amazing how Christians "worship" their own "Christian Idols' in the way they buy their 'products' or talk about their "messages and ministries".
As ministers/pastors/christian communicators/public persons, it is such a task for us not to be tempted with arrogance or conceit to be on the receiving end of praise and adulations from our listeners.What we feel good or bad about in our "job" is quite telling about where or what our true values are.
What do you feel good or bad about in this "christian job?"
This week I communicated 'apologies' to a number of people asking for forgiveness for hurts I've caused or at least I think i have caused. Thank to the Lord that most of the responses were encouraging and very gracious. One responded with a call that brought tears to my eyes. I mentioned specifically what I thought would have caused the offense and the person very graciously affirmed that it was not taken personally and what striked me most was when it was said " Pastor we have known each other for so long, I know you and I know you meant it for good." It was such an encouragement to be given the benefit of doubt and to be evaluated not just by an isolated incident or insidents but by the substance of the friendship built through the years of relating.
What a gift from heaven - to be known and to be loved.
Thanks be to our God.

a little heaven here on earth

In Heaven, He wipes all tears away.
In Heaven He says
and so I pray
Make a little heaven here on earth
through the things i do or say

Kumbaya my Lord kumbaya-3x
Oh Lord, come by here

Someone's crying Lord, Kumbaya
Oh Lord, come by here.

too much sadness, too much loneliness
too little happinesss and too little joy
Come by here Lord to your people
We are your heart, we are your hands
that wipe the tears, a girl or a boy
Make a little heaven here
Make a little heaven here on earth.