encourage! Fall 2014
The Magazine of Green Valley Baptist Church
a m a I r e b m e m h churc
{AnEncouragingWord} As a child, I was obsessed with growing. For years I was the smallest boy in my class and I would do anything to grow. My mom told me that if I wanted to grow, I needed to eat the right foods and exercise my muscles. I was 5’2” when I was 15 years old. But something happened around my junior year of high school. I started to grow. By the time I began college, I was almost six feet tall! I vividly remember marking my height on the wall of my bedroom and measuring my growth year by year. It was a slow process, but when I finally started to grow, it was an exciting time in my life. When I think about what I did to grow, I believe it involved eating the right foods and exercising my muscles. All children desire to grow physically. We don’t want to remain small. We don’t want to remain infants. We want to grow up and become adults. The same should be true in our Christian lives. We should want to grow. We should want to mature. We are not meant to remain as children.
“We are not to remain as children.” Ephesians 4:14
“We are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” Ephesians 4:15
These are just two of dozens of scriptures which remind us that we are to grow spiritually. God wants us to grow! He does not want us to remain as infants. Sadly, most Christians grow older, but they never grow up. They are stuck in spiritual infancy, and they never grow or mature in their faith. So how do we grow spiritually? If we take the advice from my mom, she would tell you to eat the right spiritual food. This includes what you read, watch, listen to, and do daily. It involves going to church, reading your Bible daily, praying continually, memorizing Scripture, and becoming part of a growth group. Spiritual food includes taking a Bible class, developing a systematic Bible reading plan- these are just a few of the spiritual foods that will help you grow as a Christian. Secondly, mom would encourage you to grow by exercising your spiritual muscles. Spiritual exercises involve putting into practice the things you know in your heart. They include teaching a Bible study, volunteering in church, talking to a friend about Jesus, sharing your personal testimony, getting involved in missions, feeding the homeless in Jesus’ name, witnessing for Christ in your workplace, praying in public- the list goes on and on. As we begin a new school and church year, I want to encourage you to make a commitment to grow spiritually. The Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 2:12 to “work out” our salvation with fear and trembling. I want to encourage you to get into spiritual shape and begin your workout program today. How do you grow? Eat the right foods and exercise your muscles. When you do this, growth comes naturally. I hope you will join me in making this year one of the best ever in terms of spiritual growth!
Be encouraged,
Pastor Rob 1 | encourage! fall 2014
3 / Green Valley Bible Institute
5 15 ncourage!
4/ Good News Notes
Fall 2014
een Valley Baptist Church
I AM A CHURCH MEMBER Our Church-wide Fall Emphasis
I am eamber m church page
SYDNEY, REMEMBERED Reflections of a life lived for Christ
17 MY DINNER WITH YITZHAK
An Unlikely Friendship in Israel
encourage! Green Valley Baptist Church 270 N Valle Verde Drive Henderson, NV 89074 702.434.1906 www.mygvbc.com
CREDITS Editor David Simpson ASSOCIATE Editor Terri Jupin Design Jennifer Dufek Photography Michelle Scott www.scott-shots.com Hexel Hernando On the Cover Church members of Green Valley will join together in Growth Groups to discuss “I Am a Church Member”, our Fall emphasis (p. 5).
19 - FALL PREVIEW - THERE IS A PLACE FOR EVERYONE!
Welcome Melissa Atuatasi
Melissa Atuatasi has joined our church staff as the parttime elementary coordinator, overseeing 252 STREET on Sunday mornings. Melissa has been a member of Green Valley for three years. Her love for the Lord and children became quickly evident last year, when she served as a Children’s Camp counselor and small group leader. Then she gave AWANA a try. Her love for the program and her knack for administration earned her a promotion to a director’s position after a few short months. She has a degree in Sociology and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry. She’ll be in charge of coordinating next summer’s Children’s Camp and providing leadership for Vacation Bible School. If you see Melissa on the job, give her a high five and word of encouragement! We are excited to have her on board. Welcome, Melissa!
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Beginning September 2014
GREEN VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE First Class: Genesis to Revelations // Taught by Rob Boyd Two years ago I traveled to Indonesia to teach a seminary class for Indonesian Pastors. There were over 100 lay pastors who traveled from far away- many by foot- to receive two weeks of theological training. They were able to take two classes. They returned six months later for two more classes, and when they had successfully completed eight courses, they were awarded a certificate of completion as a Pastor. When these men received their certificates, you would have thought they earned a Doctorate degree in Theology! What they did receive was the basics in Bible training that helped equip them to serve as a Pastor. This fall I begin the first semester of the Green Valley Bible Institute, a comprehensive, eight-semester Bible curriculum taught Wednesday nights beginning September 17. Over a four-year period we’ll study Genesis to Revelations, Bible Doctrines, Christian Discipleship, Missions, Survey of Genesis, Survey of John, Survey of Acts, Survey of Revelations. I have taken those eight classes and will teach them on Wednesday nights at the Green Valley Bible Institute. It can be as in-depth and time consuming as you make it. I will give a syllabus, reading plans, and weekly assignments to those who want to go deep. Or, you can simply join us on Wednesday nights for the lecture and discussion of that week’s topic. If you stay with us for three years, you will have the same basic training as those pastors who serve overseas. As you think about your walk with Christ- where you are now and where you want to be- would you consider joining us at the Institute on Wednesday nights? We begin this semester with our first class: Survey of the Old Testament. - Pastor Rob
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goodnewsnoteS The Children’s Choir presented their Spring musical entitled “The Agape League” in May. This highoctane musical, complete with super heroes, provided a great experience for the children as well as those who attended! The costumes were super charged, and the children were the heroes! Singing in the Children’s Choir at Green Valley Baptist is more than learning to sing the right notes. It’s a time of learning more about God’s truth in their lives through music. Consider enrolling your child! For the past two years, Green Valley has partnered with Community in Schools (CIS) to help two schools, Cunningham Elementary and Sewell Elementary, which have high populations of homeless or “at-risk” students. We’ve donated socks, underwear, school supplies, and toiletries to the annual Family Day at Sewell, where parents come to school and are given items which their children need. This past Spring, Path Walker’s Women’s Bible Study gave Cunningham a washer and dryer to wash homeless children’s clothes. More importantly, our volunteers go to the schools every week to personally work with the students. Our volunteers always come away saying that they receive so much more from the students than what they give to them.
Have you been baptized?
Thirty-five Junior and Senior High students and leaders traveled to Durango Colorado this summer for a week of fun, fellowship and worship at Student Camp! The students learned about what separates Jesus from all other faiths and why He is the only way to heaven. The teens were blessed with timely messages from Ben Stuart and great worship experiences with other students from all over the country. Two Green Valley students gave their lives to Christ as Lord of their life! Great things are planned for the coming school year in the Student Ministry. It’s a great time for students to get plugged in! Our Vacation Bible School in July was a booming success! Over 450 children participated in Bible lessons, crafts, and recreation fun each day. This year’s theme was Agency D3, where the children were challenged to use investigative skills to discover, decide and defend their faith in Jesus. The end-of-the-week program Friday night saw well over 700 moms, dads, and kids fill our auditorium! The week was made possible by 186 volunteers who contributed many hours of their time and talents in the lives of the children. The week resulted in 16 children putting their trust in Jesus as their Lord!
Call the church office this week and speak to Karen to schedule an appointment to discuss being scripturally baptized in an upcoming worship service.
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h rc u h I Am a C . r e b m e M In 2012, Thom Rainer, the CEO of Lifeway Resources, posted an entry on his blog that captured the attention of his followers. In it he wrote his feelings about what the Bible says how a Christian should approach his membership in the local church. In it Rainer defined what a member is, and what the Bible expresses as our mission. In the days following, his post was emailed, tweeted, facebooked, and read by Christians around the world. This simple, six-statement post on what it means to be a member of Christ’ church had such a tremendous impact that he decided to expand on it and write a book for the church. This fall, Green Valley will find out what it really means to be a “church member”. Pastor Rob will preach a six-week, biblical sermon series based on the thoughts Rainer has penned in the book. Additionally, we are asking every member, and attender, of Green Valley to come together at this time to join a Growth Group to discuss the book, and the scripture on which he bases each statement. Over the next several pages of this issue, we’ll look at ways you can be involved in the body of Christ at Green Valley.
Sign up to be a part of a small group as we all begin this journey September 21.
Copies of “I Am a Church Member” will be available for purchase for $5 beginning September 7. Please purchase your copy, and sign up for a Growth Group! 5 | encourage! fall 2014
I AM A CHURCH MEMBER by Thom Rainer
I am a church member. I will seek to be a source of unity in the church. I know there are no perfect pastors, staff, or other church members. But neither am I. I will not be a source of gossip or dissension. One of the greatest contributions I can make is to do all I can in God’s power to help keep the church in unity for the sake of the gospel.
I am a church member. I will not let my church be about my preferences and desires. That is self-serving. I am in this church to serve others and to serve Christ. My Savior went to a cross for me. I can deal with any inconveniences and matters that are just not my preference or style.
I am a church member. I will pray for my pastor every day. His work is neverending. His days are filled with constant demands for his time; with the need to prepare sermons; with those who are rejoicing in births; with those who are traveling through the valley of the shadow of death; with critics; with the hurts and hopes of others; and with the need to be a husband and a father. My pastor cannot serve our church in his own power. I will pray for God’s strength for him and his family every day.
I am a church member. I like the metaphor of membership. It’s not membership as in a civic organization or a country club. It’s the kind
of membership given to us in 1 Corinthians 12: “Now you are the body of Christ and individual members of it” (I Corinthians 12:27). Because I am a member of the body of Christ, I must be a functioning member, whether I am an “eye,” an “ear,” or a “hand.” As a functioning member, I will give. I will serve. I will minister. I will evangelize. I will study. I will seek to be a blessing to others. I will remember that “if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26).
I am a church member. I will lead my family to be good members of this church as well. We will pray together for our church. We will worship together in our church. We will serve together in our church. And we will ask Christ to help us fall deeper in love with this church, because He gave His life for her.
I am a church member. This membership is a gift. When I received the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, I became a part of the body of Christ. I soon thereafter identified with a local body and was baptized. And now I am humbled and honored to serve and to love others in our church. I pray that I will never take my membership for granted, but see it as a gift and an opportunity to serve others, and to be a part of something so much greater than any one person or member.
I am a church member. And I thank God that I am.
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Church Members Love to Worship... At Green Valley, our Sunday morning gatherings are the “front door” to our ministry here. A great majority of those coming to an event at our church for the first time will begin in worship. It’s the Sunday morning place to be, and as church members, a vital part of our walk with Christ. We gather together to sing songs of praise to God, and listen as our Pastor brings a word from the Word. Faithful attendance to worship is so important, but it doesn’t stop there. We have opportunities for you to serve. Our choir is a great place for anyone who wants to lift up the name of the Lord in praise. We are in need of tech-savvy volunteers who will manage sound and lighting responsibilities. And we are always looking for friendly, conscientious volunteers who would join our Greeters Ministry. Make your worship attendance a priority in your life, and find a way you can serve as we worship together!
That’s when I thought that since I loved to sing praises to God in my seat, then I certainly could get up in the choir loft and sing with the choir.
It all began back in 2009, when I realized how much I loved singing during the Sunday services! One day, Pastor Rob encouraged church members about getting involved in ministry.
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One Wednesday evening I got the courage to attend the weekly choir rehearsal. I wasn’t very sure of my voice, but felt that this is what God had planned for me. I was inspired by Pastor Dave and the patience he had with everybody, and how much he really enjoys doing what
he does as our Worship Pastor. Though I still wasn’t sure of my vocal capability I continued to focus and work hard to get a spot in the choir. Dave put me with the tenors and for weeks and months I thought maybe I should just find something else to do, like usher or greet. But all of the sudden something clicked for me, and my vocals started sounding more in tune! I truly believe God wanted that to be my “lifting Him up on high” and I believe he used Pastor Dave to do just that.
This past year I was promoted by Pastor Dave to sing on the Praise Team, and what an honor I found that to be. I was a little intimidated at first, like when I began this journey, but once again, God spoke to me and led me to the stage! If God can use me to do something amazing, He can also use you to do something amazing! Trust in God and leave the consequences to Him. Jim Skelly
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...in a Church that loves their children... I reflect on what I love about Children’s Ministry, it comes from my heart as both a mom and a volunteer.
Green Valley has always been known as a family church. A large portion of our congregation is made up of families with children. And children have always been a priority at Green Valley. Our vision for our Children’s Ministry is that it would be a place where kids interact with other children and adults who care for them, who plan activities and lessons for them, and who share Jesus’ love in such a way that kids can’t wait to return the next week. We are confident we accomplish this vision, and each year, we dedicate ourselves anew to the responsibility of providing a safe environment for our children to learn to grow in Christ’s- love. This fall, hundreds of kids from Henderson and Las Vegas will continue to learn about Jesus in programs like FX (The Family Experience), AWANA, and Bible study. Many committed volunteers will take on the task to teach them, through leading in Bible Studies, caring for babies and toddlers in the nursery, helping kids learn the Bible- and so many other areas. We hope you’ll consider serving God as a member of our church in the area of Children’s Ministry!
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We are the Spratt Family, and we have lived in the Henderson area for nine years. We finally settled into this “home” when we decided to call Green Valley our own four years ago. At the urging of friends, we started our preschoolers in AWANA, which our kids loved, and the grownups discovered a community that is one of Green Valley’s greatest strengths. Within a year, we’d become members and active volunteers. Every day, Kevin and I feel the weight of raising our four little people to grow up into big people who will positively impact their world using the strength of Christ. Some days it’s a really heavy weight! Green Valley’s Children’s Ministry partners in helping us meet our “big people” goal. Our kids are involved in AWANA, Sunday School, Mops and Vacation Bible School, and if you know me, you know that I tend to get pretty involved as well. When
So, what do I love about our Children’s Ministry? We are intentional about our time. We don’t pile kids into rooms, press play on a movie and toss them crackers. Our awesome staff and volunteers think through every detail so that each minute counts in the life of a child. Green Valley is also a safe place for my children to grow and learn. Volunteers are carefully screened, and classrooms are wellmanaged. The Children’s Ministry is fun! I ask my kids, “did you have fun today?” and they always answer, “Yes!” They always look forward to the next FX (The Family Experience) or VBS. More importantly, my kids are learning about the character of the Lord through stories, games, and through the leaders they encounter. The people who work with my kids show up ready to teach, encourage and love every child that walks through the door. These leaders love God and they love my kids, and that is what I love about partnering with our Children’s Ministry. Paula Spratt
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… a Church that Inspires their Teens… One of the most rewarding aspects of being a part of a church is watching little children who we’ve spiritually invested in grow into teenagers who are passionate for the Lord and their Christian walk. Many of the teens at Green Valley first learned about Jesus as toddlers in our nursery, and they now join with others to form a strong Student Ministry. At Green Valley, there’s a place for every student, 6th through 12th grade. Each Sunday night our teens meet at SURGE, a high energy time of worship and Bible study, food and fun. This is the Sunday night place for every young church member of Green Valley. Teens have a variety of special activities planned this fall. And there’s always opportunities for teens, and parents, to meet personally with Student Pastor Mark Winkler. If you have a special desire to work with teenagers, make an appointment with Pastor Mark today!
Center my first night the teenagers met. However, I also remember several students who came up to me and made me feel welcome, letting me sit with them.
I entered the youth group at Green Valley in my sixth grade year after graduating out of the Children’s Ministry. Despite the fact that I knew all the people, I was still beyond terrified. I distinctly remember bawling my eyes out outside the Student
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Throughout my sixth grade year, I was fairly introverted. That is, until February when we had DNow- Disciple Now Weekend. We stayed in a host home, had a guest speaker and band play, and got to do a service project and fun activities. Best of all, we all grew closer to God. That weekend, I felt the Holy Spirit work in me, and I met my best friends in the host home we shared. We talk all the time
and build each other up to this day, and it’s all thanks to being in the youth group. In my seventh and eighth grade years, I was inspired by Pastor Mark’s HABITS sermon series to begin reading my Bible every day. This has really helped me grow in the Lord. Getting into God’s Word is extremely important- it helped me last year in ninth grade when I joined theater at my high school. It was tough being surrounded by people who didn’t live the same lifestyle that I did, but the support that I received from the youth group kept me strong in my faith and helped
me to bring some of my theater friends to Christ. The youth group at GVBC is a wonderful place where students can grow in their faith, join the Christian family, and find some great new friends. I’m glad that I decided to go to SURGE that first day. I can’t imagine what my life would be like without the youth group. It has helped me become the Christian that I am and I would love it if every student got to experience it. Hannah Wagner Sophomore @ Silverado High School
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… and Values their Senior Adults.
Senior Adults mean so much to Green Valley. So many have given a lifetime of faithful ministry in service to the church, without much acknowledgement or praise. They offer wisdom to younger believers, and can be counted on to do so much in varied volunteer duties during their retirement years. At Green Valley, our senior adults have a special place in our church, and in our hearts. And we feel a responsibility to minister to them in return. We have a number of meaningful and fun activities for our senior adults. Bible studies are offered during the day several times a week, and all the seniors meet together for a wonderful time of fellowship at our monthly Thursday luncheons. Barry Anderson serves as our pastor to Senior Adults, and is available to minister to our seniors and provide care and concern to those in the prime of their life. Seniors, know that you are valued, and are a vital part of our ministry here at Green Valley!
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I’ve been a church member at Green Valley for eleven years. My husband Lou had a bout with cancer, and I wasn’t up to making the long drive to our church alone, so one day while driving past Green Valley I saw a sign for a ladies Bible study. I came in the church and was welcomed so warmly, that when Lou got better, we moved our membership here. We had many who reached out to us right away- Rick Strasser especially reached out to me and I’ll never forget his caring and love. We felt at home right away here at Green Valley. A year ago, Lou passed away. It was a great comfort to have my church family right beside my own family as we grieved. I have been blessed to be a part of the PrimeTime ministry since Pastor Barry started it.
One of our favorite events for PrimeTimers is the monthly luncheons. Prime Time luncheons are made available to us at no chargejust pick up a ticket at the kiosk in the lobby. It has been a great way to make new friends, and I have renewed old relationships. Pastor Barry, Karen Taylor and their committee put so much effort into the luncheons. Pastor Barry presents educational and informative speakers and entertainment, and keeps us informed about upcoming events and any additional trips that he is planning for us. I have attended almost all of the luncheons. I not only enjoyed the food but received many blessings while sharing in the wonderful fellowship. I have invited friends from my Bible study that have never attended the luncheon and they have expressed what a blessing it became to them. It’s a warm and welcoming situation that I could attend after becoming a widow and not feel out of place. On behalf of Pastor Barry, I extend an invitation to any senior adult who might like to join us at a luncheon this fall. Sadie Polish
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Sydney, Remembered by David Simpson
This October, my wife Annette and I celebrate 15 years of marriage. Each time we approach a milestone year, the happiness I feel is always mixed in with a little sadness, as it reminds me of an event that happened a month before our marriage, in the city where we exchanged our vows, Fort Worth, Texas. That event turned out to be one of the worst tragedies to ever occur at a Southern Baptist Church in U.S. history. * * * I first met Sydney Browning when she was working at church camp one summer in Prescott, Arizona. I was a
college student in Flagstaff, and she attended Grand Canyon College in Phoenix. Sydney was extremely funny and outgoing, and we became fast friends. Energetic, engaging, she made every kid she came into contact with at that camp feel they were special. She loved God, and had a special ministry to teenagers. I specifically remember Sydney had a special place in her heart for the youth group from College Park Baptist Church in Las Vegas. She was drawn to kids from rough situations, and they were drawn to her. She loved ministering to teens, and they adored her.
Sydney and I remained good friends, and when I moved to Phoenix and she left to go to seminary in Texas, we would make it a point to get together whenever she was back in town, usually at Thanksgiving break. We’d go out to eat, or go see a movie at Christown Mall. And when she graduated from seminary and told me she was staying in Fort Worth to work with at-risk teens, it made sense. I knew she found her calling. One day in the summer of 1999, I got a call from Syd. We hadn’t talked in over a year, and she was checking up on me. I told her that I was going to be getting married, in Fort Worth, and I wanted to send her an invitation. She was happy for me, and promised to see me there. It wasn’t to be.
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Syd was a member of a really terrific church in Fort Worth, Wedgwood Baptist. She loved to sing- she had a beautiful voice- and was a faithful member of the adult choir. On Wednesday night, September 15, 1999, an extremely disturbed man who had a history of mental issues and violence, armed himself with guns and explosives and entered that church, smoking a cigarette. While choir members waited outside of the sanctuary, over a hundred and fifty teens and adults were meeting inside at a “See You at the Pole” rally. The man was asked to extinguish his cigarette, and in return he cursed, and opened fire. In the ensuing 15 minutes he systematically shot at people, and entered the church auditorium. He killed seven teens and adults, wounded seven more, and then turned the gun on himself. My friend, Sydney Browning, was his first victim. Early the next morning I received a phone message from a friend in Las Vegas, letting me know that Sydney had passed. I was devastated. I had actually watched news coverage of the event live on CNN the night before, not knowing that this was Sydney’s church. I called Annette, who was already in Fort Worth preparing for our wedding, and we arranged for me to fly out to Texas two days later for Sydney’s funeral. Arriving at Sydney’s wake, and seeing her lying there in her coffin, was almost
too much to comprehend. Her sister Shannon came over to say that Syd would have been so happy to have known I was there. I was grateful to Annette beyond measure for being there for me when I needed her- I was overcome with grief and sadness. Later, we attended an extremely moving and uplifting memorial service at Southwestern Seminary. When I examined my feelings, I really didn’t feel angry towards God. I trust God has a plan and has our lives in His hand, even when we don’t understand. My own personal thoughts were much more selfish. I begin to think about the seriousness of my surrender to Christ when I was seven years old. I distinctly remember telling God that I would do whatever he would want me to do. I also thought that Sydney must’ve had that same conviction at some point, and that this is where her walk with God led her. It was then I wondered what He might have in store for me. He never promised me old age. He didn’t promise a life without sorrow, or grief, or pain. If tragedy can bring God as much glory in tragedy as He can in victory, and that tragedy can be visited on a beautiful person like Sydney, why wouldn’t he do the same with me? Am I really ready and willing to say, “Here am I Lord, use me”in any way- and mean it? Every September, when I think about Sydney, I feel sadness. Sad that God took her, when she was doing so much good in a school where troubled kids were desperate for a teacher who cared for and loved them unconditionally; sad that her beautiful voice was silenced from singing; sad that she was taken in the prime of her life. It’s such a shame. But as the years pass, the tragedy lessens. It becomes a footnote to history, while the memory of Sydney slowly fades. * * * Last year, at a dinner following our annual Vacation Bible School, I sat down next to one of our church members, Lanna Stoddard. As we were visiting together, Lanna said, “Do you know how I chose to name my daughter?” I told
her I had no idea. She explained that when she was a college student at Grand Canyon College, there was a girl who lived in the same hall as her, who was an inspiration to her. She was full of life. She lived out her faith. She showed Christ’s love in everything she did. Lanna loved her name, too, and although she only knew her for one semester, she thought if she ever had a little girl, she would name her… Sydney.
I trust God has a plan and has our lives in His hand, even when we don’t understand. I was stunned. With tears welling in my eyes and with the biggest smile on my face, I thanked Lanna over and over for sharing that with me. We told stories about our remembrance of Sydney and what she meant to us. It was a special time. Ever since, whenever I see Howard and Lanna Stoddard’s daughter, Sydney, walk the halls of our church, I smile, for two reasons.
God has a way of reminding us of His faithfulness. He reminds us through His Word, through encounters like the one I had with Lanna, through our own remembrances of how He’s brought us through life. And in dark times we see God’s glory shine through tragedy. In the days following the Wedgwood massacre, many hundreds of people came to know Christ as Savior. The pastor of the church had numerous opportunities to share the gospel on TV programs worldwide, and the church itself became a beacon for lost, hurting people who wanted to know how they could possibly have hope after surviving in the aftermath of such a tragedy. It is an understatement to say that the church’s most effective days of meaningful ministry to the lost and hurting came just days after its darkest night. The good that sprang up out of the tragedy will live on forever. God calls us to follow Him, wherever He leads, when He leads. He answers our prayer to use us in whatever way He deems fit. I pray that I will be found faithful, and be satisfied, with whatever way God pleases to lead me, and use me, in this life.
First, I’m so happy to know that my friend’s name has been passed along. I hope that Sydney Stoddard will have the opportunity to know a little bit more about the wonderful person with whom she shares a name. Secondly, I think about how pleased and proud my friend Syd would have been with our Sydney here at the church. She is a really special young lady. She demonstrates her faith and shows her love for God as a teenager through leading and loving children at VBS and AWANA. She spent time this summer as an intern in Children’s Ministry with Cheryl Burford, and to me, she’s a shining star in our Student Ministry. She would have been a kid after Sydney Browning’s heart, and one of her favorites for sure.
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My
Dinner withYitzhak by Terri Jupin
His Hebrew name is Yitzhak (pronounced YEETS-hawk), which we know as Isaac. Yitzhak is a Jewish Orthodox Rabbi, and he is my friend. I met Yitzhak in Jerusalem last spring while serving as a volunteer with Christian Friends of Israel. Our work included meeting with Holocaust survivors to record their stories, and reaching out to Russian survivors of World War II ghettos. We went to show them what true Christian love looks like. Much of our work in Jerusalem last
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year was based on God’s mandate for the treatment of His chosen people in Genesis 12:3, which says, “I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” On a previous trip to Israel, Yitzhak was befriended by one of our team members. So when we arrived in Jerusalem we were delighted to receive an invitation from him to share a Shabbat (Sabbath) dinner with his family! As my roommates
and I were getting ready for the evening, we felt like schoolgirls getting ready for the prom! It just doesn’t happen every day that a Christian would be invited to a Rabbi’s home. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, I knew that I wanted to try and savor every moment, putting each detail in my heart to treasure forever. We took a taxi to Yitzhak’s home that Friday evening at the beginning of Sabbath. Our taxi driver was reluctant to take us to a very orthodox neighborhood. Sometimes rocks are thrown at cars in these neighborhoods, he explained. Since driving a cab is work, it violates the Jewish law, which prohibits any kind of work on the Sabbath whatsoever. Yitzhak was returning from the synagogue as we arrived. His four daughters and young son welcomed us with hugs, dressed in what we would call their “Sunday best.” Two of the older daughters served as translators for us, going between Hebrew and English.
After meeting the children, Yitzhak’s wife Zipporah greeted us warmly as well. She was wearing a hat that she kept on all evening to cover her head in the orthodox tradition. Once seated, Yitzhak sang a song to start the Shabbat dinner. He took a piece of flat bread, blessed it, and handed it to each one of us until we all had bread. As we ate, I noticed Yitzhak quietly calling his children, one by one, to his side. Placing his hand on their head, he blessed them with a spiritual, then a personal blessing. During the meal there was singing, laughter and love expressed between the children and their parents. And it was wonderful to hear the children call their father, “Abba!” When one daughter asked why we were in Israel, we spoke of the volunteer work we were doing to show love to the Jewish people. We told them that many people in the United States love Israel, and understand that Israel is God’s land for His chosen people. We told them that we all love the same God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. With gratitude, their eyes welled up with tears. They told us that they felt at peace in Israel, though they understand the surrounding countries are considered their enemies. After dinner was complete, Yitzhak pulled a book from his library and proceeded to share a short message with us. He chose a passage from Genesis 3, explaining that the serpent brought sin and sadness to our world. After his teaching, his daughters passed out prayer books, and the family
Now, one by one, stone by stone, God is bringing down the walls of division. proceeded to pray from these books – much like the orthodox Jews pray from prayer books at the Western Wall. Once the prayers were completed, Yitzhak sang again and announced the Shabbat dinner as complete. The dinner lasted three hours! In Genesis the name Isaac means “laughter”. Yitzhak surely lives up to his name! He has a lively, warm personality and a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. He is a most unusual Jew- he trusts Christians. One time a Christian showed compassion to him during a family tragedy, and since that event he began to realize that not everything he had been told about Christians was true. Over time, Yitzhak experienced Christian love in action, and felt that God was calling him to bridge a relationship between Christians and Jews. He sometimes receives criticism from his friends, in particular rabbis, as they do not approve of Yitzhak’s friendship with Christians. For over twenty centuries there have been stones of stumbling between Christians and Jews. One of the reasons is because the Jewish people have suffered at the hands of those who professed to be Christians. Now, one by one, stone by stone, God is bringing
down the walls of division. How is this happening? I believe it is occurring through unique relationships of trust like the friendship that I share with Yitzhak. As I reflect on my friendship with Yitzhak and his family, the book of Esther comes to mind. Esther 4:14 tells us, “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows, whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this.” Notice that we are told “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place…” I am humbled and filled with thanksgiving that during my incredible slice of time in Israel, God allowed me to be a part of His continuing story of reconciliation and grace to His chosen people. I feel that my newfound friendship with Yitzhak is a divine appointment from God. We continue to stay in touch through e-mail. He shared with me on my birthday a few months ago that he had prayed for me at the Western Wall that day! Sometimes I wonder, how is it that I, a Gentile Christian woman, was invited to share Shabbat dinner in the home of an Orthodox Jewish rabbi and his family? It can only be God’s perfect providence in my life for “such a time as this.” Terri Jupin serves on staff at Green Valley and is the Associate Editor of “encourage!”. She looks forward to returning to minister in Israel this fall.
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is a t s i t p a lley B year a V w e n n e e a Gr ck off i k Fall at e w me as i t ities! n y s u t u r b o yone! try opp r s e i v n i e r m of ce fo a l p a s There i
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY AWANA
worship ministry Adult Choir Wednesday Nights at 6PM Join us as we learn new praise songs and begin preparing for our Christmas musical in December! Choir is a great way to connect with other believers as well as make new friends!
Children’s Choir Sunday Nights at 5PM beginning September 7 All children grades 1 through 5 are invited to come and sing along with us as we begin a new year! Kids will have fun while learning praise songs and begin practicing for the Christmas season.
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Wednesday Nights at 6PM beginning September 3 AWANA is a place where kids ages 3 through 5th-- grade meet to learn God’s Word in a fun, creative and competitive environment. Children hear stories, learn to recite Scripture they have memorized at home, and play games.
FX, the Family Experience Monthly on Sunday Mornings beginning September 7 FX is a high-energy music and drama production for elementary children and their parents. FX is a shared experience for families learn about God’s character traits and how to live like Him and for Him.
STUDENT MINISTRY Fifth Quarter Students get together on selected nights following local High School football games for fun and activities! See Pastor Mark for the details and dates.
SURGE Sunday Nights at 5PM SURGE on Sunday nights is the place to be for students grades 6 through 12! Students meet together for fun, food, and worship as well as make new friends.
YOUNG ADULTS C20 Sunday Night Bible Study at 5PM and Tuesdays at 7PM College students and 20-somethings meet every Sunday night for a time of Bible Study led by Rick Strasser. The group also meets on Tuesday nights for fun activities and fellowship. C20 is a great way to meet new friends!
WOMEN MOPS Every second and fourth Tuesday Morning beginning September 9 MOPS is a ministry to moms with preschoolers to come together, just as they are, to experience community, personal growth, practical help and spiritual hope.
Path Walkers Tuesday Nights beginning September 9; Thursday Mornings beginning September 11 Path Walkers is a Women’s Bible Study open to women of all ages to study God’s Word in Bible Studies geared toward women. It’s also a great place to connect with other women and make new friends!
SENIOR ADULTS Prime Time Luncheon Third Thursday of each month beginning September 18 Mature adults age 50 and older get together each month for fun, fellowship and inspiration while enjoying good food. The lunch is free, but we ask that you pick up a ticket so that there is enough food for everyone!
Grief Share Sunday afternoons beginning September 7 GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone.
For more information, check out our website at www.mygvbc.com or call the church office at 702.434.1906. fall 2014 encourage!
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Before you join the Church family, you must be a part oF God’s family.
Here’s how... God rules.
Did you know that God created the world? The Bible tells us He created everything. God is a perfect, loving ruler. God created us to bring glory to Him. (See Genesis 1:1; Revelation 4:11; Colossians 1:16-17.)
We sinned.
Adam and Eve chose to disobey God. Since then, we all have chosen to disobey God. The Bible calls this sin. Sin separates us from God. Thankfully God had a plan to save us from our sin. (See Romans 3:23.)
God provided.
Our loving God provided the only way to save us- Jesus. God sent Jesus to earth. He lived a perfect life. Because He loves us, He took the punishment we deserve. (See John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 6:23.)
Jesus gives.
We respond.
We can respond to the good news by understanding who God is (holy) and who we are (sinners.) Tell God you know you messed up and are sorry. Repent, turning away from your sin. Turn to Jesus, trusting only Him to save you through His life, death and resurrection. (See John 14:6; Romans 10:9-10,13.) If you are ready to respond to the good news by becoming a Christian, simply pray and tell God something like this: Dear God, I know I have disobeyed You and gone my own way. My sin separated me from You. I am sorry that I have disobeyed You and earned Your punishment, but today I turn back to You. I believe that Jesus died on the cross in my place so that my sins can be forgiven. I believe Jesus rose from the dead and is alive. I trust Jesus to save me. Thank You for sending Jesus to live a perfect life and to take away my punishment. God, please forgive me and help me to obey You and to live for You the rest of my life. Thank You. Amen
Jesus died on the cross in our place. Our sins were punished through Jesus dying on the cross. It’s all been paid for! In God’s eyes, it’s as if we never sinned. God welcomes us into His family as children of God.
WHAT NOW ?
When Jesus died, He did not stay dead. God brought Him back to life. People even saw and touched the risen Jesus. Jesus went to be with God and to rule over the world forever as King, even today.
• Tell others that you are a Christian.
One day Jesus will return to earth. God will welcome into His kingdom all people who have accepted His free gift of eternal life. (See Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18; Ephesians 2:8-9.)
• Read the Bible to learn more about what it means to live for God.
This is the gospel. Gospel means “GOOD NEWS!” Because of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, we can be part of God’s family forever. That’s good news!
• Attend church where others can encourage you in your faith.
• Talk to your pastor about your faith decisions and about how being baptized shows others that you are a Christian.
• Talk to God every day.
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 21 | encourage! fall 2014
Service Times 8AM Gospel Service
Hymns and Gospel songs, and Pastor Rob’s encouraging sermons
David Simpson Worship Pastor david@mygvbc.com Barry Anderson Administrative Pastor barry@mygvbc.com
N. Stephanie St.
Dr. Rob Boyd Senior Pastor rob@mygvbc.com
N. Valle Verde Dr.
CHURCH STAFF
N. Green Valley Pkwy.
9:30AM & 11AM
Songs of the day, by artists such as Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman, and Pastor Rob’s timely teaching
W. Warm Springs Rd.
215
Mark Winkler Student Pastor mark@mygvbc.com Cheryl Burford Director of Family Ministries cheryl@mygvbc.com Tom Devenish Counseling Pastor dkoma7@aol.com
Green Valley Baptist Church 270 N Valle Verde Drive Henderson NV 89074 702.434.1906
www.mygvbc.com
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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID LAS VEGAS, NV PERMIT NO. 1392
270 N. Valle Verde Drive Henderson, NV 89074 702.434.1906 www.mygvbc.com
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SUNDAY, 2 1 R E B O T C O