MARCH 2009 EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA

March 2009Vol. 6 Iss. 3FREE

Pulpit of the Publisher .................. 3A World News Briefs ..................... 5A Saed & Linda Awwad .................. 9A Easter Eggstravaganza ................ 11A

Good News Publishing5000 Amaryllis St. Oakley, CA. 94561

PRSRT STDUS Postage

Wesco GraphicsPAID

Postal Customer

Restaurants .............................. 16A Families on Fire .................................17ASenior Moments ........................19AFinancial Forum ...........................19A

Trinity Christian School - Page 12

ALSO IN THIS ISSUEWorld News Briefs

Page 5

School of TheologyPage 8

History of the Middle EastPage 9

Easter EggstravaganzaPage 11

Saed & Linda Awwad

Unrest in theMiddle East cont.

by Laurie Darroch-Meekis

It is that time of year again. Mark your calendars for Saturday the 11th of April and come join the joyous festivities. Preparations are fully underway for the 6th Annual Easter Eggstravaganza held by Mountain View Christian Center. The egg hunt is on the move this year.

The location of Easter Eggstravaganza has now changed from its previous home at Liberty High School in Brentwood. Mountain View Christian Center would like to thank Liberty High for graciously allowing them to use their facilities for the last four years. The new location of the Easter Eggstravaganza spectacular event is at Freedom High School in Oakley located at 1050 Neroly, in the area of campus known as The Ba-sin. The city of Oakley has welcomed the annual gathering with open arms, so be sure to bring your family and friends. Everyone is welcome to the FREE spectacular and fun fi lled all day event. If you have never been, come join us and be prepared to be amazed at the sheer size of this event and the work involved in the Easter Eggstravaganza.

OAKLEY TO HOSTEASTER

EGGSTRAVAGANZA

Our historical timeline continues from last month. Here we go…

The Seljuk Turks conquered Jerusalem in 1071, al-though their rule in Palestine lasted less than 30 years. Initially they were replaced by the Fatimid rulers of Egypt.

Full Story on page 9

EACH YEAR THE DELTA RESIDENTS LOOK FORWARD TO THE ANNUAL EVENT KNOWN AS “EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA”

THIS YEAR THE EVENT WILL BE HELD IN A NEW LOCATION AT FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL IN THE CITY OF OAKLEY

Full story on page 11

A special issue fi lled with scriptures of encouragement and also

living testimonies.

In Tough Times - We Need Deep Roots!

A TIMELY MESSAGEFROM THE PUBLISHER

by Jerry Hanoum

Matthew 28:3 3 “His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.” (Two Mary’s)----Ps 92:12 “The righteous will fl ourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;” It was the palm trees that were cut during the triumphant entry. Dur-ing the toughest times Christians fl ourish like the palm tree.

Full Story on page 3

Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

I can do all things through

Christ who strengthens

me.

2-A America’s Good News

by Will ByrnsOakley, CA. Feb 17, 2009 As men gathered for food and fellowship little did they know what was in store for them that rainy Monday evening. There was hot homemade beef stew with all the fixins’, but the main course to be dished up was the common bond of the brotherly love in Christ that we share. Pastor Keoni Clifford addressed the men and welcomed all those that were in attendance. He opened up with prayer and then asked the men to rally behind MVCC and support the upcoming Easter Eggstravaganza that will be at Freedom High in Oakley on April 11th this year. “This is the largest egg hunt on the west coast and we need your help,” exclaimed Pastor Keoni with excitement. “We can’t do it without you,” he said. That set the tone for the evening as the theme for the gathering became more evident. ‘No man is an island.’ “When things get to heavy for you, let your brothers in Christ stand with you,” said Pastor Joe Seely. “You can’t lift the weight yourself and that’s exactly what Satan does when he sees you by yourself, he adds even more weight to make it unbearable for you.” After that being said, Pastor Joe brought up a young man named Mike Valdez from the audience and had him lift repetitions of weight. Then he kept adding to the weight on the bar knowing that it would eventually become too heavy for Mike to lift. At that point in time two other men came to spot Mike on both sides. This enabled him to succeed in making the lift so he wouldn’t be crushed by the weight of the bar that would fall on him. Pastor Joe made the connection and referenced Galatians 6:2 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way your will fulfill the law of Christ.” A passage from Romans 15:1-6 was also brought forth encouraging a spirit of unity amongst brethren. Men were impacted tremendously by the message and walked out in a different way than the way they came in. Several of the men that came were from as far away as Sacramento and Vacaville. One of the men claimed, “It’s not that far for me to drive because I had heard that the presence of the Lord is here, and that’s where I want to be.” Do you need encouragement spoken into your life? We all do, because we can’t go it alone. You need to know that you have a family of brothers that are willing to stand with you, so don’t miss the next ‘Men of Vision’ meeting.

Men of Vision meetings are held every third Monday at Mountain View Christian Center, located at 5000 Amaryllis Street in Oakley. The next meeting will be on March 16th. Call 925-625-9570 for more information.

A POWERFUL ILLUSTRATED MESSAGE DELIVERED TO MEN OF EAST COUNTY

Men of Vision

Above - Men from all walks of life came for the fellowship.

Right- Mike Valdez gets ready to pump up the volumne.

Below- Pastor Joe Seeley rose to the occasion by pressing 315lbs., but also pro-vided something of greater value, in bringing God’s Word to the men in a way that changed lives.

3-A

Pastor Jerry Hanoum

Publisher of America’s Good News

From the Pulpitof the

Publisher

America’s Good News

City: Orange County, CA

February 18, 2009

A lawsuit has been fi led against Orange County by a veteran group home counselor who was suspended six weeks for exposing four teenagers to Christian music. The counselor is represented by affi liate and staff attorneys of Pacifi c Justice Institute.

The lawsuit states that, in the summer of 2006, the counselor took four teenage girls from the Orangewood Children’s Home on an approved fi eld trip to a 5K run and then to the beach. At the beach, the group encountered a “Surf Jam” taking place at the Huntington Beach pier. The group also overheard Christian music for about ten minutes while they were eating.

Following the beach outing, the counselor, an eighteen-year employee, was summoned to a disciplinary meeting focusing on the Christian music. Several months later, the same incident was brought up again and the counselor was slapped with a six-week suspension for “exposing children to unapproved religious activities.”

After many months of exhausting state administrative remedies, the counselor fi led suit late last week in Orange County Superior Court to recover the fi nancial losses she suffered from the suspension and to vindicate her constitutional rights. The counselor is repre-sented by John and Laurie Messerly Stewart, attorneys in Orange, California, and the Pacifi c Justice Institute.

Brad Dacus, president of Pacifi c Justice Institute, commented, “What happened to this counselor was insane and unjust. Allowing teenagers to overhear a few minutes of Christian music while at the beach should not result in a six-week suspension.”

Courtesy of Pacifi c Justice Institute

Foster Kids Overhearing Christian Music Earns

Counselor Six-Week Suspension

by Jerry Hanoum

Matthew 28:3 3 “His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.” (Two Mary’s)----Ps 92:12 “The righteous will fl ourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;” It was the palm trees that were cut during the triumphant entry. During the toughest times Christians fl ourish like the palm tree.

You can cut it, but you can’t kill it. The minerals and nutrients most trees need to survive are found on the surface, just below the bark. So, when you cut them, they die. But that’s not true for the palm tree. Its life comes from within, so it fl ourishes, even under attack. Look at 2Cor. 4:7”But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” Even the earthen vessel without may be cut and wounded but the treasure within is secure, beyond the enemy’s reach!

It will bend, but it will not break. Tropical winds can blow most trees away, but not the palm tree. The stronger the wind, the further it bends--sometimes all the way to the ground. Yet when the storm ceases, it straightens up again and is actually stronger in the place where it bent. What a picture! We were made to bend but not break. Col. 1:11,12 “being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully

giving thanks to the Father, who has qualifi ed you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.”

Its depth always exceeds its height. While the roots of the average plant only go a few feet under the ground, the palm tree’s roots go down hundreds of feet in search of water. David said, Ps 42:1 “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.” If you go deep in God you’ll never be uprooted, barren or blown away. This is who the two Mary’s were; their roots were deep in God and could not be swayed or uprooted by anything or anyone.

When storms come, stand fi rm in your faith. The prophet Isaiah spoke of the Lord as a refuge. Isaiah 25:4 “You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.”

In conclusion, let us keep our roots fi rmly planted in the fertileness of God’s Word, and even though the destruction of our worldly storms threaten to rip us apart, let us know that like the palm tree we will only grow stronger.

In Tough Times - We Need Deep Roots!

America’s Good News 4-A

By Press Release: AGN-TCL Com-bined Wire Services on (Feb 13, 09) Feb 12, 09 Oakley, California, a little town which is off Highway 4 between Antioch and Stockton in the East Bay, provided the setting for an event Feb-ruary 11th with worldwide implica-tions. A Palestinian was there to state his position to a Jew—in a Christian Church! People packed the audito-rium of Mountain View Christian Cen-ter to hear what each had to say. Saed Awwad, born and raised in a Middle East war zone, had been taught from an early age that “The only good Jew is a dead Jew.” Em-bracing and believing that idea, he discussed his early life where, as a young boy he was harassed and beaten by Israeli soldiers, so badly that he suffered a broken back twice and had to have seven surgeries due to his in-juries. One of his best friends standing next to him was shot and killed. He couldn’t understand the takeover of their land which he considered home and then made to feel like a trespasser on what had been his mother’s prop-erty. At 16, he joined the PLO, wanting to fi ght for the land of his ancestors. He clearly outlined the Palestinian view of the confl ict, and why he felt it necessary to make his fi rst bomb when he was 12 years old.

Jeff Shindelman, dressed with a Jewish Prayer Shawl offered his position of the Jewish legal right to be in that land. He discussed how he lost several family members in the brutal holocaust and offered (with regret) that the Jews had been abused, and then, as is so often the case, the abused becomes the abuser. The Jews have suffered greatly from this con-fl ict. Innocent civilians including Jew-ish children were brutally killed by suicide bombers. To make his point, gruesome photos of some of those scenes were projected on the screen. Mr. Shindelman explained how the Arabs hated the United States for supporting Israel and retaliated by dra-matically raising the price of oil that the U.S. was dependent upon. Before skyrocketing prices, oil was $3.00 a barrel. This event gave a rare opportunity to be able to get into the heads of both sides of the Middle East confl ict and thoroughly understand where each was coming from. It was a very rare opportunity to witness a sometimes passionate discussion. Both speakers gave a rich history of the area from Moses to the present time. They displayed a remarkable (even though unexpected) sense of humor that caught the audience off

guard. When they were fi tting Saed with a wire-less mike at the start of the program, he quipped, “They’re giving me a wireless mike be-cause people are not too comfort-able giving a wire to a Palestinian these days.” One could also sense the severe pain in each of the participants as they went back and forth expressing the diffi culties for each of them during this continual confl ict with the terrible suffering and lost lives of family and friends it has caused to each side. A question and answer period closed it out with one asking if there would ever be peace or reconcilia-tion in the Middle East. Both said, “NO”. They then explained from their personal standpoint why there could never be reconciliation. However, they said that the only answer would be through Jesus Christ. That was the only way in which Saed and Jeff were able to forgive each other, become friends, and then work to minister to those who they formerly hated who

had mistreated them so severely. The audience was stunned. It was a demonstration of the one answer that could put it all to rest. Seeing this dramatic example gave everyone who has become weary of the unrest in the world a fresh dash of hope. At the end of the very informative session, a prison chaplain who attend-ed, Rev. Johnny Jones said, “This was wonderful. It was like seeing a living history of Isaac and Ishmael right here. He is right. That is where the whole thing started and here is where it could be resolved. AGN-TLC is the combined wire services of America’s Good News paper and The Connecting Link wire. Watch for announcement of the web site for AGN -TLC which is under construction.

A Palestinian and a Jew Speak Their Minds:Oakley Event Sparks Crowd

Women of Worth Proverbs 31:10

Come and hear the Word of the Lord for today’s woman.

Pastor Kim Moreno, the Assistant Pastor and Worship Leader at MVCC, will be leading us in worship and teaching on the powerful, life-changing truths of understanding our position and calling as women in the Body of Christ. Learn what it means to be a Daughter of the King; how this is the day and the hour God is calling His daughters to rise up, be healed and walk in the fullness of all He created us to be.

Don’t miss your moment with God!

WOW Monday March 2nd Doors open at 6:30pm

5000 Amaryllis Street Oakley 625-9570

Women of Worth

Are you a Woman Of Worth?

Pictured below (L to R) Jeff Shindelman and Saed Awwad as they both plead their case in regards to the suffering and struggles of

their people.

Colossians 2:2My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may

know the mystery of God, namely, Christ.

Hebrews 12:5And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when

he rebukes you.

5-AAmerica’s Good News

World News BriefsCourtesy of OneNewsNow

Shut downin Shanghai

Copyright 2007 American Family News Network - Used by permission."

Sri Lanka ramps up anti-conversion law

Allie Martin - OneNewsNow A proposed anti-conversion law could make it tougher for Christian missionaries in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s parliament has been debating the country’s fi rst anti-conversion law for some time. The proposed legislation calls for penalties, including steep fi nes or seven years in prison, for anyone who tries to convert a Sri Lankan citizen from one religion to another by force, fraud, or allurement. Daniel Yohannan is vice president of Gospel for Asia, which has Christian missionaries throughout the Buddhist nation. He says the proposed legislation stems from fear about the growing infl uence of Chris-tianity. “I think a lot of people have a fear that their cul-tural heritage would be lost, which is actually a false premise for that,” he contends. “But I think anytime you are faced with the truth -- Jesus said, ‘I’m the Way, the Truth, and the Life’ -- anytime you’re faced with something that opposes your own lifestyle, you have two choices: either you can change your life to that truth, or you have to oppose it.” Yohannan encourages Christians to pray that the proposed legislation would not become law. Under the anti-conversion law, the harshest punishments are reserved for those convicted of converting women or children.

Allie Martin - OneNewsNow Chinese police offi cers are being accused of depriving a Christian church of its right to wor-ship. Earlier this month, six Chinese police offi -cers, along with offi cials from the state adminis-tration of religious affairs, arrived at the Wanbang Missionary Church of Shanghai and ordered leaders to cancel a seminar that was already in progress. The seminar was being held for the Urban House Church Pastors Fellowship. Since then, the church’s landlord has been ordered by police to terminate the rental agree-ment with the congregation. Katherine Cason, a spokesperson with China Aid Association, says the actions of communist authorities are serious violations of people’s basic rights. “It was a lot of leaders gathered in the same place, and I think this drew more attention than normal,” she notes. “So the offi cials, I think, they just used that as an excuse to crack down on the church they’ve been watching for awhile.” Church leaders, according to Cason, are look-ing for another place to meet before their lease runs out.

Charlie Butts and Jody Brown - OneNewsNow The American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ) is making legal game plans to combat the mislabeled “Fairness Doctrine” should it be revived. For years, the Fairness Doctrine -- which was introduced in the U.S. in 1949 and then abolished by the FCC in 1987 -- forced radio and television stations to offer differing views on various subjects, which basically squelched the talk formats. ACLJ chief counsel Jay Sekulow claims that basically amounted to censorship. “I use the example that we didn’t go on the air until 1988 -- after the Fairness Doctrine was removed,” says Sekulow. “So the reality is that without getting some type of fair play in there keeping it as it is, which is basically open airwaves, it’s censorship. You could call it a lot of things, but it’s really censorship -- and it’s mandatory government speech, and that’s always dangerous.” And it is defi nitely politically driven, argues the legal group. In a press release, ACLJ describes the recent effort to revive what it calls an “antiquated FCC rule” as “nothing more than a thinly-veiled attempt by some liberal members of Congress to silence the conserva-tives who oppose them.” Sekulow says proponents of the doctrine do not seem to understand that conservative talk-radio is market-driven -- that is, people listen to it because they prefer it. In contrast, the attorney points out that Air America, a liberal network set up to offer an alternative to conservative talk-radio, has failed miserably. The ACLJ spokesman explains that “what they’re going to try to do is what they call ‘level the playing fi eld’ -- which is really to mandatorily knock down conservative talk-ra-dio, which is their great fear right now, and [Christian radio] stations...that penetrate through the maze of what’s going on in Washington and get people activated and engaged. That’s the real issue here.” Anticipating efforts to restore the Fairness Doctrine or some similar regulation, Seku-low has a team preparing to fi le suit. As he points out, those efforts could come through Congress or out of the Federal Communications Commission. “We must be prepared on multiple fronts,” he states.

ACLJ ready to do battle against ‘Fairness Doctrine’

Charlie Butts - OneNewsNow Wildwood, New Jersey, now faces a lawsuit over alleged free-speech violations. Alliance Defense Fund attorney Joel Oster fi led the lawsuit in federal court. “Our client, Eric Wollod, was simply trying to pass on reli-gious literature and share his faith on a public sidewalk, and he was shut down by the local police,” he explains. “And he was told [by a police offi cer] that if he wanted to pass out literature, he had to fi rst submit a letter to the town stating why, obtain a permit; and then even in that case he could only do it in fi ve predisclosed areas along the board-walk.” Oster says the offi cer’s actions restricted speech, making it no longer free. “And to think that you can shut off an entire town to free-speech activities, I think, would disturb all the graves of our founding fathers,” he contends. Wollod broke no laws, according to Oster, but the city did violate his constitutional rights.

Charlie Butts - OneNewsNow Undaunted by a defeat in November, a national campaign is under way for the Personhood Amendment. Campaign workers are touring states drumming up sup-port for the amendment. One of them is pro-lifer Cal Zastrow, chairman of Michigan Citizens for Life, who explains the effort. “It amends the state constitution to defi ne the word ‘person’ or ‘persons’ as a human being at the moment of fer-tilization or their biological beginning,” he notes. It is similar to the proposed constitutional amendment in Colorado that captured only about one-fourth of the vote in November. Zastrow was asked why, in light of that defeat, a national campaign for the amendment was launched. “Because it raises the pro-life tide and it gets the vision to not quit until every baby is protected by law and love,” he contends. “And you’re right, we didn’t win the World Se-ries every time we swung the bat -- but we’re going to keep swinging the bat and keep going until we have won the World Series.” Pro-life measures did not fare well in November, los-ing in practically every case. But pro-life advocates across America have vowed to continue their fi ght to protect the unborn.

Pro-lifers take personhood amendment

cross-country

New Jersey police try to

squelch public evangelism


CHILDREN IN NEED OF LOVING HOMES!Have you ever thought about becoming a foster parent? The number of children in foster care increases daily. We are a Christian Foster Family Agency looking for families to partner with us in this ministry to help children who are hurting.

Agape Villages Foster Family Agency Financial Compensation Effective Training Clothing Allowance Support Services & Groups

Call 800-566-2225

“The One site for your News right Now”

Your Latest News from a Christian perspective Whether it’s a story about prayer in public schools, workplace restrictions on Christians or battles for biblical truth within our denominations, the American Family News Network (AFN) is here to tell you what the newsmakers are saying.

AFN is a Christian news service - with more than 1200 broadcast, print and online affiliates in 45 states and 11 foreign countries - that exists to present the day’s stories from a biblical perspective. We not only feature the latest breaking stories from across the United States and around the world, but also news of the challenges facing Christians in today’s society.

At OneNewsNow.com, you will get your news from reporters you can trust to give the latest news without the liberal bias that characterizes so much of the “mainstream” media.

For a refreshing and informative change in where you get your news, log on to OneNewsNow.com.

By The Fly On The Wall-Sans Crutches. The Contra Costa Minister’s Conference (CCMC) got off to a FLYing start with its first 2009 meeting on January 28th at The Nines in Brentwood. The keynote speaker, the very personable Iris Archuleta, las-soed and held the audience captive from the moment she stepped up to the podium. She related how, with the help of Jesus, she was not only able to redirect her life that was rapidly spinning out of con-trol, but as a Christian she knew that she could make a powerful difference in people’s lives, even those whom others had given up on. Every attendee felt a huge dose of encouragement by her moving testimony along with a delightful sense of humor even though at one point, many in the audience almost needed smelling salts. The meeting opened with a warm welcome from Ron and Pat Reagan. When they welcome people, everyone feels welcome. Chaplain Len Maselli, a prison chaplain with Good News Jail & Prison Min-istry, prepared everyone’s heart with his opening prayer. Pastor Kim Moreno followed with a dynamic presentation of the song, “Strong Enough.” With two solid openings like that, the meeting couldn’t help but be a success. Ron and Pat Reagan then introduced the pastors and chaplains in attendance and thanked them all for their work. Terry Thompson, an attorney for the Alliance Defense Fund, which defends Christians facing religious discrimination and persecution, at no charge, made a cameo appearance to give an update on Christian legal issues. The keynote speaker, Iris Archuleta, was then introduced and with contagious energy, she told about her life which began with her mother constantly telling her that she would never be anything and that she was dumb. Unfortunately, Iris accepted that incorrect diagnosis. She began a downward spiral that lasted until she was 33 (the age she looked to be). She went on to tell of dropping out of high school, then how she wound up on drugs and lived a life of despair until she went to a church with a friend who had invited her. Once there, the words of Christ took hold of her and as Jesus began his work, the transformation began. She got her high school equiva-lency credits, went to JFK University and earned a law degree with the ambition to become a famous lawyer and make a lot of money. She prepared to take her bar exam. However, God had other plans. He enabled her to see kids slouching on street corners wearing baggy pants and getting into trouble, then put it in her heart to help them. This meant wading into the world of violence that has erupted on our streets and in our homes, engulfing the community. She formed the Youth Intervention Network, partnered with the Chief of Police of Antioch, Jim Hyde, and works to stem the tide of youth violence, working with community leaders, troubled kids and their parents. The results have been spectacular. Many teen lives have been changed by her. Like the air-line pilot from Danville who was declared a hero for saving the lives of all his passengers during a crash landing in New York, Iris Archuleta is a hero from Antioch who prevents teen lives from crashing. You can read more of Iris’ story in the current issue of 110 degrees Magazine that is distributed throughout the Delta region. Ask any business or merchant if they have it. After a ‘Call to Action’ by Ron Reagan, Rev. Dan Slaughter gave the closing prayer. This 81 year old Servant of God is still handsome, elegant and still has his powerful voice. Another perfect ending to another perfect meeting. Personal note from The Fly: It is so good to be back on the wall following the regular Holiday two month absence of CCMC meetings. The timing could not be better since I was able to get off the crutches that were necessary following a mishap, just in time for this meeting. It would have been difficult to land on the wall with crutches. Buzzing off for now. Editor’s Note: AHA! The Fly has given some personal information that may reveal who he is! It must be somebody on the staff at Mountain View Christian Center who was recently on crutches.

Coming in MarchContra Costa

Ministers Conference

“Oh God, don’t take me home from the bed. Take me home from the mission field!” Saed Awwad, Co-founder, Echo Of Christ Ministries.

Saed is an Arab-American of Palestinian descent. After living in the West Bank under Israeli occupation his entire life, his heart was con-

sumed with hatred and bitterness toward the Jewish people. As a young boy, he saw his best friend killed, and Saed himself suffered a broken back and neck 2 times. Desperately seeking the dream of freedom, he

immigrated to the United States in 1990, at the age of 21. He sought to fulfill his emptiness through many avenues, all of which led to further

desolation. God became his final option as he earnestly cried out to Him. Saed accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior through a dramatic

encounter with the Lord in 1994. Among other things, the Lord revealed that forgiveness was an

act of God through which only God could empower Saed to achieve. Forgiveness of the Jewish people took root. As a result of God’s prompt-ing, he returned to Israel-Palestine in 2000, when he had the opportunity to join a mission trip to the Holy Land, with a group of people seeking God’s vision. Upon returning to the United States, Saed was compelled

to begin Echo Of Christ Ministries.

Saed has been featured in America’s Good News and in Contra Costa’s premier magazine, 110 Degrees. Also, he has spoken at length on KFAX

radio on Middle East issues.

Join us at the next CCMC Luncheon to hear a fresh historical and political perspective, as Saed powerfully shares about current events in

the Middle East, from an Arab-Palestinian point of view.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

The Nines Restaurant100 Summerset Drive

Brentwood Golf CourseBrentwood, CA

11:45 AM to 1:30 PM

$20. 00 per person

If you are interested in attending the Contra Costa Ministers Conference, contact Ron or Pat Reagan for more information at 925-240-1242 or

email [email protected] Please RSVP by March 20th.

Iris Archuleta Ignites CCMC

AGN Staff report 2/25/2009America’s Good News (AGN) along with The Connecting Link (TCL), have combined to form a world-wide news service named, the AGN-TCL News Wire. It was successfully inaugurated on November 3rd, the day before Obama’s inauguration. The first two stories that launched the new service received wide circulation throughout the U.S. Canada and countries overseas.

AGN Launches News Wire

Service


Health

Written in September 2004by Connie O’Donnell How many times have we thought of those who are disabled, sick, or homebound and think “I should call, write or visit them,” but our good thoughts remain just thoughts? I know I’ve been guilty of this many times. Of course, we hold them up in prayer and they are dear to our hearts, but are often reminded we should put the action in our minds into play. Speaking as a handicapped person, I know how very special all the cards, letters and prayers are to me but I’d like to share with you a very touching day in my life that I will cherish forever. During June and July my health condition kept me home and basically confined to my bed, bedroom or wheelchair. Oh I managed a few outings, for doctors appointments and a day with friends, but for the most part I spent two long months at home. For anyone who knows me, you know this is really hard for me. I became lonely, depressed and longed for people to be with. I wanted and desperately needed to have fun, talk, fellowship and laughter. July 19th was my birthday and although I expected family visits and maybe some phone calls, I was truly expecting another day homebound and in bed, that is until a friend of mine called and said she’d like to come over, bring lunch and celebrate my birthday with me. I was so excited and could hardly wait. How she pulled this off, I don’t know but what an occasion it was. I heard my friend Marilyn’s voice around 11am. Still half asleep, my hubby said to go ahead and sleep that Marilyn had to make our lunch and prepare a few things. So I continued to rest until he came back in to ask if I was ready for lunch. I was and couldn’t wait to see Marilyn. All at once, I heard the happy birthday song sung not just by Marilyn but what sounded like a whole choir. The door opened up and in came a bunch of friends and a slew of Mylar balloons. There were 19 balloons in every size, shape and color. Some were tied to cards, plants and a few gifts. Those who couldn’t come had sent cards and balloons. Each person that came in carried with them a bright smile and their drink of choice. My favorite drink is a Frappachino and Marilyn brought me one as a gift. It was a day of fellowship, stories and laughter. It was like sunshine on a dark day, cool water in the heat of the day and the corner piece of a cake, which has the most frosting. The best part of it all, it was simple, from the heart and out of love. You see it’s not about the presents, it’s about the presence. The presence of people who care that can make a dark day, light. It can turn lonely time into party-time and depression into laughter. A person confined to their home, stricken with a disability or dealing with depression can at times feel like a leper. They of-ten move from spouse to patient in their marriage as their spouse moves into the caregiver position. The divorce rate among the disabled is a whopping 75%. It’s hard to be confined, no matter what the cause but a simple “touch” of love can be like Jesus touching the leper in Matthew 8:3. Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immedi-ately his leprosy was cleansed. A “healing” of the heart giving joy and fulfillment with life long memories that will continue to bring a smile to all in-volved. My dear friends, thanks for bringing the “Son shine” of love into my home and showing the joy of the Lord with your smiles, hugs, laughter, balloons and so much more. Your presence was, still is, and always will be a wonderful memory to make me smile even in the toughest of times. I love you all so very much!

I want to write a short let-ter concerning my wife Connie O’Donnell. She wrote for your paper back in 2004 and she only lasted 6 months due to her ill-ness (A.L.S.). She wrote until she couldn’t move her head, hands or fingers, but up until the end she wrote what the Lord gave her to say. She said she was here to speak the word because people may listen more intently to some-one who is dying, rather than a healthy person. She was an inspi-ration to all who met her, strong in her faith until the very end. She passed away on December 4th, 2008, but she was always thank-ful that your paper gave her a chance to speak.

We thank you, Jeff O’Donnell

by Joann Saporito March is such a wonderful month. It is the begin-ning of the change in weather from overcast and cool to sunny and warm and the refreshing sights of spring appear. Besides the blooming flowers with their vast array of colors and scents sports season also makes its turn. Baseball opens spring training, basketball is nearing the end of its season, and we begin to see the best golf weather (where it is not too cold and not too hot). Best of all we get to dust off our barbecues-yum! Along with this change in weather many tend to move from indoor weight loss techniques to outdoor methods. Those who have been lifting weights and working on home gyms can finally move outside into God’s glorious world. After all, what is better than to take a walk or jog along a trail where there are the clean, fresh aromas of spring ac-companied by all of the wondrous sights of God’s creation? And yet there remain among us those for whom exercise is difficult. Exercise, quite frankly, can be just plain hard. It is physically and emotionally demanding, requires great dedi-cation and self-discipline, and some days may just not seem to be worth the effort. We may find ourselves asking why it takes so long to see the results. It is often at this point that many good-intentioned souls give up, but this is exactly the time that I would encourage you to persevere! The Lord created absolute miracles in every human being that inhabits His planet, and it is important that we recognize that there are a number of benefits from regular exercise: Exercise releases endorphins, and increases our self-image which can help to improve your mood;Exercise helps fight chronic illnesses such as diabetes, os-teoporosis, and heart disease as well as the fact it increases the “good” cholesterol and reduces the “bad” cholesterol;

Becoming “Fit For the King”: Why Exercise?

Exercise keeps your weight down and improves 1) your muscle tone;

Exercise improves both your cardiovascular and 2) respiratory systems;

Exercise improves your sleep;3)

Exercise can improve the “intimate” side of your 4) personal life;

Exercise feels great (after you adjust, of course)!5)

http://www.mayoclinic.com). As trying as it may be to develop a regular exercise pattern it is worth the effort, if not for the reasons stated above one should remember that in Genesis we find that the Lord created man in His image. Taking care of the miracu-lous bodies God has given us should be the most important motivating factor as we prepare ourselves to meet the King. Have you ever heard the term “fit for a king”? As you exer-cise and grow weary, remember that you are working your bodies to be better prepared to do God’s works for Him. In essence, you are making yourselves “fit for THE King.” My blessings go out to all of you for good health and long happy lives, and special prayers for the men in our church who have taken on a personal challenge to reduce their body fat recently. May the Lord bless you in your paths and endeavors! Reference: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/HQ01676,Retrieved February 10, 2009

COUNT IT ALL JOYI’M THINKING OF YOU

In loving memory of Connie O’Donnell

A Living Testimony

Acts 18:27When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote

to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriv-

ing, he was a great help to those who by grace had

believed.

Romans 12:8If it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is

contributing to the needs of others, let him give

generously; if it is lead-ership, let him govern

diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheer-

fully.

Romans 15:4For everything that was written in the past was

written to teach us, so that through endurance and

the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have

hope.


The School of Theology is a comprehensive 22 course program that enables students to start and pursue a Biblical education based on a foundation of Biblical studies. Students will have the opportunity to graduate from the School of Theology and then continue

their education towards a Bachelor of Biblical Studies Degree. The goal of the School of Theology is to equip men and women of God to develop and use their spiritual gifts for the work of the

ministry in the Body of Christ.

OPEN ENROLLMENT POLICY CONTACT: PASTOR TYRONE HOLMES

FOR MORE INFORMATION - 925-625-9570 Ext. #108

SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY

It’s here... Why wait any longer?

Sunday services at9:00am & 10:45amWednesday 7pmMVCC located at

5000 Amaryllis StreetOakley CA 925.625.9570

A bilingual service at 5:00pm every Sunday

MOUNTAIN VIEW CHRISTIAN CENTERTRINITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

www.mountainviewbrentwood.com

We are God’s cherished paint brushes…..

The Master Artist loves us all so very much. He has picked us each out individually for a very specific purpose. He saw the potential in each brush before being selected. The brush has no idea even what to expect or how awesome of an asset to the artist they could be. There are tall ones, short ones, wide ones, thin ones, flat ones, pointy ones, and everything in between. Each one is special to Him and very valuable for Him to cre-ate His art work. Just because a brush isn’t used all the time doesn’t lessen how He feels about them. The Master knows exactly how, when and where each brush will be used in His “Masterpiece of Life” that He is painting….it is entirely up to Him. The artist only wants each brush to do the job that it was created to do. He wouldn’t expect the wide flat brush to do the same job as the small pointy one. He wants every brush to feel very special simply “abiding” in the bin of brushes waiting on Him, getting along with everyone and being excited where the Master will use them next. The brushes should feel very honored and proud that they were chosen and “bought with a price”. (He chose us, we didn’t choose Him). The Master is happy to have all of them in His care and He watches over them to make sure they are well-kept, in order to do the job which He has called them to do. When it is time to use a particular brush, He dips it into the paint to “empower” it for the necessary job, then very uniquely creates for His glory (We will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us). It would never be expected of the brush to do the job on its own without giving it the necessary ability to do it. Some brushes are needed for the beginning or basecoats of a job, setting the foundation, where others are needed for building up the layers of color, giving the painting more depth, dimension and detail, while others still are used at the very end for the finishing touches. The brushes have no idea how this painting is going to look when it is done. In fact it only gets to see a very tiny part of it….its part. It cannot see how the other parts are being developed. The Master, however, knows what He is doing, how it will look at the end and how to use each brush to bring about what He will accomplish. If a

brush becomes broken or damaged where it cannot be used, it makes Him very sad for He needed that brush for that specific task. Fortunately, He has the ability to repair and restore it(He binds up the broken-hearted). He is after all, a VERY CREATIVEARTIST and His final result will be accomplished! There is not one brush that is more important than another, they are all equal in His eyes. The really neat thing about these brushes is that as they age and mature, their abilities change as well, and what they started out doing, might not be what they finish with. The Master has a use for us al-ways. Every brush is special and loved in every way, He couldn’t imagine being without any of us. We are part of the Family of Brushes of the Lord, the Master Artist, helping to paint His Work of Art…LIFE…….Written by: One of the Lord’s brushes, Michele Tripp 2009

I am a painter/artist, and my brushes are very special and important to me. I joked with a client about them being “my kids” and that I love them all. The Lord used this comment I made and gave me a whole analogy from it in answer to my prayers. I was asking for understanding about the baptism of the Holy Spirit and sometimes feeling like I need to be used of Him more.From this analogy, I realized in a new way, how He thinks of us and how grateful I am to be specially chosen by Him. I am a very happy little brush now, being content to abide and wait in the bin of brushes, trusting Him that He will use me when and where He needs me and will empower me to do it. This has just warmed my heart and put a smile on my face every time I now think of my brushes.Normally, writing is very difficult and frustrating for me, so when the ideas and words begin to flow from my pen, I know it is of the Lord. Praise God! He is so good at helping us to understand things in such a personal way. In Christ, Michele

A School of Theology student shares testimony

by Pastor Julie Jackson When we think of missions, we often think of far away lands, third world countries, or local mission outreaches that feed the hungry or distribute clothing. However there is another local mission outreach with its operations located in Oakley. It is a local mission based on the love and gospel of Jesus Christ, reaching thousands upon thousands on an ongoing monthly basis right here in East Contra Costa County. The mission is “America’s Good News”, a mission outreach and ministry of Moun-tain View Christian Center. AGN has been in existence just a little over five years and has made a tremendous impact on our community and surrounding areas. AGN currently is direct mailed to 38,000 plus homes in the Brentwood, Oakley, Discovery Bay and Byron areas, as well as distributed to businesses in Antioch, areas of Solano County and several other locations. There is no charge for the paper, for AGN truly wants to be good news! I recently had the privilege of interviewing AGN’s Editor –in –Chief, Pastor Will Byrns. “It is a joy to serve the Lord and do His work through AGN. It is our desire to reach the lost, lonely and brokenhearted with the encouraging Word of the Lord. We are also able to provide testimonies and perspectives otherwise unavailable in secular news media. Our articles, stories and columns are relevant for today’s Christians, as well as for our entire community. Many parents have also extended heartfelt thanks for information they otherwise would never have been aware of when it comes to raising their children. AGN strives to fill the gap left by the other media outlets.” Pastor Will shared that America’s Good News has a devoted volunteer team of writ-ers, columnists, assistant editors and other volunteers who make the publication of AGN a reality each and every month. Pastor Will added, “Our mission is to reach as many people as we can with America’s Good News. In the very near future we will be on the internet and will be streaming Christian news 24/7! Additionally we have connected with several Christian media outlets, where we can reach even more people with AGN.” The mission of America’s Good News is a breath of fresh air to those who are downhearted. The Senior Citizen Column, written by Priscilla Stanley has consistently generated numerous phone calls from grateful readers, thanking Priscilla and the AGN team for providing uplifting and refreshing articles. AGN also features articles on other local churches, outreaches and missions, thus encompassing the entire Christian com-munity and focusing on “Jesus”. AGN informs the community of numerous outreach ministries, including the Contra Costa Minister’s Conference, Call to Courage, and the Easter Eggstravaganza (which by the way this year will be held in a brand new location, the grass area adjacent to Freedom High School on April 11th 2009!), and many other local outreaches.

As a staff Pastor, columnist and assistant edi-tor, I can say with full assurance that America’s Good News is as professional as any news outlet, and it holds in high esteem integrity, morality, family, community and Biblical tenets based on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. When you receive AGN in your mailbox this month, look at it as a local outreach mission, for in reality that is what this publication is all about, reaching the lost and hurting with the love and gospel of Jesus Christ. God bless you as you continue to read America’s Good News!

MISSIONS CORNERA Local Mission with “America’s Good News”

Pastor Julie Jackson

9-A

GOT-A-PARTY

Grad Nite Parties - Birthday Parties Weddings - Holidays/Special Occasions

Bounce Houses Bungee Run Water Slide Sumo Suits

Obstacle Course

Party Equipment Rentals

Tables, Chairs, Linen, China, Flatware, Catering & Kitchen Equip.,

Wedding Accessories, Tents & Canopies & much, much more...

516-7664

America’s Good News

Saed & Linda Awwad

Let’s Look At The HistoryPart II in a series of IV

Our historical timeline continues from last month. Here we go… The Seljuk Turks conquered Jerusa-lem in 1071, although their rule in Pal-estine lasted less than 30 years. Initially they were replaced by the Fatimid rulers of Egypt. The Fatimids took advantage of the Seljuk struggles with the Christian crusaders. They made an alliance with the crusaders in 1098 and captured Jerusalem, Jaffa and other parts of Palestine. The Crusaders, however, broke the alliance and invaded Palestine about a year later. They captured Jaffa and Jerusalem in 1099, slaughtered many Jewish and Mus-lim defenders, and forbid Jews from living in Jerusalem. They held the city until 1187. In that year, the Muslim ruler Sala-din conquered Jerusalem. The Crusaders then held a smaller area along the coast of Palestine under the treaty with Sala-din. However, they broke the treaty with Saladin and later treaties. Crusade after crusade tried to recapture Jerusalem, but they were unable to do so for more than a brief period. The Crusaders left Palestine for good when the Muslims captured Acre in 1291. During the post-crusade period, crusad-ers often raided the coast of Palestine. To deny the Crusaders gains from these raids, the Muslims pulled their people back from

the coasts and destroyed coastal towns and farms. This depopulated and impoverished the coast of Palestine for hundreds of years. In the mid-1200’s, Mamelukes, originally soldier-slaves of the Arabs based in Egypt, established an empire that in time included the area of Palestine. Arab-speaking Muslims made up most of the population of the area once called Palestine. Beginning in the late 1300’s, Jews from Spain and other Mediterranean lands settled in Jerusalem and other parts of the land. The Ottoman Empire defeated the Mamelukes in 1517, and Palestine became part of the Ottoman Empire. The Turkish Sultan invited Jews fl eeing the Spanish Catholic inquisition to settle in the Turkish empire, including several cit-ies in Palestine. In 1798, Napoleon entered the land. The war with Napoleon and subsequent misadministration by Egyptian and Ot-toman rulers reduced the population of Palestine. Arabs and Jews fl ed to safer and more prosperous lands. Revolts by Palestinian Arabs against Egyptian and Ottoman rule at this time may have helped to catalyze Palestinian national feeling. Subsequent reorganization and open-ing of the Turkish Empire to foreigners restored some order. They also allowed

the beginnings of Jewish settlement under various Zionist and proto-Zionist move-ments. Both Arab and Jewish population increased. By 1880, about 24,000 Jews were living in Palestine, out of a popula-tion of about 400,000. At about that time, the Ottoman government imposed severe restrictions on Jewish immigration and land purchase and also began actively soliciting by inviting Muslims from other parts of the Ottoman empire to settle in Palestine, including Circassians and Bosnians. The restrictions were evaded in various ways by Jews seeking to colonize Palestine, chiefl y by bribery.

The Rise of Zionism- Jews had never stopped coming to “the Holy land” or Palestine in small numbers throughout the exile. Palestine also remained the center of Jewish wor-ship and a part of Jewish culture. How-ever, the Jewish connection with the land was mostly abstract and connected with dreams of messianic redemption. In the nineteenth century new social currents animated Jewish life. The eman-cipation of European Jews, signaled by the French revolution, brought Jews out of the Ghetto and into the modern world, exposing them to modern ideas. The lib-eral concepts introduced by emancipation and modern nationalist ideas were blended

with traditional Jewish ideas about Israel and Zion. The marriage of “love of Zion” with modern nationalism took place fi rst among the Sephardic (Spanish and Eastern) Jewish community of Europe. There, the tradition of living in the land of the Jews and return to Zion had remained practical goals rather than messianic aspirations, and Hebrew was a living lan-guage. Rabbi Yehuda Alcalay, who lived in what is now Yugoslavia, published the fi rst Zionist writings in the 1840s. Though practically forgotten, these ideas took root among a few European Jews. Emancipation of Jews triggered a new type of virulent anti-Jewish political and social movement in Europe, particularly in Germany and Eastern Europe. Beginning in the late 1800’s, oppression of Jews in Eastern Europe stimulated emigration of Jews to Palestine. We’ll continue this historical perspec-tive in the next issue of America’s Good News.

Saed & Linda Awwad


2 for 1 Mystic Spray

Single Visit pricesOnly

Now Off eringAir Brush TanningBrentwood location

call for details

Bright n WhiteTeeth Whitening

$199Reg Price $225Brentwood Only

(925) 634-90002430 Sand Creek Rd. Brentwood

(925) 513-7000 14850-F Hwy. 4 Discovery Bay

(925) 755-25002669 Somersville Rd. Antioch

(925) 753-40003428 Deer Valley Rd. Antioch

4 locations to serve YOU!

Financial Advisors

906 Bond LaneBrentwood, CA 94513

Richard E. McDaniel,CLU, ChFC, LTCP

Financial Advisor

925-998-1764

Call now for a No-Obligation ConsultationAFN40594 Mutual of Omaha Financial Advisors is a service of Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. a securities broker -

dealer and registered Investment advisor. Home Office: Mutual of Omaha Plaza, Omaha NE 68175-1020

A Lifetime Resource for your Financial Peace of Mind

> Life Insurance> Annuities> Disability Income Protection > Mutual Funds> Long Term Care> Medicare Supplements> Group Health Insurance> Group Health Insurance

Psalm 10:17You hear, O LORD, the desire of the affl icted; you en-

courage them, and you listen to their cry.

Isaiah 1:17Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the op-

pressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.

Acts 9:31Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Sama-ria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and

encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, liv-ing in the fear of the Lord.

Acts 11:23When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain

true to the Lord with all their hearts.


Easter Eggstravaganza 2009

THE BIGGEST AND

BEST YET!The 6th Annual

This year’s Easter Eggstravaganza is bigger than ever and this amazing spirit filled gathering continues to grow leaps and bounds each year. Knowing the state of the economy, bringing this to the community is more important than ever. People need to find the joy of the word in the depths of hard times too. The all day celebration gives the Mountain View Christian Center family a beacon of hope in down times, a way to celebrate and show what the heart of our savior is all about and share it with the community at large. This year the candy filled egg count has increased from last year’s 225,000 to 250,000, which is a massive amount of eggs. There will be 16,000 hotdogs cooked up and served by volunteers, 10,000 bottles of water and 10,000 sodas served to the crowds. Added to this huge tally is cotton candy and popcorn made throughout the day. The most amazing thing is that it’s all FREE to anyone who comes! Trinity Christian School is going to be the main sponsor of this year’s event and is looking to bless the children of this community in a big way. With their brand new facility in Oakley, T.C.S. has not only experienced an exponential growth in the number of students that are now attending, but is meeting the challenge of the national standards academically. Included in the activities this year are 50 interactive bouncers, climbers, laser tag, a climbing wall, gyroscope ride, and a 30 foot fire truck slide. Don’t forget to check out the petting zoo and the free rides on Shetland ponies for the younger family members. There is a larger area than last year for the littlest family members, to accommodate their own Easter Eggstravaganza. It is set away from the huge egg hunt for the older children and adults. It continues throughout the day. Staffed primarily by volunteers, the Mountain View Christian Center Easter Eggstrava-ganza could use helpers willing to spend a day working for God’s purpose and to give to the community. Donations are also gratefully accepted before the day of the event. The policy is not to accept any cash donations made on the day of the Easter Egg Hunt. That day is kept to the heart of the event, not the fund-raising. If you want to donate your time, money or prizes, please feel free to contact Mountain View Christian Center prior to the day of the hunt.

This event is all FREE! - Bring the kids and tell a friend.

By Coach Mike Last week, we attended a nifty spaghetti dinner fundraiser, put on by the California Rays, a youth baseball team from Brent-wood, CA. These young men are raising money so they can go to Cooperstown, NY – to play in a national tournament, and visit the revered Baseball Hall of Fame. The Rays are one of the top teams in California, also in the United States. The beaming young players all lined up and served up the chow, and a great time was had by all. Think about it: These boys are on their way to Cooperstown, not only to play – they’re also going there to be honored and enshrined in the Youth Baseball Hall Of Fame perma-nently! How cool is that for a bunch of 12 year olds? Meanwhile, the biggest name in base-ball, Alex Rodriguez, admitted to steroid use between 2001 and 2003, but only after the story broke in Sports Illustrated and created a media firestorm. Gotta’ hand to “A-Rod,” however, because he said the right things: “…honesty is the only way. I’m finally beginning to grow up. I’m pretty tired of being stupid and selfish, you know, about myself...” Rodriguez said he succumbed to the pressure of living up to his two hundred and fifty-two million dollar contract… Sad thing is that, when you look at “A-Rod’s” career stats, even without the steroids, he was still probably on-track for the Hall of Fame. But what Alex Rodriguez wanted, and what he was willing to cheat for, in order to attain, was “immortality.” Just being a great ball player, role model, and teammate wasn’t enough, and that’s too bad. But, how can we not forgive the guy? After all, God forgives us of our sins, if we con-fess and are genuinely repentant. So, if God

can push that “delete” button, why shouldn’t we do the same in forgiving “A-Rod?” I wish him well and hope the legacy he leaves is a positive one for future generations. Jury’s still out on that one. And, in the same week, Brett Favre announced, without much fanfare, that he was retiring from pro football. Now that’s a legacy, and a legend. Will “A-Rod” ever get to that level? No one knows for sure, but I do know this; character matters. As for me, I’d still rather spend my time watching players who play for the love of the game, who honor the game on and off the field, and who play by the rules, like the kids who play for the California Rays, and pros like Brett Favre. They are the real deal. But, as anyone moves up in the world of sports today, dangerous temptations will also be very real. At those moral cross-roads, it all comes down to character. Favre struggled with alcohol and pain prescrip-tion addictions, but he met those challenges head-on and honestly, with great character and the heart of a true champion he is. We know the Rays’ coach Tim Santos, and his family. Good people. They’ve built a great team; and, they’re also build-ing character along the way. Win or lose, they honor the game, the “Great American Past-time,” with dedicated families, coaches, and athletes, honest preparation and hard, unselfish effort, lots of bubble gum chew-ing and seed spitting, and if you do enough things right, often enough, you usually win. That’s the kind of game baseball is. It’s a dusty infield and freshly mowed grass on a Sunday afternoon in a small farm town, or a sandlot somewhere in some city, moms and dads getting carried away and argu-

ing those calls. It’s about a gazillion miles away from worrying about how to live up to a $252,000,000 contract. And I thank God that it is. Hey Alex, want to know how to live up to that big contract? When you take the field, know that you are playing for every young kid out there who holds that dream of being simply the best ball player he can be, and maybe someday making it to the show. Maybe “A-Rod” shouldn’t be a role model, but he is. And we’re far less impressed that he’s dating Madonna, than if he were helping to teach a young kid how to play baseball the right way... Maybe it’s time “A-Rod” found that kid in himself again, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ along the way. And maybe we all ought to look more toward Jesus Christ as our ultimate role model, instead of pro athletes. GAME PLAN FOR ATHLETES AND NON-ATHLETES ALIKE: First, realize that your body is the temple God gave you. To abuse your body for an unfair advantage and possibly risk your life, for fleeting fame and fortune, is an affront to the Lord. It is also an affront to the honor and integrity of athletic competition and honest achievement. It’s great to know that you have done everything to prepare your body and mind for competition, for the Glory of

God, first and above all. Whatever the out-come, if you give your best, for His glory, good will come of it. Better still, let Christ be your personal team captain. Follow His example for He alone is the only role model worthy of our worship and adoration, and through Christ, all things are possible! Don’t cheat! Choose instead to be the real deal!

Scripture references for your own play-book: Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as if something done for the Lord, and not for men…” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – “Do you not know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Coach Mike Ketchel hosts this monthly column that highlights sports and issues of faith. He may be reached at [email protected].

Also on the day of The Easter Eggstravaganza, the Helping Hands Ministry, which pro-vides food and clothing to thousands of area residents, will be passing out food to families or individuals in need. Any donations of canned food would be greatly apprciated to help feed those who are struggling. This wonderful weekly service is given at the church on Wednes-day nights at 5:30, along with a message, food for the body and the soul. Parking will be available on site and on nearby street parking areas, all free of charge. For any questions, donations of cash, candy or prizes, or to volunteer to work at the 2009 Easter Eggstravaganza, call Mountain View Christian Center at: 925-625-9570. Hope to see you there!

The Coach’s Clipboard

SPORTS The Real Deal

The California Rays Baseball Team of Brentwood


Teaching/Training AcademicallyChallenging Physically

Strengthening Spiritually

* Safe Environment *Family Partnership*Quality Teachers * Intimate Class Sizes

* Focused Curriculum *ACSI Member

NONOW IS THE TIME FOR OPEN ENROLLMENT!!!

PRE-KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 9TH GRADEWWW.MOUNTAINVIEWBRENTWOOD.COM

5000 Amaryllis Street Oakley CA 94561 (925) 625-9570

By Rev. Austin Miles The greatest gift one can receive and give to others, is the gift of encourage-ment. Many a life has succeeded because of it, while others have crashed from the lack of it. These thoughts drifted through my mind as I approached the doors of the impressive building in San Francisco that housed the Society of California Pioneers Museum. They had moved since my visit to its original site more than 25 years ago. I had flown in from New York for the occasion to drop off an old and valued friend. Now I would help identify that friend who somehow had become misplaced in the shuffle of steady growth and public interest that required the Society to move to this new and larger facility. Susan M. Haas, the Museum Registrar greeted me, along with Patricia Keats, the Library Director. They escorted me into a storage room where several hat boxes were brought to a table in the center. “We checked all of these hats,” Susan said, “and we cannot find the one you described with the name, Herbert Fleishacker en-graved in the rim.” She handed me a pair of white gloves, then invited me to open the boxes before me. I picked up one, and then another. The hat I was looking for was not in those boxes. Then I picked up a hat box that would not have been familiar (it was not the original one that I had brought) and yet, emotion surged through me, even before I opened it. I instinctively knew that this was it.

When the lid was opened, the elegant but worn and faded crest of the hat-maker could be seen on the inside of the crown. I gently took it out of the box and held it up to the light. The gold-lettered name in the rim stood out---Herbert Fleishacker. There it was. Holding the hat in a gentle caress, I could picture that tall silk hat on the head of one of California’s pioneer politicians who had come here during the era of the gold rush days and involved himself in banking and politics, becoming powerful. His name was attached to a swimming pool in his honor and the Fleishacker Zoo which he donated to San Francisco. During a formal affair in the St. Francis Hotel in 1947, a guest of the function, a friend of the aging Fleishacker, told him of a boy magician who lived in Salinas and desperately needed a tall silk hat to wear with his ‘magician’s suit.’ He also needed such a hat to pull a rabbit out of. Fleishacker took the hat from his head and without hesitation, handed it over to the man to take back to the boy magician. The 12 year old lad, that Fleishacker had never met but wanted to encourage, was hilariously excited when he received it. That little boy was me. I was such a skinny kid that during my magic act when I reached in the top hat to pull out the rabbit, the audience watched with anticipation, wondering no doubt what would happen if the rabbit pulled first. My premier performance was a smash and the photo displayed was snapped during a performance for the Y’s

Men’s Club and published in the Salinas Californian. With that top hat as my constant companion, I became a professional magician. I later switched careers, becoming a circus ringmaster, performing with major circuses throughout North America. Now wearing red tails with a whistle around my neck, the top hat was still a part of my life, only instead of pulling a rabbit out of it, I made a grand entrance, took it off my head with a flour-ish and bellowed out, “Children...of allll...ages!” Mr. Fleishacker’s tall silk hat was with me through the many changes and adventures of my life. It was even in a television movie (ABC TV) called, “Mack and Meyer For Hire,” a comedy in which I played a bungling magician who had accidently (really) sawed my assistant in half and hired the zany Mack and Meyer as my assistants for a grand opening in New York. Following a major turning point in my life, this time a profound one (I answered a call to the ministry), I felt that the hat that I had enjoyed for so long, really belonged to San Francisco. I called the Society of California Pioneers Museum from New York, where I lived, and was told that the Society would be delighted to have it. I flew out, presented it to the museum, then returned to New York. As I held the hat that had been my friend and companion for so long, my life virtually flashed in front of me. I felt a

profound sense of melancholia, thinking of all the major events in my life of which that hat had been a part. For a moment, time stood still. I felt no rush to return to the present. Most importantly, I could not help but think of a generous man of great history and importance who was not too big or too busy to make such a gesture to encour-age a little boy that he had never met. And I determined to be an encourager as well. Rev. Austin Miles is a pastor/chaplain with Mountain View Christian Center in Northern California. He also serves as Media Minister and as Dean of the (ac-credited) School of Theology there. He is the author of five books, contributed articles to several magazines including Guideposts, newspapers such as the San Francisco Examiner, has been spotlighted in People magazine, and has appeared on numerous television programs including Larry King Live. He is also listed in the International Historical “Who’s Who.”

I LEFT MY HAT IN SAN FRANCISCO

ULTIMATE ENCOURAGMENTFROM AN UNLIKELY SOURCE

A BLAST FROM THE PASTRev. Austin Miles dazzling the crowds at only 12 years of age by pulling a

rabbit out of a hat.

Photo- Courtesy: The Society of California Pioneers Museum


by Kiisha Dawson Helping hands is a ministry at Mountain View Christian Center that has over time evolved into one of the biggest outreaches that our church offers week after week. It is our duty to help our fellow man with any basic needs he may have. Our mission is to share the love of God by blessing those in need with free food and clothing, thus, fulfi lling the scripture Matthew 25:35-36. “For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to me. We were used by God to provide a full course meal the day before Thanksgiving in 2008, but also provided over 120 families with a full course meal so they were able to cook their own dinner. The blessings just keep pouring in. The bible says,” you have not because you ask not.” The bible also says that God blesses you so that you can bless others. There is a fairly new ministry that we are involved with and we are praying that God will use us in a way to help make a difference in the lives of children in need. Reverend Tuma Johnson is the Senior Pastor at International Christian Ministry in Pittsburg (195 Alvarado Ave.) and God has laid upon his heart to build several high schools in West Africa. We have been able to bless him with clothes, shoes and toys so he can send them to Africa. Isn’t God good? If you can help Pastor Tuma in any way, he can be reached at 925-550-5573. We have people in our church and in our community that have donated an abundance of clothing to Helping Hands. So, in saying that, Helping Hands has gone mobile. On January 31, from 11:00am until about 2:30pm, we set up shop at McClarren Park in Oak-ley. We gave out bread and pastries along with clothing. We had an opportunity to not only meet people’s physical need, but their spiritual need as well. We were able to minister the gospel to those that were searching for something that the world just can’t offer them. Several pastors are involved in the day to day operations of Helping Hands. Pastors Tyrone & Susan Holmes are in charge of the Helping Hands ministry that reaches out to the Delta region with the love of Christ. Pastor Joe Seeley and Pastor Will Byrns are also heav-ily involved with the ministry and took time out at the park that day to do some counseling and pray with those in need. There were balloon animals being made for the kids and bar-bequed hot dogs were provided for those that were hungry. This is a church that cares about and loves people. I am so blessed to be a part of something so fulfi lling and amazing. Our normal hours of operation are every Wednesday at 5:30pm in room 16 at 5000 Amaryllis Street in Oakley, where we pass out free clothing and food. Every week you will receive a 15-20 minute message from the Word of God to feed you spiritually. The Pastors at Helping Hands will also pray with you if you are in need of prayer. Then the staff at Helping Hands will assist you with food and clothing and to be there for you if you just need someone to talk to. In this day and age we all need a friend who we can talk to who is plugged into God. God will use people sometimes to speak life into us and it doesn’t always come the way we want it to. Sometimes God gives us what we need in a package we don’t want. Thank God for mercy and grace. So look for more great things from Helping Hands, because it is God’s hands that is providing for His people and it can only get better. The Word says, “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and try Me now in this, Says the Lord of hosts, If I will not open for you the windows of heaven, and pour out for you such a blessing, that there will not be room enough to receive it.” (Malachi 3:10)

Hi, Last night was my 1st night at your church and I want to “thank you” for the food and clothing you gave me!! :) What a blessing! I am very grateful and appreciative for this help. THANK YOU!! You also gave me things that money can’t buy and that was just as important to me and I truly am thankful for “ALL OF YOU” who were there last night to help!!! You all were so positive & happy. You were giving your time while carrying a message of “hope”. I went there feeling defeated and depressed and I left there feeling that I wasn’t alone and that I had a new-found strength. Thank you again,Laurie

“HELPING HANDS GOES MOBILE”

A Living Testimony

Above -Kris Larosee

andAngela Booker assist people with clothing and prayer.


“... Gateway to God’s Purpose”

GATEWAY CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

GATEWAY CHRISTIAN COLLEGESeed of Faith Christian Fellowship1251 California Ave Suite 700Pittsburg, CA 94565Phone: 925-516-7127

Christian CollegeProviding Doctrinally Sound

Degree ProgramsFully Accredited

You are invited to... ~ Visit our college

~ Sit in on our classes~ Find out all about us

HIGHLIGHTS* Observe a current class* Meet the Instructors* Hear from the Students* Tour the FacilitiesCall the school to arrange your visit

You areWelcomed

Author Gina Dacus

WOW - The Irresistible Woman of God

STOP FORECLOSURE!LEARN HOW TO SAVE YOUR HOME

ATTEND OUR FREESEMINAR

Foreclosure Defense - Loan Litigation

Date: March 7th, 14th, 21st and 28thTime: 10am

Location: 1787 Vineyard Drive Antioch, CA 94509

LIMITED SEATING - CALL TODAY FOR RESERVATIONS

925-470-8402

by Gina Dacus You may be asking yourself, “What does an irresistible woman of God resemble”? When Pastor Kim Moreno announced this as the topic for the monthly Women of Worth meeting, it triggered a reaction that caused every woman in the room to take a second look at her inner self. Pastor Kim stated, “If you are going to get to your destiny, then you’ve got to be irresistible”. As I looked around the room at the monthly WOW meeting, I think that each woman present mentally checked her spiritual inventory to assess if she personally had what it took to be an irresistible woman of God. While some may relate irresistibility to the outward appearance, an irresistible woman of God is built from the inside out. It is the love of God dwelling on the inside that provides the power to attract others. The body is simply a tool to engage others in the process. En-carta Dictionary defi nes irresistible as not able to be resisted or successfully opposed. Pastor Kim shared that irresistible women have the ability to draw because they are approachable. She used Ruth as the example for the fi rst irresistible woman in the Bible. Ruth is a popular story to share, but tonight it was used to raise the bar to Godly expectations while encourag-ing women to embrace relationships that God divinely places in our lives.

Ruth was irresistible with a purpose. In fact, her irresistibility was based on her inner woman. Her desire to prefer others over her own situation and comfort zone was demon-strated in her willingness to follow Naomi to a strange land when she had an option to do otherwise. “And Ruth said, urge me not to leave you or to turn back from following you; for where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God my God (Ruth 1:16). This transition in Ruth’s life created a situation where she had to work hard. An irresist-ible woman won’t focus on her circumstances, but will press towards her goal. She realizes the necessity of her role as it is tied to her destiny. As Pastor Kim shared, “Your destiny will cause you to work”. Not only did Ruth work hard in the fi elds, but she also worked to build her relationship with Naomi. She was willing to make sacrifi ces for the sake of her rela-tionship. What sacrifi ces have you made in your relationships with others? Are you willing to make the fi rst move in demonstrating the love of God in your actions and words in your relationships? Pastor Kim confi rmed that an irresistible woman is neither selfi sh, nor self-centered and she serves with the right motives. Some may be waiting for the right woman to mentor, but what are you doing in the meantime to prepare? What is your motive with the mentor when she shows up? What are you willing to do with the blessing that God provides? As Pastor Kim shared, irresistible women like Ruth create a healthy attachment for women like Naomi. Since Ruth was available, teachable and willing, Naomi was able to mentor and they were both blessed. As scripture states, it is good when brethren are able to live together in har-mony (Psalm 133:1). Demonstrating an entrepreneurial spirit, Gina is the CEO of Intimate Flair - women’s accessory business and founder of Girlfriend Revival – a Christian girl’s night out ministry. She further expands her desire to service others by providing business-consulting services, which includes corporate profi ling to assist individuals and entrepreneurs in targeting areas of needed improvements and effi ciencies. Gina is the wife of Charles E. Dacus and they have been blessed with three beautiful children. As a Senior Account Executive, Gina is employed by ABD Insurance (A Wells Fargo Company) where she provides exemplary Employee Ben-efi ts consulting for major corporations in Northern California. Gina is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Communications degree at the University of Phoenix and a Bachelors Degree in Theology at Mountain View Christian College. A graduate of the fi rst Change Your Life Tal-ented 10™, Gina is also the co-author of “Change Your Life - The 90 Day Experience” and co-author of the newly released “Change Your Life - Perfecting Your Purpose”. Her soon to be released book is entitled “A Spiritual Desire for Destiny” and is scheduled for release in the fi rst quarter of 2009. Visit her website at www.ginadacus.com

Women of Worth

Homeowners in Americaare fighting back!

Our goal is to keep people in their homes and to FIGHT BACK!!! The foreclosure epidemic is wiping out homeowners, neighborhoods and cities with no relief in sight. We’re in a KATRINA and you’re on your roof top

looking for help and no one is coming!!! There are over 1,300 foreclosures each day in California alone.


“Advertising with America’s Good News is a privilege because it touches so many people with a message that is encouraging and positive. It touches those that know Him and those that have yet to meet Him.” ~ TerryKetchel, America First Mortgage, Brentwood.

“We advertise in America’s Good News because it produces results. Our client base has increased several times and we have the added advantage of supporting a newspaper that brings a positive message to the community.” ~ Ron and Pat Reagan, Reagan Management Services

Why advertise with America’s Good News?

“We CHOOSE to advertise in America’s Good news because this paper Honors God and preaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This paper also has amazing ad prices and is way below the cost of other advertising options. It’s a blessing to be a part of a work that doesn’t use advertisement in an inappropriate manner in order to sell something.” ~ Sammy & Lorie Johnson, SamSon’s Masonry

Big CirculationLow Rates

Being DIRECTLY MAILED to every home, apt. and business in Brentwood,

Discovery Bay, Byron and Oakley. Also going to every business in Antioch. Over 100,000 readers. Find out why people are

talking about America’s Good News.

For your advertising needscall our Sales team at 925.625.9570 ext. 226


Restaurants & Entertainment

OPEN: Sunday 7:45am—1pmWednesday 5:30pm—9pm

Also open before and after most MVCC functions & special events.Come enjoy our full service coffee bar serving mochas, lattes and espresso drinks.

Grab a candy bar or fresh baked pastry to complement your coffee. Then browse our books, clothing and gifts in the bookstore.

~Coming Soon~ A Night Out hosted by Holy Grounds

Holy Grounds will be hosting a fun safe alternative to going out on a night on the town. We will transform into a lounge complete with comfy seats, coffee bar and snack shop. From karaoke to open mic night, A Night Out is sure to be fun for all

ages. Join us for fun, friends and fellowship. Dates and times to be announced.

5000 Amaryllis St. Oakley, CA

MOUNTAIN VIEW CHRISTIAN CENTER

Deuteronomy 3:28But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people

across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see.

2 Samuel 11:25David told the messenger, “Say this to Joab: ‘Don’t let this upset you; the sword devours

one as well as another. Press the attack against the city and destroy it.’ Say this to encourage

Joab.”

2 Chronicles 35:2He appointed the priests to their duties and

encouraged them in the service of the LORD’s temple.

Job 16:5But my mouth would encourage you; comfort

from my lips would bring you relief.


FAMILIES ON FIRE

Pastor Joe & Shelby Seeley

by Andrew Pate “Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded.” 2 John 1:8 He walked in and saw the pile of dishes in the sink. He couldn’t understand how she couldn’t do the simplest of chores before he came home at night. It’s not like she had to work. He covered all of their bills with his job. All she has to do is watch their son and keep the house clean. As he walked up the stairs he noticed that toys were everywhere and his wife was sitting in his offi ce watching Dr. Phil. As his son ran up to him to say hi, he asked his wife, “Rough day?” She heard the sarcasm in his voice, but just didn’t have the strength to return the shot. She had been watching a series on Honors Reward when her husband came in. She didn’t want him to see her and make fun of her so she turned it back to the TV be-fore he came in. He wasn’t one to believe in such things, and trying to talk to him about God usually ended in him belittling her for her thoughts. She put on her softest face and said, “My sister is coming over to watch Nathan, you and I are going out to dinner. We need to talk.” Alarms starting going off in his head, “talking” never amounted to anything good for him. He eyed her suspiciously, “Alright, but don’t bring up the maid again. There is no reason you can’t handle the house.” She smiled and turned off the TV. “My sister will be here in 20 minutes.” At the restaurant she started fi dgeting with her napkin. She wasn’t sure how to start, but she knew that if she didn’t start soon she would lose her courage and another ugly cycle of arguing would begin. Not quite looking at him, “I have been watching this series on Honors Reward.” She stopped and took a quick drink of water. Noticing that he was not responding she continued, “It’s about how we can earn our full reward from God when we live a life of honor.” She saw that he rolled his eyes, and almost lost heart. “Anyways, I just watched the part on how husbands and wives are supposed to honor each other, and I realized quickly that we don’t show any honor towards each other. It seems like every day your comments are getting meaner, and every day I am

complaining more and more to my sister.” He was about to respond to that last com-ment when he saw a single tear run down her cheek. The anger subsided and he decided that maybe he should hear what she had to say. He looked at her and said, “I can’t say I’m excited about your sister knowing our business, and it seems to me that there are more productive ways to spend your days than watching these shows that put crazy ideas in your head. But go ahead, tell me what has you so worked up.” She offered a weak smile, “The things that you say hurt me so bad, but the way that I react is just as horrible. Please forgive me for treating you so unloving. I will try to treat you with the respect that you deserve.” He had no idea what to say. She seemed sincere, but this sounded like a trick. What was her angle? After pausing a moment, he responded…To be continued.Honor: Appreciation; Esteem; Favorable Regard & RespectDishonor: To treat as ordinary or common; To DisrespectFamilies on Fire is proud to introduce a John Bevere’s series “Honors Reward.” In this series we discover God’s defi nition of honor, and how we are to honor each other and God in order to receive a “Full Reward” from Him. Many times we just don’t know that the things we are doing are hurtful and dishonoring. Come and visit us at Families on Fire at Mountain View Christian Center every Sunday at 9:00am and learn what God really has in mind for our lives. Along with couples from every age group and walk of life that are ready to encourage and support each other, the staff and leadership in FOF are equipped to help you understand God’s plan for honor which will help to bring restoration to hurting couples. For more information call 925-625-9570.

Honor

El Poder de la FEPrimera Parte.

by Juan PrietoEs, pues, la fe la certeza de lo que se espera, la conviccion de lo que no se ve, porque por ella alcanzaron buen testimonio los antiguos.HEBREOS 11: 1, 2.

Queridos lectores ahora en tiempos de prueba, tanto economicos, fi sicos, sociales y esprituales, hay un pensamiento que dice, si en la providencia de DIOS somos llama-dos a soportar pruebas, aceptemos la cruz y bebamos de la copa amarga, recordando que es la mano de un Padre, la que ofrece a nuestros labios, confi emos en “EL” tanto en las difi cultades como en la luz. Hay un componente esencial en la vida de todo creyente y esa es la FE, en la cual es la virtud, por la cual el cristiano cree en el designio revelado de DIOS.Fe es confi ar totalmente. Esto es tener confi -dencia en el designio revelado de DIOS.Donde encontramos el designio revelado de DIOS? Lo encontramos en la BIBLIA, la cual es la palabra de DIOS, escrita.Por defi nicion, la Fe tiene un componente de creencia y un componente de confi anza.Pero porque? necesito la Fe?Usted y yo necesitamos la Fe, porque la vida de un cristiano es vivida entre una promesa y una recompensa. Con creer abrazamos la promesa y con confi anza nosotros anticipa-mos la recompensa. Cuando usted atiende a sus servicios reli-giosos esta ahi, me supongo, porque Usted a aceptado la promesa y porque usted esta anticipando la recompensa.Usted y yo estamos errados si pensamos que atendemos a nuestros servicios solo por lo bueno de nuestro corazon.

ROMANOS 2:4O menosprecias las riquezas de su benigni-dad, paciencia y longanimidad, ignorando

que su benignidad, te guia al arrepentimien-to?Arrepentimiento, simplemente quiere decir, dejar, dar la espalda a nuestros pecados.

2 PEDRO 3:9El Senor no retarda su promesa, segun algu-nos, la tienen por tardanza, sino que es pa-ciente para que nosotros, no queriendo que ninguno perezca, sino que todos procedan al arrepentimiento. La mision del cielo esta en que nos arrepin-tamos, pero porque? Necesitamos arrepen-timiento?. La vida del cristiano es vivida enmedio de una promesa y una recompensa. Esto lo debemos creer o no podremos dar proposito y direccion a nuestras vidas. La direccion de DIOS para nuestras vidas, es para nosotros el arrepentimiento.Todos los recursos del cielo estan di-sponibles para nuestro arrepentimiento.Quiza Usted no esta satisfecho con la forma que ha estado viviendo y tiene un deceo interno de cambiar. Y el deceo de cambiar es llevado por el factor, que el bien que debo hacer no lo hago y lo malo que no debo hacer lo hago. Estoy seguro que no estoy solo en esto, a todos nos ha pasado.No es un accidente que la vida del cristiano es vivida enmedio de una promesa y una recompensa. Este camino esta divinamente trazado. La promesa es segura, el camino es condicional. Queridos lectores pidiendo las bendiciones del cielo para cada hogar recordad: “Clama a Mi y YO te respondere y te ensenare cosas grandes y ocultas que tu no conoces” JEREMIAS 33: 3.Tambien vosotros ahora teneis tristeza; pero os volvere a ver y se gozara vuestro corazon y nadie os quitara vuestro gozo. JUAN 16:22 MARANATA

CAMINANDO A LANUEVA JERUSALEM

by Susan Holmes It’s true, each one of you were created by God to be a woman who refl ects His im-age to fi rst your family and then to your own personal world! I have heard it said before that you might be the only Jesus that those around you will ever be able to see. The big question is; whose image are you refl ecting? In Genesis 1: 27 it says “So God cre-ated man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them.” The word IMAGE means an exact expression of any person, a marked likeness, precise reproduc-tion in every respect, a counterpart produced by light, an object refl ected in a mirror, a mark, stamp or engraving of another. WOW, just think about it my Sisters, each one of us was uniquely created in our mother’s womb by God with the purpose of refl ecting our Creator! (Psalms 139: 13-18) How many of us have been told all of our lives that “You look just like your Mama or Daddy!” Or how about “You act just like your Mother or Father!” Sometimes we thought that was good and sometimes we hated to hear that. Well, God wants others to say that about us now, “You look and act just like your Heavenly Father!” and “You look and act just like Jesus!”

Hebrews 1:3 says, “He (Jesus) is the sole expression of the glory of God (the Light-being, the out-raying or radiance of the divine), and He is the perfect imprint and very image of God.” Jesus is God mani-fested in the fl esh the exact refl ection of God the Father. When we give our hearts to God by receiving Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, God the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us and will transform us and our lives will refl ect the image of the Son of God. Holy Spirit changes us from glory to glory, day by day and He will continue this work of sanctifi cation until we leave this earth and go to Heaven.

God showed this truth to me in a very simple but powerful way. He showed me my life as a puzzle. When I gave my heart to Jesus, He came to live in my heart and replaced the sinful, broken piece of

the puzzle called “sin” with a new puzzle piece called “New creation in Christ Jesus”. Then Holy Spirit started taking one piece of the puzzle out one by one replacing it with His own piece which would refl ect the true image of God. He took out the piece called “fear” and replaced it with “faith”. He took out “rejection” and replaced it with “accep-tance”. He took out “wounded” and replaced it with “healing”, “sorrow” was replaced with “joy” and on and on.

The start of this process is always salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and the end is always eternity in our Heavenly home. Holy Spirit will never force His way into these areas in our lives. He patiently waits for us to cooperate with Him. If we resist in areas, He will always come back to it and trust me it is always best to work with Him and not against Him. He is God and He does know what He is doing, we need to trust God’s wisdom and love for us.

God is our “Heavenly Goldsmith.” We are His treasured gold in His pot. He must turn up the fi re under us so that all of the impurities in our lives rise to the top and then He skims out the impurities. Then He turns up the fi re and repeatedly continues this process until He can look into the gold and see His own refl ection. He knows when His treasured gold is purifi ed and ready to take off of the fi re, when He can clearly see the refl ection of His glory in our lives.

We are so blessed to have been created to be mirrors to refl ect the very face of God to those in our world around us! Jesus boldly made a statement in John 14:9 “If anyone has seen me, they have seen the Father” and then in Romans 8:29 we are told that “we have been destined from the beginning to be molded into the image of His Son”. 1 Corinthians 15:49 says, “And just as we have borne the image (of the man) of dust (Adam), so shall we also bear the image (of the man) of heaven (Jesus). The question once again is: Whose image are you refl ecting?

All Scriptures are from the Amplifi ed Version of the Bible.

“WOMAN TO WOMAN” You Were Created ToRefl ect God’s Image!

John 1:1-5The Word Became Flesh In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.


Rejoyce Christian CenterPr. Kenny Ogunfunmi

Sunday Service 10:30 AM 90 Village Dr.

Brentwood 94513925-628-5589 - 925-513-4535 fax

[email protected] - email

Crossroads Christian CenterHeritage High-Multipurpose Rm.

101 American Ave. Brentwood 925-516-7795Sunday Service 10:30amTuesday Bible Study 7pmPastor Andrew G. Miley

Destiny Christian CenterBishop Gregory Bell

Sunday 10:30am Service Wed Worship & Study 7:30pm

132 O’Hara Av. Oakley925-679-1361

Mountain View Christian Center

5000 Amaryllis Oakley Ca 94561

925-625-9570SERVICES

Sundays 9am & 10:45amSundays 5:00pm Spanish - Bilingual

Wednesdays 7pmSoldiers in Christ - Jr. High Wed 7pm

Souled Out - High sch. Wed 7pm

Gateway Church Pastor Joe & Danille Hernandez

Sundays 10AMLife Groups

Youth and Kids Ministry847 Arnold Dr.

Martinez, CA 94553 925.335.9519

www.gatewaychurch.us

Live Oak Community Christian Center

5471 Live Oak Av. Oakley925-625-2556

Worship Services Sunday 10amMarriage Bible Study Mon 7:30pm

Kingdom Men Tuesday 7:30pmLadies Bible Study Tue 7:30pmYouth Group Wed 7:00pm

Home Cell Groups Fri 7:30pmSaturday Morning prayer 8am

Faith Worship CenterAnthony E. Blackman, Sr. Pastor

2170 Harbor St. Pittsburg, CA 94565 Service - Sundays 10:00am

Wednesdays 7:00pm925-427-0976

Church on the Rock Pastor Lin Goodyear9:30am Traditional

11:00am Contemporary50 Walton Lane (off Lone Tree)

Antioch, CA 94509 925-706-2842

The Light MinistriesPastor Larry Roper 405 West 6th Street

Antioch, CA 94509 925-778-1639

Mariner’s ChurchByron Middle School Gym 9 am

Children/Teen Sun Sch. & Nursery 9:15am Adult Sunday School ~ 10:30 am

High School “Hang Time” ~ 6:30 pm Tue.Bible Study ~ 10 am Wednesdays

Pastor Jim Kraft ~ 634-0800Office: 5545 Drakes Ct., Discovery Bay

The Orchard Church Heritage High School Theater101 American Ave Brentwood

Service at 10am Sundays Pastor Steve

(925) 325-5020theorchardchurch.com

Our Father’s HouseApostle Larry Johnson

2980 Railroad Ave, 2nd floorPittsburg, CA 925-457-3358

Fridays 7 pm, Sundays @ 10 am & 5 pm

Grace Bible Fellowship Pastor Kirkland Smith

Sunday 8am & 11:15am Tues 7pm

Prayer Wed 6am 913 Sunset Dr. Antioch,

CA 94509 925-522-2017

The Carpenter’s Shop Int’lPrs. Jerry and Penny Slavens

P.O. Box 2083Antioch, CA 94531

925-778-0800925-778-0804 fax

[email protected]

Saturday Service 11am - 1pm

If you are interested in

having your church listed on the

Worship services page, call Ron or

Pat Reagan at 925-240-1242

Royal Family Kids Camp4725 Evora Rd.Concord, CA

www.rfkcconcord.com Rick Fuller, Director 925.207.7240

Good News Jail and Prison Ministry,

Contra Costa CountyMartinez Detention Facility

1000 Ward Street, Martinez, CA 94553 925-335-4638www.goodnewsjail.org

Contact: Chaplain Len Maselli

Echo of Christ Ministries For more info on the conflict in the Middle

East - Call 866-317-3626 www.echoofchrist.org

Birthright of BrentwoodHelping pregnant women facing

personal crisis. Call 925-634-1275 with your tax

deductible contribution.

Calvary FellowshipPastor Dave Perata

Discovery Bay Elementary School

SundayService10:00AM1700 Willow Lake Road

925.626.3525 Mid week Bible Study

Thursday 7PM 1555 River Lake Road in Discovery Bay

School of Theology5000 Amaryllis St. Oakley

Enroll Now and start studying the Word of God-

Contact Pastor Tyrone @ 925-625-9570

Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church

500 Fairview Ave BrentwoodSaturday Vigil 5:00, 6:30[sp]

Sunday Masses 7:30, 9:00 and 12:30Spanish 10:45 and 2:00 pm

Daily 7:00 AM and 8:30 AM925-634-4156

email: [email protected]

Bread of Life Community ChurchRev. Edward L. Riley

1923 Delta Road, Knightsen 925-625-9081 - www.bolcc.net

email: [email protected]

Minister Travis MozekeGrace Bible Fellowship

Overcomers 925.727.8788

ADVERTISING SPONSORED BY CONTRA COSTA

MINISTERS CONFERENCE

Calvary Chapel CrossroadsPr. John Snoderly

1771 Vineyard Dr., AntiochPhone 925-778-2011

Services: Sundays at 10 AMBible Study: Wednesdays at 7 PM

www.cccrossroads.orgemail: [email protected]

New Lifeline Ministries4246 Empire Ave. Oakley

Sunday service 10am Wed. Bible Study 7:30pm

925-625-1982

His Presence Christian Worship Center Location: Hilton Concord

1970 Diamond Blvd 94520Sunday’s 10:00am starting

Tuesday bible study 7:30 pm Mail to: 1145 2nd St. Ste A #161

Brentwood, CA 94513 ph# 925-265-2070

Helping Hands Food & Clothing to those in needEvery Wednesday 5:30 - 6:30pm

5000 Amaryllis St. in Oakley925.625.9570

Worship Services

Outreach Ministries

Family Life Center of Brentwood605 Harvest Park DriveBrentwood, CA 94513

(925) 634-2016 Ministering to families in need:Homework Help, Social Services(Food Stamps, Healthy Families)Food Pantry, Clothing & More

Thursdays at 7pm

The East Bay Pentecostals605 Harvest Park DriveBrentwood, CA 94513

(925) 634-2012Pastor Joel R. Bryant

Sunday Services 10am & 5pmWednesday Bible Study

7:30pmFriday Youth 7pm

International Christian Ministry

Grace Lutheran Church195 Alvarado Ave

Pittsburg, CA 94565Rev Tuma Johnson 550-5573

Christ TempleFull Faith Ministry Inc.Pastor Damon Pierson Worship service 1pm

101 West 9th St.Antioch CA 925-978-6273

Agape Bible Fellowship & Ministries Inc.

Pastor: Dr. John OjewolePizzazz Event Center

640 W. 2nd StreetAntioch, CA 94509

Tel. 925-265-1134/ 848-6240Email: [email protected]

Website: www.agapebfm.orgSunday Bible Study: 10:00AM

Sunday Worship: 11:00AMPrayer fellowship: Tuesdays 7PMYouth Ministry: Fridays 6:30PM

Unity on the DeltaPastor Robert Waldon

Sunday Service - 10:00amAt Comfort Suites

5549 Bridghead Road, OakleyPh - 925-754-5343

John 1:1-5The Word Became Flesh

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.

Through him all things were made; without him nothing

was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life

was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.


Financial ForumSenior Moments

5000 Amaryllis Street Oakley CA 94561

ofc: (925) 625-9570fax: 625-9003

Email: [email protected] Send releases, letters and reprint re-

quests to the Email or address above.(c) Copyright 2008 Mountain View

Christian Center. All rights reserved.

- Member - OneNewsNow

Brentwood Chamber of CommerceChristian Newspaper Assoc.

Publisher - Pastors Hanoum / DellingerEditor-In-Chief - Will Byrns

Managing Editor - Susan HolmesCopy Editors - Julie Jackson

& Cathy Huffman Reporters/Columnists

Susan Holmes, Rev. Austin Miles Saed & Linda Awwad, Priscilla Stanley,

Julie Jackson, Andrew Pate, Geannine Mijares, Juan Prieto,

Diana Dobbie, and J.R. Oak Distribution Manager - Frank QuirosSolano County Distribution - Jeanne B.Graphics - Will Byrns & Jake Carter

America’s Good News covers Local, National and World news headlines and stories. The views and opinions expressed in this literature does not necessarily

represent the views and opinions of America’s Good News.

Good News Publishing USA

Bilingual Service Spanish and English

Presence of God Where: Mountain View

Christian Center Location: 5000 Amaryllis Street

Oakley EVERY SUNDAY 5:00PM

Servicio BilingueEspanol y InglesPresencia de Dios

Donde: Mountain View Christian Center

Lugar: 5000 Amaryllis StreetOakley

CADA DOMINGO: 5 PM

With Pastor

Joe Seeleyfor more info call 625-9570

“Calling Part I”Praise or Encouragement, One in the Same

by Donald Kwong I found that I had so much to say about the call of God I needed to break it into two articles. Part I is a general discussion on calling, while Part II examines what the calling may look like in a Kingdom business. Look for Part II in the next edition of America’s Good News.Every believer has a call upon his or her life. That’s easy to say, but when someone asks me, “How do I discover the call on my life?” It is not easy for me to answer. As Christians, we all share a com-mon call, but also have a unique call on your life. The main call is to glorify God, loving him with your all; and to love all other persons. On the flip side, God the Creator has made each of us unique. We each reflect some of the characteristics of God in a way that makes each of us like no one else. Now, some will have a “road to Damascus” experience where God stops you in your tracks and he gives you a call to preach the Gospel. To others, we may call to the world of education, entertainment or maybe even business.Business Is A Calling. Very few are chosen to work in full time ministry. If that’s you, great! If that’s not you, awesome! No calling is greater or lesser than another if one is about the Great Commandment. God needs you to move where you are at right now, not where you may go in the future. I asked a civic leader what percentage of people locally go to church. I was told 3 – 4%. I then asked what percentage of these people are going to school or employed outside the church. The answer was, it must be a very large percentage. The church needs to teach people how to live in their calling where they are. Unless people are taught how to live a called life in the workplace, then we have failed them. We miss the opportunity to help people we come into contact with know who Jesus is, and that an active, living relationship with Jesus is available right now. If we don’t see our workplaces as a calling from God, we may not see the mighty exploits that God wishes us to pursue in the workplace. God Is In Business Jesus said, “I must be about my Father’s business.” Jesus explains – “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything I have learned from the Father I have made known to you.” – John 15:15If you are a friend of Jesus, then you will know his business. God is in business, he is in the people business. People matter to God, so they must matter to us.

When asked how one discovers one’s calling, I can only offer some helpful points for the journey. Our Call must come from God:

He provides us a goal – it is draw close to Him He provides a source – the Word of God, for Jesus is the Word He provides a path – it is Jesus who is the way, the truth and the light He provides the means – the Holy Spirit sent to help us Let us pray. “Holy Father, we know that you give good gifts. Lord, if there is anyone reading this article who wishes to have his or her calling revealed, we ask that it be uncovered in the Word or revelation. We ask that your will be done in the name of Jesus. Amen.” If you’re in need of practical, godly counsel in the areas of budgeting, stewardship, debt management, and would like to meet me for biblically financial coaching, please contact me through America’s Good News. The service is free, but will require your time, dedication and honesty on your part. Any financial information provided will be kept confidential.

by Priscilla StanleyWhere do we go when we feel less than great, our spirits are low and we just

can’t seem to get it together? In the fall of 2003 I was feeling just that. I had just had surgery and diagnosed with an auto immune disease. I couldn’t walk without a cane and if I traveled I needed a wheel chair. Shopping was also difficult and I needed to utilize a cart for the handicapped. I had also just gone through a divorce. For seven months through the cold of winter I sat in my recliner with my foot up. It was a time of loneliness and deep sorrow as I looked back over my life.

As I pondered everything, I became saddened that I had lost my way and belief in myself. God showed me that the self is a perpetual baptism, wherein one moves and moves, and never stops moving. It is the relentless, uncatchable, spectacular, and dynamics of the soul that demands to be free to do what He wants. As I realized this through my conversations with Him I became encouraged to look at life differently and do something about it. God encouraged me during that time to give back to Him. After all He was my strength and carried me through those seven months.

I’m not saying it was easy and sometimes I wanted to stay under the covers and let life go by. The pain of my illness was at times more than I wanted to bear. But, God kept encouraging me to let Him work through me to help others. As I followed His divine wisdom, He healed me. Today I show no sign of the illness that brought me back to Him.

What I have learned through my journey is that we all need encouragement at times. I looked up encouragement in the dictionary and found it means the act of encouraging, the state of being encouraged and something that encourages. Praise is the greatest encouragement we can give someone and that is what God gives me when I hear deep in my spirit, “Good and faithful servant”.

I have come to realize that my past is my future. By this I mean the journeys of my life have made me who I am today and by speaking it out may encourage someone to look at their life and find joy. When God rules your life and gives you daily encour-agement by speaking to you, you can only find joy. Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4

I have learned that we always need to encourage each other. Life sometimes gets in the way and we forget the importance of building each other up. As a child I never heard encouragement from my parents or any adult. I’m not sure if it was just my family or if it was common in the 1940’s and 1950’s. I can say I quickly learned it as an adult trying to get my life together. Without encouragement from my piers I know I would have backed away from getting out of my comfort zone to stretch my wings and soar.

We are a generation of women who were expected to stay home and take care of the family. We lost ourselves in doing for others. As we progressed into the 70’s and 80’s we started working outside of the home. It was a difficult time for us and without encouraging words I’m not sure where we would be today. We have come a long way from that first day of finding oneself. I believe we have learned the most important thing is to keep encouraging young adults and children to stretch and grow. Let us not forget to turn to our Lord, Jesus Christ for our daily encouragement for life’s journey. This is the most important journey you will ever take. If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:1-3

I have learned to live my life as Jesus Christ wants me to. I encourage you to encourage someone everyday. Encouraging someone else and showing you believe in them is awesome. The joy they show with praise of encouragement will warm your heart. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17.

Let us come together in support of each other., seniors unite and encourage each other.


Here are just a few locations that you can find a copy of AMERICA’S GOOD NEWS

SERENDIPITY BIBLE HOUSE 760 Madison St. FAIRFIELD

LAUNDERLANDRailroad Ave. PITTSBURG

LEBRERIA FUENTE DE VIDA3009 Delta Fair Blvd. ANTIOCH

WINNER’S CIRCLE WESTERN WEAR

505 W. 2nd St. ANTIOCH

SALVATION ARMY THRIFT SHOP

20 W. 10th St. ANTIOCH

QUAIL LODGE RETIREMENT RESIDENCE

4850 Deer Valley Rd. ANTIOCH

COMMONS AT DALLAS RANCH4751 Dallas Ranch Rd. ANTIOCH

PITTSBURG WASH N DRY 208 Atlantic Ave. PITTSBURG

REAGAN MANAGEMENT 8440 Brentwood Blvd. H

BRENTWOOD

GRACELAND CHRISTIAN BOOK-STORE

4261 Century Blvd. PITTSBURG

BAGEL STREET CAFE’4815 Lone Tree Suite C ANTIOCH

EL RAY TAQUERIA 4621 Golf Course Road ANTIOCH

LAUNDER LAND 1657 A ST. ANTOCH

HAZEL’S DRIVE-IN ANTIOCH HWY

PROMESA CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORE 1854 A ST. ANTIOCH

DELTA BREEZE LAUNDERLAND 1092 Sycamore Dr. ANTIOCH

FIESTA FILIPINA/ORIENTAL FOODS & GIFT MART

155 Atlantic Ave. PITTSBURG

LOS REYES TAQUERIA 526 Bailey Road

PITTSBURG

Mary’s Sanctuary, Inc. is looking to purchase an apartment complex in East Bay. Godly investment opportunities

available. Please call Den 925-625-1915, or 925-625-5047.

FAITH BASED HELP PROGRAMS VICTORY OUTREACH-PITTSBURG

2328 Willow Pass Rd (925) 432-0937 Christian Recovery Program

Drug & Alcohol

Pastor Tony & Marie Rodriquez

SHEPHERD’S GATE Christ Centered services for

Battered/homeless Women & Children 605 Sycamore Brentwood CA

(925) 308-7507

CHRISTIAN HELP CTR 2166 Sacramento Street,

Vallejo, CA 94590 (707) 553-8192 Food, Clothing,

Shelter - Transitional Living MISSION OUTREACH Helping the homeless in Antioch Hot Meals, Clothing along with

other resources. (925) 727-8678

MISSION SOLANO 740 Travis Blvd. Fairfield CA (707) 422-1011 Daily Meals,

Transitional Living Daily Shower, Shelter New Life Programs

Brother Raymond

DOVE AVIATIONIs looking for volunteers to help with

their ministry on local and internation-al levels. Dove is involved in Mission

Trips (925)584-7079

LOVE -A-CHILD MISSIONS Homeless Recovery Shelter Rehabilitative services for

homeless women and children. (925) 458-5663

Email- [email protected]

IRON SHOP Men’s Recovery Group

CHRISTIAN 12 STEP 925-525-9957 1745 East 18th Street Antioch

HELPING HANDSFood & Clothing to those in needEvery Wednesday 5:30-6:30pm5000 Amaryllis St. in Oakley

(925) 625-9570

Calendar

Men’s FellowshipEvery 3rd Monday

Doors open 6:30-teaching at 7pmSponsored by

Mountain View Christian Center5000 Amaryllis Street Oakley 20/10 Vision 925-625-9570

Women Of WorthProverbs 31:10

Monday - March. 2nd 7pm-8:15pm(doors open at 6:30pm)

Mountain View Christian Center5000 Amaryllis Street Oakley

925-625-9570

Meals on WheelsNeeds Volunteers for all routes!

Deliver meals on small routes in Brentwood, Oakley, Bethel Island & Discovery Bay

If you have 1.5 hrs. / Week available and would like to HELP call Karen at 625-4545

Learn ChineseSaturdays at Diablo Valley College, LA Building

321 Golf Club Rd, Pleasant Hill*Language Classes: 1 - 2:50 pm Pre-K - 12th Grade

*Cultural Classes: 3 - 3:50 pm Chinese Calligraphy, Painting, Chess,Knots, Yo-Yo, Folk Dance, Folk Singing, Abacus & Mental Math,Martial Arts, Handcrafts, Poetry Reading, Western Painting, After-

School Tutoring, Applied Conversation.*High School Foreign LanguageCredit

*Adult Chinese ConversationClass for Beginners for registration, please

visit www.CoCoCs.org or email: [email protected] CCCS is 501(c) 3 nonprofit ID#: 68-0040243

Good News Jail & Prison Ministry County Chaplain’s Benefit Dinner

Dark Places - Jails and Prisons* SOULS

Depressed* hopeless* tormented* vexed* conflicted* “They grope in darkness with no light, And He makes them stagger like a drunken man.

” Job 12:25 BUT * “ I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me

will not remain in darkness.” Jesus, John 12:46 Delivered Out of Darkness* Acts 26:18

You are cordially invited to Good News Jail & Prison Ministry

Contra Costa County Chaplain’s Benefit Dinner

Friday, April 3, 2009 6:30 p.m. Concord Hilton

1970 Diamond Blvd, Concord, CA $55.00 per ticket suggested donation

A ministry support offering will be taken Would you join us in either purchasing a table(s) or promoting this event in your fel-

lowship?On Behalf Chaplains Harold Albert, Lettie Watkins,

Len Maselli, Senior Chaplain Contra Costa County Detention Facilities

Good News Jail & Prison Ministry R.S.V.P. No later than March 23, 2009 --

925.335.4638 www.contracostachaplains.com

Freedom Recovery Ministry“In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them re-

pentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may RECOVER themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will”

2 TIMOTHY 2:25-26 Offers the following services:

COUNSELING AND EDIFICATION - OVERCOMING STRONGHOLDS:

1)ANGER ISSUES 2)COMPULSIVE ADDICTIONS 3)RENEWING OF THE MIND

MEN/WOMEN SUPPORT GROUPS

BIBLICAL INSTRUCTION FOR LIVING & WALKING TRIUMPHANTLY IN CHRIST

Freedom Recovery Ministry will be starting a NEW support group based on the WORD OF GOD at MVCC on every Friday, @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm starting Friday, January 30th 2009. It’s time to experience your Victory this year in 2009. Jesus is the KEY to tearing down strong-

holds. For more information contact: Pastor Tyrone Holmes @ 925 625-9570 ext 108

Senior Citizens Ministry Having Impact

The Senior Citizens Ministry, which is called the SEASONED Citizen’s Ministry, has kicked off (the ministry not the seniors) with the theme, Aging Joyfully. The

Bible Study is at 9 am Sunday Mornings in the Library at MVCC, located at 5000 Amaryllis street in Oakley. A pot luck luncheon in February was so popular that

another one is scheduled for August 15th. There will be a keyboard (typing) class on Saturday, March 7th at 11am in the Computer Lab (off the Library), and a begin-

ner’s Computer Class at 11 AM March 21st in the same location as mentioned above. For further information on locations of classes and events please call Pastor Austin

Miles, at: 925/625-9570 ext. 102.


10%off with this coupon

on any order

Printing • Copying • Large Format PrintsSign Manufacturing & Much more...

call 925.634.08621183 Second Street, Ste. D, Brentwood, CA

cut here�

“Your Personal Agency”

YOUR ASSETSARE SAFE

WITH RICKERINSURANCE SERVICES

Lic# 0B50358Todd Ricker

[email protected]

2063 Main St. PMB#419Oakley, CA 94561

License #B884001Insured and Bonded

Steve’s [email protected]

Office 925-625-7771Cell 925-628-3536

* Fence Repair/Replace* Flooring

* Built-in Bookcases* Plumbing Repairs

* ADA Modifications

“Quality Home & Office Repair”

by Diana Dobbie On July 4th, 1999, Senior Pastor Carl Smith, a humble pastor who’s previ-ous profession involved carpentry and construction, took a leap of faith and started Ambassador Christian Fellowship in the Concord Sheraton with a congregation of 15 members that grew to 150 members. Over the course of the next seven years, his congregation grew to almost 400 members during which time it became the “New Birth Church.” July 2008, proved to be another major milestone as the congregation moved to Pittsburg and the church blossomed overnight to almost 1,500 members and since then the congregation has grown to 3000 members. The growth is so exponential that New Birth Church has three Sunday Services Pastor Carl’s blessed success is orchestrated by a personal hands-on ap-proach to teaching his staff and congregation how to tear down denominational and racial barriers, and working together as one to build a multicultural church. His fi rst purpose is to touch hearts fi rst by ministering to the spirit, soul and body with relevant teachings that can be put to immediate use. His second purpose is to show people how to have a relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit and how having this relationship affects their lives daily. Empowering and equipping his members with these practical teachings is having a signifi cant impact in changing attitudes and providing hope in the Pittsburg area. New Birth Church specializes in niche ministries for men, women, youth, kids and singles. Two new ministries that are starting up are a Sunday Latino service as well as a bus service that picks people up in the Brentwood, Antioch, Bay Point, Pittsburg and Concord areas. This church is alive and active in seeking and saving the lost. Look forward to New Birth Church expanding in new and innovative ways to reach everyone that is open to see and hear their message. Everyone is welcome to visit. Come once to visit, come again and you are family.

New Birth Church is located at 1411 E Leland Rd, Pittsburg, CA 94565 925.439.8989

For more information check out their website www.newbirthcal.orgSunday ServicesWorship Service

8:00 am10:30 am

3:00 pm Latino Service Starting March 29th with Pastor Victor Inga5:30 pm (2nd Sunday’s Healing Service)

Wednesday Services (All start at7:00pm)Bible Study Youth Group

Children’s Church

Amazing Growth atNew Birth Church!

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm

you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Romans 1:16 (NIV) I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who be-

lieves: fi rst for the Jew, then for the Gentile.


WANT TO PLAY COLLEGE SPORTS?Do you know the Recruiting Playing Field?

925-321-2957Be seen by College coaches!

www.AthleticQuest.netCall today for a free evaluation.

Have you ever been infl uenced to do something by another person or been infl u-enced to think a certain way by something? Most people, including myself have all done that…sometimes even daily. It’s hard to make decisions without fully thinking it through. Even if you think that you have fully thought it through the truth is that you really haven’t. Most people make up their minds before they even fully think about things. Once they say or do something then it hits them, as to what they did and then they think of a million things that they could have said or done differently that would have been better. It’s not something that any of us do intentionally but it is something that has just become a habit for almost everyone! The people that you think never make wrong decisions and are perfect are far from it. ALL people are going to make decisions that they wish they could have done differently. Whether they make it public or not is up to them, but most of us keep it to ourselves. It’s the little things like saying something to a friend that you wish you wouldn’t have said and walking on the wrong street. Things that are part of our daily lives that become problems in our minds… almost like a puzzle. The thing we have to remember is that everything happens for a reason. Nothing is happening by accident. God plans everything and the devil tries to use your weaknesses that he has found to try and take you off of the course that follows God. Don’t let the devil get the best of you. He is smart and sly, he appears in every shape and form and knows what your weak-nesses are. Stay on God’s track that he has set for you. By: Samantha Marie Ragsdale

Think about it

TeenViews

America’s Good Newsgoes out by direct mail

(100% saturation) to every home, business and Apt. in Brentwood, Oakley,

Discovery Bay & Byron, and every business in Antioch

High circulation - Low rates

Fulfi ll your advertising needs & support us in spreading the word of God. It’s good to know

that your help is making a difference in this community for you and your children!!

Call 925-625-9570

Churches Helping ChurchesDo you need more chairs for your church?

Did your church just buy new chairs? Would your church like to bless another church with its used chairs?

Does your church need a keyboard for worship? Did your church just buy a new keyboard?

Churches always have a need for something, so why not work together to fi ll that need.

America’s Good News would like to see churches partner with one another. So we are willing to create a FREE section in our paper that churches can use in order to bless each other as the need arises. Amen! No items in this section shall be for

sale. Our desire is to see churches give to one another out of Love. The Fellowship of the Believers

Acts 2:44-47(NIV) All the believers were together and had everything in com-mon. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.

46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily

those who were being saved.

We are one body right! John 17:23 (NIV) I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete

unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.



Special EventsEnsure your guests remember their next Corporate Meeting, whether a small offsite conference or a full blown national event, Hanoum Estate will provide a once in a lifetime experience. Come celebrate your Anniversary, Birthday, Family Reunion, or an elegant Ball. Let your imagination run wild!

For Reservations

Call (925)

625-35632009 and 2010 dates fi lling quickly!

Hanoum EstateLocated only 45 minutes from Sacramento and San Francisco.

The Tennessee style mansion is surrounded by 5 acres of gardens, waterfalls, and exotic landscaping. Your guests will be transported as they take in the sights and sounds of this elegant Estate. Let us make your wedding day the fairy tale you have

dreamed about.

Documents

MARCH 2009 EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA