Indy Christian .com -- Daily Internet Starting-line: 11/01/2008

God's Word

The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:23
NIV

God's Word

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence

Colossians 1:15-17
NIV

God's Word

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

Proverbs 15:1-2
NIV

Zecharia 8 Tragedy in Jackson MS

[from the John Perkins Foundation web news...]

[Jackson, MS...] On the evening of November 22nd, 2008 one of the Perkins Foundation’s Zechariah 8 houses caught on fire. Firefighters did not arrive in time to save the house. The back family room, the laundry room, and two bedrooms were almost entirely destroyed. The rest of the house suffered severe damage from heat and smoke.

The home belonged to...

[continued at John Perkins Foundation News]

[Zecharia 8]

***********

Note: Dr. Perkins is the founder of Christian Community Development Association (CCDA). Visit our Indy CCDA affiliates page.

'Tweetup'... at the Cafe... Sat. 11/29... 9am

Never heard of a Tweetup? It's an informal meetup of people now jumping onto the Twitter bandwagon.

In this case, we're gathering for pancakes and conversation... perhaps especially about how it can be used to help with 'missions' around the world.

Never heard of Twitter, but like the idea of helping global missions? Dr. Thomas Ho, IUPUI Social-Media professor will simplify it for all of us. Come join us for world-famous *wink* pancakes at the Unleavened Bread Cafe (30th x Central).

God's Word

"No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.

Joshua 1:5
NIV

Top 50 Indy Bloggers?

[by Kyle Lacy, Anderson University grad, Social Media guru around town...]

Lorraine Ball and myself decided to make a list of 50 of the top bloggers in Indianapolis. Let me give you the run down of how people made the list.

This is not ranked.

50 could be bigger than number 1.

I made the decision on who to make the list by updates on who I read. I read most of the blogs on the list. If you have not updated for the month of November you were not placed on the list.

I apologize ahead of time for anyone I have forgotten. Now. Enjoy...

[continued at KyleLacy.com]

**********

[Note: The list includes a number of our IndyChristian-related friends whom we aggregate here in our 'Listening Around Indy' section of the sidebar. As well there are quite a number of 'Smaller Indiana' friends there as well. Congratulations everyone.]

God's Word

However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"

1 Corinthians 2:9
NIV

God's Word

Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Romans 12:4-5
NIV

God's Word

"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse-- the whole nation of you-- because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.

Malachi 3: 8-10
NIV

A Different Kind of Vigil...

[from the Indianapolis Star...]

The drive-by prayer vigils, staged as a protest against killings and a call for peace, took a different turn Saturday evening.

As dozens of people gathered in the parking lot of Warren Central High School, they surrounded students from that school and prayed for people who recently committed suicide.

"When the enemy can't work from the outside in, he works from the inside out," said Pastor A. Thomas Hill of the Healing Streams Word and Worship Center, which organizes the street prayer services.

The vigil was held in the parking lot of...

[continued at IndyStar.com]

God's Word

And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 6:39-40
NIV

God's Word

"if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

2 Chroniles 7:14
NKJV

God's Word

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength

Deuteronomy 6:5
NIV

Starting out the Season 'Merry' With An FHL Kindness Weekend This Saturday, Nov. 22 At Merry's Bakery

Faith, Hope and Love, International, Inc. will be hosting another Kindness Weekend this Saturday, November 22, 2008 at Merry's Bakery, (317 624-9057) located at 456 N. Holmes Ave, Indianapolis, IN. GoogleMaps: Merry's Bakery Directions

Volunteers are asked to come at 1:oopm to help set-up and stay till 5pm. Food will be given away from 3pm until supplies last.

FHL International, Inc. prays thanksgiving to our Lord for His provision and wishes to extend our warm thanks to Merry's Bakery for providing us the warmth of the restaurant on such a cold day. Because of their hospitality and generosity there will be plenty of time to talk and share our love for them and of the Christ and the Good News with many of our neighbors who need nourishing spiritual encouragement.

If you want to volunteer and be spiritually refreshed while refreshing others, please contact Merlin Gonzales at (317) 578-3370 or email us at info@fhlinternational.org

Bring your hearts and your hands to reach out in love to our neighbors. And if you are unable to come, we welcome your prayers for us! And your prayers for our city, its citizens and their needs.

Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?
When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?
When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Matthew 25:37:40

Labels: FHL FHL International, God Faith Hope Love International Inc Kindness Weekend Mobile Food Pantry Communities Service Outreach Merlin Gonzales

God's Word

Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.

Psalms 119:1-2
NIV

God's Word

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Psalms 41:11
NIV

Transform Indiana and CCDA Hook Up For Lunch Nov. 20

Pastor Aaron Shelby interviewed on IndyChristian.TV

Come join us for a lunch meeting at Brookside Community Church on Indy's Near-Eastside, as Transform Indiana networkers connect with CCDA'rs from around the city.

Christian Community Development Association affiliates are returning from the recent CCDA Convention in Miami. The lunch meeting will focus on what's to be learned from it, and how can we work together during 2009 to transform lives & communities.

Light refreshments will be served as the meeting commences at 12:00pm.

Brookside Community Church is located at 1035 N. Olney (map).

Come join us.

God Plates Ok, and Not Ok

MOST-RECENT (???) SUBSEQUENT UPDATE

Previous UPDATE: 'BMV Gives-in A Little' (click)

[From the Indianapolis Star...]

For years, Liz Ferris saw her personalized license plate -- BE GODS -- as a quiet declaration of faith, a shorthand message urging people to "belong to God."

But now the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles says there's no place for God on personalized plates.

The BMV, meanwhile, has issued 2 million plates that proclaim "In God We Trust." On Monday, the Indiana Court of Appeals upheld the constitutionality of those plates.

The BMV, which approved Ferris' license plate eight or nine years ago, now is rejecting her message, saying that it violates a new policy that bars any reference to religion or a deity on personalized plates, a policy she says violates her First Amendment rights. The problem only surfaced after she let her plate lapse, and when she tried to reclaim the phrase, the BMV turned her down.

The eastern Indiana woman filed a lawsuit this week against the BMV to fix what she sees as a mixed message.

[continued at IndyStar.com]

Say What? Is Richard Dawkins Still Evolving?

[IndyChristian Ed. Note... Excellent catch by Kurt Luidhardt, re Melanie Phillips first-hand account of a recent and very significant debate featuring noted atheist Richard Dawkins, author of "The God Delusion", and Oxford professor John Lennox, author of "God's Undertaker - Has Science Buried God?"...]

"On October 21st I attended the debate between Richard Dawkins and John Lennox at Oxford's Natural History Museum. This was the second public encounter between the two men, but it turned out to be very different from the first."

"He said:

A serious case could be made for a deistic God.

This was surely remarkable. Here was the arch-apostle of atheism, whose whole case is based on the assertion that believing in a creator of the universe is no different from believing in fairies at the bottom of the garden, saying that a serious case can be made for the idea that the universe was brought into being by some kind of purposeful force. A creator."

[full article at VeritasRex.com]

'EVOLUTION' tags

Labels: apologetics, evolution, worldview

Has Your Church Moved To Jonestown?

Quoting from today's Indianapolis Star article remembering cultist Jim Jones and the Jonestown massacre 30 years ago...

"Jones cast his book of Scriptures to the floor and said,
'We don't need to use the Bible anymore.' "

How important is the Bible to you and your church?

Has the U.S. moved to Guyana?

God's Word

You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalms 16:11
NIV

Jonestown Revisited...

[Commentary: Has YOUR Church Moved To Jonestown?]

[And here's a great article by Robert King, Indianapolis Star... ]

Jonestown massacre: 30 years later - More IndyStar Galleries

Before Jim Jones led more than 900 people to their deaths in a cult massacre 30 years ago today, he was just a young Indianapolis pastor who preached a Gospel that appealed to people such as Gene and June Cordell.

The Eastside Indianapolis couple, who broke with Jones long before he left Indiana, remember him initially as a man who was true to the Bible, fed the hungry and appeared to heal the sick. But as Jones evolved, the man they knew as "Jimmy" began to offer glimpses of the dangerous cult leader he would become: a man with a temper and a messiah complex.

[continued at IndyStar.com]

*************

'CULTS' tags

Labels: cults, jones

How Internet Innovations Are Changing The Way We Do Church

[IndyChristian Ed. Note... The following article comes via a publication primarily serving mainline congregations. As a result, it may well represent sentiments of those surfing the backside of the wave, so to speak. But that's a significant audience all of us hope to include in our neighborhood churches... yes? So it's an interesting and well-written article, perhaps measuring the middle-point of the Innovation Adoption Curve. Enjoy. (ht: DJChuang, Leadership Network]

by Andrea Useem

It’s no longer news that the Internet has ushered in a digital revolution, reshaping everything from the business landscape to social relationships to personal habits. Our world today is profoundly new. And in these transformations, nothing is sacred. Just as newspapers find themselves spiraling downward and corporations scramble to find an authentic online presence, so religious congregations are seriously impacted by the expansion of digital life. Yes, congregations have a unique purpose and mission, existing for divine purposes that can’t be quantified or confined, but in the human realm, in the material world where the congregation plants its feet on the ground, change is sprouting up through the floorboards. These developments are challenging congregations to consider what it means to be a geographically rooted, brick-and-mortar congregation in a world of virtual cathedrals and online prayer groups, where intimate spiritual connection is possible at any time of day or night.

To make sense of how technology and church intersect, it’s important to understand how the newest iterations of the Internet...

[continued at Alban Institute]

'INNOVATIVE' tags

God's Word

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.

1 John 4:16
NIV

The Ultimate Seeker-Sensitive Church? LOL

*****

It's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it.

Pastor Buzzard: Thinking Biblically About Facebook

[ht: Matt Brown, Good Brownie...]

photo, Pastor Justin Buzzard

Continuing the Ten Topics series I'm teaching this fall, tomorrow night I'm delivering a message titled, Facebook: Technology and Relationships. This message explores technology's impact on how we do relationships and how followers of Jesus ought to engage technology.

Because of its extreme popularity (especially where I live), I'm focusing the discussion on Facebook.

In preparation for tomorrow night, earlier this week I took a tour of Facebook's headquarters in Palo Alto, a 15 minute drive from my front door. My friend/fellow church member/Facebook employee showed me around 3 of Facebook's buildings in downtown Palo Alto. They run a slick operation...

[continued at BuzzardBlog]

**********

IndyChristian Comment... This could be an awesome study for YOUR church or small group... including many great points for consideration and discussion.

Ironically... we only knew of this great article & study (along with others Justin has posted at his site) because of our social-network of connections... including Matt Brown (Good Brownie)... and social tools... ie, RSS & Google Reader... which we also use to collaboratively SHARE with you in our sidebar 'Listening Around Indy'. Notice you can also subscribe to that aggregated feed, if interested. Click the orange RSS-button below that section in our sidebar.

[Btw, if you'd like YOUR blog to be considered for inclusion into our 'Listening Around Indy' aggregator... friend me in Facebook and drop me a line.]

'SOCIALNETWORKING' tags

Labels: bible, facebook, socialnetworking, theology

God's Word

Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

2 Timothy 2:11-13
NIV

November Book Review: Kathleen Norris's ACEDIA AND ME.

“Why are we so depressed?”

A Review of
Acedia and Me: A Marriage, Monks and A Writer’s Life.
by Kathleen Norris.

By Chris Smith.

Acedia and Me:
A Marriage, Monks and A Writer’s Life.
Kathleen Norris.
Hardcover. Riverhead Books. 2008.

I have long harbored an intuition that the desert fathers and mothers have provided humanity with some of the keenest insights into the depths of the human conidion. Kathleen Norris in her newest book Acedia and Me: A Marriage, Monks and a Writer’s Life, demonstrates a similar intuition, as she probes the little-known temptation acedia, which – although its usage has all but ceased in the English language – is alive and well in our consumer culture. What is acedia? Well, considering that Norris devotes a 40+ page appendix to laying out definitions and illustrations from historic and literary sources, one could say that acedia is hard to nail down. In brief, acedia comes from Greek roots that denote a lack of caring and could be described as a sapping of energy, motivation and focus that often leads to a restlessness culminating in “a hatred for the place, a hatred for [one’s] very life [and] a hatred for manual labor” (xv) – to use the words of the fourth century monk Evagrius. The desert monks found that acedia often set in during the heat of the mid-day hours, which also led some to refer to it as “the noon-day demon.”

Norris uses her own life, and particularly the story of her marriage to the late poet David Dwyer, as a framework to explore the multi-faceted temptations of acedia in the present age. Thus, her writing style follows in the pattern established in her previous autobiographical works including Dakota and The Cloister Walk. Her crystalline prose penetrates to the heart of the reader and her frequent illustrations from history (in this case, especially those from the monastic tradition) and literature draw the reader into a grand conversation about temptation, sin, desire, grace and hope – i.e., the fundamental elements of human nature. One of the key themes of this book is an exploration of the dynamics of the relationship between acedia and depression. From the definition given above, on can easily see the parallels, but Norris warns us early in the book that “It is an easy temptation to equate acedia and depression” (20). Thus, although frequently returning to her explorations of how the two interact, she is clear to draw the distinction between the spiritual experience (acedia) and the medical condition (depression). And therefore, she recognizes that sometimes one needs to treat the medical symptoms with therapy and/or pharmaceuticals in addition to addressing acedia with the three traditional monastic non-negotiables: community, stability and prayer. Norris’s wisdom here should be taken to heart: let us first recognize and address the temptation of acedia by being rooted in community, stability and prayer. If then, the symptoms of depression are still unbearable, then let us explore medical therapies. How often do we jump to the pursuit of the latter, when we are unwilling to work through the real or perceived challenges of the former!

[ continue reading this review ]

What are you reading these days?
I'd love to feature your review of a recent book here next month!
Email the review to me by December 1:
e n g l e w o o d r e v i e w [ a.t ] g m a i l [ d.o.t] c o m

Labels: Acedia, Book Review, Kathleen Norris

Needed: Washer and Dryer

Per a recent email from a trusted ministry friend...

"Our ministry is working with a family of seven who have a handicapped child. They are in need of a washing machine and electric clothes dryer. The set that had broke down and are beyond repair. They were renting a set from a appliance rental company that charged outrageous fees which they were unable to continue paying.

If you have a working washer and dryer that you would like to give away please contact us."

*******

[IndyChristian note... If you can help, just send me an email we can pass along.]

God's Word

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:7
NKJV

God's Word

Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge. Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die. Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death.

Proverbs 23:12-14
NIV

Can You Help A Brother Out?

[IndyChristian Ed. Note... This post is excerpted from Bishop T. Garrott Benjamin's article in the Indianapolis Recorder. Whether you agree or disagree, we hope it can at least start to help everyone understand how active Christ-followers (from BOTH political camps) feel about the recent election... and our future together...]

Can you help a brother out? My answer is, “yes, I can because I believe God, who promises us we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.” No more playing the race card. It was canceled Nov. 4, 2008. Racism is not dead as I am still getting race hate mail, but using it as an excuse is no longer valid. No more excuses. No more whining. Now anything is possible. The sky is the limit."

[full article at Indianapolis Recorder]

'POLITICS' tags

God's Word

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

Galatians 5:16-18
NIV

Photo Riddle... What's New At The UBcafe?

Those of you who have been to the Unleavened Bread Cafe (fondly called the 'UBcafe') know that we have a time-honored tradition of taking pictures 'at the banner'. We now have over 1,500 photos online. Fact is... we were Facebook before Facebook was Facebook! And pancakes too!

Point is, it's a great way to show hospitality and get to know each other better. After all... pancakes notwithstanding... getting to know people different than yourself is one of the bonuses of the cafe ministry. [Join our Facebook group?]

So what IS new this week?

click to visit the photo-stream

Hint: No, it's not Sister Elease's god-daughter Alesha. *smile* She's not new -- she worked at the cafe a long time ago before moving to Atlanta (and returned recently to visit her dad, LaVaughn).

Ok, so click to the photo-stream, with the most recent photos on top as always. And see if you can figure out what's new this week at the cafe... Leave your guesses as a comment. Pancakes to the winner!

God's Word

Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." "Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?" Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

John 4: 10-14
NIV

Is Social Media a Bellwether of Change?

[ht: Stephen James, our IndyChristianGeeks friend]

Pick up the discussion at SmallerIndiana.com

600 Baptized, Tagged & Tweeted

IndyChristian Ed. Note... I couldn't help but wonder if it's more than coincidence that this innovative church is also able to baptize 600 people at a time...

I ran across this South Carolina church as their pastor tagged Northview Christian Life here in Carmel (among the other 100 innovative churches he's tagged).

[Subsequent note... Here's an article re the baptism... ht:BarryBowen]

[If you're not familiar with the value of social tagging, visit Tags4God.com]

What kind of thoughts might any of this bring to your mind that could accelerate the Great Commission here in our city?

Labels: baptism, church, evangelism, innovative

God's Word

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.

Romans 13:1-8
NIV

Race Breakthrough?

[IndyChristian Ed. Note... Irrespective of how you voted, I'm hoping we, The Church, can all listen to this important message, and likewise... as Pastor John Hay says... 'be a part'.]

"What difference does the election of Barack Obama mean for race reconciliation in America?"

NOW WE CAN TALK ABOUT RACE. The one thing it wasn't politically correct to talk about during the Presidential campaign -- race -- is what everyone is now talking about. What was minimized in the news media and by the campaigns (for the most part) is now maximized. Before the election, Barack Obama's racial background was emphatically de-emphasized. Since the election, it is jubilantly celebrated. A barrier once thought insurmountable was overwhelmed. Americans are in awe. The world is in awe...

[continued at BikeHiker]

********

'MULTICULTURAL' tags

Men Rescue People, Animals from House Fire...

One of our IndyChristian friends was involved first-hand in a heroic effort today, according to WTHR today...

"The other rescuer, Mike Boler, said the occupants of the duplex were disoriented when he went inside, including a man upstairs.

"He was trying to get dressed, so I put him over my shoulder and we just came down the steps," Boler said."

[continued to story & video at WTHR.com]

[additional coverage at IndyStar.com]

God's Word

for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe

Phillippians 2:13-15
NIV

Pray for the Persecuted Church

Add Daily Community TV to your page

************

Visit IDOP.org

God's Word

"This is the 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.' "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

Acts 4:11-12
NKJV

God's Word

I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing to You among the nations. For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens, And Your truth unto the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; Let Your glory be above all the earth.

Psalms 57:9-11
NKJV

Mayor Asks For Food...

[ht: WTHR...]

From Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard's Office...

Our city, like the rest of the nation, is facing the challenges of an economic downturn. Our community food banks are beginning to see a drop in food donations at the point when many of our neighbors are most in need.

That's why I'm calling on every business, every school, every church, every charitable organization, every agency of government, and every individual citizen in Indianapolis to pack the pantries at our local food banks, beginning today.

This isn't a holiday event. This is a citywide initiative to help our neighbors get through tough times...

[continued at IndyGov.org]

Photos from IndyStar.com...

Pack the Pantry at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School - More IndyStar Galleries

God's Word

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.

Psalms 143: 8,11
NIV

7 Ways To Bring About Change...

Innovation, renovation, reformation, renewal, revival, transformation... it's all about 'change'. We all desire change, yet are so little able to bring it about... even in our own lives. [Sorry to say, I speak from experience. Thus I've become a student of the topic over the last twelve years, in search of accelerated change.]

Being born-again is about radical change and life-long sanctification through God the Spirit, and into the image of God the Son.

"...continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,
for it is God who works in you to will and to act
according to his good purpose." (Phpns 2)

So whether you're Barack Obama -- our Christ-professing U.S. President with a mandate for change -- or you're a church-leader working for the transformation of lives in your neighborhood... or you're even just an individual Christ-follower anxious to see radical change in your own life in the coming year... we all have the same basic question...

"What are the key drivers of change?"

Let me propose 7... and you tell me how to improve this list...

1. [continued at LovingChange.com]

FHL Call Out: Volunteers Needed To Shelter the Homeless

Hello,

I pray that this message finds you well.

A couple of weeks ago, I had an opportunity to visit one of the organizations in Metro Indy whose main purpose is to help and/or house the homeless. The Rivers of Living Water in Franklin, IN had house 500+ homeless people in the last 5 years. They use their own resources including their house to help those in need.

Because of their radical generosity (Ed & Jena Figueroa), their house is now in need of upgrade and some minor repairs. The rain in the Spring caused flooding and some water damage on the ceiling of the basement (see attached). The kitchen needs floor and the inside of the house needs painting. The house was built in the 60’s and I found out that the electrical box is still the original box which had caused a few problems in the past.

There are a few more maintenance that need attention but below is the immediate needs:

· Fuse Box (Needs licensed Electrician)

· 200 sq ft. flooring (preferably tiles)

· 200 sq ft ceiling

· Paint and paint supplies

· Handyman to help in flooring, painting and minor repairs

If you are looking for an opportunity to have an immediate impact in the homeless population, please consider donating your time, materials and/finances through:

Faith, Hope and Love International, Inc. (FHL) Rivers of Living Water 8383 Craig St. Ste 335 Indianapolis, IN 46250 317-372-0371 info@fhlinternational.org

When I visited Ed & Jena and heard from them the stories of hope, I was humbled and speechless to actually be in a place that housed 500+ homeless people. Please pray for the Figueroa’s who are in the frontline and are continually pouring out themselves in helping those in need. FHL is posting $500 donation towards helping the homeless through the Rivers of Living Water. 100% of your donations will go to this effort. FHL is a non-profit organization and your donation is tax-deductible. If you are available to volunteer, please respond to this email how you could help. We need painters, carpenters, handyman, plumber and electrician. Please feel free to forward this email to those who might be able to help the Rivers of Living Water.

Sincerely,

Merlin Gonzales
President/CEO
FHL

Labels: Ed and Jena Figueroa, Faith Hope and Love Internationa Inc., FHL, FHL INternational, Homeless, Inc., Merlin Gonzales, Rivers of Living Water Ministries, Volunteers

God's Word

Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Hebrews 13:17
NIV

New Culture for Churches?

[From our ministry friends at RenewPartners.org -- helping Christians of different ethnicities to share life and ministry together since 2001...]

Many things can (and will) be said about last night's historic election. Regardless if you felt it was an exciting victory or a crushing loss, there is one thing we should all be able to agree on: our country has entered a multi-ethnic era. The election of our first African American president (who's biracial background embodies multi-ethnicity) is a powerful sign of how rapidly our society has changed and will change in the decades to come.

The question on my mind..."Is the church ready?"

Do we know how Jesus and the early Christians interacted in their multi-ethnic society and dealt with interracial conflict? Do we know how to build and sustain multi-ethnic churches and ministries? Are we prepared to reach and disciple our diverse, rapidly-growing youth population that has become increasingly cynical toward Christianity?

[continued at RenewPartners.org]

Research: Voting Religiously

[from Pew Research...]

President-elect Barack Obama made a concerted effort to reach out to people of faith during the 2008 presidential campaign, and early exit polls show that this outreach may have paid off on Election Day. Among nearly every religious group, the Democratic candidate received equal or higher levels of support compared with the 2004 Democratic nominee, John Kerry. Still, a sizeable gap persists between the support Obama received from white evangelical Protestants and his support among the religiously unaffiliated. Similarly, a sizeable gap exists between those who attend religious services regularly and those who attend less often...

[continued at Pew Research]

************

Also read "An Awesome Blue God -- How Obama Forged A New Faith Coalition".

'POLITICS' tags

Labels: politics

Realize the Vision

Will you join us as we share our vision? After a short dialogue with our Executive Director, Dr. Pamela Carrington-Rotto you will enjoy a gourmet dessert tasting and a dance lesson. Thanks in advance for your time as we share PassWord's mission in our community.

Date: November 8, 2008

Time: 7:00 pm

Place: Scott Dance Studio

6162 Hillside Drive

Contact: Mary McGhiey @ 317-413-2338 or email mmcghiey@passwordmentoring.org

Labels: PassWord Community Mentoring Dr. Pamela Carrington-Rotto

President-Elect Obama, Governor Daniels... Our Prayers Are With You

photo credit, Veritas Rex

IndyChristian Ed. Note: Congratulations to President-elect Obama and Governor Daniels -- God does not appoint leaders casually. Our prayers are with you, and our support for godly change.

***********

"Understand The Tears" (Pastor Bryan Hudson)

"For many older African Americans, witnessing the election of our nation's first black president was unthinkable only 30 years ago. The occasion is so astonishing that many of us have been moved to tears. These tears of joy celebrate American equality and opportunity at the highest level, representing lifetimes of hopes and questions..."

Read "Understand The Tears".

*********

And lastly, a little humor in it all...

[from The Onion... hat-tip JollyBlogger]

"WASHINGTON—African-American man Barack Obama, 47, was given the least-desirable job in the entire country Tuesday when he was elected president of the United States of America. In his new high-stress, low-reward position, Obama will be charged with such tasks as completely overhauling the nation's broken-down economy, repairing the crumbling infrastructure, and generally having to please more than 300 million Americans and cater to their every whim on a daily basis. As part of his duties, the black man will have to spend four to eight years cleaning up the messes other people left behind. The job comes with such intense scrutiny and so certain a guarantee of failure that only one other person even bothered applying for it. Said scholar and activist Mark L. Denton, "It just goes to show you that, in this country, a black man still can't catch a break."

God's Word

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

Proverbs 3:5
NIV

God's Word

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

1 Peter 5:10
NIV

Today in the Land of Oz

[ht: Jason Bean...]

FHL: A Day With Jesus

by Merlin Gonzales, CEO, Faith Hope & Love International, Inc.

I picked up some food from a food bank near the airport for the FHL Mobile Food Pantry. My little trailer was full and I was very happy until on my way back. Just after a mile from the food bank, I found out that the trailer is flat. I managed to drive the truck to a street corner, called AAA only to find out that they do not repair trailer tires. By this time, I was starting to get irritated. I am doing the work of God and why did He allow me to have a flat tire and no help. But later, I found out that there was a tire repair shop nearby and they sent their person to change the tire.

I told the manager that we are a non profit organization and he waived the service charge and he just charged me for the cost of a new tire. I was very happy and thanking the Lord for saving me money and sending me help.

After an hour I was back on the road again, entered I-465 going East to deliver some of the food to a couple of ministries when all of a sudden, I saw white smoke coming out from the back of the trailer. I was on a busy highway and I did not want to park on the side of the freeway, however, a speeding vehicle passed me by and pointed on the trailer. With hesitation, I parked the truck on the side of a busy freeway right at the intersection of I465 and I69. I was bummed out… this day is not my day. I found out that the new tire I just bought was rubbing against a bolt of the trailer and almost sliced in half.

I was so aggravated and I did not have any tools. The highway noise was very irritating with all the sounds of trucks, large semis, sirens from Police and the trash on the side of the road. I asked God why is it that I have these problems when I’m trying to do His will. Then all of a sudden, my eyes noticed a bridge (I69) over I465 and wondered how the homeless people could live under the bridge with all the road noise. How about when it’s raining or snowing? I thought God was saying, I want you to experience for a few minutes being in this place some of my people’s residences.

I appreciated the experience and went to deliver several cases of frozen meat to a couple who literally housed 500+ homeless people in the past 4 years. Then I stopped by at a home on the east side to a lady who is jobless and recently accepted 2 homeless people into her house. I was humbled by God after the day was over. It’s not about me, it’s about Him. This is not your ministry, it’s mine. Are you willing to obey me unconditionally?

God said to love your neighbors. Hmm…I’ve done my duty today, I followed what Jesus said. Then I felt better. But Jesus wants to take us to the next level; the generation of grace and unconditional love. Don’t just love your neighbor, He said…love your enemies as well!

Labels: FHL FHL International, Inc. Faith Hope and Love International, Merlin Gonzales

God's Word

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-- this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:1-2
NIV

Faith In Action Early Voting Rally

[from the Indianapolis Star...]

As voters waited hours to cast their ballots at the Indianapolis City-County Building on Sunday, they got some free entertainment to help pass the time.

Live gospel music was coming from across the street at City Market, where area churches and civic organizations were holding a Faith in Action early-voting rally.

[continued at IndyStar.com]

God's Word

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come. Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, you who have done great things. Who, O God, is like you?

Psalms 71:18-19
NIV

A Pastor's Advice To His Congregation Before Voting

IndyChristian Ed. Note... We don't normally run many sermons here on the site -- there's no shortage of Indianapolis church-sites that accomplish that. But the following .mp3 may pretty well sum up a lot of sermons Christ-followers are hearing this weekend. Let's listen in as Pastor Tony Portell offers some solid biblical counsel for your consideration before voting Tuesday...

Listen in

God's Word

That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sin

Colossians 1: 10-14
NIV

Does Your Church Need A New Image?

Hey it's Saturday... time for a little tech-humor. *smile*

[ht: Chris Forbes]

***********

For 'other' tech assistance, drop by the cafe for 'Ask Anything Saturday'... 10am til noon.

Indy Christian .com -- Daily Internet Starting-line

Sunday, November 30, 2008

God's Word

Saturday, November 29, 2008

God's Word

Friday, November 28, 2008

God's Word

Zecharia 8 Tragedy in Jackson MS

'Tweetup'... at the Cafe... Sat. 11/29... 9am

Thursday, November 27, 2008

God's Word

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Top 50 Indy Bloggers?

God's Word

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

God's Word

Monday, November 24, 2008

God's Word

Sunday, November 23, 2008

A Different Kind of Vigil...

God's Word

Saturday, November 22, 2008

God's Word

Friday, November 21, 2008

God's Word

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Starting out the Season 'Merry' With An FHL Kindness Weekend This Saturday, Nov. 22 At Merry's Bakery

God's Word

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

God's Word

Transform Indiana and CCDA Hook Up For Lunch Nov. 20

God Plates Ok, and Not Ok

Say What? Is Richard Dawkins Still Evolving?

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Has Your Church Moved To Jonestown?

God's Word

Jonestown Revisited...

Monday, November 17, 2008

How Internet Innovations Are Changing The Way We Do Church

God's Word

Sunday, November 16, 2008

The Ultimate Seeker-Sensitive Church? LOL

Pastor Buzzard: Thinking Biblically About Facebook

God's Word

Saturday, November 15, 2008

November Book Review: Kathleen Norris's ACEDIA AND ME.

Needed: Washer and Dryer

God's Word

Friday, November 14, 2008

God's Word

Can You Help A Brother Out?

Thursday, November 13, 2008

God's Word

Photo Riddle... What's New At The UBcafe?

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

God's Word

Is Social Media a Bellwether of Change?

600 Baptized, Tagged & Tweeted

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

God's Word

Race Breakthrough?

Monday, November 10, 2008

Men Rescue People, Animals from House Fire...

God's Word

Sunday, November 09, 2008

Pray for the Persecuted Church

God's Word

Saturday, November 08, 2008

God's Word

Mayor Asks For Food...

Friday, November 07, 2008

God's Word

7 Ways To Bring About Change...

Thursday, November 06, 2008

FHL Call Out: Volunteers Needed To Shelter the Homeless

God's Word

New Culture for Churches?

Research: Voting Religiously

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Realize the Vision