Midnight Run Leads to Clothes Drive

Last Friday the REMIX small group ventured into new territory.  In closing out The Hole In Our Gospel campaign, the team wanted to end it with a service project of compassion to those in need in New York City.  Intervarsity Christian Fellowship - NYIT chapter and REMIX partnered up to do a Midnight Run.

Basically, a team of about 15 helpers prepared brown bag food packages with a sandwich, bag of chips, and bottled water at First Church of God in Elmont.  The count was 85 packages; prepped and ready to be delivered.  Another team of 20 people got into 3 vehicles and drove to midtown Manhattan.  You know God was with us because 3 parking spots were available at our destination point.  We split up into 6 teams and went in all different directions. 

Food was delivered to homeless men and women "living" in their cardboard boxes at the steps of churches, corporate office buildings, restaurants, and in the middle of the streets.  We noticed the two extremes of life in the city.  One was people enjoying dinner in upscale restaurants while the other shows fellow human beings sleeping in cardboard boxes and jumping at the food offered to them because of their hunger!

Our eyes were opened and had the opportunity to talk to a few of them and share about Christ and even pray with some of them.  It was truly a life-changing experience for the teens and adults in their 30's.  This inspired a group to collect winter clothes since last Friday and deliver to the same area this coming Friday night.  You know God's in it because someone random person asked one of us where can I give away some clothing that I collected.  We said give it to us because we are giving it to homeless this week! 

As REMIX is on a winter break, keep everyone in prayer.  Enjoy the break but lets great refreshed to start off the new year with a new, contemporary COMMUNITY WORSHIP SERVICE starting on January 2, 2011.  Please come and check it out!  Sunday mornings from 9:30 to 10:30 am at 657 Meacham Avenue, Elmont, NY 11003. 

Enjoy The Ride,

Cecil

CORNELIUS CALL - PART 2

Ok, it took an extra day ... my apologies!  Here we continue the thoughts from study of Acts chapter 10:

- God might change the way He wants to do things.  He might challenge our norms and traditions.  He might ask us to do things never imagined or allowed before (based on the law).  He might ask a Jewish Peter to visit the home, eat with, and mingle with a Gentile Cornelius.  But He wont ever tell us to change the message of the Gospel that needs to be shared with those that need to hear it. 

- If you don't know what to say to a friend, co-worker, or a stranger when it comes to Christ, suggestion is to study and memorize 10 verses.  Acts chapter 10 verses 34-44.  That is the simple script of the salvation message.  That is what Peter shared to Cornelius and his family and friends in their home.  As Peter was still speaking God filled the listeners with the Holy Spirit.  The same one that was in Peter and his aides. 

- Under one roof, a bunch of "church" folks, a bunch of "unchurched" folks, from different ethnicities, cultures, even languages.  Peter's crew, Cornelius' family and friends.  Then 1 message was shared and when the 1 message was received, 1 Spirit - the Holy Spirit came upon the "different" folks.  Its not culture, race, ethnicity, or language that binds us together, but its the one message of the Gospel and love of God and the uniting power of the one and only Holy Spirit that makes us brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Hope this blesses you! 

Enjoy The Ride,

Cecil

CORNELIUS CALL - PART 1

Started a new series titled CALL OF DUTY yesterday at service.  A few snippets of what God spoke to us from the study of Acts chapter 10.  The theme of the sermon is: THE CORNELIUS CALL!

Cornelius - knew GOD but didnt have relationship with Jesus Christ ... YET
Peter - knew GOD and was a disciple of Jesus Christ ... preaching the Gospel message

Few thoughts from Acts chapter 10:
-- God might notice our prayers and works.  He might not answer it.  He'll keep it in his memory bank or "TO DO LATER" project list.  Unless we are connected to Jesus Christ, we might not receive the answers to our prayers or the rewards for our good works.  It might just be a "memorial" offering to God.  If and when we connect or even re-connect with Him, He might go to His "memorial offering" box and starting working on those requests and honoring those acts of kindness. 

-- How many times does God have to show us a vision for what He wants us to do for Him in our lifetime?  Is it 3x times like He had to with Peter on that rooftop?  Are you still thinking about the vision God gave you years ago?  Having a vision alone wont suffice.  If its not CONFIRMED and CLARIFIED by the Holy Spirit, the vision will fade away as time passes by.  However, if you've received the vision and its been sealed by the Holy Spirit, are willing to take the challenge to get out of your comfort zone to obey what God has in store for you?  See it, seal it, and answer the call!

Part 2 will continue tomorrow ...

Enjoy The Ride,

Cecil

CAN YOU SERVE UR KING?

The journey of learning about the Hole in Our Gospel is taking me into some challenging areas.  How much do I or can I help someone when they are in need?  If and when I do it, why do I do it?  How can we educate, inform, train, and encourage others in this generation to see the need, feel the need, and act on the need?  I hope it starts with this ministry fair this Friday night.  In my heart, I believe God will ignite or spark a passion in at least one person's heart to help someone or people group somewhere around the world.  That life can be down the block, down the coastline, or across the globe. 

If you feel like you can make a difference in at least 1 person's life, come out and check out the ...

Acts 29 Worship Band will be leading worship.  Various ministries and presenters will be speaking. Networking opportunities and refreshments will be served.

See you there!

Enjoy the Ride,

Cecil