Baptisms!

The baptismal tank at New Life Pentecostal Church has been busy lately! Last night Pastor McGriffin presented certificates to those who have recently been baptized:

 But we weren't done! After service two more went down in Jesus name!

Many of those recently baptized are from the same Bible Study group. They fill up more than an entire pew at church!  Please help us pray for revival in the Hawaiian Islands!

Bible Quizzing 2012

I'm happy to report that our niece, Hannah, is in Bible quizzing again this year. They are studying Pentecostal Doctrine, the topics include: The Bible-The Infallible Word of God; One God-The Mighty God in Christ; Sin and Salvation; and Christian Living. Here is the first update for the year from her daddy, Lance:

Just thought I'd give everyone their first quiz update of the year.
 
Last weekend we had our first JR quiz tourney. 26 teams participated - with 17 in the JR division and 9 in Beginner. The amazing thing is Calvary Tabernacle had 11 of the 26 teams - 6 JR and 5 Beginner! To my knowledge that is the most teams any one church has ever fielded in any tournament of any kind. We have 18 JR quizzers and 17 Beginners. It has created a bit of a challenge to find enough coaches, practice rooms, buzzer systems, etc., but a great problem to have. Oh, and on top of that, we have 7 Senior quiz teams. Did I mention we don't have enough coaches, buzzer systems, rooms.......

We split our experienced quizzers out onto separate teams. We did this to give the other kids ample opportunity to buzz-in, since their captains could only answer 6 questions per quiz. While this reduced our teams' results, it did let us see what some of the newbies could do.
 
Anyway, our Beginners still finished 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, and took all 5 All-Tournament team spots. Our Juniors were 3rd, 5th, and 7th, with 3 quizzers of the 7 All-Tournament team.
 
Hannah quizzed with a team of 2 brand new quizzers. Since Hannah chose to start the year 3 weeks later than the other Calvary kids (we both think the quiz season is too long), she only knew 60 of the 81 verses covered. This proved to be a significant handicap, especially when her first quiz had a disproportionate amount of questions outside her material. She answered 2 questions in her first quiz and 4 questions in the second quiz. Though it wasn't her best performance, I am nonetheless thrilled with her attitude and accomplishment of learning 70 verses of Pentecostal Doctrine word perfect with references so far this year.
 
We have another tournament in 3 weeks, and Hannah will be joining another experienced quizzer on a team. I suspect this will be more familiar and comfortable for her and likely result in her answering more questions.

the Proud Dad

I'm so thrilled to read of this many children studying the Word of God!

Let's Have Revival!

We started revival on Tuesday night with the Michael Brown family.  They are so precious to me - I knew Bro. and Sis. Brown's parents before they were married and I've watched these two go from babies, to kids, to teenagers, to the wonderful adults they are today.  They are a fine example of young people who lived for God through their teenage and young adult years.  I'm sure they weren't perfect, but they stayed true to the truths they were taught.  Their two little ones - Gentry and Avelyn - are a blessing as well.  They sing and worship, and Gentry plays the drums.

As for our revival - it feels like Harvest Time!  I don't know any other way to describe it.  Some revivals are directed more to the church, but this really feels like a time of evangelism.  We have had several praying in the altars.  None have received the Holy Ghost, YET, but it just feels like God has something great in store for Victory Tabernacle!

It's a great way to start a new year!

Breaking News!!!

If you've been reading this blog for any length of time, you know I am a runner. I started running about 15 years ago and actually started calling myself a runner about 3 years ago. For several months now I've been unable to get away from the thought, "I want to run a marathon." I've thought it many times and said it to Les as well. Well today, I put my money where my mouth is... and... drum roll please...

I registered for the Ojai 2 Ocean Marathon!!

June 3, 2012 is the big day and I am Excited.Nervous.Determined!!!
26.2 Miles. O2O here I come!!

This is the finisher's medal. I love it! It is suppose to be mountains and waves, but I think it looks like a girl with curly hair.



Training begins January 1st. My longest run was 22 miles several years ago. I couldn't find any stats on it but I did find stats on a 20 miler that I did in 3:15. Add another six miles and I'm looking at about 4 1/2 hours. My first half marathon was under 2 hours, and the O2O is considered one of the fastest marathons around because it is mostly flat or downhill. So with a lot of training, I hope to finish in about 4 hours.

I plan to start a separate blog for my marathon training (McMarathon Moments, maybe?) Just as I can't let running be the only thing in my life, I won't let it be the only thing I blog about. But I had to share it with all my blogging buds!

Youth Alive 2011

Another great Youth Alive has come and gone. Both services were outstanding! Bro. Jason Calhoun preached anointed messages both nights. Young people worshiping during song service and flooding the altars at the conclusion of preaching is a sight that never grows old!

Both messages were somewhat connected. Thursday night was about the Brook Kidron ~ where the people of Judah would take their false gods. The brook would then wash the false gods away into the Dead Sea ~ buried and forgotten. That's how God views our repented of sins.

Friday night was about choosing what lives and what dies. Best of all, one of the boys from our church got the Holy Ghost that night! I think Ricky is about 10. He's been praying earnestly and it was with great joy that our church learned about him receiving the Holy Ghost.

My one and only picture is of the wonderful Sis. Mary Ginty! If you haven't read her blog ~ you need to! (Sis. Meagan Rowell, you were just a minute too late, I didn't get you with my camera!)

Great Times Ahead!

Youth Alive starts tonight! Once again, it's going to be so exciting to see our church packed with young people who love God. I'm sure God is looking forward to hearing praise coming from your lips. Come expecting something from God and you won't leave disappointed!

While all you young ladies are getting ready, making sure your hair and clothes are just right, here's a memory verse to work on:

"Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men."
Luke 5:10

These are the words of Jesus ~ it worked for me!

Almost Wordless Wednesday - Coming Soon - Youth Alive 2011!

For more info, go here: Victory Tabernacle Youth

He IS Risen!!!

We sing about Christmas being the "Most Wonderful Time of the Year" and Disneyland claims to be the "Happiest Place on Earth." But NOTHING compares to Resurrection Day! Yes, on Christmas a special baby was born, but if He had just lived and died, our lives would be the same. Oh, but He lived, He died, and He Arose!!! Can you imagine the joy at the tomb that morning?


Matthew 28

5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

Rejoice today!

Results of Revival!

We had a great service last night! Bro. Bellew started his message asking, "Who does not have the Holy Ghost?" Several raised their hand. He then said, "Tonight, I'm preaching to you." His message was clear - what does it take to be saved. He talked about being baptized in Jesus name. He said if you have not been baptized, what are you waiting for?

Les and I have been teaching a Home Bible Study to Jose and Maylee Munoz. Last week Jose told us he was ready to be baptized. He talked to Pastor White on Sunday and he was trying to get as much of his family to come as possible. But after last night's message he didn't want to wait any longer!! Here he is getting baptized in the beautiful name above all names - Jesus!!


We also had a Spanish speaking man get baptized. I don't know his name and I didn't catch it during his baptism because Bro. Cortez did all his talking in Spanish. But it doesn't matter, Spanish or English, when the Name is spoken, it works!


We have now had over 130 visitors during this revival!

Revival Rolls On!

Our revival will continue this week. I believe this is week #6. We have had over 75 visitors! And our evangelist's son, Bruce, received the Holy Ghost last Wednesday night!!

This will be a revival that Bruce will never forget. He celebrated his 10th birthday a few weeks ago. Our church family stuffed his pockets with loose change and some green stuff! But more than the money, he will never forget that God filled him with His wonderful Spirit during this revival!

The Blind Boys of Alabama!

Last night we bought tickets to see the The Blind Boys of Alabama in concert. I am SO excited!!! I love their Christmas album - "Go Tell It On The Mountain" and have been wanting to see them for several years.

In case you've never heard of The Blind Boys, here are some quotes from their website:

"The Blind Boys of Alabama are recognized worldwide as living legends of gospel music."

"The Blind Boys of Alabama formed at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind in 1939. The group toiled for almost 40 years almost exclusively on the black gospel circuit, playing in churches, auditoriums, and even stadiums across the country. Their recorded output, reaching back to 1948 with their hit “I Can See Everybody’s Mother But Mine” on the Veejay label, is widely recognized as being influential for many gospel, R&B and rock ‘n’ roll artists."

"...the Blind Boys of Alabama head into their seventh decade of belting out impeccable harmonies..."

Next Monday night at 8:00 we will be sitting in the Walt Disney Concert Hall!!! Can't wait!! Expect a full report on Tuesday.

Taking a Break

Youth Alive starts tomorrow night!!! With that being said, I probably will not post again until Monday or Tuesday...



I've got a lot to do, but I'm looking forward to a great time with the entire gang! Hope to see you there!

The Excitement Continues to Build

Sis. White, Bro. P.J. White and I went to Knott's Berry Farm yesterday for a walk through of the Charles M. Schultz Theatre. Our appointment was at 2:00, but not knowing what traffic would be like we decided to leave Burbank at noon. We got to Buena Park very quickly so we decided to grab lunch. We ate at PoFolks, just down the street from Knott's Berry Farm.


While we were eating, our waitress, Karen, asked Bro. P.J. if he was a Pentecostal or Apostolic preacher. Bro. P.J. said yes. Karen went on to tell us that her father was a Pentecostal preacher at one time. Then with tears in her eyes she said, "Pray for Karen, she needs to come home."

We were so touched by her request. Sis. White invited her to Alive at the Park and we're praying that she will get to come. Three young people received the Holy Ghost at last year's event, so there's no telling what God has in store for this year!

Youth Alive...

Is just around the corner!!


I'm making a trip to Knott's Berry Farm today. Lots to do! This has been a great event for many years and with the addition of Alive at the Park last year it just got better.



Y'all come join us, ya hear!

Sunday Morning Explosion!

We had great church this morning! During the song service and other preliminaries you could tell God was up to something. Bro. Jackson preached about becoming a new vessel. At the end of his message he urge anyone who had not been baptized in Jesus name to seriously consider doing so. Our baptistry was made ready and altar call took place...

First, Eric Wilson, a young man from our church was baptized. Then a Spanish speaking lady who has been coming for a while was baptized. While she was still praying, two others approached Pastor White about being baptized. Then one of our van riders got in touch with her father, who came and gave permission for her to be baptized!

That's right, we had FIVE baptized in the name of Jesus this morning!!!

I guess I should say afternoon, since church wasn't dismissed until about 1:30. But it was wonderful to stay and be a part of this great time! Hopefully I'll be able to get some pictures to post - I was playing the piano the entire time. Can't wait to see what happens next...

Toys for Tots 2009

For the second year our church hosted a Toys for Tots giveaway yesterday morning. It is so fun! Take your favorite childhood Christmas morning memory, or memory of your children, multiply that by about 50 or 100 and you have the Toys for Tots presentation!

We had a packed house. We sang Christmas carols. Pastor White gave one of his trademark 20 minute masterpiece messages - "The Only Source of Peace." We then welcomed three U.S. Marines who were here to help with the gifts. One of the marines is shipping out soon to a place of conflict, so we took the time to not only thank them, but pray for him and others who are currently serving.


Then came the moment all the kids were waiting for - the presentation of gifts! Of course with over 100 children in attendance, the place was filled with excitement. A hush fell as the names were read. Each child was called up and received their gift directly from one of the marines. They then had to wait until everyone else received their gift before they could open theirs. As more and more children received their gifts, the volume and excitement increased! The wait was very difficult!! When the last name was called, our coordinator Sis. Tricia, counted to three (one... two... two and half...) and the ripping began! The gifts this year were amazing! Bicycles, cars, stuffed animals, video games. I was amazed to see American Girl dolls in abundance. I asked one of the Marines about the dolls - he said, "We hit up Hollywood!" I loved it!!


After a time of chaos, everyone made their way downstairs for a wonderful turkey dinner. Sis. Tricia was able to have the turkeys and some of the fixings donated by Ralphs. That was a great blessing! As I stood serving salad, I so enjoyed seeing the happy faces. We've heard a lot this year about the difficult economy and the meal probably meant more to the some than the gifts. I know no one left hungry unless they wanted to!

That was our final of three huge Sundays this month! Our Sunday school did a program on the 6th and our Music Department had its recital last week. Whew!! I think we're all a little worn out, but it has been a great month! Here's a slideshow of all three weeks. Enjoy!

New Bike in the Garage

It's almost Christmas... You know what the means...


Lots of shopping, secrets and hiding gifts!



Since Les already has TWO bicycles, he drew the name a of child from an Angel Tree at his work. This is what some little girl is going to be getting!

It's Beginning...

to look and sound a lot like Christmas!!

I have NEVER decorated for Christmas before Thanksgiving, but I decided I would this year! I so enjoy pulling out old friends. Seeing decorations that Mom or Grandma made and passed on to me... All my "Village People"... My Bethlehem village... Carolers... Wreaths... Garland... Lights... An entire room of snowmen... Christmas dishes... and a kitchen full of gingerbread men! I love it all. It took a couple of days, but it's just so fun! And it was great coming home from Thanksgiving to a decorated house!

Les' sister and her family were decorating when Lisa had this exchange with her 8 year old son, Reece:

Reece: Mom, is the Christmas tree masculine or feminine?
Lisa: I don't know, Reece.
Reece: Feminine - it's wearing a skirt!
So now you know!

There are also the sounds. We have so many Christmas CDs. Traditional oldies like Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, and Frank Sinatra. More recent offerings such as Bryan Duncan, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Martha Munizzi. Crystal Lewis, Michael W. Smith, Norman Hutchins. The Blind Boys of Alabama are in the house! I love it all. Even "The Christmas Shoes" by New Song... yes, I cry every time I hear "Momma made Christmas good in our house, most years she just did without." A favorite around here is Phil Driscoll's "Heaven and Nature Swing" - it's a fun collection of rip roaring trumpet tunes! And if I get tired of all those, I can turn on Sirius radio with 5 stations of Holiday tunes, 24/7!

The Smells of Christmas will begin soon... I've already had a request from one of Les' co-workers for my holiday baking.

What about you? Have you decorated yet? Do you decorate a lot or little? Favorite tunes?

Most of all, I love remembering that "Jesus is the Reason for the Season."

Celebrating 35 Years!

What a day we had yesterday! I think I've said something similar the past two Mondays - but we've just been having great church lately! Yesterday we took the time to honor Pastor and Sis. White as they celebrated their 28th Pastoral Anniversary and 35 Years in the Ministry. Both services were full of surprises, kind words, and special guests.

Bro. David Abbott from Scottsdale, Arizona preached both services. Of course in my mind, Bro. Abbott is not complete without Sis. Darcy Abbott! Not only was Sis. Abbott with him, but their youngest daughter, Danae, came too. Their singing blessed both services. From new songs that Danae has written to oldies like "He's My Lord and My God." Bro. Abbott preached about "The Mighty God in Christ" and "The Precious Gift of the Holy Ghost." There were souls in the altar both services feeling God's Spirit.

The highlight of the day was when we presented our final gift. Anyone who knows Pastor White, knows he has a heart for souls. Bro. P.J. White told the story of his grandmother, Sis. Gloria White, who also loved souls. Many times Granny White would take P.J. to McDonald's and while praying for her food she would pray for the "children of Africa." That prayer was part of her daily prayer life. So in honor of Pastor White, Victory Tabernacle of Burbank, along with our three daughter churches, is building The Gloria J. White Memorial Church in Liberia, Africa! I honestly cannot think of a greater gift - there is no car, house, or trip that would mean more to Pastor White.

After service we had a potluck. I forgot to bring my camera to church - I had food and choir music on my mind, but I did snap this with my iPhone. Isn't she a cutie?


As Les and I climbed into bed around midnight last night, we were exhausted but so thankful for such a great day. Once again, I have an overwhelming thankfulness for my pastor and his wife! I love these two and thank God so much for putting them in my life.

O Happy Day!

While I was sorting through our family pictures, I came upon this note:


Definitely Mom's handwriting. A message that was preached at PSR Convention, which is now West Coast Conference. What is this doing with all our pictures?

I flipped it over for the answer:


Aah... I think Mom was almost as excited as I was!

This picture was taken just a little while after Les proposed 19 years ago today in beautiful Yosemite, California.


This is my face the next day. Utter bliss.



Les, I'm so glad you asked. And I was very wise and said "YES!!!"