Victory Without Borders

 

In our ever changing COVID world, churches have been greatly impacted.  Online only.  Limited in-building services.  No singing.   Back to online only.  I have missed my church family!  Last night Victory Tabernacle kicked off our outdoor services.  We will be meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Sundays and 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.

 

It was so good to gather together once again!  I know God is everywhere and He has used this time to reach souls through online services - we have a brand new brother who heard the gospel online and was baptized a few weeks ago!  Still, it felt wonderful to be together.  Socially distanced by families and wearing masks, we sang and worshiped.

We had another baptism last night at the end of service!  God is still working!

What have your church services been like lately?

2016 in Review

This has been another busy year for us.  We were gone from home for about 30 weeks, mostly in Hawaii.  We are healthy and blessed.  Here are our monthly highlights, many of which never got blogged about:

January
We made our first of eight trips to Hawaii.

February
We settled in to our rental in Hawaii Kai - our home away from home for nine months this year.

March
March was full of highlights:
I got my second bike - My Bella Vita:

Les' dad, Bill, stayed with us for a few days on his way home from Guam.

I went to the Big Island for the Hawaii District Ladies Conference.  Sis. Claudette Walker was the speaker and it was wonderful to see her after so many years.

April
I raced the Ford Island Bridge 10k and Les raced the Tantalus Time Trial.

May
We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary!  We had an amazing two week vacation to Europe.  If you haven't read the details, there are a ton of posts under the 25th Anniversary Trip tab.  Living life with Les McElhaney is a grand adventure and I wouldn't have it any other way!

June
I spent the entire month blogging about our trip!

July
I continued to blog about our trip!  We did go to a Fourth of July picnic, but I couldn't find any pictures!  Les had a cycling race on July 3rd.  It rained the entire time (of course!)

August
Les celebrated his 53rd birthday.  We had dinner at Duke's in Waikiki, then while we were relaxing in the courtyard of the Moana Surfrider Hotel we saw Bro. and Sis. Bryant from Mississippi.  I have known Sis. Bryant since we were teenagers.  It was the first time we have just bumped into someone from the mainland while we have been in Hawaii.  I never blogged about that either. 

September
Les raced (and I volunteered at) the112 mile Dick Evans Memorial Road Race (did not blog about it.)

We were also very busy at New Life Pentecostal.  We attended several Bible studies with the students at the University of Hawaii.  And the district was blessed with a music workshop led by Mark Yandris.

October
We really enjoyed the Hawaii District Marriage Retreat with Dr. and Mrs. James Hughes.  We also moved out of our rental in Hawaii Kai (no post written.)

November
We were so happy to be home almost the entire month!  We celebrated Pastor and Sister White's 35th Pastoral Anniversary, with guest speaker Elder Morton.  No photos taken, but I did blog about it!
We also enjoyed Thanksgiving with my family in Visalia.

December
We split December in half and spent the first half in Hawaii and the second in California.  There was the NLP Christmas banquet...

 Honolulu Marathon...

 Tea for two with Sis. Mac...

We made it home in time for the Victory Tabernacle Christmas recital that I did not blog about...

Christmas morning the church was full for our Sunday morning service (no pictures or post.)  Our door is full of cards from many wonderful friends and family...

Les spoiled me this year with gifts.  I see this gift every morning when I wake up, it is pretty special...

Thanks for being part of my journey in 2016.  I'm looking forward to 2017 being a great year!

35th Pastoral Anniversary Weekend

I have a TON of catching up to do!  We moved home on Halloween and we are really glad to be here.  (Just to clarify - Les still works for the company in Hawaii so we will still be going there but will not be staying for long stretches like we have most of this year.)  I'll get back to our final weekend on Oahu later this week, but today I want to talk about this weekend...

Victory Tabernacle celebrated the 35th Pastoral Anniversary of Pastor and Sister White this weekend.  It was such a beautiful celebration and I stayed in the moment while my phone stayed in my purse and I did not take a single picture.  Pastor and Sister White have been a tremendous blessing to Victory Tabernacle in Burbank for these many years.  They are loving and giving and faithful.  They are loved and respected by so many which was evidenced by the many guests who came to celebrate with us.

We kicked things off Friday night.  Service started at 7:30.  When Les and I arrived at 6:45 both parking lots were full and we parked on the street.  The building was packed.  As service started and more folks came, chairs were brought in.  We heard from one of the saints of Victory Tabernacle, Bro. Leo Alcocer, who shared what the Whites mean to him.  Three of Pastor White's friends then spoke - Pastors Tom Johnson, Ron Garrett (my first youth leader!) and B.J. Wilmoth.  They each had stories to share and kind words.

Our speaker for the weekend was Elder Vaughn Morton.  It was such a treat to have him with us.  He retired from pastoring Truth Tabernacle in Fresno 2 1/2 years ago and he has stayed busy, busy, busy!  On Friday night he talked about the past, giving honor to Pastor and Sister White.  He had Sister White join him on the platform and kept saying, "I'll get to you later!"

After the preaching we saw a slideshow of pictures of 35 years of memories.  Two building programs, revivals, evangelism, dramas, family trips and much more.  We then enjoyed a time of fellowship with ministers and their wives after service.  It was so good to talk to so many!  It was well past my bedtime when I finally looked at the time on my phone but well worth it.

Sunday morning started with Les teaching our Adult Sunday school class.  This quarter we have been studying the Sermon on the Mount and Les has brought much insight to these great teachings of Jesus.  It was another outstanding lesson.  Ask anyone who sits in on those classes and you will know I am not biased at all when I say that.

We were blessed with more guests who came just to show honor to our first couple.  It was so good to see Elder and Sister Gerald Buxton and many pastor wives.  Sister Blanca Mejia testified in Spanish, telling what the Whites have meant to her through the years.  Pastor White's sister, Sister Kaye Singleton, blessed us with a song about the faithfulness of God.  I love this sweet lady!

Our Sunday morning worship service is mostly in Spanish with the preaching translated.  Elder Morton gave us just a nugget of his message "Just Let It Unfold."  This is such a classic message and I would have loved to hear the entire message.  We then had a beautiful move of God during the altar service.

I spent Sunday afternoon getting food ready for our post-service potluck!  I made Broccoli and Cranberry Salad, Butternut Squash Bake, and Baked Mushroom Chicken.  It's a known fact that if you go hungry at a church potluck it is no one's fault but your own!

Sunday night's service was our final celebration.  Bro. Frankie Ayala and Sis. Vivian Gonzalez both spoke about what the Whites mean to them.  I was on the schedule to sing and took the opportunity to talk about Sister White's great influence on our music department.  I have been playing for 25 years now and Sister White is directly responsible for that!  I shared a few stories and then had all of our musicians stand.  It was a beautiful sight to see how many musicians we now have.  As I said last night, one of the greatest things that has happened is Sister White no longer needs to play the organ for altar service so she can freely pray with those in need in the altars.  We also heard from our three branch pastors.  Again, the church was packed with visitors and saints from Burbank and our branch works.

Elder Morton preached to us about our future.  We celebrated our past, but it's time to keep moving forward!  He exhorted us to focus on evangelism, to not worry about where we would put people when the church is full - God will provide!  He was so anointed and so funny as only Elder Morton can be!  Victory Tabernacle has a bright future.

Following the altar service Brother Hector Flores read a letter celebrating Pastor and Sister White.  (Les wrote it and with his permission I might post it tomorrow.)  We then presented the Whites with a gift of a "Romantic River Cruise" on the Danube.  Les and I thought about taking this cruise when we were planning our 25th anniversary trip and I know they will have a great time!  There is no gift big enough to say how much we appreciate them.  I know our greatest gift is each of us living for God and reaching out to others.

We concluded the night with our potluck.  It seemed like no one wanted to leave!  We just stayed and ate and talked and laughed.  It was after midnight when Les and I finally drifted off to sleep. 

I woke this morning with a heart that is full.  We will celebrate Thanksgiving next week, but I am extremely thankful today!  It was a blessed weekend and I am looking forward to what God has in store next.

I Am a Revival!

We have enjoyed our time here in Oahu.  It was made especially rich by services at New Life Pentecostal and three special couples.   Pastor and Sis. McGriffin are such wonderful people.  I got to spend part of Saturday with Sis. Mac and the Sunday school department at the Honolulu Zoo.  Pastor Mac preached an outstanding message on Sunday night before they headed to the airport and General Board Meetings in St. Louis.

Retired missionaries, Robert and Dot Arthur, celebrated their 75th birthdays last year.  Their son generously gifted them with an extended stay here.  We met them on our first Sunday service and found out that Sis. Arthur's cousin was Bro. Orville Crabtree.  Bro. Crabtree was married to Les' aunt, Bobby.  We claimed them as family after that!  What a wonderful couple who has ministered all over the world, giving their lives for the cause of Christ.  Humble, kind and funny, we are just so glad to have met them.

The other guests were Pastor Robert and Shirley Henson from Flint, Michigan.  Bro. Henson had a burden for the islands and spent four weeks teaching "Intensifying the Fire of Apostolic Revival."  These services took place on Tuesday night and all of the churches on the island were invited.  We missed the first two but it was great to see the church full on the two nights that we were there.

The title for the final two lessons was "I Am a Revival!"  We have already been given everything we need for Apostolic Revival.  Satan uses numerous tactics in his efforts to hinder revival, they include:

• Distractions
• Disruptions
• Discouragements
• (The False doctrine of) Delay

The devil's Doctrine of Delay is intended to keep God's people always looking ahead to a future day and a future time for the release of revival.  He doesn't worry about us believing that revival is coming, as long as we don't grasp that revival is now!   We can counteract the devil's attempts to hinder revival by saying, "I Am a Revival!"  Say it as many times as you need to until you believe it!

Revival is released through prayer, fasting, faith and ministry.  John 15:7 says, "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."  This verse is not about our personal needs, but is directly tied to bearing fruit (John 15:2), bearing more fruit (John 15:2) and bearing much fruit (John 15:8)!!!

We Apostolic believers must become more spontaneous in ministry.  We are so concerned about being sensible, we have lost our sensitivity.  We need bold faith to be led by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14.)

God wants to use YOU!  When God called Moses, He had already equipped him with everything he needed.  He asked, "What is in your hand?"  He's asking us, "What is in your hand?"  Everything you need is already available.

These services were so good!  And they reinforced what we've been seeing in Burbank.  We are in the midst of a greater revival than we've ever seen.  I believe Victory Tabernacle has embraced "lifestyle evangelism" like never before.  We haven't used the same phrase, but we are living proof that "I Am a Revival!"

God promised to pour out His Spirit in the last days.  Are you ready for it?  What is in Your hand?  What gifting and talent do you already have?  What could you do for the Lord if you would quit making excuses?  What could you do for the kingdom of God if you would place your all into God's hands?

I want to be part of this great outpouring.  I Am a Revival!

Goodbye 2014 ~ My 50th Was a Mighty Good Year!

I just want to spend a little time reflecting today.  I'm going through my posts of 2014 and am writing as I think, so this may be a little disjointed!!

I wrote my number one goal for 2014 on January 1st.  Based on Psalm 119:65:  "Love His Law, so that I will have Great Calmness of Mind; Leaving it All in God's Hands, I will be Kept Safe, and Nothing will Cause Me to Stumble!"  I have had many opportunities to be offended this year - more than any other that I can remember.  People have been cruel at times, but I have prayed and held on to the promise that as long as I love His law, nothing is going to cause me to stumble.

Of course the key in all of this has been spending time in God's word (loving His Law.)  I finished my Bible reading this morning.  My plan was to finish today - not in June!  My goal was to read my Bible EVERY day.  I think there may have been about 5 or 6 times that I got behind, but never more than a day.  Today's reading included:

Malachi chapters 3-4 - the Lord has certainly opened the windows of heaven in my life and poured out more blessings than I've had room to receive.
Psalm 150 - Let every thing that hath breath (that's me!) praise the Lord!
Proverbs 31:25-31 - Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
Revelation chapter 22 - Even so, even so, come, Lord Jesus.

So many times my reading for the day was EXACTLY what I needed.  There have been several times when a message was preached and I have told Les, "That was in my Bible reading this week."  God's word is always new and rich.  I have also learned so much from the many commentaries in e-Sword.

Of course this year has been full of wonderful friends.  My friends far outnumber those who have hurt me.  It's easy to forget that when you're being hurt, but I am so grateful for so many.  Friends far and near who text, email, call, or leave blog comments.  Dear ones who see me at church and simply ask, "Are you okay?"  You'll never know how much you've helped me.

I am blessed to have two church families who are so dear.  Victory Tabernacle and New Life Pentecostal both seem like home to me.  Hugs and handshakes, smiles and shared prayer times.  God's family is the best!  Heaven is going to be an amazing, wonderful place.  I think the food will be delicious, too!

My health has been very good.  All my tests came back normal.  My biggest concern the past few years is always when I have my mammogram.  Mom was my age when her cancer was found, so I get a little nervous going in and rejoice when I get the notice in the mail that every thing is fine!  I've continued to run and ride my bike.  I finished my third marathon a few weeks ago.  I don't write as much about running here anymore, but if you want more (such as my training plans and weekly recaps) you can read them at McMarathon Moments.  It's private, but I'll happily send you an invite if you're interested.

We were so blessed to be able to attend Elder Morton's retirement service in March.  It was a wonderful evening of reflection, laughter and tears.  Outside of my family, his is the greatest influence on my life.  I've only been back to Truth Tabernacle once since then, but I am so happy to see the church continuing on in revival under the leadership of Pastor Tim Lackey.

I turned 50 in April and Les declared it was "50-50 Time."  From April 27th until August 18th, we would both be 50 and would enjoy as many 50-50 bar type desserts as possible!  Our favorite being shave ice with ice cream on the bottom.

One of the greatest parts of 2014 has been the tremendous revival that is taking place at Victory Tabernacle.  I don't know how many have received the Holy Ghost and been baptized, but I know it's more than we've ever seen before in a single year.  Nine children and young people received the Holy Ghost at Youth Camp.  Every service there are visitors and new converts. There is always someone to pray with in the altar and that is a beautiful thing!  I love sitting behind this little doll who has finally started smiling at me...

Les did a beautiful job remodeling our downstairs bathroom.  There really isn't anything he can't do.  Last week he completely stripped all the parts off one of his bikes and moved them to his other bike as an upgrade.

When we "moved" home in February, we really didn't know how often we would go back to Hawaii.  Our first trip was at the end of April.  We were only there about 10 days.  Les quickly realized that he needed more time in the office than that.  We then went back in August, October and December.  God has blessed Les in his job.  2013 was one of the worst years the company has seen, but 2014 was the best!  He was on a business call at 6:00 this morning and it looks like 2015 is going to be even greater!

I had a lot of fun hosting Flat Dustyn while we were on Oahu in October.  I loved this picture from his teacher - he is so fun and 100% boy!

I continued to find encouragement from Mom's Bible. It doesn't take the place of an actual conversation with her (I still miss those so much!) but it is a help. I've also enjoyed reading many books.  Top of the list for 2014 was "Run to Overcome" - lots of life and running lessons by Meb Keflezighi, winner of the 2014 Boston Marathon.

We spent some of the final days of 2014 on Maui, in our favorite condos - The Aston Mahana at Ka'anapali.  Each room is ocean front.  We watched giant sea turtles from our lanai, and on our final morning spotted whales in the channel between Maui and Molokai.  We saw them breach several times, something we didn't see on our whale watching adventure.  It was a special show just for us!

And finally, this guy:

There's no one I would rather spend my days with.  He works hard.  He loves me unconditionally.  He supports me and encourages me and prays for me.  He makes me laugh like no one else can.  I'm so blessed to be going in to 2015 with him!

Happy New Year! Wherever the road may lead, may 2015 be YOUR best year ever!