Jennifer D.
For most of us, cloth diapers are a thing of the past. But what if you are from another country? Then the answer is, "it depends." On Saturday, February 8, the ladies from Irvine-Tustin Community Group hosted a baby shower for a Turkish friend from Pacifica Institute. We invited our Muslim and Christian friends in just about equal numbers, and the shower gave us a chance to share God’s love during this happy occasion while we prepared to welcome Baby Noah.
Having a shower is a whole new experience for most women from Turkey. First, we played a baby present Bingo game, which challenged all of us to come up with English words for baby items which could be gifts for Noah. This led to great partnering in teaching and learning new English words. We also played a “mother” game, guessing whether the new mom would use cloth or disposable diapers, follow a routine or a flexible schedule etc. The list of questions and answers led to many discussions about Turkish and American cultures as well as Christian and Muslim practices.
For instance, we learned that Turkish Muslims celebrate the 40th day after birth, with a time of prayer and thanksgiving for the child. We also found out that people are just starting to have Baby Showers in Turkey but would never consider giving people a list of things they need or want for the baby! Although we made sure to "shower" our expectant mom with a plethora of gifts.
Kathy Z. gave the mother a “Christening bonnet,” and explained how it can be worn by the baby on his way home from the hospital as well as at a special prayer ceremony for the baby. Then it can be saved and converted to a handkerchief for his bride to keep as something old during a future wedding ceremony. This allowed us to explain our American wedding traditions as well as Christening traditions.
Our discussion led us all to realize how much we have in common: that new Moms, in both cultures, are much more idealistic than experienced Moms, that we all love babies, and we all have a deep faith in our God and that we know we can pray for our babies and for each other.
Just Do Good
WHAT STANDS OUT TO ME
Julia Stevens
What stands out to me about the Just Do Good Compton Initiative was the opportunity to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds. It was not only fun working alongside other Spectrum Church volunteers as we painted two schools, but it was also interesting to meet and work with other volunteers and hear their stories.
We were first sent to an elementary school where we repainted the exterior of the cafeteria. While the actual painting wasn’t very exciting and we finished quickly, the highlight was seeing the excitement from the children in the neighborhood when they walked in to see our progress.
Since we were so efficient with the first school, our group was sent to another school. This time, instead of painting walls, we painted on the black top. I was pleased that we had opportunity to use color and be more creative. The two leaders had chalked out different images, and our job was to fill them in with paint. Two teachers from the school came out to help. Both were very excited and told us how much the children would enjoy the colorful black top. They were even planning a special assembly to showcase the art. I personally spent most of my time painting a globe. I had to mix paint to make the right shades of blue and green. Whenever I ran out and mixed more paint, I would end up with a slightly different shade, so the globe just kept changing color. At one point the blue used for the ocean was too light and the water looked almost white! I was especially proud of my finished work. Every painting was like a piece of a puzzle and every image painted was important. I felt a sense of comradery with my group, those from Spectrum and those who I had just met hours before.
While many of the volunteers were from the local area, there were also people who came from out of state to participate in the event. These people, many of whom were leaders in their own churches or communities, had heard about the Compton Initiative and its successes and were inspired to start similar movements in their own communities. The thing that struck me the most about the Compton Initiative and the Emmanuel Reformed Church, that started this event, was that even though they had only intended to help one community, God had other plans! They inadvertently are helping other people in similar communities across the country.
When God Calls Out To You
As Christians, we know that God seeks us, and that He wants to be in relationship with us. But when you’ve never known the one true God before, when you’re confused about what god you’re praying to, how do you know he is present in your life?
At a Friendsgiving meeting at the Dietz’s home this past month, each of the people attending had a chance to share what they were thankful for. Mei shared, “On a recent school holiday, I was taking care of my grandsons (ages 11 and 9). They were busy doing their homework, so I joined them at the table and began softly reading through the lesson from my Bible study. When I read John 3:16, all of a sudden, my younger grandson shouted out, ‘Is that John 3:16?’ I was startled that they knew this verse, and he was just as startled that I was reading it! He had learned this at his church, but we had never talked about the Bible. I never even had a Bible before! I asked, ‘Should we all read this together?’ and they agreed.”
Mei is a new Christian and has been at Spectrum Church for about six weeks. She has been studying the Bible after church with the Dietz’s and the Fishers, who brought her to SCI. She shared how she feels an excitement that she’s never felt before. And she will continue to read the Bible with her grandchildren.
“I know now that God has been at work in my heart over recent years, and this was one more indication to me that I am on the right track.” Having grown up as a Buddhist, Mei used to go to the temple to pray, “but no one ever talks to you, and the Buddhist texts are in an old language that is difficult to understand. Now, when I come to Spectrum Church, I feel God’s love through others – there is so much love energy. I learn from the sermons, then come home to study them more. When we sing, I feel a great connection, and sometimes it makes me cry. I am really feeling touched by God.”
God Came Through
Chuck Waterman
How to start a mission project in a foreign country: arrive, have a delicious Armenian breakfast, then learn that the playground equipment you’ve come to install is still in customs – and that there is a 14-day process for shipped items to clear!
We began our work in Vanadzor, the 3rd largest city in Armenia, without our equipment and being advised of a 1 in 100 chance that it would be released in time for us to build. But we could dig holes! 23 of them! And we could pray that God would take the process that normally takes weeks and do it in days.
About 2/3 of the way through the day, we found out that God made the impossible happen, that His fingers had touched all involved in releasing the container. It took one man from ARDA Armenia to go from ministry official to ministry official to get their signatures. Now the fun began.
Due to the delay, our schedule was now very tight. When the shipping container arrived on Wednesday in Vanadzor, we had to unload and sort five different playgrounds (one was to stay in Vanadzor, one to be shipped to our next building site and 3 to be in storage in Gyumri for future playground builds). It was quite a sight to see the big truck come to this small village and then watch the unloading of the playgrounds. We had one day to build and pour concrete at the ARDA Village, but through much hard work and God's provision, we did it.
Our next stop was in the Tavush border region of Armenia, a 3-hour drive. This mostly rural region is a tough place to exist, with the raising of livestock and agriculture being the main sources of income for families. The playground build went without a hitch. Even though it was cold and rainy, the team worked hard, and we were done quickly.
As a team, we had an amazing time. We saw how God was working in the lives of Armenians. We saw how our partners were trusting God and impacting Armenia for Christ. We also brought 80 hand-knit hats that were created by women at Regent’s Point, a perfect item for the temperatures that will dip below freezing in the coming months.
But the question that needs to be asked is, “Why would a group of 10 Americans travel half-way around the world to build a playground?” We could have shipped the playground and raised money to employ locals to install the playground. But as the Bishop Bagrat of the Tavush region had to say, “What the people of Armenia need is not aid, but participation. They want people to come, to work side-by-side with them as they work to make a better Armenia.” Praise God for that opportunity and for his intervention and provision. And thank you for all your prayers!
What Are You Thankful For?
This Thanksgiving we are celebrating the meaningful, surprising, and fun ways God has shown himself in our lives this past year. Each day we will share a little story highlighting God's faithfulness from someone in the Spectrum Church family. We hope this helps you connect with each other and with our amazing, loving God during this season of gratitude.
BLESSED BY CHILDREN
(Day 7 of 7) I am thankful for all the children that God put in my path this year. As a teacher: my students who allow me to be Christ to them every school day by loving them and caring for them, and the way they show their love to me by saying hello, goodbye and asking about my day/weekend. As a father: the way Emma, Zach and Erin love me; their friends, as only with God’s power can they show His love; and finally the kids that will play on the playgrounds that I had the privilege of installing. I am a better husband, friend and Christian because of all the good He has shown me this year! And I praise God for the wife and friend that He gave to me almost 26 years ago. Julie supports me in all I do for God’s kingdom. - Chuck W.
GOD'S PRESENCE IN DIFFICULT TIMES
(Day 6 of 7) I am thankful for the Lord's undertaking for my Dad's hospital stay this past summer. And praise God that the C-Pap machine the doctors wanted me to get ended up being covered in full by my work insurance so I did not have to purchase one out of pocket. - Deloy S.
I am extremely thankful for my sisters and brothers in Christ at Spectrum Church Irvine and WBS who gave me encouragement during my anxious three weeks with my sister's recent broken hip, hospitalization, rehab, and recovery. So many of you have reached out to me in so many ways including your prayers, hugs, phone calls, texts, emails, and visits. I cannot imagine life without each and everyone of you. Thanks be to God! - Karen S.
FRIENDS IN FAITH
(Day 5 of 7) I am so thankful for Spectrum Church. When I left my last church, I felt I had lost my church family. I didn't know what I was going to do. To start all over again in an established church, one that was true to God's word, was very daunting. Then I heard of the new beginnings at Spectrum, where I would be in the company of some of my former church friends. What a wonderful blessing, especially at my age, to feel I again have a familiar family of faith around me. - Del V.
Learning to knit rather complex patterns to make an afghan was a huge surprise to this non-creative woman. The best part has been getting to know my knitting mentor, Camille, and her husband, Bob. They have become dear friends. Thank you God for these treasures. - Barbara B.
GOD'S TRIUMPHANT HEALING LOVE
(Day 4 of 7) My friend called two days before our November teachers’ sorority meeting. She was struggling to process the horrendous events in the neighborhood in Pittsburgh where she lived and taught years ago. The anti-Semitic attack at the Tree of Life Synagog was a personal attack on her and her faith. “Would you be willing to address this event during your part of our meeting?” she asked.
What did I have to offer for comfort, enlightenment, or healing? Nothing! But, I would try.
The next day, I turned on the radio to my Christian music station just as the announcer told a true story of the kindness of strangers. Then I knew I was to balance human hate with God’s triumphant healing love.
I don’t remember just what I said at the meeting, but my friend said it was very helpful and comforting. - Susan C.
THANKFUL FOR HIS PROTECTION
(Day 3 of 7)
Earlier this year, we were replacing our kitchen stove, and as a result, discovered a gas leak from a rusted pipe beneath our kitchen floor. In retrospect, we are extremely grateful for this discovery – despite its huge inconvenience and expense – it likely saved us from an explosion or fire in the center of our home. We are thankful for God’s ongoing protection and the wisdom He provided as we struggled through the process of finding and repairing the problem and then putting our kitchen back together. - Tami G.
GOD GAVE ME ROBINA
(Day 2 of 7)
One of the things I am most thankful for is my dog, Robina. With the passing of my husband, Sam, I often feel lonely at home. Robina seems to sense that and is always there to make me feel loved and happy. - Kathy Z.
GOD WAS ON BOARD
(Day 1 of 7)
God surprised me this year on a flight from Charlotte to Asheville. I boarded last with one seat open and sat by a young man. In the empty seat beside him sat a Bible. I smiled and told him that I was also a Christian. During the flight, he gave me his testimony in a loud voice, so everyone on our plane could hear. He had just been released from prison and was filled with joy to be returning home to his wife and baby. On my flight before this one, I was seated next to a man who was writing letters for his prison ministry. God gave me such an unexpected gift that I will never forget! - Donna O.
Persons of Peace in the Neighborhood
PERSONS OF PEACE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
It’s amazing what can come out of sharing some home-grown avocados! Jennifer and Jon decided to use their bumper crop of avocados as a way of connecting with their neighbors, both those they’d already met and some new ones. They were hoping to reach a particular family, but no one answered the door. As they headed home, however, they saw some other neighbors getting out of their car. So they walked over, offered the avocados, and were immediately invited in for a visit. In 16 years, the only interaction they'd had with these neighbors was at a pancake breakfast Jon and Jennifer had hosted in their driveway on the 4th of July. Read more...
With the World Series playoffs on the TV in the background, the hosts started talking about their kids and life as empty nesters. The wife mentioned that she had met Jennifer’s dad on his walks. When Jennifer mentioned one of her biggest concerns was him falling during one of his daily walks to the mailbox when nobody else was home, the wife said she had made it a habit to stand out in her driveway to watch and make sure he made it back into the house. “I was overjoyed. I can’t believe I didn’t even know someone was watching over my Dad! It took an intentional opportunity to meet our neighbors to find out my dad had a guardian angel!”
The couple asked what church Jon and Jennifer attend and actually specifically asked to hear their testimonies. It was a great opportunity to share about Spectrum Church, community groups, and what God was doing in their lives. Jon was able to give the ‘medium’ version of his testimony, followed by Jennifer, who gave her short version. After two hours of deep conversation, Jon and Jennifer said goodbye.
Later, Jennifer remarked to Jon that it must have been God’s timing to be in the right place at the right time, to be able to spend the evening with these neighbors and share about Jesus and the church. "It’s amazing to see how God gives us opportunities to share our stories when we’re prepared and ready to do so. In the Irvine-Tustin Community Group, we’ve been learning about hospitality, sharing our personal stories, or testimonies, and about how Jesus commanded us to Love Our Neighbors (Matthew 22:39)." It all came together that night for Jon and Jennifer.
Being The Best Neighbors
Tami with her husband, Jim.
by Tami
A few weeks ago Dorothy asked me if I would go around and meet our neighbors where we have our ministry center. At first, I was apprehensive, but she said we would go in pairs, so I felt better about it and it didn't seem as overwhelming.
There were 3 groups of us and each group had 3-4 beautiful baskets put together by Susan. The baskets were filled with lots of home-baked goods all wrapped in colorful cellophane. Each group delivered the baskets to different businesses, and as we walked around the business center we prayed for each of the businesses we visited; that they might be prompted to check out Spectrum Church on a Sunday, participate in a future event, or simply be touched by God in some way as a result.
Typically, we would enter the business and introduce ourselves, tell them we were from Spectrum Church and that we wanted to get to know our neighbors in the business center. Usually, the people would introduce themselves, sometimes give us a business card and often we would ask them what type of business it was and what they did. Some of them shared more and chatted awhile. Everyone was friendly and we discovered many of the businesses had dogs in the office while they worked. We would then offer them the basket of goodies - which usually brought a smile to their faces.
One business that was most enthusiastic about our visit, was one that we almost skipped. There was no sign outside or on the door and we actually walked past it toward the next business. But both of us seemed led to turn around and try the door anyway fully expecting it to be locked. When we pulled on the door it opened and we were greeted by 4 friendly young men who took a few minutes to say hello and share a bit about the company. They were thrilled about our gift and remarked that the treats would be gone in a few hours!
I guess I wasn't very optimistic at first because it was much more interesting and enjoyable then I thought it might be. And it wasn’t scary. It reinforced how important it is to make an effort to be neighborly. It feels good, it’s not hard and it’s a way of showing God’s love through His people.
Is This A Crazy Idea?
Aaron S.
When I opened my email, that's the first thing I read. "Tell me what you think: We are going to be doing the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. What about talking with Patti to see if this is a project that our neighbor businesses would join with us in doing?"
Risk makes us feel a little unsure, and I could tell Dorothy's email had some hesitation. But I thought, crazy? No, not crazy. It's fantastic! Immediately I responded back. "I think it's so great ... I think God's leading you. :-)"
Just a week earlier, Julie Waterman volunteered to lead Spectrum to participate in Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan's Purse. Our goal is to fill 100 shoeboxes with gifts for children around the world. But God was showing us that this isn't just for us. God took it a step further and wanted us to invite our neighbors to join. What better way for them to experience God's love than for THEM to share it with others?
So here's what happened when we contacted, Patti, our property manager, to get permission. She responded, "This is a great idea! I will definitely participate. What I can do for you is send out an email blast to all the tenants. So if you want to draft something…I will be happy to send it out to everyone, but you can count me in on picking up some goodies between now and December." What a confirmation of God's leading. Dorothy and I were feeling so encouraged.
As soon as Patti sent the email out to our complex, three businesses responded that day. God is so faithful when we step out in faith. It started as just a seed with Julie's initiative, then Dorothy took it one more step to ask Patti, then Patti was excited, and God only knows how wide the gates will open.
It was risky to take each step. None of us likes to hear the word "no." But if we sense God's leading, the Holy Spirit will lead us along the way, and God will accomplish his plans. It's our responsibility to have enough faith so we don't miss out.
If you would like to participate in Operation Christmas Child, please contact Julie Waterman at cjezewaterman@cox.net.
Why?
Anne D.
In prayer this morning, I reached for insight and asked why?………why, as I'm getting ready to downsize and move to Regents Point, did I so readily decide to give the profit from my "garage" sale to our church. Here’s why.
We are family - better together with God’s love wrapped around us. A family member helps another family member get up and get going whenever possible, especially when the need is obvious. I had excess. I had no need for “old treasures." They remain only as memories, but now is now, and God has me on the move.
Worldly treasures are nothing compared to the blessings of our small prayer group. When we prayed together in my small cottage, I was blessed. Remarkably, I felt it as well.
Praise God Spectrum is growing.
Our struggle to separate from a big tree is like a transplanted branch that needs to establish deep roots. I trust Spectrum will continue building roots in God’s design.
Open to the Lord's Leading
Laura C.
Starting a new Community Group has been both joyful and challenging. Our group is certainly non-conventional! We’re not sure where God is leading us, but already exciting things are happening.
All Nations Serve started in May with a handful of women, with the purpose of sharing our lives together and growing in God’s love. We are from different nations, backgrounds, and even faiths. We meet at a business place for prayer and Bible study, and we always seem to be running out of time because we have families and busy careers.
One of our women who has been the most active member of our community group came from a Buddhist family in Thailand. Her father died recently, and she has to be absent for a while because her family honors the Buddhist ritual of 50-day solemn living after a loved one is deceased.
On a recent Saturday, we connected with Celebration Church in Orange, a Cambodian Church, to serve their poor neighbors in Santa Ana. We served a meal and distributed non-perishable food items, prayed and sang together in Cambodian, learned about their culture, and heard the testimony of a former Cambodian Buddhist who became a Christian and was recently baptized. I had my first Cambodian dish that day, even though I have lived in a county that is a melting pot for more than 40 years! People were friendly and loving. Honestly, I could not tell who was serving and who was being served, because we all sat together to eat and enjoy fellowship. I do know I was served that day.
We had our first Community Group outing at Souplantation in Irvine. The husband of one of the women joined us, even though we were a group of women. He was not in any sense uncomfortable. We had great conversations about our families and faith and stayed in the restaurant until 9:30 p.m.! That has made us think that maybe our Community Group should include more than women….
Our joy has come from spending time together to study the Word of God, praying together, hanging out, and serving our neighbors. We have shared our lives and are growing to love God and each other. We are excited knowing that where we go is tied to our utter dependency on God.