Making A Difference Locally

Making Someone Feel Safe At Home

2011-01-20T13:23:00.001-08:00

A team of men from CFC traveled down to Southeast DC (Anacostia) to install cameras on a staff residence. Under the leadership of Dan Zwart, Community Outreach Team Member and Work Projects Coordinator, the men were able to install 8 cameras for security. This particular location has been robbed several times and so this will give the residents some new found security. The residents are a staff of a ministry which conducts "Sidewalk Sunday Schools" throughout the city to over 1500 children weekly!

Here is the note of gratitude from the director of the ministry:

"Dan, please forward this heart felt thank you once again. The cameras work great at night. It is amazing how far I can see into the yard. One camera flickers a lot but I think it is because it is near a light. Both Sherrita and I really feel secure now that we can see what is going on in the back of the building. You all are a blessing."

Teri Mullen, Director

Great job men! Thanks for bringing a sense of security and peace to a difficult neighborhood so God's Kingdom can continue to advance!

For more pictures of the effort, please go to:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/43191350@N03/sets/72157625830939834/show/

Scarves, Scarves, and More Scarves!

2011-01-20T13:10:00.000-08:00

For the last several months our faithful volunteers have been sorting scarves that have been hand-made from all over the world in partnership with Orphan Foundation of America. Under the leadership of Suzanne Vel, Community Outreach Team Member and Liaison to OFA, we have sorted thousands of scarves! These will go out in care packages as prepared by OFA to college students who were, at one time, in the foster care system.

It is truly amazing to see the amount of scarves that we have received and have process for them! It is also a real joy to see families working together for a great cause!

Keep up the great work and may those who receive care packages know profoundly that someone cared.

2011 Strategies for Local Outreach

2011-01-10T05:37:00.001-08:00

Strategic Steps -- 2011

Local Outreach

1. To adopt at least one school in Loudoun County and work with the school officials to support the teachers, their students, families, and the community for a meaningful contribution to education, a positive learning environment and relational support.

2. To develop a partnership over the next 12 months with the local Muslim congregations (All Dulles Area Muslim Society) and the local Jewish congregation (Beth Chaverim Reform Congregation) for the purpose of serving together and building fellowship opportunities.

3. Continue to offer weekend days of service opportunities that allow our congregation to experience serving with minimal commitment of time or resources with the goal to exceed 750 different people involved in 1300 acts of service.

4. To continue in the collection and analysis of data that will be used to identify which organizations offer the potential of long-term strategic partnerships that would allow us to facilitate our people committing to deeper levels of on-going service outside of CFC.

5. To collaborate with the faith community of Loudoun County to identify an issue or crisis and then develop a strategy to address that community need.

6. Sports and Recreation offerings will have a compassion-ministry serving experience.

Looking forward to a great year!

A Christmas Message

2011-01-01T18:49:00.000-08:00

Christmas Message:

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Luke 2:10-11

Once again we are reminded by the Advent and Christmas that we are still waiting for the second coming of Christ. In view of the irresolvable problems and the sufferings in the world, we understand that change and renewal can only take place in Jesus.
On the personal level, do not give up! Think big! God has plans for you, even when you fail. Keep on keeping on. The problems you solve today, determines your future!
Perseverance is not a popular idea and inspiration today! But it carries a lot of weight and significance in Heaven. A dark tunnel is a shortcut around a huge mountain. God’s help is only a prayer away!

That is why Jesus came into this world. Jesus came to take away sin, pain and problems from this world. And preserve your dignity and give you hope for the future! Turn your attention to Jesus. Talk to Jesus. Try Jesus. Ask Jesus. And keep on, keeping on.

I wish you, for this Christmas season, the nearness of Christ and for the coming New Year God’s leading.

Cheer up!

2010-11-30T03:51:00.000-08:00

A Thought for This Week: Jack Miller, a late missionary and seminary professor, used to summarize the gospel with these two phrases: “Cheer up: you’re worse than you think. But cheer up: God’s grace is greater than you ever dreamed.” The same gospel that saves sinners also sanctifies the saints. The gospel doesn’t just make you right with God; it frees you to delight in God.

2010-11-03T05:09:00.000-07:00

Recently our volunteers, under the direction of Gary and Sherry Fisher, were involved in the Oktoberfest event located at Walter Reed and sponsored by Operation Homefront. The volunteers were recognized for their servant's heart and commitment to excellence! Praise the Lord! My prayer is that, each and every time we have a chance to serve, the love of God will show through. I am very proud of the efforts of our volunteers to rise to every occasion and, when recognized, are careful to glorify God in it.

Boys With Guns

2010-10-26T07:13:00.000-07:00

This is what we, the members of a team who visited the Holy Land in September, saw occasionally in the street and in a refugee camp we visited. It would be easy to believe, "Oh my - terrorists in training!" But after getting to know the boys and gaining a little understanding of their culture I see something totally different now when I view this image - I see 10 year old boys playing war with toy guns just like I did when I was 10. When I was their age I loved to play war - even though I grew up in a peace lovingfamily in the woods. It's what normal boys do. If someone came by with a camera I totally would strike a pose and point the toy gun at them. I got to know some of the boys in the West Bank (as we stayed with a family there) and they are good kids - playing in the street. Another good perspective from traveling through the Holy Land seeing it with Jesus' eyes of compassion.

A Thought About Perseverance and Patience

2010-10-14T05:51:00.000-07:00

A Thought from Pastor Johnson Asare, a missionary we support in Ghana, Africa:

True success and victory in life (marriage, ministry, work, etc) is not measured by the visible and obvious results – mansions, cars, family, friends, followers, converts, bank accounts, investments, enterprises, programs, etc, but rather the faithfulness and truthfulness with which you accomplished the task entrusted and delegated to you.
If you want to live under a shade in your old age, then plant a tree today.
But be careful the kind of tree you plant. If you plant rice, it is harvested in a year. If acacia, it is harvested in some ten years time. But if you take all the trouble and patience to plant mahogany, teak, oak, baobab or odum, it would stand for hundreds of years! You and many others would enjoy its shade for generations to come.

Perseverance is not a popular idea and inspiration today! But it carries a lot of weight and significance in Heaven. Paul reminds us to be faithful not successful. I Corinthians 4:2. A dark tunnel is a shortcut around a huge mountain. And there is light at the end of a tunnel! Never give up! Keep up on it! God Bless You!

So others would see the Beauty of the Cross,
Johnson Asare

http://www.radachuniversity.org/

A New Book I Am Reading

2010-10-11T19:53:00.001-07:00

God has blessed our efforts in local outreach greater than our wildest dreams! Praise the Lord! From the beginning we adopted a slogan: "Building credibility and ownership for a real, sustained impact.". This set the tone for our efforts that our highest priorities were considering doing any and all things to help partner in our community while building credibility (being people of our word and doing everything with excellence) and ownership (having a grassroots movement with each liaison relationship being owned by a member of the team) for a real (actual and tangible), sustained (something that can be continued) impact (change is felt in the community). Now that God has blessed our efforts so far we now need to consider how the "in-roads" will offer the opportunity to transform the lives of the people we come in contact with while serving. Therefore, I am reading a new book. It is called "Transform Your City" and is written by the same authors of the "Externally Focused Church" and the "Externally Focused Quest". I'll keep you posted on the things I learn...

What is the church?

2010-10-11T19:45:00.000-07:00

The Church in the book of Acts exists for the world into which the Holy Spirit has placed it, not for itself. We have been trained to think from the inside out, and therefore end up with churches that think about themselves as the reason for and end result of the “ministry.” Churches that capture the nature of the Church as described and documented in the New Testament, start their thinking not with the church, but with the place into which God has placed them. Their key question is: what does God want for these people? Their singular response is: He wants every man, woman and child in this place to have the repeated opportunity to hear, understand and respond to Jesus Christ. And, for those who respond positively, to be incorporated into the life of faith, and the ministry of the purpose of the Church.

Just thinking outloud...

Let the Dead Sea Live

2010-10-11T18:45:00.001-07:00

While we were in the Holy Land we visited the Dead Sea. This is a very extraordinary experience in that the "sea" is so dense with salt and sediment that it is impossible to sink! The water is so full of salt that our leader warned us that if you have any areas of your body that have a rash or have been shaved recently will burn from the salt content. Indeed I can attest to that! Our tour guide shared with us that, since the expansion of settlements north of the Dead sea which require more and more fresh water, the Dead Sea is shrinking. In fact, scientists speculate that if something radical is not done to "rescue" it the Dead Sea will dissappear in 25 years or less! I told people that we should start a campaign called, "Let the Dead Sea Live". There are some ideas like drawing some water from the West from the Red Sea. We'll see what happens. It is an amazing, unique experience and I hope that people for many years will be able to experience it. Therefore, let the Dead Sea live!

The Al-Fatihah

2010-10-11T18:35:00.000-07:00

The Al-Fatihah
In the muslim faith, the "opening" of the book is referred to as "the Fatihah". This is a beautiful "surah" and a means to begin a conversation with a muslim.

In the name of God, the infinitely Compassionate and Merciful.
Praise be to God, Lord of all the worlds.
The Compassionate, the Merciful. Ruler on the Day of Reckoning.
You alone do we worship, and You alone do we ask for help.
Guide us on the straight path,
the path of those who have received your grace;
not the path of those who have brought down wrath, nor of those who wander astray.
Amen.

The Jesus in the Quran conference that we held in March 2010 here at CFC will be held again in early 2011. The more I learn about the muslim faith the more I see the brotherhood between us.

Please Lord, equip me and others to seek out and build relationships with all people in our sphere of influence. Help me not to make assumptions based upon any stereotypes, but see them as a person or a people group in which we have more in common that we do that separates us.

The Myths About the Palestinians

2010-10-03T14:18:00.000-07:00

As I explored the Holy Land in September 2010 I read a book by Thomas Friedman called "From Beirut to Jerusalem". The book was assigned to us as "homework" prior to our trip in order to prepare us for the complexities of the area in which we would be traveling. Indeed the Holy Land is a VERY complex place. There are no simple answers. This is due to the many layers of human history and biblical history coming together with three major world religions being represented in some form or another.

There are several myths between the Israelis and the Palestinians (as per the book). Many Israelies had convinced themselves that there was no such thing as a legitimate Palestinian nation with a legitimate national claim to any part of Palestine. They saw the Palestinians instead as part of an undifferentiated Arab mass stretching from Morocco to Iraq with no particular cultural, historical, or ethnic identity linked to the land of Palestine. This myth was one of the oldest and most enduring in Zionist history. In the early twentieth century, when the Zionist movement was just taking off, it may have been a necessary myth. If the Zionists had come to the Jews around the world and said, "Look, we want you to come to Palestine, but you had better understand that there is another legitimate nation there, the Palestinians, who claim it as theirs and will fight you to the death, " many Jews might never have come. So the Zionists had to believe, as the saying at the time went, that they were "a people without a land" coming to a "land without a people".

Myths are precisely what give people the faith to undertake projects with rational calculation or common sense would reject.

This becomes a real scenario when you travel through the Holy land today.

My prayer is that the myths, whatever they may be, will be shown for what they are and true peace will be achieved because everything is brought into the light.

The Persecution of the Jews

2010-09-28T18:06:00.000-07:00

We, a team of over 30 persons, traveled to visit Israel as part of a the EPIC (experiencing people in context) trip sponsored by Grace Fellowship Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Every day was like an emotional roller coaster with "epiphanies" throughout the day - with highs and lows every step of the way. There was nothing typical about this trip to the Holy Land, but, instead, was an emotional "roller coaster". We launched into the trip at the Holocaust museum located just outside of Jerusalem. It was overwhelming to see the torture, oppression, and inhumane way in which the Jewish people were treated. It was painful to look into the "haunting" faces in the midst of such pain. My heart went out to the Jews as I could not truly relate to such persecution in my own life. The tour guide mentioned that at the time when Jews were being attacked and persecuted all over Europe a ship set sail with many Jews who were looking for a place to dock and make their home. They were rejected in 8 different places before they sailed to present Israel where they found a home. The state (or country of Israel) was born in 1948 as a place for the Jewish people to call their own. Our heart went out to the Jewish people who, having been so horribly treated, had found their place of refuge.

Trip to the Holy Land

2010-09-28T17:59:00.000-07:00

I just got back on Sunday from my trip to the Holy Land. It was a remarkable trip in so many ways! Indeed we visited so many of the "usual places" which the holy land is known for; however, more importantly, we had the opportunity to meet all different types of people who call that area home. It will be many months before I will be able to process all of the emotions that we experienced while there. Please stand by for updates...

Care Packages Being Received

2010-05-08T18:11:00.000-07:00

We received an update from Lynn Davis (OFA):

The care packages have begun to arrive!!!!! The students are sooooooooooo happy! (Emphasis on the “sooooooooooo”)

Here are a few of the quotes we have gotten these last two days:

“Send my thank you to whoever put together my care package, I am so grateful!!” - Katiemae (NY)

“Just wanted to say Thank You for the care package that I received today! I Love Girl Scout Cookies! (I was A Girl Scout all through elementary school. Selling cookies was my fave). . . .Thank You!” - Samantha (NC)

"I was just wanting to thank all the little girl scouts who sent those yummy cookies to me.... Thank you so much!!" - Chelsey (OH)

“Thanks for the care package. The kids and I enjoyed the snacks and mac and cheese. Alexandria was delighted to see all her favorites (fruit snacks and cheez its ) come in the mail. She smiled and said, ‘Mommy, a package for me?’ Thanks again, very thoughtful of you all at OFA” - LaQuana (NY)

The students are all really grateful for all the support we give them. And when I say “we” I mean you as part of the “we”. OFA could not do it all alone. OFA relies on you to help us. So all the thanks go out to the big “WE” – You , me and all the folks that make these care packages possible.

Have a great weekend and treat yourself well because you have made a lot of former foster youth VERY HAPPY and feel VERY SPECIAL!

May is Military Appreciation Month

2010-05-05T13:18:00.000-07:00

The month of May is designated as "Military Appreciation Month". We have 2 opportunities in which you can show your appreciation for the Military:

Family Friendly! - Operation Homefront Headquarters Project – Preparation of Baby Shower supplies for Mothers-to-be – Saturday, May 15th

Operation Homefront Sponsored “Coming Home” Retreat Volunteer - Thursday, May 27 –Monday, May 31

Click here to sign up for either project!

Please consider how you can step up the support the efforts of our military to protect the freedoms of our country and who, tragically for some, have made the ultimate sacrifice.

CFC Going Green!

2010-05-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

The care package project this past Saturday left us with a great deal of cardboard! Today, we just about filled the cardboard recycling pod near Park View High School! Therefore, in one project we packaged almost 1400 care packages for college students, provided a residual fund-raising opportunity for a young man going to Nicaragua, and took care of the environment. Not bad for a day's work.... Let's keep working to make a difference locally and globally!

Almost 1400 Care Packages packaged for College Students

2010-05-05T13:02:00.000-07:00

In a partnership with the local Orphan Foundation of America organization we, with the help of about 30 volunteers, packaged almost 1400 care packages! These packages went sent by Fed Ex (as a free service to OFA) to college students who grew up as Foster kids and are now at college. A small token of care sent many miles away, but the impact was felt locally by the organization and their leadership. We are already hearing from some of the college students who have received the package. It is my prayer that they will feel the love of Christ and will see the church as a relevant, loving place they could always feel at home in wherever that may be.

Thanks go out to Suzanne Vel, CFC Community Outreach Team Member and Liaison to Orphan Foundation of America! Keep up the great work!

Serving on a Sunday

2010-03-22T06:43:00.000-07:00

We have an event coming up on Sunday, April 18th, which will benefit the Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter. They are having their annual race to raise awareness and monies for their organization and they need race marshalls. This will be the first time that our Local Outreach department has sponsored a service project during church services. It will mean that we need 25 persons or so to commit to participate! These race marshalls will be instrumental in helping to keep racers on track and support a vital work here in Loudoun County. Please consider what God would have you do. If He leads you to commit to this event, I believe He will be faithful to meet you where you are.

NEW! – Family-friendly! LAWS Half-Marathon & 5K Race Volunteer – Sunday, April 18th – Click here for details and to sign up!

JIQ Challenge

2010-03-22T06:27:00.000-07:00

I personally learned so much from the Jesus In The Quran conference this past weekend here at CFC. This event was sponsored by the CFC Outreach Department and is a direct result of our desire to fulfill the 2010 vision/strategy of "offer in-depth, practial training to equip people of CFC to reach muslims". There was so much great stuff that was shared and I will spend the next several weeks processing the knowledge. One of the challenges was from the Senior Pastor of Grace Fellowship (Atlanta) who challenged us all as to whether we can say, "God, if you have a role for me, I'm in!". That was a great way to start the conference and a challenge that I have been pondering since. Indeed my prayer is that God will reveal the role he wants me to play in building friendships with Muslims. As God speaks (which from time to time I need to be reminded that He still does) to my heart and reveals the role He has for me...I pray that I will, with great confidence declare, "I'm in!". What is the role you are to play in the kingdom of God? Ask God to show you your role... My hope is that we will all know our roles and will work to fulfill them by the grace of God.

Here is the website of the Jesus In The Quran organization: http://www.jesusinthequran.org/.

Meals Prepared On Almost to Haiti

2010-03-14T17:38:00.000-07:00

We received this message recently: Just wanted to let you know the 142,560 meals from CFC's 2/25/10 meal packaging event left the Stop Hunger Now warehouse yesterday afternoon bound for Norfolk, from where they'll be shipped to Haiti.

The meals are making their way to make the most good in Haiti. Will keep you posted.

142,560 meals done!

2010-02-26T03:19:00.001-08:00

As of 9:30pm on Thursday, February 25th, 142,560 meals were packaged for the people of Haiti! Thanks so much to all the volunteers who served! As stated by the staff of Stop Hunger Now every 8 days as many as 200,000 people die of hunger or hunger related conditions. That means that about every week a Haiti type of catastrophy happens due to hunger. I am proud of my church and the volunteers who have for at least 142,560 people they will have a meal to get them through their day in Haiti. I heard many of the volunteers asking when we will do this again. We have the donations to acquire a 2nd container. Details coming soon!

Thanks for being willing to make a difference!

56,000 meals done!

2010-02-25T13:14:00.000-08:00

As of noon today, February 25, we have packaged 56,000 meals! God has blessed us with a perfect day (He changed the direction of the storm to avoid any snow around here!) and some terrific volunteers!

We anticipate finishing the remaining meals (142,000 in total) tonight!

School Tomorrow?!

2010-02-15T07:50:00.001-08:00

It is Monday, February 15th. It is also the day before we supposedly go back to school... We are, according to the weather "persons" going to receive some additional snow! Oh, boy, here we go again! I must admit that I enjoy the snow. At least in moderation! However, I will always enjoy the way in which snow tends to alter one's schedule. It forces you to stop and rest (especially after shoveling 3 feet of snow!). Stopping and resting when one's schedule is hectic most of the time is a welcomed addition. God is in control of our lives and our schedule. He send the snow to remind of us that...!

Now, as to the question of whether we will have school tomorrow. According to the superintendent of the schools...it will depend upon the community. He is asking us all to be extra careful, carpool with your neighbors, and...yes...shovel more snow in order to provide the necessary sidewalks for the 20,000 children who must walk to school. I do hope that each person, including myself, will feel the sense of community and be a good neighbor. I have tried to serve my neighbors throughout this winter snow phenomenon and I hope God will strengthen my back in order to continue to do so!

If I am not in the office on Tuesday I am lost in a snow bank. Send out the St. Bernard!

God Shows Up!

2010-02-02T08:50:00.000-08:00

Our CFC work projects coordinator, Dan Zwart, along with Tye Stone (transportation), Chad Bullard (small group coach at CFC), Dan Sweeney (commercial contractor and member of CFC), and myself traveled down to Southeast DC this past Sunday in order to tangibly see the renovation project we have been asked to participate in. This renovation project is a partnership between ARC (which is involved in community improvement projects), Care Company (of which we have had a partnership with for many, many years in making a difference in urban DC), the Gatepost (a christian-based organization in the heart of Anacostia for the purpose of improving the lives of the disenfrancised and disadvantaged children and youth in that area). We will be involved in project on several occasions starting in early March 2010.

While we were there we had the opportunity to tour the inside of the building which needs a great deal of work. Their vision is to create a coffee house/bistro in order to give the community a positive option and also to provide the teens that Gatepost works with a place to learn on the job skills. The main resident contractor, Jabali, spoke of the need to purchase the equipment necessary for a commercial kitchen. He even showed us an old, broken down commercial gas stove that they intend to fix up and use. Dan Sweeney, upon hearing this, stated that his company, "had just gutted a commercial kitchen that was only 8 years old" and would be glad to bring it down for their use! This commerical kitchen had refrigerators, stoves, countertops, sinks, etc.! Perfect! Dan had even planned to store the items until he could find a good place for them because he didn't want to throw them away! Now they can be used to further God's kingdom. I learn, sometimes on a daily basis, that when you follows God's leading, vision, and direction, He always shows up to bless the efforts! I am praying now that the efforts of our congregation to help in the renovation will be a blessing to the community of Anacostia and will make a positive, spiritual impact on the lives of those who are touched by the endeavor.

2010-01-28T12:59:00.000-08:00

Hope For Haiti Relief Efforts Update
It has been an exciting week in the outreach department of CFC. We began with the goals of $36,000 and at least 400 volunteers which would allow CFC to purchase, package and send 141,000 meals to help feed the people affected by the Earthquake in Haiti.

At this point, one week into fundraising, we have $43,000 and 750 volunteers!

We are now potentially pursuing a second container to be purchased and packaged in March or April. We know that many of you have fundraising in place through your offices, schools and activities. We want to encourage you to continue to raise funds throughout the community. We currently have approximately $7000 towards a second container and will need $29,000 more.

If you have signed up for volunteering and have been added to a waiting list, thank you for be willing to help on February 11th. You will get an email if any spots open up. You will also get a priority email for the date of our second container, allowing you to volunteer on that day before we open it up for new registrations.
Original Financial Goal: $36,000
Today's Numbers: $43,000
Potential New Financial Goal: $72,000
Original Volunteer Goal: 400-500 Volunteers
Today's Number of Volunteers: over 750 volunteers
Potential New Volunteer Goal: 2 days with 400 volunteers each day

Praise the Lord!

Brooke Accepted At 3 Colleges!

2010-01-13T12:20:00.001-08:00

I cannot believe that Brooke is 18 years old! She turned 18 on December 19th. It was a very interesting feeling when last week she called me from the clinic at her high school feeling badly and I said, "well, you are 18, what do you think you should do?". Weird to have an 18 year old! I rejoice that, although she has grown, my wife and I have remained our youthful selves! Ha! We are excited that Brooke applied to 3 colleges and has been accepted at all three! I love that she has options! Now begins the process of narrowing down which is the best (and most affordable!). Prayers are welcome regarding this process. My little girl isn't little anymore....

Mackenzie no longer needs to take the medication!

2010-01-13T12:14:00.000-08:00

We found out just prior to Christmas that Mackenzie, due to the testing which took place previously, will no longer need to take the medication that she has been on for many years to prevent seizures! Praise the Lord! This is a great Christmas present! Indeed we will need to follow-up with the neurologist periodically to make sure. God is good! It is truly a blessing to know that God's hand has been upon our daughter and will continue to be so. Thanks for the prayers on her behalf!

Mackenzie

2009-11-24T14:10:00.000-08:00

Our daughter Mackenzie is 10 years old. When she was only 2 years old she began having seizures. It was not only scary at the time, but very sobering for me to realize that she probably inherited the condition from me as I have a seizure disorder. We are both taking medication for this and, thankfully, we haven't had a seizure in a very long time. However, over the last several months we have been weening Mackenzie off her medication in order to see if she no longer needs it as her body as matured. Yesterday I took her to a clinic where she was fitted for a 48 hour monitor which will constantly monitor her brain waves. We are hoping and praying that the results will be encouraging and that she will no longer need to rely upon the medication. Let me assure you that, as I have learned in my own life, medicine is a good thing. We do not fear it, of course. We just would rather not have to use it if it was unnecessary. We will get the results sometime after Thanksgiving. God has shown His plan in her life so many times so far and my wife and I anticipate no less in this situation. She is quite the trooper with this monitor. She even bravely went in with me to Brooke's high school to pick her up without batting an eye. And I worry about how I look?! We'll see what God does...

Family Gives Up Home To Serve

2009-11-03T12:49:00.000-08:00

Recently I received an email from one of the members of CFC regarding a family from Atlanta who, after going on a mission trip to Africa, decided to give up their home and travel across the country serving. Here is a hyperlink to the story on ABC:
http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerindex?id=8956156. The mom is quoted on the news report as saying, "there are opportunities all around us, you just have to keep your eyes open and see needs and be willing to give of yourself….we’ve just gained gratefulness and a richness in our lives that we didn’t have before.” What an example! I am moved by their willingness to stop their busy lives and do whatever it takes wherever the road takes them to serve their fellow man. God has not asked me to give up my home, but He has asked me to be a willing servant to the people around me. I pray that I will be a servant right here in my neighborhood, town, and county.

CFC Staff Serves

2009-10-28T05:39:00.000-07:00

The staff members of CFC on Tuesday, October 27th, went out and served our community! We sent 3 groups to work at the Ashburn and Sterling Thrift Stores (a fundraising entity of the Good Shepherd Alliance) and the headquarters of Operation Homefront. Those who went to the thrift stores were asked to sort and fold clothes, organize closets, vacuum floors, arrange stock, and much more. Those at Operation Homefront were asked to stuff bags of candy to be sent to active soldiers being deployed overseas (they were actually picked up right after the team finished by soldiers who were very grateful for the effort) and also our CFC IT department was very instrumental in helping to fix computers, check the network, and other organizational tasks. I was proud of the efforts of the staff. I was also very moved to hear how the staff was amazed that "their small efforts would make such a huge difference" and "it was humbling to have the people of each organization be so grateful". I am very proud of the staff for "doing all things well". Please see the attached video to see just a small glimpse at their actions. Let's continue to work alongside these great organizations to make a real, sustained impact locally!

Being Present for a Soldiers' Homecoming

2009-10-15T08:13:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, October 11, my wife and I stood by and participated in the very solemn arrival of the body of Stephan Mace, a US Army soldier who was killed in Afghanistan. He grew up in the Purcellville area and attended Loudoun Valley High School where my oldest, Brooke, attends as a Senior this year. Brooke alerted me to the passing of this young man when she stated that there was a moment of silence at her school on his behalf. I am so proud of the community of Purcellville in which they rose so much to the occasion by, as per the request of the family, lined the highway from the Leesburg airport to the town of Purcellville. My wife and I along with about 300 other people, including several from CFC, gathered at the airport. My stomach turned a little when the plane landed. My heart sank and grieved on behalf of the family when his casket was moved from the plane to the hearse. I cannot imagine what the family is going through and I have been praying ever since I heard of the loss that God will, through His spirit, supernaturally comfort them in this difficult time. On Sunday there wasn't much that we could do that was tangible for the family other than to be present. This was the least we could do. My hope is that the family will continue to know that, although we do not know personally their experience, we are, as a community, available when called upon. As I said, it is the least we can do for someone who gave so much.

Finding your "sweet spot"

2009-10-08T07:26:00.000-07:00

One of my new ministry goals for 2010 is, "To continue to mobilize at least 1000 people to serve locally and motivate at least 5% of those people to move along their spiritual walk by finding their niche or “sweet spot” in serving locally." It has been our intention since the start of the Local Outreach effort to provide volunteer opportunities that people can participate in that will not take a great deal of time and effort of their part. These activities are designed to be "sample opportunities" in which someone could try-out a project with a particular organization and the individual is not necessarily committing to serving that organization from that point on. It has also been our desire to see a person who "tries-out" several opportunities would find their "sweet spot" or "niche". This is when a person discovers their true calling of God. We are working on strategies to help find this niche for more and more people who are willing to serve. This would provide the best opportunity for someone to not only serve for a moment, but long-term. My heart's desire is that periodically we can reflect not only upon the milestones and highlights of service opportunities which had a visible, positive effect on the community. But also to reflect upon the individual who, starting off with a willing heart, participated in a sample opportunity, and is now actively a vital part of an organization. That same individual weekly, if not even daily, is being a reflection of Christ. My prayer is that God will reveal to us His plan for making this more and more possible every day.

Christian Fellowship Church receives Clara Barton Award

2009-10-08T07:06:00.000-07:00

Christian Fellowship Church received an award from the American Red Cross due to our sponsoring the Redskins/Redcross Blood Drive. The award is the Clara Barton Community Award and was given with "appreciation to Christian Fellowship Church for recognizing the importance of our (Red Cross) mission and for inspiring the public to give the gift of life through blood donations." It was a very proud moment for me to receive this award on behalf of the volunteers who served during that event. It was also a profound moment when, from the start, we had desired to "host well" and have an impact on the administrations of both the Redskins and the Redcross organizations. This was seen by the award granted and the fact that the Vice President of Operations at the Redskins came across the room to personally thanks us for making the event a great one. I pray that this only opens more doors to serve in our community. I was honored to receive the award and have placed it in my office so that everyone will know that the community is being impacted by our efforts through local outreach. Thanks for the volunteers who made this event possible and who served with a willing heart and great professionalism all day long. Couldn't have done it without ya!

My Father, Harold Trivett

2009-10-06T05:45:00.000-07:00

As presented at the Iron Sharpens Iron Conference held at Christian Fellowship Church (it makes me very proud of my heritage):
Harold has been a Christian longer than most of us have been alive. During those years, God has worked through Harold’s life in many ways. Harold has been a member of CFC since its founding 30 years ago. Over those years, many changes have occurred and many people have come and gone, but Harold has remained and continues to serve the Lord. The Bible never said anything about retiring from serving God – and Harold lives that out. He has been in the church choir, managed the CFC softball team, participated on the church board and helped with special construction projects. During recent years, Harold has been best known for his faithfulness in teaching the children on Sunday mornings. He is always early on Sunday mornings despite the nearly 50 mile drive from his current home. Harold’s ability to connect with the elementary aged children demonstrates his Godly character and love for the children. His graciousness and kindness is seen in the joy he experiences by giving the children treats and rewards for learning about the Bible. As a teacher, none is more committed to making sure that the children have a strong Biblical foundation and know the love of Jesus Christ. Those who have seen him in action will tell you.

Perhaps one of the greatest testimonies to Harold’s honorable and Godly character is seen through the lives of his family. He has been married to his wife Jean for 52 years. His son Mike has carried on the passion for serving the Lord as demonstrated by his full time ministry at CFC. And anyone who has seen Mike’s children, Harold’s grandchildren, can tell you that it is readily apparent that a legacy was established that continues from generation to generation.

Harold, you are a man of honor who has served God faithfully for many years. And you are not done yet. For this, we thank you.

The Men of Christian Fellowship Church
Ashburn, Virginia
Honored at Iron Sharpens Iron Conference
November 1, 2008

A Military Thank-you

2009-09-27T14:05:00.000-07:00

The following email came to the CFC Email Network:
**************************************************************
Good Evening,
I'm a military wife and with the contributions that your church was able to give during these economic times allowed for our children to have something new to take school. This means alot to our family knowing we live on a very strict budget but with the help of your church we were able to make sure our kids had things they needed for school.

P.S. Thanks for all that you have been able to give this was a blessing for our family.

Thankful Military Family

**********************************************************************
This email made my day! It is so excited to know that the church is being the church! Praise the Lord!

Sampling to Sacrificing

2009-09-27T13:44:00.000-07:00

One of my goals for the 2010 is, "To continue to mobilize at least 1000 people to serve locally and motivate at least 5% of those people to move along their spiritual walk by finding their niche or "sweet spot" in serving locally". During my trip to Granger Community Church (a church that has been actively doing local outreach for many years) I discussed my desire to see people go from attending a sample event we sponsor to actually serving with an organization on a regular basis. An individual who goes from sampling to sacrificing. The Local Mission director indicated that they are struggling with this very thing. I have asked as part of the mentoring, to keep me posted on their progress to determine the best pass forward. We will keep you posted on the results.

It is my desire that through the efforts of the Community Outreach Team members we will be able to use the sample events to make people aware of the organizations functioning in Loudoun County; and then communicate ways in which those people can serve on an on-going basis. I am convinced, through the Reveal study done, that people truly move along in their spiritual walk by serving others. I also believe that people who find their niche and, thus, can awaken the calling that God has placed on their lives in using their gifts, personality, and abilities. Just as I have been excited about times in my life when I just know that I know that I know that what I am doing is exactly what God would have me do, I want that for the people of Christian Fellowship. We will start with "at least 5%", but I pray that this is only the beginning!

Redskins End Lions Losing Streak

2009-09-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

Today was a hard game to watch! I have been a Redskin fan forever it seems. I cannot believe that the Redskins lost the game to the Lions! This means that the team that hasn't won since 2007 (19 months of defeats) gets a win against my team! Even though this blog is not a very spiritual one I just am upset that we cannot seem to put together enough offensive drives to gain the advantage. This is going to be a difficult week for the Redskins organization as they attempt to discover what they need to do. I guess I am happy for the Lions and their city which has faced a great deal of heartache as a result of the economy. Events in our lives will cause us to go back to the basics. This will be the case for the Redskins... We'll see what develops.

2009-09-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

What's that smell?

I was listening to the news today and they did a report on the "smell of space". It seems that although few people have experienced traveling into space...even fewer have experienced the smell of space. Now that sounds strange - a vacuum could have a smell - and that a human could live to smell that smell! Still, according to experts, space has a smell. An astronaut was commenting that he had the pleasure of operating the airlock for 2 of his crewmates while on several space walks. Each time, when he repressed the airlock, opened the hatch and welcomed 2 tired walkers inside, a peculiar odor tickled his olfactory senses. The smell was on their suit, helmet, gloves, and tools. It was more pronounced on fabrics than on metal or plastic surfaces. The best description he could come up with is metallic; a rather pleasant sweet metallic sensation. It reminded him of his college days when he was surrounded by the sweet smelling welding fumes. That is the smell of space. Why do I record all this? The bible says, "For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." (II Cor. 2:15) This means that God, when he sees us among the saved or perishing, he smells the sweet smell of Christ. It could also mean that, perhaps, when we are amongst unreached people that they should notice something different. What would happen if people that we encountered could tell that we had been in the presence of God? What difference would it make? Just as the space-walkers have a distinctive smell...we, as Christians, should have the very aroma of Christ. Do you? Do I? Just a thought...

If Gordon Ramsey can make a difference...

2009-09-04T06:51:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you have ever watched the show, "Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares". Although the language is very rough and makes it difficult for this traditional guy to watch...it has a great premise. Gordon Ramsey, a renowned chef from Great Britain, comes into a town where a struggling restaurant is about to go bankrupt. He then through confrontation, menu changes, hiring and firing of staff truly transforms the place. Gordon uses his "trademark mix of brasive tell-it-like-it-is straight talking and inspirational leadership" in each episode. The description of the show goes on to say that "Gordon coaxes and crow-bars the restaurant's owners, chefs, and kitchen brigades into adopting a radical new approach he's confident will turn around the fortunes of each restauran in just one week"! Although his methods can be unorthodox he, through blood, sweat, and tears really does make a difference. His motivation for doing so is because of his love for food. The part of the show that is so fascination for me is the true difference he really does make. If he is motivated by good food, what am I motivated by? Is it lasting? Do I make a real difference? Although I may not "strong arm" anyone I hope that, through my own blood, sweat, and tears, I could make a lasting difference wherever the need is presented. It is my prayer for Local Outreach that we can truly make a "real, sustained impact". Prayer: God show me where you want me to go and what you want me to do and use to make a real difference no matter what the task".

2009-09-02T08:10:00.000-07:00

Ghana. People have asked me since my return from Ghana what the trip was like. In a nutshell: "amazing". It was amazing to work with the 350 children from ages 6 thru 14. Their ability to memorize scripture put me to shame. At one point during the trip our team was in charge of the 2nd of 2 morning services (we had to plan 2 skits and I had to preach). I became overcome by the fact that the children all week had called me "teacher" and yet they had taught me. As the team will testify I had kind of a "T.D. Jakes" moment where I, through tears, shared how the children of Ghana had taught me! They had, in just a few days, taught me what real worship was about. They had taught me what it means to be content no matter what the circumstances! The children of Ghana as well as the tremendous people we met in Ghana were my "teachers". I am thankful for how they enriched my life so much. Words and pictures cannot capture what it is like to be in Ghana. I truly hope and pray that this will become an annual trip for our church. If we go back in 2010, are you with me? I can guarantee you will never be the same again.

2009-09-02T07:51:00.001-07:00

I was sharing with the CFC staff yesterday in our luncheon regarding Local Outreach. Some of the challenges that we are currently facing with Local Outreach:

Connecting people to an organization on an on-going basis.

Keeping the effort fresh (by offering new, creative methods for serving and new organizations)

Discovering service opportunities with enough time to promote to the people of CFC.

Needing to create some efforts which are not currently active in Loudoun County.

Although we are facing some challenges, we have also had the following victories:

Over 560 people have been mobilized so far through Local Outreach (our goal was 250 by September 1st!)

We are currently partnering with over 30 local organizations. (for a listing of several of these organizations click here)

We have a Community Outreach Team made up of 18 people who were chosen based upon their talents, abilities, and previous serving involvement.

The COT members are constantly exploring and generating projects which can either be "sample activities" ("Day of Service" projects to help people become aware of an organization without committing to the organization) or on-going service opportunties

Praise the Lord for the victories! Praise the Lord for the challenges which keep us seeking His guidance. God is good all the time and all the time God is good.

2009-09-02T07:41:00.001-07:00

"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16). We believe here in the Local Outreach Department that "Good Deeds and the Good News" go hand in hand. Every day we have an opportunity to show God's love to the people we see in the grocery store, the bank, in traffic, at work, and in our homes. As we endeavor to serve locally in our community, may God use us to shine a light wherever and whenever.

Back from Ghana

2009-08-22T08:34:00.001-07:00

We're back! We are tired, but we are so amazed at the experience of being in Ghana. The warm and friendly people. The children who waved and smiled everywhere we traveled. The fact that we went there to bless and came back blessed. The people who smile in the face of struggle. They are happy in the face of hardship. We could not help but realize that we have (or should have) nothing to complain about! I'll try to remember that each day. If you hear me complain...remind me of this!

We returned from Ghana, Africa late on Thursday evening. We were quite delayed due to a mechanical issue with the aircraft. The plane they placed us on had to abort take-off at the last minute 2 days prior to our flight and stopped just 100 feet short of the runway after having to burn out the brakes and several tires. This made the team very apprehensive about taking that same plane several days later, but that is where faith comes in, right? The landing at JFK was a rough one and we all concluded that there might have still been some issues with the plane. In reflection: no matter how difficult the travel was to and from Ghana the time spent there was worth every challenge.

More details coming soon regarding the trip!

24 hours until Ghana Trip

2009-08-05T05:53:00.000-07:00

We are at 24 hours and counting until the Ghana, Africa trip! Two thousand years ago, the eternal Christ was incarnated in a man named Jesus. The hands of that man Jesus were the hands of God, and with those hands God touched those who had leprosy and made them whole. The feet of that man Jesus were the feet of God, and with those feet God walked among the people of this world so that we might behold God's glory. The tongue of that man Jesus was the tongue of God, and it was that tongue that God uttered the most important words ever put into human language. Two thousand years ago, Christ who is the eternal Son of God, expressed Himself in a historical human body. Today, God still seeks to incarnate Himself in human form. He still endeavors to embody Himself in history. However, the now body of Christ is the church. The local church is the hope of the world. My prayer for this trip is that we will, only by God's grace, and in accordance with I John 2:6, "whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did".

The "Backpack Brigade"

2009-08-04T13:46:00.000-07:00

The "Backpack Brigade" was a major project as orchestrated by the CFC Community Outreach Team members, Sherry and Gary Fisher, and Nancy Custard in partnership a tremendous organization called Operation Homefront. We passed out over 250 backpacks and asked the people of CFC to return them with the requested age-appropriate school supplies. With the effort of the team members and the generosity of the people of CFC we were able to deliver the backpacks to the organization on time and well-stocked! To think that on August 8th children all over the DC metro area will receive these backpacks in preparation for school! To think that their father or mother (whichever member who is actively deployed) will have one less thing to worry about from a distance. We placed a flier in every backpack which states the following: "Our military neighbors do so much for us that we are honored to give back in this small way. From your friends at Christian Fellowship Church." Way to go church in making a difference in the lives of children of deployed soldiers!

Making a Difference Locally for Good Shepherd Alliance

2009-08-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

Our team landscaping at the Good Shepherd Alliance as part of the June 2009 "Day of Service". This effort prepared the new shelter for a dedication ceremony a week later! Great job team!

Mission Trip in Ghana

2009-08-04T13:04:00.000-07:00

Our team of 14 people will be traveling to Ghana, Africa on Thursday, August 6th! Yes, this Thursday! We will be gone from August 6th thru 19th. I am so thrilled at the team that has been drawn together for this special missions trip! I am also especially thrilled that I will have the chance to spend the time with Brooke Trivett, my 17 year old daughter, as she is a member of the team as well. We will be working with Pastor Johnson Asare by working in a camp of some 500 children (many of which are orphans from villages all over the area) and then visiting the various villages to do fun activities and build relationships. Please pray for safety in traveling and also for each and every member to be used in a mighty way while in Africa! It will be hot. It will be dry. It will be a challenge being so far from home. However, I am looking forward to experiencing the way in which each of these elements brings out the best in each team member...including, hopefully, myself. Pray for us.

Blood Drive

2009-08-04T12:54:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, August 1st, the Local Outreach Department sponsored a blood drive in partnership with the Washington Redskins and the DC Chapter of the Red Cross. This required a cadre of volunteers and a great deal of "behind the scenes" planning. I challenged each shift of volunteers that this was our chance to roll out the "red carpet" and "host well". The volunteers from CFC were so professional and took the opportunity while escorting each donor to and from the waiting area to the donor area to get acquainted. The smiles on the faces of the donors were the result of the amazing efforts of each and every person involved. The goal of the day was to be Christlike to every person who came on campus and to set the ground work for the Redskins and the Red Cross to consider us in future endeavors. I believe that we scored huge on both counts! The Red Cross bright and early Monday morning already sent me an email about a blood drive in December! Thanks so much to the volunteers! We couldn't have done it without ya! The Red Cross saves lives physically by the blood they provide. Jesus Christ saves lives spiritually with the blood He shed on the cross. I believe this to be a partnership through Local Outreach which should be the beginning of a beautiful relationship!

'Building credibility and ownership for a real, sustained impact"

2009-07-28T16:54:00.000-07:00

"Building credibility and ownership for a real, sustained impact."

This is the slogan we have adopted for the Local Outreach Department of Christian Fellowship Church. This is because we understand the need to build credibility with local organizations who have been disappointed potentially by promises made to partner by other groups and organizations. Ownership by the people of CFC and, more specifically, the invited members of the Community Outreach Team is essential to see a grass roots effort. We also do not consider this effort to be a program or a trend. Something to try until something "better" comes along. This effort, it is our prayer, will be real and sustainable. My prayer as the director of Local Outreach is that this effort will be the thing that people of Loudoun County attribute to the church and leaders of organizations all over the county could reflect and recognize the difference the people of CFC have made.

www.cfellowshipc.org/local