April 24, 2011 by Wendy Carter.

Happy Resurrection Weekend!

“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said … “(Matthew 28:5-6)

Most of us in Canada are well aware that all snowflakes look different. It wasn’t until this past Thursday at our Home Group and supposedly when all the snow has now left us far behind that we thought to mention this fact to William. Unfortunately we never did get him to look at a single snowflake on his glove. Oh well, we will save that for another trip if that were to happen. Did you know there is a Snowflake Museum in Jericho, Vermont established by Wilson A. Bentley (1865-1931)? With his microscope and bellows camera he taught many, “Under the microscope, I found that snowflakes were miracles of beauty; and it seemed a shame that this beauty should not be seen and appreciated by others. Every crystal was a masterpiece of design and no one design was ever repeated. When a snowflake melted, that design was forever lost. Just that much beauty was gone, without leaving any record behind (www.snowflakebentley.com).” Amazing!

William arrived safely in Ottawa by WestJet early Good Friday morning. His schedule for the weekend is jam-packed with many preaching engagements among his Burmese friends. He will return Tues. morning with lots of stories to tell. Please pray for his ministry and check out his blog at www.william.heartlandfellowship.ca. Jot down Sun. evening May 29th on your calendar for his farewell potluck supper.

Our proposal to a local foundation for the development of Richard’s brick-making business in Myanmar has now been received. Please pray that they will look favourably upon our request for funds in the next few weeks. Richard wrote this week about their latest emergency, “By the grace of God, since 2007, we have water- tube and sufficient for clean water. This water- tube is deep 150ft. Last week, we have facing difficult of motor, now, we can’t used this motor is broken also we can’t prepare. Right now, we can’t use the generator and air compressor, because motor can’t work. There are 62 people who are living in the campus of Anisakhan; we have to pump up drilling water with generator every day. So, the generator is very old and we need  to repair it always, The fuel ( diesel ) its price also increase day by day. So, we would not like use it more. Please do remember our hardship on light too. We need to change the electric wire with a bigger one that we may have enough power in our campus. To make all the needed new system of electricity in our campus we need $1500 and please do pray for our needs. Instead of it, we have to decorate air-compressor which can be pumped up water electric power.” The children are walking a fair distance to get water which they carry in small barrels on their heads. We must get them involved in a business whereby they have the resources to cope with these kinds of emergencies.

Don’t forget to listen to Gary’s and Kaiya Burton’s weekly program – www.thelittlebigshow.ca. Gary also continues to record another radio program every Thursday afternoon with Dan Shurr from our Fellowship denomination. Check out www.fellowshipradio.ca.

Another April birthday happens tomorrow for Penny Spears. All the best, Penny!

Home Group take place this Thursday at the Burtons’ home at 7:00 p.m. as we continue to view Don Carson’s video series and pray.

Enjoy this weekend with your family and friends,

Wendy
wendy.carter@kainos.org
This blog is a summary of our 9:00 Sunday morning services held at 7777 Churchville Rd., Brampton, ON L6Y 0H3, 905-230-8116. It can always be found at www.blog.heartlandfellowship.ca.

The Hope in Resurrection Day by Gary Carter: To us as Christians every Sunday is Resurrection Day. The Bible does not tell us to celebrate this event once a year. In Bible times when Christians moved their worship day from the Sabbath to the first day of the week, this was a big change. In chatting with our neighbours over the fence yesterday, the husband mentioned to Gary that his wife was still with them. She has been suffering from a heart attack last year and diabetes. He is just not sure admittedly how he could face her death when it happens. In contrast Gary and Wendy met up with an old friend from our Eastwood days. She and her husband were the first couple to commit to helping us start that church over 30 years ago. Fifteen months ago this lady’s husband died. It has been very lonely for her since but her hope has allowed her to cope and move forward in her life. Most follow current trends e.g. one of the most influential people last year was Justin Bieber. Another influential person through the years is Billy Graham who has spread his message of hope far and wide. May we find someone to share our hope in the days to come.

Conversations with Jesus (Part 10) by Chris Burton: In Luke 6:1-10 there are two incidents about the Sabbath. Jesus and his disciples were picking some grain to eat from the grain field they were walking through and then Jesus healed the shrivelled hand of a man. Both times the Pharisees questioned Jesus. Out of the middle of the grain field the “Pharisee Paparazzi” jump out and start snapping pictures. The TMZ headline reads next day: Jesus Busted….Harvesting on Sabbath! Jesus has been hounded by the Pharisees ever since the little roof renovation project. The Pharisee Paparazzi are on hand once again looking for a new piece of controversy when He performs His healing and the TMZ reports: Sins of the Sabbath Part 2 … Jesus Heals!

Jesus responds with, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath (Mathew 1:28; Mark 2:27).” He is again giving a picture of his true nature - THE SON OF MAN … THE MESSIAH and promised by God. Jesus is the Son promised to Adam and Eve who would crush Satan’s head (Genesis 3); He is the Son promised to Abraham and David who would bless all nations and reign forever on David’s throne (Genesis 12; 2 Samuel 7); and He is the Son prophesied by Isaiah who is the Mighty God (Isaiah 9). Jesus has authority over the Sabbath because He is God and Creator. John 1:3 says, “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” Jesus can’t be bound by man made laws when he was the creator of man. The Sabbath was made by man to worship God (Jesus) and to glorify God (Jesus). When Jesus heals the sick or drives out demons on the Sabbath he is fulfilling the Sabbath by helping others to see who / what God really is. People are brought into worship with God, except the Pharisees who are too burdened by their laws and sins to see the truth. Jesus was a threat to their power. The Pharisees lost the true meaning or reason for the Sabbath; they followed Jesus to condemn where Jesus offered forgiveness or redemption.

All in the Family by Steve Macdonald: In 2 Timothy 4:12 we learn that Tychicus was sent to Ephesus to deliver letters to the church in Colossae, Ephesus, (Philippi) and to Philemon. In Philemon 1:1 we meet Philemon (Greek meaning affectionate), his wife Apphia (Greek meaning increasing) and Archippus, his son (Greek meaning master of the horse). Philemon was a noted man of Colossae, likely with some wealth or influence as he had slaves and a house large enough to hold a regular church meeting. As a fellow labourer, he probably held some office in the church at Colossae or took part in the work of spreading a knowledge of the Gospel. He came to know and believe in Jesus through Paul’s ministry possibly during Paul’s second journey (Philemon 1:19). Apphia, became a believer also through Paul’s ministry. She was the hostess and served in the domestic church (their home). She was martyred during the persecutions by Emperor Nero (54-68) along with Philemon and Archippus.

Archippus was mentioned twice in the Bible (Philemon 1:2; Colossians 4:17). His ministry was not known for sure, however, like others in biblical history, it appears he was trying to avoid the Lord’s assignment. It appears he tried to avoid the calling, so as a nice little push, Paul lets the whole church of Colossae know about it. Legend has it that mom, dad and son were all killed after being pulled out of their house by a group of non-believers who stoned, stabbed and whipped them.

Onesimus (Greek meaning profitable or useful) was a Phrygian by birth and a slave to Philemon. He ran away from Philemon at one time, stealing money/possessions to finance his way to Rome likely. There he met/heard Paul speak and was saved.

Philemon’s and Aphias’ connections were with Silas?, Timothy, Priscilla/Aquila, Apollos, Erastus, Gaius, Aristarchus, Tychicus, and Luke. Onesimus’ connections were with Tychicus, Jesus who is called Justus, Aristarchus, Mark, Epaphras, Luke, Demas & Timothy.

Resurrection Day by Gary Carter: Imagine a world without Easter or Resurrection Day — historically, culturally, sociologically, and personally. Many things would be very different. This year the most influential person listed by Time so far is the man who led the Egyptian rebellion. How is that working for that country? Societies founded on Christian values tend to prosper and others don’t. The risen Christ is everything; it is central to the Bible message. Christ will change society; that is the needed revolution.

In I Corinthians 15:13-26, the Apostle Paul is discussing life after death. The risen Christ is an actual, well-documented historical event. Will Justin Bieber have his same popularity in 20 years to come? Today some vaguely remember the life of Marilyn Monroe. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Paul all thought it important to record their experiences with Jesus a generation after his death. They had no photocopier but their message has been the greatest dissemination of literature in history and still stands above anything else. God has preserved the opportunity for people to see and hear His Gospel. He is not far from anyone of us. Even people in Myanmar can check out www.biblegateway.com on the Internet. This morning Carleigh Burton found her Easter eggs without much difficulty because her loving father put them where she could find them and have the joy of discovery. That is an illustration of how God has made the Gospel available easily to those who sincerely seek him.

According to Paul if Christ did not rise from the dead, then our preaching is useless, our faith is useless, our advertising would be fraudulent, there would be no after life, our faith would be futile, we would have unresolved sin, dead Christians would be lost and we would be pitiful people. There is an historical precedent set. In Adam all die; but in Christ all can be made alive. Many people don’t like to accept this. The coming King Jesus will demonstrate His Kingship and bring with Him those who belong to Him. In the final handover our enemies will be destroyed along with death. We are ambassadors to tell others to be reconciled to God.

Useful Chocolate Information by Steve Macdonald:
If you get melted chocolate all over your hands, you’re eating it too slowly.
Chocolate covered raisins, cherries, orange slices and strawberries all count as fruit, so eat as many as you want.
Diet tip: Eat a chocolate bar before each meal. It’ll take the edge off your appetite and you’ll eat less.
If you can’t eat all your chocolate, it will keep in the freezer. But if you can’t eat all your chocolate, what’s wrong with you?
Chocolate has many preservatives. Preservatives make you look younger.
Put “eat chocolate” at the top of your list of things to do today. That way, at least you’ll get one thing done.
Chocolate is a health food. Chocolate is derived from cacao beans. Bean = vegetable. Sugar is derived either from sugar beets or cane, both vegetables. And, of course, the milk/cream is dairy. So eat more chocolate to meet the dietary requirements for daily vegetable and dairy intake.

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April 17, 2011 by Wendy Carter.

Greetings on Palm Sunday!

“The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!’” John 12: 12-13

“He is a half bubble off level!” is a remark made about someone who is not striving for perfection, has not quite got his facts straight or is just a little strange. This is another English idiom we needed to explain to William. He has never even seen a level. Wonder what they use in his country for good measurement in construction? Or more likely that information is only available to those rich enough to own their own construction business. You have to have $10,000 in the bank to start any kind of business – another government ploy to keep the poor people poor. Thank goodness the Bible is our exact measuring tool whereby we can know how to live daily and can strive for a life of perfection.

Gary and I took William to visit Chin Baptist Church in Kitchener, ON. This was another positive experience meeting with Christian Burmese in Canada. Pray that these new relationships will continue to develop when he returns home in June. He flies to Ottawa once again early Good Friday morning to minister to the Burmese congregations over the Easter weekend. He needs to acquire a visa for entering Bangkok on his trip home. A farewell supper is scheduled for Sunday May 29 @ 5:30 at our home. Please let me know what you can bring. Thanks. More details to follow. (www.william.heartlandfellowship.ca)

Please pray for the acceptance of our proposal for funds from a local foundation so that Richard can begin his brick-making business to support his orphanage. Pray also for Richard’s wife, Hannah, who is expecting a baby in a couple of weeks.

Don’t forget to listen to Gary’s and Kaiya Burton’s weekly program – www.thelittlebigshow.ca. Gary also continues to record another radio program every Thursday afternoon with Dan Shurr from our Fellowship denomination. Check out www.listento.fellowshipradio.ca.

Birthday greetings go to Carleigh Burton this coming Wednesday, April 20 as she turns 3. Fred Brown celebrates his birthday tomorrow. Hayley Macdonald will celebrate her 15th b-day next Saturday. God’s best to each one of you! There seem to be a lot of birthdays in April.

Home Group happens this Thursday at the Burtons’ home at 7:00 p.m. as we continue to view Don Carson’s video series and pray.

Resurrection blessings,

Wendy
wendy.carter@kainos.org
This blog is a summary of our 9:00 Sunday morning services held at 7777 Churchville Rd., Brampton, ON L6Y 0H3, 905-230-8116. It can always be found at www.blog.heartlandfellowship.ca.

Taking Things for Granted by Gary Carter: In the 1890s, allegedly someone in the US patent office said that everything that could be invented had already been invented. That person could not foresee the powerful invention of electricity and how it would change one’s life and that of the world. Many use to think that graphics on a computer would never work as the edges would come out too jagged. Today’s technology is beginning to be used in many places never thought possible. We take electricity for granted but in William’s home state of Chin in northern Myanmar they don’t have any – a compelling human need. We are looking at sending a solar generating kit home with William which can run a computer for 4 hours being charged 8 or 9 hours in the sun. This new advancement means work in the evenings on scarves could be done and then sold for ministry needs or meetings attended where the Word of God could be read. Please pray for the logistics for this to happen. Jesus knew the importance of light as He said, “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12) Physical light gives more capacity for spreading spiritual light.

Leila N. Morris by Chris Burton: Some may know the old hymn, Sweeter as the Days Go By, written by Leila Norris who wrote over 1000 Gospel songs during her lifetime. As a child, Leila lived in Malta and McConnelsville, Ohio. In 1881, she married Charles H. Morris. She was also active in the Methodist church and camp meetings. When her eyes began to fail in 1913, her son built a 28 foot blackboard with oversized staff lines so she could continue composing. Many well-known hymns, including “Sweeter As the Years Go By,” “Nearer, Still Nearer,” and “Let Jesus Come Into Your Heart,” were composed in her church, Trinity Methodist Episcopal, by Leila as organist (1862-1929). Her songs have been translated into many languages and published in the hymnals of Protestant denominations around the world.

Of Jesus’ love that sought me, when I was lost in sin;
Of wondrous grace that brought me back to His fold again;
Of heights and depths of mercy, far deeper than the sea,
And higher than the heavens, my theme shall ever be.
Chorus: Sweeter as the years go by, sweeter as the years go by, Richer, fuller, deeper, Jesus’ love is sweeter, Sweeter as the years go by.
‘Twas wondrous love which led Him for us to suffer loss,
To bear without a murmur the anguish of the cross;
With saints redeemed in glory, let us our voices raise,
Till Heav’n and earth re-echo with our Redeemer’s praise.

Tychicus - by Steve Macdonald: This associate of Paul’s with the hard-to-say Greek name meaning casual or by chance is mentioned five times in the New Testament (Acts 20:4; Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7; 2 Timothy 4:12; Titus 3:12). He came from Asia, possibly Ephesus and appears as a companion of Paul on the return portion of his third journey from Corinth, through Macedonia, and Asia Minor to Jerusalem. Was he a convert of Paul’s or did he come to believe some other way (e.g. through Priscilla and Aquila, Apollos, Erastus)? Once he believed, however, he became “the dear brother, fellow servant faithful minister in the Lord.”

Tychicus was in Rome with Paul during his first imprisonment. Paul trusted him so much that he gave him letters to deliver to Colossae, Ephesus, Philemon, possibly Philippi and maybe one was the missing letter to Laodicea (Colossians 4:16). His associates were Paul, Silas, Luke, Onesimus, Philemon, Apphia, Archippus, Epaphras, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Timothy, Titus, Artemas, Sopater of Beroea, Secundus, Gaius of Derbe, Trophimus son of Pyrrhus, and possibly Priscilla and Aquila, Apollos, and Erastus. Tychicus was faithful, dependable, an encourager, trustworthy, a close friend/associate who knew personal information about Paul, a beloved brother, a faithful minister and highly regarded by Paul. He definitely was a “reliable” man as mentioned in 2 Timothy 2:2. According to Eastern traditions he was one of the 70 Apostles.

Ready … Reset by Gary Carter: It is amazing how God has preserved for us the specific letters we now have in the New Testament. It took weeks of travel for Tychicus to get one document from here to there but he, along with others, was driven by the power of the resurrection. These people were willing to reset the pattern for their future; they wanted to change, grow and be different.

The life of King Jehoshaphat is described in 2 Chronicles 17-21. He was King Asa’s son whom we studied recently. He did more than his father in cleaning up the land of Judah by getting rid of mixed religion. He removed the high places and the Asherah poles and taught the people about the law of the Lord. The Word of God, the message of the Bible is precious and timeless. Unfortunately he aligned himself with King Ahab of Israel who wanted to attack Ramoth Gilead. They took the advice of 400 prophets over the prophet Micaiah’s decree from the Lord that if they went to war it would be disastrous. King Ahab died as a result of that battle. King Jehoshaphat, in turn, had solved his pagan worship problem but he compromised and created a coalition problem with King Ahab. He felt a need that wasn’t real; he responded to a request that wasn’t wise and got involved when he should have stayed out of the problem. We need to pick our battles according to what God wants. We need to reset our buttons of life by recapturing our first love and speak out to share God’s message even if it is awkward.

Communion: Paul persecuted the church until his miraculous conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). The purpose of Christ’s sacrifice is redemption - bringing people to Himself. The Lord’s Supper is an opportunity to remember Him and this sacrifice which message we must pass along.

Anagrams by Steve Macdonald:
Dormitory …  Dirty room
Astronomer … Moon starer
Remember the Alamo? … A memorable term, eh?
Debit card … Bad debt
Clint Eastwood … Old west action
Election results … Lies! Let’s recount!
David Letterman …  I demand TV later
Hot water … Worth tea
Titanic disaster ….  Death, it starts in ice
Country side …  No city dust here
A stitch in times saves nine … Is this meant as incentive?

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April 10, 2011 by Wendy Carter.

Hi there!

“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11

Spring is here and it’s the international Masters Golf Tournament happening this weekend in Augusta, Georgia with magnificent scenery. The extremely focused plan for each of these men is to direct a small white ball into 18 holes throughout the course in the least number of strokes (with lots of birdies, lots of frustrations, and lots of onlookers) to win a green jacket. Do I sound like I know what I am talking about? God is just as focused on our lives according to this popular verse above. His plans for the Israelite exiles in Babylon were for them to settle down, build homes, marry, plant gardens, increase in number, and pray for the prosperity of the city. After 70 years He would direct them back home to Jerusalem. As with golf we never know what the end of our story will be like.

William is continuing to allow God to direct his life. This past week at our FEB Central convention in Cambridge he was able to meet some new people with Burmese connections in Ontario. His challenge is to develop these relationships further. Our neighbour Ferd is heading to China this week for his adjustable bed manufacturing business. He will be on the look out for any portable way of creating electricity (possibly solar) that William could sell in Myanmar. We are planning William’s farewell party some time the end of May. Details to follow.

Our proposal for funds from a local foundation was couriered last Thursday. Please pray for a positive response so that Richard can begin his brick-making business to support his orphanage. Several students will be graduating high school in the next five years. They also need proper direction for their lives.

The Nghiem family put their house up for sale this past week where William is living and in a couple of days they received a conditional offer. They want to live closer to the school where Mylene teaches in north Toronto and plant a new church nearer that community. Pray for God’s leading in their lives as they hope to move the end of June. We have been very grateful to them for their good care of William since December.

Don’t forget to listen to Gary’s and Kaiya Burton’s weekly program – www.thelittlebigshow.ca. Gary also continues to record another radio program every Thursday afternoon with Dan Shurr from our Fellowship denomination. Check out www.listento.fellowshipradio.ca. Continue to pray for a president who will be able to manage this national organization well.

Home Group happens this Thursday at the Burtons’ home at 7:00 p.m. as we continue to view Don Carson’s video series and pray.

Have a good week!

Wendy
wendy.carter@kainos.org
This blog is a summary of our 9:00 Sunday morning services held at 7777 Churchville Rd., Brampton, ON L6Y 0H3, 905-230-8116. It can always be found at www.blog.heartlandfellowship.ca.

Influencers by Gary Carter: Are you familiar with the name, John Walsh? He has been the host of the television program, America’s Most wanted. Candy Lightner founded MADD as a result of her 13 ½ year old being killed by a drunk driver. Robert Raikes (1736-1811) worked with down and out kids in London, England and established the Sunday School movement. He had great influence on George Mueller who founded orphanages, pastored a church of 1200 members, distributed tracts and wrote 60 letters each week. Bill McCartney started Promised Keepers known today as a large Christian men’s organization. C. T. Studd (1880-1931) was a son of a rich man who wanted to live by faith and gave lots of money to support George Mueller’s orphans. He became a missionary himself to China where his two sons died at an early age. He was, however, able to show the Chinese the importance of females in a country that valued males. He later went to India and then Africa to begin World Evangelism Crusade with 100s of missionaries. Studd declared, “Some want to live within the sound of church or chapel bell; I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell.” He inspired Adoniram Judson, one of the first missionaries in Burma. William wouldn’t be in our church today without Judson’s influence in that country. John R. Boyd (1914-1994) pastored a church in Sudbury. He had a great impact on young people with employing four interns every summer. The American Elmer Towns has become well known as a Sunday School speaker at conventions. He started “Friend Day.” Over 10 million people have come to church because of their friend’s invitation through this system. Gary’s pastor friend, Doug Porter, from Napanee has ghost written many of Mr. Town’s books. There is always someone standing behind someone else. One may lead to many over time.

Many make a difference in many others’ lives. And yet, with our study on Jesus’ conversations in the Gospels we have learned that 30% of the Gospel of John is about one person, Jesus, influencing one other person. 15% were conversations with 12 or fewer. Whatever the influence, large or small, being known or not, according to C.T. Studd’s poem, Only One Life (“Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.”), we must follow God’s will for our own unique lives every day. We can’t waste time on mere complaining. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20)

William: This week William wrote another song (www.william.heartlandfellowship.ca) based on Psalm 33:12. It is very important that God is our Lord – if so, we will be blessed. He has been encouraged to see one of the Ottawa congregations that doesn’t have a pastor increase their giving. This is spiritual progress. He was also excited to learn that a Burmese couple who have not been able to have a child for several years are now expecting their first. He will return to Ottawa Easter weekend. It is fun to see William’s much improvement in his guitar playing and song writing.

Titus - by Steve Macdonald: Steve is particularly fond of the book of Titus written by Paul as it helped turn his life around for Christ several years ago when we first started Heartland. Titus, another associate of Paul’s, was mentioned 13 times in the New Testament. He was the recipient of this letter. His name means honour and he was a Greek (Galatians 2:3). Eusebius, the historian, records Titus as the first bishop of Crete. Tradition indicates he died in peace in 107 AD in Gortyn, Crete at an advanced age (between 94-97). He travelled to Jerusalem (Galatians 2:1), Macedonia (2 Corinthians 7:5-6), Corinth (2 Corinthians 8:17), Rome & Dalmatia (2 Timothy 4:9-10), Crete (Titus 1:5), Nicopolis (Titus 3:12), and Ephesus with a “severe letter” (2 Corinthians 2:3-4). His travel companions were Paul, Barnabas, Peter, John, James, Artemas or Tychicus, Luke, John Mark, Timothy, Silas, Aristarchus, Sopater, Secundus, Gaius, Trophimus, Erastus, Crescens, Zenas, and Apollos.
Titus was one of Paul’s dear and trusted friends. He was reliable as Paul chose him to be his delegate to Corinth. He was a politician who managed to deal with difficult and delicate matters in the church. He was patient; he returned to Corinth more than once. He was tactful, resourceful and skillful in dealing with the Corinthian church factions, handling the men and the affairs regarding alms. He was upright, honest and held in high esteem - “Whether any inquire about Titus, he is my partner and fellow-worker to you-ward.“ (2 Corinthians 8:23)

Conversations with Jesus (Pt. – Jesus Questioned about Fasting (Luke 5:33-39) by Chris Burton: Jesus was challenged for not being as “spiritual” as John or the Pharisees and gives another hint as to who He is and why He has come. There is a vast contrast between what Jesus is teaching and what the Pharisees are saying. He was bringing new thinking with authority. People were tired of hearing old stuff. The wineskin illustration He used would have made sense to them; they knew how it was made from one goat piece. When fermenting took place the skin would expand. It would be drained and couldn’t be used again. A new skin would be needed for new wine. You have to get rid of old thinking, the old self. This was a loaded conversation.

Ready … Reset by Gary Carter: We need to evaluate on a daily basis our old framework of values whether they be inherited, accepted or even chosen. A teenager approaching adulthood will decide which values to keep. C. T. Studd gave away all his inheritance. Often a giant leap forward in this area occurs due to a tragedy, failure etc. God knew the plans He had for the Israelites in their Babylonian captivity in the Old Testament. He told them to settle down and pray for prosperity which included spiritual prosperity. Do you have spiritual children and grandchildren? We need to learn to be pliable, not always following our own preferences. There is always time to hit the reset button. You never know what’s coming around the corner. Gary found himself sitting in McDonald’s Saturday night surrounded by people with non-white skin colours. Brampton is our Babylon. It is time to reach out to it.

Anagrams by Steve Macdonald:
A Decimal Point - I‘m a Dot in Place
The Morse Code - Here Come Dots
Slot Machines - Cash Lost in ‘em
Desperation - A Rope Ends It
Snooze Alarms - Alas! No More Z’s
The Public Art Galleries - Large Picture Halls, I Bet

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April 3, 2011 by Wendy Carter.

Greetings!

“From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.” Acts 17:26-27

Daily news reports from Japan (over 15,000 have died plus up to 3000 injured so far and many more still missing) and the ongoing horrific problems with the nuclear plants that were damaged during the March earthquake are revealing to the whole world this nation’s dire situation. It is very hard for Japanese people to ask for help. Shinto is the major religion alongside of Buddhism; however it has been said that 70% of Japanese do not have a personal religion. How can they cope with their fear, anxiety, loss, even lack of hope for the future? May we pray that many will ask for help and seek out our God who is not far from them.

William had another great weekend in Ottawa as he preached to 3 or 4 Burmese congregations. His ministry to them is helping them realize how important it is for the different groups to work in harmony here in Canada. There are more details on his blog, www.william.heartlandfellowship.ca. This Wednesday Gary will take him to our FebCentral annual conference in Cambridge to get a taste of our denomination.

Don’t forget to listen to Gary’s and Kaiya Burton’s weekly program – www.thelittlebigshow.ca. Gary also continues to record another radio program every Thursday afternoon with Dan Shurr from our Fellowship denomination. Check out www.listento.fellowshipradio.ca.

Home Group happens this Thursday at the Carters’ home at 7:00 p.m. as we continue to view Don Carson’s video series and pray.

Take care!

Wendy
wendy.carter@kainos.org
This blog is a summary of our 9:00 Sunday morning services held at 7777 Churchville Rd., Brampton, ON L6Y 0H3, 905-230-8116. It can always be found at www.blog.heartlandfellowship.ca.

Foundation Presentation for Myanmar by Gary Carter: These days we are pursuing foundation money for Richard’s orphanage in Myanmar. He wants to begin a brick-making business to support their daily needs and provide for the children’s education after high school. One local foundation also interested in orphanage work is willing to receive our proposal. To help with this presentation we recorded William during our service. He described the usual pattern of life for children there. Many teenagers do attend university with financial help from their parents if possible. William attended university with about 10,000 students. Only 1000 graduated with him because of financial constraints along the way. Even though there are not many jobs available upon completion of this education it does better prepare them for life. Myanmar is a large unknown country sandwiched between Bangladesh and Thailand. 43,000 orphans live on the streets. This is not the only place in our world that requires outside help; however the world quickly learns about other countries (e.g. Japan’s plight). Please pray for a positive outcome to our financial pursuit so that Richard’s orphanage can become a template for other orphanages in the land. This will move the country forward in many ways.

John Mark - by Steve Macdonald: John Mark was another associate of Paul’s who lived in Jerusalem with his mother, Mary (father unknown) according to Acts 12:12. His family was comfortable if not wealthy and well known as Christians. They opened their house for others to pray. Was this the house Peter went to after escaping jail where Christians were praying for him? Mark knew and was exposed to some prominent leaders in his teen years – Peter, John, other disciples, Barnabas. He became very close to Peter, possibly a convert/a student (I Peter 5:13). He is probably the author of the Gospel of Mark. He wasn’t really a leader but a good second man. In Hebrew, John is Yohanan meaning “grace” and Mark in Latin is Marcus. Was Mark then a Roman citizen?
According to the historian Jerome, Mark travelled with Peter to the Jewish believers who had been disbursed to Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, Bithynia and Rome in AD 42. Eusebius also indicates that Mark was Peter’s recorder writing down accurately all his experiences with Jesus. Mark would have been too young at this time. Jerome also claims that Mark took his Gospel to Alexandria where he formed the first church there. This would have impressed Philo a learned man among the Jews. Mark also travelled with Paul and Barnabas as their helper from Antioch to Salamis and Paphos on the island of Cyprus (Acts 13:5-12). He did leave them in Perga in Pamphylia (Acts 13:13) to return to Jerusalem. Why? Did he have a special mission to perform for Paul and Barnabas? Not likely as in later years Luke refers to this departure as a desertion. Mark may have had some doubts regarding what Paul and Barnabas were preaching and to whom. Being close to Peter, Mark may have leaned towards their preaching of circumcision as well as not preaching to Gentiles. Was it too much of a leap for him that he had to return to Peter with his beliefs and teachings where he was comfortable? Were the discussions regarding the Gentiles so animated between Paul and Mark or was Mark so unmovable about his beliefs that Paul could not accept him back on another trip (Acts 15:39)? Barnabas always the “son of consolation” or “son of encouragement” obviously spent much time working with Mark during their trip to Cyprus. Mark does not resurface for almost 11 years at which time he is once again with Paul in Rome (Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:23). Mark must have made quite the impression many years earlier to be remembered by Philemon and others.
Mark’s associates were Peter, the disciples, Paul, Barnabas, Luke, Philemon, Epaphras, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, Silas, Bar-Jesus, Sergius Paulus, Elymas, Timothy, Priscilla and Aquila, Tychicus, Onesimus, Justus, Gaius, Sopater, Secundus, and Trophimus.

Conversations with Jesus (Pt. 7) – Tax Collectors & Sinners by Chris Burton: In Luke 5:27-31 we learn about Jesus calling Levi (Matthew), a tax collector, and eating with sinners. The tax collectors were Jews who collected taxes from fellow Jews for the Roman Empire. They made their living by charging an extra amount. Some of them made more than a living; their “hired hands” would help them collect whatever amount they could. They were also considered traitors who became wealthy by collaborating with Roman authorities at the expense of their own people. The sinners who are grouped with the tax collectors were not “ordinary” sinners. Even the Pharisees along with others would admit that everyone was a sinner and needed God’s mercy and forgiveness. But the sinners associated with tax collectors were people who deliberately and persistently sinned. In this group would be money-lenders who charged interest on loans advanced to fellow Jews. These individuals were making a living by disobeying the commands of God and betraying their own people. They were the “wicked” and “unworthy” to be cast aside and avoided by the people of God. But Jesus was “hanging” with them - it’s not too hard to see why the Pharisees were unhappy and the others were confused. If Jesus was eating with tax collectors and sinners in order to preach to them (convert them), perhaps the Pharisees would have not raised a stink. But they didn’t think Jesus was doing any of that (condemning their actions and demanding repentance). What angered the Pharisees was that Jesus was not directly asking tax collectors and sinners to do any of this. Some of them likely did repent, like Levi, but Jesus also accepted them as they were and was freely having dinner with them without requiring that they first clean up their lives. Jesus did have a message for them. It wasn’t, “Straighten up your life and keep the law.” His message was, “The kingdom of God is yours; you are included.” By eating with them, he was extending to them the kingdom of God.

Finding God (Acts 17:26-27) by Gary Carter: These verses are very precise (see them at the top of this post). God has orchestrated the exact times and places where we will live on the earth. He has tilted His system in favour of us seeking Him. There are approaching 7 billion people in the world presently. With the six degrees of separation philosophy anyone can know the truth. We can find Him whether we live in a dark city like Yangon, Myanmar or a hard to reach city like Brampton, Ontario. In a few weeks many parents will be celebrating Easter with their children by hiding Easter eggs for them to find. They won’t put them in really hard-to-find places as they want to participate in their children’s joy of discovery. God has placed the joy of discovery of the resurrection where it can be found because “he is not far from each one of us.” God is discoverable.

Police Reports & Bad Ads by Steve Macdonald:
Theft: A woman in the 1900 block of 129th Lane Northeast reports Oct. 15 that someone must have stole her mail because she did not receive birthday cards from some of her friends.
1:33 p.m., Sonora – A man came to the Sheriff’s Department to “find out how to legally kill” a person who was harassing him.
2:58 p.m. - The Learning Center on Hanson Street reports a man across the way stands at his window for hours watching the center – making parents nervous. Police ID the subject as a cardboard cutout of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Don’t Pay High Prices for Central Air Conditioning! Only $5,500,000 and one or two days is all it takes to install top quality Lennox Central Air in your 3 bedroom raised ranch.
A deputy responded to a report of a vehicle stopping at mail boxes. It was the mailman.
3:35 a.m. A woman on Serrano Road said two people were in her backyard cutting her marijuana plants.
Weight Loss: Treadmill, almost new $200 or trade for scooter with large seat.
Dog Attack: Lower Duck Pond, Lithia Park, Ashland. Police responded to a report of two dogs running loose and attacking ducks at about 11:20 a.m. Sunday. The officer cited a resident for the loose dogs. The duck refused medical treatment and left the area according to police records.
Tombstone: Standard gray. A good buy for someone named Grady.

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