GHC Shepherds/Coaches

The Shepherds/Coaches Appreciation Dinner was held at Sura Restaurant on 8/26.  One simple dinner does not compare to the amount of sacrifices that they're making every week in serving our house churches and community groups.

We appreciate you all!  You guys are the backbone of GHC!  Thank you for persevering and serving the LORD wholeheartedly!

Reaching out to Muslims

I recently visited Jordan (96% Muslims).  God opened my heart to pray more fervently for Muslims. 

I.      Islam Facts

A.   Since 1900, Islam has grown more than 460%.

1.    Today, there are more than 1 billion Muslims in the world.  Each year, that number grows by more than 25 million people.

2.    In the U.S., Islam is the 3^rd largest religion.

B.   Islam beliefs: Five Pillars

1.    Shahadah: "There is no God but Allah; and Mohammed is His Messenger.”

2.    Salat: Prayer (5 times a day, facing Mecca). 

3.    Zakat: Alms giving or charity

4.    Sawm of Ramadan: Fasting

5.    Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca (Every able-bodied Muslim is obliged to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime). 

C.   Islam is a way of life.

1.    Converting to Christianity can be dangerous and life-threatening.

a)    A number of converts find life difficult – pressure comes from family, work and society. 

b)    Many converts are being persecuted. 

2.    A person named Abraham Sarkar, a former devout Muslim, had to face much persecution when he became a Christian.

a)    His Muslim friends beat him up and threatened to kill him.

b)    “I lost everything after I accepted Christ, but my faith in Christ remained firm…The good news of Jesus Christ changed my life.  Jesus has given this former Muslim hope and the assurance of eternal salvation.  He has changed my life forever.  As a Christan, I find life today full of wonder and surprise.”  (Abraham Sarkar, Understand My Muslim People, p. 25). 

II.    God wants us to reach out to Muslims. 

A.   Jesus is mentioned 93 times in the Quran. He is considered a great prophet, but not a Savior.

1.    Palestinian Muslims are hostile to Jews. More than 2 million people in Jordan are 2^nd or 3^rd generation Palestinians who were removed from their traditional homeland, which is current Israel. 

2.    They hold grudges against the Jews. 

3.    Do Muslims need Jesus Christ?  Yes!  Does God love them?  Yes.

B.   What does Christ have to offer to Muslims? (Sarkar, p. 246-8)

1.    A Savior

a)    Even with keeping the 5 pillars, Muslims are not sure whether Allah would send them to heaven or hell.

b)    Acts 4:12  Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

c)    John 14:6  Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

2.    A Personal relationship with God

a)    Allah is distant – performance driven; Master-slave relationship.

b)    Revelation 3:20  Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

3.    The Holy Spirit

a)    Guides, comforts, empowers every believer.

b)    John 14:26  But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

III.   Obey the call to missions. 

A.   Acts 13:47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us:“ ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’’”

B.   God sent His Son to save mankind, including Muslims. 

C.   They need to see the light.  They need to see the Truth.

D.   Do’s and Don’ts when reaching out to Muslims (Sarkar)

1.    Don’ts

a)    Don’t argue about Allah (will become an immediate barrier).

b)    Don’t have the attitude, “You’re wrong, and I’m right.”

c)    Don’t attack Mohammed or Islam. 

2.    Do’s

a)    Pray for them.

b)    Develop friendships (I was biased toward Muslims because of my burden and interest for Israel). 

c)    Respect your Muslim friend.

d)    Share your personal testimony (Don’t be afraid to pray in front of them.  Many Muslims don’t think Christians pray)

IV.  Conclusion

A.   God has called us to go and reach out to the world with the message of His gospel.

B.   Pray that God would open their hearts.  You can start reaching out to Muslims right where you are. 

C.   “God loves Muslims, and just as He saved me from the bonds of Islam, I know that His arm is not too short to extend His saving grace to Muslims across the globe and right here in America.  In fact, millions of Muslims right now are longing for what Christ has to offer through a vital, personal relationship with God.  Will you share this message of hope?” (Sarkar, p. 249). 

T4T

I've recently attended a conference entitled "T4T." I've never heard of T4T until now. After the conference, I became convinced that T4T is necessary for our church. Here's what T4T is: What is T4T? "Training for Trainers" T4T is designed to help believers proclaim the gospel and disciple new believers. What makes T4T different? As its name implies Training for Trainers, T4T, is all about training. Its goal is to train believers who can train others in a very simple yet effective method of evangelism and discipleship. The goal of the training is to establish rapidly reproducing churches and groups of disciples across relationship networks. I hope to see everyone at Global Harvest Church would learn to share the Gospel effectively and disciple new believers. All for the glory of God!

OIL Retreat 2012 in Chicago

OIL has lived up to its reputation once again! Powerful praise, Word, and long hours of fervent prayer! It was awesome to see 700 young people (mostly college students) gather to exalt the Name of Jesus Christ. Dr. Paul Tripp, Dr. Eric Mason, Dr. Min Chung, Dr. Zimmermann... amazing speakers and humble servants of God! What an honor to take part in this awesome retreat! Behind the scene, there were many people like Pastors Jong Park, KJ, etc... who've put in countless hours for preparation. We also sent 13 people from GHC. It was such a blessing to see them get blessed!

KCCA Youth and College Conference, AZ

Praise God for the exciting opportunities to preach God's Word next week in Arizona (12/26-29). I'm praying for God's outpouring of His Holy Spirit!

DFW EM Servants Fellowship on 12/7/2011

Our very first DFW area EM servants fellowship meeting was held at GHC on 12/7/2012. This was a historic meeting because there was none like it before. 23 ministers from 6 churches, representing five different areas (Lead, Youth, Singles/College, Worship, Children's) have gathered in one place for fellowship and encouragement. It was great to connect with co-laborers in Christ. Thanks to Carol Pak, along with Jinny Kang, Linda Park, for the wonderful steak meal and awesome deserts!

GHC's 15th Anniversary

Praise God! We're celebrating our church’s 15th Year Anniversary! I remember the day GHC was born in 1996. I want to thank God for New Song Church, formerly known as Korean First Baptist Church of Dallas. It was through their obedience to God’s call, GHC was born in 1996. The story of Global Harvest Church can be summed up in two words: God’ Faithfulness. As I look back, I can see the faithful hand of God all over our church, guiding and leading us in so many ways. Many lives have been transformed here at Global Harvest Church, including myself. All glory to God! And I’d like to thank the members of Global Harvest Church (both Carrollton and Frisco) who have been serving so sacrificially. May the Lord's spiritual blessings continue to flow through GHC!