Feeding the Hungry

One of the ministries we have here at WVCC is a hot meal for the homeless every Saturday afternoon. We have partnered with the Worldwide Church of God that uses our facilities on Saturday mornings, and they provide each person who comes with a bag of food for the week. Well, word has gotten out, and the local post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars is going to be providing the hot meal along with clothing, shoes and blankets on October 24. We are excited to be partnering with the VFW on that day. One thing we have learned here at WVCC is that cooperating with each other not only lightens the load, but allows a lot more to get done. As for why we do it - well it was Jesus himself that said when we do it to the least of our brothers and sisters, we do it for him. What could be better?

Pastor Ken

Paperwork

As I sit at my desk, I have just finished calling the immigration attorney to take the next step on getting the proper status for our new associate pastor of outreach and administration who will be helping to plant another congregation out of our church. I figure that we will be sending at least 50 pages of material to the INS for this purpose. There are pages of forms to fill out, copies of corporate documents to send and, well you get the picture. Bureaucracies live on paperwork. And that is appropriate, since as human beings we are not only not omnipotent, but we don't even have a perfect memory! Someday, however, I intend on immigrating physically to a kingdom that I have been a member of since 1971. Praise the Lord, there will be no paperwork to fill out! I have already made my reservation and, once there, have no intention of ever leaving. I trust that you intend on joining me there. And, if you are not sure about how to get there, email me and I will be happy to explain how you, too, can spend eternity in the kingdom of God. My email is: krwalters@hotmail.com

Pastor Ken

Revival?

The joy was palpable and the crowd was standing room only. I am speaking about the baptismal service at the First Armenian Assembly of God, one of the nascent congregations that are a part of West Valley Christian Center. Last night I watched and rejoiced as 30 new believers were baptized in water after having studied the contents of Christian Doctrine and Biblical teaching for several months. They were all ages and backgrounds. Some had even become Christians after having heard Pastor George Hovsepian preach on the satellite back in Iran and then coming to the United States as religious refugees (Muslims are all for religious freedom if it means converting to Islam, but to convert from Islam to Christianity is in many cases to receive a death sentence). Nor is this the end. There are 35 more ready to begin taking the pre-baptismal class for the next opportunity to be baptized. There is a real revival going on in the Iranian-Armenian community in Southern California. It was exciting to watch last night. It was also a reminder of the revival we so desperately need here in the US generally. Would you join with me in praying that God sends such a revival? It just might be the "last call" for our country and culture.

Pastor Ken

Coins with Joseph's face?

Here is a great article I just had brought to my attention that is potentially very interesting: http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1253820674074&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull

Right now, this seems to be the only source for all of the other postings on the story, so we need to be careful about running with this. But it does bring up an interesting subject: the tendency of modern archeologists to almost completely reject written sources in favor of their own findings. Now, we all know that not every written source is to be trusted - not even the NY Times! But the archeological record is so spotty, and so open to interpretation based on the assumptions of those writing, that I have a tendency to adopt a "wait and see" approach. It always amazes me how many times the "assured findings" of archeology have proven that the Bible was wrong, only to have a later finding prove that the Bible was actually right. That has been true for over a hundred years, but it is even more important in this day of the 24 hour news cycle to withhold judgment until all the evidence is in. In the meantime, I have found the Bible significantly more trustworthy that all the other sources combined. So, I think I will stick with it!

Pastor Ken

Music

There are so many things we can thank God for. Today, I am thankful for music. Oh, I realize that many might point to evolutionary reasons and maybe even evolutionary advantages to the production of music. Yada, yada. The pure enjoyment that music gives exceeds any "advantage" bestowed. I never cease to be amazed at how people think that, just because they have come up with an idea of how something came about, they have exhausted all there is to know about it. Is there some kind of benefit bestowed by the ability to make music? Maybe. But today, I am just enjoying it! With music I can calm the soul, communicate my feelings, and most of all, worship God. CS Lewis wrote once of a man who had determined how the body digests food, and therefore thought he had exhausted all there was to know. He starved. He forgot that we still need to eat. Well, I still need to relax. love, and worship. Thank God for the music that helps me do just that.

Pastor Ken

Misunderstandings

I just finished meeting with the Pastor of our Armenian congregation, a great man of God who has suffered much persecution and has come here to the US to minister to other religious refugees of Armenian background. During our discussion, we were talking about Bylaws and governance (exciting, huh?) when he asked about some church ownership and relationship with the General Council details. The details aren't important, but what we both realized was that we do things very differently from how they were done in Iran. And that reminded me of the times when serious disagreements have ended up being based on assumptions on the part of both parties that the other party was not even aware of. I once worked for a pastor who said that one of the biggest mistakes we make in relationships is "imputing bad motive" - assuming that the reason the other person did something we don't like is because they meant to hurt us! It is amazing how often that turns out not to be true. When I was growing up, my mother used to encourage me to give other people "the benefit of the doubt." After our discussion today, I realized that that is still good advice today.

Pastor Ken

College?

One thing that the parable of the workers tells us is that God can and does save and call us at various times in our lives. God's salvation is the same for one who comes late in life as it is for one who comes early in life, although the quality of this life will certainly be affected by when you make that decision to accept God's love in Jesus Christ. The same is also true about the call to ministry - God calls people early and he calls them late in life. Many of our most faithful ministers of the gospel have been called in their 30s or 40s or ever later after having been saved a little later in life. That is why I have always supported the alternative ministerial training opportunities the Assemblies of God have traditionally offered. They are vital, especially for those whose call to ministry precludes them from attending the traditional 4 year college. But that doesn't mean that we should ignore the traditional route. Indeed, if someone has been privileged to come to the Lord at an early age and to be called to ministry, perhaps while in High School, I still think that getting one's theological education at one of our 4 year colleges is the preferred route. I know it is expensive - but our God will always help us with what He has called us to. So if you are younger and sensing a call of God to ministry - don't hesitate to check out some of those admittedly expensive, but excellent colleges. You will be pastoring people who have 4 year degrees. It will help if you have one, too. Or, that is at least how it seems to me!

Pastor Ken

Detours

"Just another manic Monday." I know, the words to that song date me, but today has been a manic Monday. I was invited to speak to the an Executive Presbytery committee about my resolution at the last District Council on helping young ministerial graduates with their school loans, and left the house with about a half hour to spare. As I went past Interstate 15 on Highway 138, I knew that I had not needed that extra 30 minutes, in fact all had gone so well, I would probably arrive about 40 minutes early! And then it happened. Directly in front of me was closure and signs for the detour for the highway. After being routed through Hesperia in the High Desert, I did finally arrive - just in time! But it reminded me that detours happen so often in life that we might do well to just expect them as well. Fortunately, we serve a God who promised to take everything that happens to us - no matter the source and no matter the intention, and use it for our good when we love him and follow His call. So I got here - just in time - and have finished the meeting and am thoroughly enjoying the mountains while working on my dissertation. Detours? Sure, they happen. But as long as our Lord is with us, we will end up in the right place at the right time. Praise the Lord!

Pastor Ken

A New Thing?

It always amuses me when people try to tell others exactly how God does things. Yes, it is true that there are some things that God tells us in His Word that give us some general direction – salvation is through faith in Christ alone, God will baptize believers in the Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues, etc. But for the most part, God seems to delight in surprising us. One recent example in my life is the addition of yet another congregation/group to our expanding “community of communities” here at West Valley Christian Center. About five years ago I was approached out of the blue to sponsor and oversee a group of Assyrians (look that up – they haven’t had an independent country for over 2600 years!) who would be a department of our church and whose Pastor had served as a pastor in Iran and treasurer of the Iranian Assemblies of God. While I was happy to help, I wondered how I could really be of assistance. Five years later there is a thriving congregation that is ready to become a “parent-affiliated” church under the continued sponsorship of our church. Then, just over a year ago, I was approached to do the same thing with a new congregation of Armenian/Iranian refugees in the Glendale area. Now we would sponsor and oversee a group that didn’t even meet at our location! A year later, they too are about to become parent-affiliated and have grown to over 200 members and adherents! And now, we are in the planning stages for yet another group, much smaller at this time, that will be a part of our church, and whose leader will be an associate on my staff, that will cooperate with us and perhaps become the seed of yet another church plant. To say that I never envisioned myself doing this, or our church becoming the “breeding ground” for other churches, is a vast understatement. But that is just like our God! I feel completely unprepared for this. I not only have not had any training but no one seems to have even heard of a training program for doing this kind of thing. So I guess I will just have to rely on God for strength, direction and guidance. Not a bad place to be in!

Pastor Ken

Health Care Debate

I read an article that I think needs to be at the starting place for the "Christian" perspective on the health care debate. Tell me what you think! http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/augustweb-only/134-31.0.html

Pastor Ken

Christian Environmentalism

When I got into the office this morning (after perfectly horrendous traffic, I might add) there were two plumbers waiting for me. They are here to install new super-lo-flo toilets at the church. It is yet another step in the “greening” of our church. So far we have installed new lighting, which uses about 30-40% less electricity, new toilets which use about half the water of the ones they are replacing, and, of course, our 153 panel solar generating system. From a purely financial consideration, there are pluses and minuses. There is no question that, over the long haul, we will save money. Over the short haul, that is not quite so obvious – and as one person once said, we all eat over the short haul, not the long haul! But the more important reason we have done this is that, as Christians, we have a responsibility to be good stewards of this world God has given us. This whole issue of environmentalism has been mixed up with politics for so long that many can’t seem to separate it from their own political parties. I know that there are still some who question whether global warming is real. But honestly, can we really object to trying to return this world to the state in which God gave it to us before we started burning fossil fuels and dumping our waste in the water and air? I do not see how. So, for me, environmentalism is a part of my Christian lifestyle. Yes, I want to see the rest of the world enjoy the benefits of development. But I refuse to accept the false choice of either development or environment. God loves us all, and I firmly believe that He has given us both the materials and the intelligence to accomplish both. Here at WVCC, we are trying to do our part.

Pastor Ken

A New Week

Being a Pastor who is blogging on a site called "The Three Crosses" (which comes from the three crosses we have erected at the entrance to our church), one might expect that all the blogging would be spiritually uplifting or commentary on Christian themes. And, usually, one would be right (boy would my high school english teacher be proud of me for using that third person "one"). But today all I want to say is: great weekend! The Bruins won, the Trojans won, Tiger won, the Sparks won and, hopefully tonight the Chargers will win. Priceless!

Pastor Ken

Let's Have Some Fun!

It's Saturday, and the last day of my vacation. It is the day after a great win by the Dodgers over the hated Giants. It is a day to wait for the next US Open matchup. And so it goes. I remember a few years ago when a famous evangelist decried Christians attending Disneyland, not because there was anything wrong with Disneyland, but because it took valuable time away from "witnessing" or some other more important Christian activity. Bah! I believe that God rejoices in our "good, clean fun." God made us to enjoy many different things and I believe that this, too, is a part of God's image. So, go Dodgers! Here's to a Freeway Series this October!

Pastor Ken

All Good Things Must End

Only one more day of vacation. Cheri and I have been spending a relaxing few days on the Southern California coast, but that, alas, is about to end. Like most, I will miss the days of leisure, but also, like most, I am looking forward to getting back to "normal life." Vacations are great, but they are only designed for a short time. Real significance is found in fulfilling God's will for our lives. As I wrote a few days ago that we should "divert daily, withdraw weekly and abandon annually." Well, this part of my annual abandonment is over, but the return to "normal life" is about to begin. The rest has been appreciated. But the fulfillment of God's purpose goes on - and that is one good thing that will never end!

Pastor Ken

Sex, Lies and Abortion

I wanted to share this article with you on abortion. It summarizes quite well what I believe is at the heart of the problem: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/september/17.78.html

Pastor Ken

Ah, Sleep!

What is it about vacations that you have a chance to sleep in and can’t? One of the things I love about vacation is that I can read to my heart’s content. Which is what I did last night, finishing a book I had been working on. But that meant it was after midnight before I got to sleep. No problem! After all, I am on vacation and can just sleep in the next morning. Well, tell that to a body that is used to getting up at a certain time! Whether we like it or not, we are creatures of habit. That works to our advantage when it is a good habit and against us when it is a bad habit. But, as my early morning tiredness proves, sometimes whether something is good or bad depends on the context. I seldom sleep too late for normal activities. But sometimes that means I also don’t sleep in on days off – or vacations! Oh well – c’est la vie! I’m sure I won’t even remember it a hundred years from now. And yes, I do plan on being around a hundred years from now – just in a much better location than now!

Pastor Ken

Notes from afar

So Cheri and I are on vacation in an undisclosed location on the coast of Southern California. I grew up near here, but it is so easy to forget just how beautiful it is. We spent the day on the beach reading – about as relaxing as it gets. And that is the point! So to all of you who need someone’s permission to take a vacation – you have mine! Enjoy it in good health!

Pastor Ken

Labor Day

I remember when I served as a youth pastor in a "Right to Work" state. That is a state where the laws prevent any business from requiring union membership to work there. It was an idea that I strongly supported prior to ministering in that state. But while I was there I learned something that I remember on Labor day: in our society we sometimes tend to undervalue labor. In that state, I met people who had been working the same job, which required skilled labor, for 10 years or more, and who were still making minimum wage. That just didn't seem right. I know that such an anecdote does not prove the value or lack there of for "right to work" vs. union organization. But what it did do was show me that the honest labor of a working man or woman could be unappreciated. So on this day when we remind ourselves of the value of an honest day's work: thank you to all who tirelessly (or sometimes tiredly) work day in and day out in jobs that may not be glamourous, but without which we all would be poorer! God bless you!

Pastor Ken

Real Christianity

Take a look at this and ask yourself - Could I be this way? I would hope that I could - but am not sure I would. God bless! Paste this in your browser: http://www.socalag.org/video/player/beaten_ag_pastor_speaks_out/ I promise to learn how to embed soon!

Pastor Ken

WHAT DO WE BELIEVE?

Quite often I will be asked what we believe. There are a lot of different ways to say it. We have a statement of faith on the back of our bulletin that summarizes our beliefs. The Assemblies of God has an extended and detailed statement called "The 16 fundamental truths." But why is this even important? I mean, "can't we all just get along?" That concept is one with a long history and a great attraction. There are so many things that divide us. Why can't we all just get along? And certainly there are places where this is a valid question. It implies that we can all just "agree to disagree." And that works fine in areas of taste, like food, movies, books, etc. But it can't work in areas of truth. If you want to believe that you can fly, should I let you believe that? I remember when my youngest asked her mommy, "Mommy, when are you going to let me fly off of the balcony?" as if all that was preventing her was getting our permission! If flying were a matter of taste, then we could have said something like, "Dear, when you are ready to fly, you just go ahead and go." But she couldn't fly and never will be able to! So real love demanded that we explain to her why she couldn't fly, and then keep on eye on her until we knew she understood! If there is a God, and if He has chosen to communicate with us, and if the content of that communication determines not only our quality of life now, but its quality and duration forever, then we must know what is true! So what do we believe? Well, a good start is here: http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/index.cfm Check it out, and let me know what you think.

Pastor Ken

Divert, Withdraw, Abandon

I start my vacation in another 24 hours or so. What a blessing! It reminds me of something that Rick Warren said at our General Council about a month ago: Divert daily, withdraw weekly and abandon annually. It is an extension of God’s command to remember the Sabbath. The Sabbath, of course, was made for man and not man for the Sabbath – that is what Jesus told us. And boy do we need rest! So Warren told us to made sure to divert our attention from our jobs for at least an hour a day if we can. That means doing something that is not remotely connected to your job – garden, read, whatever. Then, we withdraw weekly – we take at least one day per week to get away from it all. This is the fulfillment of the Sabbath and is how God made us. Many have tried to work seven days a week, but inevitably you are less efficient – and you cannot ever focus on our God and what he has done for us! I honestly believe that everyone would be better off if they took at least one day off a week. And then, we abandon annually – just get away from it all for an extended period of time. In America, this is usually around 2-4 weeks. In many parts of Europe, it can be even longer. But it really allows us to recharge our batteries. So why don’t we all divert daily, withdraw weekly and abandon annually. You will live better if you do!

Pastor Ken

THOUGHTS ON FREEDOM

I just finished meeting with the pastor of our Armenian-Iranian church that meets in Glendale. Technically Pastor George Hovsepian is a staff member of our church who is in charge of the Armenian department. In reality, while I provide some oversight, Pastor George is pastoring an almost separate church where they speak Armenian and Farsi. Pastor George is a former pastor with the Assemblies of God in Iran. His older brother, Haik Hovsepian, was the Superintendent of the Assemblies of God when he was martyred by the Iranian Secret Police over a decade ago. While there he was taken captive by the Secret Police himself and threatened with death if he did not stop telling non-Christians the good news of God’s love in Jesus Christ.

All of this got me thinking about how much we take for granted both our freedom from persecution and our freedom in Jesus Christ. The freedom from persecution is obvious. The fact is that no one has ever been killed by our government for preaching the gospel here in the US. I do not wonder from week to week if our church services will be broken up by the police. I am not worried for my own personal safety. These are great blessings for which we can thank God. But even more wonderful is the freedom we have in Jesus Christ. This is a freedom that is not dependent on governments. Our freedom from sin is granted by God himself and cannot be taken away by any government. Perhaps that is why average attendance at the main Assemblies of God church went from around 30 in 1978 before the Islamic Revolution to almost 1,000 within less than a year of the Revolution. And, where we have perhaps 1,500 believers in A/G churches in 1978, today, even when so many have fled to the US and other western countries, there are now more than 100,000. Everyone of them is at risk in Iran. And everyone of them has experienced the freedom that comes from God in Christ and cannot be taken away by this world. Praise the Lord!

Pastor Ken

A NEW START

Wow! Flashback! I wrote that and immediately I saw the opening to Star Wars IV – “A New Beginning.” I guess I am dating myself when I say that I remember watching that movie in the theater the first week it came out – so now you know that I am at least 31 years old – and probably much older than that, since remembering anything from when I was newborn isn’t very likely.

Anyway, I guess this is the re-launch of this blog. As you will see from my posts here in the weeks and months to come, I am doing quite a lot right now, from pasturing to finishing my Ph.D. to overseeing two other daughter congregations to trying to get out and golf every once and awhile! Of course, I am probably no more busy than most of you, so I know you understand.

If all goes as planned (and what does?) I will be posting to this blog 5 or 6 times a week. Some of what I post will be my own thoughts. Others will links to interesting things I have run across or things written or produced by people a whole lot smarter than I am that I thought you might be interested in. I know not everything will interest everyone – some of them may not even interest me! But, between them all, I trust that we will learn about each other and especially learn to know more about our God together. So come along for what promises to be quite a ride!

Pastor Ken