ASHLEY & JESSE'S WEDDING CEREMONY & RECEPTION

Click Here to View Ashley & Jesse's Wedding Ceremony Album.
Click Here to View Ashley & Jesse's Wedding Reception Album.

ASHLEY & JESSE ARE GETTING MARRIED TOMORROW!!!!!!!

God's Righteousness

On Sunday's house church, we break into 4 different Churches ( ha ha ha or 4 little group) and we share with people in our own group about what is holding us back from getting know God. For me, I think is busyness. I know I am in the season that I need to work and make money. But sometimes this is killing my relationship with God. Sometimes it's very stressful. for us, every month only for real estate, we have 1500-2000 CAD's bill to pay. Depend on how many deal we do, advertisentment in different news paper and other expenses. Outside of the work, we have two mortgages and living expenses to pay. So much billed to pay and I need to make sure we work hard enough. Busyness is making me stressful. Well, I think it's ok to being busy, but I shouldn't feel streesful. The reason, I feel streesful is because I was fighting it with my own strength. There was so many time in past month, I couldn't control my emotion, I don't like myself being angry or upset. I know that is not what God wants for me. My life should filled with hope, joy, love, and happiness. So many time, I seek God for help. I told God, I can't changed myself, BUT You can changed me.

I share with my sister in my group what is been troubling my heart. They pray for me. I feel so peaceful and changed after. Just like they prayed, Lord is my joy and He is my strength. And I want that. And I am going to get it.

Also I remember Sunday night, Sonja shared about what is righteousness of God. Righteousness is not we try to do something we think is right. We can't be righteousness without God's presents within us. And how to exercis that? You will need to always asked God.... WHERE ARE YOU? In every circumstances you need to asked God .... WHERE ARE YOU, GOD ?

In past couple days, in our work, there was some moments were not easy for us. The decision was not easy for us to make. We have some clients referred by other friends. We show them some houses, they decided to wrote an offer on a house that day. We do not want to put any judgement on any people. But too many of signs told us, they are going to used for illegal propose. We don't know what to do ( so confuse about, are they good people or bad). Only thing we can do is asked God.... WHERE ARE YOU, GOD ? Speak to us. We cried out to God... God, we do not want any people pollute our city. It's been a test for us. But God speak to both of us. and we only want to pleased God. This world told me, I have bills to pay. But when I turn myself to Jesus, He become my righteousness. We drop the deal. His righteousness become mine.

In every circumstances asked Him, God where are you. This is really help me to fix my eyes on Jesus.

I love you, jesus!!
Thank you for the tips Sonja (and Jesus) ^_^

Hi, guys (and gals).

I know it's been a while, sorry. I thought I'd update you on what is going on up here. Other than work, most weeks I get only one day off, so there hasn't been anything to write about. However, due to the work load, thank God, I payed off my DTS completely with the last paycheck. It took me until December to start to really be able to put money on it, but in the last 6 months I payed off the $3600 NZD that was owed, praise God. If it wasn't for Him, I would still be paying in tiny pieces. I still don't get to church, there's no evening church here on Sundays. Since I work 9 hours (until 11 pm) on Saturdays I find it hard to get up in the morning for church on Sunday mornings. However, I know it's only for a season and that when my debts are payed free and clear, I can go to where God wants to send me next. I am still looking ahead to Scotland for the school of intercessory prayer, then I am going to go back to Fiji (even if it's just a visit). I have been feeling like going back to NZ, which sort of came out of nowhere. As for short term , ie when am I coming down for a visit, I am coming down for Ashley's wedding (yay!!! much excitement here, and there) in August and I will be in town for a week, so I am going to be at house church on the Sunday, unless it happens to be the one week there isn't one. :) I booked my flight to Vancouver and booked the time off at both jobs. I feel disconnected up here, from God and the people I know. So if you could pray that somehow God and I would be able to really reconnect even if I can't make it to church, that I'd be able to put in the effort with Him. Our 6 months of winter are finally over, yay. That's it for here, I miss you all. God bless. Hilary

Akiane Kramarik

Akiane Kramarik- An 11 year old genius child masterfully creates life style images with oil painting.
Akiane Kramarik (born July 9, 1994) is an American artistic prodigy and poet. Akiane Kramarik - An 11 year old genius child masterfully creates life style images with oil painting.

According to Akiane Kramarik, her art is inspired by her visions of heaven, and her personal connection with the Christian God. Akiane Kramarik's art depicts wildlife, landscape, and people. Click here to list of her paintings.

Her drawing at her age 4

The Prince of Peace, age 8

Co - creating , age 11

There are many iterview about this kid. you can search them on the internet.
I list 2 of her interviews. Click play to see her interview on CNN and other interview.

Valiant Men Pushing Back the Horizons!

I really enjoyed Sunday night at the Schmidts. It was great to see the old faces and see some of the new ones as well. It was great to chill afterwards and remember all the funny things that have happened in the Schmidt house church. Here are a couple to refresh your memory
- the wacky guy that called Henry a false prophet.
-the Chinese house church night. Where we packed people in and collected a donation of $10,000. It was unbelievable.

It was amazing to see how far some of us go back and the great memories that we have made but also to look forward to see what is happening next.

It seems like all of our destinies are really unfolding. I was so excited to hear about Adam's plans for the summer, as well as hear Kartar's heart and I'm so excited that Vic is going some where too! It totally pumped me up. I went home that night and I thought "Wow! I am surrounded by a great cloud witnesses here in Abbotsford." I feel so privileged to see people go and come back and hear what God is doing in their lives and what God is doing through them. And it is only going to get bigger, because we are pushing the horizons back and having bigger dreams, sailing in wider oceans and living life to the fullest! Amen!

A couple weeks ago I came across the word "valiant" and I really liked it. I felt that God said that he was going to give my team valiant men (if you didn't know my team is lacking in men, so that is one thing you can pray for). I have been reading the life of David lately and I came across this verse 1 Samuel 10.26 Saul also went to his home in Gibeah accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched! When I read this verse I thought "Wow, it would be something to be accompanied by Valiant men whose hearts were touched by God. That would be a pleasure!! So I started to pray into this verse for myself as well as for some of my guy friends, that your hearts would be touched by God!! And that you would have the characteristic of valor.

But you might be asking yourself . . . "What does valiant mean?"
I had a rough idea in my head but I thought I would double check. So I went to dictionary.com

1.	boldly courageous; brave; stout-hearted: a valiant soldier.

2.	marked by or showing bravery or valor; heroic: to make a valiant effort.

3.	worthy; excellent.

Wow! Those are some excellent characteristics to have! And I am sure that we don't always feel brave or excellent, but I feel that my brothers need to take hold of it and run with it. To pursue excellence and be brave in character, because I have a feeling that you are going to need that with some of the dreams that you shared.

So I pray my dear brothers that God would deeply touch your hearts and that you would be brave and fearless and full of faith as you venture out on your journeys with God. I will always treasure all of you so much no matter where you or I will be in the world. Keep on pressing into the horizons!

Sir Francis Drake ~Amazing Poem

Disturb us, Lord, when
We are too well pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we have dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.

Disturb us, Lord, when
With the abundance of things we possess
We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life;
Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
Of the new Heaven to dim.

Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wider seas
Where storms will show your mastery;
Where losing sight of land,
We shall find the stars.

We ask You to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push into the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.

attributed - Sir Francis Drake -1577

Thanks Mike for sharing this poem with us! It really inspired me!

Mother's day @ House church!

We had the mother's day BBQ at Erica and Henry's place. Erica is my mother too!! She been my spiritual mother for almost 3 years now. She is a very good mother to me. She loves me the way that God wants her to love me. After I got married, I moved to Abbotsford. I don't know any married friend here at that time. Then I become someone's wife. I was not sure how to be a wife. I used to live alone for 7 years. I can only take care of myself. Ha ha ha, if I am not hungry, I won't cook. One day Erica call us just to say hi, then my hungry husband pick the phone,..... ha ha haaa Next day Erica called me, then she book a day with me, just to teach me how to be a minister's wife (that's how she said it) Erica teach me how to be a good wife. :) From that day, I have a happy husband. he hee heee.

Erica is very special. When I am not believe in something I can do. She is always the first one believe that I can do it. For examples, She love to hear I pray in Chinese. and she think my prayers are powerful. but I didn't think so. But after while, I start to believe in what she said to me. " Yes, my prayers are powerful, that reach to the heaven". And, when I was looking to buy a house. I didn't have much money so not much for me to choose. Finally, I saw a nice little cute house with only one bedroom, but someone wrote an offer few days before me. Erica told me, God has something better for me. When she said that I don't see it at all. And she pray for me, in her prayer she describe how my future house would look like. She said to me, lots big windows, bring house, with beautiful front and back yard. That sound so nice, but I didn't really believe I can find something like that in my price range. But now I live in a house, like she prayed. There are also many other things that she does make her so special to me. She bake with me, plant flowers with me and pray with me. She is not just a minister's wife. She is my friend and spiritual mother who I am looking up for.

Other things that was so important for the house church was Adam is going to Mongolia in June 1.

Earlier this year, I told David I wanna go to Mongolia. ( and many other nations) Many years ago, someone pray for David, and told him that his ancestors were from Mongolia, and he is later generations for Genghis Khan 成吉思汗(1162-1227) David asked his parents, and his mother say her family was come from up North. So that is very possible. We also support a kid in Mongolia for a while now, and that is been in my heart to visiting her and Mongolia, So, when I heard Adam is going to Mongolia, I was so exciting and happy.



Click here to see this Album!!

A cool way to pray

I was talking to my friend the other day and she told me about google earth. I had heard about it a long time ago and went on it, but I had kind of forgotten. So her idea is to find the location you want to pray for and look it up on Google earth and then you can pray for it. I tried it and it was really Cool! So look up where Amanda is or where Joel is and see what their city looks like from space and also look up Abby and take a tour from the sky. It is very cool and a great resource to help you pray. Check it out!

Charlotte's Web and Miracles

This week we spoke in class about the novel Charlotte’s Web and about how the farmer thought that the words written on the web were a miracle sent from God. I asked the students if they had ever seen a miracle or what they thought a miracle was. One little boy raised his hand and gave a response, which blessed my heart to no end. “First,” he started, “it began 2007 years ago when a baby was born in a manger. This little boy grew up and did miracles. He healed the sick and even raised the dead. When a little boy brought 5 loaves and fishes this man fed 5000 with it” (his words paraphrased but very close).

I just stood amazed, soaking up every word from this 10-year old boy as he spoke about the life of Jesus. Wow! Children truly are for signs and wonders, and I am so grateful to God for allowing to play a role in His working.

Canadian Geese Eh~ Eh~ Eh~ Eh~~~

Kurt and David met this Canadian Geese in Redding, California. This is really funny....
You need to be a Canadian to be able do this Eh~ Eh~ Eh~ Eh~~~

Almost Home!

hey everyone!
So it has been a super long and somewhat exhausting year. I only have 2 weeks left of Bible College before I come home. So much has happened and in so many ways Ive grown. Looking back I find it incredble to see just how far God has taken me.

I guess it all started 8 months ago when I headed off to Steinbach (I think im becoming known for my random acts of randomness...) Bible College to take their counseling degree program. Steinbach is a mennonite city... and there was really no way anyone could have prepared me for everything I learnt in and outside of class. Since I do not consider myself menno at all despite some blood connections, at first I found this group of people refreshing and then soon after... frustrating. I could go into great details describing some of the issues that arose, but for your sake I will refrain. Th most important thing that I did learn though, is that through the many differences... we still have many simliarities including the greatest one, that is that we worship the same Lord!

I have taken a great many classes this past year all of which have aided me in my spiritual walk. My two favorites would have to be Church History and The Life and Teachings of Jesus. Scripture has opened up to me in a new way... as well as this man Jesus who we love and worship. My counseling classes were wonderfully taught yet hard to hear at times too. I've discovered that ignorance about some of the tough stuff in life is not healthy and is in no way helpful to the Body of Christ... haha it seems that again I could go on and on.

So anyways... that is my past... as to my future... this summer I will be living with my mom in Chilliwack. I got a job at the Minter Garden's Garden Center (a real blessing!). Even though I wont have my own vehicle I still hope to be able to come to the house church regularily and see you all.

I love you guys.
Can't wait to see you all again!
Amber C

"Amazing Grace:" a Must See Film

Rescue the perishing. “Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die. Open your mouth, judge righteously (with all morality), and plead the cause of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8, 9.

Last night I had the opportunity to watch a film I will never forget, “Amazing Grace.” It is the story of William Wilberforce, the British slavery abolitionist. He was one man who stood in his parliament alone against 300 other Members of Parliament (MPs)-all who were against his fight for freeing millions of African slaves. I loved to hear him speak passionately on the worth and equality of all people. He would not be quiet or let down his righteous assault no matter how much others tried to “boo” him down. I also thought it was brilliant how he “insulted” his opponents in a way that even his worst enemies howled with laughter at his wit.

To me the most powerful moment, though, was when one of Wilberforce’s fellow abolitionists read a West Indies’ account of a mother and young child being beaten. In their moment of suffering the mother spoke with much hope to her child, “Do not fear, King Wilberforce is on his way to free us.” “King Wilberforce” was not an actual “king” (he was an MP), but he acted like a true king and fought ferociously on behalf of those who were weak and powerless in his day. His reforms did not end with the abolishment of slavery. He fought for education and societal reforms throughout his entire life. I came back from this experience so inspired to become a teacher who makes a difference- a "queen" in my day.

It's Sushi Time!

Hey Everyone, I posted some pix on my blog of the sushi night so have a look. The food still looks a amazing. It was a great night. Cheers to Vic who organized it!! Have a peek!! http://travelingbeyond.blogspot.com/

Ryan and Sophia's Housewarming Party

Click here for Sophia and Ryan's Housewarming party photo! Check it out!!

Just thought I'd share...

I found this on a band's blog, thought I'd pass it on...

Interested in meeting with MPs?

Just wanted to invite any of you who might be interested in meeting with Members of Parliament in the Lower Mainland area. There is going to be a team that is going to go and honour these political leaders but also share their hearts about issues such as the current age of sexual consent (which is 14 years old), traditional marriage, abortion etc. If you're interested in these issues and learning more, 4mycanada.ca is a great site. It should be really awesome. If you are interested, let me know. Otherwise please pray for us for God's wisdom and favour. We are called to be history makers and speak out for truth and justice. My heart is especially burning for the children of our nation. Yes, it's true "kings and queens" (MPs) will shake. Bring it on, Jesus.

Good News on Bridgett!

Good news on Bridgett! She made it through the 5 hour surgery, and they only had to take out her bladder, (which is a lot less than they were planning). Praise the Lord! Thank you all those who have prayed with me for her. Our Father is good.

Lent is Coming

I will try to give you the short version of Lent.

It originated in the Fourth century of the church. The season of Lent spans 40 weekdays beginning Ash Wednesday (Feb 21 this year) and climaxes during Holy Week with Thursday. Originally, Lent was the time of preparation for those who were to be baptized, a time of concentrated study and prayer before their baptism at the Easter Vigil, on Easter Sunday. The cool thing was that they entire community was called to this preparation. (Could you imagine if the church would have that type of Unity to fast together for 40 day!?) Even though we do not do baptisms like that today it is a very rich tradition that will reap great benefits for the Kingdom!


Today Lent is marked as a time of prayer, fasting and preparation to celebrate Easter! Since Sundays celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, the six Sundays that occur during lent are not counted as part of the 40 days of Lent. The number 40 is connected with the many biblical events, but especially with the forty days Jesus spent in the wilderness preparing for his ministry. This season of the year is equal to the season of Advent and will help the individual focus on the Holy Week, Easter and Pentecost (that is when the H.S. came!).

It is really a preparation to celebrate God’s marvelous redemption at Easter, and the resurrected lives that we as Christians should be living!

So the main question is . . . What are you going to fast?

Well there are many things that a person could give up during this time to focus more on God and less on themselves and the surroundings. It could be as simple as not watching TV (remember that this is 40 days, actually more than 40 days so be reasonable and don't set your standard too high) or not eating chocolate, however it is something that you want to give up so you can push closer to God. If you want to spend the time focusing on Jesus and the Easter Season that is wonderful. But if we do this collectively we could also have group focuses as well (for example we could pray about who we should send to Hawaii . . . and I think that I could be a great candidate for that one). We can be in contact with our missionaries and partner with them in prayer for a specific thing over the next 40 days. Maybe something you are praying for is more personal and you do not want the whole house church to know about it, then get a prayer partner that will stand with you on those issues or circumstances and agree with you in prayer. The ideas are countless! You just have to be creative. Also take the time to ask God what he thinks you should fast. He always has some great ideas too!

Please let me know what you think and if you are going to join me. The more the merrier, or should I say the hungrier! :)

Lent Anyone?

Hey, is anyone interested in doing lent this year? It starts on Wednesday. I'll post something about lent soon, but I thought I would put the question out there and see if there is a response. My Roommate and I are going to do it and I thought it would be cool if a bunch of people fasted and prayed and we would see what would happen!! let me know!

Sitting By Faith . . . Chinese Style!

Would you get on a tiger? What is the difference between Faith and Stupidity?

Did you say Thesaurus?

Yesterday in Class one of my students said the cutest thing. They were doing a worksheet and they had to figure out where they would find the information. The choices were a dictionary, Thesaurus, almanac, atlas or a phone book. I wanted to clarify with every one that they knew what all the sources were so I asked a student to share with us what a thesaurus was. He piped up all proud of him self and said "A thesaurus is a type of a Dinosaur!"
Awww! I thought it was cute. He thought his answer was right and then I had to tell him that it was wrong. I thought I would share that little story with you. Hopefully it brings a smile to your face!

Finishing Strong

Hey yall

It has been a while since I have connected with many of you at the House Church. I could go on and on with feeble excuses but I think it is usually best just to be straight up, the reason I don't hang out is because I think you are all heretics....kidding kidding kidding. Actually, life for me has been pretty busy. Currently, I am trying to balance two part time jobs and full-time school, as well as leading a small group in Langley on Saturdays. I am one to pile things on, and this last while I have been learning the importance of balancing things and prioritizing things, to be focused. I have been challenged by close friends and family to continue to to strengthen my focus on Christ - to seek him and what he as called me to with all that I am and let everything else fall to the wayside.

Through some painful heart searching God has continued to bring things to the surface, continued to ask me to lay things down that prevent me from intimacy with him. My clenched fists have become pryed open and I have been learning to trust in a way that I have never been able to trust before. Also, I felt God calling me to continue to pursue excellence in the stuff I have commited to at Columbia Bible College so that I may be prepared to the next step he has for me. I believe that as we are faithful we are entrusted with more. So my challenge has been to walk in greater faithfulness with what is before me even though at times I have wanted to ditch it all for something fast and easy.... I don't think God is like the McDonald's or Timmy's drive through. So, as I have been commiting to CBC I have found it nearly impossible to make it out on Sundays, and my attendance is usually rare or non-existant.

Some of you may be agreening with me, others of you might be thinking wow, what a great feeble excuse for not comming out on Sundays. Well, whatever you might be thinking I would like to say that I love you all as my brothers and sisters in Christ. I continually hold you up in my prayers and thoughts. I remember a short time ago when the group was in transition when we were talking about covenant relationships. I take those talks very seriously and also take my commitment to you all very seriously. I believe that God has amazing things in store for the group(s) as they continue to seek God. So to make a long letter longer I want to sum it all up by saying, please don't consider my absence a sign of me not caring to be apart of your community any longer, or me thinking less of you...I love you all dearly, and miss you every Sunday meeting that goes by when I miss.

So you might be wondering why the email. Well I figure that in this culture many quit things half way through and don't bother telling anyone if they don't have to. I just wanted to let you know that I haven't quit on the group. I love you guys. Also, I just wanted to encourage to continue to remember the amazing journey that God has brought us all on and continue pursuing the Lord no matter what the season, don't quit, finish strong, run the race like never before. The Kingdom is at hand, the Kingdom is here, reach out and let it invade you and those around you.

Blessings,

Adam Nash

Hi everybody.

Hey guys. I hope all of you are well. Ugh, that was so formal. :) Hahaha. I gotta keep this short, but if you want a better idea of what is going on with me, check out my my space blog. You don't need to be a member, but I write there most often, even if it's about nothing. As for what God is doing here with me, He smacked me with a verse when I was looking for one for a friend. Then I had the dream that was way too real. Which is posted on my blog. I gotta go get lunch then go to work. I miss you all and can't wait to see you guys again. Love ya. May God cover you all in heaps of blessings.

http://blog.myspace.com/hilarious29

Is He (Holy Spirit) in you?

Bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit....