Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Lack of Water-Angelo Cabrera

Today I was reminded how important is the work of the Holy Spirit. Please let me illustrate. Ever since we arrived into Accra there has been a water shortage in the community where I live. Water is crucial for drinking cooking, and washing. Everyday, more and more, you see pickups with huge water tanks with water, ready for sale. These tanks of water pump water into home with a cistern or water reservoir. If you cannot afford to bring a water tank in, then you bring the water in any container you can. Children and teens are seen on the dirt roads, carrying buckets of water on top of their heads. This is a daily routine that cannot be halted.

In the scriptures water often portrays Holy Spirit, in its importance and continual need. We are “like a tree planted by streams of water” (Psalms 1:3) and is the Lord himself who “leads me beside quiet waters” (Psalm 23:3). We need the streams of God in our lives. It is the “Spirit helps us in our weakness” (Romans 8:26). The Lord God longs for us to “be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail” (Isaiah 58:11).

Coming back to the water shortage in Accra. I have not mentioned up to this point why there is a lack of water. The other day driving by the road, I discovered the reason; new water pipes were being put in. Disconnection meant prevention of water flow. How true it is for our lives. When we disconnect from the flow of the Holy Spirit, we eventually dry up. The Superabundance is promised to each one of us, when Jesus says, “Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14). These are the days being fulfilled, “ I will pour out my Spirit on all people” (Joel 2:28). Today, “be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:19). Today, if you long more for God, ask of him, “your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13).

By Angelo Cabrera

Today was a great day at church. Between last Sunday and today we doubled in size. I challenged the people. The challenge was bring someone with you. We will purchase the chairs but bring a person to fill it. This week we went out and purchased a meeting tent (about the size used in carports), plastic chairs for adults, small chairs for children, a banner, ordered a wooden pulpit to be made, and tables adult and children size. The set up is just exciting to see. A place of worship for adults and for the first time a place for children for children’s ministry. Since we don’t have a church structure, we meet outside on a patio, beside an unfinished house. We meet early in the morning at 9:00 a.m. in order to catch the nice breeze.

Five people came to the saving power of Jesus Christ. We were blessed to have many visitors among us. They loved the church service. I preached on being “Called Out,” “Formed Out,” and “Sent Out.” This is based on Mark 1:15-17. I communicated the vision of the church. The vision was primarily to be a soul winning church and helping people grow and be grounded in the word of God. Today, for this week, I cast out another new challenge. If we bought another tent, to place more chairs, will they fill it up. There was a resounding yes.

Jesus fed the multitudes. Today I mentioned we were going to have meals after church next week. They were shocked by the announcement. None of the Ghanaian churches, according to those present, ever had offered meals after church. I told them to come with a belly ready to be filled, invite someone else, and there will be plenty for all. We want to be known as a giving and gracious church in the community. Coming next weekend, I believe strongly we will double once again. There is a strong push to break attendance barriers. This is an end time harvest. The souls of men are at stake.

It was simply awesome to see children’s church go from 5 children to 20 children in one week. Feliza, Annie, Marisol and Suleima directed the children’s church service. The children were glued to everything they saw and heard. They loved the puppets! What an unforgettable impression was made in those young hearts! I wouldn’t be surprise to see 40 children in the next children’s church service. We are going to be training children’s church workers in the next few weeks. We are looking also in starting a youth group. Also, we want to start Sunday school for all ages as a base for discipleship and leadership training.

The work is just beginning. There is much to be done. Prayers up to heaven must not cease. Stand with us, believing God for the unsual to take place.

Unknown Author (From Angelo)

When God wants to drill a man
And thrill a man
And skill a man
When God wants to mold a man
To play the noblest part;
Where He yearns with all His heart
To create so great and bold a man
That all the world shall be amazed.
Watch His methods, watch His ways!
How he ruthlessly perfects
Whom he royally elects!
How He hammers him and hurts him.
And with mighty blows converts him
Into trial shapes of clay which
Only God understands;
While his tortured heart is crying
And he lifts beseeching hands!
How He bends but never breaks
When his good He undertakes;
How He uses whom He chooses
And wit every purpose fuses him;
By every act induces him
To try His splendor out—
God knows what He’s about.

New Life Global Outreach Training-by Angelo

I feel like Joshua today on the edge of the promise land. When you know you are on the verge of something bigger than yourself. Today I had the honor to meet with the pastors and pastors-in-training of all the New Life Global Outreach churches. It was a preliminary meeting. I showed them a map of Ghana and shared with them that each region must be won for the gospel. Proverbs points out, “ . . . the tent of the upright will flourish” (Proverbs 14:11).

Surrounded by men and women flamed with fire. Half of them are in their twenties. Each ready to be molded, resourced, and tuned up to be a world changer. Each Thursday we will meet for Pastoral and Leadership Training. We will cover vision, integrity, ministry skills, fundamentals of the faith, and the list goes on. Today I was bombarded with Bible questions, from passages of the bible to doctrinal issues in the Christian faith. It was a delight to disclose scriptures and impart instruction from the God’s holy word. If we are going to cultivate fruitful pastors we must spend time with them.

I shared with each listening ear that we must obey the Great Commission. It is not only to reach Ghana, but committing to do more, moving on to West Africa. The Great Commission cannot become the great omission. All was well received with hearts on fire.

Feliza shared as well, setting our attitudes in one accord in regards to having a prideful spirit. As a matter of fact, when she finished speaking everyone clapped. I shared with the pastors, in good humor, now they know why she is the better half. People gravitate to Feliza, she has a way with Ghanaians, where people become butter. Feliza and Suleima prepared and served lunch. It was Puerto-rican food. The pastors liked it very much. They ate it all! The pastors were sharing how good they can cook. Men take pride in their cooking here. It is serious business. When I shared I didn’t know how to cook, well . . . let’s just say it got very quiet. Oh well, so the man of God is not perfect. Then Feliza shared how her father and brother are good cooks, the room became happy again, and the meal continued on.

Today in reading the scriptures I came across the words of Jesus. The master made a call, and he said, “Come, and follow me . . . and I will make you fishers of men.” Slow down for a minute and read Jesus’ words slowly.

First, “Come” - It starts with an invitation. Our Master and Savior makes this divine invitation. God always calls first because he is the initiator. If he is the initiator then we can be sure he will see to it till the end.

Second, “Follow me” – It leads to a person. Jesus is the focus. Everything we do should always keep Christ as the center. “Follow” is a call to discipleship. “Follow” is a call to be his student, his apprentice, in his steps. The thing about following is that you don’t always where you are going. “Follow” calls for faith. Every step taken trusting his call.

Third, “I will make you” – Discipleship leads to transformation. “I will make you,” such promising words. He will “make” you. This is a promise. The God who calls us – changes us.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

2nd letter from Pastor Angelo

“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease among the people” Matthew 4:23

What powerful words conveying the heart of Jesus, that is “among the people.” Where you find Jesus is either alone with the Heavenly Father or “among the people.” This is the whole scope of ministry. We serve the Lord and we serve people. This is very basic to our daily living. Jesus taught and preached. The focus was the kingdom. The manifestation was healing.

Jesus went “throughout Galilee.” The gospel does not stay put for very long. It compels to move “throughout.” Why? It must be spread “among the people.” God loves people and he wants everyone to know it and experience it. This is the Lord’s will in the US and in Ghana, even so to the uttermost part of the world.

God is looking for carriers and couriers for the advancement of the kingdom. Every morning children and young people walk the dirt roads around our neighborhood. Most of them are carrying something on their heads or under their arms. They are selling all kinds of items or providing a service from household, snacks, shoe-shine, gardening, and even men’s clothing. Many of them have a distinct call sound. Some sing a tune, ring a bell, use a drumstick to pound a sound, and others call out. They are all different but with a purpose in mind. Sound like believers? We all possess different callings, gifting, and ministries but with the same purpose: Lifting up the name of Jesus and building the kingdom. What a privilege to carry God’s special package of love to the lost and the hurting. God calls each one of us to live a life of influence.

Soon our Jeep will be arriving in Ghana, expected in about two weeks, which will give us the right type of vehicle to go to the small hidden villages of Ghana. “Jesus went throughout Galilee” and we will go in God’s power “throughout Ghana.” Ghanaians are a very observant people. They notice the smallest details. This is beneficial for the gospel because they consider and weigh everything spoken.

Including working with people, one must prepare to meet the need. Jesus healed “every disease.” Jesus saw people’s hurt. Jesus targeted people’s hurt. Jesus identified with people’s suffering. People need the Lord. Each of us have a divine assignment and we must align ourselves into a position of service to the people.

A letter from Pastor Angelo

By Angelo

Ghana...what a place to experience in all its fullness. Over here, no two days are alike. You always have to prepare in your schedule for the unexpected. The rhythm of life is like no other. How people think, even in the small stuff of life, is unique in its own way.

Things that we take for granted in the United States becomes a major endeavor to seize it. For the most part you have to go to different locations. One item in one location and then you travel through heavy traffic to get the other. Our pace has been non-stop in order to get ourselves nested properly at our new home. We all have lost weight as a result of it. I count it as a positive effect! In short, your day can go, as the Bible says, in a “vapor.” There is just never an end to all you want to get done.

Water is another issue here. Our water comes to a cistern like reservoir, then you have to pump it to a water tower, and be very frugal with it. Just a couple of days ago I had to purchase water. A water truck came to our home and filled the reservoir. Everyday we pray for water to come in from the city to fill the reservoir. So far none from the city has come in. Electricity is another major issue. In the future I’ll share more.

Do not let the stereotype image of Africa fool you for one second. It’s not cheap. Everything is expensive (except for fruit and vegetables). Today, for example I went out to buy one green outdoor trashcan with wheels. When they told me the price, a whopping $125.00, I went into a state of shock. Just remember, everything has to be imported from abroad. This adds significantly to the cost of daily living.

The other little thing to remember here in Ghana, when shopping, is a basic rule of thumb: here today, gone tomorrow. Re-stocking is not a promise. If you have the type of personality where you like things done right away, then Ghana is not your place.

Wondering about driving? Well, let's just say I have a driver. My most important allie. Safety on the roads is a foreign word. Just last week a missionary and three Ghanaian pastors were killed instantly in a car accident. The missionary left a wife and seven children. It took place at night outside the capital. We leave the house prayed up every morning.

The people in Ghana are for the most part a serene people. There can be a group of people in the same room or office waiting to be seen and there is a deafening silence in the room. In my experience so far, Americans are more casual and informal in their approach with others. Ghanaians have a protocol and even have special introductions when visiting or hosting family or friends.

Today I ordered bunk beds to be built, which should be ready in two weeks, for the US mission teams that will be coming in the future. We are going to begin to prepare a room in our home to be able to host small teams. The idea is to pave the way, so everything can be set up, and the missions teams don’t have to pay expensive middle of the road hotels (average $100.00 a night). It can quickly add up.

Friday was a wonderful day. We went to a place known as “Shai Hills.” It has a beautiful landscape surrounded by rocky mountains. A visit was made to a small village. This particular village, takes you quickly back in time, where time has stood still. Mud brick hut houses, outdoor kitchens, foot trails and of course your goats and chickens roaming freely. This is where a new work is about to begin. An old fashioned prayer camp, where people come with their needs from surrounding villages, will plant the seed for a future local church.

The regional chief and local chiefs welcomed us with open arms. We met in a very formal meeting about the future prospect for planting a new church. This is an ancestral land where the property has been handed down from endless generations. What is so amazing is their willingness to sell us prime land to build a church. They had never sold land to anyone! We are the first. Please make this a matter of prayer for all of us, as we labor, God will give the increase.

There is even the possibility of working the land to grow fruits and vegetables. This task can reap profitable wages for the unemployed. What a great testimony it would be for the local church.

Pastors in Ghana face many great challenges and personal needs. There were times where when the apostle Paul was “with” and “without” basic needs met. We are starting to develop strategies to circumvent some of these areas. Please pray for great wisdom as we soon will start pastor’s training school. Everything God has put into our spirit we will pour it lavishly as the Lord enables us to do so. It's amazing, get to do this! Wow. It is an honor to train God’s servants for the glorious church.

Through the generous giving of many of you, we were able to purchase a portable sound system, to be used for church services and outreach. When we made the announcement to the church, everyone jumped to their feet and clapped hilariously, and we could only be humbled by what we saw. We also have a LCD projector, which will be used to show movies that carries a gospel message. This is going to be a powerful tool to reach many people with good news about Jesus Christ our Lord. It’s just amazing we get to do this!

Often God speaks in unexpected ways. As we arrived in Ghana, a few days later we had the opportunity to listen to evangelist Reinhard Bhonke. The event was commemorating the 1906 Azusa Street Revival. As he began to speak, the word of the Lord poured into our hearts with great joy. His opening words were, fulfilling the Great Commission in our generation. There we sat and felt the Lord saying, “I brought you for this purpose, now win the souls of mankind.” Wow, simply amazing, we get to do this!

People are beyond ripe for the gospel. Today I prayed for a young man on the streets. I felt a strong urge to pray for him. So I asked him, “Can I pray for you.” The answer was a resounding yes! When I begun to pray, the young man was profoundly touched, as the sweet presence of God was hovering with loving care. What a day to serve God. Are you serving God? What would he have you do today? May God empower you.

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

On our way!

We are finally packed and although it's 1:55 a.m., my brother, being the good survivalist brother that he is, is giving me a lesson on how to use a compass and how to make a home made one! He's laughing right now as I read this to him...but, I did by a compass for our jeep there, they are really great. Now he's rolling off ideas about finding your way...to the north or south ...hee hee!

God is good and we are about set to go! We will be flying out of Richmond to JFK and then pass the second star on the right and straight on to Accra, Ghana!

I hope to give you lots of updates after we are there, my brother is making me laugh too much right now and it's hard to keep typing so until my next update....

Thank you for all your prayers and support!