Due to internet problems this may be a short update but let me just say I wish you were here (is it 90 degrees and sunny where you are?

I wish you could have been here yesterday to see your Twin Oaks team in action. You would have been so proud (see the few photos I’ve been able to upload to Flickr).

We spent the early morning at the babies and moms ministry that Theara’s family has at their home. About 20 moms and babies receiving basic instructions on hygiene and nutrition and childcare along with Bible lessons and prayer. We also passed out medicine and vitamins that you helped provide. After that we traveled by boat to the Women’s Island where Theara’s family (assisted indirectly by your offerings through the ARM mission that we support) established a church that now runs anywhere between 100-300 (something lost in the translation) adults and children. The population of the island is only 300-400. Not only have they led most of the island to Christ, they also provide food (and in a couple of cases housing) for many of the families. That afternoon we were back to Theara’s for KIDS CLUB which is a ministry to the children of the neighborhood. Anywhere from 100-400 children flock to their backyard for games and Bible lessons and just a safe play to be loved. It is amazing what one family can do to impact a community for Christ. We ended the night with the best meal of the trip cooked by Theara’s mom over small pots filled with wood.

Every single one of our team was right in there today connecting to the children and passing along the love of Jesus. I wish I could write more but I’m late for breakfast and we’re skipping lunch for the long drive to Rapha House.

More later as internet access allows.

(Also, follow the Rapha House mission team on the Team’s Blog and Heather’s Blog)

When I read it I laughed, picturing God with a big smile on His face, nudging an angel in heaven and saying “Watch this!” It was just another way that He has shown me that His hand is on the trip we will take next Monday. But it also reminded me that we have a God who is intimately involved in the lives of His children. And if we will open our eyes, we will see His reminders all around us. Even in a fortune cookie.

The members of our Cambodia team from Twin Oaks have had many “God Sightings” over the past several months as we worked toward next week’s journey. His fingerprints are all over our team as He has provided resources, vision, peace, and encouragement in so many ways. We’ve seen how He has assembled a strong team that will do good work in showing His love and bringing healing to hundreds of Cambodian children. Some of the confirmations of God’s blessing and presence have come through you as you donated cans and bottles, bought dolls or sewed dresses for them, or provided medicine for our guide’s children’s ministry. Thank you so much for being part of this mission, and for loving the girls of Rapha House through us. God appears to us in many ways, and He has made His presence clear through you. With your help we are looking forward to “…crossing great ocean waters for an incredibly rewarding experience."

Prayer team and blog – We know that many of you will go with us through your prayers next Monday. So that you may pray for us by name allow me to list the members of our Twin Oaks Cambodian team: Carolyn Atcheson, Sara Barr, Jack Catton, Jessica Chrisekos, Harvey Lucier, Tara McKee, Greg Paddock, Candi Pattison, John Perfetti, Heather Rice, Fred Vanhalla, Chris and Randy Wheeler. If you would be willing to commit to pray for us for the 10 days of our trip, please email me and I will send you a prayer request list and give you the link to our blog so you can hear about the work and get regular updates. Thank you again for all of your support.

DAVE RAMSEY – “Life. Money. Hope” – Beginning THIS SUNDAY we are excited to offer 3 messages from nationally known Christian financial expert Dave Ramsey. This week Dave will speak to us on “The Basics of Biblical Finance”. What a great time to invite a friend who could use a little good financial direction. And don’t let the fact that the messages are on video throw you. The rest of the service will be just like any other Sunday. And the Sunday before last, the most talked about part of my message was the 9 minute video clip that I used. So you’ll hear a great message from God’s Word by a powerful speaker (Just like a normal week at Twin Oaks

Ladies Chocolate Extravaganza – THIS FRIDAY – 6:30pm – Ladies, it’s not too late to sign up for one of the biggest women’s events of the year at Twin Oaks. Chocolate, soup, and fellowship galore. If you’d like to come contact Roxanne Thompson at roxanne_thompson01@yahoo.com or 313-292-4289.  

GEMS pancake Breakfast – THIS SATURDAY – 8:00am to 11:30.  Serving pancakes, bacon, eggs, sausage, toast and all the toppings!  We’ve moved the GEMS House of Pancakes into the worship center so there will be plenty of room. Please bring your friends and family to support the GEMS Girls Club in their 3rd annual fundraiser. Donations appreciated.

Discovery 101 Class – THIS SUNDAY – 3-5pm – If you are new to Twin Oaks and want to know more about our beliefs, history, vision, values, and ministries this is the class for you. We’ll also cover how to become a member of God’s family and what it means to be an “official” member of the Twin Oaks family. So this class is also for those who are interested in becoming members of Twin Oaks. Sign up at the Ministry Center Sunday or just email me.

Decisions for Christ – Last Sunday we celebrated as Stephanie Keffer accepted Christ as her Savior and was baptized in the waters of His grace. Check out Stephanie’s photo at http://www.flickr.com/photos/46768627@N07/?saved=1 and keep her in your prayers as she begins her new walk with Christ.

Estate Planning Seminar – “THE LIVING TRUST: Leaving a legacy that makes a difference!”-Tuesday, March 16, 6-8pm. Presenter: Phil Beavers, VP of Institutional Advancement, Great Lakes Christian College. This free seminar will assist participants through the entire estate planning process from “start to signatures. Each estate plan will be done at no out of pocket cost to the individuals. In return for this service, valued in excess of $2,000, Financial Planning Ministry encourages individuals to leave a residual gift (after death) to their local church. To reserve your spot, sign up at the Ministry Center or reply to this email.

MOPS (Mothers of Pre-schoolers) – Begins next Thursday, Feb. 25^th from 9-11Am and meets the 2^nd and 4^th Thursday through May 13^th. MOPS is for mothers with children from birth to Kindergarten and exists to encourage, equip, and develop every mother of preschoolers to realize her potential as a woman, mother and leader in the name of Jesus Christ. Invite your friends to attend with you!  Childcare is provided along with light refreshments.  For more information, please contact Rhonda Dolunt at (313)383-4332 or rhdolunt@yahoo.com.

MOPS childcare volunteers needed – We still need a few more people to care for the pre-schoolers on the 2nd and 4th Thursday mornings of each month from 8:45 to 11:15AM while the moms have Bible study and fellowship. Are you retired? Working evenings? Not working right now? Have Thursdays off? Have you been looking for a way to serve God at Twin Oaks but don’t know where you fit? If you like pre-schoolers and have Thursday mornings off this could be your place to serve at Twin Oaks and help make our body stronger. Contact Rhonda Dolunt today to volunteer – (313)383-4332 or at rhdolunt@yahoo.com.

Missing Bible – If anyone found a brand new black and brown NIV Thinline Bible (or took it home by mistake) on January 31^st please contact Linda Conner at 313-291-8570 or nana48180@att.net.

Ladies Dining Out – The next ladies dining out will be Wednesday March 3. They are going to La Dolce Vita on Fort Street in Riverview. They will meet there at 6:15. All ladies are invited for a relaxed evening of good food and great conversation. Sign up at the ministry center starting this Sunday. Questions? Contact Carol Horn. 764 675 4829 or chorn9351@hotmail.com .

New Online Directory – We have a new online church directory to make it easier to update and keep up with the growing family at Twin Oaks. This directory is only accessible with a password which I can give you when you request it. In requesting a password you are promising that you will not share the password or the information in the directory with anyone else or use the addresses for business purposes (solicitation, etc) Most of the photos were taken last Mother’s Day. If you are not yet in the directory (and most of you aren’t) and would like to be, or if you would like to change your photo, then email a photo to me along with your address and phone # (If you want those in there) If you want out of the directory please let me know that as well.

Joke of the week – A father noticed that his kids love going to the Web, and they keep track of their passwords by writing them on Post-it notes. He noticed their Disney password was "MickeyMinnieGoofyPluto," and so he asked why it was so long. "Because," his son explained, "they say it has to have at least four characters."

Have a great week and I’ll see you (and your guests) Sunday,

Randy

The Christian Church has many people working in Haiti. One of the ministries that Twin Oaks supports through our offerings is IDES (International Disaster Emergency Services). They will be taking a team to help in Haiti. This is a Christian Church ministry that serves around the world when disaster strikes, provising help throuhg the local churches so that Christ is exalted and the church is able to make a connection which could lead to even great ministry to those in need. You can find out more about IDES at their web site: www.ides.org

Lifeline Christian Mission is another one of our Christian Church organizations in Haiti. They have had thousands of people coming onto their campus looking for help, shelter, safety, medical attention. You can learn more about lifeline at their site: www.lifeline.org

I wanted to make you aware of these two ministries in case you wanted to help but weren’t sure how to do it. I believe you can make a donation at either website.

This morning when I woke up in a warm house – sat down to eat breakfast with cold milk – had all the hot, clean water I wanted – and put on clean clothes, got in my car and drove to work — I was reminded of how much God has blessed each one of us. Now we have an opportunity to help some people who have never known the comforts we have on a daily basis. Now they are in need for just the basics to live another day. You can help.

I John 3:16-18 says:
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”

Be praying for the people of Haiti. Pray for the many missionaries and Christian workers who are there to help bring the love of Christ. Pray for the workers from all the nations that are sending people to help with this cause. Pray that there would be unity in Christ. Pray that even in disaster, the hope of Jesus Christ spreads throughout the world.

God bless,

Randy

1. The Kingdom is personal

Resolution: Make faith personal

2. The Kingdom is priceless

Resolution: What areas of my life have I not completely sold out?

3. The Kingdom produces joy

Resolution: Where am I searching for joy in my life?

4. The Kingdom is particular

Resolution: Are you living with the attitude that The Kingdom is urgent?

Next Week’s Message: “Why am I Here?”

Creator God from TOCC Media on Vimeo.

Someone asked me recently if the 100th person to be baptized would receive something special. My initial reaction was “Probably not. 100 is just a number and every decision for Christ is just as special as the others.” But the more I thought about it I realized “Yes, they will actually receive several things that are pretty special.” They’ll receive a new heart as Jesus washes away all of their sins (Acts 22:16). They’ll receive new power as God gives them the gift of His Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). They’ll get a new set of clothes as Jesus dresses them with His righteousness (Galatians 3:27). They’ll receive new peace as God gives them full assurance of their salvation (1 Peter 3:21; Mark 16:16). They’ll receive a new start as He buries their old life and resurrects them to new life (Romans 6:3-4).

Wow!!! With all that in mind wouldn’t you love to be the 100th person baptized at Twin Oaks this year? Or the 99th, or 101st? If you’ve never been baptized by full immersion as an expression of your own faith in Christ, give me a call today and let’s set that up. As you open all of these gifts of grace from God this is sure to be your most blessed Christmas ever!

Decisions for Christ – Speaking of baptisms, we rejoiced last weekend as Cassy and Cheyenne Richards, and Melanie Mangiapane were baptized into Christ. Melanie and her husband Bobby also became official members of Twin Oaks. Put faces with their names at http://www.flickr.com/photos/24147812@N05/sets/72157603995712040 and welcome these folks next time you see them.

THIS SUNDAY - We’ll continue our “Shine Bright” message series with a look at “Shining Peace”. You may be surprised to know that many of the same things that threaten your peace this Christmas also threatened the peace of those in the Christmas story 2,000 years ago. Be here Sunday as we look at how the coming of Jesus shines the light of peace in our lives. Don’t forget, this is the best time of the year to invite a friend to come to Twin Oaks.

Birthday Present for Jesus – If you weren’t able to give your “Birthday Present for Jesus” offering last Sunday you can still do so this Sunday. There are special envelopes available at the Ministry Center and Information Center. Just write on the envelope whether you want it to go to the Building Fund or the General Fund.

Wish Upon a Star – Don’t forget to bring your gifts THIS SUNDAY, wrapped and with the star attached. There will be a time in the service for you to bring the gifts to the stage and give them as an offering to Jesus. After church they will be sorted and delivered to the Woodhaven schools (we could use a lot of volunteers to help sort the gifts).

Men’s Breakfast - Saturday, December 12 8am @ TOCC – Enjoy a warm breakfast and a sizzling hot bible study on this cold winter morning. No charge (free will offering taken) and no need to register just come in and join us.

Parents of teens meeting – THIS Sunday, right after the service, there is a meeting for all parents of middle and high school students. It will be brief, 20 minutes or less, and will release the schedule of events for 2010. Nathan will give you all the stuff coming up next year, including costs (so you’re not surprised the night before when little Jimmy says ‘I need $200 for this trip tomorrow’). You’ll also hear about what’s going on right now in student ministries, what’s coming up for parents, and have any questions you have answered. Hope you’ll be there

Hospital bed needed – Carolyn Adkins’ mom is trying to bring her stepfather home from the nursing home this weekend but is in need of a hospital bed. Unfortunately the VA will not provide one. If you know of a bed that they could borrow please contact Carolyn at (313) 580-2715 or AdkinsC@courts.mi.gov.

Cans for Cambodia – We forgot to remind you to bring your cans for Cambodia last week so the trailer will be out again this Sunday. If you have cans you’d like to donate to help us take God’s love to the girls of Rapha House bring them Sunday.

Christmas Eve – December 24th – 5 and 6:30pm. Christmas Eve is the most traditional thing we do all year. It is a very beautiful time of reflection through songs, carols, communion, and candle lighting that is guaranteed to move you and to bring your focus to Jesus – the greatest gift ever given. Invite your friends and family to join you for this special night. Make Christmas Eve at Twin Oaks a new part of your family tradition. Childcare for infants-toddlers will be provided (and we encourage parents to take advantage of it please).

New small groups – New small groups will soon be forming for January based on the “Why? Pursuing Answer to Life’s Biggest Questions” sermon series I’ll be starting January 10th. We’ll cover questions such as: Why Am I Here? Why Should I Believe in God? Why Should I Trust the Bible? Why is the World So Messed Up? Why the Conflict… Science and the Bible? Why Jesus? This will be a great series to bring your questioning friends to and a great small group to invite them to join. More details soon.

Poinsettias – Once again the church will be decorated with poinsettias for Christmas beginning this Sunday. After the 10:30 service on December 20th you may purchase these poinsettias for only $6 each (correct change would be appreciated).

Blood drive – Twin Oaks will be hosting a Red Cross blood drive again on Tuesday, January 5th. Please sign up Sunday at the Ministry Center to reserve your time.

Joke of the week - A sloth named Herman is walking through the forest one day. A gang of snails approach him and beat him up. He is left at the bottom of a tree with several cuts and bruises. Several hours later, he gathers up enough strength to go to a local police station. Herman walks into the sergeant’s office. "What happened to you?" the officer asks. "A gang of snails beat me up," Herman replies. "Can you describe what they looked like?" "I don’t know," the sloth says. "It all happened so fast."

Have a great week and I’ll see you (and your guests) Sunday,

Randy