FIND A SPIRITUAL MENTOR BIRTHDAYS 2016 COMING EVENTS INFLUENCE OFby, ANITA CARMEN ANNIVERSARIES GRADUATES HUME LAKE 2016 CHRISTIAN MAY/JUNE BENEFIT AUCTION PARENTS

INSIDE

MBC The MagazineMAGNOLIA BAPTIST CHURCH May-June 2016 I Vol. 3, No. 3

SpiritualInfluence

WELCOME

INFLUENTIALThey are

TheInfluentials

ByJeremy Bratcher

RIPPLES OF INFLUENCE

GRADUATES 2016

How will your grandchildrenremember you?

SPIRITUAL LEGACY

MORE THAN MEERKATS By

Heather Weden

The ministry ofKeiko Brand

ByAnita Carman

The story ofAva

GLOBAL OUTREACH

FIND A SPIRITUAL MENTOR

DAYCARE

INCREDIBLE INFLUENCE

CHECK IT OUT

EGGSTRAVAGANZA

CELEBRATING

MAY & JUNE

Of Christian Parents

Updates and Upcoming Events

Pictures of anOutreach

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day

Birthdays andAnniversaries

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Welcome to the May/June

issue of MBC: The Magazine. This month

our feature discussion is about spiritual

influence. With Mother’s Day and Father’s

Day on the horizon, we thought this would

be a great time to discuss the importance

of spiritual influence.

Some of our conversations together will

center on mentoring. Other conversations

draw from the depths of parenting. A third

set of articles considers becoming a person

of influence in the community.

I hope as you read through this month’s

offerings you will fondly remember mentors

and influences from your past while being

challenged to influence others for Christ.

Blessings,

Jeremy K. Bratcher,

Lead Pastor

Magnolia Baptist Church

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“Do you think God’s success depends on you?”

I recently watched a movie called Chasing Mavericks. It was about a young man who wanted to surf one of the biggest waves in the world. He approached an experienced surfer in his town to coach him. The coach told him he would need to secure four pillars in his life. The first was physical. He would need to develop the strength to paddle a surf board across the California bay. The second pillar was mental. He would need to observe details because the winds and waves could change in seconds and he would need

to change accordingly. The third pillar was emotional. If he hid any fears in his heart, he would need to deal with them. The coach said when a wave crashes on a surfer’s head, there is no question he will be afraid. The question is what he does when he’s afraid. He must learn to keep going in spite of his fear. And the fourth pillar was spiritual. He needed to settle whether this was his purpose, and only God could settle that with him.

Months later, the young man found the coach in a crisis. The coach had lost his wife suddenly and had trouble recovering from the loss. So he headed off into the ocean with his surfboard. The young man went to look for him and found him in the middle of the waters, drifting into nothingness. The young man said, “What happened to your four pillars?”

The coach said, “They aren’t working for me.”

The young man then said,

“Then you must find a fifth.”“What is the fifth?” the coach asked.

The young man said, “Me.” He then led the coach back to shore.

When I heard those lines, I realized that I had spent years studying God’s Word. I even graduated at the top of my class in seminary. I had spent years teaching God’s Word to others. But I had experienced periods in my life when everything I studied and taught others could not get me through my own despair. I had an empty place in my heart from the losses of my formative years. What I needed personally was a fifth pillar, and God sent me one in the form of my spiritual mentor. She served as Jesus in the flesh to me and poured God’s love into me. She walked beside me and prayed for me and loved me unconditionally. She gave me the courage to emerge as a leader for God.

Growing up in Hong Kong,

F i n d a S p i r i t u a l M e n t o rAnita Carman

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my mother put the fear of failure in me. She placed all her hopes in me and counted on my academic excellence to help the family immigrate to the free land of America. She knew the family didn’t have the economic means to send me to school abroad, so our exit plan totally depended on my ability to win a full scholarship. Once I had an acceptance letter with a full scholarship, I could apply to U.S. immigration to exit the country on a student visa.

To prepare me for this daunting challenge, my mother began brainwashing me at a young age. Her message was “Come in first and you will have no competition.” So when I came home with a 98 her response was, “What happened to the other two points?” I lived my entire formative years feeling like I had fallen short of perfection. Nothing was ever good enough. The only mode of operation was to try harder and to work harder.

When I read in the Bible that God’s banner over us is love, the concept felt very foreign to me. I had lived under the banner of never measuring up. So all my life, I felt the weight of condemnation. Before I knew it, I found my security in my ability to work hard. I was convinced I could outwork anyone. When God called me to serve him in ministry, I was convinced God chose me because he could count on me to work. I didn’t realize that I had put my confidence in my performance rather than in him.

It was a shock to discover that God wasn’t impressed with me or with what I could accomplish through human effort. I had yet to discover what my spiritual mentor learned many years before me. She was diagnosed with a heart problem and as a result, learned to depend on God. She lived one day at a time and expected God’s grace to be sufficient for each day. When I worried about the future, she would say, “Do you think God’s success depends on you?” Her question floored me. What did she mean?

In my mind I thought, “If God sent me to solve a problem, God needed me in order to succeed.” It never occurred to me that the God of the Universe didn’t need me to accomplish his purpose. He invites me to be part of what he is doing and he longs for me to accept. However, he doesn’t need me and can easily replace me!

I wonder today if you need a fifth pillar. Perhaps all that you relied on isn’t working for you anymore. Perhaps more than a program, you need a person. Perhaps you need someone who will take the time to care and will journey with you to change the world. If so, I pray God gives you an incredible gift in the form of a spiritual mentor. And I pray the world will be blessed by the best of your mentor and you!

Adapted from The Best of My Mentor and Me. Copyright © 2013 by Anita Carman. Used by Permission.

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I N F L U E N T I A LOne American in ten tells the other nine how to vote, where to eat, and what to buy. They are THE INFLUENTIALS

As Christians, we should value leveraging positive influence on others. Because God has called each and every believer in Jesus to be persons of influence…witnesses of His goodness and grace…we should take note to how we live.

Paul understood the power of influence as he encouraged his friend Titus, who was pastoring a church on the island of Crete. Just as a side note, the Cretans were not necessarily the kind of people you would invite home for dinner.

Historically, they were vile and rude. Cretans had low levels of gravitas and were often considered idiotic to most of Roman culture. One of their own prophets called said this about them: “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes and gluttons.” (Titus 1:12) In the heart of a socially degrading, God-rejecting culture, Paul encouraged Titus to:

“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” Titus 2:7-8

Titus was to be a person of influence for the Gospel’s sake in Crete. Similarly, as believers in Jesus, we should seek to be people of influence.

Ed Keller and Jon Berry wrote The Influentials as a record of observation regarding the kinds of people who are have the greatest influence in America today. In the book they document the type of person who carries great influence in America. Their research says that 1 in 10 people pretty much influence others where to eat, how to vote and what to buy. They are the people that others listen to, watch and follow their lead.

Keller and Berry call these folks “The Influentials.” While I was intrigued by much of their

Jeremy Bratcher

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research, I was especially drawn to the conclusions about what qualified a person as an “influential.” What is the make-up and personality of an “influential?” According to nationwide Roper Research, the following qualities sum up these influential persons:

1. They are able to sort out and define what matters. These influentials can sift through all the noise and clutter, and determine what’s important. Then, they follow through on what they believe are the top priorities. They don’t get lost in the mundane.

2. They are more optimistic than the average person. Influential people believe the future is bright and consequently, they plan to engage in it. Their dreams are bigger than their memories, and they live with the hope of an amazing 21st century.

3. They are selective and discriminating in their choices. People listen to these influentials because they scrutinize their decisions, skeptical of empty promises in the media. They’re not Pollyannas. They’re discerning as they plan what to do or buy.

4. They are authentic; they don’t just follow the norm but think for themselves. These influentials don’t merely follow he crowd. They carve out a life that suits their identity, and aren’t afraid to live a life that is a bit different than mainstream society.

5. They are good listeners and are very teachable. According to research, these influentials list good listening skills as a high goal for themselves, especially if they’re in leadership positions. Although they know a lot, they listen to learn more.

6. They believe in God and are active in serving their communities. More than the average person, influentials believe in God and claim to have a relationship with Him. Consequently, they are active in serving voluntarily in their communities and churches.

7. They value education and believe it is key to the future. These influential folks place a high value on education. Most of them are college educated and want the same for their children. They believe it is key to the “good life” and realizing dreams.

8. They demand a job that is interesting, enjoyable and contributes to society. They want a job that’s defined by 3 criteria: interesting to perform, enjoyable to them, and one that benefits or adds value to society at large. Work must benefit others, not just generate a profit.

9. They are visionaries, and keepers of society’s high ideals. They possess a vision of tomorrow and it helps them maintain hope. They tend to dream, and hold fast to society’s highest ideals and values. People lean on them to remind others of the big picture.

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10. They feel they are responsible to their communities and the world around them. This was interesting. Far and away, these influentials are most likely to feel responsible to their communities. They cannot just “live and let live.” They believe they are accountable to others.

11. They define success as loving and being loved by their family. Along with their spiritual beliefs, they define success not with money, but as loving their spouse and kids. They want to “win at home” before trying to accomplish something on the job.

12. They believe in growth and change. Finally, these influentials are predisposed to growth and they welcome change. They are the first to adapt and change in order to grow. They are into progress and improvement.

One of the key ways a Christian can influence the world is through the power of example.Truth is powerful when it’s argued. It’s more powerful when it’s exhibited. People need not only to understand the argument. They need to see the benefits of the argument with their own eyes.

It’s hard to exaggerate the power for good that a thoroughly Christian family can exert, for instance, in a public housing development. The whole community can see the husband and wife loving and honoring one another, devoted and faithful to one another, and finding fulfillment in one another. They see the children growing up in the security of a loving and disciplined home. They see a family not turned in on itself, but turned outward—entertaining strangers, welcoming, keeping an open home, seeking to get involved in the concerns of the community. One Christian nurse in a hospital; one Christian teacher in a school; one Christian in a shop, in a factory, or in an office—we will all make a difference, for good or for ill.

John Stott writes, “Christians are marked people. The world is watching. And God’s major way of changing the old society is to implant within it his new society, with its different values, different standards, different joys, and different goals. Our hope is that the watching world will see these differences, and find them attractive, that they ‘may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven’” (Matt. 5:16).

What a lost and dying world needs most is a savior and He has already come. Next to that, this world needs Christians seeking to influence others toward greater goods and eternal hope. Your influence may not be over a nation, but it can be widespread in your neighborhood, workplace, school and home. Be the example of Christ for someone else to follow. Be an influencer.

RIPPLES OF INFLUENCE

Jeremy Bratcher

Billy Graham’s estimated lifetime audience, including radio and television broadcasts, tops 2.2 billion. That means that approximately 2.2 billion people have heard the gospel from Billy Graham’s mouth. That’s hard to wrap your mind around.

Billy Graham has shared the gospel with more people than anyone else in history, but do you know who shared the gospel with him? It actually is a series of events that has been traced over the years and starts out with one volunteer Sunday school teacher.

“You can count the apples on the tree, but who can count the apples in a seed?” goes the old aphorism.

So it is with the influence of a single person.

Take Edward Kimball, for an example. Never heard of him?

You’re not unique in that sense. Most people have never heard of him.

Kimball was a Sunday school teacher who not only prayed for the often rowdy boys in his class but also sought to win each one to the Lord. If Kimball ever felt like giving up, he never talked about it. If you have ever taught the Bible to young boys, you know that the experience can often be like herding cats.

One young man, in particular, didn’t seem to understand what the gospel was about so Kimball went to the shoe store where he was stocking shelves and confronted him in the stock room with the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. That young man was Dwight L. Moody. In the stockroom on that Saturday, he received Jesus Christ as his Savior. In his lifetime, Moody touched two continents for God, with untold thousands coming to faith in Jesus Christ.

But the story doesn’t end there. Actually that’s where it begins. Under Moody, another man’s heart was touched for God, Wilbur Chapman. Chapman became the evangelist who preached to thousands. One day, a professional ball player had a day off and attended one of Chapman’s meetings, and thus, Billy Sunday was converted.

Sunday quit baseball and became part of Chapman’s team. Then, Chapman accepted the pastorate of a large church and Billy Sunday began his own evangelistic crusades.

Another young man, Mordecai Ham, became a Christian through Chapman’s ministry. He was a scholarly, dignified gentleman who wasn’t above renting a hearse and parading it through the streets advertising his meetings.

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When Ham came to Charlotte, North Carolina, a sandy-haired, lanky young man, then in high school, vowed that he wouldn’t go hear him preach, but Billy Frank, as he was called by his family, did eventually go. Ham announced that he knew for a fact that a house of ill repute was located across the street from the local high school and that male students were skipping lunch to visit the house across the street. When students decided to go to interrupt the meetings of Mordecai Ham, Billy Frank decided to go see what would happen.

That night Billy Frank went and was intrigued by what he heard. Returning another night, he responded to the invitation and was converted. Billy Frank eventually became known as Billy Graham, the evangelist who preached to more people than any other person who ever lived.

This fascinating chain of events was triggered by a Sunday school teacher’s concern for his boys. If you are like most people, you have served in some capacity and wondered at times if you were making a real difference or not. Maybe you’ve thought about quitting because you didn’t think you were making any difference.

Let’s put this story together in short form:

Edward Kimball influenced Dwight Moody toward Christ.

Dwight Moody influenced Wilbur Chapman toward Christ.

Wilbur Chapman influenced Mordecai Ham toward Christ.

Mordecai Ham influenced Billy Graham toward Christ.

Billy Graham influenced millions toward Christ. But let’s take it a little deeper down the line, shall we?

Billy Graham discipled Grady Wilson. Grady Wilson discipled Billy Hanks Jr.

Billy Hanks Jr. discipled Bryan Oliphant. Bryan Oliphant discipled me. There are times when we have no idea about the extent of our spiritual influence in someone’s life. Sometimes we feel insignificant and that our words or example really doesn’t make much difference. Yet, we have no idea the impact of the ripples through generations that our influence might have. The next time you are tempted to give up, please remember Edward Kimball, whose persistence and faithfulness in ministering to a group of boys through Sunday School was tremendously honored by the Lord. Every single minute of your life matters. God uses each moment for His own glory. Even now, there are people in your life that need to be pointed to Christ. Some of them are in deep need of coming to Christ for the very first time. Others are struggling and need to be reminded of God’s love for them. Regardless of where they are, remember where you are—in a position of spiritual influence to point others to Christ.

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“To watch over children.” Tyler (11)

“To love and protect.” Alli (8)

“For to buy us stuff at the store when dad is sick.” Dylan (7)

“So they can correct our mistakes and we can learn.” Carmen (13)

“Because God helped them.” Riley (7)

“To help us, take care of us, to make us.” Ebba (9)

“So they can take care of us, to support us like fathers do.” Christian (13)

“For we can have stuff and help us when we are down and help us be happy.” Michelle (8)

“Because… I don’t know. Why did God make Ellie’s?” Ellie (2)

“To help watch us and help us learn and do fun stuff.” Makayla (8)

M O R ET H A NM E E R K AT S

The families of meerkats on the African plains nurture their young by feeding them, watching them, and hiding them from danger. They teach the growing pups how to find water, food, and avoid danger. They train them to respect the leaders and be productive parts of their society. They train to fight so that they can claim enough territory to support the whole family. Meerkat young are punished when they step out of line. Meerkat adults work together to make more meerkats that will help with the survival of their kind. Training up a child to become a productive member of society involves a lot, especially in a complex society. But is that all there is to parenting? Surely we are called to instill more in our kids than the endeavor to maintain our society.

I asked some of our kids the following questions and many of them followed their answers with, “Is that right?”

W h y d i d G o d m a k e m o m s ?“So that kids would have moms.” Kayla (6)

“Because when dads are sick they can give them medicine and soup.” Abbey (4)

“To give us food and give us drinks.” Garrett (6)

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Heath e r W eden

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W h y d i d G o d m a k e d a d s ?

“To drive us to school.” Red (12)

“Because He loves them.” Raya (6)

“To give us food.” Charis (7)

“So that they could take care of us.” Allyson (6)

“I don’t know.” Kathleen (3)

“To help make dinner.” Kaelin (5)

Guardians, providers, teachers, partners; all of these are good answers. As parents, we fill many roles. Surely, protecting and providing for our kids is a given. We share those roles with every mammal, mommy and daddy out there.

The psalmist, Asaph, said it well in Psalm 78.

“I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old—

things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us.

We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation

the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.

He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel,

which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children,

so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born,

and they in turn would tell their children.Then they would put their trust in God

and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.

They would not be like their ancestors— a stubborn and rebellious generation,

whose hearts were not loyal to God, whose spirits were not faithful to him.

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God chose to use families as a place to nurture faith and foster relationships with God. Parents have a unique and powerful position of spiritual influence. That’s not to say that we are responsible for ensuring that our kids respond to God’s call. But, as parents, we have a distinct opportunity to help our kids encounter Jesus, to help them recognize His voice, and model how to respond. Our faith family is here to support you in this. If you need resources, teaching, or prayer please don’t hesitate to ask.

As you work towards raising up the next generation of Christ followers, may God bless you with strength and wisdom. May He reveal himself more clearly to you each day and may you be inspired by His daily presence in your home.

As precious as the pictures and videos of sweet moments between animal babies and parents are, even more precious and exciting are the moments when our kids make unique and genuine steps of faith. As you watch your kids make those steps, please be encouraged to share them with us. Sure, we like the facebook posted videos of baby polar bears cuddling, but we celebrate as a whole faith community when the next generation responds in faith to our Lord.

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T h e Inc r ed ib le I n f l u e n c e

o f C h r i s t i a n Pa r e n t s

For Vern Bengtson, a longtime scholar at the University of Southern California, this question has driven a career’s worth of research. Thirty-five years ago, Bengtson began examining the religious beliefs and practices of more than 3,500 grandparents, parents, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. These efforts have culminated with his study, Families and Faith: How Religion is Passed Down across Generations (Oxford University Press). The book, co-authored with research assistants Norella Putney and

Susan Harris, looks at how parents seek to reproduce religious faith in their children amid an increasingly individualistic society.

Bengston’s conclusions as to why some parents are successful at passing on faith are interesting. He summarizes his conclusions thusly:

“One fairly obvious thing, more obvious than I expected, lies in parents who provide consistent modeling. If the parents aren’t consistent, the kids won’t have religious role models to emulate. In other words, don’t just send your children to church, bring them!

The second thing we found was that the quality of the relationship between the child and the parent affects the success or lack of success in transmission. Warm, affirming parents, especially fathers, tend to be the most successful. For example, we followed a very religious father who comes from a long line of Mormon patriarchs, a stalwart of the church who allowed for no tampering with tradition or slippage in his five children’s devotion. His son, Austin, goes away to a mission where he has a nervous breakdown and is sent home. His father is furious, and Austin leaves the church. Again and again, we saw that fervent faith cannot compensate for a distant, inflexible dad. Being a role

Deuteronomy 4:9 admonishes parents to “teach what you’ve seen and heard to your children and grandchildren.” But while many sons and daughters receive this teaching gladly, others respond with indifference or rebellion. So how do faithful parents raise children who become faithful adults?

JEREMY BRATCHER

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model is irrelevant if the child doesn’t feel the parent’s example is worth following.”

Bengston continues:

“We found that allowing children religious choice can encourage religious continuity. A “hard-nosed” approach that says, “This is our faith, you will follow it, you will practice it, and you are prohibited to experiment with any other faith,” tends to be less successful. A better approach says, “We want your faith to be your own, we believe we have found the faith that is meaningful to us and our family, but we don’t want to impose it on you. Feel free to experiment.” In evangelical families, the latter soft-minded approach by the parents was much more successful than prohibitions on straying or experimenting. It’s a degree of tolerance you don’t always associate with more fundamentalist religious groups, but it does seem that a closed-fisted approach is not nearly as effective as a more lenient approach.”

But what do you do if your kids have walked away from the faith? Any advice Dr. Bengston?

“First and foremost, love them. Keep a loving, open relationship. This is going to be very difficult, because chances are there is a lot pain on both sides. Well, love them anyway, and remember that people change; kids grow up and grow old. Have some faith in the course of life. Frequently, a rebellious, antagonistic stance in an 18-year-old mellows considerably by the time that 18-year-old marries and has children. Prodigals do return to the fold, and some of it is simply a consequence of aging.

Finally, for parents of prodigals, recognize that religion and love are not the same things. A lot of parents personalize the rejection of religion as a rejection of them as parents. That’s easy to do, because religion means so terribly much to these devout parents. They want their kids to have the benefits of a faith life that they have enjoyed. They want to see their children in heaven. But don’t confuse religious conformity with love, and don’t confuse a lack of religious conformity with a lack of love.”

Parenting is hard. Especially when you think the entirety of who your child becomes is on your shoulders. Fortunately God loves your child more than even you do, as hard as that might be to believe. He has known your kids since before they were in your womb and knit them together cell by cell. He has a plan for them and you play a very large part, but it’s His plan. As Michelle Anthony, author of Spiritual Parenting, writes, “Spiritual parenting isn’t perfect parenting; it’s parenting with an eternal perspective.” The power of influence in the home begins with the power of Christ’s influence over you. You can only pass on to them what Christ has passed on to you!

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G R A D U A T E S

DR. RHONDA NISHIMOTOSchool: Capella University

Degree: Doctorate in EducationPlans for the future: Continue to teach

Special Honors: Presidents List every quarterFun fact: I can ‘t seem to leave Capella, I am

still mentoring other doctorate learners!

KAILYNNE ATKINSONSchool: Cal Poly Pomona, in Pomona, CA

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Animal Science (Pre-Vet).

Plans: To work for a year as a Veterinary Technician to stack up some money, then apply for

a Veterinary School.Fun Facts: Currently serving as the President of

the Pre-Vet club at Cal Poly Pomona, and has met Dr Pol (has his own Vet Show on TV), The Ceasar

Milan (“The Dog Wisperer”), and Jack Hanna (Animal Planet) at recent Veterinary Conferences.

KELLEY ATKINSONSchool: Western University, Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, in Pomona, CADegree: Masters Degree in Biomedical Science Plans: Complete PhD in Biomedical Sciences at the University of California at Riverside. She has been accepted - classes start in July.Fun Facts: Kelley enjoys doing lots of crazy things, and has done Sky Diving, Parasailing, Bungie Jumping, to name just a few.

2016

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KELLI MIRELESSchool: Biola UniversityDegree: BA in Theatre Plans: I am starting an MA in Theatre program in May. Fun Facts: Enjoying time with my kids.

ANGELA YEATONSchool: Cerritos CollegeDegree: Associates of Science in Dental Assisting and Associates of Arts in Dental HygienePlans: Now that school is out she will be enjoying the summer finishing up the final touches on her wedding and playing at the beach. Angela looks forward to embracing her role as a wife and starting work as a dental hygienist come this fall.Fun Facts: Loves being with her friends and family, being involved in ministry, drinking coffee, and eating anything with peanut butter in it.

MARY MCGUNIGALESchool: Cypress College

Degree: AA emphasis in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Plans: I’m going to California State University, Fullerton and major in Child Development.

Fun Facts: I have been working/volunteering with children for almost 9 years.

KRISTA KELEHER School: Nova Southeastern in Flordia

Degree: Masters in Science Speech/Language Pathology.

Plans: I will be applying to be a speech therapist at an elementary school.

Fun Facts: I was on a swim team called Novaquatics at Los Caballeros in Fountain Valley.

Jack Kemp was a quarterback for the NFL, a congressman, and one-time vice-presidential nominee. Despite his many accomplishments, shortly before he passed away in 2009, he told his son, Jeff, “I want my legacy to be family, and how much God has shown love for us.”

When your life is over … when you take your last breath … what will your loved ones say about the way you lived? Will you pass on true riches—a legacy of one who followed Jesus Christ?

Here are 14 ideas for leaving a spiritual legacy to your grandchild:

1. Every month, ask your grandchild how you can pray for him. Jot down one another’s prayer requests in a notebook and record the dates and ways that God answers your prayers. Share some of your prayer requests with your grandchild. If you do not live near one another, do this by email, text, or phone.

2. Read and discuss Deuteronomy 32:7: “Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you.” Ask your grandchild: Why should we consider past generations? What value is there in remembering the past? Then memorize this verse together (over several days).

3. Read 1 Corinthians 13:5-9 with your grandchild. Look up the stories of biblical characters who exemplified the traits mentioned in these verses.

4. Encourage your grandchild to write a poem about a biblical character who modeled love. Young children could draw a picture. Put these on display on your refrigerator. Or type the poem on your computer with a calligraphy font. Print it, place it in a nice frame, and display it in your home.

5. Take out a Bible and read Ecclesiastes 3:1 with your grandchild, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” Discuss the importance of waiting on God’s time, and then present your grandchild with an inexpensive watch.

6. Purchase a Bible for your grandchild and have his name engraved on it. Write a special note inside the cover of the Bible.

7. Go to an estate sale and let your grandchild pick out a special item to remember your day together. In the car discuss Isaiah 40:7 (NLT), “The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.” Compare this verse to the estate sale—when we leave this earth, we leave all of our possessions behind.

14 Ways to Leave a Spiritual Legacy to Your Grandchild:How will your grandchildren remember you?

By Mary May Larmoyeux

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8. Write about the day your grandchild was born or adopted. Describe the weather, time, where you were, and your feelings when you saw him for the first time. Include special Bible verses or prayers that you claim for your grandchild.

9. Share your beliefs concerning your faith, explaining why you believe what you do. Then ask your grandchild what he believes and why.

10. Put a blanket on the ground. Lie down on it with your grandchild and look up at the clouds. Tell each other what the clouds look like. For example, are they shaped like a mountain, boat, cotton candy, etc.?

Share Psalm 147:8 with your grandchild: “He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills.”

11. Design some special cards with your grandchild that have the following verse: 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” With your grandchild, send one of these cards to someone who needs encouragement.

12. Ask your grandchild to tell you about her friends. Ask how your grandchild and her friends express Christ’s love to one another. Invite your grandchild to bring one of her friends to your home one day for a special meal.

13. Have a hymn night at your home with your grandchild. Together choose traditional hymns and contemporary songs. Ask one another, “What is your favorite song and why?”

14. Look up Proverbs 21:31 with your grandchild: “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.” Discuss this with him if he’s old enough to understand its meaning. How could a horse be ready for battle (i.e., man’s effort to defend himself through equipment, etc.) and yet the end result of the battle really rest with the Lord? Then talk with your grandchild about battles in your life/in your grandchild’s life. Where is his ultimate strength? Read Deuteronomy 3:22 with your grandchild and discuss it together, “Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.”

My mother passed away recently. As our family reminisced about her life, we described her with words like faith, strength, kindness, generosity, prayer, and unconditional love. We talked about her strong belief that the past is gone and tomorrow will be bright.

Like Jack Kemp, she left far more than material possessions to her children and grandchildren. She left a spiritual legacy that I pray will continue for many generations.

Copyright © 2015 Mary May Larmoyeux, www.legacyconnection.org. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Portions of this article were excerpted with permission from the book Mary wrote with Nancy Downing, The Grandparent Connection: 365 Ways to Connect With Your Grandchild’s Heart.

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Keiko was born in Japan to a Christian mother and an unbelieving father. She grew up loving God and wanting to serve Him. At her Japanese church many American missionaires came and taught English at the Christian school.

When Keiko became an adult she came to Southern California to visit Concordia University as a chaperon. Then, she decided to stay and continue her studies at the University. She received Master’s in Theology and Culture at Concordia. During that time Keiko became involved in International Sudent Ministry on Campus and she got a part-time job there. Continuing her education she finally graduated from JTJ (Jesus to Japan) Seminary.

The icing on the cake was when she met Hank Brand and they fell in love. They married and moved to a house in the neighborhood right behind Magnolia Baptist Church. And her ministry here began.

Her ministry at MBC is threefold:

English Class (Evangelism), MBC provides free English class for Japanese ladies living in the area. They can learn English, American culture, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a very safe and warm environment.

MELT (Discipleship) MBC hosted guests from Japan and provided English Bible class, American culture class, art class, voulnteer activity, LA Tour, Anaheim City Tour, etc. They also enjoyed Medieval Times, Huntington Beach, and Disneyland. They stayed with MBC families so that they could experince Christ’s love through them.

JUST (Being Equipped) Visit Japan. Meet with Japanese pastors, missionaries, and former MELT participants. Sightsee at Sky Tree, Asakusa, Osaka Castle, Kinkakuji Temple, and Peace Memorial Park. We Learn about Japanese culture, religions, and social issues as well as effective ministries in Japan. How You Can Get Involved – Pray For Japan

T H E M I N I S T R YO F

K E I K O B R A N D

How you can get involved: Pray for Japan

If you are interested in supporting MBC Japanese Ministry, please send me your name and contact information to Keiko Yoshimura-Brand. She will notify any opportunities where you can learn about Japanese Ministry and serve Japanese people. Please pray for JUST in May, please sign up to volunteer for English class and MELT 2016, and most of all, please pray for Japan and its people.

MELT (Magnolia English Language Tour)Summer Homestay Program 2016

Fri. July 29th - Tue. August 9th (12 days/11 nights)Homestay at Christian families, Disneyland, Dinner Show, Beaches, English Bible Class, American Culture Class, Sightseeing, Shopping,

Volunteer Activity, BBQ Party, etc.

PRAY FOR JAPAN LUNCHEONSun. June 12, 12:30pm-2:30pm at MBC Conference RoomCome listen to JUST 2016 (Japan Ultimate Study Tour) participants, former MELT volunteers, and learn about Japanese culture and Japanese ministry opportunities. Please sign-up to volunteer for MELT 2016 (July 29-Aug.8). Free lunch will be provided. Any donation to support MELT 2016 will be greatly appreciated. Any questions or comments, contact Keiko at keikointl@aol.com.

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W E E K E N D T OR E M E M B E RHoneymoons aren’t just for newlyweds.

June 10-12, 2016Irvine, CAMagnolia Baptist Churchstaff@magnoliabaptist.org

At Weekend to Remember, you and your spouse will: • Enjoy a romantic getaway in Irvine. • Hear words of wisdom from people who have been in the trenches of marriage. • Apply what you learn in one-on-one projects with your spouse. • Positively change your relationship for a lifetime.

“When my husband and I first signed up for this event we thought the $149/person was too much. But after going to the event last October, after laughing, crying and listening to the encouraging stories of the speakers, I would pay a $1000 to go to this event. My husband and I have a lot of differences that made our marriage rough. After coming to the Weekend to Remember our relationship has been renewed and gotten so much stronger. I recommend this weekend to everybody who wants to make a change in their marriage and a renewed commitment to their spouse.”

Hotel Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Rd.,

Irvine, CA 92614

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It was another day of worship in Leuschner Hall. Fifty five children were spread out on the floor, lights low and once again I can hear Jesus calling, “Let the little children come to me.” As we invite the Holy Spirit to come through song and prayer all of a sudden sobs come from the center of the room. I continue to sing softly and head toward the cries of brokenness. I recognize that it’s a child

who often breaks down during worship. He has told me in the past that he can’t help that he cries because he feels heaven when we sing. I whisper to him, “Do you want to go outside with Mr. Josh and catch your breath for a moment?” I don’t want him to feel embarrassed or uncomfortable as he sits crying in front of all his peers. He said, “No, I’m okay I want to stay.”

Ava, a beautiful, sensitive, shy child of God sees his grief and scoots in close to him. She places one arm around his shoulder and lifts her other arm as high as she can towards Heaven. She begins to intercede on his behalf in prayer. All of a sudden, she stands up, both arms lifted high, and with all her might she praises fiercely. The boy’s sobs are quieted instantly and he is at peace.

Something breaks in the air. The Holy Spirit begins to fall and every child on the floor is now silent. No one is moving, just watching respectfully and in awe as Ava begins to dance. Her arms sway over all the children and the staff. Her movements are fluid, graceful, and intentional. She does not dance alone—Holiness falls. It is as if she and the Holy Spirit are swirling in beautiful motion together. Suddenly, staff are praying over children—crawling along the floor and laying hands over other tearful children. Children are now praying over

other children. Ava continues to stand, arms stretched high, fingers reaching, moving, praising, and singing. Never opening her eyes, she is unaware of what is going on around her. Forty five minutes pass and a sweet spirit lingers amongst us all. Dazed and tinder eyed we line up for homework. We all had been touched. A child fearless and brave coming to the aide of her friend had led the way. That night as I sat on my porch in the cool evening breeze and recalled the day’s events, I was overcome once again. I closed my eyes and my heart began to cry and I fervently prayed:

Dear Lord, may I be like Ava. Could I be the one to rush to the aid of a friend? Could I stand when everyone else is sitting? Could I close out the fear and sting of rejection of all those around me that might laugh and if they find me unusual and weird and scoff at me, could I still stand tall and alone in you? Oh Lord, help me to worship you in spirit and in truth even if I’m the only one who’s voice is ringing out. Could I dare dance with you and usher you in with my love and belief in your goodness? Could I be free to move when you say move? Dear God, today I witnessed a child’s pure response to you. Without question or regard for herself, no fear of her appearance or what her peers may be thinking, she took the risk and allowed herself to be set apart. Because of that action, Ava brought you to all of us today. Please dear Lord, make me a child with a pure heart and an obedient heart. Amen.

Matthew 19:14- “Allow the children to come to me” Jesus said. “Don’t forbid them, because the Kingdom of Heaven BELONGS TO PEOPLE like these children.”

Titus 1:5- To the pure all things are pure.

Av a ’ s S t o r yCathy Mi l ler

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P I C T U R E S O F A N O U T R E A C HEGGSTRAVAGANZA 2016

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IT takes a lot of people to make the outreach of Eggstravaganza happen. Here are just a few of the photos from that day.1. Welcome Booth. We hand out bags and wristbands. 2. A “Walk-through” of the life of Jesus. 3. Facepainting (very popular). 4. Over 10 different carnival games. 5. Hundreds of crafts. 6. Kennedy High School helped to blow-up hundreds of balloons. 7. No event would be complete without a good band. 8. Daycare took over the south lawn with so many activities for the pre-schoolers. 9. Noel Sicat had plenty of help at his food booth. 10. Over 40 prizes are given away. 11. Painting is aways a fun craft. 12. Hunting for over 20,000 eggs. 13. Keeping the crowd under control!

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Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and it is an exciting time to celebrate the beauty of motherhood and appreciate individual mothers and mother figures.

The Bible is full of admonitions regarding motherhood, and of the influence of godly mothers as they strive to bring up their children in the fear of the Lord. For example, Proverbs 31: 25-31 describes the Christian mother in this way: “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

This Sunday, remember to thank God for the special role your mother has played in your life. Incorporating one of these Bible verses into a gift or card is a great way to honor your mother and thoughtfully express your gratitude for all she has done for you.

1 Peter 3:4: “You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.”

Proverbs 31:10-12: “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm all the days of her life.”

Ephesians 6:1-3: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right. Honor your father and mother which is the first commandment with a promise - that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life.”

Proverbs 22:6: “Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it.”

I Corinthians 13:4-7: “Love is patient; love is kind. Love is notjealous; is not proud; is not conceited; does not act foolishly; is not selfish; is not easily provoked to anger; keeps no record of wrongs; takes no pleasure in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth; love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.”

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Father’s Day is fast approaching--it falls on Sunday, June 19th -- and it is a special time to celebrate the sacred nature of fatherhood and appreciate your father, father-in-law, grandfather, and father figures.

The Bible is full of admonitions regarding fatherhood, and of the influence of godly fathers as they strive to bring up their children in the fear of the Lord. For example, Genesis 18:19 describes the role of the Christian father in this way: “For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.”

This Sunday, remember to thank God for the special role your father has played in your life, not only as an example of strength, compassion and love, but as the God-given spiritual head of the family. Incorporating one of these Father’s Day Bible verses into a gift or card is a great way to honor your father and thoughtfully express your gratitude for all he has done for you.

“Love is patient; love is kind. Love is not jealous; is not proud; is not conceited; does not act foolishly; is not selfish; is not easily provoked to anger; keeps no record of wrongs; takes no pleasure in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth; love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.” [I Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV]

“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.” [Proverbs 23:24 ESV]

“My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.” [Proverbs 3:11-12 ESV]

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” [Ephesians 6:4 ESV]

“In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.” [Proverbs 14:26 ESV]

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Health Professionals Needed July 2nd We are looking for a couple volunteers to conduct our health screenings before we head to camp this summer. The State of California requires that all campers and volunteers attending camp be screened within 24 hours of arriving at camp. We need 2-3 people with nursing degrees or who have completed First Aid, CPR and Preventative Health courses. Health screenings only take a few minutes and consist of a few health related questions and a temperature reading. If you are available and willing to help in this capacity, please email Heather@magnoliabaptist.org.

July 3rdA storyteller/host and helper is needed in the Fort on July 3rd. Several of our family ministries volunteers will be out of town or headed up to camp on Sunday, July 3rd. We need two or three people willing to present a part of the Big God Story and host a response time for our elementary kids. We need another volunteer to lead our 3rd and 4th grade small group during the “second hour” of Sunday morning that day as well. The youth staff could also use some extra help on the morning of the third. We will be sorting, tagging and loading luggage, checking student forms and praying over students and drivers. Check-in starts at 7:30am and the bus leaves for camp at 9am. Please let us know if you would like to help out.

Help needed in the FortOur numbers are increasing and we would love to have some additional help in the Fort. If you are interested in helping to host, present the Big God Story, or simply connect with our kids and families please contact us.

Early ChildhoodOur 4s & 5s class is in need of additional help. Come play with us as we discover the wonders of God’s story and creation. As we play, read stories and connect with each other we celebrate our amazing God. We know it is a sacrifice to miss church once a month in order to serve, but what blessings there are to be had as you listen to the praises of the next generation!

Youth Shepherding Team This summer our youth group is poised to swell in number and we need some help. Consider joining our shepherding team on Tuesday nights.

N E E D S A N D D E S I R E SMINISTRY

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C O M I N G E V E N T SCHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRY SUMMER CALENDAR

c o l l e g e g r o u p

Youth Benefit Auction - May 13Join us for our biggest and best fundraiser, yet! The silent auction begins at 5:30 and ends just before we kick off our live auction at 7pm. Proceeds from auction items and the dinner offered at 5:45 all support kids going to camp.

Youth Work Day - June 18God has provided some pretty cool rooms for us to hang out in. Let’s take care of the resources and spaces He has given us. We need to freshen up our youth rooms, organize our supply rooms and clean the café. Bring some cash for lunch at Weinerschnitzel. Meet in the youth room at 10am and plan on staying until 4pm.

Early Childhood Work Day – May 19We will be refreshing a couple of our classrooms before summer starts and would like to invite our young families to help. If you and your children would like to come wash toys or windows and organize supplies, please join us in the afternoon. When we are all finished we will have a hotdog bbq. Join us for any part of the afternoon or just come for the fellowship and bbq. This is a great opportunity to let your kids serve beside you. RSVP to heather@magnoliabaptist.org

Youth Summer Kick-Off – May 31All in-coming 7th graders are FINALLY welcome to join us on Tuesday nights starting on May 31st. This year’s summer kick-off will be wet and wild so come prepared with a towel and clothing you don’t mind getting wet.

Youth and Families Beach Day, Huntington Beach – June 14Join us in Huntington Beach for some fun in the sun! The youth group will be bringing an easy-up and claiming a fire pit near lifeguard tower 15 (just south of Beach Blvd.). After spending some time in the surf we will enjoy hot dogs and s’mores around the fire as the youth staff presents a challenge from the Word. MBC families are welcome to join us for any part of the day/evening.

Hume Parent Meeting – June 21 @ 7pmParent’s, if you are sending your kid to camp this summer, please join us for this important meeting.

LegosIf you have any Legos at home that are not being used, our children’s department would love to have them.

PaintingIf you are available to help paint during the week of May 16, please let us know. We will be working on some of our classrooms.

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S o m e t h i n g f o r E v e r y o n eMARK YOUR CALENDAR

U P D A T E S A N DC O M I N G E V E N T S

Youth Fundraiser at the Chick-Fil-A in Buena Park

June 2, 20165:00pm - 8:00pm

Come and eat at . . .

Bridal ShowerMay 23, 2016

at 7pmMBC Leuschner Hall

Come bless Angie Yeaton and Alec Kirby

as they prepare for their upcoming marriage.

The couple is registered at Target, Bed Bath & Beyond,

and Pottery Barn.

All Church Family NightHosted by our Daycare

Wednesday, May 25th5:30 pm to 7:00 pm

Free Event

Growing for Jesus Look how much we have grown in God’s Word this year

Dinner, Crafts, Worship, Fun and Fellowship

Canvas and Confections IIMay 21st2:00pm

$30.00 per person

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True North Retreat for Active Adults 50+Forest Home Christian Camps - September 16-18

ADULT RETREATS AT FOREST HOME

The Lord Jesus taught us the importance of rest, reflection, and fellowship. Have you had the chance lately to engage in those things? Have the adults in your church had the chance to get away, deepen friendships and renew their relationship with their Creator?

With nationally-recognized speakers, comfortable accommodations, heartfelt worship, prepared meals, thrilling recreation options and media downloads included, this retreat is sure to offer something for everyone. Consider a weekend at Forest Home to get away from the distractions and focus on what’s really important.

If you are interested in this event, please email staff@magnoliabaptist.org.

Purls to the World is a ministry that knits, crochets, sews and distributes items locally and internationally. We have a Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/PurlstotheWorld/ You can also sign-up to get our email notices about meetings etc. at http://bit.ly/mbcpurls.It’s a great time if you want to learn to knit or crochet or just get together and knit or crochet with others. We get a chance to visit with some who support the ministry but aren’t able to attend the 2nd Sunday of the month morning meetings. We usually meet in someone’s home, and typically meet on a Thursday evening. If you would like to host one, you can email Nancy Brown at luvgardening@cox.net or call Valerie Pugsley at 714-220-9237.

MBC BENEFITAUCTIONFriday, May 13th

So many items:

Disneyland TicketsHuntington Library EntranceThe HabitMustasche MikesSport ClipsArthur MurrayMitchell TireMagic CastleSea WorldAnaheim MuzeoIrvine LanesFountain Valley Skate CenterIn-N-Out BurgerBig Air TrampolineLinbrook BowlFlightdeck Air Combat CenterAuthentic Scottish Shortbread

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A fun nightof out bidding

others!

Photo Session with Adam DeClercqPorto’s Bakery & Cafe

La Mirada Theatre for the Preforming ArtsHornblower Restaurants

Juice CityAquarium of the Pacific

K-9 KarouselSee’s Candies

Animal Inns of AmericaBongo Ink

John’s Incredible Pizza Co. Children’s Museum at La Habra

CostcoPump It Up

Autry Museum...and much more

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1 Corrin Zug2 Liz Waite3 Violeta Miemban3 Corey Wylde5 Joyce Boomsma5 Beverly Dowell6 Sarah Busolo7 Tony Raper8 Annie Bone8 Terry Favello8 Dave Mireles8 Joel Ramm9 Millye Mora12 Mike Barbero12 Elizabeth Thomas13 Debi Farris13 Rob Hipp13 Madeline Reynolds14 Karissa Kareta14 Emmanuel Ngige15 Sally Bauersfeld16 Miriam Maddox16 Rajane Orilla17 Tim Nelson17 Jen Nordell17 Anita Riley18 Teri Whelen19 JoJo Abadilla22 Eli DeClercq22 Eric Miller23 Tristan Bone24 Buck Bernier24 Mike Nordell25 Chuck Nordell26 Salina Kennedy27 Karalyn Pham28 Heather Puckett29 Jan Abadilla29 Phil Teague

1 Melanie Mora2 Ron Bengochea3 Richard Lewis4 Vicki Felig5 Christian Acquistapace5 Donna Burrows5 Nina Nelson7 Olivia Samp8 Jacob Climer9 Millye Moon9 Erika Mora9 Hector Mora10 Tara Reddy10 Suz Wittman11 Christina Bennyworth13 Mason Clark14 Darla Myers15 Holly Bowen15 Carrie Henson15 Faith Jennings15 Wanda Watts17 Jackie Huntington18 Jed Abadilla22 Alec Kirby22 Bill Ramm24 Camille Fernandez26 Fawn Elizondo26 Josh McGunigale30 Kelly Schlegel

C E L E B R AT I N G F A M I LY

M AY J U N E

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1 Ray & Jean Bicknell2 Richard & Lynda Lewis5 Rich & Kelly Schlegel10 Richard & Dianne Chapman15 Hank & Keiko Brand20 Eric & Cathy Miller23 Jeremy & Corrie Bratcher23 Roger & Patsy Tsuda24 Bill & Mary Samp27 Buck & Pam Bernier30 Randy & Pam Williams

1 Cliff & Joanne Barker3 Ramon & Aurita Viray6 Jerry & Carol Henning13 Mike & Sue Dorsi14 Brian & Jill Dagen14 Larry & Pam McMillan18 Chuck & Robyn Nordell20 Daryle & Linda McGunigale22 Werhner & Rajane Orilla26 Tom & Kathy Kiser27 Ron & Dayna Taylor28 David & Cindy Kirby28 Tony & Judy Raper

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Eph. 4:2-3

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.1 Peter 4:8

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” – Ecclesiastes 4:12

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J U N E

7 2 0 S . M A G N O L I A A V E .A N A H E I M , C A 9 2 8 0 4

( 7 1 4 ) 8 2 7 - 0 5 5 3S T A F F @ M A G N O L I A B A P T I S T . O R G