300!

It was the largest crowd I've preached to.

It was overwhelming. Combining the two services won't fit our regular chapel. So we celebrated in a nearby warehouse. Many visitors were invited, and most of them if not all, were non-church goers. My parents and all siblings were there too. We had worship service in the morning, lunch, CareGroup Festival (small groups doing talent presentations), raffles, and gift-giving courtesy of Johnson&Johnson.

A large crowd posed tremendous challenges - cleaning a large place, feeding a large crowd, providing sufficient ventilation, sound system not enough. At any rate, I got all the help from our leaders, and they were worn out afterwards. 

God allowed us to have a taste of what's up ahead, and I was so privileged to see the leaders rose up to the challenge. I've seen their mettle and unity. Nobody's backing down. Laban kung laban!

With God, who needs Santa Claus?

God is full of surprises. That's why He never fails to amaze me.

Christmas, and I was wondering if there will be material blessings to the church members just like in the previous years. A sister-in-law called and recommended that I wrote to Johnson&Johnson for some giveaways. And they gave! And not some, but several boxes of their products - mouthwash, lotion, soap, napkin, etc. We gave to members and visitors alike.

As if that's not enough, PCF Los Angeles gave a huge amount (it was huge to us) of cash. I used it to bless my leaders in form of awards, to recognize their efforts and dedication to the work of Jesus. Among there were the Invest&Invite Award, for the person who invited the most visitors to church; Service Awards, for those who labored in the 'dirty' works of the church; and the Fruitful Awards, for those who discipled the most in their CareGroups.

We truly serve a God who wants to bless very much.

Jeng's Birthday

It was her first active year in PCF. Two youth dragged her to a nearby mall. Then the rest prepared a bountiful array of food, drinks, and cake. They borrowed tables and chairs. A crude videoke was set up. Since no house was big enough, everything was set up along the street in our community.

Somebody texted they were coming back. And church members in that community, parents and youth,  gathered to give Jeng a warm surprise greeting. She was pleasantly awe-struck, nothing like this has ever happened in her life. These people were not her relatives, but on that day she understood what a spiritual family truly meant.

Oh, how I wish that there will be more occasions like that in PCF where we can show how valuable each person is. I believe this is church at its best. For Jesus said, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:35)