2022 October Tapestry

TAPESTRY

Woven

What In The World Is God Doing?

I suspect with all that has been going on in the world that those words have come out of our mouths, or at least crossed our minds, once or twice. I’m not going to try to answer that question in the biggest sense, but in some very practical ways we can look around us and see some things that God is doing.

October is the month that we give our World Mission Offering. All year we give 11% of what we receive in our general offerings to local, national and international missions. As a part of that we support a number of global servants who are serving in various capacities, using their unique gifts, talents, skills and education, all around the world. But in October we take an overand-above offering to “fill in the cracks” of financial need, in order to do the work that God is calling us to do as American Baptists. You will be hearing more about that offering in a separate letter and email.

We are pleased, this month, to have 4 guests that will share with us the unique work that is being done in partnership with American Baptist Churches - USA.

On Sunday, October 2, we will have Global Servants, Melanie Baggao and Sarah Chetti, who serve in Lebanon. Much of their ministry is with foreign migrant women who are working as domestic servants. These are women who have no legal rights and are often exploited and abused. Sarah and Melanie will tell us about the work that they have pioneered in the troubled land of Lebanon.

On Sunday, October 9, the Rev. Soozi Whitten Ford, will be our guest. She is currently serving as Interim Associate General Secretary of Regional Ministries for ABCUSA. She is also serving (as a volunteer) as the Chaplain for International Ministries. Previous to this, Soozi was the Executive Minister for American Baptist Churches--Indiana/Kentucky. She will be sharing with us what God is doing within and through the ABC family.

And that is not all! On Wednesday, October 12, at 5:30 PM, we will have with us Kyle Williams, Global Servant serving in Chang Rai, Thailand. Kyle works with Southeast Asian leaders to build bridges with tribal people in both Thailand and into Burma. This work uses state of the art technology to fight human trafficking, which affects so many ethnic minorities.

We are going to learn a lot this month, but it is not just for our own interest. We need to know what God is doing around the world so that we can partner with God and God’s people in ways that are transforming for the Kingdom of God. Sometimes we have the image of missionaries standing in some village preaching about Jesus. What is really happening is that Global Servants are going out, at the invitation of the people of God around the world, and they are bringing their incredible gifts, abilities in discernment, and entrepreneurial spirit, to do incredible work, following Jesus into his mission:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18,19)

What in the world is God doing? Let’s see!

Grace and peace in Christ, Pastor Shawn

COVER

1 A Message from Pastor Shawn: “What In The World Is God Doing?”

2 Staff and Contents

MINISTRY FELLOWSHIP

3 Abby Kishimoto: “Finding Rest”

MISSION

7 Worldwide Prayer Concerns: India, Libya, Thailand

8 Presented by Gregg Sneller: “Words of Hope from Ann and Bill Clemmer in the Democratic Republic of the Congo”

NEWS

10 Church News

11 October Calendar

5 Kay Kallander: “iPads for Compassionate Connections Program”

7 Announcements: Photo Directory, Meet Global Servant: Toya Richards

STAFF

Rev. Dr. Shawn Zambrows Senior Pastor Glenn Molina

Associate Pastor of Arts in Worship and Community Life

Abby Kishimoto

Interim Director of Children’s Ministries

Sally Rehfeldt

Organist

Angel Florence Office Administrator

Isa Terrell

Communications Specialist Stephen Stark Senior Maintenance Custodian

The Tapestry is published monthly by The First Baptist Church of Redlands, 51 West Olive Avenue, Redlands, CA 92373.

All material for the Tapestry should be typed and emailed no later than the 15th of each month to tapestry@fbcredlands.org.

If you would like to be added or removed from the Tapestry mailing list, please email tapestry@fbcredlands.org. Current and previous Tapestry issues are available in digital format at issuu.com/fbcr.

Contact us: admin@fbcredlands.org 909-793-3289 www.fbcredlands.org

Office Hours

Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Finding Rest

by Abby Kishimoto

I think that it would be safe to say that for most of my life, I have been a very busy person. However, I think that the time in my life where I really began to feel the most busy was during high school. As I moved into my junior and senior years of high school, suddenly there was an emphasis that everything that we did was going to impact our future. So, I spent more time worrying about grades, more time at sports practices and events, and less time at church. It was not that I suddenly felt like I didn’t enjoy church anymore, but it just began to feel like I did not have time for church anymore. So, I stopped attending as regularly, and suddenly I was heading off to college half way across the country.

I began college, was playing water polo, and started to make some new friends, and things were going well. But I would be lying if I told you that I didn’t feel like something was missing. I tried putting more effort into the things that I was already doing, thinking that maybe I just was not applying myself enough, which is why I wasn’t feeling fulfilled. When that didn’t work, I began to realize what was missing. Church was missing.

From that point on, I made a conscious effort to seek out a church where I could have a faith community again. When I found one, everything seemed to click into place. Suddenly, I did not feel as overwhelmed with my responsibilities of day to day life, and if anything, adding in church every Sunday just made me more busy. But, through having a place to go every week where I could have fellowship with other believers, I was finding the rest and restoration that I needed to prepare me for the week ahead.

I learned a lot in college, but this may have been one of the most important lessons that I learned. It was so exciting to come back to who I see as my church family here at FBCR when I graduated, and I have been so fortunate to be able to give back to a place that has helped to shape me into who I am today.

So, as life begins to return back to “normal” as we slowly begin to move out of the pandemic, and life begins to get busier again, I will remember that the church is a place where I can come to find rest and restoration with other believers. So as your life gets busy, remember that, though it may look different for everybody, we can all come to God, and find rest.

“Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Put on my yoke, and learn from me.

Gregory Gifts iPads for Compassionate Connections Program

by Kay Kallander

Casa de la Vista and Fern Lodge, located on Redlands Blvd. across from Redlands High School, are two senior communities originally built and managed by ABHOW (American Baptist Homes of the West). Today, the two properties are managed by Human Good providing low-income housing for seniors in our community.

During Covid 19 it became very clear that the residents were struggling with connecting to their families, friends, and health care providers. Many residents did not have technology available to them and felt very isolated.

The gift of $16,400 from First Baptist Church of Redlands as part of the Gregory Gift Fund provided twenty cellular iPad minis and associated accessories so that the residents were able to check them out and take them to their individual apartments. They were then able to connect with their health care providers and speak to their doctors via telemedicine. Families and loved ones were able to communicate via email and FaceTime. Residents were able to browse the internet for news, weather, and articles of interest.

Training sessions were provided to residents so they could become comfortable with the new technology. Bruce Laycook, a member of RBC, was instrumental in organizing this project and selecting the technology as he worked with the administrators and social service staff of the communities. Today residents are still enjoying the opportunity to use the iPads.

Once more, the Gregory Gift Fund of First Baptist Church of Redlands is touching the lives of so many.

“The Teachable Tech Program and the iPads have been a true benefit to have here at Casa de la Vista.”

“I appreciate the opportunity of using an iPad and keeping up with technology. I learned a lot and continue to learn on my own and from my great grandchildren. I use the iPad to search for information, keep in touch with my family and receive photos and texts from them. I also enjoy games and puzzles that keep me occupied. Thank you very much.”

- Resident Ruth Falcon

“The tablets are great to use for seniors because they are so much easier to see than a small cell phone. I use the tablet to send emails, the occasional medical appointment, to keep up to date on the news, and stay connected.”

Resident Vince P. from Fern Lodge

“I have used the tablets in my role as Resident Service Coordinator to access information and make referrals while doing home visits with the residents. It has also been wonderful to see the residents learn how to use the tablets. The devices have given our residents the opportunity to connect with friends and family through Facetime and email. We even had classes about online scams so that they can stay safe on the internet.”

- Service Coordinator Sarah Leck

“The iPads have been a pertinent part during our annual inspections in each unit. It allows me the ease of documenting repairs, notes, and taking necessary pictures. It also allows me to use my own phone for translating when necessary, and does not interrupt the flow of inspection ”

- Administrator Tierra Mouton

- Safiyyah Cleveland, Casa De La Vista Housing Administrator

Photo Directory

It’s time to make a new Photo Directory!

It’s been many years, and photo directory is a helpful tool for connecting names and faces of people at church, as well as a resource for being able contact fellow members by mail, email, or phone.

We want everyone to be included, so be watching for more details about how this will unfold this Fall.

We will be setting up times to take photos at church, or you can choose to submit your own portrait to be included in the directory. We are not using a company, so you won’t have to worry about buying anything.

This is the most important thing you can do right now: If your address or phone number has changed at any point in the past several years, or if you were not listed in the last church directory, please be sure you contact the church office with your current contact information.

Thank you!

Global Servant

Toya Richards

Your Missions Commission decided to support a new Global Servant with the funds we were using for Ruth Fox. Here is some information about her:

Toya is endorsed to serve in Cape Town, South Africa as a teacher and professor at the Cape Town Baptist Seminary – a ministry of IM partner the Baptist Union of Southern Africa. Drawing upon her extensive career and experience in print journalism and communications, Toya will teach intermediate to advanced English language skills and research methodology, preparing students to meet the demands and requirements needed for advanced seminary studies. She will also be involved in emerging community initiatives through the CTBS Center for Biblical Justice. Toya is currently building her Mission Partnership Team and raising the funds needed to begin her ministry in South Africa.

Worldwide Prayer Concerns

“But recall those earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to abuse and persecution, and sometimes being partners with those so treated.”

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Redlands Daily Facts

Our local paper recently ran a story originally reported by the New York Times which examined the many ways that Christians in India suffer religious persecution. The story explained how Hindu nationalists who want India to be a purely Hindu nation have stormed into churches during services and assaulted pastors and church members, burned Christian literature, and attacked religious schools. In rural areas, Christians are sometimes ostracized, excluded from visiting in others’ homes or selling their goods at the market. Christians make up only about 2% of the population, so they are a tiny minority. When Christians seek relief from the government, their pleas are often ignored or mocked. Laws that aim to prevent conversions are used as cover for this persecution. Pray that Christians in India can remain strong in their faith, despite the physical threats and social pressure. Pray that their lives would demonstrate the love of Christ. Pray for the government to act with justice towards all its citizens and for the Holy Spirit to transform the hearts of those who are acting out in violent ways.

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Middle East Concern

The organization Middle East Concern shared a prayer request for the safety of a young man in Libya who had converted from Islam to Christianity about four years ago. He has been detained by militia members in the area several times in the past few years and been told to recant, but he has steadfastly refused. He received a death sentence from an appeals court under a law that should be invalid because it was passed by a defunct legislature called the General National Congress. However, in the region where he lives, the authority of the current parliament is not fully accepted, so that’s why the court applied the old law. Pray that this young man would continue to trust God’s care and provision for him even as he faces the prospect of dying for his faith. Since he was not given any legal representation during the hearings, pray that any future appeals would be handled more justly. Pray for Libya to have a more stable and just government.

ThaIlanD

International Ministries

Pray for the work of Alise and Mark Juanes, global servants in Thailand. They work in Chiang Mai at the Christian Center for the Development of People with Disabilities. They have recently launched a new project in Mae Sariang to build a community agriculture project that would employ individuals with disabilities. They have planted trees, vegetables, and medicinal plants and have built ponds for fish. Pray that the land will be fruitful and the project will be a blessing to the workers and to the community around it.

- Jonathan Peske

Ifyou have information to share about the persecuted church or news from the mission field, please share it with Jonathan Peske.

Words of hope from ann and bill Clemmer in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Presented by Gregg Sneller

We all cannot go and serve, but all can partner. As our church family supports Global Servants around the world, here is some information from Bill and Anne Klemmer who live in a difficult area. A dear friend who lives in Eastern Congo who lived with us for eight months has said, “Here, as you could hear from TV or radio, Congolese people living in North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri provinces are facing the ongoing war that began 25 years ago, between Rwandan state and the DR Congo. This war has many consequences today: loss of human beings lives, internal displacement of persons that are in need of food and items to survive, as well as health care. It means that almost the Eastern part of the DRC is unsafe.” In that region, Bill and Ann serve. Here is information about one of the ministries they are doing.

Let me introduce you to the leaders of Fungua Maisha … a ladies’ group at HEAL Africa chapel who are dedicated to helping other women. Their objectives are:

• Promote spiritual healing of victims of sexual violence

• Proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom of God by loving one’s neighbor

Every Thursday they hold a church service for all the women (over 200) and on weekends, smaller groups of women meet together in the different neighborhoods of Goma.

Every Monday these women gather to visit and pray for the sick at HEAL Africa hospital. Another day of the week they make home visits … to encourage those who are struggling and who have particular needs. They have their own choral group on Sunday mornings.

Our ‘Goat Project’ has been a wonderful success, blessing women and helping reduce poverty. It involved training, home visits, veterinary care … and then each woman who was selected received a goat to help support her family.

The gestational period of a goat is 5 months, and they average 2.2 kids a year. These offspring can be used in many ways… to provide milk and milk products for the family (or to sell). It gives them manure to improve crops. As the number of goats increase, they can sell a goat to pay for family needs… housing, school fees, etc.

This past spring, after 10 months, the recipients of the first group of 70 goats turned over their mother goat to another woman… and the cycle will continue for the life of the nanny goat.

It was a blessing to travel far and wide with the women of Fungua Maisha (and our 18-year-old volunteer) to visit each of the recipients of the second distribution of goats. To be touched by the joy of the women… and their stories, and to visit them where they live, many in extremely difficult situations. Every one of them expressed nothing but praise and joy to God for their blessing.

PPy O CTO be R b IRT h D ayS

Crisantes

Walker Price IV

Juliet Aguirre

Jerry Grady

Marcie Meek

Jaleel Daniels

Sunny Hyon

Fredrik Whitley

Bill Cunningham

Finn Whitley

Doris Baker

Matt Carpenter

Angel Florence

Bryan Tapia

George M. Thomas

Jaxson Aguirre

Bethany Kronberg

Paige Mann

Holly Morrell

Matt Guzman

Madelynn Hansen

TJ Herron

Philip Htoo

Kerri Poyle

Wendi Darwin

Shirley Rieger

Ashley Miller

Paula Savage

Glen Chapman

Tim Richardson

Ann Barber Smith

yOUR C alen D a R

Save the Date for the a gape Dinner

November 16 at 5:30pm Fellowship Hall

Tickets will be sold from October 23 to November 9 .

This annual dinner is a time for the church family and friends to gather to remember God’s goodness and love in our lives.

Submissions for the Tapestry should be sent to tapestry@fbcredlands.org by the 15th of each month.

Wednesday Dinner Menu

October 5 – Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas, Rice and Beans; Assorted Cookies for dessert.

October 12 – BBQ Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Veggies; Pistachio Cake for dessert.

October 19 – Spaghetti and meatballs, Garlic Bread; Carrot Cake for dessert.

October 26 – Chicken and Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Veggies; Lemon Bars for dessert.

h elp n eeded for the a gape Dinner!

Decorating : A crew of people to plan and make decorations for the dinner. We will meet in September to plan.

Pre-Washing Dishes : We will need a crew of people to pre-wash the church dishes and silverware on Saturday morning, November 12 .

Setting Up : We will need a crew of people to set up the tables, chairs, and dishes for the dinner on Tuesday evening, November 15.

Welcoming and Serving : We will need a crew of people to assist with welcoming people and serving dinner on Wednesday, November 16 5:00pm to 7:00pm ish.

Cleaning Up : We will need a crew of people to help clear the tables and wash the dishes on Wednesday, November 16 7:00pm ish to 9:00pm.

contact Wendy Peske to help!

Pray to live with Confidence

the

Pray for letting go of past hurts

Pray for Loved Ones

Pray for Healthy Boundaries

a.m. Walking for the Health of

p.m. The Corner Booth on Zoom

for the Anxious

the

Pray for those in extreme weather

for the Health

Pray for Children Ministry

p.m. The Corner Booth on Zoom

Pray to be Hospitable

Pray for the Angry

Pray for Wisdom for Teachers

p.m. The Corner Booth on Zoom

Pray for Migrants

Pray for Thailand

Pray for Inspiration

Pray for India

Pray for Spiritual Growth

Pray for Forgiveness

for Conviction

for Guidance

Priorities

5:30 p.m. Gatherings 6:30 p.m. Dinner 7:15 p.m. Choir Practice 5:30 p.m. Gatherings 6:30 p.m. Dinner 7:15 p.m. Choir Practice 5:30 p.m. Gatherings 6:30 p.m. Dinner 7:15 p.m. Choir Practice

Pray for an Accepting Attitude

Pray for those that have wronged you

p.m. Commission Meetings

19 Pray for Enthusiasm

Pray for Libya

Pray for Firefighters

Pray for those struggling with fear

Pray for Contentment

6:30 p.m. The Corner Booth on Zoom 5:30 p.m. Gatherings 6:30 p.m. Dinner 7:15 p.m. Choir Practice

7 p.m. Executive Council

Pray those wronged by the Church 31 Pray for Safety

9:00 a.m. Sunday School Classes 10:15 a.m. Worship in-person: Sanctuary and Livestreamed

for FBCR’s

a.m. Sunday School Classes 10:15 a.m. Worship in-person: Sanctuary and Livestreamed

Pray to follow His footsteps

Pray for Youth Ministry

Pray for Friendship

a.m. Sunday School Classes 10:15 a.m. Worship in-person: Sanctuary and Livestreamed Quarterly Church Business Meeting 9:00 a.m. Sunday School Classes 10:15 a.m. Worship in-person: Sanctuary and Livestreamed

POSTMASTER:

Send address changes to:

The First Baptist Church of Redlands 51 West Olive Avenue, Redlands CA 92373-5243 909-793-3289 | www. fbcredlands.org

October is

Sunday, October 2, Melanie Baggao and Sarah Chetti, Global Servants in Lebanon, will join us in worship.

Sunday, October 9, Rev. Soozi Whitten Ford, Interim Associate General Secretary, ABCUSA, will join us in worship.

Wednesday, October 12, Kyle Williams, Global Servant in Thailand, will join us for our Wednesday night gathering.

More information on the World Mission Offering and how to give will be coming soon by mail, email, and announcements in Sunday services.

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