I Am Ready Interview with Kevin Go Devotional by Andrea Pangemanan How to Keep Your Resolutions (Realistically) Find Your Care Group Now
IFGF Pinole Monthly Newsletter January 2015
I like traveling with my family. That is when great memories are made. That is where relationship among my family members are strengthened, enjoyed, and cherished. The downside is that traveling can be expensive sometimes, especially if you are traveling overseas. You have to count the cost, and then save enough money so you can complete your journey with relative comfort without worrying whether you can eat during the journey or whether you can buy returning ticket to go home. From Pastor’s Desk
Following Jesus on the journey of life also has its cost. It does has the reward when we arrive at our destination, but it does have a cost. Those who are wise will count the cost and be ready to pay it, less we will be stranded half way on our journey. Jesus warns us to count the cost in his story of someone who wanted to go to the battle and someone who wanted to build a house.
What is the cost in the journey of life? How do we pay for it? Do we have enough resources to complete the journey of life successfully? Those are the questions that we need to try answer this month as we are preparing our journey into year 2015. Hopefully when we can answer the questions, we will be prepared to pay the cost when requested or required. Let’s get ready for the next stage of our journey. When God is with us, who can be against us? Ps.Sugi
Shown on Front Cover: Melanie and Melody Thio
This Is Our Church
Kevin Go Student at DVC / Guitarist Co-op / Care Group: Hoper
Hi Go, What have you been busy doing? Recently, I have just been elected for the Indo DVC committee. Indo DVC is a community of Indonesians at DVC, and I was chosen as an officer in the Credit Score Committee. What I do is design posters, invitation cards, and many other things that are related to communication and publication. The election has been really tight, and because of that, I’ve been really busy. Plus, I also just got a design job from my friend in Indo, quite a huge project as well, so it’s double the work.
I see. I wonder how you were able to get to this point, working in the design field and so forth? When I first moved from grade 11 to 12, I had a really hard time to adjust. The student body government that I was involved in chose me to be the Head of Yearbook for my class. For me, it was probably the biggest responsibility that I have ever obtained. First, the committee has the highest number of people of committee members in my
exam preparations for national exam. And on top of that, I have the Yearbook to take care of. The Yearbook planning really helped boost my skills in design. Every aspect of it has something to do with designing, from page layout, content, and many others. Furthermore, I also got to know more people, such as external designers, who contributed to the Yearbook planning. It was really cool to be able to learn more about design from those people.
So after a semester at DVC, what do you think and how do you feel so far? It’s really fun! It has been really a life-changing experience at DVC. I used to be really dependent on my parents and my family, financially and in terms of daily living. But here in the United States, I have full control and ownership of my own life, which is really good. I can manage my own time and finances for a month. And I feel that as I obtain more responsibilities, I begin to learn how to be a more self-dependent, mature and responsible person.
high school. Secondly, I truly learned how to manage time.
Also, I joined Caregroup Pleasant Hill (CG Hoper) at IFGF.
As you all know, in grade 12, we have so many exams and
And ever since then, I have been really dependent on
JANUARY 2015 • 03
Kevin poses at church.
them, my friends from Care Groups. My Care Group is my second home. For international students like me, Care Group is the most needed thing and the best experience of IFGF so far. We really need a community to share our lives with, to have a family and a home. I just cannot imagine my life here without Care Group. I feel that Care Group makes me feel safe and alright. My life has really changed because of Care Group and because of the responsibilities that I obtained as I am away from my parents. I believe these experiences have really changed my life.
Can you share with us any interesting stories from when you’re growing up? My family has a strong background in music. My brother used to work for a music company, and then started his own company later on. My dad also was very active at church playing keyboard. In the end, I became highly influenced by them. I do play guitar and drum. Grade 9 was the year I learned to play drum at church. Then, I started playing drum throughout the years. And then with guitar, I was not serious at first. I looked at my friends, thinking Kevin with his band in Indonesia.
04 • GENESIS NEWSLETTER
how cool it would be to be able to play guitar— they look
that I can serve in Indo. It is where I want to work. I am
cool, and girls like them. And then, I moved here. And as I
studying abroad to gain skills and knowledge, but I don’t
saw that the drummers here are already really talented, I
want to work abroad. I feel that working in Indo is a must
focus more on sharpening my guitar skills. I really want to
for me, since it is where I was born. In the future, I want to
learn how to play electric guitar, like ko Alus. I am happy
see myself as someone who can direct a company, well,
that I come from a family that implants in me a musical
maybe not that fast; however, I hope that in the long-run,
background. Music is really broad, and if you take the time
I can direct a company that can represent Indonesia well.
to explore it, it can be really interesting.
So, your whole life is filled with music, and design. Do you think this will continue to be the case as you grow older?
Were there any turning points in your life that urged you to pursue God even more? It was when I joined the Fall Retreat recently, I felt that every session with Pastor Joey was directed to my life. I
Well, yes. Actually, since I was young, my hobby has
felt that God was reminding me again, really that my life
revolved around art, music, and guitar... and since I was
has been in the wrong. I felt that God was telling me to
young, my parents have been supportive. And as I keep
repent. I was also able to chat with ko Wilhan about how
on learning and keep on getting feedback from people, I
I want to build relationships more with God and be closer
begin to grow more skilled in music. And with these skills,
to him. I particularly enjoyed the session whereby the
and talents that I obtain from God, I begin to understand
Pastor Joey talked about enjoying God. Why do we enjoy
that it is no longer for myself, to make myself look cool. on
worldly things when in reality, God is more enjoyable than
the other hand, I hope to use this talent from God for God.
these things? Also in the end, it is for our own benefit.
I don’t only receive it for myself, instead, I want to use it
After the retreat, I felt more refreshed; now I am more
and refine my talent to bring it back to God. I hope I can
aware of God and how he can be relatable to my life.
please God and bring God’s glory. For instance, back home in Indonesia, I also joined the multimedia ministry. Here in Pinole, I am happy to help Hoper and Favor in multimedia
Last but not least, is there any thing that you want to share with your friends in the current generation?
team. In terms of my ministry in music, I am currently still
I want to say that ministry is not a must or a
a Co-op, but I am really hoping that I can join the music
responsibility, or even something that should give us
ministry in the future. I hope that my talent does not only
burden. Instead, ministry, or serving God in general, is an
stop for myself.
act of our thankfulness and everything comes from the
I heard that you are studying EECS (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science)?
heart. God gave us everything and ministering is only reciprocating everything that He has already given us. We only live here temporarily, if we get the chance to sharpen
Honestly for me, it’s more like, I don’t feel that I am fit for
our talents, why not? If you have the opportunities, you
any other majors. Funny how I want to do EECS, because
should go for it. Everyone has a talent, even a little bit of
since I was in high school, the most interesting and fun
talent is still something in God’s eyes. If God moves your
subject has been Math. Math is not only hard, for me it
heart, take the chance and just go for it.
is challenging. The challenge has motivated to study. I
•
had been thinking for a while what I wanted to major in, between Math and EECS. But I realized that Math major may be too hard and theoretical. On the other hand, EECS can really help me to be more critical and open-minded. I am required to be more detail-oriented through EECS. Well, honestly, in the long-term, I am more interested to have a career in business. However, I feel that for undergrad, I should pursue something that interests me, that can be applied to my long-term dream.
This might sound far-fetched, but how do you see yourself 5-10 years from now? Well, 10 years from now, I have promised to myself that I will go back to Indonesia. I was born in Indo and I hope
Kevin Go is a Student in DVC. He is majoring In Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. He joins Care Group Hoper in Pleasant Hill. He is in training to be guitarist in Pinole’s music ministry.
JANUARY 2015 • 05
LET’S PRAY FOR JANUARY with Joan Wirolinggo
New workers and leaders in the house of God (1 Thes . 5: 1 2-1 3) The new church building for God ’s glor y (Haggai 1 :8)
Devotional
Let Go and Trust
Ps . Sugi and Ps . Jef fri and
by Andrea Pangemanan
their family as well as all the
Care Group: Warriors
ch urch leaders (1 Tim 5: 1 7 ) A conviction tha t we are God ’s Children and also a loving and caring hear t towards one another tha t
“So let go my soul and trust in Him.
the world will know we are
The waves and wind still know His
His disciples (Romans 8: 1 5)
name...” Throughout this whole entire
The passion and drive to pursue God ’s holiness (Hebrew 1 2 :29) Healthy grow th in Care group’s members and more qualit y workers (Acts 2 :46-47 )
week, I’ve been listening to the song “It is Well” by Bethel. Listening to this specific lyric reminded me
“No matter how hard I try, why is it that nothing works for me?”
about my walk with God. In the past, I have struggled a lot with trusting God. I was born into a Christian family but before 2012, I was never really a “Christian.”
The families of AirAsia QZ8501 victims . Pray for
During my high school years, I
God ’s superna tural s trength ,
used to place my security in what
comfor t and peace in the
I look like, what others think of me,
midst of this ex tremely dark
and what boys would want.
and dif ficult time. (Job 13:15)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” He really meant these words but the question is, “Do I trust Him?” The Holy Spirit convicted me and I decided to give my life to him. But when I trusted my life to Him, I still had a lot of expectations. I expected
I remember during those times, I
my life to completely change right
(Prov 28:2), United S ta tes
would always feel so exhausted
away. It took me a very long time to
where we live (Jer 29 :7 ),
and angry. No matter how hard I try,
understand this but I realized that
Nepal (Ma t t 24: 14), and
why is it that nothing works for me?
it takes faith and time, as we are
Israel (Psalm 1 22 :6)
Cliche but it happened. I felt very
imperfect and are prone to wander.
The nations of Indonesia
In Jesus’ Name. Amen .
depressed during my freshmen and sophomore year and I have never felt so insecure and heartbroken in my life. That’s when God came to the rescue. One of the verses that really spoke to me was Matthew 11:28.
06 • GENESIS NEWSLETTER
•
Article
How to Keep Your Resolutions (Realistically) How many times have you had New Year’s Resolutions yet fail once again? “I have to lose weight, but Korean BBQ is more appealing. Or I have to procrastinate less, but your mindset says #finalswhatfinals.” Here are some tips on how to keep your New Year’s Resolution:
Base your resolution on something you want, not others.
Start small and be specific. If your New Year’s Resolution is
Limit on the number of things you want to accomplish.
Is it something that other people
to exercise more, schedule twice a
Let’s be realistic, there are so many
are telling you to do or is it what
week as opposed to exercising every
different ways to improve ourselves
you really want? Ensure that your
day. Also, be specific and determine
but changes require time and
resolution fit with your own personal
which days of the week you want to
commitment. It’s probably best to
values. If it is something you want to
exercise and what time.
stick with three resolutions that
achieve, you are more likely going to
you want to keep as opposed to ten.
achieve it.
That way, you’re truly focusing your efforts on the goals you want.
Work with a partner.
Tell one or two people about it.
Reward yourself along the way.
Having a friend to encourage you
Having someone to keep you
Once you achieve each small
can be a great way to keep you
accountable on fulfilling your
goal you set to accomplish
going. Try finding a friend who has
resolution can help. If you tell one
the resolution, reward yourself.
a similar resolution, and check in
or two people that you will achieve
This will keep you motivated in
with each other every week to talk
your resolution, verbally publicizing
accomplishing the bigger picture.
about your progress and challenges.
your goals give you more motivation
They can also keep you accountable.
and more reason to stay committed to your resolution.
JANUARY 2015 • 07
Care Groups of IFGF Pinole King Solomon once said two are better than one. If either of them falls, one can help the other up. It does not matter who you are and where you’re from– belonging to a Care Group will help you grow alongside your local community. Read up on the available Care Groups in our church and plug yourself in!
Heroes
Legends
Who Comes Here:
Who Comes Here:
UC Berkeley Students Indonesians Guys Only
UC Berkeley Students Indonesians Girls Only
Location (Freshmen):
Location (Freshmen):
Berkeley, CA
Berkeley, CA
Hillside Apartment
2116 Allston Way at rooftop
Location (Transfers): Berkeley, CA
Location (Transfers):
New Californian Apt.
Berkeley, CA New Californian Apt.
Day and Time:
“We fellowship every day, study together, and take classes together. We enjoy each other’s company just as we enjoy discussing about Jesus!” –Freddy
Every Friday
Day and Time:
6:30 pm
Every Friday
Contact: Alus (408) 904 8001 (Freshmen) Nicholas (650) 417 8228 (Transfers) Upcoming Event: Heroes and Legends Spring Welcoming Friday, Jan 23 at 6:30 pm
6:30 pm
“We love to cook, bake, drink boba, and pray for each other on a daily basis. Our secret hiding place is the Bechtel Engineering Library and Asian Ghetto (you know where to find us).” –Shirley
08 • GENESIS NEWSLETTER
Contact: Shirley (415) 990 8178 (Freshmen) Evelin (925) 289 6785 (Transfers) Upcoming Event: Heroes and Legends Spring Welcoming Friday, Jan 23 at 6:30 pm
Tips on Choosing a Care Group:
Don’t hesitate to try on more than one Care Group! Finding the right community is going to take time, so don’t feel obliged to be married to a Care Group if you’re not sure yet. If possible, pick a Care Group that is local to where you go to school or work. That way, it’s more likely for you to have a support system available at hand.
“We hang out at one another’s places, play Head’s
Different Care Groups have different people and culture to reach out to. That is why every Care Group has their own “lingo” and feel. Make sure you communicate your needs and expectations with the leaders to avoid misunderstandings! Be patient. As exciting as it is to gain a new family, it takes time to adapt. So keep an open heart and mind in the process!
Hoper
Favor
Who Comes Here:
Who Comes Here:
DVC Students Indonesians
DVC Students Indonesians
Location:
Location:
Pleasant Hill, CA
Pleasant Hill, CA
Northridge Apt. D263
Northridge Apt. O219
Day and Time:
Day and Time:
Every Other Friday
Every Other Friday
7:00 pm
7:00 pm
Contact: Karen (925) 577 6634
Contact:
Melvin (510) 708 0540
Jessica (925) 334 2011
Upcoming Event: Hoper Favor Welcoming Party in January
Rebecca (925) 482 5562
“We accept you for who you are cause family
Up over sushi, do
means no one is
McDonald’s
left behind.
walk-thrus instead
Besides our
of a drive-thru.
random outings,
Whatever it may be,
we eat and
there’s always
have fun!”
something up at
–Jessica
Upcoming Event: Hoper Favor Welcoming Party in January
Hoper.” –Melvin
JANUARY 2015 • 09
Warriors Who Comes Here:
Day and Time:
Open Arms Club:
American Locals College Students High Schoolers
Every Wednesday
We are at Pinole Valley High School every Thursday at lunch time (12:18 - 1:05 pm) Room 54
7:30 pm Contact:
Location:
Chris (510) 837 7867
Pinole, CA
Max (510) 374 2686
4885 Pinole Valley Road
“We are blazing a trail in our church right now. We’re sailing new waters and going through uncharted territory as a Care Group by reaching out to the locals of our community.” –Max
King Who Comes Here:
Day and Time:
Upcoming Events:
USF and AAU Students Indonesians
Every Other Friday
Welcoming Care Group Friday, Feb 13
Location:
Contact:
San Francisco, CA
Vincent (925) 356 1375
1545 Eddy St Apt. 432
Jessica (415) 758 8645
7:00 pm
Outing will be on the following week
“King is a satelite for USF and AAU students to fellowship in Christ in non-conservative ways. We apply this concept of ‘Church is not a museum of good people, but hospital for the sick’.” –Vincent
Faith Who Comes Here:
Day and Time:
Upcoming Events:
AAU and South SF Students English-Speaking
Every Other Friday
Welcoming Party Saturday, Jan 24
7:30 pm Contact:
Location:
Melanie (925) 586 7770
San Francisco, CA
Jason (510) 305 1278
35 Buckingham Way
“We are barbarians when it comes to food! CG FOOD!!!” –Melanie
10 • GENESIS NEWSLETTER
Frontier Who Comes Here:
Day and Time:
Upcoming Event:
Professionals Young Families
Every Friday
First Care Group Dinner of 2015 Friday, Jan 9
Location:
Contact:
San Mateo, San Jose,
Antony (408) 685 1540
Emeryville
Adi (415) 463 9010
7:30 - 9:30 pm
“Frontier Care Group is created to serve the San Francisco Bay Area’s Young & Professional individuals who loves God in a fellowship with others!” –Adi
Family Who Comes Here:
Day and Time:
Families with Kids Indonesians Americans
4th Saturday
Location:
Contact:
Varies
Ps. Sugi (510) 724 5400
of the Month Time Varies
“You will find us in the Conference Room after each Sunday service praying for newcomers and other needs. We make food for special events, and invite friends to come over to have dinner and fellowship.” –Pastor Sugi
I Belong to a Care Group. Do You? Freddie Care Group Hoper
Hoper is the one thing in my life I am most grateful about. Ever since coming to States, I knew I was going to be alone for quite some time. But as I found this new family, I felt comfortable and protected. Most importantly, I felt like I was at home.
Manny Care Group Warriors
Being in Care Group is more than just being part of a church. Being in Warriors gave me a family. A family who keeps me in track and loves me unconditionally even though they know what the have to say may hurt me but in the end will make me a better person.
Julietha Care Group Family
We are able to relate more to others about being a family. There are differences as we grow together. But we are still one in the end– just like a family.
JANUARY 2015 • 11
IFGF Pinole
2885 PINOLE VALLEY ROAD
IFGFGISIEASTBAY@GMAIL.COM
PINOLE, CA 94564
IFGFPINOLE.ORG
(925) 609 4343
SUNDAY SERVICE EVERY 2:15 PM
CG FAITH
CG FAVOR
CG LEGENDS
SAN FRANCISCO
PLEASANT HILL
BERKELEY (GIRLS ONLY)
Melanie (925) 586 7770
Rebecca (925) 482 5562
Shirley (415) 990 8178 (Freshmen)
Jason (925) 305 1278
Jessica (925) 334 2011
Evelin (925) 289 6785 (Transfers)
CG KING
CG HOPER
CG HEROES
SAN FRANCISCO
PLEASANT HILL
BERKELEY (GUYS ONLY)
Vincent (925) 356 1375
Karen (925) 577 6634
Alus (408) 904 8001 (Freshmen)
Melvin (510) 708 0540
Nicholas (650) 417 8228 (Transfers)
PINOLE
CG FRONTIER
CG FAMILY
Maxwell (510) 374 2686
SOUTH BAY
PINOLE
Chris (510) 837 7867
Antony (408) 685 1540
Ps. Sugi (510) 724 5400
CARE GROUPS
CG WARRIORS
Adi (415) 463 9010
PRAYER GROUPS
MINISTRIES
UPCOMING EVENTS
FAITH (Every Thursday & Friday)
Documentation - Eric Timotius
Jan 10
Melody (925) 788 5078
Genesis Newsletter - Irene Chandra
Jan 16 & 20 Care Group Gatherings
KING (Every Saturday) Vincent (925) 356 1375
Corporate Prayer Meeting
Men’s Ministry - Christian Liong Multimedia - Melanie Thio Praise & Worship - Adi Julianloo
HEROES (Every Thursday)
Prayer & Intercession - Joan Wirolinggo
Alus (408) 904 8001
Refreshments - Nathalia Prasetyo Jo
James (206) 331 8409
Revelation Videos - Jessica Tjahjady
LEGENDS (Every Thursday) Shirley (415) 990 8178
Sound System - Fendy Soegiono Sunday School - Jen Hendric
Evelin (925) 289 6785
Sunday Service Coordinator Emmanuel Calica
WARRIORS (Every Tuesday)
Transpor tation - Leonardo Saerang
Maxwell (510) 374 2686
Ushers - Renaldi Website - Yosia Urip
FAVOR - HOPER (Every Thursday) Melvin (510) 708 0540
Women’s Ministry Karen Liong & Elissa Irma
PASTORAL TEAM
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS
SUGI HENDRIC Senior Pastor
07 Billy Tjiptoning
28 Michelle Handoyo
13 Ronald Arnanjaya
30 Florencia Kristiani
JEFFRI HALIM Associate Pastor, Biblical Teaching
17 Jessica Sanjaya 18 Jusuf Merukh