Royal: Living in Freedom
Devotion with Hendry Sukir Poem by Melanie Thio Article by Stephen Son
5 Things Leaders Need in Their Lives 6 Ways to Better Reach Out
IFGF Pinole Monthly Newsletter July 2016 JULY 2016 • 1
The United States of America declared its independence from the British in July 1776. However, the British army kept on holding on to power and fought the US continental army. It wasn’t until 7 years later, in 1783, that the Treaty of Paris ended the war.
From Pastor’s Desk
Similarly, Indonesia declared its independence from the Japanese in August 1945. However, various countries, including the British, and the Dutch, continued their attempts to take control. Even after liberation in 1950, for the next 12 years the independent Indonesia had to resist the rebellion of the Islamic army under Kartosuwiryo who tried to turn the country into an Islamic nation.
Christ declared our independence from death and the power of sin when he proclaimed “If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed” (John 8:36). He defeated the devil armies, much like general George Washington for the USA or General Sudirman for the Indonesian. Christ Jesus is the captain of our salvation. Yet, here we are still fighting to have our independence recognized. We cry in pain and wonder if this liberty is real. Well friend, let me assure you that this freedom is real and the time will come when we will reign with Him. For now, we enjoy little victories. Later we will see the manifested freedom: No tears, no pain, no suffering, no disease, no negativity, no hunger, no rejection, no shame – all will be glorious! We need to be aware of our identity: we are freed men and women. Though still under constant threat of our enemies, we need to learn to have a mindset of more-than-conqueror, and not as a slave of sin and selfishness. We need to continue moving forward until we truly become the manifested possessor of this freedom. All the while, our heavenly helper is right here with us, the Holy Spirit. Yes, we can, because we are on the side of Christ, the ultimate victor. Christus Victor! Show on Front Cover: Ps. Sugi Hendric 02 • GENESIS NEWSLETTER
Devotional
Leading by Loving by Hendry Sukir
I just want to be honest here, being a leader is by no
that you care and love them. Are you loving enough
means, an easy task. Ever since we were children, our
to tame your tongue and be a good listener? Or, are
world has been exposed by remarkable leaders who
you loving enough to give words of encouragement
have imprinted their legacy unto this world. Steve Jobs,
to those you lead despite your own struggles?
Napoleon and Martin Luther King Jr are some of the notables who displays amazing traits of leadership
It’s not about how equipped you are as a leader. Or
no matter how the odds stacked against them.
how knowledgeable you are about following God. These things will come eventually. But one of the
Story of my life
most important traits you need is learning how to
Growing up, my most distinct traits is being stubborn
love someone and see that they are all irreplaceable.
and being a planner. You can tell how this story goes.
We know learning this is not impossible, because
My parents and siblings, being the amazing pillars
at some point in our life, God has already revealed
of my life, always complimented and encouraged
to us how precious we are through Jesus.
me to become an amazing leader the future. Its always “you have it in you” or “you are a natural born
Parting Thoughts
leader”. Feels good to be complimented, but like all
At the end of the day, everyone who leads want to have
kids maturing and growing, I did not expect God
some sort of legacy. Martin Luther Jr fought for racial
will make me swallow the bitter pill of leadership.
rights, Steve Jobs for innovation. While we are at it, why don’t we try to lead for a legacy too. To glorify God
What Does It Mean to Be a Leader?
and help others experience the love he has poured out
My first real try at leadership is being the President
for us. Because everything is indeed temporary, only
of an Indonesian Organization at my previous college.
God is eternal. This is in my opinion, the most important
Lets just say it went up into flames because of my
lesson on leadership that I had to learn the hard way.
arrogance and misguidance. I burned so many bridges and bonds with people that I still regretted until today. Only by being a Care Group leader in LA and having mentors to shepherd my walk that leadership is all about leading with a loving purpose.
Loving is Contagious! As cliche as it sounds, it’s really that simple. People won’t care what you have to say, not until you show
Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. JULY 2016 • 03
LET’S PRAY FOR JULY with Joan Wirolinggo
For this month let us pray for: Our pastors and their family. Pray for protection upon them, and zealous heart in their walk with God. Our two services in downtown Pinole and San Ramon. Pray for
Poem
Royalty by Melanie Thio
the church to have unity and zealous heart in serving their community and fruitfulness.
I am me,
When they feel alone
My last name is my identity.
And abandoned too,
Us to have a conviction about our
Born from a father and a mother,
When they lost their identity
identity in Christ and live it out.
I am unique like no other.
Or self value,
Holy Spirit to comfort and
But I have someone else Who is watching over me, A King who sits in heaven. That makes me - royalty.
When they are under attack,
pray that there will be unity,
Although I am in this world,
Let them know,
growth, and evangelism heart.
The news filled with negativity.
“That Father in heaven,
Let us not forget
He cares so much for you
The hope, any positivity.
Your identity is in Him,
strengthen us in facing through season in our lives.
Feeling not at ease. Let them know someone Can give them that peace.
Our care group gathering. Let’s
And that makes you a royal too.” What God has done, And what God will do. We must continue To uphold our virtue. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
To spread the light In dark places, And give hope to those With depressed faces.
04 • GENESIS NEWSLETTER
Melanie has been a member of IFGF Pinole since 2011. She is part of CG Faith and she is also a dog fanatic.
Article
5 Things Leaders Need in Their Lives 1. A mentor Leaders need mentors they can look up to. Mentors are typically people who are older and more experienced that can help leaders as they lead. Mentors can advise them on how to lead and guide them as when they meet challenges.
2. A travel buddy No man is an island. No leader is a single warrior. Leaders need spiritual travel buddies who are ready to fight battles together with them. Travel buddies often remind each other of God’s goodness in their lives. Buddies pray, worship and fellowship together.
3. A friend Every leader faces challenges. There are days when leaders may lose faith and run weary. In those days, leaders need friends who can support them and encourage them when they are down.
4. A prayer tower It is a misconception to think that leaders do not need prayers. In fact, they need them more than anything. Leaders who have friends praying for them are very blessed with people who love and support them fully.
5. A successor Leaders should train some people they can trust to be their successors. There will be a time where the leadership needs to be passed down to the next generation. Leaders need to make sure that they prepare the next leaders for the future.
JULY 2016 • 05
Testimony
Approaching Newcomers by Stephen Son
Everyone feels some sense of anxiety or fear when
to only want to talk to people in their own circles.”
entering into new territory. I remember feeling butterflies
Raymond went on to say that he too would like to see
in my stomach when I transferred to a new school as
his church introduce the newcomers to other members
a kid. Church was no exception. Therefore, veteran
of the group, “This is so we can follow u p questions at
members of the church should be aware of unfamiliar
upcoming events”, he said. Raymond also admonished
faces and make the newcomers feel at home. Christian
his church to remember, “the most important thing is
Liong said he had a close friend named Willie, who
to not judge people based on their looks since we do
introduced Chris to IFGF and helped establish
not know what happened in their life thus far. A warm
relationships with other church members some years
welcome can mean everything for a new comer and
ago. Now a leader in the church, Chris says he would like
by doing so is good practice in showing God’s love.”
to see his fellow brethrens approach newcomers with a genuine sense to get to know them. “We (the church)
Let us heed the wisdom shared by a couple of our
don’t need to ask them (the newcomers) questions
beloved brothers and be that person the next time
just to analyze their answers but ask them to really
an unfamiliar face pops up in our congregation
get to know them,” said Chris, “We should also watch
to be more welcoming with arms wide open.
our language, as in refrain from speaking Indonesian with each other or tell inside jokes in the presence of newcomers. Especially if they are non-Indonesian.” Chris further explains that, “It could make newcomers feel excluded and isolating them is last thing we would want.” Raymond Sitorus had a similar experience as Chris. Raymond had instead befriended the Berkeley church members from school and therefore “made the transition easier.” But that did not stop Raymond from feeling excluded in his earlier times in church. “Everyone seemed
06 • GENESIS NEWSLETTER
Stephen Son studied Journalism and has a gift for writing. He received Christ and is witnessing transformation in multiple areas of his life. Now he dedicates his life in following Jesus.
Tips and Tricks
6 Ways to Better Reach Out to Your Friends 1. Be Bold! Everyone can feel anxious and fearful, but be in mind that our God is bigger than our fear. As He has promised in 2 Tim 1: 7-8, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.”
2. Two is better than One If you feel uncomfortable approaching a newcomer or a friend you want to reach out alone, bring a friend(s). Friends can help and support each other.
3. Invite to church and caregroup events IFGF Pinole has many exciting events every year, such as Welcoming Party, Retreats, Intercaregroup events and many more. Bring your friends to the church during these fun events before inviting them to Sunday Service.
4. Be friendly You may feel awkward at first, but everybody needs a friend. The person sitting next to you may feel insecure as he or she just arrives in the United States leaving his or her comfort zone. Say hi and exchange contacts. Who knows? He/she may be your next best friend!
5. PUSH Pray Until Something Happens. Fasting is also encouraged. The church also has a corporate prayer meeting and caregroup meeting whereby you can pray for and with each other. Check back page for more details.
6. Don’t be disappointed Don’t give up and know that God loves you and is in control. “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” - 1 Cor 15:58
JULY 2016 • 07
IFGF Pinole AFTERNOON SERVICE (2:15 PM)
MORNING SERVICE (10 AM)
SOUTH BAY SERVICE (10:30 AM)
2885 PINOLE VALLEY ROAD
2850 Estates Avenue
2300 TALAVERA DR
PINOLE, CA
Pinole, CA 94564
SAN RAMON, CA 94583 Multi Purpose Room Bollinger Canyon Elementary School
CARE GROUPS
PRAYER MEETINGS
JUNE EVENTS
SF ARISE - SAN FRANCISCO
FAITH (Tuesdays, 8PM)
1&5
Caregroup Gathering
Joan 415.690.9808
Joan 415.690.9808 9
Corporate Prayer Meeting
31
Combined service at IFGF
CG WARRIORS - PINOLE
KING (Thursdays, 7PM)
Maxwell 510.374.2686
Jessica 415.758.8645
Chris 510.837.7867 CG FAMILY - PINOLE
Pinole Tri-Valley Campus.
HEROES (Wed or Thurs, 7PM)
Address: 2300 Talavera
Kevin 510.316.8758
Dr, San Ramon, CA 94583
Julietha 510.323.5747
at 10:30 am
LEGENDS (Thursdays, 8PM) CG FAVOR - PLEASANT HILL
Michelle 408.874.5098
Dana 925.690.7561 Stephanie 925.331.7818
WARRIORS (Tuesday nights) Maxwell 510.374.2686
CG HOPER - PLEASANT HILL Nathaniel 925.888.9420
FAVOR & HOPER (Thursdays, 8PM)
Andrew 925.888.9421
Nathan 925.888.9420
CG LEGENDS - BERKELEY SISTERS
FRONTIER (Thursdays, 9PM)
Clarissa 510.541.2076
Tinus 510.673.7334
CG HEROES - BERKELEY BROTHERS
MINISTRIES
JULY BIRTHDAYS
Documentation - Eric Timotius
2
Fendy Soegiono
Multimedia - Catherine Santoso
4
Catherine Santoso
CG FRONTIER - SOUTH BAY
Praise & Worship - Yosia Urip
5
Christian Hendric
Adi 415.463.9010
Prayer & Intercession - Joan Wirolinggo
8
Adi Julianloo
Antony 408.685.1540
Publication - Melanie Thio
10
Shirley Ng
Refreshments - Nathalia Prasetyo Jo
12
Jason Chang
CG FRONTIER - EAST BAY
Sound System - Ronald Arnanjaya
20
Andrea Djitowibowo
Renaldi 510.710.6316
Sunday School - Jen Hendric
20
Larry Susanto
Nita 408.718.0834
Transportation - Leonardo Saerang
24
Ar ta Pradana Suteja
Ushers - Renaldi
25
Melanie Thio
Website - Yosia Urip
25
Nickson Dalimar ta
27
Angie Giovanni
27
Joan Wirolinggo
31
Yudhi Tanaka
Hendry Yang 925.875.8922 Ronald Arnanjaya 858.997.7774
PASTORAL TEAM
CONTACT
CONNECT
SUGI HENDRIC Senior Pastor
IFGFGISIEASTBAY@GMAIL.COM
FACEBOOK: IFGF Pinole
JEFFRI HALIM Associate Pastor,
IFGFPINOLE.ORG
INSTAGRAM: ifgfpinole
Biblical Teaching
(925) 609 4343
E- NEWSLETTER: issuu.com/ifgfpinole
08 • GENESIS NEWSLETTER