LightHouse IPC Hebron

Lighthouse

Biblical and Theological Significance of

Emet, the Hebrew word for “truth” or “reality,” encapsulates the faithfulness of God in a profound way. It represents the unwavering trustworthiness, reliability, and constancy of God. Exploring the faithfulness of God through the lens of Emet reveals the depth of His character, His relationship with humanity, and the assurance it brings to our faith journey. Throughout the pages of the Bible, the faithfulness of God is on full display. It is evident in His actions, His promises, and His interactions with His people. The faithfulness of God can be understood in the following ways.

Firstly, covenantal faithfulness: God’s faithfulness is demonstrated through His covenant relationships with humanity. From the establishment of the covenant with Noah after the flood to the covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the subsequent covenant with the nation of Israel, God consistently proves faithful in upholding His promises. Despite human unfaithfulness, God remains steadfast, ensuring the fulfillment of His covenantal commitments.

Secondly, preservation and protection: God’s faithfulness is revealed in His preservation and protection of His people. Throughout the Bible, we witness how God faithfully guides, sustains, and delivers His chosen ones. From the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness to their triumph over enemies, God’s faithfulness remains a constant source of hope and assurance.

Thirdly, redemption and restoration: God’s faithfulness extends to His redemptive work. Time and again, God delivers on His promise to provide a way of salvation. From the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ, God’s faithfulness remains unwavering. He faithfully restores and reconciles His people to Himself, demonstrating His commitment to their well-being.

From a theological vantage point, the faithfulness of God holds significant implications. First of all, it talks about the assurance of His character. The faithfulness of God assures us of His unchanging nature. In a world where circumstances and people can be unreliable, God’s faithfulness stands as an anchor for our souls. It gives us confidence that He is always true to His character, His promises, and His Word. Secondly, it talks about the trust and dependence.

Understanding God’s faithfulness invites us to trust and depend on Him fully. We can rely on His guidance, provision, and protection. In times of uncertainty and difficulty, we can rest in the faithfulness of God, knowing that He will not abandon us. Fourthly, it talks about hope and encouragement. The faithfulness of God offers hope and encouragement in our faith journey. It assures us that He will never forsake us, even in the midst of challenges and trials. We can draw strength from His faithfulness, knowing that He will work all things together for our good.

Pr. Wilson Varkey

PRAYER & CARE

ENGLISH TEAM

Are you looking for someone to walk alongside as you are going through major life challenges, such as grief, relationship concerns, sickness/hospitalization, job loss, and more? Our English Care Team Ministry offers confidential care, support, and encouragement, connecting hurting people with Christ’s healing love during some of the hardest times in their lives.

Our IPC Hebron families are widely spread out in the greater Houston area. Therefore, to better serve our families, we have divided the church families into seven geographical areas. All the ministries of the areas are coordinated and executed by the leadership of IPC Hebron Prayer and Care Team under the supervision of our pastors. It strengthens our brotherly relationship and foster better fellowship among the IPC Hebron family. Our prayer and care team is dedicated to keep in contact with all the families, children, young adults and older folks and support them in their happy and difficult occasions.

The major responsibilities of IPC Hebron Prayer and care Team are visiting our families regularly, arranging food as and when required along with the WINGS leadership. Moreover, the Prayer and Care Team has been successful in establishing a system in which each family is assigned with the responsibility of praying for another family and support them whatever way possible.

Currently, we are in the process of organizing fellowship meetings specifically focusing on those who are not able to attend our worship services for a long time due to physical challenges. Our plan is to visit those houses with Pastor, Choir Team and area team members to conduct these fellowship meetings according to the convenience of the families.

The heart of the English Care Team is 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “What a wonderful God we have - He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does He do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us.”

The English Care Team began in April 2019 and have served over 30 families in our English Service Community. Our vision is to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support to the IPC Hebron English Service family with prayer and biblical encouragement. We can also provide resources that will assist with support for specific life circumstances, such as referrals for professional Christian counselors and a list of support groups within the community.

English Care Team Members come from all walks of life, but what makes us unified is that we all share a passion for bringing Christ’s care and love to people during a time of need. We maintain confidentiality of care team recipients and any information shared by care recipients.

Care Team Leaders: Shelby and Sharon George Care Team Members: Jerry and Jency Mathew, Dr. Sheba Poulose, Ann Chacko, Teena John, Liza George, Aby and Betsy Varghese

Please feel free to contact Sharon at sharonmerry@gmail.com or 914-656-3977 if you feel you would like support.

JOURNEY

Journey is small groups for families. We usually meet once a month for Bible Study and Fellowship.

Journey helps families thrive in their own lives and the world around them by providing group study, interaction, educational tools and fellowship. Journey is inspired by Christian values to prepare families with biblical principles and life skills that will help them establish and maintain a victorious family life.

We exist because:

 Families need encouragement and practical tools to help them.

 Most families don’t know where to go to get the help/fellowship they need.

Saju & Annie John

 Building stronger families lend to stronger churches, which lend to stronger communities, which lend to a better world.

 Fellowship in the Journey is an effective outreach and form of evangelism, because family is one of the few areas where even those outside the church are willing to listen to what the church has to say about it.

Currently there are Journey groups in four areas:

 Pasadena

 Friendswood

 Pearland (2 groups)

 Sugar Land / Missouri City (2 groups)

Thomas George Shelby & Sharon George

Blessy Kuriyan

WINGS is a ministry catered towards all women. The mission of WINGS is to encourage and equip women to grow in their walk with Christ through worship, bible study, prayer, fellowship, and service to the community.

Proverbs 27:17 proclaims “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” It provides women with opportunities to encourage, uplift one another, pray together, and grow in Christ. Planned meetings and events throughout the year promote spiritual growth and help in developing genuine connections among members.

Ephesians 4:16 “He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”

Our Purpose

 Worship: Connect with God through worship.

 Prayer: Partner with the spirit to accomplish the will of God for the glory of God.

 Discipleship: Learn through God’s word and practice application in daily our lives.

 Fellowship: Provide opportunities to build connections that lead to fervent prayer for one another.

 Service: Equip women to do kingdom work through service locally and globally, serving our community through charity and outreach.

 Impact and Empower: Promote more events that inspire women to follow Christ through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to make an impact in the lives of many.

WINGS is structured with two primary coordinators and seven local area coordinators. We meet every month on Saturday for worship and fellowship at church. We have weekly local area prayer meetings through prayer lines led by area coordinators. We partner with other ministries, like prayer and care teams, to visit and support families during difficult times, such as sickness or loss. We support other ministries like local evangelism, Mission 2:14, medical missions, charity, and both local and global outreach. WINGS joins other ministries like LOL to host special events like pastor’s wife appreciation, Mother’s Day celebrations, women's seminars, and much more. WINGS supports other church events like Thanksgiving fellowship, the watch night service fellowship, the annual church picnic, and other church events. Our ministry provides opportunities for women to deepen their faith and experience spiritual growth. It helps equip and encourage our women to fulfill the great commission. In doing so, we give all glory and honor to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ladies of Love (LOL) is a branch of women’s ministry at IPC Hebron, geared for all women primarily towards the Ladies in the English community.

The purpose or mission of this ministry is to grow together in Christ, practice spiritual discipline, giving service to community and to engage in fellowship with one another through prayerfully planned Bible studies, prayer, worship, messages, activities and events that will promote spiritual growth and to glorify God.

LOL exist to inspire, equip, supports and disciple women to live and walk in God's purpose.

mpowHer is an accountability and mentorship ministry that seeks to help young women post high school uncover God’s plan and purpose in their lives while being discipled and mentored by older, more experienced women of faith. The world of the next generation can be confusing and overwhelming. The journey to discover God’s purpose and calling can be difficult to discern and even harder to understand.

EmpowHer aims to create a safe and welcoming space that meets monthly to enjoy fellowship, study the Word, serve in our church community, and have interactive group discussions that focus on the application of biblical truths. Mentoring is more than friendship or giving advice, it is a powerful connection between women of faith.

Typically we meet once per month. In addition, we have combined meetings with other woman’s ministry groups for special occasions such as Pastors’ wives appreciation, Mother’s Day events and Woman’s conference.

Ladies of Love is involved with outreach ministries i.e. visiting residents at Trinity Oak Nursing Home in Pearland. In addition, this year we’re in the process of reaching out to programs that helps pregnant single moms to bless them with baby showers.

LOL typically consists of 2 coordinators, although this year we added a core team of 6 members to help with coordinating Bible studies, event planning, outreach, food and decor. As for future events for this year we’re planning a Ladies retreat and a combined women’s conference.

Our vision is to build a community of all the Ladies in our church to grow together in Christ, have fellowship with one another, walk in God’s purpose, and to reach the unsaved.

Our purpose is to help young women follow Christ and be transformed into His image. Born from a vision to empower and spiritually equip young ladies as they step into adulthood, our leaders have a heart for encouraging the next generation of disciple-makers by prayerfully investing in their lives. We’ve learned through our own life experiences that putting God’s Word in our mind and on our hearts strengthens and equips us for whatever life throws our way. We believe the best way to love and raise the next generation of believers is to point them to Jesus as the answer for

Susan Joseph & Siby Manu

Jency Mathew & Leena Kurien

Johns Abraham

Missionary works in every station is going well by the grace of God.

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MEXICO►

The Mexico stations continue to reach out to their areas around Matamoros with the Word. In April, 15 people took water baptism in a nearby river. There are 4 more new stations that need sponsors in the Matamoros region. The training of students at the IPC Hebron Bible Training Center, Matamoros will bear fruits in the future. This last semester 7 graduated from the Training Center. May God enable them to reach out to the unsaved in their areas. The construction of the Social Assistance Home (aka Children's Home) in Matamoros is nearing completion. A small team went for it’s dedication on June 25 & 26. Please continue to pray for the children that are socially assisted through this venture. If anyone would like to support this or the stations in Mexico, please contact Thomas George (Jose), Benn Mathew or George Thomas (Mohan). We are also planning a pilot trip to Reynosa, Mexico in the near future.

◄BELIZE

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Jamie (son of deceased Pastor Tony), the student in Belize, who we support with college tuition has been doing well. He sent his regards to the church especially for standing with him in his time of need.

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AFRICA►

The Africa missions in Benin & Niger have been conducting evangelistic trips into unreached villages. The missionaries plan to reach out with Nabeel Qureshi’s “Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus” books in French within these areas. If anyone would like to sponsor these books please contact me or Geiby George.

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INDIA►

The India missions are facing persecutions in various small pockets. We have completed construction of the church floor of the Addiction Center building in Chhattisgarh. The Surguja Theological Institute graduation was on May 24 where our own P.M. Mathew was the chief guest. This semester the institute had 10 graduates. The Bhojpur Medical Clinic has started treating patients in the new building. Various church constructions are ongoing in many mission regions. During this season of school vacation, various mission stations have reached out to the children through VBS and children's programs. Please pray for all 14 mission regions in India. Our India missions trip to Delhi,

Jharkand and Bihar will be from October 22 -29. If anyone is interested to join please contact senior pastor, me or Joshin. Pastor Bejoy Kuriakose, our India coordinator was able to visit and acquaint with most of our churches in Thiruvambady. He also has been proactive in helping our charitable works in Kerala.

The first year nursing students’ educational support will be disbursed in the coming days. The second, third and fourth year student supports have already been disbursed by our former coordinator Pastor Abraham Samuel. Please pray for our retired pastors to whom we extend a helping hand. We were also able to support in the purchase of additional land for the ‘Gilgal Ashwasa Bhavan’ handicap home in Eraviperoor, Kerala along with their monthly support. The local evangelism team under Blessan Babu has been conducting evangelistic drives from our various member homes in different subdivisions. If you would like to hold one of these, please contact him. On August 13, the Indian Independence Day special events will be conducted; schedule and events to be posted soon. On August 26 & 27 the local evangelism team plans to hold a seminar at church with guest speaker apologist Abdu Murray.

◄MISSION 2:14►

The Mission 2:14 (local charity) team would like to invite you as volunteers for their Houston Food Bank drive (every 1st & 3rd Friday of the month), Horeb Church food drive, Afghan refugee community help and at the Casa Clinic. Recently 7 new volunteers from church have joined the Casa Clinic through their orientation. This clinic is in Missouri City and triages and helps patients that are unable to receive medical care elsewhere. For further info, please contact Geiby George or Shaini Joy.

Currently we are faced with immense charitable requests for medical, educational and home as well as church constructions. We are unable to reach out to everyone but do try the best within our limited funds. The mission board selected K.V. Varghese as our Charity Coordinator from within the mission board.

Continue to pray and support our mission stations ($60/ month in India & $100/month in Mexico and Africa). I would like to encourage every family, especially all new families, to at least support one missionary. This would be a blessing to you as our Lord opens His showers of blessings.

2Thessalonians 3:3 – “But the Lord is faithful. He will strengthen you and guard you against the evil one.”

Faithfulness represents reliability or dependability. One of the most significant assurances and the greatest confidence is that we all have and enjoy in our Christian life is the faithfulness of God. The faithfulness of God streams throughout the Scripture as mercy, love, kindness, salvation, forgiveness, acceptance, and in many other manners, and the Scripture ensures that God is absolutely trustworthy. In 2 Thessalonians 2, Paul had just finished warning about the lawlessness, corruption, and deception that would come. Concurrently, he desired to present them with the greatest hope and a joyful reminder that God is faithful, and His presence will continue guiding them. Paul is motivating us with the promise that God will strengthen us and defend us against the evil one. Along with the Thessalonians, it is a reminder and affirmation to everyone who calls upon His name.

God’s faithfulness is constant God’s faithfulness never changes, and He is faithful even when we become unfaithful. It is the extraordinary nature of God, not conditioned by human situations (2 Timothy 2:10-13). Regardless of the conditions and problems life may lead us to, God is faithful. His Word is the only constant we can rely on in this changing world. We can see

numerous instances in the Scripture that the heart of God’s people have been fickle, dishonest, susceptible to sin, and inclined to idolatry. They were like the sheep gone astray (Isaiah 53:6). But the faithfulness of God endured to all generations (Psalm 119:90). Israelites sinned against God during the pilgrimage in the wilderness. They desired many things outside of God, wandered away from God, tested God multiple times, disobeyed God, worshiped idols, and so on. Nevertheless, despite everything, God’s presence was constant in their life. There was not even a moment He left them, and He always guided them with His presence. Every covenant He made is kept, and every promise and prophecy have or will be fulfilled. 2 Corinthians 1:20 says, “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”

Trust in God’s faithfulness

We serve a good and faithful God, and all experience God’s faithfulness. 1 Peter 5:7, we can trust Him with our needs, and 1 John 5:14 proclaims that He always answers our prayers. Even though we know the Scripture and have experienced God’s faithfulness, many Christians frequently combat the battle between knowing God is faithful and depending on Him. God’s faithfulness is not the absence of struggle, but God is faithful means His presence will be with you, His protection will be over you, and His

providence will continue with you. Lamentations 3:22-24 succinctly encapsulate the faithfulness of God and dispense the rationale of trusting in Him. God was prudent in keeping His covenants to everyone who followed Him, and He is still faithful to keep His promises in our lives.

The better we get to know God, the more we’ll trust in His faithfulness. Even though we go through difficulties, some of us may be going through some challenging situations with health, job, family, marriage, spirituality, and other areas of life, always remember that God is faithful, and His promises are yes and amen. Every promise he made to you will come to completion. When everything seems uncertain, fear and anxiety steal our peace, and hopelessness destroys our joy, we can depend on the promises of God, the immovable rock on which we stand. “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32). The one who called you is still faithful to lead you until the end. He will never leave nor forsake you. God knows our weaknesses and limitations and understands that we may fail. “But the Lord is faithful. He will strengthen you and guard you against the evil one.”

We have great news for the church. We are making great process on our church expansion project. Two weeks ago, our plans were submitted to the city for approval. As of early part of June, per Landers Consulting, the company we hired to push our plans through the city, our church expansion plans are pending preliminary review. Once the preliminary review is complete in a few days, our plans will be routed to the appropriate Departments within the City for further review and approval.

I want to thank the expansion team and the church board for all their help in getting us to this point. We thank the church f or all your prayers. Please continue to pray for our church project. Our God has brought us this far and I believe He will continue to guide us through this big project. This is the project update to the current.

Kurian Mathews

Perhaps, suspicion in God’s faithfulness peaks in our hearts and minds during difficult seasons.

Pr. Alex Ramani

PENCIL DRAWING

SPEECH SOLO

ESSAY WRITING BIBLE QUIZ

INSTRUMENTAL

SHORT STORY MEMORY VERSE

GROUP SONG

Pandyalackal

Walls of Jericho Maze

X

Across

3. The best ways to keep the word of God in your heart is to .......... it.

8. Every word in the Bible (no matter who wrote it) is .......... by God.

9. The Bible is separated into the old and new ..........

10. There are 66 of these in the Bible.

Down

1. The Bible is our biggest .......... in helping us know how to live.

2. Some of the books of the Bible are .......... written to help and encourage others.

4. The Bible is full of these just for you.

5. Each chapter has a number of these in it.

6. In some Bible Jesus words are printed in this color.

7. Jesus’s favorite way to teach and tell stories was by telling these.

Finally, Emet calls us to faithfulness. As recipients of God’s faithfulness, we are called to respond with faithfulness of our own. Just as God remains true to His character and His promises, we are invited to embody faithfulness in our relationships, commitments, and service to others. Our faithfulness becomes a reflection of the faithfulness we have experienced from God.

In short, Emet, the faithfulness of God, is a powerful expression of His unwavering trustworthiness and reliability. Through His covenantal faithfulness, preservation, redemption, and restoration, God reveals His commitment to His people. Understanding and embracing the faithfulness of God provides us with assurance, trust, hope, and a call to live faithfully in response. May we continually find solace and strength in the faithfulness of our loving Creator. n

Find your way through the maze from the entry at bottom to the flag on top.

Benjamin Cherian U of H | Biology

Caleb Eapen UTSA | Business

Janice Thomas A&M | Computer Science

Sarah Joseph San Jacinto | Nursing

Michelle Thomas U of H | Digital Media

Jessica John A&M | Allied Health

Gloria John Baylor | Biology

Joshua Rajesh HCU | Biochemistry

Nathan Mathew A&M Galveston | Engineering

Jeremy Thomas TSU | Clinical Health Science

Emily Jose U of H | Biology

Chris Chacko U of H | Architecture

Evelyn Shibu A&M | Biology

Noel Thomas U of H | Biology

Jenissa Thomas U of H | Politcal Science

Christeena Thomas UT | Public Health

Joel Thomas U of H | Accounting

Jonathan Cherian U of H | Aviation