Syracuse International Christian Church

Now It’s Time

fudos — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 01:26:07 +0000

“Now It’s Time!”
June 6, 2010

The Adams Family (left) and the Ranga family (right)

Solomon said, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh . . .” [Ecclesiastes 3:1-4]

There is a time to remember . . .
Over the past 12 years, Kerri-Sue and I have been blessed to be a part of the church originally known as the Syracuse Church of Christ, then with increasing vision known as the Central New York Church of Christ, and now with hearts set on evangelizing the world, known as the Syracuse International Christian Church. Though names of human institutions may change, one thing that is unchangeable is the advancement of God’s Kingdom! Thankfully, our kids have grown up amidst true disciples of Jesus—a great cloud of witnesses—who love God and His Kingdom with all their heart! What has shone brightest are the fruits of His Spirit in their daily lives. We as a family have not only seen real faith lived out in the manifold wisdom of God’s church, but we’ve been transformed by the love the brothers and sisters have shown us and each other . . . and for that we are forever indebted to all of you, our disciple-friends here in Syracuse!

Zakiah Ransom baptized in New York City

There is a time to plant . . .
Four years ago, Chris & Theresa Broom gathered a fired up team of CNY disciples and embarked on a missionary adventure to plant a church in Chicago, leaving the Syracuse church in the trained hands and hearts of a young, dynamic couple they had raised up to lead in God’s movement. Then just two years ago, this slightly older couple (Andrew & Patrique Smellie) pulled their moving truck onto Interstate 81 and along with a group of like-minded adventurers, headed south to Washington DC, as the Holy Spirit set them apart to build a church of sold-out disciples in our nation’s capitol. Kerri-Sue and I cherished the time walking with them, learning how to inspire, lead, shepherd and build up the church we had been honored to be a part of for more than a decade. We are so grateful for the hearts of all the disciples here in Syracuse for their incredible sacrifice, love, patience and loyalty that they have shown to God and to all the leaders God has chosen over the recent years. They certainly gave us the time we needed to “grow into our new roles.” However, we could never thank Mike, Pam and Megan O’Donnell enough, for the selfless way they have loved us and served side-by-side with us for the work of the gospel here in the heart of New York, not only the past twelve years, but especially over the past two years.

There is a time to build . . .
Paul reminded the Corinthians that while one man plants and another waters, God is the one who makes it grow. All who have shed tears to strengthen a weak disciple; all who have exhausted themselves to serve a brother or sister or the poor in need and all who have lost sleep studying the Bible to bring another lost sheep into God’s pen . . . you have planted and you have watered and you have allowed God Himself to use you to make His church grow.

There is a time to rejoice (laugh) . . .

Alberto Mulero is restored to the Lord!

Paul described having to tear themselves away from beloved disciples when they said goodbye on a Mediterranean beach. Although there has been and will be many more farewell tears as we leave Syracuse and travel down the Thruway to New York City to serve in the ministry of the Empire City International Christian Church, this is actually a time to rejoice because we know God will meet all our needs in ways that are more than we could ask or imagine! Over the past three months, God has already begun to shower those blessings on the church here, starting with the loving leadership of Steve and Kithy Ranga and their extremely zealous boys, Jonathan, Dylan and Daniel!

So now it’s time! It’s time for all of us to take the seed bag and the watering can and with all our might, in whatever field our great God has planted us: IT’S TIME TO GET BUSY harvesting a crop of righteousness. And I believe with all my heart that God is going to keep us all laughing—all the way to His side, as we live and die, bringing glory to His name.

Exodus

fudos — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 23:31:58 +0000

EXODUS
2010 World Missions Jubilee
Hilton Hotel – Universal City, California
August 5 – 8, 2010

Hilton Hotel – Universal Studios

Sean Stafford, Baptized!

EXODUS is the inspirational theme for our 2010 World Missions Jubilee, for it was out of Egypt – out of slavery – that our God brought His people to the Promised Land! It was also out of Egypt that God brought His son to save the nations! (Matthew 2:15) All of the titles of our speeches and classes will be taken from the Pentateuch. These first five books of the Bible record Moses and the Israelites seeing the very glory of God through historically unique events such as the ten plagues of Egypt, the crossing of the Red Sea, the fire on Mount Sinai, as well as daily, when they collected the manna and viewed the cloud above the Tabernacle through which the Lord would tell the Israelites to remain at that camp or continue their journey to the Promised Land. Today God’s glory is returning to His people! Amazingly in less than four years, the Spirit has grown the Sold-Out Discipling Movement to almost 40 congregations in 19 nations! Our family of churches’ motivating vision is the evangelization of the nations in this generation. Lord willing, in continuing The Crown Of Thorns Project, we will witness the sending out of the London Mission Team! Paul wrote to the disciples, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of Scripture we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4) So come and join our worship as your faith will surely be strengthened by “the mighty power of the Lord” and the “awesome deeds” of His people, as we revisit the principles of the EXODUS and go to all nations! (Deuteronomy 34:10-12)

The fifth biannual World Missions Jubilee will be held at the beautiful Hilton Hotel in Universal City – Los Angeles! There will be a Global Leadership Conference on Wednesday August 4th; registration will be $20. Thursday evening, August 5th will be the opening session of the Jubilee. The seminar will conclude at 1PM on Sunday August 8th. The registration cost for both students and adults is $90 ($95 at the door). Registration will begin on March 1st. You may register through the mail (2010 WMJ, 536 Sheldon Street, El Segundo, CA. 90245) or online at www.CAICC.net. The rooms at the Hilton Hotel are only $129/night for the first 100 rooms. After the first 100, the price will be $169/night. Conveniently, once at the hotel, no transportation is necessary as all Jubilee events are at the Hilton. This incredible facility is located adjacent to both “City Walk,” with about 40 restaurants, as well as the Universal Studios Theme Park. Saturday, the Jubilee schedule will conclude at noon to allow all participates to enjoy a time of fun and fellowship at Universal Studios Theme Park. If you have any questions contact the Jubilee Directors: Andrew Smellie at 315-415-3213 or Rob Onekea at 213-300-3190. Come and bring your whole family to this historic occasion! And to God be the glory!

Kip McKean

(…click more below for the Jubliee schedule and some pictures!
2010 World Missions Jubilee
Theme Speeches & Speakers
Let My People Go – DJ Comisford (New York City)
Nehushtan – Matt Sullivan (Santiago)
The Golden Calf – Andrew Smellie (Los Angeles)
The Jethro Principle – Chloupeks (Phoenix) and Williamsons (London)
The Cloud Over The Tabernacle – Chris Broom (Chicago)
The Promised Land On The Second Try – Kip McKean (Los Angeles)

Workshop Classes
Motherhood: Pharoah’s Daughter Changes History – J. McGee / L. Mejia
Quiet Times: Manna In The Morning – Vic Gonzalez Jr. / O. Sirotkin
Full-Time Ministry: The Burning Bush – DJ & Kacie Comisford
Deepening Your Bible Study: The Voice Of God – K. Bartholomew / A. Smellie
Teaching Bible Talks: His Face Was Radiant – C. Broom / M. Patterson
Women’s Leadership: Miriam The Prophetess – E. McKean / P. Smellie
Finding God’s Will: Balaam’s Donkey – T. Kernan / C. Mejia
Prayer: Moses Held Up His Hands – A. Lips / J. Shelbrack
Fruits Of Righteousness: Zeal For God’s Honor – J. Clark / R. Moreno
Family Devo’s: Impress On Your Children – Adams / Parlours

Spanish-Speaking Program
During the Jubilee, there will be a Spanish-Speaking Program on Friday during the day and on Sunday morning. The speakers for these sessions are: Victor & Sonia Gonzalez, Raul & Lynda Moreno, Matt & Helen Sullivan, Sal & Patricia Velasco, and Theresa Broom.
Global Leadership Conference
The Global Leadership Conference will be held at the Hilton Hotel on Wednesday August 4th. This meeting will begin with an informal breakfast at 7:30AM and will conclude at 12:30PM. This event is open to all who are in leadership, as well as those who aspire to be God’s servants in planting and building churches. The charge is $20.
Speakers Dinner
The Speakers Dinner will be held on Wednesday at 6:30PM. This is a separate event from the Global Leadership Conference and is by invitation only.
Administrators Breakfast Meeting
The Administrators Breakfast Meeting will be held Thursday from 9:00AM to Noon. Michael Kirchner, who is the Administrator for all the SoldOut Movement Churches, will oversee this event. Every lead evangelist and their administrator are invited to this meeting.
Shepherds Lunch
Thursday at 12:30PM, Nick & Denise Bordieri and Tony & Therese Untalan will be hosting a luncheon meeting for all the Shepherding Couples in the SoldOut Movement Churches.
Specialized Ministry Lunches a Fellowships
On Friday August 6th, there will be specialized ministry lunches. Nick & Denise Bordieri will be hosting a luncheon honoring the disciples who are in leadership with MERCYworldwide. Ron Harding, our Lead CyberEvangelist for the Movement, will direct the Web Deacons Lunch & Meeting. Mike Patterson and Shay Vloet will host a Teen Lunch & Fellowship. Also, there will be a Chemical Recovery (CR) Ministry Lunch & Meeting overseen by Russ Preston. On Friday evening at 6PM, Michael & Michele Williamson will be in charge of a Singles & Campus Social, where finger foods will be served.
“The Kingdom’s Got Talent” Show
For this year’s Jubilee, instead of our usual concert on Friday night, Jeremy Ciaramella will be our host on “The Kingdom’s Got Talent” Show! This will not be a competition, but a time for disciples from all over the world to glorify God by showcasing their God-given talents. In order to perform, you must audition in person or on video by July 15th.

Love Letter to God

fudos — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 23:56:19 +0000

Susan Sharing

(The Letter written by Susan during
her baptism for forgiveness!)
.
.
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Baptism Date: December 06, 2009

Mission Team: Syracuse International Christian Church

Susan’s Conversion Story

Dear Disciples,

I am an example of God’s kindness and great love for a creature. He made me 74 years ago. I have wondered through life as a confused and disobedient child and now as an older lady. But God has saw fit to call me to the fold of His sheep; gently and lovingly to be His after all this time. He could have allowed me to be run over by the cars that brushed past me because I was slow and they were in a hurry. But patiently, he called me. On occasions I ran toward Him but most of the time I ran from him because it seemed to take too much patience for my temperament.

Coming from the Water

But despite all I have done in my life, time wise and sin wise, Jesus has brought me here to a refuge on the day of rest to be among disciples who have encouraged me along with the Holy Spirit and Jesus sayings; the word of God. The Bible tells me God’s promises if I obey and Holy Spirit inspires directions on how to love God and have those relationships where I love my brothers and sisters as myself and obey the teachings of the Bible.

Jesus died in body to save sinners like me. So I will die in body to my sinful nature. God raised him up to show how I too can be resurrected with a new Spirit.

On Eagle’s Wings

fudos — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:55:27 +0000

(This was e-mailed to Kip McKean December 14th, 2009)

George Mak sharing in front of the Syracuse International Christian Church congregation, this past Sunday.

I Don’t know if it’s too late to include this in your weekly Email (that’s E for Encouragement) that always helps spur on Kerri-Sue, Blake, Liza and my faith as we all sit around the computer and read what God is doing around the world . . . this story is over 10 years in the making and may be a little longer than usual for the email, but it’s worth telling the world! God has been moving so powerfully here the past two months in the Syracuse International Christian Church–we stand in awe–as we stand together with all of you sold-out disciples across the nations!

George Mak became a disciple almost ten years ago when his sister and brother-in-law, Andy and Marta Graham, who were part of the original mission team that came to Syracuse to plant the church in 1993, invited him to move to Syracuse after losing his job in Atlanta, Georgia. With the rental truck still parked in the driveway, he walked into his first ever Bible Talk that same day he moved! After initially responding to the Scriptures and making a radical life change, including breaking up with his girlfriend of twenty years, George saw God bless that repentance with his girlfriend, Kathy Hanam, moving to Syracuse, getting baptized and their getting to date as disciples!

However, amidst the spiritual turbulence of the post-Kriete years and the weakening of one-another relationships, George and Kathy drifted and both allowed the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of sin to steal their joy to the point of them falling away inside the church. Miraculously, Kathy recently had a change of heart after God disciplined her after a series of hardships, including illness, depression and losing her job. Her radical repentance led to her getting restored to the church this past November 8th during our International Campus Sunday, as God moved her heart through the sisters valiant and continual truthfulness and love, and as Roger and Kama Parlour from our sister church in Chicago preached and taught their hearts out all weekend about marriage and discipleship! This inspiring spiritual turn-a-round not only breathed faith into the Syracuse church as a whole, but it cut her long-time friend, George Mak’s heart, as he realized that he would never be able to love Kathy the way she deserved him to, if he wasn’t willing to seek God again with his whole heart.

Kathy standing before the Church, during the International Campus Sunday.

Yesterday, George Mak stood before the church a new man, and eagerly confessed his sins, apologizing to all the brothers and sisters for pulling his heart back and not loving them the way God has loved him! His pledge of commitment to God and His church has already been evident in his repentance over the recent weeks as he has opened up completely not only about his sin but his deepest pains and regret from past disappointments in his relationships, including his recently deceased father. The fruit of George’s decision to burst into the light was re-built relationships with so many in the church. When one part of the body rejoices, the whole body rejoices–well, it’s been proven true that when one part of the body repents, many can also repent! When two lukewarm disciples both over 50 years old, with five failed marriages between them decide to repent and live the way God wants them to live, there really can be NO EXCUSE HERE IN THE ‘CUSE!

But perhaps the most encouraging part of this whole story is how God is blessing these two disciples more than they could ever ask or imagine–because yesterday, George Mak . . . restored disciple . . . asked Kathy Hanam . . .restored disciple . . . to be his wife!! Truly, all of heaven will be rejoicing THIS FRIDAY as these two young souls become one before our very eyes and inside God’s very own heart . . . His bride . . . His church!

Psalm 103:2-5 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Sincerely Fired Up By His Love
Christopher Adams