Luke 2:21-40 tells the story of the dedication of the infant Jesus at the temple. As Mary and Joseph are presenting him before the Lord they encounter two obscure elderly individuals who are led by the Holy Spirit to speak words of encouragement and prophesy regarding the baby Jesus. They didn’t have titles. They didn’t have “official positions”, degrees, or social power. I would have thought it would have been a priest, or a religious figure, or a political leader who would have spoken words about the baby Jesus. But this is God’s way – He often chooses the “least likely”, or people who lack the credentials that we typically value. Simeon’s education and charisma are not mentioned. He is only described as being “righteous and devout” and we are told that “the Holy Spirit was upon him.” Anna, we are told, was “very old” and was a widow. Her credentials were that she “worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.” These were the ones who had the insight to see what God was doing.
Some things never change. God still is calling “nobodies”. He sees beyond outward qualifications and credentials. He sees deeper issues of the heart. “Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish thins of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God – that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31) When self-doubt and insecurity creep in (as they often do), remember these principles. Focus on what God is saying to you. How is your relationship with Him? Are you relying on His strength or your own abilities? Let Him choose you this Christmas, even if you feel insignificant or as an unlikely choice.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Christmas Newsletter 2007
Merry Christmas!
As is often the case, the holiday is rapidly approaching. I joke around that I am mentally and spiritually prepared for the holiday, but at the same time I have not done any shopping, we don't have a tree and we haven't sent out any cards. Hopefully this blog will be a good update for you. My blog is one way that we try to keep in touch with family and friends regarding the current events of our lives.
2007 has been an interesting year for us...here are some of the the highlights:
2007 has been an interesting year for us...here are some of the the highlights:
Earlier this year we sadly lost our Jack Russell Terrier, Tucker. This was a real blow to all of us. He was a major part of our family. After spending many month "recovering" from that loss, we eventually felt it was time to find a new dog. We are thrilled to have found Kona -- the sweetest Airedale Terrier. We couldn't be happier with our new dog.
We were fortunate to be able to travel quite a bit during 2007. The highlights were a mission trip to Mexico (with the kids) and our trip to Israel. Early in the summer Heidi and I led a team of about 40 teens across the border to Tijuana. Most of the young people were from Houston, Texas. Alicia and Levi made lots of friends and had a great time doing construction, drama and music in communities throughout Tijuana. Later in the summer Heidi and I made our first trip to Israel for the Foursquare Convention. We were able to tour the country before, during and after the convention. Every day was an amazing experience for us. Matt made three trips to the Philippines. 
Alicia is enjoying school, her first car, and her first job. She works as a barista at an espresso stand and saved up enough money for a used Honda Civic. She is taking her first college class at Cascadia Community College and has discovered that she has tremendous talent in art. She has brought home some stunning drawings and paintings. We believe it is something that she will continue to develop and do well with.
Levi is now in 9th grade and is extemely busy playing hockey (he is on a team that travels weekly to Canada, as well as having games at home and practices). He plays defense and his team is winning most of their games. His real passion is electric guitar, but he also plays bass, acoustic guitar, writes music, and even plays some piano. Over the new year he is travelling to Los Angeles to represent our youth group at a big youth convention.
Matt is continuing to work at Eastside Foursquare Church as the Executive Pastor and the Missions Pastor. Starting in January he will be teaching a class at Fuller Theological Seminary and he enjoys runnning and hiking in his free time.
Matt is continuing to work at Eastside Foursquare Church as the Executive Pastor and the Missions Pastor. Starting in January he will be teaching a class at Fuller Theological Seminary and he enjoys runnning and hiking in his free time.
Heidi has spent most of this year devoted to the kids, but also travelling to Thailand, Philippines, Mexico and Israel. She also does quite a bit of teaching and is on staff at Northwest University with the Graduate School of Psychology. Recently she began leading a support group for teens who are struggling with life's greatest challenges.
Our plans for the holiday include an onslaught of services on Christmas Eve, followed by Christmas Day as a family. On the 26th we make the big trip to the Oregon Coast before dashing back to Seattle.
Thanks again for the cards! We hope you have a wonderful Christmas!!
Matt, Heidi, Alicia and Levi
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Colorado Shootings - Jack Hayford was the speaker that morning
Report re: Colorado Springs—New Life Church Shooting
From: Pastor Jack Hayford
By reason of the many calls I have received, graciously and lovingly expressing concern for me in the aftermath of the widely publicized, tragic event that occurred in Colorado Springs last Sunday, December 9, I have been asked to offer this report.
First, let me address the most basic facts; information I offer only because having had several phone calls, along with recurring questions, I believe answers the most common ones: Where was I? What happened? Was I in danger?
1. The arrival of the gunman was at about 1:00 p.m., 20-25 minutes after the conclusion of the 11:00 service, at which, as at 9:00 a.m, I was the speaker.
2. The gunman’s arrival was after more than 85% of the approximately 4500 in the second service had left the church parking lot—obviously, the first of many providences of God’s grace, reducing the exposure of thousands to what took place.
3. I was in the pastor’s office, having a light lunch before leaving for the airport, when his assistant and her husband burst into the office, urgently announcing that a gunman was in the building, shooting in the hallways. The office was a relatively secure situation, a floor above the hallways, in an area accessed only by a coded door. However, we could hear gunfire.
4. Within the next 30 seconds we could hear gunfire, and 2-3 minutes later were advised it was the final exchange; the final shots being fired by a security guard, resulting in the instant felling of the shooter. The guard had warned the gunman to put down his weapon—only to have him continue random firing, while reaching for a smoke grenade attached to his belt.
5. Over the next 10 minutes we received word, that upon arriving in the parking lot and exiting his car with an automatic rifle in hand, the gunman immediately began spraying bullets into the cars everywhere. Tragically, this is when the two teenage girls were struck, one dying in moments, the other at the hospital later. Their father was also hit, but not fatally—the prospects of his recovery being described as excellent. (His wife, the girls’ mother, was also with them, but was not hit. You can imagine the deep emotional concern which all feel for this bereaved couple.)
6. Two other casualties were realized, as the result of the gunman’s entrance into the hallways where he fired on the relatively few remaining there—most were able to hide in doorways or behind pillars. However, one person was shot in the shoulder and another in the arm. I am informed that both of these are in good condition and recovering well. Again, the Lord’s grace is evident.
Having given these facts, let me conclude with these remarks –
My presence was, of course, by reason of invitation from New Life’s new Senior Pastor, Brady Boyd—a leader I’ve developed a friendship with over recent years. At age 40, and with a proven pastoral leadership record in both the Amarillo and Dallas areas, Brady was asked last July to take the pastorate formerly held by Ted Haggard. As Brady has regarded me as a mentor and one to whom, with 4 or 5 other leaders, he holds himself accountable, he was very hopeful I could be his pulpit guest before his first 6 months was completed. This explains why I happened to be present on the occasion of the shocking events last Sunday.
Having been there, let me affirm two things: (1) The miraculous intervention of God was monumentally apparent. The grace of God’s providence in the man’s being put down early in the foray most certainly saved scores of lives. Police said he had over 500 rounds of ammunition on his body and was set for a slaughter. (2) The pragmatic wisdom and preparation of the church’s security force is a lesson for us all. They, having heard of the event in Arvada earlier in the day, and only 75 miles north, prompted their special attentiveness—not because they had any reason to expect attack, but simply because a part of their pastoral style is to take every precaution, at all points, to protect those on their campus in any regard—including the least expected, an attack such as occurred.
Thank you, again, for all who have indicated their gratitude to God upon hearing I was not harmed on this tragic occasion.
Please continue to pray for New Life Church and the Pastoral Staff, as well as for the whole congregation. May God’s mercies and comfort attend them—especially at this very tender, Christmas season.
Pastor Jack Hayford
My wife, Heidi's best-friend is a YWAM leader at a base in Colorado Springs. She and her husband have been based there for years. Their offices are located in New Life Church. For the past two years in a row we have gone back there to visit them and to go snow shoeing. Yesterday there were fatal shootings both at the church and at a nearby YWAM base. It doesn't get much press, but the persecution of Christians is on the rise. In fact, some human rights groups identify Christians as the most widely persecuted group in the world (not to minimize the tragedy of the persecution of any other group). Learn more by visiting www.persecution.org. Is persecution against Christians on the rise here in the U.S.? As Christians are openly maligned and mocked (sometimes we have it coming, but it is increasingly becoming an unjust stereotype that overlooks the majority position of Christians), I believe that injustice is subtly creeping in where if it was took place against other groups, it would create a much greater reaction.
Last night I received this update from our friends:
Dear Friends,
In the wake of the recent shootings here in Colorado, Karma and I wanted to let you all know that our family is safe. We are of course disturbed at the violence, and grieving at the loss of life, but none of us where anywhere near the incidents.The YWAM center in Arvada, Colorado is about 80 miles north of ushere in Colorado Springs. We do know people there, and they are a sister ministry, but we did not know the two YWAM'ers who were killedt here last night, nor the two who were wounded.The second shooting was a bit closer to home, at our church - New Life Church - though we were not there when it happened. There were five victims - one has died and the others are in the hospital. The shooter was shot and killed by a security guard at the church. There is no doubt that this guard saved many lives. The names of thevictims have not been released, so we don't know if we know any of them personally.Our YWAM offices are located at the World Prayer Center on the New Life Church campus, so this tragedy is hitting us hard so closely onthe heels of the Arvada tragedy. At this point there is only speculation about any connection between the two incidents.This evening our family gathered in the living room to talk and pray and even laugh a bit with some fond family memories. We'd appreciate your prayers for us, for YWAM, and for our church, especially through the next week or so. I'm sure this will be in the news quite a bit over the next few days. If you have any questions as you are hearing things on the news, just drop us an email or give a call.
Much love, Bill & Karma
From: Pastor Jack Hayford
By reason of the many calls I have received, graciously and lovingly expressing concern for me in the aftermath of the widely publicized, tragic event that occurred in Colorado Springs last Sunday, December 9, I have been asked to offer this report.
First, let me address the most basic facts; information I offer only because having had several phone calls, along with recurring questions, I believe answers the most common ones: Where was I? What happened? Was I in danger?
1. The arrival of the gunman was at about 1:00 p.m., 20-25 minutes after the conclusion of the 11:00 service, at which, as at 9:00 a.m, I was the speaker.
2. The gunman’s arrival was after more than 85% of the approximately 4500 in the second service had left the church parking lot—obviously, the first of many providences of God’s grace, reducing the exposure of thousands to what took place.
3. I was in the pastor’s office, having a light lunch before leaving for the airport, when his assistant and her husband burst into the office, urgently announcing that a gunman was in the building, shooting in the hallways. The office was a relatively secure situation, a floor above the hallways, in an area accessed only by a coded door. However, we could hear gunfire.
4. Within the next 30 seconds we could hear gunfire, and 2-3 minutes later were advised it was the final exchange; the final shots being fired by a security guard, resulting in the instant felling of the shooter. The guard had warned the gunman to put down his weapon—only to have him continue random firing, while reaching for a smoke grenade attached to his belt.
5. Over the next 10 minutes we received word, that upon arriving in the parking lot and exiting his car with an automatic rifle in hand, the gunman immediately began spraying bullets into the cars everywhere. Tragically, this is when the two teenage girls were struck, one dying in moments, the other at the hospital later. Their father was also hit, but not fatally—the prospects of his recovery being described as excellent. (His wife, the girls’ mother, was also with them, but was not hit. You can imagine the deep emotional concern which all feel for this bereaved couple.)
6. Two other casualties were realized, as the result of the gunman’s entrance into the hallways where he fired on the relatively few remaining there—most were able to hide in doorways or behind pillars. However, one person was shot in the shoulder and another in the arm. I am informed that both of these are in good condition and recovering well. Again, the Lord’s grace is evident.
Having given these facts, let me conclude with these remarks –
My presence was, of course, by reason of invitation from New Life’s new Senior Pastor, Brady Boyd—a leader I’ve developed a friendship with over recent years. At age 40, and with a proven pastoral leadership record in both the Amarillo and Dallas areas, Brady was asked last July to take the pastorate formerly held by Ted Haggard. As Brady has regarded me as a mentor and one to whom, with 4 or 5 other leaders, he holds himself accountable, he was very hopeful I could be his pulpit guest before his first 6 months was completed. This explains why I happened to be present on the occasion of the shocking events last Sunday.
Having been there, let me affirm two things: (1) The miraculous intervention of God was monumentally apparent. The grace of God’s providence in the man’s being put down early in the foray most certainly saved scores of lives. Police said he had over 500 rounds of ammunition on his body and was set for a slaughter. (2) The pragmatic wisdom and preparation of the church’s security force is a lesson for us all. They, having heard of the event in Arvada earlier in the day, and only 75 miles north, prompted their special attentiveness—not because they had any reason to expect attack, but simply because a part of their pastoral style is to take every precaution, at all points, to protect those on their campus in any regard—including the least expected, an attack such as occurred.
Thank you, again, for all who have indicated their gratitude to God upon hearing I was not harmed on this tragic occasion.
Please continue to pray for New Life Church and the Pastoral Staff, as well as for the whole congregation. May God’s mercies and comfort attend them—especially at this very tender, Christmas season.
Pastor Jack Hayford
My wife, Heidi's best-friend is a YWAM leader at a base in Colorado Springs. She and her husband have been based there for years. Their offices are located in New Life Church. For the past two years in a row we have gone back there to visit them and to go snow shoeing. Yesterday there were fatal shootings both at the church and at a nearby YWAM base. It doesn't get much press, but the persecution of Christians is on the rise. In fact, some human rights groups identify Christians as the most widely persecuted group in the world (not to minimize the tragedy of the persecution of any other group). Learn more by visiting www.persecution.org. Is persecution against Christians on the rise here in the U.S.? As Christians are openly maligned and mocked (sometimes we have it coming, but it is increasingly becoming an unjust stereotype that overlooks the majority position of Christians), I believe that injustice is subtly creeping in where if it was took place against other groups, it would create a much greater reaction.Last night I received this update from our friends:
Dear Friends,
In the wake of the recent shootings here in Colorado, Karma and I wanted to let you all know that our family is safe. We are of course disturbed at the violence, and grieving at the loss of life, but none of us where anywhere near the incidents.The YWAM center in Arvada, Colorado is about 80 miles north of ushere in Colorado Springs. We do know people there, and they are a sister ministry, but we did not know the two YWAM'ers who were killedt here last night, nor the two who were wounded.The second shooting was a bit closer to home, at our church - New Life Church - though we were not there when it happened. There were five victims - one has died and the others are in the hospital. The shooter was shot and killed by a security guard at the church. There is no doubt that this guard saved many lives. The names of thevictims have not been released, so we don't know if we know any of them personally.Our YWAM offices are located at the World Prayer Center on the New Life Church campus, so this tragedy is hitting us hard so closely onthe heels of the Arvada tragedy. At this point there is only speculation about any connection between the two incidents.This evening our family gathered in the living room to talk and pray and even laugh a bit with some fond family memories. We'd appreciate your prayers for us, for YWAM, and for our church, especially through the next week or so. I'm sure this will be in the news quite a bit over the next few days. If you have any questions as you are hearing things on the news, just drop us an email or give a call.
Much love, Bill & Karma
Friday, December 07, 2007
Follow the "Bags of Joy" Team in Manila
Here is a link to the team blog for the Bags of Joy team in Manila.
Please keep them in your prayers as they deliver the 1500 Christmas gift bags to the preschoolers in the slums of Manila. I received an email today that the team did well on the first day in spite of losing the transmission in one of their vans. See the above link for further updates.
Please keep them in your prayers as they deliver the 1500 Christmas gift bags to the preschoolers in the slums of Manila. I received an email today that the team did well on the first day in spite of losing the transmission in one of their vans. See the above link for further updates.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
North Face 50 Mile Challenge
I just received this report from the recent North Face Endurace Challenge. My good friend Uli Steidl won in an exciting battle vs. Matt Carpenter (the undisputed champion of the Pike's Peak Marathon). Although I have never run an "ultra", they continue to intrigue me and tempt me from time to time.
Two weeks ago I ran my 2nd race of the year -- a small 5K cross-country race at Marymoor Park, sponsored by Northwest University. It took place in a steady downpour and was a good challenge for me (I hadn't run a really hard workout for ten weeks). I found myself competing for the lead with one mile to go and then pulling away for the win. It was a lot of fun and the business students from NWU did a great job putting it on, with the help of business proff and my longtime friend, John Bacon.
HAWKER, STEIDL WIN THE NORTH FACE ENDURANCE CHALLENGE CHAMPIONSHIP
San Leandro, CA, December 1, 2007— The North Face Endurance Challenge, a four-region, nationwide running event for outdoor athletes seeking to explore their personal limits, culminated in grand fashion north of San Francisco on December 1, 2007. The event featured distances of 10K, Half Marathon, 50K, and 50 Miles on courses that covered wide- and singletrack trails overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The 50-Mile race was a Championship event and featured the nation’s top endurance athletes battling for the largest prize purse in trail ultrarunning. The male and female winners each received $10,000.
A DUEL FOR THE AGES
The men’s 50-mile race brought in legendary speedsters Matt Carpenter (Manitou Springs, CO), Uli Steidl (Shoreline, WA), and a deep field that included past winners and course record holders of the world’s toughest 50- and 100-mile ultramarathons. After ten miles, it became apparent that it was a two-horse race, with Carpenter and Steidl running within seconds of each other, one on the other’s heels, for almost the entire race. As they left the Tennessee Valley Aid Station (Mile 44), girding for the final major climb of the race, Carpenter broke first, and Steidl maintained his pace up Marincello Trail before dropping down into Rodeo Valley.
At the finish line festival, surrounded by Monterey Pine and Eucalyptus trees, hundreds of spectators and runners—most of them finishers of the 10K and Half Marathon events—waited to see which 50-mile runner would appear first. Steidl rounded the final corner to a burst of applause and raised both arms in the air. He covered the course in an astounding time of 6:57:22. Afterward, he described the race with Carpenter as “a dogfight
Carpenter appeared several minutes later and finished with a final time of 7:10:10. Leigh Schmitt (Conway, MA), who won the Washington DC Endurance Challenge in August, placed third with a time of 7:51:06.
Two weeks ago I ran my 2nd race of the year -- a small 5K cross-country race at Marymoor Park, sponsored by Northwest University. It took place in a steady downpour and was a good challenge for me (I hadn't run a really hard workout for ten weeks). I found myself competing for the lead with one mile to go and then pulling away for the win. It was a lot of fun and the business students from NWU did a great job putting it on, with the help of business proff and my longtime friend, John Bacon.
HAWKER, STEIDL WIN THE NORTH FACE ENDURANCE CHALLENGE CHAMPIONSHIP
San Leandro, CA, December 1, 2007— The North Face Endurance Challenge, a four-region, nationwide running event for outdoor athletes seeking to explore their personal limits, culminated in grand fashion north of San Francisco on December 1, 2007. The event featured distances of 10K, Half Marathon, 50K, and 50 Miles on courses that covered wide- and singletrack trails overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The 50-Mile race was a Championship event and featured the nation’s top endurance athletes battling for the largest prize purse in trail ultrarunning. The male and female winners each received $10,000.
A DUEL FOR THE AGES
The men’s 50-mile race brought in legendary speedsters Matt Carpenter (Manitou Springs, CO), Uli Steidl (Shoreline, WA), and a deep field that included past winners and course record holders of the world’s toughest 50- and 100-mile ultramarathons. After ten miles, it became apparent that it was a two-horse race, with Carpenter and Steidl running within seconds of each other, one on the other’s heels, for almost the entire race. As they left the Tennessee Valley Aid Station (Mile 44), girding for the final major climb of the race, Carpenter broke first, and Steidl maintained his pace up Marincello Trail before dropping down into Rodeo Valley.
At the finish line festival, surrounded by Monterey Pine and Eucalyptus trees, hundreds of spectators and runners—most of them finishers of the 10K and Half Marathon events—waited to see which 50-mile runner would appear first. Steidl rounded the final corner to a burst of applause and raised both arms in the air. He covered the course in an astounding time of 6:57:22. Afterward, he described the race with Carpenter as “a dogfight
Carpenter appeared several minutes later and finished with a final time of 7:10:10. Leigh Schmitt (Conway, MA), who won the Washington DC Endurance Challenge in August, placed third with a time of 7:51:06.
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