I really do dislike being uncomfortable. Occasionally I will see something, hear something or read something that makes me squirm. Makes me evaluate or re-evaluate where I am and where I am going; who I am and who I am suppose to be. Maybe if I just ignore it, it will go away! Oh! Too late it has already entrenched itself into my subconscious and conscious mind. Such was the case when I read these word from "Radical" by David Platt: "Let's put ourselves in the shoes of these eager followers of Jesus in the first century. What if I were the potential disciple being told to drop my nets? What if you were the man who Jesus told not even to say good-bye to his family? What if we were told to hate our families and give up everything we had in order to follow Jesus?" Yes! I am squirming. But in reality, we are making those choices every day.
I believe that it is a false impression that one must become seasick in order to do mission work. What I am trying to say is that we are surrounded by mission fields all about us. As we go about our daily activities we encounter those for whom Jesus gave his life at Calvary and yet they do not know the hope of eternal life that he offers because although "the fields are white unto harvest...the laborers are few. And just in case you missed it...Perhaps the Lord may have tired in hearing our pleas to go to the mission fields without action on our part so...perhaps he just sent the mission field to us. Can you name a country under heaven that you cannot find represented in your metropolitan area? Hmmm! Maybe what our Father is waiting for us for each of us, as we have opportunity to be His mouth, His Hands, His feet and His heart to a lost generation.
Thank you for allowing us to do that here in Paso Robles, CA. As my daughter Christine reminded us recently "There is much to do! There is work on every hand...!" As we have reminded you...Yes, This is your ministry! But keep in mind that God has YOU just where He wants you and is waiting for you to do that which only you can do and for which He has placed you into the kingdom of His dear Son!
We could not continue to do the work God has appointed us without your financial support and prayers. We remember you daily in our prayers.
In HIS Service,
Steve & Cheryl
Friday, August 20, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
In God I Trust
When all is said and done, there really isn't a whole lot we can trust. But, in our world of change, in our heartbreak and disappointment, there is one constant. We can trust God. We don't have to fear change. He is our anchor that holds in the strongest storms. He is our strength in our worst battles. His word and His promises speak of good things for us. We don't have to be afraid; we can trust in Him! "In God whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" Psalm 56:4
These are the words that enable us to continue on in the service to our God, even when we can't see the top of the stairs. God has shown us the staircase and He assures us that the landing above is a place He has prepared for us.
We are so blessed to serve our brethren and the community here in the Paso Robles area. Our opportunities are only limited by our vision and sometimes by our stamina. The church continues to grow. We have had several new families who have been visiting with us on a constant basis and we have been able to set up Bible Studies with them.
Our focus has always been to help people in "Building Their Relationship with God" . We utilize an eight lesson study and then after their obedience to the Gospel we ask them to attend our "Introduction to Church Membership" seminar. After an individual decides that he desires that the Vineyard Church of Christ be his/her church home we immediately involve them in "Second Teach" a year long study involving several members of the congregation as leaders. The church although small in numbers is mighty in spirit and God is touching the lives of the community we serve.
It is difficult to put into words what your love, prayers and support mean to us and the kingdom of God here in this area. Broken lives have been healed, broken marriages mended and the fallen down lifted us. This is your ministry...we are your servants. Your prayers are coveted and your visits welcome. There is always room at the Casa Orduño for our brethren. May we have been a blessing to you as we serve. Thank you for helping us to see the stairs.
In HIS Service,
Steve & Cheryl
These are the words that enable us to continue on in the service to our God, even when we can't see the top of the stairs. God has shown us the staircase and He assures us that the landing above is a place He has prepared for us.
We are so blessed to serve our brethren and the community here in the Paso Robles area. Our opportunities are only limited by our vision and sometimes by our stamina. The church continues to grow. We have had several new families who have been visiting with us on a constant basis and we have been able to set up Bible Studies with them.
Our focus has always been to help people in "Building Their Relationship with God" . We utilize an eight lesson study and then after their obedience to the Gospel we ask them to attend our "Introduction to Church Membership" seminar. After an individual decides that he desires that the Vineyard Church of Christ be his/her church home we immediately involve them in "Second Teach" a year long study involving several members of the congregation as leaders. The church although small in numbers is mighty in spirit and God is touching the lives of the community we serve.
It is difficult to put into words what your love, prayers and support mean to us and the kingdom of God here in this area. Broken lives have been healed, broken marriages mended and the fallen down lifted us. This is your ministry...we are your servants. Your prayers are coveted and your visits welcome. There is always room at the Casa Orduño for our brethren. May we have been a blessing to you as we serve. Thank you for helping us to see the stairs.
In HIS Service,
Steve & Cheryl
Friday, December 18, 2009
Running Ahead of God!
Isn't it odd how we seem to pray as if everything depends upon God but the moment we say "Amen" we act as if it all depends on us? I have always preached that God answers all prayers. The answer can be "Yes!", "No!" or "Not Now!". I suppose that we are not that far removed from our actions and emotions as children. You know, "I want it! and I want it NOW!"
We all have a tendency to forget that Our Heavenly Father knows best. Perhaps I should say I have that tendency. The work in the vineyard here in Paso Robles has certainly been filled with periods of joy, frustration, elation and discourage-ment. It is hard at times to hold on to the truth that God is always dancing in the shadows. He knows not only what we need but WHEN we need it. He knows when the ground has been properly prepared and is ready for planting and will yield the crop that will glorify Him.
We are overjoyed that our Father has been patient with us and that we now find ourselves overwhelmed by His blessings. In recent weeks we have seen an increase in attendance. A number of families are visiting with us and if their compliments, smiles and attendance at all functions of the church are any indication of their desire to be part of this body...then we say "Praise God!" A number of families with children from 18 months to 11 years old have indicated that this is exactly what they have been hungering for. A place with conviction and a people dedicated to the Word of God. We have other families that we find ourselves engaged in Bible Study who are making that journey of "knowing the way of the Lord more perfectly". We ask you to rejoice with us for this is an extension of your love and ministry. Thank you for your support and prayers.
We are saddened that our plans to travel to Woodinville, WA needed to be changed. We were so looking forward to seeing our brethren and enjoying the family. Our pet miniature schnauzer, Schatzi, is struggling and we just hope she will make it through the holidays. She is still eating. Appears to be in little or no pain but has lost 25% of her body weight and is growing more feeble day by day. She has been and is a joy to our lives. Even weakened and blind she still insists in trying to fetch the newspaper every morning. Keep us all in your prayers at this time.
We could not end this posting without wishing each of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Remember your prayers are coveted and your visits welcomed. We love you all with the Love of the Lord.
In HIS Service,
Steve & Cheryl
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Blessed and Highly Favored
In trying to think of a title for this post we tried to think how we are feeling at this time in our lives AND we believe that the words of the title are most descriptive of how we see our life. God is SO good!
The ministry here in Paso Robles continues to be challenging and yet God continually reminds us that lives are being touched and changed. The congregation has a great desire to be more, do more and share more. We are small in number (presently) but mighty in spirit. Please come and be with us as your plans permit.
We will be celebrating 39 years of marriage this December 12th. Our daughters are faithful to the Lord and are blessings to their friends and church. Our sons-in-laws love God more than our daughters (as it should be). Our grandchildren are being raised in the Lord and love Jesus. What more can we ask for?
The blessing of serving our Father fills our lives with joy and a peace that is beyond description. Never would either of us imagined that God would bring us to this place. Having grown up in homes that acknowledged the existence of God but knowing little of serving him it amazes us that our Father has brought us to march under the "Banner of the Towel".
Sometimes life is difficult and disheartening but we are sustained by the knowledge that God is still in heaven, Jesus is still at His right hand and the Holy Spirit continues to guide us. Your love and prayers bolster us and lift our spirits. Your participation in the ministry God has appointed us to has touched the lives of many. There are those who have a relationship with God that would never have had that opportunity were it not for your love for us and the desire to see His love shared with those who know Him not.
We are overjoyed that every day we learn more and understand deeper the love of our Heavenly Father. Many of you have become "Jesus with skin on" in our lives. Angelina, Allen, Christine and Brandon in many ways have come to be numbered among our teachers. We see in them the glory of our King! Their spirit of hospitality and love for the saints makes us want to do more.
It is our deepest prayer that we have been a blessing to our family and to you. Pray that God will continue to use us and that we will bloom where we are planted. We miss you all and love you dearly.
In HIS Service,
Steve & Cheryl
The ministry here in Paso Robles continues to be challenging and yet God continually reminds us that lives are being touched and changed. The congregation has a great desire to be more, do more and share more. We are small in number (presently) but mighty in spirit. Please come and be with us as your plans permit.
We will be celebrating 39 years of marriage this December 12th. Our daughters are faithful to the Lord and are blessings to their friends and church. Our sons-in-laws love God more than our daughters (as it should be). Our grandchildren are being raised in the Lord and love Jesus. What more can we ask for?
The blessing of serving our Father fills our lives with joy and a peace that is beyond description. Never would either of us imagined that God would bring us to this place. Having grown up in homes that acknowledged the existence of God but knowing little of serving him it amazes us that our Father has brought us to march under the "Banner of the Towel".
Sometimes life is difficult and disheartening but we are sustained by the knowledge that God is still in heaven, Jesus is still at His right hand and the Holy Spirit continues to guide us. Your love and prayers bolster us and lift our spirits. Your participation in the ministry God has appointed us to has touched the lives of many. There are those who have a relationship with God that would never have had that opportunity were it not for your love for us and the desire to see His love shared with those who know Him not.
We are overjoyed that every day we learn more and understand deeper the love of our Heavenly Father. Many of you have become "Jesus with skin on" in our lives. Angelina, Allen, Christine and Brandon in many ways have come to be numbered among our teachers. We see in them the glory of our King! Their spirit of hospitality and love for the saints makes us want to do more.
It is our deepest prayer that we have been a blessing to our family and to you. Pray that God will continue to use us and that we will bloom where we are planted. We miss you all and love you dearly.
In HIS Service,
Steve & Cheryl
Thursday, September 24, 2009
A quick update
Just a quick few lines to let you know that all is well. The church continues to struggle through the challenges of the California economy. Many of our members, neighbors and friends work for the state and have been severely impacted. We seem to have had a lot of people relocating because of work related issues. We just learned today that we will be losing another family of five as they relocate in order to have jobs to sustain the family.
On the brighter side we are being blessed with a couple from Bakersfield who have found employment in Paso Robles. They are strong church members and have been intimately involved in the outreach ministry for the congregations they have been involved with over the years. They are just approaching age 55 and bring a strong level of maturity with them. We, selfishly, look forward to the fellowship of someone who still remembers vinyl record albums.
We have been praying for years that the Lord open up the door to enable us to reach out to the Hispanic community in Paso Robles. We had no idea that He was preparing someone to serve as an stimulus and encouragement to proceed ahead. While we were trying to persuade others to come, The Lord sent someone from Paso Robles to Southern California to hear the Gospel, be obedient and then return to Paso to encourage us. His family are all English speakers and his English is about 40-50%. We have decided we are going to be teaching some in our community “English as a Second Language”.
We are looking forward to being in Woodinville, WA in October. We give God thanks for you all and make mention of you in our prayers! We rejoice that we will be able to be with our beloved brethren. Please continue to pray for the work of the Lord here in Paso Robles, CA.
On the brighter side we are being blessed with a couple from Bakersfield who have found employment in Paso Robles. They are strong church members and have been intimately involved in the outreach ministry for the congregations they have been involved with over the years. They are just approaching age 55 and bring a strong level of maturity with them. We, selfishly, look forward to the fellowship of someone who still remembers vinyl record albums.
We have been praying for years that the Lord open up the door to enable us to reach out to the Hispanic community in Paso Robles. We had no idea that He was preparing someone to serve as an stimulus and encouragement to proceed ahead. While we were trying to persuade others to come, The Lord sent someone from Paso Robles to Southern California to hear the Gospel, be obedient and then return to Paso to encourage us. His family are all English speakers and his English is about 40-50%. We have decided we are going to be teaching some in our community “English as a Second Language”.
We are looking forward to being in Woodinville, WA in October. We give God thanks for you all and make mention of you in our prayers! We rejoice that we will be able to be with our beloved brethren. Please continue to pray for the work of the Lord here in Paso Robles, CA.
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