NHBC Couples Night

Thank you to all the couples that attended the "Fireproof" movie Sunday night. I thought the movie was great and it touched on a lot of topics which sometimes put a strain on marriages. It was especially refreshing to see a movie with God and Christianity in the main theme. A special thank you goes out to the Singles Group for providing child sitting services for many of us. Without them a Sunday night at the movies just would not be possible.

God's Musicians

A trumpet cannot make music without someone to blow through it, a guitar will not make a sound if no one strums it and a piano will not carry a melody unless someone is there to strike the keys. All of them beautiful instruments made from brass, silver, ivory and exotic hardwoods each polished to perfection but even more beautiful is the sound they were created to make.

If there were no one to play these instruments they would simply be decoration or considered art by some, just like a painting hanging on the wall. The would be no glory for the craftsman who labored for hours to make sure the pitch and tones were just right and pleasing to the senses, instead all of his work would go unnoticed by many.

Each of us is handcrafted. The craftsman who labored with skilled hands painstakingly created each one of us to be instruments. If our lives were to be placed on a mantle or hung on a wall then we would do our creator no justice. God deserves the glory and just like musical instruments we should be played and our music heard and witnessed by many.

Ephesians 5:19
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord

Paul T. Fleming at NHBC

A special thanks to Mr. Paul T. Fleming for a wonderful night of worship. In case you missed it, Mr. Fleming performed a concert at NHBC this past Sunday night. Paul's music and message were both infectious and energizing to the spirit. It was a great time for all who attended as we were drawn by Paul's gospel music with a very upbeat Caribbean flair. It's no wonder that he has won many awards for his vocal abilities, God truly has blessed him with a great voice.

We wish him much success in his ministry and if we are lucky maybe we can invite him back in the near future. If you would like more information on Mr. Fleming's ministry or would like to purchase some of his music you can visit his website at: www.paultfleming.com

Keeping your finger on God

I have to share a young man's analogy of his walk with God. He has come a long way and it comforts me that he has chosen to have Christ in his heart.

My walk with God is like a disposable lighter. When I put my finger on God he puts a flame, a fire in my heart. But when I take my finger off God that flame goes out. Sometimes I get sparks and when there is no fuel that is all that I get, but by keeping my finger on Him all the times He keeps my flame lit and lives in me.

Winds of Change

As promised, September brings winds of change to NHBC. Low attendance, economic and financial struggles lead to some pretty interesting changes. God wants us to be good stewards and trust in Him to provide all that we need.

I will admit that my own personal finances have taken a hit and a weak job market does not seem to provide any light at the end of the tunnel. Theses circumstances have caused me to "think twice" about my tithes. The devil is hard at work to place doubt, but I have witnessed God's word at work in my life and I hope this testimony helps the next time you are unsure.

Our family has always been supplemented by both mine and my wifes' income and it seems we were always struggling with our finances. We made enough money but somehow never enough to save for a rainy day. With six mouths to feed and clothe we basically lived from check to check. Nobody went to bed hungry, everybody had school supplies and uniforms, we did live comfortably just not the lifestyle that is so glamorously portrayed by television families.

Six months ago, after a scheduled surgery almost took her life and extended her hospital stay, my wife lost her job. Diligently she has sent her resume and gone to several job interviews but there just are no jobs in her field.

God will generously provide all you need. Then you will
always have everything you need and plenty left over to
share with others.

2 Corinthians 9:8 (New Living Translation)

And God is able to make all grace abound to you,
so that in all things at all times, having all that you need,
you will abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8 (New International Version)

Today nothing has changed. We still have six mouths to feed and clothe, we still have school supplies and uniforms to buy, we still have our share of bills and we still get by check to check. But we are doing it with only one paycheck and God's promise. I will never doubt His word again.

Sometimes we forget what we really need; we get influenced by television commercials and marketing advertisements. God will keep His promise to provide all that we need, not what we want.

To be or not to be - salt.

I've always pictured myself as a salt kind of person. Last Sunday Pastor Dan referred to the church needing to be as salt, even though it cannot be seen it adds flavor and would be noticed if it were missing.

I think that much of my Christian walk has been like "salt". I have always preferred to be behind the scenes and remain cloaked. It's something I feel I need to work on. If we were to make a difference in our society maybe we need to more like pepper. When you see pepper you definitely know it's there and have a pretty good idea what it is going to add in the way of flavor. Maybe it is better for us to be more like "pepper" in our Christian walk, that way we are more visible, accessible to our brothers and sisters when they need us. I know I have a problem approaching people, but I would most certainly want anyone to come to me for spiritual advice.

Either way, salt or pepper if we do not add any flavor then what good are we and how can we serve God.

Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

Mahalo Ohana!

A special thanks to all that helped make this years vacation bible school a memorable one. Outrigger Island at NHBC averaged over 106 attendees every night and brought a total of 17 people to accept Christ. Every night the air smelled of coconut as the atrium bathed in the light of Tiki torches and Hawaiian melodies played in the background. There was a definite Polynesian atmosphere in the church but nothing overshadowed the message of God's word.

None of this could have been possible without all the people who made it their mission to make this VBS happen. After speaking with many of the volunteers it was obvious that the children were not the only ones with inspiration and fellowship. I know that next years VBS, Boomerang Express should be another great experience and I hope that more people will want to get involved.