Highland Park Community Assistance Network

Pastor Dan Trevino got us off to a good start 

with a hearty breakfast;  assisted by

 his son Eli and Leroy and Vivian Reed.

Baptist Temple is preparing to take ministry to the next level. We offer many opportunities for people to improve their spiritual, emotional, financial and physical health. This is the abundant life that Jesus came to bring us. Along with our traditional church ministries we offer nutrition and fitness classes, quality education for babies through 8^th grade, food and clothing ministries and so much more. We are assisted in these endeavors by a family of churches, non-profits and government agencies.

God has opened some doors that will allow us to help people on a deeper level. We will be able to address the underlying issues that cause people to be in poverty. Most importantly, we will work with people on a personal level. This will naturally create opportunities to share the gospel.

When I first came to BT I saw the potential of the Brunnemann Building as a center for community ministry but the task seemed daunting. Instead, we began a modest clothing ministry and mobile food pantry at the Fritz building. The success of the ministry became a catalyst for the restoration and naming of the Brunnemann Building.

The full potential of the Brunnemann Building will soon be realized as we create a permanent food pantry in the back half of the building. Also included will be a space for talking one-on-one with clients in a private setting.

The heart of our system will be a mentoring-based, client choice food pantry. Client choice means that people will select the items that they want from our store. It will be a shopping experience that preserves the dignity of our clients and reduces both waste and abuse.

The mentoring portion is the key factor of the program. It allows us to partner with our clients in developing a proactive plan to become self-sufficient. Mentoring is mandatory for continued access to our food pantry. Clients earn points for every thing they do to improve their lives. This includes attending classes, worship and volunteering.

Another important piece of this program is the Christian Women's Job Corps. This program equips women for life and employment. We will be able to leverage our daycare, kitchen and office to provide on the job training that will give our clients the skills they need to get a job. This program will launch in January 2015.

Our bottom line will be people completely transformed by the power of the gospel. Jesus said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

A Christian's health, finances and relationships ought to reflect the power of the Holy Spirit. The church needs to teach people how to make that happen.

Join us in this task. You can volunteer short-term or long-term. You can contribute finances or material goods. Be a part of transforming lives.

Click here for ways that you can serve.

Giving Thanks is Good for You

Ephesians 5:19-20

A thankful attitude will make us happier, better witnesses of Christ’s love, and enhance our relationships. This is something to keep in mind on Thursday as we gather with our families. I hope that we will do more than overeat and watch football. Thanksgiving is a good holiday to turn us into grateful people. It is a good time to transform “stinkin' thinkin'” into an “attitude of gratitude.”

A thankful spirit will set you apart from the world; it makes us different. It will increase your personal happiness. Happiness is determined by our attitude not our circumstances. The apostle Paul wrote these words from prison: "Rejoice in the Lord always," he wrote, "and again I say it rejoice." (Philippians 4:4)

A thankful spirit will improve your witness for Christ. It is sad to see a negative, mean-spirited Christian; who see a glass as half empty, dirty and cracked.
 

When we are thankful, joyful, upbeat people, we attract the lost with our spirit of gratitude because the world is dark, depressing and ungrateful.

"Live such good lives among the pagans that they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 2:12

Imagine how much better our relationships would be if we expressed our thanks for each other from time to time; instead of picking at each other's faults. The apostle Paul expressed thanks in his letters in the Bible.

• Rome: “First, I thank my God for all of you.” (Romans 1:8)
• Corinth: “I always thank God for you” (1 Corinthians 1:4)
• Ephesus: “I have not stopped giving thanks for you; remembering you in my prayers.” (Ephesians 1:16)
• Philippi: “I thank my God every time I remember you.” (Philippians 1:3)
• Colossi, “I always thank God when I pray for you.” (Colossians 1:3)

Paul let people know that he was thankful for them. Imagine how much better our churches and our relationships would be if we expressed our thanks for each other.

We can develop thanksgiving in our lives if we remember that everything we have is from God.: “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.” (Psalm 24:1)

We can develop thanksgiving in our lives if we avoid complaining. Complaining amplifies frustration, spreads discontent and discord. “I complained and my spirit was overwhelmed.” (Psalm 77:3)

Find something each day for which to be thankful. “Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything.” (Ephesians 5:19)

Jesus Wants Followers not Fans

Mark 10:17-22

A wealthy young man came to Jesus once, seeking advice. He had money, social status and youth but still felt empty. He rushed over to Jesus and asked a good question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Like many religious people he was searching. Was he seeking the truth, or looking for someone to reinforce his own beliefs?

When Jesus suggested that he keep the commandments the young man said, “All these things I have kept from my youth.”

His spirituality was external spirituality. He followed certain rules and ceremonies but had no inner sense of peace.

Being a Christ-follower is more than keeping rules. “One thing you lack,” Jesus said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Mark 10:21

Jesus looked into the soul of that man and saw a great hunger in his heart. He had so much but he was not satisfied. He longed for joy and peace that the world could not give him. The world is full of people, some are rich and some are not, trying to fill the emptiness. They indulge in all that the world has to offer but they are never satisfied.

Peace with God is received not achieved. Jesus wanted this rich, powerful totally self sufficient young man to be completely dependent on Him. Jesus was calling him to completely rework his life and his values. This is the normal price of being a Christ-follower. Jesus does not call us to poverty but to complete faith and trust in Him. Jesus once told a crowd, “Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33

It’s much easier to be a fan of Jesus than it is to be a follower. Followers have their lives turned upside down. Are you prepared to follow Jesus, trust him completely and be single minded in your devotion?

95% commitment to Jesus Christ is 5% too short.