Our best to you and your loved ones during this miraculous season.

Terrence, Regina, Thomas & Baby Girl

**These are pdf files ~1.5 Megs each**

2007 Holiday Newsletter (Outside)

2007 Holiday Newsletter (Inside)

Here is a picture of the front of the house. Hopefully an update will follow after we settle in. Meanwhile, I’ve enclosed a piece that John Piper wrote concerning the bridge collapse in Minneapolis, the base of his church and ministry. It’s awesome to see the perspective that comes out of someone who puts his life and purpose completely in the hands of the sovereign God.

Terrence

Putting My Daughter to Bed Two Hours After the Bridge Collapsed

August 1, 2007 | By: John Piper
Category: Written Posts by John Piper, Current Events, Don’t Waste Your Life

At about 6 PM tonight the bridge of Interstate 35W over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis collapsed. I am writing this about three hours after the bridge fell. The bridge is located within sight of Bethlehem Baptist Church. Most of us who minister at the church cross this bridge several times a week. At this point I don’t know if any staff was on the bridge. Desiring God offices are about a mile from the bridge.

There are no firm facts at this point about the total number of injuries and fatalities. When we crossed the bridge Tuesday on our way out of town, there was extensive repair work happening on the surface of the bridge with single lane traffic. One speculates about the unusual stresses on the bridge with jackhammers and other surface replacement equipment. This was the fortieth anniversary of the bridge.

Tonight for our family devotions our appointed reading was Luke 13:1-9. It was not my choice. This is surely no coincidence. O that all of the Twin Cities, in shock at this major calamity, would hear what Jesus has to say about it from Luke 13:1-5. People came to Jesus with heart-wrenching news about the slaughter of worshipers by Pilate. Here is what he said.

There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

Jesus implies that those who brought him this news thought he would say that those who died, deserved to die, and that those who didn’t die did not deserve to die. That is not what he said. He said, everyone deserves to die. And if you and I don’t repent, we too will perish. This is a stunning response. It only makes sense from a view of reality that is radically oriented on God.

All of us have sinned against God, not just against man. This is an outrage ten thousand times worse than the collapse of the 35W bridge. That any human is breathing at this minute on this planet is sheer mercy from God. God makes the sun rise and the rain fall on those who do not treasure him above all else. He causes the heart to beat and the lungs to work for millions of people who deserve his wrath. This is a view of reality that desperately needs to be taught in our churches, so that we are prepared for the calamities of the world.

The meaning of the collapse of this bridge is that John Piper is a sinner and should repent or forfeit his life forever. That means I should turn from the silly preoccupations of my life and focus my mind’s attention and my heart’s affection on God and embrace Jesus Christ as my only hope for the forgiveness of my sins and for the hope of eternal life. That is God’s message in the collapse of this bridge. That is his most merciful message: there is still time to turn from sin and unbelief and destruction for those of us who live. If we could see the eternal calamity from which he is offering escape we would hear this as the most precious message in the world.

We prayed during our family devotions. Talitha (11 years old) and Noel and I prayed earnestly for the families affected by the calamity and for the others in our city. Talitha prayed “Please don’t let anyone blame God for this but give thanks that they were saved.” When I sat on her bed and tucked her in and blessed her and sang over her a few minutes ago, I said, “You know, Talitha, that was a good prayer, because when people ‘blame’ God for something, they are angry with him, and they are saying that he has done something wrong. That’s what “blame” means: accuse somebody of wrongdoing. But you and I know that God did not do anything wrong. God always does what is wise. And you and I know that God could have held up that bridge with one hand.” Talitha said, “With his pinky.” “Yes,” I said, “with his pinky. Which means that God had a purpose for not holding up that bridge, knowing all that would happen, and he is infinitely wise in all that he wills.”

Talitha said, “Maybe he let it fall because he wanted all the people of Minneapolis to fear him.” “Yes, Talitha,” I said, “I am sure that is one of the reasons God let the bridge fall.”

I sang to her the song I always sing,

Come rest your head and nestle gently
And do not fear the dark of night.
Almighty God keeps watch intently,
And guards your life with all his might.
Doubt not his love, nor power to keep,
He never fails, nor does he sleep.

I said, “You know, Talitha, that is true whether you die in a bridge collapse, or in a car accident, or from cancer, or terrorism, or old age. God always keeps you, even when you die. So you don’t need to be afraid, do you.” “No,” she shook her head. I leaned down and kissed her. “Good night. I love you.”

Tonight across the Twin Cities families are wondering if they will ever kiss a loved one good night again. Some will not. I am praying that they will find Jesus Christ to be their Rock and Refuge in these agonizing hours of uncertainty and even loss.

The word “bridge” does not occur in the Bible. There may be two reasons. One is that God doesn’t build bridges, he divides seas. The other is that usually his people must pass through the deadly currents of suffering and death, not simply ride over them. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you” (Isaiah 43:2). They may drown you. But I will be with you in life and death.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life . . . will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35-38)

Killed all day long. But not separated from Christ. We go through the river. Not over it. He went before us, crucified. He came out on the other side. He knows the way through. With him we will make it. That is the message we have for the precious sinners in the Twin Cities. He died for your sins. He rose again. He saves all who trust him. We die, but because of him, we do not die.

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” (John 11:25)

Talitha is sleeping now. But one day she will die. I teach her this. I will not always be there to bless her. But Jesus is alive and is the same yesterday today and forever. He will be with her because she trusts him. And she will make it through the river.

Weeping with those who weep, and those who should,

Pastor John

Psalm 71:20 You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again.

-Terrence

Jesus is Ambidextrous

by Terry Jacobson

I have to confess –- I am tired of the conservative Christian “right” and the liberal Christian “left” claiming to speak for God.^[1] I may be wrong about this but I think God is tired of it too.

The conservative Christian “right” claims to speak for God on a number of issues –- who is the best candidate for Supreme Court Justice, what laws best promote social order and harmony, and even what is wrong with America. When speaking on moral issues, they can often cite biblical precedents for their positions. Life begins at conception and so abortion is wrong — Psalm 139. Homosexuality, like all sexual experiences outside of marriage between a man and a woman, is sin -– 1 Corinthians 6, 1 Timothy 1, Romans 1 and Leviticus 18 and 20. On the other hand, when the conservative Christian “right” speaks on things that God doesn’t directly address -– such as tax cuts or tort reform, their voice loses its power. So long as the conservative Christian “right” speaks on issues the Bible directly addresses, their voice is loud and clear. And, because they say the same thing God says about immoral behavior -– it is sin -– their message is very powerful.

There is also a liberal Christian “left” that claims to speak for God on a wide variety of issues –- who is the best candidate for President, what laws promote fairness (racial, economic, sexual identity, etc.), and even what is wrong with America. When they speak on issues such as feeding poor people, debt relief for Third World countries and providing health care to those who have great need, they speak with a powerful voice because God is passionate about those very things. Sometimes, the liberal Christian “left” embraces an issue that requires them to explain away or ignore what the Bible has to say. For example, when the liberal Christian “left” campaigns for gay and lesbian rights, they have to do something with those passages in the Bible that tell us what God thinks about homosexuality and lesbianism. Pretty clearly, He thinks it is sin. And, once they abandon the Bible as the source of truth, or try to explain that it doesn’t mean what it clearly says, they get into a bit of a conundrum. If the Bible isn’t the source of truth, then what is? If the words don’t mean what they say, then how can we have confidence that any other biblical passage is a source of truth? Some theologian or church body has reinterpreted the words to mean something other than what they plainly say. Well, I don’t think God needs an interpreter –- He communicates pretty well all by Himself. In the end, if their message is not centered on biblical truth, it is devoid of the authority or power that can change our culture.

You can see why both sides have some success in selling their respective messages -– they are both half right. The conservative Christian “right” has mastered the political expression of the holiness of God. Right is right, and wrong is wrong -– holiness is absolute. They are correct as far as they go, but is it far enough? What about the grace of God?

On the other hand, the liberal Christian “left” has successfully captured the political expression of God’s lovingkindness -– His love being poured out on needy people, regardless of race or even nationality. They are also correct, in so far as they go, but again, is it far enough? What about the holiness of God?

Both sides have failed to embrace the paradox that is at the heart of Christianity: the holiness of God and the grace of God simultaneously coexist and are both fully expressed at all times in the person of Jesus Christ. His holiness compels Him to completely account for all our sin and His love compels Him to pay every one of those accounts in full. God never ever compromises one or the other — He is always holy and He is always loving. He always hates the sin and always loves the sinner. The conservative Christian “right” is demonized because those who speak on its behalf routinely fail to project the grace of God. On the other hand, the liberal Christian “left” is marginalized because those who speak for it routinely have to “relativize” the truth, and thereby emasculate it, in order to stay on message.

For me, the view that simultaneously and fully expresses the holiness of God and the grace of God is the one for me, because it reflects Jesus. You see, Jesus is ambidextrous -– He doesn’t favor His right or His left. He is fully adept at both.

Why do I care about this game? Besides delving into Fantasy Football for the past 2 seasons and enjoying a consistent dose of sports radio during my daily commute, there are several interesting elements that has created for me a buildup to this game:

1. Peyton Manning – When you look at his career stats, there is no question that he can be compared to the best quarterbacks to ever play the game. However, much like Patrick Ewing or Charles Barkley (basketball is my true love), he’s never been able to win the big one. Will this be the year in which he breaks through and become catapulted into the echelon of the greatest play callers ever?

2. Tony Dungy – In many ways, he has a story that parallels that of Manning. After all, it was his Tampa Bay Buccaneers that won Super Bowl XXXVII the year after he left. Also, the fact that he is a Christian and has gone through some extremely difficult trials in his life makes me want him to get this one, since it’ll be for the glory of God. With the first two entries, I guess it’s not hard to see that I’m rooting for the Colts eh?

3. Defense vs. Offense - In sports, there is the timeless saying that “Defense wins championships.” Of course, it’s a cultural idiom much like any other and doesn’t always stand the test of time. However, much like the Detroit Pistons of 2005 and the Spurs during the past 10 years, they have been champions known for their defense. That’s what makes this game interesting since the Bears have been known the past couple of years for the strength of their defense (thus still able to win with Rex Grossman in the pocket) and the Colts have the great offensive combo of Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison. Who will win? Which will budge…the unstoppable force or the immovable object?

4. American culture - Let’s face it. The Super Bowl is THE biggest event of our society. Almost everyone makes an attempt to catch parts of the game or attend a gathering of viewers/fans even if he/she knows nothing about football. It transcends the game…it’s about the food, company, conversation, commercials and many more! The reason why this is fascinating to me from a pastoral point of view is because if our treasure is where our heart is, this event can also be considered the biggest religious event of our day as well. Food for thought: how does our worship of the Creator of the universe compare with the homage that we pay to this event, our teams, the parties, and memories that will be forgotten after the weekend’s over?

Anyway, with all the hype and the deeper questions to be settled, I am eagerly awaiting for the coin flip to take place this Sunday at 3:30pm. Here’s a fun link to the “truthiness” of some Super Bowl legends. Enjoy the game!

-Terrence

-Terrence

Sunday (1/14) After Thomas took a nap at church for the first time, we drove home and prepared ourselves to welcome The Kongs for dinner. Here are some pics of Baba and Thomas goofing around in our Sunday best before they arrived.

Here’s Thomas putting away his books. Gotta love the Chinese hat…really helps to complete the Asian bookworm image. =)

The Kongs consist of Donald, Lynn, and Lauren, their 3 month-old baby girl. We’ve been friends for a long time through MBCP and recently, Donald and I teamed up to lead 2 mission trips to East Asia.

Daddy came late because of a church meeting. Here’s Mommy with Baby Lauren. Don’t you just love the BRUIN, I mean BEAR, outfit. =)

Thomas really likes Lauren. In fact, he asked for her the whole ride home from church. However, being the boy that he is, Thomas jumped and screamed joyfully upon their arrival which woke up poor Lauren from her nap.

“Can I play with her now?”

I’ve always maintained that I am too weak to ever have a girl since there aren’t enough guns in the world for me to protect her with in this fallen world that we live in. Times like these though really throw a wrench into my fears.

Reg doesn’t look all that bad herself!

We had a great time playing with the kids, catching up on MBCP and sharing about our plans for the future. When life gets hectic, it’s comforting to know that God puts people in your path to encourage and confirm His direction and goodness.

Monday (1/15) I had two goals for this holiday: take down Christmas lights and clean out the garage. Being that the work required for the garage involved taking everything out, knocking down the cabinets, and putting everything back, I never got around to the lights. Considering the work that is still left to do, I guess three-fourths out of 2 isn’t bad. =)

Here’s the mess in front of the garage after we called it a day.

My crew for this work project consisted of two strapping collegians who enjoy breaking stuff which sledge hammers and axes. Here’s Peter and Roger holding my hammer which they snapped like a twig into two pieces during the afternoon fun.

After taking off for a couple of hours to play tackle football (SAY WHAT?!?), Peter and Roger came back with Yonnan to enjoy a steak dinner that Regina prepared. The rest of the night consisted of Thomas hanging out with his three uncles and letting them play with his toys.

Tuesday (1/16) We hopped in the car right after I got home from Biola and went to visit the Yus for dinner. Henry and Marcia have been close friends and colleagues since our marriages in 2000 and after kids came into the picture, their home has been a home away from home for Thomas.

Here are the children around the dining table: (L) Thomas & Andrew, (R) Kirsten

After a scrumptious meal of Thai food, the kids unleashed their playful fury. Fortunately, they’re able to keep each other occupied so we can actually get some conversation in. Enjoy the highlights of what can only be described as “Living Room Olympics!”

That’s our weekend in a blog nutshell. Even though it makes me tired just thinking about all the things that happened, it really was time well-spent. Thanks for taking the time to read through this entry. Looking forward to hearing about you!

-Terrence

Part I: Pastors’ schedules are inverse of almost everyone else with the exception of professional athletes, casino employees and graveyard security guys since we work up to our busiest on the weekends and if wise, take some time during the week to rest and recover. Since I’m just getting started at West LA, I really want to establish a pattern of ministry preparation that will work so that there can be balance in the next 1-2 years among family, ministry and school. That was what the first half of my weekend was all about…wrapping up what was started during the week and trying to find that pace and itinerary that fits well.

Having been on the job officially for two weeks, here are some of my first impressions:

First, this is a group of people, Mandarin and English alike, that really enjoy spending time with each other. According to scholarship, the emphasis on relationships is one of the defining qualities of a small church and that is true here as well. People here fellowship across the standard barriers like language, culture, age and there’s a sweetness and purity to what I’ve been seeing. Don’t get me wrong, the human shortcomings that leads to conflict and cliques are ever-present, like they are in any other church…but the closeness that I have seen so far among many of the brothers and sisters have been refreshing.

Second, the team of leaders that I am working with (English Ministry Team, or EMT) are very excited and serious about growing and moving forward. When you break down all the different types of ministry models, there are really only three types regardless of quality of service: 1) The pastor is doing ALL the ministry and trying to pull everyone along, 2) The pastor is equipping the leaders and they are partners in ministry, and 3) The pastor is NOT doing the ministry and leaders are carrying the load. Although only time can tell, my experiences from the past 2 weeks has resonated strongly of Option 2 and I have appreciated deeply all of the help, input, and wisdom that have been given to me so far by my team. In order for this church to succeed, we have to do it God’s way, which according to Ephesians 4 is for the pastor to lead by teaching and equipping and everyone else in the Body of Christ exercising their spiritual gifts to contribute to the health and growth of the Church. May God continue to lay a deep foundation within the EMT that will allow us to fulfill the purposes for which He has called us in West LA.

Third, the people of West LA are very excited to have us here. Since Week 1, we have been greeted warmly, prayed for sincerely, and cared for personally by the members of this church. It is truly humbling to have people who have lived longer, served better, and walked more faithfully call you “Pastor” and welcome you into their lives with open arms. I know that ministry = work so even if people weren’t so friendly, it shouldn’t matter. But I’ll tell you this much, it definitely helps when we’re trying to make the biggest transition of our lives to have this kind of reception. After all, it was Jesus in John 13 that told the Apostles in the Upper Room that their love would prove their discipleship and there is a LOT of truth in that principle.

So those are some of my first impressions. For the remainder of the year, if not the rest of our days here, I will strive to be a sponge of their culture, personalities, and community so that I can minister to them more effectively. Meanwhile, the purpose of my messages for January is to build a foundation based on the biblical mission for the Church and a ministry model for fulfilling it.

More on that and pictures from Part II of our MLK Weekend to come…

-Terrence

“The great tragedy is not mainly masturbation or fornication or acting like a peeping Tom (or curious Cathy) on the internet. The tragedy is that Satan uses the guilt of these failures to strip you of every radical dream you ever had, or might have, and in its place give you a happy, safe, secure, American life of superficial pleasures until you die in your lakeside rocking chair, wrinkled and useless, leaving a big fat inheritance to your middle-aged children to confirm them in their worldliness. That’s the main tragedy.”

Preach it man!! Talk about keepin’ it real!!

Without going into anymore details (you REALLY should read it for yourself), I was reminded of how relevant and dynamic the gospel message is to those of us living in this fast-paced, materialistic, instant gratification seeking culture and that salvation in Christ truly is a mandate for the the present and not just fire insurance or a preference that you check on a survey. I just hope that in my journey as a pastor that I can live out a dependent faith in the gospel message and possess radical boldness in its proclamation so that the God can use me to be a voice of prophecy that can lead to transformed lives through the work and power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

-Terrence