All posts tagged: spirituality

Be aware, be prepared

February 23, 2014 Merlin Gonzales blog, KIOM

We are living in critical hours and our neighborhoods are in turmoil. Mark 13:7-8, “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.” (NIV) Here are some examples of recent events relating to the verses above.

The most recent famine was in North Korea when the government implemented the “Military First” policy, which placed the needs of the military above common people. Then heavy flooding occurred in the country and within the 4-year period (1994-1998), about 3 million people died. (http://listverse.com/)
The year 2011 had the most disasters in recorded history. (Ex. from Global Post):
- The massive 8.9 earthquake was one of the strongest ever recorded in history but the tsunami and the nuclear meltdown that followed had the most lasting damage.
- The drought in East Africa resulted in more than 30,000 children died
- The flood in Thailand that started to rise in July and continued through December killed about 800 people.
A massive tornado in Oklahoma in May, 2013 packed with 200 miles/hr wind and 12 miles path killed 24 people.
The strongest recorded typhoon, Haiyan in central Philippines in November, 2013 packed 235 miles per hour wind killing nearly 6,000 and displaced 3.5 million people. (World Vision, worst natural disasters of 2013)
In the past several weeks in the oil-rich nation of Venezuela, the people are rallying to resolve problems ranging from the rising crime to the unprecedented 56% unemployment. (NYDailyNews.com)
After several protest against the government of Ukraine, almost 100 people had died already. They are now trying to control the crowd from vandalism, banditry and a coup d’etat. (BBC News)

“I can’t believe this would happen in my neighborhood”

On the night of Feb. 20^th and early Feb 21^st this year (2014) eight people were murdered in metro Indy. Many of our neighborhoods are under attack from the kingdom of this world. Some of our neighborhoods are in disaster, in crisis, even emergencies. We do not need to go somewhere else because our own backyards need us.

Which kingdom do you belong?

In the midst of all of these, we need to be reminded which kingdom we belong. We are from the kingdom that is unshakable. Hebrews 12:26-27, “At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.”The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.”

Isaiah 2:2, “In the last days,

the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established
as the highest of the mountains;
it will be exalted above the hills,
and all nations will stream to it.”

The government of heaven will rule over all the earth. Christians are commissioned to expand heaven on earth. God has given us delegated authority to influence the world with kingdom principles. In these critical hours, our neighborhoods are waiting and watching for the Bible to become alive in the lives of the Christians.

Feeding the hungry is not enough

According to Feeding America, 1 in 6 Americans struggle with hunger. Many charitable organizations, churches and ministries are mobilizing people and resources to feed the hungry.

In John 6, many supernatural events were told. Thousands of people followed Jesus because they see miraculous signs He had performed. Then, they witnessed something that they have never seen before! Jesus and His disciples fed 5000 men and the rest of the crowd by multiplying 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish that came from a little boy – through the hands of the disciples! They were rejoicing about the miracles and they were fed. Later, the disciples went in a boat to go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. That night, Jesus walked on water.

The crowd followed Jesus to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. As soon as they found Jesus, they asked Him how He got there since there was only one boat available the night before. Interestingly, Jesus did not answer their question but told them: “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.” – John 6:26 (NIV)

Jesus revealed the real motive of people; they wanted just groceries! Then, Jesus taught them that He is the bread that came down from heaven. He told them they must eat His flesh and drink His blood. Jesus was telling the people to hunger and thirst for Christ. Once we hunger and thirst for Christ, we will be satisfied physically and spiritually. We must be set apart for Him and, He is all we need. Then the thousands left Him except the twelve.

Jesus knew that the multitude did not understand His message and His teachings even though they had been following Him. They are following Him because of the groceries! This is an example that feeding people and giving groceries should not be the focus of food pantries. Jesus is saying that giving away food at food pantries is not enough and, if that becomes the focus of food pantries, we are missing the point. It’s all about Jesus.

Food pantries that are intimate and personal are focused on people rather than food. It values relationship over physical resources. The end result is: more people are being discipled, the Gospel is being shared and the community is being engaged to participate. Similar to the early Christians, we gather together in smaller groups to worship, to pray and to share our resources. People would want to get involved. – Acts 11:27-30

In the next several years, there will be more micro gatherings since people want to be personal and want to know each other. We have the most opportune time to share the Gospel with our neighborhoods. History tells that there is an increase of grace during crisis. You can also see that people in crisis are more open to hear about God and about their eternal destiny. The light is brighter where there is more darkness. We have opportunities to reach out to the community in these critical times through simple food pantries. We can raise up more disciples by inviting our congregations and our clients to be a part of solutions. And, as we become more aware of heaven here on earth, we can be prepared before the next shaking happens in our neighborhoods.

God bless you!

Merlin Gonzales

5 things schools don’t (normally) tell you about starting a non-profit

February 17, 2014 Merlin Gonzales blog

Till the land, plant the seeds and take care of it regualrly.

Till the land, plant the seeds and take care of it regularly.

Starting a new ministry or a charitable non-profit organization is very rewarding and yet very challenging.

You may be one of many people who can relate to this. First, a person or a group of passionate people comes up with an idea to solve a problem or to address an issue or to help those in need. Then, this person or this group of people started talking to others about their passion and start working on it. They are so enthusiastic that they were able to bring a few more people onboard.

Is this sound familiar? Your passion is contagious! You are helping a lot of people and are being recognized by the community.

I was there in the late 2004. I thought why not find a solution to the ever growing division in the churches. I thought I would be a conduit to the unity in the Body of Christ. Although I was not thinking of starting an organization, I found myself starting a non-profit organization through the encouragement of peers and those who benefit from the cause.

So, I was put in a strange place where I have not been before. I have never been a board member in the past and now, I have to put a board together, create By Laws, Statement of Faith and file Articles of Incorporation. However, I was convinced that my idea was exceptional. I continued to plow the ground. Then, reality hit and I found myself driving a vehicle with no instruction or manual how to sustain it and to keep my dream alive.

Things I learned that were not (normally) taught schools and universities:

It is not too hard to do a one time event but extremely hard to sustain it. Many people can do a large event just one time. The challenge is how can you sustain and get it going? For example, many non profits start food pantry but after a few months, it fizzle out.
Having a non-profit requires money (unless you have millionaire parents or have lots of money in the bank); it’s not easy to raise funding. Doing good is commendable but sustaining it is very difficult without funds in the bank. My first big outreach resulted in a deficit of $400 and I have to pay it myself.
Founders of organizations sometime find themselves lonely and alone. After a big outreach and the accolade, then the hard work of clean up, follow and reporting come. At times, the leader is left with tons of work to do all the stuff by himself/herself.
After giving all you got, the founder often gets all the criticism and accused of bad management and leadership. As a leader, you need to have broad shoulders, willing to tolerate small things and brush off the negative comments.
One of the things to tolerate are those people whom you helped and you felt you delivered more than what was promised. However, those whom you helped talk bad about you because they expected a lot more than what they asked for. What do you do with this situation? Don’t get stuck on a pity party, move on.

There many more things that are not talked about in the non-profit world but are very real once you are in the arena of charitable organizations. Once you weather all of these, you may be able to create a legacy that will continue on long after you’re gone. It’s like a garden, you cultivate the soil, plant the seeds and take of the plants on a regular basis. So after all the hard work and endurance, you may find yourself sitting at a beach looking at the horizon asking God what else you can do in the future.

Merlin Gonzales is an Author, a Church/Ministry consultant, a teacher, a preacher and conference speaker who developed the concept of “Mission Trip in Your Own Backyard” and “Incubating Self-Sustained Food Pantries.” Contact him at [email protected] for assessment of your ministry.

Miracle on 34th St.

February 15, 2014 Merlin Gonzales Backyard Missions, Self-Sustained Food Pantriy

The one stooping down and the one being prayed for accepted Jesus.

I just got back from mission field – West 34th St, Indianapolis, Indiana. FHL had started a food pantry at Monte de Sion Church on 3307 Lowry Rd. This pantry has been serving their neighborhoods for almost 2 years now. It has become a part of their community. They have served dozens of families and have touched hundreds of individuals along the way.

This morning (02/15/14) I visited this particular pantry. The clients started to come before the scheduled time, 10am. I led the prayer before the start of the pantry. I thanked the Lord for His provision and asked Him to fill the church with His presence.

At around 11am, 3 ladies who speak very little English came. They filled out the Registration Form and started to talk with the Pastor. Then, I was introduced by the Pastor to one of the ladies. She said that she was the one who was healed of her aching knee last month after Donna, FHL ministry leader prayed for her.

I saw the excitement in her whole being and asked her if she would like to receive more healing. I then proceeded to introduce her to the Lord Jesus Christ. She accepted the Lord in front of her friends. As I was observing what was going on, I asked her friend if she knew Jesus and she said No. After a brief conversation, she accepted the Lord as well.

While praying for her, the youngest of the three was being touched by the Lord also. I saw her eyelids started to twitch and saw tears started to flow through her cheeks. I asked her if God was speaking to her and she said Yes. She thought that she would go to heaven because she is a good person. I told her that there’s only One way to go to heaven – Jesus. She accepted the Lord as well!

At that time, the entire place was charged with faith and one of the volunteers came and asked for prayer for healing for her right arm and left toes due to diabetes. He faith rose up as she was witnessing the power of the Holy Spirit all over the place. We prayed for her as well and she said she felt a lot better!

The three ladies came for groceries but they received who they have been looking for – the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth who came in the flesh.

Matthew 10:7-8, “As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”

We are witnessing that the harvest is coming. God had already prepared the hearts of the people to receive Him. We just need to be willing vessels for the Lord to pour out His love for His people.

I will write it again, “It’s not just about food, it’s about relationship with God and with others. If we keep the major thing the major thing, we will see more of the tangible manifestation of God in our midst. Three people were saved today not because of food but because of people who authentically care for them.

God bless you,

Merlin

If you like this Blog, please Share it with others. Let me know what other topics you would like to read in the future.

The final separation

February 12, 2014 Merlin Gonzales Latest News

“All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.” – Matthew 25:32

This verse resonated when I recently read 2 articles about large organizations focused on boys and girls. The first one was about a teenager receiving the highest award for coming out of the closet and the later for voting on a person for a national award but is a pro choice.

Just today, a friend of mine said that he was surprised to find out that an executive of a nation wide organization that was founded as a Christian organization is not a Christian! In addition, this same person was transferred to another region as an executive of the same organization.

When the Kingdom of God reached its fullness here on earth, there will be final separation. There will be no more lukewarm, wishy-washy and gray line. He will part the goats from the sheep, the tares from the wheat and the passionates from the lukewarm.

“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” – Matthew 7:22-23

If you like this article, please share. Feel free to make a Comment or suggestions. Let me know what topics you would like to read in the future. God bless you! Merlin

Micro Gathering

February 10, 2014 Merlin Gonzales blog

Micro Gatherings are multiplying in central Indiana

In John 6, many supernatural events were told. Thousands of people followed Him to see more about Him. They were rejoicing about the miracles, they were fed, and they want to know more about Jesus. That night, Jesus walked on water. Later, the disciples went in a boat to go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee.

As soon as they found Jesus, they asked Him how He got there since there was only one boat available the night before. However, Jesus did not answer their question but told them: Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.” – John 6:26 NIV

Jesus taught them that He is the bread that came down from heaven. He told they must eat His flesh and drink His blood. Jesus was telling the people to hunger and thirst for Christ. We must be set apart for Him and, He is all we need. Then the thousands left Him except the twelve.

Jesus knew that the multitude did not understand His message and His teachings even though they had been following Him. This is a very similar approach at Faith Community Church in Winston-Salem, NC.

In other words, smaller and intimate gathering that Jesus modeled is still true in our days. Not only we can be more personal but we can also disciple more people such as what the early disciples did. Another example was the early church in the Book of Acts. The early Christians gather together in smaller groups to worship and pray to share what God had done through them.

Micro gathering come in different forms such as home groups, house churches, para-churches and other small Christian gatherings.

The ministry that the Lord had founded through me is Faith Hope and Love. This organization is incubating smaller food pantries that are intimate and personal. These pantries are focused on people rather than food. It values relationship over physical resources. The end result is more people are being discipled, sharing of the Gospel is a regular part of conversations and the community is being engaged to participate. It’s a practical application of the Bible.

I am seeing that in the next several years, there will be more micro gatherings since people want to be personal and want to know more of each other. I believe that people want to get involved but they are not properly invited or are not given opportunity that they feel to be involved with.

Check out www.fhlcommunity.org to find out about the micro gatherings that are being created through planting smaller and relationship-based food pantries.