Staff
Andrew Lizarraga - Ministry Director
Church Phone: (480) 241-1862
POSTAL MAILING ADDRESS
Living Hope Church
745 N Gilbert Rd. Ste. 124 PMB 200
Gilbert, AZ 85234
June 2008 Trained for War
"Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle." Ps. 144:1
You'll never experience God in powerful ways by acquiring Bible knowledge alone. It is only when that knowledge is used in the heat of the battle that you will know the reality of what you've learned intellectually. Otherwise it remains only an exercise in spiritual gymnastics that yields little fruit.
David became a great warrior and leader of a nation at an early age. His training ground was his job as a shepherd in the open fields. When bears and lions sought to take his sheep, he personally fought them. This was his early preparation for future battles. Goliath was the real competition amongst a descerning audience to reveal how well his training prepared him.
Today our local churches often look more like luxury cruise liners designed to tickle the ears, entertain its members and make them feel good instead of a battleship designed to train an army for war. The average member still watches from the sideline. In sports you discover how well you handle pressure by competing. You can practice all you want but never know how you will do until you enter the game and test what you've learned and practiced when there is pressure added to the equation. In battle you discover how well you are trained by what you actually do on the battlefield.
Have you ever prayed with someone in public? Have you ever personally led someone to Christ? Have you ever served others for the sake of the Gospel? Have you ever taught a Bible study? If you said no to these questions, you are not engaged in the game. Today, why not ask God to give you the grace to step onto the battlefield.
-Os Hillman
John Rodriquez - Music & Sound
Jonathan Medrano - Youth Minister
Our Youth leader, Jonathan Medrano, comes to us from the Bay Area, in northern California. He attended Union City Apostolic Church near San Jose for 6 years, and worked under Pastor Adam Lopez Jr., as Youth President, Home Fellowship Care Pastor, and on multimedia projects.
He attended Northern Pacific Coast Bible College where he grasped a love of the Word and the work of God. He enjoys his time in Gilbert Arizona, with his wife Risa and one-year old daughter Amya Renee. He is devoted to helping the work at Living Hope Church and is a true servant to the gospel of Jesus Christ in his character and kindness toward people from all walks of life. He brings with him an excitement and vision for all youth, and career-oriented young adults who want the best in life as they commit their lives to Jesus.
Martha Ochoa is the Director of the Children's Sunday School Education Ministry at LHC. Having more than 20 years experience teaching Sunday School classes and public school in the valley, she continues to use her passion for God.
She has a BA in Elementary Ed "92 and an MA in Early Childhood Ed '96, from Arizona State University. In 2000, she worked with other dedicated and passionate Early Childhood Educators as part of an in-home preschool, which greatly motivated her to open a private "primary grade" school in the Tempe-Mesa area.
In late 2004 she chose to close the doors to help with the care of her ill mother. Even though her mother passed away July of 2005, she chose to keep working with children in a new place. Since then her path has opened many new doors and the rewards of working with children are still her motivation at Living Hope Church.
She works with a teaching team that follows her "heartbeat" in having children experience the best practices in teaching children on Sundays with a "Hands on Lesson" put together just for them!
Phone: 480-205-1410
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
1 Peter 1:3
SOW INTO THE LIVES OF PEOPLE!
But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who and he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. Mark 9:33-34.
Once there was a king who decided to set aside a special day to honor his greatest subject. When the big day arrived, a large gathering took place in the palace courtyard and each finalist were brought forward.
The first was a wealthy philanthropist, deserving of honor because of his great humanitarian efforts; having given much of his wealth to the poor, building orphanages, schools, and hospitals. The second was a celebrated physician who also deserved honor for rendering his faithful and dedicated service to the sick and his discovery of medicine that saved many lives. The third was a distinguished judge. He was noted for his wisdom, fairness and many brilliant decisions. The last person was an elderly woman. Her manner was quite humble, as was her dress. She hardly looked the part of someone who would be honored as a great subject in the kingdom. The king was intrigued, and asked who she was. Then the answer came. "My king, do you see the philanthropist, the doctor, and judge over here? She was their teacher!
This woman had no wealth, no fortune, and no title, but countless lives were helped through her giving. We never know whose lives we're touching. I'm sure someone prayed - someone gave - someone shared the gospel with some of the greatest evangelists, preachers, and givers we know. Let's sow unselfishly into the lives of the people he's put in our path...so that they may become great in God's kingdom. There is so much work to be done for the kingdom!
Author Unknown
Steve Gonzales - Deacon / Usher
Teri Gonzales - Community Care Greeter
Victor Mireles - Spanish Minister
Victor and Liliana Mireles are assisting LHC with Spanish speaking visitors and prospective members. Their previous work in the Chicago, Ilinois area, and local East Valley community has been primarily with the Spanish speaking population from many Latin American countries. Invite those who have a desire to know God and introduce them to this warm and awesome family for discipleship and Bible studies in thier native language. Cultures may have differences but the love of Christ has no language barriers!
You will find our Spanish Minister ready to greet you at our door and assist the spanish group during Wednesday Bible Study at 7 pm and on Sunday afternoons at 2:30 pm.
This ministry gathers in an adjacent classroom and have services or Bible studies simultaneously during our English Services. We welcome any guest you may bring who might need the assistance of a spanish speaking minister and we can assure you they will enjoy the small group atmosphere of song and Word.
