Spring 2013 Kenya/Uganda Africa Trip

Dear Friends,

Thank you for praying for me and my Kenya/Uganda Spring 2013 Team. Our team consists of myself plus Cali & Charlene Ryan (daughter & mom represent 1^st Baptist Lake Isabella, CA), Alisa Rodgers, Raeanne Colson & Ceci Willever (represent 1^st Baptist El Cajon, CA) and Anita Stinnett (North Pointe Community Church, Alpharetta, GA).Our team have not met personally, only through Skype, and will work together for the first time once we are in Kenya. Please pray for unity, health, smooth flights, schedule flexibility, ministry opportunities and strength for our journey. Luke 10:2 “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest field.” Thanks, love and prayers for you, Sheryl

 

Team Schedule for Kenya/Uganda Spring 2013

 

“Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word.” Ps. 119:73-74

 

Tue 4/30   6:30 am Sheryl leaves Bakersfield UAFLT5201

 

Weds 5/1  10:40 pm Sheryl arrives Nairobi, Kenya

 

Thurs 5/2   7:00 am Sheryl leaves Nairobi for Eldoret to Kitale

 

 “Teach me. Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart.” Ps. 119:33, 34

 

Fri 5/3   6:00 pm ATS Graduation Dinner honors ATS graduates

 

Sat 5/4   10 am ATS Kitale, Kenya Graduation honors ATS graduates

 

Sun 5/5   9 am Speaking in Church

 

 “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes.” Ps. 119:97-99

 

Mon 5/6 – Weds 5/8  ATS Summit Meetings

 

Thurs  5/9 – Visit orphans & widows at Kipsongo Slum

 

Fri  5/10 – Visit women & children in women’s prison in Kitale

 

 “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27

Sat  5/11 – Sheryl departs for Mt. Elgon, Kenya - ATS Mt. Elgon Graduation

 Sat  5/11 - 2 am team arrives in Nairobi, take flight to Eldoret 7:40 am Saturday. Driver transports to Mt. Elgon for ATS Graduation.

Saturday 5/11 – USA team arrives Mt Elgon Graduation at 10:00 am

“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” I Peter 3:8

Sunday 5/12 – 9 am Mother’s Day Service & VBS preview at Great Mercy Children’s Home with ATS Graduate/Orphanage Director – Judith Mutange

2 pm – Mother’s Day - Women’s Conference at Revelation International Church in Kitalale, Kenya with ATS student Pastor Peter Ndiwa

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”1 Peter 5:7, 8

Monday 5/13 - Great Mercy Children's Home – VBS/The Armor of God & First Aid Training

Tuesday 5/14 – VBS/Daniel and Lion’s Den & First Aid Training/Anita Stinnett arrives

Wednesday 5/15 – Travel to Torroro, Uganda to ATS Uganda Director Grace Koelewijn to Namugongo Children’s Village - 6 pm evening VBS program - The Armor of God

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” I Pet. 2:9

Thursday 5/16 – Women’s Conference at ATS Uganda in Torroro, Uganda

Friday 5/17 – VBS/Daniel and the Lion’s Den and First Aid Training

Team - Sheryl Departs for Nairobi (Sheryl nominated to received Woman with a Heart for Bakersfield humanitarian award on 5/21/13)

Anita Stinnett will serve as Team Leader until team departs for USA.

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father may give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you may know Him better.” Eph. 1:17

Saturday 5/18 – VBS/David and Goliath and First Aid Training

Sheryl arrives home to Bakersfield at 8:31 pm

Sunday 5/19 – 9 am Church in Torroro, Uganda – 2 pm VBS & First Aid Training

Monday 5/20 – 8 am Team travels to Nairobi

“I pray that the eyes of your heart my be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” Eph 1:18

Tuesday 5/21 – 9 am First Aid Training at ICM Nairobi Office

1 pm Sightseeing - Karen Museum/Giraffe Feeding

Weds 5/22 – 9 am Baby Elephant Feeding/Kuzuri Beads/Wild Animal Park

 USA Team prepares for departure at 3:45 am Thurs 5/23 to arrive in USA 5/23 at 4:30 pm

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus.” Eph. 3:20

Thank you so much for your prayers and financial support! I am representing you. I look forward to sharing Team Kenya/Uganda Spring 2013 updates on Facebook, Twitter and Sheryl’s monthly ICM newsletter for June 2013. My love and prayers - Sheryl

There is No "I" in Team

March 18, 2013

 

 

 

 Pastor Victor Airiohuodion of CityGate Church leads the weekly ICM Hour of Power prayer time.

 

ICM staff and community prayer partners join hearts in prayer for Hour of Power.

There is no “I” in TEAM. I am convinced Jesus showed us how to do this in His life of service. Jesus’ time was concentrated on twelve men, His focus was narrow, yet His intensity increased incredibly because He poured Himself into a few trusted servants. He lived, worked and died in their presence. John 15:5 reminds us, “I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

 

 

 

 Alisa Rodgers, wife of Pastor Kevin Rodgers of First Baptist El Cajon leads the FBEC team. Pray for her as she directs her group to complete the many details necessary to travel to Africa.

 

Please pray for our Spring 2013 Kenya/Uganda Team, as we prepare and fundraise. Thanks to modern technology, we are able to meet bi-monthly by Skype from four different cities. It’s amazing to plan and organize our trip this way. Please pray for our team by name: Cali Ryan,co-leader, Cali’s mother, Charlene Ryan, craft coordinator, Alisa Rodgers, FBEC team leader, Sylvester Warsaw Jr., men’s conference teacher, Raeanne Colson, VBS coordinator, Susy Pearl and Ceci Willever.

 

 

 

Ben and Megan Giesbrecht celebrate Ben’s March 8 graduation from his Navy training program. Ben moves to Fayettesville, NC on April 6 to begin medical training, Megan will join him mid-July 2013.

 

 

 

Sheryl with Sarah (Giesbrecht) and husband, Matt Hunter, celebrate Ben’s graduation at Dewar’s. Matt is considering attending a welding school; please pray for confirmation and direction.

 

My prayer for you, ICM, myself, my family and all the areas God allows me any influence, I will remain in Him. I pray we will stay connected to the Vine, remain in His words. And fulfill John 15:7 “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you.”  

 

Glad YOU are on the TEAM!

 

Sheryl

 

 

Carol Wilcox, (Sheryl’s ministry assistant/editor) at Parkside Mission’s Conference give God the glory for the release of Sheryl’s book Get Back Up: Trusting God When Life Knocks You Down

 

 

GET BACK UP: Trusting God When Life Knocks You Down...available on line...

https://www.amazon.com/GetBackUpSherylGiesbrecht

 

ICM Spring 2013 Kenya/Uganda Team Plans Underway

Greetings Friends and Family –

 

 First Baptist El Cajon MOM’s group is one of the opportunities Sheryl had to connect with leaders.

At the ICM USA office, we’ve implemented a weekly prayer time, led by Nigerian Pastor Victor Airiohuodion. We are committed to get things done God’s way, and that is by prayer. If you are in the area, please join us Mondays from 12 to 1 pm at the ICM USA office. I’m committed to pray for you regularly. Send your prayer needs to: sherylg@icmusa.org.

 

The ICM display attracts many interested in supporting the work in Africa.

I covet your prayers as we implement our strategic plan for 2013. One of our goals is to encourage Kingdom connections. God is allowing this to take place as I will be leading a Spring 2013 team from First Baptist El Cajon.

 

Jim Turner, Sheryl, Alisa & Pastor Kevin Rodgers, Ben Giesbrecht gather around Marsha & Ron Reece, with the Rodgers’ kids. Sheryl presented ICM opportunities at First Baptist El Cajon .

I am thrilled to announce my non-fiction book “Get Back Up: Trusting God When Life Knocks You Down,” will soon be available through Amazon and on bookstore shelves. It is very exciting to see how God will use my story to connect ICM with those who want to invest in leaders.

Get Back Up:Trusting God When Life Knocks You Down - Available at www.Amazon.com

Upcoming events:

2/19 – MOPS Calvary Bible Church, Bakersfield, CA

2/20 – AWANA First Presbyterian Church, Bakersfield, CA

2/24 – Missions Conference – Parkside Church, Bakersfield, CA

3/20 to 3/26 - Atlanta & Cummings, GA – North Pointe Church & Walk Thru the Bible  meetings

4/6 – Women’s Retreat – First Baptist Lake Isabella, 4201 Ardmore Ave, Suite 2, Bakersfield  (open registration)

4/12 to 14 – Women’s Retreat – Cambria, CA - Rosedale Bible Church

4/19 & 20 – CMTA (Formerly GLASS Convention) www.CMTAconvention.org

5/1 to 5/23 – ATS Graduation/ATS Summit meetings/First Baptist El Cajon Team  to Kenya & Uganda

9/12 to 23 – Purpose Driven Conference Team  to Ethiopia

As you can see, my schedule is packed with ministry.This year, I am in need of $15,000.00 in travel and conference costs. I look forward to see how He plans to meet the needs of this work

Much love and prayers,

Sheryl

“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” Rev. 12:11

 

Unpacking to Make Room

January 14, 2013

New Year Greetings!             

 I’ve been putting away Christmas decorations. Funny isn’t it, when you rearrange and pack things up, it feels like the house has more room.  The same thing is true in our spiritual life, when we allow God to rearrange and pack things up; we have room in our lives for more of God.  Dallas Willard says, “Amazing things can happen when we open up spaces in our lives. It is easier to hear the voice of God when we practice silence because our world is not filled with competing noises.”

Sheryl worships God beneath a waterfall near Yosemite.

Silence and solitude are ignored spiritual disciplines. At a nearby conference center, under the guidance of a spiritual director, I began the New Year with a four day silent retreat. I asked myself. “What gifts does God want to give you?” “What are you thankful for? I spent hours in prayer, pouring over scripture, hiked for miles, journalled my thoughts, feelings, prayers. I discovered God’s love in a deeper way, enjoyed His creation and found solace in communion with Him.

 “He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” Psalm 18:19

The Latin term, “Capax Dei” – an increased capacity for God is something we can develop by allowing space in our lives. I challenge you to “open up spaces in your lives” – each of us know what we can cut out, so let’s make the choice to increase our capacity for God. Instead of self-indulgence, let’s choose God –indulgence. Rearrange and pack things up, so you have room for every new blessing God wants to bestow on you in 2013! Thanks for sharing in the ministry of ICM through your financial and prayer support.

“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11

All my love,

Sheryl

Prayer time with Ben and Megan at their reception with Dick Compton, Pastor Josh Kirstine

My thanks to you who attended Ben and Megan’s Christmas Open House Wedding Reception.  You  completed our holiday by sharing our joy and your presence with the newlyweds. Glory to God!

 

Share in Our Christmas Joy!

 

Holiday Greetings!

 

 “Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11

God carefully entrusted a few human messengers with the news of the coming Savior of the world. The angels foretold it. Elizabeth confirmed it. Shepherds were the first to receive it. Unassumingly, Jesus arrived by way of the womb of a teen mother. “And she gave birth to her first born, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger.” Luke 2:7

And so God entrusts you and me, common human messengers with the Good News of His coming! The Good News hasn’t changed; in fact, telling others of Jesus’ birth is still the best gift we can give anyone. The arrival of Jesus marked the fulfillment of prophesy and promise plus the beginning of a new covenant. “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Is. 52:7

May your Christmas season be filled with sharing hope, offering encouragement and giving joy.  I would love for you to join me and share my Christmas joy -- Christmas Wedding Reception and Open House for Ben and Megan Giesbrecht! Please join us!

 

Christmas Wedding Reception Open House

Honoring

Mr. Benjamin and Mrs. Megan Giesbrecht – (Married 9/2/12)

Sunday - December 23

 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm

His Refreshing Presence Sanctuary – 4201 Ardmore Ave, Suite 3

Bakersfield, CA 93309 – RSVP: sherylg@icmusa.org or text to: 661-204-7957

Merry Christmas – See you on the 23^rd! 

All my love,  Sheryl

Africa's Leaders Rise UP!

November 27, 2012

Dear Family and Friends,

 Purpose Driven Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Sept. 2012

Thanks for your prayers for our Fall 2012 trip. I am home now and am in wonder of what God did. The Purpose Driven men’s conference in Ethiopia with Pastors James Ranger and Bill Cheney made a connection with the pastors in the audience; many were discipled. “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him and He will bring it to pass.” Ps. 37:5

 Pastor Jeannette makes new friends at Addis women’s conference

Our women’s conference, Practical Tools For Women Who Lead –  Pastor Jeannette’s message on women friendships touched many women’s hearts. Habakkuk  3:2 says, “Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known. In wrath remember mercy.”

Sheryl’s ATS students  are pastors changing their communities through John Maxwell’s Million Leader Mandate.

After Ethiopia, I went on to Kenya and taught on the campus of Africa Theological Seminary about Education Administration. I can’t think of a better way to spend my time, than investing in the lives of leaders. John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches, if a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Sheryl prays for a widow at Revelation International Church in Kitalale, Kenya

Pastor Peter Ndiwa invited me to preach at Revelation International Church. At the end of the message, I opened the altar, many came forward for prayer, many decisions were made for salvation, rededication and healing.  I believe it was most effective because of your prayers.

Praying with those who came forward at Revelation International Church in Kitalale, Kenya

Thanks for praying for open hearts, submissive spirits and reception of the Holy Spirit’s direction. “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.” Rom 8:6

 Sheryl prays for the children who came forward at Revelation International  Church

 Sheryl spent time with the orphans at Great Mercy Children’s Home 

 Judith Mutange is Great Mercy Children’s Home orphanage director is an ATS graduate

 

God affirmed my commitment to training leaders on this trip. He also showed me his heart for widows and orphans. Ps. 68:5 says “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows is God in His holy dwelling.”

Thanks for your prayers and your support, Sheryl

Fall 2012 Ethiopia Team Departs 9/13/12

Ethiopia, Kenya & Uganda Team Fall 2012

Travel and Conference Schedule

 

September 13 to October 12, 2012

Addis Ababa & Hawassa, Ethiopia

Team Members: Dr. Peter Nalos & Pasqual Munoz – evangelizing Muslims in remote villages & ministering to pastors.  Pastors James Ranger, Bill Chaney – teaching in Purpose Driven Men’s Conferences. Dr. Sheryl Giesbrecht, Jeannette Mulhause and Karen Nalos teaching in Women’s Conferences. Pastor Ben Moore and Cali Ryan – technical support team & photography. Please pray unity, love, strength, protection as we minister God’s love through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Thursday – 9/13 – 1 pm Airport Bus of Bakersfield to LAX 

6:50 pm Depart Turkish Airlines LAX to ISTANBUL Arrive  5:10 pm 9/14

Friday – 9/14 – Depart 6:50 pm ISTANBUL to ADDIS ABABA Arrive 12:15 am Sat Sept 15.

Saturday – 9/15 – Vacation Bible School presentation at Hannah’s Orphan’s Home

                Dinner at Yod Abyssinia (Ethiopian ethnic cuisine and experience)

Sunday – 9/16 – Pastor James Ranger preaches at Mekanisa Kale Heywet Church

                                Pastor Bill Cheney preaches at Ethiopian Church

Monday – 9/17 - 8:30 am – 5:50 pm – Practical Ministry Tools for Women Who Lead

 8:30 am- Session #1 – Intro Team to Seminar

Maintaining Your Spiritual Strength – Dr. Sheryl speaks

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent – Pastor James Ranger

10:45 am Session #2 – Setting the Captives Free – Karen Nalos speaks

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent – Pastor Bill Chaney

Finding Strength Through Women Friendships - 1:45 pm - Session #3 – Pastor Jeannette Mulhause speaks

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent –Pastor James Ranger

How to Last in the Ministry -  3:30 pm – Session #4 – Dr. Sheryl speaks – Sheryl wraps up

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent – Pastor Bill Chaney

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Phil. 3:12

Tuesday – 9/18 8:30 am – 5:00 pm –- Practical Ministry Tools for Women Who Lead

 8:30 am- Session #5 –

How To Prevent Discouragement in the Ministry –Dr.  Sheryl speaks

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent – Pastor James Ranger

Binding Up the Broken Hearted – 10:45 am Session #6 – – Karen Nalos speaks

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent – Pastor Bill Chaney

Resting in His Presence - 1:45 pm - Session #7 – Pastor Jeannette Mulhause speaks

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent – Pastor James Ranger

How To Deal with Disappointment – 3:30 pm – Session #8 – Dr. Sheryl speaks – Sheryl wraps up

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent – Pastor Bill Chaney

“Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 3:13-14

Wednesday –9/19  8:30 am – 12:30 pm Land Travel by vehicle to Hawassa, Ethiopia

Thursday 9/20 - 8:30 am – 5:50 pm – Practical Ministry Tools for Women Who Lead

 8:30 am- Session #1 – Intro Team to Seminar

Maintaining Your Spiritual Strength – Dr. Sheryl speaks

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent – Pastor James Ranger

10:45 am Session #2 – Setting the Captives Free  – Karen Nalos speaks

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent – Pastor Bill Chaney

Finding Strength Through Women Friendships - 1:45 pm - Session #3 – Pastor Jeannette Mulhause speaks

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent –Pastor James Ranger

How to Last in the Ministry -  3:30 pm – Session #4 – Dr. Sheryl speaks – Sheryl wraps up

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent – Pastor Bill Chaney

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Phil. 4:8

Friday – 9/21 8:30 am – 5:00 pm –- Practical Ministry Tools for Women Who Lead

 8:30 am- Session #5 –

How To Prevent Discouragement in the Ministry –Dr.  Sheryl speaks

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent – Pastor James Ranger

Binding Up the Broken Hearted – 10:45 am Session #6 – – Karen Nalos speaks

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent – Pastor Bill Chaney

Resting In His Presence - 1:45 pm - Session #7 – Pastor Jeannette Mulhause speaks

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent – Pastor James Ranger

How To Deal with Disappointment – 3:30 pm – Session #8 – Dr. Sheryl speaks – Sheryl wraps up

Men in Purpose Driven Church (PDC) Seminar concurrent – Pastor Bill Chaney

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Phil. 3:9

Saturday –9/22  8:30 am – 12:30 pm Land Travel by vehicle back to Addis Abbaba

Sunday – 9/23 Team Travels Home to USA

Ethiopia, Kenya & Uganda Team Fall 2012

Travel and Conference Schedule (continued)

Kitale, Kenya & Toro, Uganda

Sheryl will be teaching a group of pastors who are studying for their Bachelor of Arts in Theology at Africa Theological Seminary. Please pray for Sheryl’s strength and also for her heart to be touched as the power of the Holy Spirit transforms the lives of those she teaches and ministers to during the two weeks she is on the ATS Kenya Campus.

Sheryl travels to Kitale, Kenya – Departs Addis at 10:40 am Ethiopian Airlines arrives Nairobi 12:45 pm

Depart Nairobi 6:15 pm arrives Eldoret 7:00 pm – Transport by vehicle to ATS Kitale

“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like him in His death and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Phil 3:10, 11

Mon – Weds 9/24 – 26           Preparation for ATS BA Class – BPM 423 Church Administration (Organizational Leadership)

Thursday 9/27          Teaching 8 am – 12 pm and 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm - BPM 423 Church Administration – Mid-term

                                7 pm ATS Alumni Conference with Dr. Phil Walker & Darryl Bowe

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Phil  3:12

Friday  9/28            Please pray for the me as I teach the Million Leader Mandate – hearts will be touched and changed.

7 pm ATS Alumni Conference with Dr. Phil Walker & Darryl Bowe

Mon 10/1 – Thurs 10/4           Teaching 8 am – 12 pm and 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm - BPM 423 Church Administration

Thurs 10/4 & Fri 10/5             International Council Meeting in Toro, Uganda – Pray for unity, wisdom & grace for our team

“Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Phil 3: 13, 14

Mon  10/8 – Thurs 10/11      Teaching 8 am – 12 pm and 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm - BPM 423 Church Administration  - Final

Thurs 10/11 -          Depart Kitale – travel by vehicle to Eldoret. Depart Eldoret Jetlink Express 7:20 pm to Nairobi

“Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. Phil 3:16

Arrive Nairobi 8:05 pm to Turkish Airlines Flt 0608 Nairobi to Istanbul

Fri 10/12                                 Depart Turkish Airlines Flt 0009 12:45 am to LAX arrival 4:30 pm

                                Board Airport Bus of Bakersfield 7:00 pm  - Arrive in Bakersfield at 9:00 pm

For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame.

Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” Phil 3: 17 - 21