Keep Praying!

Here is an update from Pastor Hsu, our Taiwanese Congregation minister:

Dear all,

I just came back from the hospital. After taking a shower, I am giving you this brief account of my father’s condition.

The surgery which had been planned for 8:00am was re-scheduled for 10:00am. However, a dramatic change occurred just one hour before the surgery. As there is a tremendous risk in this surgery, the attending surgeon came to ascertain that my father consented to this medical procedure. With a particularly sound mind this morning, my father decided that he be dispensed with the surgery, trusting that God’s graces are in abundance for him to rely on.

I spent the whole day in the hospital and was not able to promptly inform you of the above, for which I apologize. My father’s current condition is that, aside from a blockage in the intestines and some accumulated fluids in his lungs, he has a fever contained by antibiotics and has been fasting for 7 days.

At 92 1/2 years old, he is markedly weak. Please continue to have him in your prayers.

Thanks again!

Pastor Hsu

Keep Pastor Hsu, his family and his father in your prayers!

Here are the notes and announcments from last week: THANK YOU to all of those who have donated backpacks and school supplies to the LOVE INC. back to school drive. REMEMBER that this upcoming Sunday is your last opportunity to donate! THANKS!

Announcements

Small Groups
Torrance/PV- TBA
Torrance – Thurs. September 3, 6:30 PM @ G/R Huangs’

Youth Group (Junior High/High School/College)
Fridays –  @ Harvest South Bay 7:30PM
Contact Carsten or Chris for more information/rides

Career Fellowship
Tuesdays –  @ Cornerstone 7:30PM
Contact Makoto for more information

Taiwan Typhoon “Morakot” Disaster
The August 8th typhoon “Morakot” inflicted heavy damage to southern Taiwan with many areas being severely affected. Harvest is taking part in an EFC-wide effort to fund relief: already over $11K has been sent from our church for disaster assistance to be distributed through the denomination. Please pray for those in need and consider donating financially. For all contributions, please designate Typhoon Relief in your check’s memo.

Love In the Name of Christ (Love INC) Backpack Ministry
Love INC Backpack ministry is assembling backpacks for low-income kids who need school supplies. Backpack and school supply donations are due by next week, Sunday Sept 6th.

Parenting Seminar October 10, 2009 8:45-2:30
“Cooperation, Consequences, and Keeping Your Sanity.” Learn practical ideas from the National Center for Biblical Parenting. Register online at biblicalparenting.org. $25/couple and $10/individual, at Bread of Life Church.

Short Term Missions Sharing
Join us today during the Sunday School hour for sharing from our summer short term missions team.

Harvest South Bay                August 30th, 2009

Elder Care
Follow My Lead: 1 Timothy 5:17-25

Exposition 3: Themes

1. How to Provide for Elders.

2. How to Correct Elders.

3. How to Select Elders.

Applications for all of us!

1. Work Hard: God asks that those who work hard be rewarded and so values a good work ethic in all of us toward the work of the Kingdom.

2. Be Fair: Instituted biblical discipline and correction instead of gossiping and slandering others.

3. Handle With Care: Understand the implications of decisions that we make together as a congregation: that there is a gravity with which we ought to weigh choices having to do with the future of the church.

Weekly Application Exercises
1. What is your specific involvement at Harvest South Bay or at whatever congregation you currently belong to? How can you be striving for excellence in your service and your membership (hint hint, nudge, wink: timeliness is a start)?

2. Observe your pattern of conversation over the week: how much do you complain about others without giving them a chance to change? Determine to gently help others grow instead of tearing them down or gossipping.