The Harvest | River of Life Family Church Newsletter

“Church statisticians state that once a church has reached 80% of its seating capacity, it will begin to hinder its growth if nothing is done to create more space”

Last year, we saw our church reach the 80% seating capacity; moving for-ward it would be a problem if we were to continue having one service. It was for this reason that I brought up the need to our church family to begin praying for more space, or for a new building. I started researching options to buy, rent, or lease a larger building, but found that the cost was not only too high, but also heard the Lord say that it was not our time yet to move.

That said, I considered the only other option...work with Lion Business Park owners on a solution to our building size problem. Our intercessory team came into agreement with me on seeking God to grant us favor with Lion Business owners. The following week, I met with the manager, and found out that there might be a possibility to expand without having to move. She said that there was about 1000 square feet adjacent to our space that might be available. I got so excited, and immediately shared the hopeful news with the intercessory team. That night, everyone was fired up. We felt the Lord saying that He was going to expand the building, and give us a low rate on the rental cost. I went to sleep that night anticipating that the Lord would give me a great testimony soon.

Days passed by, even weeks, and I started to think that the manager forgot about me. I decided to follow up, and found out what I initially thought to be horrible news. She told

me that the space was no longer available, and that the current occupant had decided to use the space. How was I going to break this news to the church family? Surely, a pastor always wants to be the bearer of good news! I finally broke the news to the group, and they shared comforting words that the Lord was still in control. I thought in my mind, "Sure, I believe that, but that still doesn't solve our building problem." I bet you didn't know pastors get discouraged sometimes. Though I felt a little discouraged, I decided to press in to God's promises, and believe Him for an open door. Several weeks passed by, and though I remained quiet about the building problem, I continued praying for God to provide. In addition, it appears the Holy Spirit was working in the hearts of His intercessors, because they began praying for the building expansion again. Lo and behold, one day God decided to give me a surprise. Weeks after I received the disheartening news, the man-ager called me to let me know that she spoke with our neighbor again, and this time he said he could no longer pay for his space, and had no other choice but to give it up. Praise God! As i was jumping up and down at the idea of having 1200 square feet added to our space, reality hit me, and I began settling down as I pondered how much cost would be added to our current rate. We had already received a discount for one year when I had negotiated a lower rate due to the impact of the economy. Our lease was up for renewal, which meant we were going to revert back to our old rate, and possibly receive an increase in our monthly payment. We already had that to deal with, so I wasn't sure how much more financial burden our church could shoulder. I met with the board to discuss what I felt was the Lord's providence for our church. After lots of prayer and discussion, we came to the conclusion that we would give a ridiculous offer of having the old rate restored, but having the new addition be completely free of charge. I figured if they would agree to my ridiculous offer, then it must be from God. Warning!!! Talk to me first, before trying to do something like this on your own.

The manager was taken back upon hearing my request. She breathed in a deep sigh before stating her thought of my proposal. "So in other words, you're asking for us to give it to you for free, right?" I looked at her as embarrassed as I knew how to be, and said, "Yes." She folded her hands, and assured me that she would do her best in representing us, since we were her favorite out of all occupants under her management, but also stated that she could not make any promises to an offer like that. I agreed, walked away with a grin knowing that God was about to give us a testimony.

It wasn't more than 3 days later when I received a call back from the manager. Are you ready for this? Strap on your seatbelts. Not only did they not give us any additional rate increase to what we were paying before, but they also agreed to keep us at the same rate for 2 whole years! I was overwhelmed, ecstatic and joyful! As I ended my conversation with the manager, I set my phone down, and a grin returned back to my face. I was going to bear some news to our church family, and this time it was going to be good! God is so awesome!

On these crucial times, every penny counts – people are more practical, sensible and aware with their purchases; most if not all scrutinize each purchase, whether is really a necessity or just another gem to boast about.  Or did you ever ask yourself that maybe there could be another option, or perhaps a better alternative? 

I would like to introduce you to the “Good Samaritans” of the techno world.  Yup, believe it or not, they do exist, and their agenda is to give “free”, yes you heard it right, “free alternatives” that you can use to substitute for typically, and usually expensive software in the market.

Microsoft Windows Alternative: Mandriva Free (http://www2.madriva.com)

Of all the Linux (free operating systems) flavors, this is the closes to Windows.  Known for its simplicity, security, stability and speed, Mandriva is available for those who wanted a free and straightforward migration from Windows.

Savings: $119.99 ~ $219.99

Office Alternative: Open Office (http://openoffice.org)

Yes it’s free Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Access, Publisher and so on and so forth…  Why pay more for a complete package when it could come for free?

Savings:   $100.00 ~ $260.00

Adobe Photoshop Alternative: GIMP (http://www.gimp.org)

Labeled as the “diamond of freebies”, GIMP is buffed with functionality, quality, quantity and simplicity…oops, I almost forgot, it is also free.

Savings: $699.00 ~ $999.00

Antivirus Alternatives: Free Antivirus

Licenses for security software like antivirus usually expire in year.  This can be costly, especially that you have to pay for renewing fees annually.  Seeking for free antivirus software is always a smart move; BTW, you must pick cream of the crops, since we are talking about your system’s safety.  The best ones available are as follows: Avast! Home (http://www.avast.com), AVG Free (http://free.avg.com), Kaspersky Free (http://www.kaspersky.com)

Savings: $20 ~ $80 Annually

The world feels like a better place when developers work hard to create amazing free software that does the job as well, or even better than the paid versions.  There is lots of free software available in the internet to cater to your needs – it is always “smarter to be smarter” and the benefits of researching could mean lots of savings for you.

With the weather changing and the season coming to an end, summer came and went. Along with summer are the many outdoors activities that goes with it.  Fortunately bike riding doesn’t have to end with summer. It can be enjoyed anytime of the year. You just have to know how to dress properly for it.  If you’re in the mood to ride and wants to ride with a crowd of people, boy I have a solution for you.  Every third Fridays of the month a group of bicyclist organize a bike ride for everybody. This is called the SAN JOSE BIKE PARTY. Hundreds if not thousands gather every third Friday to go on an evening bike ride. A spot to meet is usually chosen the week before for everybody to assemble.  The ride starts at around 8pm and ends when everyone makes it to the last designated meet point. Their motto is nobody gets left behind. The purpose of this bike ride is to encourage people to take up bike riding. Also with the multitudes of people, the riders can feel safe riding the street late at night.  All types of bike are welcome. You will see many types of bikes from a unicycle to a tandem mountain bike pulling a couch on wheels. YES a couch on wheels. You will also notice other bikes towing trailers with a huge stereo speakers blasting throughout the bike ride. Basically like what the title says it’s a party. A SAN JOSE BIKE PARTY. To make it more interesting, themes are usually assigned every ride. For example, one theme was Beach Blanket Babylon. People were dressing up as their favorite music band.  The only requirement is that your bike must be equipped with a front headlights and a rear one. Also you will be encouraged to avoid riding on the sidewalks.  Although it is encouraged, helmet is not required unless you are under 18 years of age.  The ride consists of 18 to 20 miles of riding. Along the way will be several rest point. You can either ride fast and finish the ride or just relax and ride at your own pace.  Rain or shine the ride goes every third Friday of the months. For more info Google the words “san jose bike party”. See you at the party. “BIKE PARTEEEEEEY”!!!!