Wednesday, November 30, 2005

HT to run Narnia Private Showing!

Save this date!

Harvest Time has secured a private showing of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardbrobe
(click link for trailer, etc.) on Friday, December 9th at 7:00 pm at the Mamaroneck Playhouse, Mamaroneck Avenue in Mamaroneck, New York. Bring a friend to this powerful Christian allegory based on the writings of C. S. Lewis!

Tickets for Adults are $7.00 and tickets for Children (under 11) are $4.50. Tickets can only be purchased at Harvest Time for this showing. You can purchase your tickets at the Church Office or Sunday morning at the Welcome Center. We will not be holding any tickets without payment. For more information, please call 203-531-7778.

(PS: if you are new to blogging or the Web in general, click those links - they all do something!)

Trips begins with one-wheel landing and preparation

Sent from Tedd Darash:

The travel arrangements were smooth and the flight uneventful except for the beautiful view of the Caribbean and the landing on one wheel (it was interesting). Our group was met by Sarah's cousins and then were bused then moved to the hotel, which has treated us very well. Tonight we sampled many local foods, all delicious.



Montserrat from the plane and the volcano smoking.

The construction crew did considerable scouting work today, which started right from the airport and ended around 7:30 PM. The remainder of the team had varying degrees of rest, relaxation, and planning. Tomorrow morning we start with prayer at 6:30 and on to the work at hand.

It was reassuring to meet the prayer team praying outside our rooms (although they did startle me when I nearly walked into them) as the evening has drawn to a close.



A view of the sunset from the hotel in Trinidad.

God is good and good night,
tedd

Missions Team begins to blog

The missions team has officially hit the ground and blogging, err working. We've received a handful of great photos and testimonies of what the team is doing after just one day. Check them out and come back often for daily updates!


The missions team.

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Team lands in Trinidad!

Our team is away! Following a very early departure this morning, our crew of missionaries landed at approximately 12:30 this afternoon. Please keep them in constant prayer and be sure to keep watching this space for updates.

We hope to post something at least once a day for the duration of the trip. If any of you speak to any of the team members and would like to add to the information we have here, please leave a comment by clicking the comment link or e-mail Pastor Nick or Heather Retzlaff and we will post as appropriate.

Any of you in the team in Trinidad with web access can also leave comments to supplement the reporting. If you do not want to go through the hassle of setting up a free "Blogger" account, leave your signed comment under the "anonymous" setting and we'll still see it! This can be an easy way to get messages back to the States.

God bless!

Is revival coming to New England?

A couple of you have sent me this article from CBN concerning a "joyous revival" which is being predicted to sweep New England. Clearly God is preparing to do something in this region, but we would be very wise not to announce that something is happening when it is not; neither should we ever describe anything as revival before the time. True revival and transformation involves, as it did in the case of the Welsh Revival, a fundamental shaking of the entire society, and not a mere blessing:

It is estimated that 100,000 were converted throughout Wales during the revival just as Evan Roberts had predicted. Not all these turned out to be genuine but the effect of so many coming under the influence of the spiritual awakening meant that whole communities were transformed overnight. Crime was completely eradicated from some areas so that magistrates were given white gloves. Pit managers reported increased coal output and swearing diminished so much that the old pit ponies were disorientated. Outstanding debts were repaid and longstanding quarrels were settled amicably. The churches of the land were full of people praising God and praying fervently for the salvation of others, young and old, not only in the Sunday services but at the weeknight prayer meetings as well. Sir John Morris-Jones, one of the leading literary figures of the time, was amazed at the elevated language that uneducated people used in their prayers.

National as well as local newspapers gave day by day reports on the progress of the revival in different parts of the principality. Men and women, boys and girls, were seen calling on God on railway station platforms, train compartments and buses, while prayer meetings were held underground in the coal mines and in student common rooms. Notorious sinners were remarkably converted. Public houses were not only forced to close but in some cases the landlords were themselves transformed by the work of the Spirit.

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Sunday, November 27, 2005

Trinidad praise report!

The container has been released!!!

In addition, our God has gone abundantly above and beyond and it has been unpacked also! Everything is there and waiting for us at Faith Centre in Trinidad. Praise God and thanks also to Brother Lincoln and the Trinidad Crew!

Thank you, Cover for pressing in with your constant and continual prayers - the container was released shortly after the last Cover/urgent prayer request was sent out!

PLEASE continue to pray for the remaining issues - GOD IS ANSWERING!

PRAISE HIM FOR HIS FAITHFULNESS!

Saturday, November 26, 2005

Prayer points for Trinidad trip!

As the Crew prepares to leave for Trinidad, please pray for last minute preparation and needs! Pray that everything still needed will be found, purchased and/or donated; that everything still to be accomplished will be and that we will remain in God’s perfect timing!



STILL NEEDED: LARGE suitcases for carrying extra supplies. Please bring on Sunday (they will be returned to you).



FOR THE RELEASE OF THE CONTAINER – PLEASE CONTINUE TO BE IN PRAYER FOR THIS URGENT REQUEST!



For the Medical Documents: please continue to pray for God’s favor and that these important documents would be obtained quickly now and without further delay.



For the Crew: for health and protection for them and their families!



For unity: continue to pray for unity, for a true uniting in Spirit. For God’s heart in all things; to be in one accord with one mind and one Spirit.



For Ministry: pray for God’s anointing on each area of Ministry. For His wisdom, guidance and direction each step of the way. For God’s leading and special anointing; that He would not be limited in all He wants to do and accomplish in each area of ministry and through each minister of His Gospel.



Pray especially for Kate as she prepares to speak to the abused and battered women. Date and time of this ministry to be announced.



For God’s strength. Pray for God’s continued preparation, equipping and empowerment throughout this final time of fasting. Pray for a special equipping and anointing on all and that each member of the team will hear clearly from the Lord regarding this Mission.



FOR GOD’S WILL TO BE DONE ……. FOR MIRACLES, SIGNS AND WONDERS!



For the People of Trinidad: for TRANSFORMATION! For God’s Promises to be fulfilled. Continue to be in CONSTANT prayer for these people NOW and throughout this Mission!



PRAISE GOD



• For His Answered Prayer!



• For the Container which arrived safely. PLEASE CONTINUE TO BE IN PRAYER FOR ITS RELEASE!!!



• For the additional donation of funds designated to the purchase of Bibles. This special gift will enable us to purchase approximately 200 Bibles! Thank you for your very generous giving.



• For the Senders – all God’s people who have given and continue to give generously to this Mission. THANK YOU for your support – you have been a huge source of encouragement to us! (2 Cor. 9:6-15)



AGAIN: SPECIAL THANKS FOR THE TREMENDOUS RESPONSE AND OUTPOURING OF LOVE IN THE MISSIONS OFFERING ON SUNDAY!



MARK YOUR CALENDARS!


Tuesday, November 29th – CREW LEAVES FOR TRINIDAD!


(Begin praying for traveling mercies)

** Additional Note:
The 40-Day Crew Fast will end on November 28th. On November 29th, day of departure, a new Fast will begin to COVER the Crew throughout the week. Anyone wishing and able to commit to this Fast, please contact Max or Meghan Geisler. A time slot will be assigned to you. THANK YOU!

“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this and He answered our prayer”. (Ezra 8:23).

Harvest Time Church
Fall Missions Trip 2005
29 Nov-6 Dec
Isaiah 58: 6-14

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

This week and this weekend at Harvest Time





Wednesday, November 23rd

7:30 pm: Thanksgiving Eve Service


Thursday, November 24th - Happy Thanksgiving!


Friday, November 24th
Church Office will be closed


Sunday, November 27th
8:30 am: Worship Service (KinderChurch & Nursery)
10:00 am: Sunday School for all ages, Intercessory Prayer
11:00 am: Worship Service (KinderChurch & Nursery)
11:30 am: Children’s Church
4:00 pm: Iglesia Hispana


Note: Please continue to pray for Trinidad!
The Trinidad team is departing Tuesday on their trip. Let's hold them up in prayer!

Thanking the Author of everything good

We thought we would share with you the Thanksgiving Proclamation of our first President, and please take note of the language. Whatever arguments people may throw out to say that Washington was a Deist more than a Biblical Christian, the references to Providence, national trangressions, etc. are telling.


General Thanksgiving
By the PRESIDENT of the United States Of America
A PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLICK THANSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed;-- for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish Constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;-- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;-- and, in general, for all the great and various favours which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions;-- to enable us all, whether in publick or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us); and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New-York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.

(signed) G. Washington

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

Commissioning Missionaries and Bloggers

Our missions trip to Trinidad, "Mission Possible: Transforming Trinidad," is nearly here and during Sunday's services, we followed a long-standing tradition of covering the team in prayer. On Commission Sunday, the team of nearly 40 people were called to the front of the sanctuary and presented to Harvest Time as our missionaries to Trinidad. What followed during both services was an amazing time of prayer for the team, the trip, the Trinidadians, and an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.



The missions team heading to Trinidad Nov. 29-Dec. 6.

Team members are prayed for on Commission Sunday.

Although it's only a small group that will be heading south to Trinidad, technology--and this blog--are allowing us to follow along, and hear and see nearly instantaneously what's happening. The team will be sending messages and pictures back with stories, testimonies, descriptions of people they're meeting, descriptions of Trinidad and the places they're visiting, prophetic visions or words from the Lord, and more. In short, they'll be "transporting" Harvest Time to Trinidad.

And they'll also be checking in on the blog to hear what's happening back here at Harvest Time. So if you have a word of encouragement or a comment, I encourage you to submit a reply to their posts (by clicking on "comments" immediately below a post). And of course check in often to keep current with what's happening!

Friday, November 11, 2005

This Weekend at Harvest Time

Friday, November 11th
7:30 pm: Worship Service with Rev. Raymond Mooi
(Nursery will be provided)

Sunday, November 13th
8:30 am: Worship Service (KinderChurch & Nursery)
10:00 am: Sunday School for all ages, Intercessory Prayer
11:00 am: Worship Service (KinderChurch & Nursery)
11:30 am: Children’s Church

7:00 pm: Joint Worship Service with Jan Nel
(Service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 471 Mansfield Avenue, Darien. Click here for directions to St. Paul's.)

Note: Trinidad Donations
Vitamins are needed for Trinidad. The Trinidad team is collecting donations of vitamins, especially children’s chewables for the up coming missions trip. FYI: Costco, Sam's Club, BJ's have extra large bottles. Please have all donations in by Thanksgiving Weekend. Thank-you for your generous giving!

Friday, November 04, 2005

Harvest Time goes Country at Hoedown!







Here in the NY metro area we're not exactly sure what "hoedowns" are, but whatever they are, they're a lot of fun, as was proven this past Sunday night. Our celebration of the Lord's goodness in the harvest was a treat for young and old alike. Costumes were extra-cute, and there was a guest appearance by a real live tractor driver!



A great big thanks! to all those who helped make the Hoedown such a success, including our youth group who set up and all you trunkers. Special thanks to Diane Fox who coordinated the evening and our illustrious MC, Pastor Chris.


Thursday, November 03, 2005

Pastor Raymond Mooi returns to Harvest Time

Harvest Time Church will be hosting a Worship Service on Friday, November 11th at 7:30 pm featuring special guest speaker, Pastor Raymond Mooi. Over the past 20 years, Pastor Mooi has ministered extensively in Southeast Asia. His healing crusades in the countries of Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, and India have been marked by dramatic healings and miracles, with as many as one million people attending a single service. In addition, his weekly television broadcast is seen by millions of people on five continents.

He has preached the Gospel to the Muslim populations of the Philippines and Indonesia, and has recently received supernatural favor to minister in the “closed” countries of Myanmar and Mainland China.
In a recent crusade hundreds came forward to give their hearts to Jesus as Savior and Lord in an environment where the church auditorium needs to be hidden behind a façade that looks anything but a church, lest it be destroyed. A Moslem woman could no longer find the tumor the size of a tennis ball in her stomach. Many other Moslems experienced healing miracles from crippling conditions, vision and hearing impairments. The pastors said that they have never seen a single Moslem enter that building ever before much less so many getting saved. Glory be to God.

With his passion for the Gospel and anointing for healing, you will not want to miss Raymond’s ministry next Friday evening!

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

Youth Reach New Heights!














Weekend Retreat Offers "God moments"
By Pastor Chris

Youth retreat was a screaming success. We arrived at Beaver Camp in Lowville , NY around on Oct. 21. I was expecting my speaker, Noel Rosa, to arrive around from his flight from Florida into Syracuse . After dinner I still hadn’t heard from Noel. There was no cell reception in the mountains there so I had to track down an actual land line phone. After several attempts, I finally discovered that because of hurricane Wilma, southern Florida was being evacuated. Noel had been trapped on the interstate for almost two hours and ended up missing his flight to Syracuse by two minutes.


Noel was then re-routed to JFK airport and then had to rent a car and take a five hour drive to meet us. At around I discovered he was only in Albany , still three hours away. With that, I determined that he was not going to make it for our first service. I called on Matt Crozier, Erica Calderon and Melissa Vogel to step up and lead us in a few worship songs.

I shared a brief devotional and then let the worship team go again. Upon the first note, the flood gates of Heaven opened wide. The Holy Spirit fell on us like a flood and we were ushered into the presence of God. The teen’s response to the moving of the Holy Spirit was overwhelming to me. I sat in almost disbelief as the guys quickly made a huddle and began praying over each other. The ladies were quick to follow and also made a circle to pray. Then without instruction, they simultaneously broke out and began encouraging each other with words of prophecy and exhortation. One young lady felt led to stand behind the microphone and make a public apology to the entire group for her attitude over the past few weeks.

We continued in the flow of worship for nearly three hours. Then as each student felt led, they slowly began to quietly migrate around the open fire pit in the middle of the pavilion. It was such a God moment. They just hung around the fire together in such a reverence for the Holy Spirit. Once that time was over I gave closing instructions for the evening. Just as I had dismissed the youth, Noel walked into the room. I am not sure, but I truly feel like that was a God orchestrated evening. Never in all of my years of youth pastoring have I experienced such a unified move of the Holy Spirit in one setting. It was AWESOME in the true sense of the word.

The next day was filled with so much fun and so many life lessons. We began the day splitting into four groups. Each group then had to overcome several obstacles on the ground. These were designed to promote team unity, determination, goal setting, problem solving, trust and faith. The youth had such a great time. We could have done those all day long.




After lunch, we returned to the woods, but this time our attention was turned upwards as we began to scale trees. The teens conquered a 30-foot pamper pole, climbing to the top and jumping out to a trapeze that was 8 feet in front of them. Others climbed a 40-foot tower, were strapped into a swing and were released from the top. Still others went across cables 35-40 foot in the air from tree to tree. It was so much fun.

That evening, Noel performed a mini-concert for the youth with his guitar. He then shared a powerful word about what lies in the abundance of our hearts. The students responded overwhelmingly. The next morning as we prepared to leave we were awakened by a brisk snow fall. It was beautiful.

I have to say, this trip was by far the greatest trip I have ever had with teenagers. God was with us the entire way. I cannot wait until next year’s youth retreat. Thank you all for your love and support to our students. Trust me, they recognize when they are being backed by the adults and leadership of Harvest Time.

In His Grip,
PC