By Brian C.

As I reflect back on my time growing up at Evergreen SGV, one of the images that come to mind is our church logo. When I think about our logo, I tend to focus not on the three Evergreen trees, but rather on the roots that make up those trees – roots that are planted deep in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In Jeremiah 17:8, God promises that Israel “will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."  God has been so faithful to Evergreen SGV throughout my time here and I truly believe that He has planted us by a stream.  Like the woman at the well, may each and every single person that comes through our doors experience the living water that the Lord our God provides.  When I look back on my journey with the Lord at Evergreen SGV, I cannot help but give praise to Him.

My name is Brian, and I am currently one of the pastoral interns.  You may have already met or know some of my family members: Bob, Karen, Kevin, and Brenda.  One of the fondest memories I have as a child at Evergreen SGV was when I was baptized alongside my brother and sister at Rio Hondo College on June 4, 2000.  Pastor Ron baptized me, and I remember that I could barely lift my head above the water because I was still just a short, pudgy 7-year-old. Pastor Ron kept asking me, “Do you want to be carried?” But I kept on refusing because I wanted to be like a big kid even though I had to stay on my tiptoes the entire time. Funny story aside, my baptism was monumental in my life because it marked the beginning of my roots growing deeper and deeper in the Lord.

Through Evergreen SGV, God has nourished and strengthened my spiritual roots mainly through the lasting relationships I’ve formed here.  All throughout elementary school, junior high, and high school, there have been brothers and sisters who have come alongside me to propel me towards Christ.  Because of these relationships, God has molded me into the man that I am today. I have always considered this church as my home, even while I was away at college and also while I was away for a year serving overseas. My parents are currently abroad, and even though they’re far away, I feel like I have so many adopted parents here at church who are always checking up on me and asking how I am doing.  Growing up at Evergreen SGV has taught me that life with God is not an “I” relationship, but an “us” relationship.  Because of this, I now have a deeper understanding of what Christ prays for his disciples in John 17:20-23.

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”

Jesus Christ prays for his disciples to be one, just as He and the Father are one.  When we are one body, striving together to bring glory to our Father, the world will know that Jesus is Lord. In a time and era where there is so much division, let us strive to be one in Christ.  May Evergreen SGV continue to be planted by a stream, so that our roots may grow deeper together in order that Christ may be known!

Lies can lead us to ungodly beliefs. Lies also tend to cause separation.

Genesis 3:8, 24 says, “And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden… 24 So He drove the man out; and at the east of the garden of Eden He stationed the cherubim, and the flaming sword which turned every direction, to guard the way to the tree of life.”

Prior to their belief in the lie, Adam and Eve were in harmonious relationship with God and with one another. After they buy into the lie and sin, they hide from God. Later, in Genesis, we see the beginnings of human separation from one another and the strife, which results.

Lies can lead us to separate from friends and loved ones. Sometimes, they can cause a chasm so deep and so wide that friends and loved ones separate for a lifetime.

For example, an oldest child usually paves the way for their younger siblings. They often times experience more discipline and ground rules. As a result of these memories, they believe that their parents loved their younger brothers and sisters more than they loved them, when, in fact, their parents loved them in a very special way because they were their first-born. But because of the lie, they can be emotionally estranged from their parents.

One of the strategies of Satan is to separate and divide people from one another. During the time of temptations in the wilderness, the devil attempted to separate Jesus from His Father in heaven through lies and ungodly beliefs.

Jesus countered Satan’s attempts by using the truth of God’s Word against the lie. We should always remember that the best antidote against the lies of the enemy is the truth of God’s Word.

Are you separated from a loved one or loved ones? Is there a fracture in what should be an important relationship in your life?

If so, it could very well be that you have adopted a lie of Satan and are living as though an ungodly belief is the truth.

Go to the Word of God and prayer. Seek out Godly counsel. Ask the Lord to reveal truth to you so that you can be set free.

Something to think about…

Evergreen SGV Women’s Retreat | Oxnard, CA | October 20-22, 2017 | by Felicia Wong

Whatever your expectations for this weekend, they were likely met. Whether young or mature, new or long time SGV attendee; whether you wanted to meet people, deepen existing relationships, enjoy solitude, participate in creative workshops, or grow in faith, there was something for everyone. The Core team and other leaders did a fantastic job providing for our physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs! Many thanks to all who contributed to an outstanding retreat and especially Praise be to God.

Our esteemed speaker, Reine Ishida, lovingly wove in 40 years of experience as she shared what it meant to, and how we could, Embrace God’s Call. The message appealed on multiple levels and here is a glimpse:

“Embrace” - holding on tight; a close encounter. Therefore, to embrace God is to be whole-hearted, emotionally involved daily. It’s a choice. As Hebrews 11 states, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

A “call” from God is personal. It’s specific and He will initiate it. Embracing His call is how we love God.

“Funnels of God’s calls”. The Bible is filled with those whom God called. Starting with creation, the successive funnels represent the “popping out” of each new generation. After Christ came to save us from our sins, those who repent and follow Him will flow from the Believers funnel. Who’s next to flow or “pop out” of our funnel and be God’s seeds for the future?

“God started it and He will finish it.” He’s waiting.

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”(Revelation 3:20)

“Loving God compels us to love others”. Do we love others as ourselves? Do we love ourselves?

To illustrate these messages, Reine provided an overview of her years as senior pastor’s wife and how she responded to this call. For those of us who remember, it was nostalgic and poignant. For those not familiar with Evergreen’s past, it was a history lesson to understand and see God’s plan unfold. Reine’s closing session identified people at SGV whose embrace of God’s call are associated with ministries such as Prayer, the Well, Infants, Building, VBS, and MOPS/STEMS.

In addition to Reine, there were other powerful testimonies. Kathy Takayama and Stephanie (Yokoi) Chin shared how their lives became forever intertwined after Stephanie’s parents were killed in an auto accident when she was nine. Through the tragedy, God’s provision unfolded. They shared stories of how people supported them and examples of how God was working behind the scenes. One symbolic example of God’s faithfulness was manifested in “their funnel”: The Yokois served in the youth ministry; those whom they mentored reciprocated to Stephanie as her advisors; Stephanie poured into her advisor’s children as their youth advisor; and her advisor’s children will hopefully become Stephanie’s children’s advisors someday, etc.

In handing the reins to her successor, Reine asked Sharla Seto to share her journey of accepting God’s call as the senior pastor’s wife. Although we have heard Pastor Rocky’s story, Sharla’s perspective is equally important because Rocky could not answer what he felt was God’s call if Sharla did not also embrace it. Sharla shared how there were several people in her life that were key in her decision because God uses others to love/walk with us, just as He has called us to love/walk alongside others. 

During the open sharing time, someone asked, “What if Reine and Cory, or any of the other “pioneers” of our church, had not embraced God’s call? How would SGV look today? This question can actually be applied to any of us. What would the future be like if we don’t embrace God’s call? Have we embraced God’s call or determined what is He calling us to do yet? If we haven’t, we should not be afraid. The testimonies we heard definitely encourage and inspire us to find out. They remind us that Jesus IS faithful to complete what He calls us to do if we will embrace it.

By Judy Wang

As far back as I can remember, I have always loved reading books and watching movies. I remember the first time I watched the scene in E.T. where the children on bikes were lifted off the ground and soared over the police into the night sky. I was amazed and gasped in wonder as their silhouettes appeared against the backdrop of the full moon. Many years later, the story of Harry Potter and his magical adventures burst into the world and captured my imagination all over again. Who doesn’t love hearing an underdog story or epic tale? Whether it is about a lost alien and the lives he touches, or a young orphan who grows up to defeat the greatest dark wizard of his generation, Stories. Are. Powerful. They can move us, inspire us, teach us, and change us from the inside-out.

I first heard the complete story of Jesus in my freshman year of college. I learned that the Son of God came to us as a man, taught and healed many, died an unjust and horrendous death for my sins, and rose victoriously from the grave on the third day. By His sacrifice, I could now have a direct, personal, and intimate relationship with God. Since then, He has continually revealed more of His plans and purpose for my life so that He may be glorified. Whenever I came to Him humbled, desperate, and broken, I was blessed and encountered a different facet of God’s character and love each time.

Reflecting on my last three years, I would testify to His faithfulness as “El Emunah” -- The Faithful God (Deut 7:9). It was a time of transition, which is a common theme in the lives of young, single adults, and I experienced many changes that were beyond my control. Professionally, I had started working at my dream job with wonderful team members, but soon found myself reporting to a new manager that often criticized me harshly, belittled me publicly, and demanded unreasonable results without providing resources. I began dreading to go to work. Spiritually, I had reluctantly left my previous church because I was frustrated and stressed by the unwelcome advances of a male church member who, despite receiving admonishment from church leadership over several months; continued to romantically pursue the women in an overly-aggressive, persistent, and inappropriate way. And emotionally, while I was happy for my younger brother when he got married first, I also felt the fearful sting of being “old” and “undesirable,” and received more pressure from my parents to “fix” my situation and “force” a marital relationship. In the midst of these challenges, I felt hopeless, angry, and depressed; hated my circumstance, and questioned God’s love for me.

As I wrestled in prayer and read the Word, I uncovered false beliefs and conflicting expectations that I still held onto. I discovered hidden insecurities about myself as they bubbled to the surface. Did I believe that God is in complete control and sovereign in all areas and every detail of my life, even the difficult ones? Did I have faith that God is for me, and not against me? Did His promises apply to me or were they meant for everyone else, except me? Did I still believe that God is good and faithful, even when painful, unjust, or unwanted events occured? Was God’s love and His love alone truly enough to satisfy my needs and desires? Did I trust that His timing is perfect? And, was I willing to wait upon Him to deliver me, answer my questions, or simply walk with me through the trials?

During that time, I came to Evergreen SGV, started attending regularly, and plugged myself into the community. By faith, I gradually opened up my heart to strangers and new friends, which allowed God to prepare my heart for the lessons He taught me in that season. I realized the stories we tell ourselves about our spiritual journey reveal our understanding of who God is, how He feels about us, and who we believe we are before Him. We know that God loved His Son (Matt 3:17), that Jesus only did what He saw His Father do (Jn 5:19), that Jesus struggled in prayer before going to the cross (Luke 22:41-42), and that His death and sacrifice on the cross was considered foolishness by an unbelieving world (1 Cor 1:18). We also know that God’s ways are higher than our ways (Isa 55:8-9). And, although we may not yet see the “big picture” or fully understand the story God is writing, one thing I have learned for certain: Your story is important and relevant.

May you be encouraged and reminded that our God is a Faithful God, and not pass judgement too quickly on your current situation. As you start a new week, my prayer is that you may continue to fight the good fight, finish this race, and stay true to the course He has set before you (2 Tim 4:7). Because our God is the Master Storyteller, He has a story to tell, and it is the greatest story that has ever been told or ever will be told.

by Rickie Miyake

I decided to get new personalized plates with a Bible verse to go along with the recent new car purchase.

"What verse?" Julie asked.  "Mark 14:72."

When she asked me what that was about, I told her that's the verse in which the rooster crowed and reminded Peter of what Jesus had said to him earlier - before the rooster crowed, he would deny Jesus three times. This caused Peter to weep bitterly.

A puzzled frown. "Why'd you pick that? Why didn't you pick something more inspirational or upbeat?"

From the first time I read it and every time thereafter that verse has had a profound effect on me. One of feeling terrible sadness for Peter. Sure, he was impulsive and wouldn't be the first choice from among the twelve apostles to be a diplomat. But he loved Jesus. His words of devotion to the Lord were not empty; he meant it when he said he would never forsake Him. "Even if I must die with You, I will never deny You!" he emphatically declared. He defended Jesus with a sword when the soldiers came to take Him captive in the final hours.

But when push came to shove, when bystanders began associating Peter with Jesus, he cursed and swore. "I do not know this man you are talking about!"

Then the rooster crowed. The account in Luke says when this happened, Jesus turned and looked at Peter. What kind of look was it? An angry look? An 'I told you so' look? Or, being that the other disciples had taken flight, Et tu Brutus?

I believe it was a look of sorrow and compassion for Peter because Jesus knew what he was going through. He'd already told Peter this would happen. No look or words could have made Peter feel any better because he was devastated by his own words he had blurted out, despite having every good intent never to betray his Lord and master. The One Peter had correctly perceived to be the Christ.

Every time I read this I see myself in Peter. The apostle Paul wrote, "For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate." (Romans 7:15) How many times have I had the best of intentions? How many times have I said I am going to do this good thing but wind up doing that bad thing?

I definitely didn't choose a smiley Bible verse, did I? Everyone I've told so far had the same reaction as Julie - "Gee, that's kind of a downer, huh?" Yes, but...

Let's say I instead chose a sunny side up verse for the plate. I imagine if a curious person asked me to explain the it, a believer would say, "Amen, brother!" A non-believer would tell me to have a nice day. But to tell them what Mark 14:72 says might provoke further discussion, same as why everyone so far has asked what inspired me to choose that particular verse from the universe of verses.

The important part is the ending. Peter did betray Jesus that fateful night but the Lord didn't strike back in anger or condemn him. In fact, He said nothing. He didn't need to say anything because Peter's heart was broken over what he had done and he probably thought that as sorry as he was, there was nothing he could do to right the wrong.

Jesus gave Peter another chance, however. When He returned after being resurrected, Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. Three times he had denied Jesus but now three times he expressed his true heart to Him, feeling really hurt because of being asked not one, two, but three times the same question, with the same answer for all three. Didn't Jesus believe him the first two times? I'm sure Jesus did, but this was for Peter's edification, not His.

Imagine Peter's great joy when he found out Jesus was alive after having been crucified. And despite his hurt from being asked three times if he loved Him, imagine his joy and relief from healing their relationship!

Jesus came to earth to bring healing to an imperfect people who love a perfect God. Despite our best efforts at pleasing God, our imperfect selves wind up doing the things we do not wish to do. But thanks be to Jesus who took all of these things and bore them on the cross for our sake that we might have forgiveness and another chance. You, me, Peter, and everyone who asks in His name.

That's the story of why I chose Mark 14:72 for my new plates, and I'm sticking to it. It has a sunny ending.