http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php Copyright 2012, Mark Jappe Mark Jappe en-US SPHPBLOG 0.5.1 http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry120504-121851 Golf is truly a sport that teaches about life. It’s always better when you hit the ball straight down the fairway, avoiding the sand traps, water hazards and especially hitting out of bounds. Golf demands integrity; it is one of the only sports where you keep your own score. Golf requires patience, teaches rhythm and timing, and a tournament can lead to real camaraderie because you play in a foursome together.
Well, it is that time of year again when we play golf with a purpose: to raise support for our Gateway youth who are returning to Salt Lake City, Utah on mission with World Changers. World Changers give our teens opportunities to minister to people in need through tangible ways. In the past our youth and adult counselors have replaced roofs, painted houses, built handicap ramps and participated in various other odd jobs, improving the lives of those who are less fortunate. As volunteers give of their time, talent, resources, and work, they discover that good deeds produce good will that gives an opportunity to share the Good News. Pick up a Gateway Church Golf Tournament brochure at our Welcome Counter and connect with Robin or Pattie Williams. They will be happy to assist you. The event is open to both men and women and this year it is on Sunday afternoon, May 20th.

This Sunday, we will be baptizing people at 8:30AM and 10:00AM. It is a joyful celebration when someone makes his or her commitment to Christ public, and the New Testament way of doing this is baptism. Come rejoice with them about their decision! Pastor Sam Williams will be continuing in his excellent message series on Quitting Is Not An Option, the study through 2 Timothy. Tomorrow, ladies of all ages will be gathering in our church auditorium for a Springtime Brunch to hear the inspiring testimony of a young woman named Katherine Wolf. Read her amazing story here. She and her husband Jay recently received the Courage Award from Casa Colina Rehabilitation Center. View a recent CBS News interview about Katherine and Jay's journey here.

My prayer is that all of us find our part in the Body of Christ, and experience the joy of serving Him, as I know we will on the golf course together. What a fun way to raise funds. By the way, hit it straight!

In Christ,
Pastor Mark
]]> http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry120504-121851 Mark Jappe Fri, 04 May 2012 19:18:51 GMT http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/comments.php?y=12&m=05&entry=entry120504-121851 http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry120426-204120 point to Jesus, not to draw attention. Reading for a long period of time has always been a challenge for me, but I began to feel my eyelids growing heavier as their elasticity gave way to age and gravity. So I decided to have elective surgery to remove a portion of skin from my upper eyelids, my first operation outside of some dental work to remove wisdom teeth. When I arrived at the surgical area last Tuesday morning, everything was set; the bill had been paid, the prep work had been done, and the doctor was ready. He and his capable staff made sure I was comfortable and then secured my arms so I would not interfere with his skillful hands. And just for a moment, anxiety flooded over me. My mind formed the words, “Nope, I’m done... I’m out of here… Just keep the money… I’m not going to do this!” What was I thinking? The day before I had run three miles at the gym, and soon I’d be down for a week at home, convalescing in my pajamas. But instead of shouting out like a coward, I prayed to the Lord. “All right God, teach me something in this moment; I would like a word from You.”

The first thought I had was about how others may have anxiety before surgery, and now I had walked a mile in their shoes. It’s not easy to be in a patient gown, completely vulnerable in the care of someone else. In the future when I make a hospital visit to pray, I believe I can have a better understanding of the apprehensions people may experience.

The Lord also brought to mind a vision of the cross. There with my arms spread out and my feet down, I remembered Jesus being fastened not to a bed, but to a cross with people caring not for how little pain they could give, but seeing how much affliction and abuse they could deliver. My Savior Jesus, what You have suffered for us! Completely vulnerable, completely helpless: the God of the universe limiting Himself by being born a baby, absolutely, by working as a carpenter, sure, but by dying on the cross for our sins, unimaginable! Thank you God, for Who You are and all You do on our behalf.

And by the way, my surgery was a success. Though I look like the boxer Rocky going the distance with Apollo Creed, it’s only temporary. The sutures will not be removed until Tuesday, but already I have been reading and studying. I’ll be fine. And hopefully, I will be a better pastor with a greater sensitivity and empathy toward others when their anxious, vulnerable moments come.

In Christ,
Pastor Mark
Announcing…..
NEW: Mark Gungor Video Series for Gateway’s
GROWING FAMILIES
“Laugh Your Way To A Better Marriage”
Sunday Mornings * 9-9:50am * Bistro
Starts NEXT Sunday May 6 * 7-week series
Low-key, no homework, no commitment study.
We’ll just watch the video & talk about it afterwards.
Facilitators: Sarah & Daniel Reed
at 619.303.2873 or dan3_1718@hotmail.com.
Childcare provided by Children’s Ministry
(CLICK HERE to watch the video for just a snippet... ...he is SOO funny!)
]]> http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry120426-204120 Mark Jappe Fri, 27 Apr 2012 03:41:20 GMT http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/comments.php?y=12&m=04&entry=entry120426-204120 http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry120419-153353
I absolutely love children! This week Janet and I have been visiting our two grandkids in Florida, and spending time with them has been delightful. Being a grandparent is a privilege and experience I would hope for everyone, but for some that’s simply not going to happen. On Wednesday when I picked up the USA Today newspaper, there was a front-page story about a 26 year-old conflict in the center of Africa highlighted by the creative work of Jason Russell of Invisible Children, Inc. He produced a recent video now seen by well over 100 million people worldwide. Jason and his staff have been working tirelessly to make as many people as possible aware of the African warlord Joseph Kony. They are exposing the horrific crimes he has committed against innocent children, and they are engaging the global community to do something about it. Abuse of children anywhere affects people everywhere. Click here to see how leaders of countries are getting involved.

Injustice angers me, and I know it angers God. In Scripture, Jesus gives a warning to individuals that would harm little ones.
In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 18:3-6 He says, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
I know that tensions in the African continent are complex, but I believe Jason and Invisible Children, Inc. need our prayer in undertaking this God-sized task. And the children and victims of war torn Africa need our intercession as well. Ask God for His wisdom and divine intervention.

I am so glad people at Gateway have helped build a school in Ghana, assisted the disabled of Nigeria, supported churches and a school in Tanzania, and donated toward Christian work in Uganda, Mali, Senegal, Kenya, the Congo and Swaziland. May God work through all of us so that the next generation of African children will have a life free of fear and filled with opportunity, just like my grandchildren live here in the USA. Pray, give and / or go and let’s all make a difference together.
]]> http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry120419-153353 Mark Jappe Thu, 19 Apr 2012 22:33:53 GMT http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/comments.php?y=12&m=04&entry=entry120419-153353 http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry120414-145759 San Diego Padres, you'll see for a fact that no one is hitting well, and that means in the end our beloved Friars will win fewer baseball games. The batting average for many of the team’s players isn't equal to their weight, and if on another team, this measuring point would mean getting benched. But in the Padres a low batting average still keeps hitters in the heart of the lineup.
Now, I know that the Lord loves numbers; He even had Moses write a book with that title! Moses went around numbering almost everything; people going in the land, people staying in the land, etc. It is one of the books that I read every year, but I quicken the pace when I get to the genealogies because names and numbers don't tell the entire story. For Easter last Sunday, Gateway’s attendance was the largest in numbers that we have ever had. The 8:30 service reached 177, 10:00 service had over 330, and in our newest service at 11:30, we had 150 people attend. Wow! The Body Church that we sponsor in Southeast San Diego topped 100 people for the first time at their Easter gathering, and the Spanish-speaking congregations who gather at Gateway had over 200 people come to their services. These numbers are an indication that God is blessing our fellowship; God loves people, and people count!

There are many reasons to keep coming back to Gateway, too!
This Sunday is the first day of Pastor Sam William’s new message series, Quitting Is Not An Option: Finishing Well In Your Walk With Christ. Click here to read more about this great topic.

Join us this Sunday for the Gateway Spring Picnic at Big Rock Park in Santee [8125 Arlette Street, 92071] from 1PM-4:30PM.
Come one – come all – join us at the Park! We’ll have a FUN afternoon together…a great “Family” time…an event for ALL AGES! Bring family and friends. There will be games and prizes and a potluck picnic lunch [sign up at the Welcome Counter]. Since church is so much more than just a crowd, this is a great way to meet new people and enjoy a time of fellowship. Plan to meet someone new so you can put a name with a face! Let us not just grow big at Gateway Church, but stronger together so that we can be a blessing to not only ourselves, but as we minister in the name of Jesus across the street and around the world. And to the Padres, somebody get a hit!
]]> http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry120414-145759 Mark Jappe Sat, 14 Apr 2012 21:57:59 GMT http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/comments.php?y=12&m=04&entry=entry120414-145759 http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry120403-233325
Approximately 70% of the earth’s surface is covered by water, and here in San Diego we are blessed to have one of the most beautiful and functional harbors in the world. That’s why the United States government chose our area to house one of the Navy’s largest bases. At Gateway, we have been blessed to have many active and retired service members in our fellowship. One young man, with the distinction of being the youngest captain in the Navy, invited Janet and me to board his vessel to celebrate family day along with his lovely wife and children. We left at the crack of dawn and arrived at the pier, eager to board the ship and observe the captain and crew in action. What a unique opportunity! With the guidance of a tugboat, we began our journey to the open sea and sailed under the Coronado Bridge, enjoying the view of San Diego’s beautiful city skyline. We were told to be on the lookout for dolphins or maybe a whale, so our eyes searched the horizon for signs of the graceful and majestic mammals. Though the whales were a no show, the dolphins appeared, numbering in the hundreds and jumping past the ship in search of fish.

As we continued to sail, we took a tour of the vessel and watched the crew going about their duties as they prepared to exhibit their various capabilities. The ship we were aboard is a minesweeper whose main job is to keep water passageways clear of threats and potential harm. We observed the men deploy a remote controlled and unmanned mini-submarine designed to search the ocean floor for dangerous mines that need to be disarmed or destroyed. We also observed a sailor demonstrate how a rescue takes place when there is a “man overboard,” and Janet and I had the opportunity of donning flak jackets and firing a 50-caliber machine gun off the bow. It was exciting!
Participating in family day on the minesweeper was a thrill, but now the demonstrations are over and the real work begins, as these men will be deployed to test their skills and courage where it really matters. They leave behind loved ones for dangerous areas and unknown threats, but they do it to make the world a safer place to live. Let us be faithful in praying for them. I praise God for people like this captain and crew who are willing to put themselves in harm’s way for the protection of others. Their sacrifice reminds me of what Christ has done for us. Moments before His death, Jesus prayed for His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane and He protected them when He told the Roman soldiers that He was the one whom they were seeking. And then, Jesus delivers Himself as the once and for all sacrifice for our sin, showing such mercy even in His dying moments, that He asks His father to forgive those who had tortured Him and nailed Him to the cross.

The story of Christ’s death and resurrection will be re-told in four special services this weekend at Gateway. There is a Good Friday service, 6:00 PM in Gateway’s auditorium on Friday evening, April 6th and on Sunday morning, we have three services: 8:30, 10:00 and 11:30. The preparation has been done, and now the celebration of Christ’s atoning death and victorious resurrection await us this Easter weekend, a glorious event remembered by Christians in all parts of the world and in our hearts for sure. Praise God for His amazing grace!
Click here to find out more information about all the events at Gateway this weekend and beyond! Don’t miss out!
]]> http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry120403-233325 Mark Jappe Wed, 04 Apr 2012 06:33:25 GMT http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/comments.php?y=12&m=04&entry=entry120403-233325 http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry120322-200935 Vincent Jackson is no longer a Charger but will now play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Free agent Eddie Royal, graduate of Virginia Tech (Janet’s alma mater) and former Denver Bronco, will now be wearing the Bolts jersey as a slot receiver and punt returner. But the real craziness just happened in Denver where fine young quarterback Tim Tebow spent last year taking the Broncos from a 1-5 losing streak to winning a playoff victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. During his time in Denver, Tim was absolutely true to his Christian convictions. How is he rewarded for his record? He is traded to the NY Jets to play backup quarterback, all because the Denver management picked up free agent quarterback, Payton Manning. Wow, that’s just the way it goes!

In church, there is also an unwritten rule that those in ministry never tamper with people outside their congregation who are lovingly satisfied with the church they are attending. However for many different reasons, people do choose to leave a church they were attending and go somewhere else to worship; in essence, they become free agents. Our doors are wide open to anyone wanting to make Gateway Church their home. Our major emphasis has always been to reach the lost, people who need a connection with God. That is why in the past we’ve brought in artists, musicians, comedians and local television personalities to draw a crowd and present the Gospel. Reaching past our church walls to those estranged from Him is why we have put so much effort into handouts, promotions, and past radio programs. These can be vehicles to reach those who have been discouraged and have dropped out of church altogether. Gateway can be a happy home for people looking to find a new team and affiliation. May our hearts be open to the new free agents God would place on this family team.
]]> http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry120322-200935 Mark Jappe Fri, 23 Mar 2012 03:09:35 GMT http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/comments.php?y=12&m=03&entry=entry120322-200935 http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry120308-150439
Dear Friends,

Just about every aspect of our life includes steel. This alloy of iron and carbon is widely used in building structures, transportation, construction materials, appliances and tools. And unlike gold, silver or copper, steel is made, not found. Its manufacturing process of transformation involves high temperatures, molding and reprocessing to create the steel for specific uses.
In today’s culture, people speak of searching for a soul mate, that special someone who will complete their life like a perfect fit. But just like steel, soul mates are made, not found. Marriage is a relationship meant for life, and life brings challenges. Just like steel, the tensile strength of a good marriage can be improved by the blast furnace of life. As a pastor, I have the privilege of officiating at weddings, and so often the couples with whom I counsel are starry eyed and hopeful that their lives will have very little trouble. They’re really preferring to get married for “good, better, best”, not “for better or for worse.” I try to let couples know that it is just as important, if not more crucial to be there for one another during difficult times, as it is when life brings celebration.
In my message series, Breaking Free, we are reading passages from the book of Exodus where God is establishing a relationship with the people of Israel. In their wilderness experience, they discover what God expects of them, and they are reluctant to follow in obedience. Their life got harder before it became better, but those who accepted God’s challenge reaped the benefits, and God sent Jesus Christ, His only Son to be the Savior of the world.
The Apostle Paul paints the picture of our relationship with Christ like a marriage, as He loved the church enough to die for her. Here is what Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:25-27 “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.”
The church is far from perfect, but I am so glad that Christ went the distance and is still using us! Come to Gateway this Sunday and worship with us. Hear what God is doing, and let Him pound some tensile strength into your life and transform it for the better!
In Christ,
Pastor Mark]]> http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry120308-150439 Mark Jappe Thu, 08 Mar 2012 23:04:39 GMT http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/comments.php?y=12&m=03&entry=entry120308-150439 http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry120225-131021
Dear Friends,

During my first year as a pastor, I was 26 years old and had no idea how to conduct a funeral. When the first person in my Borrego Springs Baptist Church congregation passed away, I was so young, church members suggested an older minster could come alongside to assist me. That advice was a huge blessing. I studied all week for the memorial message, and found great counsel from a classic book now out of print called, Gospel for the Graveside written by Paul Powell. He mentioned all the major references useful for comforting people in their loss and encouraging the living to continue on. You will recognize these familiar passages which include the 23rd Psalm, John 11, John 14, 1 Corinthians 15,
1 Thessalonians 4, and Job 1 for the death of a child. Paul, in 2 Corinthians 1:3,4, puts it all this way, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” Knowing this important truth has been pivotal for me, and over the years, Janet and I have given some of our best efforts to minister to those who grieving. I was told years ago that I would be speaking for more lost souls at funerals than during the rest of my pastorate. This has borne out to be absolutely the case. When a bereaved friend is hurting, many people come to pay their respects, and their spiritual condition is open and reflective because at that single moment, death seems so real. My hope is not only to evangelize the lost, but also to comfort those who are mourning. The pain of separation from a loved one is real and often lasting, and the death of friends is cumulative, seeming like one after another. Even though we understand it cognitively, we are often not ready emotionally. How often do you hear someone explain that even the passing of a 90-year-old person was so sudden? In our fellowship here at Gateway, I know of no better group of men and women who lovingly assist following a memorial service by providing a meal that helps to bring healing at an important time. Our church family is willing to go out of its way to serve, and that is as it should be. If a church is going to be good at something, it is important to be helpful to those who are grieving. I am thankful for each and every one of you! May Gateway be known as a body of believers that weeps with those who weep, just as we rejoice with those who rejoice. That’s a church I want to be a part of; that’s a church we are a part of, and may it continue. So for those in our midst, who have suffered recent loss, hang on to the fact, the truth, and the promise that God is the God of all comfort and He will comfort you, and all of us in turn, can comfort others. Let us keep fighting the good fight, keep the faith, and run the race until God calls us home.

Two Important Notices:
Tomorrow I continue in the message series Breaking Free, “Finding Out That Flesh Will Fail,” and we will observe The Lord’s Supper. Also, the new carpet has been installed, so those who are especially sensitive to toxic elements need to exercise caution.

In Christ,
Pastor Mark]]> http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry120225-131021 Mark Jappe Sat, 25 Feb 2012 21:10:21 GMT http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/comments.php?y=12&m=02&entry=entry120225-131021 http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry120217-131141
Dear Friends,

Have you ever heard the phrase, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Well, I guess I am not an old dog….yet. It has been thirty years since I’ve been able to hear a message series delivered by someone else and focus on what God was telling me. For three decades now, I’ve been processing sermons, books, and tapes, primarily to share with others, but Pastor Sam’s recent, insightful and inspiring challenges touched my own heart. If you want to hear any of his past messages, click here. The compelling theme of Growing Strong was right up my physical education major alley. It is incredible to know that we can grow stronger in the Lord, even though we grow physically weaker and mentally less capable. It was encouraging to hear again that we can continue to grow spiritually and be more like Christ even as we age. That’s huge! In applying this, I decided to take two new steps closer to God and my lovely wife. Here’s how. The kitchen in our home has been somewhat of a demilitarized zone where the two of us have had to call for a cease-fire. After several attempts in our young marriage to work together in the kitchen, we simply went to our opposite corners. This system has been in place for years. I’ve let Janet do her thing, and if I was cooking, I did mine. Last Thursday when we had guests for dinner and Janet was preparing the meal, I said to her, “I will back you up in the kitchen and do whatever you want me to do and how you want it done.” She was stunned, but so grateful. We also have dealt with little skirmishes over the dishwasher, but now I’ve decided to unilaterally disarm and spend the remaining years of our marriage loading it the way that pleases her. WOW, is that growth? It is for me! Stubborn tenacity can be a great virtue in a cross-country runner, construction worker or even a pastor, but it can wound your partner in marriage. Jan and I already see that growing closer to Christ for both of us has drawn us even closer together.

So now let’s press on as we encourage each other to take seriously the messages that will lead up to Easter. On Sunday I will launch the new message series, Breaking Free. Click here to find out more. I hope to see you at Gateway. Let’s break free from all the junk that holds us back. Be open to God’s Word and His Spirit; He longs to change our lives for the better!

In Christ,
Pastor Mark
]]> http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry120217-131141 Mark Jappe Fri, 17 Feb 2012 21:11:41 GMT http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/comments.php?y=12&m=02&entry=entry120217-131141 http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry120207-172840
Dear Friends

Two weeks ago I posted a story about a brave, young lady in India who had two teeth extracted. How I wish I could tell you that every outcome for the dental patients we serviced during our ministry trip to India was successful and ended happily, but that’s just not the case. One older man in particular stands out in my memory. He was the father of one of the pastors who was attending the growth conference we were holding there in Agra. To be sure, the pastor’s father needed dental work. Three of his front teeth were missing, and a fourth tooth was hanging by a thread. It reminded me of the stage when my children were loosing baby teeth. My kids would wiggle them back and forth, but with my offer to help they would say, “No Dad, no Dad, not yet.”

After giving the patient a cursory exam, Dr. Paul Velton explained what could be done. Since the tooth was no longer functional for chewing, he would extract it, take an impression of the man’s teeth, send it to a first rate dental lab in America that would custom design the dentures and send them back to India. The man’s bite and smile would be completely restored. The value of this procedure in India’s economy, we explained, would be half a year’s wage, and it was all for free. Yet, the man felt he had a better plan: “Let me keep my loose tooth, and just give me three new ones.” Dr. Velton looked at me incredulously. The man’s idea was not an option, because the gooey material used to make the dental impression would pull out the loose tooth during the process. At this news, in an instant the man sprung out of the exam chair and left the room, not happy with Dr. Velton’s proposed course of action. I was stunned. How could someone turn down a whole new smile? Most likely this man would never have an opportunity like this again. So as the good dentist started on another patient, Pastor Bala and I attempted to repeat the benefits and blessings that were being offered, but there was a step of faith this dental patient was simply not willing to take.

On the last day of the dental clinic, the pastor’s father returned, plopped down in the exam chair and proclaimed he wanted only three new teeth, not four. Paul and I were stunned. Wasn’t anyone able to tell him his choice was not an item on the menu? Again, the man refused Dr. Velton’s offer, got up and left.

In my next message series, “Breaking Free” we will look at the painful choices and dilemmas we as people face all the time. Are we going to cling to what we know, or are we going to take a step of trust and faith and allow God to change our lives? To break free means to come out of bondage and move into a Promised Land experience. God took His people, the Israelites, through twists and turns, highs and lows, the plagues and perils of Egypt, moving them from slavery into Canaan, the land described as flowing with milk and honey. On Sunday, February 19th and through the next couple of months leading up to Easter, let's learn how to break out of the slavery we find ourselves in, and learn how to live free in Jesus.

If you have a friend or loved one who struggles with addictions, stubbornness, co-dependency, pride and the like, compel them to come with you to Gateway. Give them an opportunity to trust God so He can remove the ugliness, brokenness and decay from their life, giving them a new start. Some will stubbornly cling to what they know and will not take advantage of what the Lord has to offer, like the man from India who turned down a brand new smile. But others will accept God’s changing power and begin to experience real freedom and blessing. Now that’s something to smile about!


Come this Sunday for Pastor Sam’s final message in the series “Growing Strong.” This time he will help us focus on growing spiritually strong though the stages of life.

I hope to see you at Gateway Church!

In Christ,
Pastor Mark
]]> http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/index.php?entry=entry120207-172840 Mark Jappe Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:28:40 GMT http://www.sharethejoytoday.com/comments.php?y=12&m=02&entry=entry120207-172840