Today’s newspaper headline reads “Baghdad Falls” (4/10). By the time you read this newsletter, some war analysts predict the 3-week War in Iraq may be over. With precision bombs and tactical forces, this may very well become the most efficient war in modern history. As the US-led coalition forces claim victory, we pray that violence ends and peace can begin.

        On March 23, the Sunday after the war began, we lit a single candle to burn in the sanctuary as the Candle for Peace. We announced that as long as the war continues, we would light this candle as a reminder that God’s light in Christ shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it (John 1:5). We prayed that God’s light would protect the US and coalition servicemen and women as they represent us on the battlefield. We prayed that God’s light would protect the countless Iraqi people caught under the tyranny of a repressive regime and the gone-astray missiles. And by lighting a candle in the sanctuary, we prayed that when the darkness of war comes in our lifetimes and everything that we knew how to save lives have been tried, we can still turn to God who lights up the world in Christ.

        A candle burning in the sanctuary led us to want to light a candle in our homes too. The streets, neighborhoods, towns, and cities where we live can also use some of God’s light. Now there are electric candles and battery-operated candles used at Christmas time turn on 24 hours a day in our windowsills. Some homes light a wax candle when friends come over. And in every home, the lighted candle serves as an opportunity for us to share with others that Christ shines in the darkness of our world especially when we are at war.

        We have kept our electric candle lit in our kitchen windowsill since March 23^rd. When I prepare my breakfast, I see the candle and am reminded to thank God for the rest that I have received and pray for the world at war. When I come home from work and the daylight is brighter than the candle, I can still barely see the lighted candle and know that in the din and busyness of life, we need to pray. And before I dead bolt the front door to sleep, I once again see the candle now brightly shining against the dark nighttime. I am reassured that God’s love for the world made known in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ will keep watch until we rise again.

        We pray for the day when we will blow off our candles because the war is over. But I hope that this simple act of lighting a candle for peace has taught us that Jesus Christ, “the true light, which lightens everyone, is in the world.” Now we are God’s people testifying to the light of Christ in the world too.

The persisting recession, the war in Iraq, and the SARS epidemic have made the early part of April threatening and depressing all over the world. But for Christians, we can face all kinds of trials and crises with the power of living hope. The Apostle Peter said, ’Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.’ (1 Peter 1:3) May the message of Easter brings hope to all mankind during this turmoil.

        We have started the 4^th cycle of Evangelism Explosion training at the beginning of April. We thank God that eight brothers and sisters from the Zion fellowship are receiving the training. They formed four teams. Sandy Chu has completed the teachers training course and became our third certified teacher. May the Lord help us to live an evangelistic lifestyle and to carry out Christ’s Great Commission.

        With a few other churches we are co-sponsoring the evangelistic  drama meetings on May 9 & 10, at 7 p.m., at Lowell High School. The drama is from the true story movie ‘One of the Lucky Ones’ which features how a blind girl received God’s grace and grew up in a difficult situation. This is a good opportunity to invite relatives and friends to share this testimony and the gospel with them. Tickets are available at the church office. Please pray for this event.

        We have invited Rev. Johnny Wong to preach on the Mother’s Day (5/11). The children Sunday School and the Hand Bell Choir will offer anthems in the service. Rev. Wong will also talk about ‘The Joy & Difficulties of Women in Serving’ at the Christian Circle fellowship at 4 p.m.

May 18 is Youth Sunday. The Zion & FLY fellowships will lead the worship service on that day. They will also introduce their ministries. There will be a Social Action Fair at the sidewalk, at 12:30-1:30 p.m. We have invited some social service agencies to come and introduce their services and volunteer opportunities. We are also co-sponsoring the Asian American Donor Program community donor drive from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the recreation center next door, so that we and the community can register in the blood record. Please participate in this social concern and life saving action.

The China Swatow Christian church delegates will visit the American Baptist Churches headquarter and churches in May. They will also come to visit the Bay Area churches. We have invited one of the pastors to preach on May 25. We hope to enhance the communication and fellowship in Christ with the churches in China.

“All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.”  1 Peter 1:24-25

        In the midst of all the troubling things in the world today: the conflict in Iraq, the SARS epidemic, the economic situation, we can be sure of one thing that will never fall – the word of God.  And in the word of God is revealed to us the living and breathing Word made flesh, Jesus Christ!  Praise be to God for his wonderful promises to us and the hope and assurance there is a divine purpose and plan for our days here and a heavenly hope to look forward to, in order to persevere through these days.  May the strength of God and the spirit of endurance be with you!

        This month I’d like to highlight our Young Adult Ministry.  Xplorers is the English speaking young adult fellowship at FCBC and they have been meeting for over two years.  This year the young adult ministry is being given new spark by the addition of Kenneth Tom as our Young Adult Ministry Coordinator.  Ken’s job is to communicate with the young adults, evaluate their needs and desires, and bring together people who have the vision to see those needs and desires met.  Xplorers meets every 3^rd Saturday of the month.  If you are a young adult or know a young adult please have them contact Ken Tom or myself to find out more about Xplorers!

        On Saturday May 17^th, I will be graduating from ABSW with a Master of Divinity!  It has been a long road and I’m thankful for your support and encouragement through these years.  I’d like to give an open invitation to all of the church family at FCBC to attend commencement at Allen Temple in Oakland at 2:00 pm.  If you need more information, please contact me or Pastor Don.  Thank you!

        CE Events in May…May 3^rd Senior Adult Bus Trip…May 4^th Open Play Volleyball YMCA 12:30 pm…May 4^th CE Board Meeting 2:00 pm…May 10^th Day Camp Training…May 17^th Xplorers Event…May 17^th ABSW Graduation – ALL ARE INVITED! 2:00 pm Allen Temple Oakland…May 18^th Youth Sunday…May 24^th Day Camp Training…May 25^th FCBC Basketball Rally 2:00 pm Sanctuary…

On Saturday, August 9, 12:00 noon to 10:00 PM, you are invited to attend the reunion of former residents, their families, and friends of the Chung Mei Home for Boys and the Ming Quong Home for Girls. Dr. Charles R. Shepherd, an American Baptist minister who served our church from 19—19—saw a need for a home for orphaned and half-orphaned boys. Supported by Baptists including our church, Chung Mei was founded in 1923 in Berkeley. In 1934, the home was relocated to El Cerrito. By the time it closed in 1954, more than 800 Chinese boys ages 5-18 passed through Chung Mei Home. By the way, Shepherd Lodge at Redwood Glen is named after Dr. Shepherd. The Ming Quong Home was a Presbyterian mission. The reunion will be at the Windrush School, the former site of the Chung Mei Home, 1800 Elm Street (at Hill St.) in El Cerrito. To register contact Lynette Choy Gin at 650-593-0803 or 650-703-1009.

Our 2003 Annual Theme helps us to focus on the importance of Bible Study and Social Action in our Christian discipleship. When we believe God’s word that it delights our hearts, our lives want to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. Sometimes living out our faith in our daily lives is one of the toughest things in being a Christian. For this year, we have planned a number of opportunities for you to focus on Christian Social Action.

        *Social Action Fair

        Many social service agencies have been invited to set up information displays in front of our church on Sunday, May 18, after morning worship. Come to learn more about these programs and consider becoming more involve in Christian service. One group is the Asian American Donor Program that will be recruiting donors for bone marrow transplants. There is a great need to find compatible donors for Asian American patients who desperately need this procedure for survival.

        *All-Church Retreat

        The annual retreat on July 11-13 at Redwood Glen Baptist Camp will focus on the theme of Social Action. Plans are underway to recruit Bible study leaders and resource persons. We will once again have two-tracks of theme program—Cantonese and English, while at the same time, there will be deliberate emphasis on joint activities to foster all-church fellowship and communication. Registration materials will be out soon. Make your plans to attend!

        *2003 Youth Camp

        This year’s annual week long camp for junior high and senior high youth at Redwood Glen will gather under the theme of “Truth in Action,” based on 1 John 3:16-18. Under the direction of Rodney Tom, this year’s speaker is our former Associate Minister in Christian Education, Rev. Michael Crane.

*Civic Responsibilities

        This year’s November elections with a SF mayoral race may prove to become a significant opportunity to give shape to the future of our city. The Chinese Christian Union, working with the Bay Area Organizing Committee is preparing for issues and candidates forums this fall. Paul Fong is representing us in these planning sessions. If you haven’t register to vote, do so now and begin to explore your Christian response to today’s local and regional concerns.

The annual field trip for all adults is sponsored by the Adult Committee and made possible by the SF Park & Recreation Department. We have use of a complimentary 40- passenger bus to transport adults and senior adults to a sightseeing attraction every May. This year’s trip on Saturday, May 3 is to the Hakone Japanese Garden in Saratoga. Meet at church at 9:00 AM and the bus will return by 5:00 PM. There is no cost to participants. Bring your own bag lunch to eat at the picnic area. To register, please contact trip coordinator Howard Lee at 415-731-7343 or lees2600@sbcglobal.net.