Cross Bearers in February

Our theme for this month of February is the letter “R” out of CROSS BEARERS, “Rely on Jesus.” We have focused on this theme each week; we have learned how we can be relying on Jesus in practical way.

First week, Rev. Sandra Lee from Asian Caucus of American Baptist came to encourage us that we as a church has been a great testimony to proof how we have been relied on Jesus in our ministry. When trouble storm hits in our life, Jesus is there beside us to calm the storm. Especially, she comforted to the New Comers (Refugees) to be strong and rely on the grace of Jesus daily. We appreciate her deeply for her visit and sharing God’s word to us.

Second Week, our topic is “When runs out of Luck,” based on John 5:5-9. When a man who had an infirmity for thirty-eight years encountered with Jesus at the pool of Bethesda. This man seemed to have no luck on his own to get heal. Now Jesus asked him, “Do you want to be made well?” Then he was made well according to his wish by Jesus. This story enlightens us that when thinks are not favor on us, when there is no hope in our life, Jesus is still available to be relied on. We are to rely on Jesus not on our own ability or random chances that may come.

Third week, the sermon was based on Acts.21:8-14, how to rely on Jesus when things are made known ahead but not pleasant. Paul was warned by the prophets about the danger of being arrested or cost his own life, when he went to Jerusalem. However, Paul response was to go forward for he has prepared to die for the sake of gospel. If we have this mentality, we can share gospel of Jesus Christ effectively. But the comfort zone where we enjoy is the reason of our indifferent toward sharing gospel. When we are unable to share or care the gospel we must rely on Jesus for the strength. Let us put our heart into God’s Great commission.

Fourth week, based on Acts.9:31-10:48, the pattern of church growth was imprinted in this text. Verse 31 said that the believers were walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. That should be the pattern of our church growth today.

Right after this verse, there are three stories followed immediately. Aeneas who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed got healed by Peter. This news spread and brought people to have faith in the Lord. Then Dorcas, the woman who was a believer got sick and died. When Peter raised her from death, many came to know Jesus as Lord. The third story was about Cornelius, the centurion whose prayer was answered and sent for Peter to come to share gospel to his house whole. Indeed, the whole house of Cornelius was turned to accept Jesus as Savior and was baptized. In the light of these stories, we as believers face similar challenges. Like Aeneas, the Christians are sometime paralyzed in their spiritual life. They can not perform any spiritual task on their own in their Christian life. Yet, Jesus is our Lord, in whom when we rely on, then wonderful things will happen. Also just like Dorcas the believer who died and rose again by Peter’s prayer, the Christians are in likeness of death. But we all need to be revived from spiritual death then turn to re-live in Christ. Finally, just like Cornelius, we must earnestly pray for the love ones to come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. God will send His messenger of the gospel when we ask for help from the Lord. Let us rely on Jesus Christ for His mercy and grace. Amen.

National Ministry leaders in discussion

Beginning of this year, Rev. Florence Li (Nat'l. Coord., Asian Churches Strategist, National Ministry of ABC USA), Rev. Sandra Lee (Asian Caucus President), Dr. Patrick Pong (Development consultant of Growing Healthy Churches) and other leaders from National ministry came to visit us along with other Burmese churches leaders in this Bay area.



In our discussion, we focused on networking strategy between churches for advancing the church ministry. It was a great time of sharing our experiences and praying for the churches.



Another topic in discussion was concerning the arriving refugees of Bay area. This was one of the reasons for us to build network for refugees assisting program. Rev. Florence Li encouraged us to help the needy and hand in hand working together as a team at National level. Indeed, OBMBC is dedicated to assist new comers (refugees) in this Bay area.



We thank God for our brothers and sisters in Christ from National level to come and encourage us. We thank them for their concern and care for our Burmese churches in Bay area.

Cross Bearers

Happy New Year!

Since the New Year has begun, things get heat up in our life. Everyone prepare for starting point of a new beginning. Some says a new year resolution. Well, after a month gone by, some may still wonder that whether they are in that resolution or back to old style. No matter what, I would say one thing, "Keep up the good work that you are called to do."

We, the OBMBC, praise God for 2008, what an awesome job He has done for us. The evidences are over warming. We're just counting the blessings each moment. The "Twelve Baskets" theme has completed. My hope and desire is for all of us to apply the truth of God's Word in our lives.

This year, 2009 theme is "CROSS BEARERS" based on Luke 9:23, "If anyone, desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." said Jesus Christ. Each month, one word of the "CROSS BEARERS" will be emphasized to apply Scriptures in what it takes to become a cross bearer.

For January month, the word is "C," and it stands for "Centre for Christ." That means, if we are become true cross bearer that Jesus calls us to be, we must put Jesus Christ in the centre of our lives. Give Jesus Christ in control of your life. Let Him be your priority. Let Him have your centre and do or live all things in His purpose.

Let's continue to look for more of it as we're going by this year of 2009. Hope to see you at our worship service each week. May we all have many more blessings and do great things for Him as we enter into New Year.

Christmas Eve Worship & Celebration Time

We worship the 'Wonderful Savior' with our children and choir under the lights of candles. Children played nativity.



Bell choir ring through out the night. Choir members sang about the Christmas story.



It was a wonderful night of the year. Oakland First Baptist Church and Oakland Burmese Mission Baptist Church echo the night of Christmas in season songs and Scriptures.

After worship service, Burmese traditional fish noodle soup (Mok Hin Hka) filled our stomachs and kept us worm.



Youth and Young Adult filled the night with music and performance in the Gym. The story was about the parities of Mediterranean who came to visit the new born Wonderful Savior in the manger.



It was awesome performance Drama by the Youth and Young Adults of OBMBC.

Baptism of New Believers

God is good all the time. Indeed ,He is still saving the sinners like all of us by His grace today. I am so amazed and joyful for seeing what God has done in our midst. During the month of December there are three new believers come to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Three of them has come from same Buddhist background.

Thet M. Z. has been attending the church since last year. Yet, he always says, "I am still learning" I recalled. Today he came to me and said, "I believe Jesus and I must do this." I knew it right away that he must have made decision to believe in Christ. In my counseling time with Thet, I found his sincere heart to accept Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Then I also know that it is not an easy decision for him, to come forward and being a witness for Christ.



Aunty Naw Htoo has recently arrived to US and struggle to adapt the new culture and her sounding. She was miraculously recovered from her serious sickness. In her testimony, she said that God has come to save her life. And she said that she must now fulfill her vow which she made long time ago to this Christian God (in her own words). Truly, she wants to become Christian by accepting Jesus Christ as her Savior. She and her husband, U Lin Aung surrender themselves to Jesus Christ their lives and expelled all their Buddhism.



U Lin Aung, husband of Naw Htoo also said, "it is a good thing to do" (referring to becoming Christian). He said that people need to follow a teacher who can shows them the way of eternal destiny. If that teacher lost himself, then the followers will also lost their ways. He now simply saying that Jesus Christ is his teacher who can be trusted to be true guide for his life. So he did expel Buddha and begin to follow Christ.



Let us be encouraged and be rejoice for God's saving grace which we are seeing among us today. Let us continue to pray for three of them for their spiritual growth and their lives. Let us continue to share the gospel of Jesus Christ who truly born to us, dies for us on the cross and rises again from death for us. Scripture says, "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." Romans 10:13

Meaningful Christmas Carol Singing Night

'Silent night, holy night' we were rejoicing and dancing as we sing Christmas choruses through out the night.

Love was in the air, definitely 'peace on earth goodwill toward man' Scripture verse became alive in us that night. We brought Christmas gifts to families and pray for them.

One thing about that night was that God moved along with us. He brought us to the homes that needed much about peace and comfort, as we sang Christmas carol. Although, we did not have schedule but God brought us to Muslim friends who has been paralyzed for six months. When we sang 'Silent Night,' tears pour down on her cheeks.

Though she may not understand yet she would feels such peace and comfort in her heart that night. Praise God! Let us bring the joy of Christmas though our Christmas carol.

New Comers Families Thanksgiving Luncheon provided by OBMBC family

Recently, OBMBC's families of Oakland gather together and celebrated 'Family Thanksgiving' Luncheon on Thanksgiving Day. Many testified that how thankful they are to God for their lives. Some filled with tears in their eyes and praising God in their testimonies. Thank be to God for bringing all of us together, here in Oakland city, especially in O.B.M.B.C. May God richly bless us even this coming New Year.