MAFIA Reminder of the Week: Don’t Worry Be Happy

Greeting Hitmen,

It is so easy to get irritated, frustrated or jealous and even angry at the people, environments and circumstances in our life. Like many of you, I have to work on this daily within certain relationships, most of my own making. One thing that helps to not only calm me but bring the confidence of peace in a difficult situation is to fall upon God’s Word. It always amazes me how a good translation of the Bible and a good topical index can give me a “map through the minefields” of life and love.

Recently I have embarked upon a journey to draw myself closer to God, specifically by gaining grace and focus in my life. While reading night before last, I turned to the 37^th Psalm. Now I must have read this passage of scripture no less than 10 or 12 times in my life and drawn from it that I should just “deal with it,” whatever the “it” is. The Psalm speaks about the ills of anger and rage, the follies of the strongholds brought about by our sin nature, and the importance of patience in conquering difficult situations. But I don’t think I’ve ever noticed in previous readings that it starts out by saying, “Don’t worry about the wicked.” Does this mean that I shouldn’t worry about those people who seem to be getting away with doing wrong things? Yes! The Word goes on to describe that their day in the sun is short, that their moment of glory will soon be over. What I, and all of us men who follow Christ, should do is involve ourselves in things that have lasting value by faithfully serving God and helping the people around us. God wants us to develop a close personal relationship with Him; and, be determined to serve Him in everything we do. Then in God’s perfect timing, all will see that God’s way is right!

How do we do that? What does this look like? Get out of the boat or off the sidelines and help out. That is why HITS (Helping in the Spirit) are so important to the MAFIA team. It is how we demonstrate not only to God, who already knows our hearts, but to others in need of encouragement and support that God places the needs of others in our hearts – because He loves them and wants to bless them, to draw close to them. If you think about it, how did the Lord rescue you from wickedness? Where will your heart be the next time you need to be saved?

In His service,

Luke Ribich

HIT OPPORTUNITIES: Posted June 21, 2010

Greetings Hitmen,

We hope you dad’s out there had a great Father’s Day celebration with your children.  Here are a few HIT opportunities for you to get engaged in over the next few weeks. 

First, we share somewhat of a 2 part request regarding NLC-GLR VBS July 6-9th:

The main request is the need for 10-20 guys to aid in the break-down process of all VBS equipment (stack chairs, deflate the inflatable bouncy toys, etc..) the night of Friday, July 9th around 8-8:30 after the last service is over. We simply have to stack everything by the main entrance so the Conway campus can come get everything for their VBS. Estimated to take 1-1.5 hours.

Usually all of the VBS workers do all of this but they will have already worked all week at their regular jobs, plus each night from 5-9 @ VBS so I thought it would be a great way to help out the children's department.

The second request is for male volunteers to help with VBS the week of July 6-9. At the volunteer meeting last week we were very outnumbered. They expect anywhere from 300-400 kids so the more adults we have the better it will be from a management standpoint.

If you are Interested in volunteering please email Brad Seagraves ASAP as he is in the Children's department and needs to order shirts and complete the background check. You can email him at: brad.seagraves@yahoo.com.

In His service,

Luke Ribich

Hit Opportunities: Posted 15 June 2010

Attention all Hitmen:

I hope you all are well and that this message finds you in good spirits. I wanted to take a moment to share with you all the following needs and see if we can get you HITMEN involved in helping our dear Brothers and Sisters in their needs.

First off, and most urgently, Jeff Wilson has had a flooding in his home. His back is still recovering from some surgery earlier this year and he could use help quickly pulling up carpet and moving heavy furniture as he assesses the damage. If any of you are out of work today and able to render some support, please contact Jeff as soon as possible at 501/ 960-0649.

Also, Ms. Crystal Farley is moving out of her first floor apartment into a one story house on Saturday, July 24th.  She could really use our help and asked the MAFIA’s help in supporting her move. If you are available on Saturday, July 24^th, we look forward to blessing Ms. Farley with your help.

In His Service,

Luke Ribich

MAFIA Reminder of the Week: God’s love is great, even when we aren’t!

Greetings Hitmen,

Good morning Hitmen, or should I say Saints! I recall one of Pastor Rick’s comments from this weekend’s sermon as I say that. He shared, “The work of the church is to equip the saints for the ministry.” He’s right; we are all called to be in “ministry” with one another… most of the time in our daily lives we call this friendship! It is a great message.

Today I want to share with you all about the wretched condition we all have in common one way or another. I was reading in Romans 5 last evening about how faith brings joy. I often turn to Romans 5 when I am in need of encouragement and lifting. Although it seems almost a backward way to describe the condition of joy, the author (Paul) uses several phrases to describe our painful position in the beginning of the passage. “We are utterly helpless” (5:6); we were “sinners” (5:6, 8); and we were God’s “enemies” (5:10). It was precisely when we were in that condition that God decided to solve our sin problem for us. He loved us so much that he sent His Son to die on the cross to set us free from the power of sin. We cannot be any worse than the way Paul describes us there, so God’s love and acceptance of us can never be negated by our failures. With a Savior like that, we can confidently surrender our lives to Him.

So those of you who are reading between the lines of this week’s message are probably asking yourselves “why does Brother Luke need encouragement?” The fact is we are all fighting daily a battle against the enemy by our own strongholds. Some, if not most, days we are successful, sometimes we are even able to spread the light of Christ beyond our own lives and positively impact the lives of others. Sometimes however, we fall… whether that be a course word to our spouse, a negative gesture to another driver or being too harsh in our corrections of others. As Christians we are called to be the light of the world, this means not being hurtful to others. This weekend I had an opportunity to exercise grace, and I didn’t. Although I am convicted by my actions, I am not defeated, today I surrender these flaws to Him, and once again pick-up my cross and follow Jesus! Will you? Remember, God loves us not because we humans are so loveable, but because He is love.

Arkansas Travelers Game Tonight – Dickey Stephens Park

Greeting Hitmen,

Just wanted to remind you all of a couple logistics for tonight’s game at Dickey Stephens Park.  For those wishing to meet at the church parking lot and traveling over together, a group will be leaving NLC at 5:30 PM.

Additionally, there will be a table and gate entry available at Dickey Stephens for those who come directly to the stadium.  The gate entry will be located on the first base side of the field along the base line adjacent to Broadway St.  Entry at the stadium will begin at 5:00 Pm and continue throughout the game.

All you can eat food and concessions will be available from 6:10 PM – 7:40 PM, compliments of NLC.  Gate entry is reduced for NLC members for this events and will be $7.50/each at the gate.

Craig Brzezinski and I will be there manning the gate.  We cannot wait to see y’all.

In His service,

Luke Ribich

MAFIA Reminder of the week: A Godly man can achieve much.

Greetings Hitmen,

I’ve been re-reading 1 Chronicles over the last several days when I asked myself, “What is the point of this book of the Bible?” The whole text retells the story of King David’s reign, showing God’s purpose in the history of Israel.  Okay, got that, but what does that mean to me; and, more importantly, how can I apply this knowledge to my own life?  Then it dawned on me, parts of this book (1 Chronicles) read like a thriller war novel.  Yet, underneath the action is one recurring truth: Trusting God is the key to a successful life.  Further, when we stop trusting and seeking God bad things, very bad things, tend to transpire.

Case in point: Chapter 9 starts out by detailing the the events of returning exiles.  The whole chapter contains a record of the Jews who returned to Judah after the Babylonian exile, which lasted 70 years. Yet, it focuses on the abiding truth that God made certain promises to their ancestors – our ancestors. Though they had gone through hard times, albeit self inflicted, God’s promises were still valid for them.  In Scripture, God gives numerous promises to His people.  In Christ, God’s promises are for all of us to embrace, no matter what we have done or suffered in the past.  Ultimately, the returning Jews were able to rebuild Judah by their faith and submission to God’s will.  You can be certain that it was no small task to rebuild an entire city, however with God on your side all things are possible.

So here’s something worth reading, and memorizing, this week from 1 Chron 28:9, “…get to know the God of your ancestors. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and with a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and understands and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.”

Have a great week and know that the MAFIA team look forward to seeing you Wednesday evening at 5:30 PM in the church parking lot as we set out for a night at Dickey Stephens Park, supporting the Arkansas Travelers and growing in our relationships with our brothers and children.  Also, let us know how we can be in prayer for you as you seek to amplify your faith in Him.  Iron sharpens Iron!

In His service,

Luke Ribich

MAFIA Baseball Night

Kingdom Builders & MAFIA Baseball Outing

Greetings Hitmen,

I want to take a brief moment of your time to remind you of a couple of great upcoming events available to you by the ministries of NLC.

First off on June 2nd at 6:30 PM in the sanctuary, Pastor Rick Bezet will be hosting a family style meeting regarding the specific vision of New Life Church.  He will be sharing his heart about several topics, and updates will be given on various Kingdom Builder projects as well. There will be a time of worship together, and desserts and coffee will be served.  Childcare will be provided.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Last, but certainly not least, the MAFIA will be attending a Arkansas Travelers Baseball Game at Dickey Stevens Park.  Space is limited BUT there are still plenty of seats available.  Here’s the skinny on the heavy clam bake:

• When: Wednesday, June 9th
• Where: Meet at NLC GLR Campus no later than 5:30 pm (or meet us at the park gate)
• Who: Men After Faith Integrity & Action (MAFIA) Hitmen and their children and fathers – be sure to bring your dad or child!
• What: $7.50 at the gate (NLC is covering 1/2 of entry and all the food).  This includes entry ticket and all-you-can-eat hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks.
• Why: Please RSVP as soon as possible via email to craft@craftveach.com, lribich@swbell.net or by phone at 501/851-1408. Hurry and don’t forget, space is limited to the first 100 to respond.

WE DONT WANT YOU TO MISS THIS EVENT!  If there is an individual need or if you are unable to attend due to a financial concern, please – please - please contact Luke Ribich as soon as possible at 501/944-0562.  This time of father / child fellowship is tremendously important.  We look forward to seeing you there!

MAFIA Reminder of the Week: Life is easier to manage with friends…

Greetings Hitmen,

I was reading in the book of Daniel this week and happened upon a passage that is foundational to the principles of the entire MAFIA ministry.  In short, we are strongest when we stand together that when we stand alone – especially when we are in trouble or being attacked!

Here’s the set up, King Nebuchadnezzar has had a dream that is really bothering him.  As a result he summoned all his various counselors, including Daniel.  The king told them that if they did not reveal to him the meaning of this disturbing dream, he would have them torn to shreds!  (Sounds like a great boss – and one I used to work for)

In verses 2:16-23 we see that Daniel gives us a model for action when we are in trouble.  Daniel needed help so he gathered his godly friends and prayed.  God heard their prayers and granted their request.  Afterward, Daniel praised God for His blessings.

Praying to others is essential to our spiritual growth.  It is easy to forget that God is in control and that we are left to accomplish everything on our own.  Thanking God when He grants our requests also helps us to maintain a healthy focus on Him.  One reason that prayer is so important is that is the only physical medium by which we can grow in our relationship and communication with God – and if you recall, that is all he wants, a personal relationship with each and every one of us.

In His service,

Luke Ribich