MEAT AND POTATOES

We have received some wonderful and encouraging letters and e-mails from some old friends and new friends and church members sharing some good things that we would like to share with you...

12/9/08 "Awesome web site, it's like you can feel the Holy Spirit coming at you."

-Donna Cornerstone Assembly of God Mandville, Louisianna

February 22, 2010

Greetings in Christ,

I cannot tell you how immensely grateful I am to you and your congregation. It was both affirming and healing for me. Tomorrow I already planned an all day prayer retreat. My time with you yesterday was a great preparation for this prayer time tomorrow. I will spend the day in a tent away from all distractions.

I appreciate your invitation for next Sunday evening and look forward to it. Thanks. It is good to "get back in the saddle".

I also wanted to tell you how impressed I was with your loving family. It spoke tons about God's blessings in your life.

I will follow up with you about the ministerial association. It meets the first Thursday of each month at noon. Location is rotated each month at different churches. If interested, we can meet at your church sometime. I can fill you in on some of the history of this association and our recent mission statement formulated at our annual all day retreat last year.

Blessings my brother,

Clark

January 5, 2010

Bob and Susan Kaffana have been good friends of this ministry for several years although they live in New York. Some time ago they launched their own unique line of Greeting Cards utilizing many of the photographs she has taken in recent years. God has truly blessed their business and in the following letter Susan shares how her business is capturing a lot of media attention...

Here's the Latest article on Our Photo Note Cards.

Enjoy! Susan View Article

October 28, 2009

Hi Pastor Steve,

This came out in the local paper today... it's not the exact conversation I had with the writer.. but it will do.

Susan

Click here: Cottage industries offer step up in down economy

August 14, 2009

Hi Pastor!

This is the boat Xzavier races its an CFJ. He has been taking sailing classes at the Yatch club now for 2 summers this is the first year he racing. He's been in 2 races (Regattas) now a Regatta is where all junior sailors from all of the Bay Area come together from the different yatch clubs to race each other. His first race he got 3ed place this last race he got 2ND place. He has a few more years in juniors then he can join the men's team were they race to Hawaii of course alot bigger boats. the next email shows the dwendy that boat has won several races and is well known among the boating industry.

This is my bosses boat. Its a 40 foot sailboat and yeap thats Xzavier sailing the boat by himself. Lydia

July 22, 2009

Hey Pastor Steve,

How are you doing? Seems like I'm always bugging you for prayer. However, I know God listens to you and as far as I am concerned, you are still my pastor!

I just found out yesterday that I was losing hours and my health benefits. So, the good news is I only have to pay 30% of my benefits. The bad news is I only have a 9 month window. Please pray that the Lord will open up a good paying position for me, soon. I new this was happening, but buried my head in the sand. I am grateful God gave me sometime. Of course, I hope it's not 9 months though.

Thanks so much for your prayers and being a great friend.

Love and God bless,

Michelle

July 4, 2009

Hi pastor just wanted to let you know a short dream I had before I forget, the church was packed and people just kept coming in and all the seats where full, and you walked over to me and I said " this is what you have been waiting 8 years for" and you said something about your faith in God the exact wording, I don't remember, just when I got up, and told big Andre I told him it was something that Pastor would say, but yeah just wanted to share that.

-Terri CBC Member

May 5, 2009

Hi Pastor Steve,

How are you doing? Bob told me yesterday that he would like to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. We think he did get baptized when we were in San Jose, but he is not sure if it happened. He really wants this so I told him I would ask you. Could you email him and explain the whole process with him. We check our emails often.

Thanks for being such a blessing.

God bless,

Michelle

This is a really awesome question and therefore I decided to post my reply for all to read. Clearly the enemy wants to make the receiving of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit so intimidating and out of reach and sadly questions like the one just asked are seldom asked by so many who really need to know. Friend, remember the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a free gift and available to every believer who desires this wonderful impartation. Below is my response to Michele's great question...

Sent: Thursday, May 07, 2009 1:10 PM

Subject: Re: question for Bob about the Gift of the Holy Spirit

Hi Michele and Bob!

The first question... You "think" you may have been Baptized in the Holy Spirit. Did you speak in tongues? That is the initial physical evidence of someone having just received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. In recent years some have questioned whether speaking in tongues is "The" initial physical evidence" but simple logic would cause us to respond that if it isn't what is? It was the supernatural manifestation that caught the attendtion of observers in Act's Chapter 2.

So let's say that you did speak in tongues then but haven't since...

OR Let's say that you did not speak in tongues....

OR let's just say You're really not sure... you don't remember!

Go to your Pastor the next time that you are in church and simply ask him to pray with you to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. It doesn't matter if you did speak in tongues or not back then because the bottom line is that you aren't now.

Once you begin speaking in tongues begin praying in the Spirit and with the understanding everyday to develop your prayer language. Once you have received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit you don't have to wait for goose bumps and manifestations to pray in tongues. You can pray in the Spirit at will anywhere and everywhere that you are.

Next question: Can a person who has received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and began speaking in tongues ever lose the gift even if otherwise they are still serving the Lord?

If a person learns to drive a car but never drives a car afterward; if say in a few years the occasion arises that they need to drive a car ...Can they?

Or as a child you rode a bicycle but as an Adult you never ride a bicycle but one day the occasion arises for you to ride a bike... Can You?

If a person raised in a home that speaks a foreign language but for years have only spoken English, If the occasion arises to where they need to use their native language... could they?

YES! but they just might need some refreshing. The Bible says, "STIR UP THE GIFTS" in other words Use them... never allow them to become dormant.

The reason that you definitely should desire to be Baptized in the Holy Spirit is not just to be able to speak in a language unknown to you, or just as a prayer language. As I teach our people that is the launch point, the gateway that gives you access to other gifts that the Lord may want you to have. There are nine gifts in all of them perhaps the Lord wants you to be anointed to move in the "Gifts of Healing" or the "Word of Knowledge or maybe even the ability to interpret a message in tongues to edify the body of Christ in your church. It really is such an exciting gift. I'm glad that you desire the Baptism in the Holy Spirit AND the bottom line is this... whether you did or didn't in the past is irrelevant. What's relevant is that you want to move in the gifts of the Holy Spirit and therefore you want to be Baptized in the Holy Spirit RIGHT NOW!!! That is awesome... Go for it!

Pastor Steve

March 24, 2009

Dr. Greenwald held two miracle services at CBC in March. In this letter he shares from his heart about these meetings...

Dr. Gary Greenwald, Eagles Nest Ministries writes:

Dear Pastor Steve and Kathy,

I told my church the greatest miracle at your church was the salvation of Randy, Patrick's son, the second night. You saw the conviction of the Holy Spirit on him as a true prophetic pastor, and you inspired me how effortlessly and wisely you offered him God's gift.

Sunday morning I showed everyone Lyndi's testimony of her restored knee and her husband's diabetes healing. The DVD inspired everyone.

There's a special breakthrough, healing, anointing on Community Bible Church. Press into it every service and get your people prophesying and ministering to each other!

All my love,

Pastor Gary L. Greenwald

Pastor Steve Hears from Old Friends from the Balboa High School Alumni Association where Pastor Steve served as the Vice President in the late 1970's and again in the 1990's ...

April 2, 2009

Pastor/Rev/Parson or just Steve,

How you doing Steve?

Kip @ Balboa High School Alumni Association shared your email with me.

I don't think I've seen or spoken with you since you did the memorial service for Bob Singer's father a few years ago. As you recall, my sister sang.

Enjoyed reading about your memories of the Vaudeville show and some of the other things. Actually, it was You who got me started with the Bal Alumni. You shared some of the early newsletters with me when we were all attending church at Bethel.

I attended one of the yearly Alumni General meetings one evening and came home a Director. That Emily moves fast as you know.

I still help out a little, mainly with the Hall of Fame since Emily knows that I'm the Sports guy. But, I don't get involved as much as I have in the past.

I'm a grandfather now. My daughter Annette was married (3) years ago and my granddaughter "Aulani" (Hawaiian for "angel") is nearing 2-yrs. of age.

I did check out your church's website. Very good! I like it. In fact, I printed your words for reading.

We attend First Baptist of San Bruno, near San Bruno Park, and so does my sister Stella and my mother. I lead the music for Sunday morning service and Stella and I sing with a group of five - our Worship Team. Not a big church but our pastor preaches the WORD and you know what I mean.

Appreciated your kind words about me and your brother. John was a good friend and I appreciated knowing him. We had nice times together. Unfortunately, a lot of today's youth do not know what that is.

Do you remember Arthur Yeap from Open Bible Church? I speak to him once in a while and have actually helped him with his import business where my company has done the customs brokerage work.

As far as the comment about You and Mad Magazine is concerned, look at it this way: "If the shoe fits, wear it." Spoken like a real "Wise Guy" but with one difference - I'm a Christian Wise guy.

Best regards,

Joe Rodriguez

March 31, 2009

Hi Steve,

Nice to hear from you. I will let Dorothy know tomorrow about your wish to donate your senior sweater along with the block. . We of course would love to have the entire set, but only if you want to part with it. We would also love to have your yell leader sweater.

We are in the process of getting the museum set back up now that the ADA upgrades have been competed. If you and your wife can bring the "boys" up to the Variety Show and take some extra time to see what we have done. I am sure you would be pleased and we would love to see all of you.

Personally I have just retired from my job at Bank of the West after being there for 35 + years. Since Mom is 85 years old I would like to spend as much time as I have left with her I decided that I would retire. Last February my baby brother who was in your class, passed away from cancer. I am now not only a Vice President and Secretary of the Alumni Association, but Editor of the Gangplank. I am still very involved with my church.

Take care and God Bless,

Vickie H., S' 71

I work in Oakland and know lots of folks in the Full Gospel Businessman Fellowship as I do computer work for one of the past-directors Ronnie Svenhard. (Ronnie Svenhardt owns Svenhardts Swedish Bakery in Oakland)

I am in the process of trying to acquire more Buccaneers and Gangplanks and Yearbooks and putting these things online.

Why don't ya write an article on those good times and I will make sure it gets up

or write a short one for the message board

Look what I found...S'73 Yearbook... Graduation Picture and Buccaneer Newspaper Staff

Kip F67

February 5, 2009

Hi Pastor Steve & the Community Family,

Nora and I want to take this opportunity to thank you again so much for all you did in communicating to your Pastors/Churches/Friends about the ministry of White Harvest and the Vision of building a Mission Center here in Malolos City, Philippines.

Your care and concern for the Lord’s great commission has truly been an integral part in bringing much more notice and exposure to WHM to literally thousands of God’s people. This effort has culminated in laying a strong foundation (with deep roots) that will propel and energize WHM for years to come.

You are appreciated and loved!

God Bless and take care!

Your Friends,

Mark & Nora

1/7/09 (Regarding the CBC Daniel Fast) Dear Pastor Steve & Kathy, Thanks for the email! I'm in for the fast... the coffee is the only one I'm going to have a hard time with! :) Lets all pray together! We love you lots!

-Joyce Stockton, California

1/12/09 (Regarding the CBC Daniel Fast) Hi Pastor Steve,

I wanted to let you know that I'm going to join your group for the Daniel fast. I'll begin on Tuesday because we are having a Christmas party Monday and I've already committed to going. So I'll be one day behind you. I'm glad to start the New Year with you in fasting and praying.

Please pray for the Kim Clement meeting next week. So excited. I'll keep you posted.

God bless, Michelle Oregon

Hi Pastor Steve,

How are you doing? I hope you get this email message. I'm in Oregon now...sound familiar? Yes, it's me, Michelle and I'm still living up here. I was playing around on the internet and found your website for your church in Alameda. What a nice website and I enjoyed your sermons too.

I hope you received my letter I sent. Not to sure what it meant but I hope it blessed you. How are you and your wife doing? We are still attending East Hill and my daughter is on the worship team. She is now a third grader and growing up fast.

I had a dream that you were really happy. You had a big smile on your face. It was a short dream but I knew it was you though.

You have been on my heart a lot and I have been praying for you and your family. We are doing well, but please keep us in your prayers. Becky is starting in the worship team now, so please pray for her. Give Kathy a hello for me.

Hope you have a great day today. Please keep in touch.

God bless,

Michelle Johnson

Hi Pastor Steve,

These are some Autumn pictures that I took in Long Island, N.Y. Enjoy!

- Susan Kaffana

Hello Pastor Steve,

Hopefully you will remember me. My name when you knew me from Eagles Nest back in 1983 or so was Jenny Walton. Single mom, with a son. I was involved a bit with Single Event. The Single event group gathered at your apartment for Bible Studies and a couple of times at my apartment. I remember when you took the correspondence course to become an A/G pastor. I think it was a two year course and you completed it in 7 months. Am I right about that?

It was by accident that I found you this morning. Your wife is beautiful and you have four sons. Praise God! My son Justin in now 31 or will be in July. He’s a glass blower. Our daughter (Emily) is 19. My husband (Allan) and I have a theater/speaking ministry. I was gathering information on churches to send our information to when I came across your name and church. I’m including in this email a bit about our ministry. Please click into our web site for more information. I’d love to hear from you!

LEMKE MINISTRIES

Encouraging Christians & Reaching Out to Others

through …Christian Theater, Inspirational Speaking, & Testimonies

Since 1990

1 Peter 4:10 “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,

faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”

v "Allan & Jenny's ministry through drama is not only very professional, it is of the Holy Spirit & hits you right between the eyes as well as in the heart!" Pastor Bernie Bennett, Freedom Christian Fellowship, Madras, OR (Calvary Chapel)

v "It was a great chapel service with (Allan and Jenny) Over sixteen men said the sinners prayer, which doesn't usually happen." Chaplain Ian Filonczuk, Boise Rescue Mission, ID

v "…Our congregation was refreshed, entertained, and challenged by your ministry. ...Thank-you and may God bless your outreach to our community and beyond". Pastor Dave Rogers, Fellowship Bible Church (E-Free), Bend, OR

v "...their message was Biblical and offered hope and healing...to those in attendance…take advantage of what God is doing through their ministry by scheduling them for an upcoming service…" Pastor Gary Deskins, Waldport, Oregon (A/G)

v "...As well as inspirational, you were professional. Your material had quality and was appropriate. Your presentation was timely and direct.... God has gifted you both … “ Charles M. Bolin, Staff Chaplain, Riviera Hotel, Las Vegas, NV (non-denom.)

Please view our web site to see what we have to offer.

http://www.theaterministries.com/index.htm

Blessings to You,

Al & Jenny Lemke

From: David Kaiser
Subject: GOD IS AWESOME!!!!!!
To: communitybiblechurchalameda@yahoo.com
Date: Friday, June 6, 2008, 9:49 PM
Community Bible Church Family,

  Pastor Steve and all of Our Family in Alameda,

Well let me catch you all up on us here in Alabama, we
have been blessed over and over and over again.  God
is so wonderful and truly does bless in his own time
there were times I have to admit I was wondering when
his time was going to come but we have to keep our
faith.  He knows when in it time and will provide all
in his own way for his glory.  GOD IS SO AWESOME!!!

1.  I found a job with a Christian Based franchise.
I gave them a modest range for my starting salary
which they met me in the middle 28000/yr, but agreed
that within 6 months salary would be at my top range
of 30000/yr.

2.  I was making 30000/year and after 8 months working
for the company the vice president called me to his
office and offered me a position of assistant store
manager at a brand new store with another increase in
pay up to 35000/yr. So in 9 months my pay increased
$7000.

3.  Another house that our landlord had came available
and we moved.  the new house is 1400 sq ft on 2 acres
of land and has a mother in law cottage in the back
yard.  The landlord has agreed with us to sell us the
house for appraised amount value which will save us
about $35000.  We are working on credit issues and
will hopefully be in a position to buy the house by
next summer in the interim we are rent it for
650/month which is about $400 below current rental
market.

4.  Elise just finished her first certification for
the same company and will be getting a $2/hr raise.

5.  We are all healthy and the girls are growing and
doing just great. I will get you all some new photos
of us.  

  Well I will close with this.  CBC is still a part of
our FAMILY and always will you are all in our prayers
and thoughts.

  KEEP THE FAITH, STAY THE COURSE, LIVE THE DREAM
and BE BLESSED BY GOD!!!  Always FOLLOW YOUR HEART!!!!

 The Kaiser Family,
David, Elise, Cat, Izzy & Nana boo
 
To:

cbcoag@comcast.net

Subject:

visit

Date:

Sunday, June 29, 2008 7:23:37 PM

Pastor Steve, so nice to be a part of the service today, we enjoyed the message and pushing the envelope of faith. We want to hear the voice of the Lord clearly and obey, to walk in his ways and paths and please him with our lives, this is beginning to sound like a sermon,,, but thats my prayer, anyway I believe the church body needs to move in the spirit continually and that sparks faith and the miraculous like today. When the body is not challenged, church becomes mundane and a duty rather than a joy and that still quiet voice of the Lord that we once heard so clearly is ignored more and more until it is seldom heard. I am so touched that you let two strangers come in and be a part of your service today and we hope to see you soon. God bless Dave and Tracie J.