Tag Archives: Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar

Helping Hands

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Recently I had the opportunity to travel with a team from our church to New Orleans. Many groups from around the country continue to send volunteers to help rebuild neighborhoods that were devastated by Hurricane Katrina ten years ago.

Our team worked on three different building projects.  One group put new exterior siding on a damaged home.  A second group put new shingles on the roof of another house in the neighborhood.  I was with the third group putting new flooring in another house.

The home my wife and I live in is built on a concrete foundation and cement floor.  The homes that we worked on in New Orleans are built up off the ground.  Pillars of wood or concrete blocks elevate these older houses two to three feet off the ground.  We actually saw some new homes in the area that were six to eight feet above ground!

Elevating homes off the ground probably helped prevent damage from minor flooding due to heavy rains and probably kept the bugs and critters out, too.  But the flood waters from Hurricane Katrina and the broken levies brought flood waters up ten to 15 feet, and higher, in some areas.  Even the newer homes were not able to withstand the devastation

I learned a lot about flooring during the week I was in New Orleans.  First we had to scrape and clean the original hard wood floor.  Then, we put down a cushioned, moisture barrier underlay before we put down the new wood laminate flooring.

One thing I learned about flooring work is that you spend a lot of time on your knees!  As volunteers, we wore cushioned knee pads. These gave us some protection and relief as we literally worked on our hands and knees all day long.

I have gained a lot of respect for men and women who work in the various building trades.  They work hard – very hard.  We worked hard in the hot, humid summer weather in New Orleans.  I can’t imagine what it would be like to do this kind of work day after day, week after week, year after year.

The Bible says a lot about work.  Everyone needs to be productive with their hands and mind.  God intended us to work while we live on the earth.  And He commands workers to do their jobs well.  In Ephesians 6:6, the Apostle Paul tells workers, “Don’t work just to please men, but do your work to please God.”

Whether you are a volunteer or an employee, each of us needs to do our work in a way that is pleasing to God.  Our goal should not be to simply pass “inspection” by the county building inspector, but to please God with the work of our hands and hearts.

If you are one of those in the construction trades, let me say, “Thanks,” for all your hard work.  And, if you have a worker fixing your plumbing or repairing your roof, I hope you will express your thanks to them for their hard work.

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Ave. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit http://www.efreedb.org.

Hurricane Katrina

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

This month marks the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina that devastated large areas of New Orleans ten years ago.

Katrina was a “super storm,” with powerful winds and a huge tidal surge that overwhelmed the pumping stations and tore holes in the levy system.

The destruction and death caught everyone by surprise.  Almost 1,500 people lost their lives and hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed

Many churches and non-profit organizations have been involved in rebuilding these communities that were under 15 to 20 feet of water.

Over the past few years, our church has joined this nation-wide effort.  Last month I was able to go for the first time to see the destruction and help with the rebuilding.

When we arrived in New Orleans, I was impressed by how green everything is.  Beautiful trees line the City streets and green lawns stood in stark contrast to our draught-stricken landscape in Southern California.

There is no water shortage in Louisiana.  I suggested that everyone on our team fill up as many bottles as possible so we could bring some water back home, but I don’t think airlines will allow you to bring water through the security check points anymore.

I was also overwhelmed by the humidity.  In Southern California, our weather is pretty dry and humidity is low.  But in New Orleans, it is very humid.  We were drenched with sweat all day long as we worked on different rebuilding projects.

My favorite spot in New Orleans was the local CVS Pharmacy, because they had their air conditioning running full blast.  When I walked into their store, it felt like I entered a freezer.  It was great!

I was very impressed with how friendly people were in New Orleans.  We were often greeted with smiles and kind words as we worked in neighborhoods where people have returned after the hurricane.

I am thankful for the opportunity to work alongside many others who are helping to rebuild neighborhoods in New Orleans.  I’ll share more in my next article.

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Ave. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit http://www.efreedb.org.

Counting Coins

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Two of our grandchildren spent a week at our house recently.  They are 9- and 4-years old.  We had a wonderful time with them; they are a delight.

One of the things we did together was count some coins that I had kept in an old peanut butter jar.  I had found many of these coins over the years when I was jogging through the neighborhood where we live.

Some of these coins were in pretty good shape, but others had obviously been run over many times and were hardly recognizable.  Most were pennies, but there were a few nickels, dimes and quarters.

We poured out the jar full of coins on the floor and sorted them into small piles.  Then we counted them in groups of ten.  If we had enough, we put the coins into paper rolls.  There were enough pennies to fill several rolls.  We found enough dimes to make a roll, too.

In addition, we had a few quarters.  It was interesting to see my grandchildren work on their math skills and learn the value of each coin.  Sometimes it doesn’t make a lot of sense.  For example, a dime is smaller than a penny, but it is worth ten times as much!

After we counted all the coins and wrapped them in the paper rolls, we took our money to the bank.  The nice bank teller counted out the rolls and the other miscellaneous coins and gave us 15 one dollar bills!  Wow!

My grandchildren were amazed to see that all of those coins in the peanut butter jar totaled $15.  I don’t know if they had ever had that much money before.  Each of the grandkids got seven one dollar bills and they gave the extra dollar to their favorite uncle who contributed a few coins of his own.

Money can be a useful tool in the world of commerce, but it can also be a source of temptation in our daily lives.  The Bible warns about the danger of loving money in 1 Timothy 6:10. That verse says, “The love of money is the root of all sorts of evil.  Some people who are eager for money have wandered away from the faith and have harmed themselves with many griefs.”

When people “love money” they can destroy their own lives and damage relationships with others.  Many people struggle with gambling.  They hope to “make a fast buck,” but often find themselves in debt and in desperate straits.

Other people struggle with excessive use of credit cards and find themselves with balances that they cannot pay, burdened with high interest rates.  It becomes a vicious cycle that is difficult to break out of.

I enjoyed counting coins with my grandchildren.  I think they enjoyed it, too.  They were impressed that a jar full of coins could be turned into 15 one dollar bills.  There are other lessons that they need to learn in the world of high finance – lessons that all of us need to learn as well.

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Ave. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit http://www.efreedb.org.

Who Are You Going To Call?

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

One of my favorite TV series in recent years was called, “24”.  The lead character was Jack Bauer – played by Kiefer Sutherland – who tried to prevent terrorists from blowing up buildings or injuring innocent people.

In one episode, I remember Jack Bauer tried to rescue a hostage, but gets trapped in a building by some bad guys.  When the hostage asked Jack what he was going to do, he replied, “I’m going to call the only person I know I can trust.”

In the famous game show, “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire,” contestants were given three options to help them answer a difficult question.  One of those options was, “Phone a Friend.”

Many years ago, I was driving a group of high school students on a back pack trip to the Grand Canyon, when my van blew an engine.  We struggled to get back to a service station on the northern edge of Phoenix, but who could I call for help at one o’clock in the morning?

Thankfully, my former youth leader lived in north Phoenix.  When I called him in the middle of the night, he gladly got out of bed, helped me get to a car rental office, and back on the road.  I knew if I called him, he would help.

I think it is helpful for each of us to think about who we would call when we need help.  Who is a trusted family member or reliable friend that you know you can call on a moment’s notice?  Who can you call in the middle of the night or in an emergency?

It is good to know that we have friends we can call on for help at any time.  It is also important to know that we can call on God for help at any time, too!  The Bible says, “Let us draw near to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need,” (Hebrews 4:16).

When we call out to God in prayer, He is ready to help us in our time of need.  Maybe it is time for you to bow your head, open your heart and ask God for His help today.  He is waiting to hear from you!

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Ave. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visithttp://www.efreedb.org.

Columns: Golf Is A Funny Game

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

A group of men from our church play golf each Monday afternoon at a local golf course.  We reserve a tee time for the same day, and the same time, every week.

Some of you may wonder why men and women play the game of golf.  Basically, it involves hitting a little round ball with a metal stick (club) for about three miles.  It usually takes from four to five hours to complete a round of golf.  Some people probably think that this is a strange way to spend your time. What is the purpose of trying to steer that little ball across miles of green grass just to get it into some very small cups?
One benefit of playing golf is the physical exercise.  Many golfers will walk the entire 18-hole course and most of them carry their own golf bag.  The group from our church isn’t quite so ambitious, so we rent golf carts that you can drive around the course.
Another benefit from playing golf is the social interaction that it provides.  Although you are not supposed to talk when someone is getting ready to hit their next shot, there is plenty of time along the course to talk about family, work, sports and more. In fact, many people conduct a lot of business on golf courses. There are few distractions and during a round of golf you can discuss a lot of business related matters.  Contracts are negotiated, sales are closed and new proposals are presented.  Golf can be good for business!
Golf also provides a peaceful setting where you can enjoy the outdoors.  I often feel like I am walking or riding through a park when I am playing golf.  There are shady trees, busy wildlife and usually a couple of lakes or ponds.  Most courses are quiet and away from traffic noise.  A golf course is a nice place to spend your day.
I have two criteria for enjoying a round of golf.  First, don’t take it too seriously.  Some golfers are so serious about every shot and every putt that they fail to enjoy the experience.  Yes, it is nice to get a good score, but there are no trophies or prize money for the average golfer.
In addition, I enjoy the game more when I can find the ball!  It can get frustrating when you hit a shot into the bushes or into the water.  It is irritating when you and your partners have to spend time looking for a lost ball.
I feel like I have had a good round of golf if I can finish the round with the same golf ball I started with. But, when I start losing golf balls and start getting too serious, I find that I am really not enjoying it.
Let me encourage you to find something that you can enjoy – whether it is a round of golf with friends or something else that you enjoy doing.  Make sure that you make time for a little recreation and relaxation.

If you would like to know more about our weekly golf group, please feel welcome to contact our church office.

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Ave. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit http://www.efreedb.org.

 

The One That Got Away

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Anyone who loves cars has a story about the one that got away.  I’m not sure if women feel this way, but most men can tell you a story about a car that they wish they still owned.

My first car was a ’57 Chevy.  I was in high school when some friends of my parents asked if I would like to buy their son’s car.  Their son was graduating from college and the parents were buying him a new car. They were selling the ’57 Chevy.

I had delivered newspapers during my high school years and had saved enough money to buy my first car.  The two-door, ’57 Chevy with a small V-8 engine and chrome wheels was a nice car!  I’m sure I did not realize how special it was or how valuable it would become.

A few years later, as I prepared to enter college at Arizona State, I decided to sell my ’57 Chevy and get a car with better gas mileage.  I would be commuting to college and the V-8 engine with a four barrel carburetor got terrible gas mileage.  So I sold my Chevy and bought a used Volkswagen!

It seemed practical at the time, but pretty dumb today.  Many times I wished I had kept the ’57 Chevy.  I can’t begin to imagine what that car would be worth today.  I always regret letting that one get away.

You may have a similar story.  I have heard many over the years.  But, there are a number of people who have kept those old cars and didn’t let them get away.

They love to show their cars and share their stories with others.  You can come and see a variety of cars and motorcycles at our church on Sat., June 27, from 9 a.m. to noon.

This is our second Car and Cycle Meet.  We will have some older vintage cars and motorcycles and some new ones, too.

If you would be willing to bring your car or motorcycle to this event, please contact our church office – or just show up at 9:00 a.m.  There are no entrance fees.

If you would like to see some nice cars and motorcycles, we look forward to seeing you on Saturday. Admission is free and lunch will be provided.

Our church is located at 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd, across from the new Willow Heights home site near Brea Canyon Road.

I hope you will come and see these cars and motorcycles.  And, I hope you will be ready to share your story about one of your cars that got away!

Happy Father’s Day

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

I suppose we all have a variety of impressions of our fathers.  I wonder what impressions my children have of me.

When you think of your father, do you think of someone who was kind and tender, or critical and impatient?  Was your dad a strict disciplinarian or easy going and laid back?

Fathers have a unique role in the lives of their children.  Mothers have their unique role as well. Sometimes these roles may merge together, but there is a unique role and relationship between a father and his children.

One of the things that dads can do is make memories with their children.  These memories don’t need to always be expensive trips to amusement parks.  They can be a simple outing to a local park.  Taking walks and playing games in the backyard can create lasting memories for kids and dads.

I remember one time, when my father took my brother and me on a fishing trip in the mountains in eastern Arizona.  My mom stayed home; it was just my father and his two young sons.

I don’t know whose idea it was, but I do know that my brother and I still remember that trip with our father.  I don’t remember how many fish we caught or what food we ate.  But I do remember going fishing and camping with my father.

My son and I have shared some memorable adventures together.  We climbed to the top of the highest mountain in southern Arizona.  Mt. Wrightson is a little over 9,000 feet.  It was a long hike.  But every time we visit Tucson, I look at that tall peak and remember we climbed it together.

I think my son would say that one of his favorite memories that he and I shared together was our trip to the beaches of Normandy, France, several years ago.  It was amazing to walk together on those broad beaches and through the cemetery at Omaha Beach.

I also enjoyed some special trips and outings with my daughters when they were younger.  One time my youngest daughter and I flew together to a cousin’s destination wedding in Hawaii.  It was a memorable time for both of us.

Being a dad is a wonderful privilege and a unique responsibility.

If you are a father, let me encourage you to make some memories with your children.  It is never too late to set a date and do something together with your sons or daughters.  They will be glad you did, and you will, too!

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Ave. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit http://www.efreedb.org.

Conversations At Costco

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

My mother-in-law lives in Scottsdale, Arizona.  We enjoy visiting her as often as we can.  The drive from California to Arizona takes about five hours each way.

My wife and her mother often go out to lunch when we are in town.  My wife has several sisters who live in the Phoenix area, so they usually join in these lunch time adventures.

One of my jobs is to go to Costco to refill our car with gas and to pick up a few groceries, too.  So, I usually have lunch at Costco by myself while my wife and her sisters have lunch with their mother.

The Costco in Scottsdale has an indoor eating area.  I’ve noticed that a lot of the people eating at Costco are retired people.  Many have come from different parts of the country to spend the winter in sunny Arizona.  Some of them have settled in Scottsdale permanently.

Almost every time I sit down to eat at Costco, I find myself in conversations with total strangers.  I suppose I am the one who usually starts the conversation, but most folks are very friendly and are willing to share about themselves.

Each conversation is delightful.  I have met nice people from Maine to Minnesota.   There are people from Seattle to St. Louis.  They always talk about how wonderful the weather is in Arizona.  They are friendly folk.

Some are just seasonal visitors, but many have bought a home and settled down in the desert.  Some are new transplants, but others have lived there for many years.

When I tell them that I grew up there many years ago, they act like they are speaking to a celebrity.  They can’t believe that my parents came to Arizona with me and my brother in the 1950s.  Some joke that we probably came in a covered wagon!

Scottsdale certainly has changed since the days when my parents moved there 60 years ago.  There are a lot more houses and a lot more people.  It seems like most of the people today shop at Costco.  And, a lot of those people take time to eat lunch and talk with folks they have never met before.

Let me encourage you to watch for an opportunity to begin a conversation with someone at your local Costco or coffee shop; maybe an older couple or individual sitting by themselves.  You will enjoy it, and they will too!

The World Of Paul

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

My wife taught 6th Grade at Chaparral Middle School for many years.  Her subjects included language arts and social studies.  In California, 6th Grade social studies covered ancient civilizations like China, India, Egypt, Israel, Greece and Rome.

Over the years, my wife and I have been able to travel to each of these countries.  Sometimes we went on guided tours.  Sometimes we went with short-term teams from our church.  Every country and every culture has been very interesting.

Next year, we will be leading a tour to experience some of the world that the Apostle Paul lived in and traveled.  We will be going to cities like Rome, Corinth, Athens and Ephesus.  We will see historical sites where Paul spoke before city leaders and where he was held in prison because he was a follower of Christ.

In the past, my wife and I have led groups to Israel where we saw many places that are mentioned in the Bible.  It was fascinating to see the Sea of Galilee, the Dead Sea and the beautiful city of Jerusalem.

This time we will be traveling on a modern cruise ship on the Mediterranean Sea with stops in Italy, Greece and Turkey.  We will have local guides in each city we visit.

If you would be interested in traveling with us on this 16-day tour,  please contact our church office for more information.  The dates of the trip are April 21 to May 6, 2016.  We have a brochure available with all the details.

We are thankful that we have been able to travel to so many different places around the world.  We are looking forward to our next adventure in 2016.

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Ave. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit http://www.efreedb.org.

Old Friends

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

One of the highlights of our 40th Class Reunion was reconnecting with some “old friends”.  During our four years at Dallas Seminary, my wife and I enjoyed making many new friends, but we found ourselves spending more time with two other couples.

We had a lot in common.  Each of us were newlyweds.  Each couple had just finished college and had moved to Dallas from different parts of the country for graduate school.   The wives worked full time while the husbands went to school full time.

Although we each attended different churches in the Dallas area, we made time to get together for dinner or a weekend BBQ.  In addition, we loved to play board games that included a lot of laughter and conversation.

I learned a lot from these two men.  I watched the way they helped their wives and the way they communicated with them.  In many ways our time in Dallas was like an incubator for our marriage and these two couples helped us strengthen our own marriage.

All of us had our first child during our time in Dallas.  We helped one another learn how to be new parents during those busy days.

After graduation, we all went in different directions.  One couple moved near San Antonio.

Another couple went to Iowa.  We went west to Arizona.  Later, one of these couple moved to Louisiana and another became missionaries in Spain.  We moved to California.

Although we kept in touch through the years with Christmas cards and an occasional phone call, we rarely saw each other.  So it was a special opportunity to reconnect at our 40th Class reunion.  We spent hours sharing together and showing off pictures of our kids and grandkids.

The bond we shared during our seminary days was evident by the comments and conversation we enjoyed together again.

In the book of Proverbs, the authors frequently mention the value of friends.  In Proverbs 17:17 it says, “A friend loves for all times.”

Hopefully all through life we keep making new friends.  But, there is something special about “old friends!”  I hope you will take time this week to express your appreciation for some “old friends” in your life.  We’re glad we did.

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Ave. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit http://www.efreedb.org.

 

Reunion (Part 2)

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

I shared in my last article that my wife and I recently attended the reunion of my graduating class at Dallas Theological Seminary.  Seminary is like Law School.  The purpose is to prepare students for church leadership and Biblical studies.  It was a rigorous four year program after college.

The school was honoring graduates from the classes of 1965, 1975 and 1985.  I was in the class of ’75.  I noticed that those people in the class of ’65 sure looked old!  I wonder what the class of ’85 thought about us?

The highlight was reconnecting with former classmates.  It was encouraging to hear about their journeys over the past 40 years.  Most of us were young married couples in our mid-twenties when we left Dallas 40 years ago.

Classmates scattered across the country to begin serving in various churches and ministries.  Dallas Seminary is non-denominational, so graduates could serve in a variety of denominations and independent churches.  My wife and I drove west where we began serving at a small church in Tucson, Arizona.  We were thrilled that they wanted us to come.

Other graduates went overseas to join churches, ministries or teach in schools in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America.  It was wonderful to hear individual stories from these former classmates.  So much had happened during the past 40 years in each of our lives.

Many brought pictures of their families.  Many of us started our families during those seminary years.  Our first child was born in Dallas.  Families grew and more children were added.  Now, most of us are grandparents.  Several even had great grandkids!

Our reunion reminded me of the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis.  When Joseph was reunited with his father and his 11 brothers, they had many stories to share about their lives during many years of separation.

I wonder if you have taken time to attend one of your high school or college reunions.  Maybe there are some friends or former classmates that would enjoy reconnecting with you.  It doesn’t need to be a formal “reunion”, maybe just a phone call or reconnecting through the Internet.  Why not reach out to an “old” friend or classmate this month?  You will be glad you did, and they will too!

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Ave. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit http://www.efreedb.org.

Reunion

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Recently, my wife and I traveled to Dallas, Texas, to attend my 40th reunion from Dallas Theological Seminary.  We both had graduated from college at Arizona State University, and then I went on to study for four more years to prepare for church leadership and Biblical studies at DTS.

During those years in Dallas, I served on the staff of Northwest Bible Church where together we led the High School and College ministries.   This was a growing and dynamic church and we enjoyed working with these teens and young adults.

On our recent trip to Dallas, we had a small reunion with a number of these people. 40 years ago they were in school and planning for their future.   Now, they are mature adults who are not much younger than we are.

Most of these former students found careers, got married and have raised their own families.  In fact, most of them are now grandparents!   How can that be?  We knew them when they were in high school and college, but now they are grandparents just like us.

It was delightful to hear each one share a little of their story about who they married, where they lived and what they are doing now.  We were surprised by how many children and grandchildren they have.  It was interesting to discover that many of them still live in Dallas not far from where they grew up.

It was encouraging to learn that most of them are still active in local churches and many continue to volunteer as teachers and leaders.  We are thankful that the faith they embraced during their high school and college years is still a vital part of their lives today.

I wonder if your children or grandchildren are part of a high school or college group at a local church in our area today.  Are they learning about the importance of a personal relationship with God that they can carry with them during the rest of their lives?

It is not too late to take your children or grandchildren to a church near you.  There are many churches in our area that have vital programs where children and teens can study the Bible and discover what it means to have a personal faith in God.

The children and teens of today will become the parents and grandparents of tomorrow.  Your faith in God will impact generations to come.  Let me encourage you to find a Bible teaching church near you and begin a journey of faith.   40 years will go by quicker than you think!

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Ave. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit http://www.efreedb.org.

Happy Mother’s Day

mark-hopper-color-2x2By Pastor Mark Hopper

I have heard that more long distance phone calls are made on Mother’s Day than any other day of the year.  Everyone wants to say “Happy Mother’s Day” to their mom.

It is not unusual to see a big football player say, “Hi, Mom!” from the sideline bench after a game-winning touchdown.  It is clear that moms are at the top of the list.

Mothers make a life-long impact on the lives of their children.  Their love, patience and wisdom help mold children into the people they become.  Mothers always put the needs of their children and family ahead of their own.  They are often the first one up in the morning, and the last one to bed at night.  A familiar poem says, “From dawn until the setting sun, a mother’s work is never done.”

There is a verse in the Bible that says, “Honor your father and mother so that you may live long in the land that God is giving you,” (Exodus 20:12).  Did you know that this is one of the Ten Commandments?

When people say that they try to live by the Ten Commandments – don’t lie, don’t steal, don’t murder – I wonder if they know that honoring your mother and father is on the same list.

I hope that you will look for some thoughtful ways to express your love and admiration for your mother and the mother of your children on Mother’s Day.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Ave. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit http://www.efreedb.org.

Grocery Shopping

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

When I was in college, I worked at a local grocery store.  My first job was bagging groceries, but later I was promoted to cashier.  In addition, I was assigned to restock the shelves in one section of the store.

It was exciting to be a cashier.  I had to learn how to cash checks and make change when people paid in cash.  There were no credit or debit cards back then.

I also had to learn to weigh the fruits and vegetables. One problem was that I was not familiar with a lot of them. At our house, I was raised on meat and potatoes.  The only vegetables we had were usually green beans or corn.  The only things I knew were the bananas, red apples, lettuce and tomatoes.

I was at a distinct disadvantage when it came to identifying a lot of fruit and vegetables.  Often I would have to ask a customer what kind they had in their cart.  I noticed worried looks on many faces.

I’m sure it is a lot easier to be a cashier in a grocery store today.  The registers are computerized.  The scales are electronic.  They have bar code scanners. The fruits and vegetables usually have stickers with codes on them,  Today we can even use the self-checkout line if we want.

There is a verse in the Bible that says that God has given us food to be enjoyed when it is received with thanksgiving (I Timothy 4:3-4).  I know there are more fruits and vegetables in most grocery stores than I can name.  The varieties seem endless.

We should be thankful for the farmers that grow them and the grocers that sell them.

The next time you go grocery shopping, I hope you will say thanks to the hard working people who work there.  And, the next time you are eating dinner with your friends or family, make sure you finish your vegetables!

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Ave. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit http://www.efreedb.org.

The Jedi Master

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

We had a lot of winter visitors at the church I used to lead in Tucson, Arizona.  We called them “Snow Birds.”  These visitors were mostly retired people who came south to escape the cold winter weather in Michigan and Minnesota.

One of these couples was Doug and Jeri Blom.  They were from Flint, Michigan.  Doug had retired after a long career in management with General Motors Corporation.  He helped build cars in peace time and army tanks during World War II.

When I first met Doug, I did not realize that he was a gifted and successful golfer.  He did not look like your typical tall, thin golfer.  He was short and stout.  He did not hit the ball a mile, but his golf stroke was steady and solid.

Recently, I found an article on the Internet that included some remarkable information about my friend, Doug Blom.  The article reported that a man had won the Flint Michigan Invitational for a third time.  The article mentioned that only three other amateur golfers had won that city’s golf title three times.

But the article added a more astounding statistic.  It reported that Doug Blom was the only golfer to win the Flint title more than three times.  He hadn’t won five or ten or even 15 titles.  Doug Blom won the city title 19 times!  Unbelievable!

I did not know Doug in his prime.  He was in his 70s when he and his wife came to our church in Tucson. Little did I know that Doug had such a remarkable legacy as an amateur golfer.  I learned more about him as Doug’s wife showed me several scrap books filled with newspaper clippings of his golf career.

The article that I found recently said that Doug had played with some of the greatest names in golf, like Sam Sneed and Byron Nelson.  He had also competed in the U.S. Open as an amateur golfer.

When my son was in 5th Grade, Doug took the time to teach him how to golf.  He was so patient and always encouraging.  I managed to learn a few things, too.  When I had a problem with my golf game, I would ask Doug for help.  He was like the Jedi Master.

There is a verse in the Bible where the Apostle Paul encourages his young disciple, Timothy, to teach others the things he had learned from Paul (2 Timothy 2:2)   Doug certainly fulfilled this principle when it came to golf.  He loved teaching others how to enjoy the game as he did.

You may not be a successful golfer, but I am certain you have skills and experiences that you could share with others.  You may not think of yourself as a Jedi Master, but I believe you can make a difference in the life of others as you share what you love with them.

Let me encourage you to look around and see if there is a child or teen that would benefit from the skills and knowledge you have gained in your life.  They will enjoy it, and you will too.

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Ave. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit http://www.efreedb.org.

Eyewitness News

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

Some friends of mine recently returned from a trip to Israel.  They were on a tour that included many of the places mentioned in the Bible.  They saw the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized; the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus’ disciples fished; and the Mediterranean Sea, where the Apostle Paul sailed to Rome.  They also saw cities and towns like Bethlehem, where Jesus was born; Nazareth, where Jesus grew up; and Jerusalem, where Jesus was crucified.  Although archeologists may not be able to identify some of the specific sites mentioned in the Bible, they can confirm that many of the cities and places mentioned in the Bible still exist today.

My friends shared that one of their favorite places to visit was the garden tomb where Jesus may have been buried after his crucifixion by the Roman authorities.  This beautiful garden is located just outside the walls of the old city of Jerusalem.

Historians and archeologists cannot say this is definitely the location where Jesus was buried, but it certainly could be.  The garden and the tomb are located close together.  There is a hill that looks like the one described in the Bible.  It could be the location referred to in the various Bible accounts.

Many people don’t understand why the burial place of Jesus is so important.  There are cemeteries in countries all over the world where loved ones and friends are buried.  Why is the place where Jesus was buried any different?

The Bible says that Jesus rose from the dead three days after he was executed on the Cross.  This makes his death different from any other in history.  The Bible says that many people saw him alive.  Eyewitnesses claimed that they saw him, talked with him, and actually touched him.

The Bible makes it very clear that Jesus’ death on the Cross and his physical resurrection are the foundations of the Christian faith.  If Jesus did not rise from the dead, our faith is worthless and we are misleading others.  If Jesus did rise from the dead, then our faith is true and we have hope for the future and purpose in this life, (I Corinthians 15:1-20).

Let me encourage you to read it for yourself.  Dust off your Bible and read one of the accounts of Jesus’ death and resurrection in Matthew, Chapters 27-28; Mark 15-16; Luke 23-24; and John 19-20.  Each of them provides the names of individuals who claim to have seen Jesus alive after his death on the Cross.  Each of these passages provides specific eyewitness details about Jesus death, burial and resurrection.

On Easter Sunday, I hope you will attend a church near you.  Easter is the day that we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.  Easter reminds us that we do not remember a fallen hero, but a living savior.  Easter reminds us that the tomb is empty.  Jesus is alive!

Join us for Good Friday Service at 7 p.m., and Easter Sunday Services at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m.

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Ave. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit http://www.efreedb.org.

Road Trip

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

When my brother and I were growing up in Arizona, our parents would usually go on vacation in August and drive to San Diego to get out of the hot summer weather in Phoenix.

When my wife and I were raising our own young family in Tucson, we did the same thing.  We would take our kids to San Diego to get away from the hot weather in Arizona.

When my wife’s parents retired, they followed the same pattern.  They would drive from Phoenix to San Diego to get away from the hot summer weather in Arizona.

Maybe this is why I think that San Diego is one of the most beautiful places in the country. We loved going to the beach and Balboa Park.  Sometimes we were able to afford a trip to Sea World or even drive up to Disneyland for a day.

We have so many fond memories of our road trips to San Diego and all the fun we had there with our families.  However, my memories of getting to San Diego are another story.

When my brother and I were young, my parents drove a 1950s Nash Rambler – with no air conditioning – across the desert to San Diego.  It was a long, hot, sweaty drive!

When our own kids were young, they would complain about how hot and long the drive to San Diego was.  There is not much to see along the way.  They would get tired and bored and complain.  The familiar questions were, “How much longer” and “Are we there yet”?

Recently I read a verse in the Bible that reminded me of those road trips from Arizona to San Diego.  In Genesis 45:24, when Joseph sent his brothers back from Egypt to their father in Canaan, he told them, “Do not quarrel on your way.”

Remember, Joseph’s brothers had sold him into slavery.  Years later they were amazed to discover that not only was Joseph alive, but he was a high ranking official in the land of Egypt. He forgave them and provided them with food and supplies for their families back in Canaan.

I know there are times when we all find ourselves quarreling or complaining about our circumstances.  We lose sight of the goal of getting to beautiful “San Diego.”  We quarrel with others who are taking up too much space in the car.

As you begin to make plans for your summer vacation, remember to be grateful and not grumble.  Be thankful that you can enjoy time together and don’t complain and quarrel.  Make some lasting memories and cherish your time with family and loved ones!

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Ave. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit http://www.efreedb.org.

Just In Case

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

Once a year I try to sit down and type a letter that provides my wife and children with information and instructions about our family’s finances and other important matters.

I call it the “Just in Case” letter, because it is written just in case I don’t make it home from a business trip or a day at the office.

None of us like to think about the possibility that we might die suddenly in a car accident or due to a heart attack.  All of us think that we will return home safely and live another day.

I just want to make sure that my wife and family know where to find important records and documents in case I’m not there to help them.

Recently I found one of my “Just in Case” letters in the back of a drawer in my office desk.  It was written in 1997.  It was interesting to read some of the things that I included in the letter that was almost 20 years old.  Some of the information on our family’s finances was interesting, like how much we had in savings and how much we owed on our house at that time.

It was interesting to read the instructions I gave them about finishing school and caring for one another.  Now, they are all out of school and gainfully employed.  None of our kids were married in 1997.  Today three of them are married and several have kids of their own.

Many other things in the letter were outdated.  Our bank accounts had changed and my life insurance, too.  Thankfully, I had updated most of the information in “Just in Case” letters that I have written more recently.

There is a story in the Bible, in 1 Kings 20, where the prophet Isaiah tells King Hezekiah that the he is about to die.  Isaiah tells the King to “set your house in order.”

Do you have your “house in order?”  Do you have a will or living trust?  Do you have instructions written down to help your family in case you die suddenly? Let me encourage you to stop and write a letter to your family and loved ones, “Just In Case.”

Easter Sunday Services: 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m.

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Ave. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit http://www.efreedb.org.

March Madness

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

The highlight of the college basketball season is “March Madness.”  This is when 64 college teams are selected to participate in the annual NCAA basketball tournament.

During the month of March, these 64 teams will be reduced to the Final Four and only one will be crowned the champion.  It is an exciting month.

I have told you that when I was in high school, I played baseball and ran cross country; but, my favorite sport in school was playing basketball.

I am not very tall and I wasn’t very fast, but I loved to play basketball.  Unlike baseball and cross country, there were usually a lot of people at a high school basketball game.

There were cheerleaders, lots of fans, and usually a small “pep band” that filled our school gym with noise and energy.  It was loud and crazy and lots of fun.

I played point guard on the team.  My job was to set up plays and pass the ball to my teammates near the basket.  I was also expected to play defense and prevent the other team from getting a fast break and easy bucket at our end of the court.

Basketball is fluid; it keeps moving.  Plays and opportunities develop quickly and it was fun to work with other members of our team to score a basket.

Baseball is different.  It is a slow paced game where you wait for the pitcher to pitch and the hitter to hit.  A baseball game can last for hours.  A basket ball game is a lot faster and a lot shorter.

One of my favorite movies is, “Hoosiers.”  It is about a basketball team from a small town in Indiana that makes it to the state finals.  In one scene, the coach tells a player, “Don’t shoot the ball unless you are right under our basket and no one else is around!”

I think that is what my high school coach said to me.  I think he preferred that I pass the ball and shoot as little as possible.  I think I usually scored about 4 points a game.  I do remember scoring 13 points one time, but most of them were on free throws!

March Madness is almost here.  College teams from around the country will be competing for the national title.  For a few short weeks, basketball will capture the attention of the sports world and fill our TV screens with many memorable moments.

I hope you can enjoy it.  I know I will.

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Ave. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit http://www.efreedb.org.

Spring Training

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

Baseball was a big deal when I was growing up in Arizona.  Since we did not have a major league baseball team in Phoenix at that time, it was exciting when several major league teams came to town in March for Spring Training.

I enjoyed playing baseball.  When I was very young, we actually played “sand lot” games in a vacant lot near our home.  I also played on organized Little League teams as I grew up, and I made the All-Star team a couple of times.

When I got into high school I enjoyed playing baseball, too.  My position was short stop.  That was where all the action was.  It was my job to stop those hard hit ground balls and throw runners out at first base.  As short stop, I also assisted with double plays and tagging runners out as they tried to steal second base.  I also helped relay throws from the outfield and tried to stop base runners at home plate.

The other part of playing baseball was hitting.  I don’t remember what my batting average was, but I know I didn’t set any records.

Years later, I had the opportunity to coach some Little League teams that my son played on.  Coaching is an important part of every team sport.

I do know that I enjoyed playing baseball.  It is a team sport where everyone has an important role to play.  You learn to work together and value each person’s contribution to the team.

Each team has a coach who helps players to develop their skills both on the field and in the batter’s box.

I have heard that some parents get a little crazy watching their kids participate in team sports.  I hope you will exercise restraint and encourage your kids to participate in a team sport.  They will enjoy it, and you will too!

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Ave. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit http://www.efreedb.org.