Tag Archives: Pastor Mark Hopper

An Old Friend – Part I

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

There is a remarkable woman in our church family who is now in her 90s.  Her name is Louise.I met her several years ago.  She is a close friend of a family at our church.  She has a vibrant personality and a twinkle in her eye.  She could play the piano with enthusiasm and always enjoyed the company of others.

In the last few years of her life, she has lived in an assisted living facility nearby.  Many people would find this discouraging, but Louise has a very different attitude. She has impacted the caregivers and staff in many ways.  Some would stop by to see her even before and after their shifts.  She loves people and is always finding ways to encourage others.

Louise also has a heart for prayer.  She faithfully prays for others and encourages others to pray, too.  Before moving to the care home, she always attended the small prayer group at our church early on Sunday mornings.

Even though her body is wearing out, her mind is sharp and her handwriting is steady.  Now that she has a breathing tube, Louise can no longer speak.  But she still communicates by writing notes and she can carry on a conversation in this way.

Louise has a big fan club.  A number of friends stop by to see her often.   Recently, when I stopped by to see her, her friend and former pastor, was there, too. I was surprised that she had a gift for me.  She gave me a book.  I asked her to sign it so I can remember who gave it to me.  With steady, clear handwriting she wrote her name in the book.

The purpose of my visit was to encourage Louise.  But the result of my visit was that I left encouraged as well.

Let me encourage you to take time to call or visit an older friend in your life.  They will appreciate your thoughtfulness and you will be encouraged, 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.

 

 

Something Smells Good

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

Experts say that we associate smells with specific events or memories in our lives.  For example, the scent of pine trees reminds me of summer camping trips in the mountains of Arizona. A salty ocean breeze reminds me of trips with my parents to the beaches of Southern California when I was a little guy. And the smell of waffle cones reminds me of walking down Main Street in Disneyland on vacation when my own children were young.

What comes to your mind when you pick up a familiar scent or smell?  It may be the smell of a rose in your backyard or the blossoms of a fruit tree at the house next door. One of my favorite scents at this time of year is the orange blossoms on the trees in our backyard. They are filled with blossoms right now and they smell so good!

The smell of orange blossoms takes me back to where I grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona.  There were orange groves next to the elementary school I attended, and there were orange groves near the Little League baseball fields where we spent so many hours. My wife grew up in a home that had over 20 citrus trees right on their property.  The scent this time of year is almost overwhelming; I have a lot of fond memories.

What are your favorite scents and smells?  What memories do they bring to your mind?

I am convinced that God created all the color, texture, sounds and smells for us to enjoy. I hope you will stop and smell the roses or the orange blossoms you encounter today.

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.

 

A Proper Greeting

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

With the flu season in high gear, everyone seems to be getting sick. Coworkers are sick. Neighbors are sick. School kids and teachers are sick. Everyone is sick!

I have heard that one of the most common ways to catch the flu is through contact with someone who has the virus. And, the most common contact is with your hands. Door knobs, cell phones, key boards and other things we touch with our hands can spread the flu virus. Even shaking hands with a sick person can spread the virus to others.

I watched a demonstration on the news where one person dipped his hand in a germ infested dish. He then shook hands with a volunteer who in turn shook hands with another volunteer. The conclusion of the study showed that one infected person could spread the virus to five additional people as the germs passed from one person to another. Wow!

I have heard that one of the best ways to avoid getting and spreading the flu virus is to wash your hands frequently. One medical professional said that washing your hands is the single best protection against catching and spreading the flu. If that is true, then how do you properly greet a friend, family member or co-worker?

At our church, we have recommended that people not shake hands during the flu season, but try doing “fist bumps” that minimize hand contact. A Chinese friend had a better suggestion, “Why don’t we just bow to one another and avoid any physical contact?” Sounds like a great idea.

I don’t know how long the flu season will last. And, I don’t know how long I can keep greeting people without a hug or hand shake. But, I do know that all of us need to do all we can to prevent the spread of the flu this year.

So, wash your hands often. Try a “fist bump” or “bow” instead of a handshake. And, if you start to feel like you are catching the flu, drink plenty of fluids, take two aspirin and call me in the morning!

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.

 

 

 

Honoring An Old Friend

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

My brother and I have both served as church pastors for almost 40 years.  Two men greatly influenced our lives during our high school and college years that led both of us to go into full-time ministry.

One of those men was Dr. Jim Borror.  Jim was the first pastor of Scottsdale Bible Church in Scottsdale, Arizona in the 1960s.  He was a remarkable Bible teacher with his doctorate degree from Dallas Theological Seminary.

Jim was a young pastor, husband and father with lots of energy.  He spent a lot of time with the teens and young twenty-year olds in our church.  He led us on hikes into the Grand Canyon.  He played football and softball with us.  He took us camping in the beautiful pine-covered mountains of Arizona. We loved to be around him.

Dr. Borror was also an excellent Bible teacher and theologian.  He modeled a love for the Bible and taught us lessons from the Word that still stick in the back of our minds today.

Jim was also a good shepherd and cared for people in our church.  His wife, Norma, became close friends with our mother; and Jim’s thoughtful and insightful Bible teachings touched the heart and mind of our father.

Recently, my brother and I were invited to speak at Jim’s retirement dinner here in Southern California.  We enjoyed sharing stories and pictures about Jim and his wife Norma from those days 40 years ago at Scottsdale Bible Church.

It was a privilege to get to honor this remarkable man.  We will never be able to fully express how thankful we are for the encouragement and influence Dr. Borror had in both of our lives and our own families.

In first Timothy 5:17, the Apostle Paul said, “Let the leaders who serve well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.”  I’m thankful that we were able to honor our dear friend and former pastor, Jim Borror.

I wonder if there is someone who greatly influenced your life and career.  Maybe a teacher, a coach, a counselor, or pastor encouraged you in your formative years.  Have you taken time to honor them and express your thanks?

Let me encourage you to take time this week to send a card or note to one of the people that impacted your life in the past.  Use this opportunity to express your thanks and appreciation for how they touched your life.  Don’t wait.  Do it this week.  You will be glad you did, and they will be, 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.

 

Conspiracy Or Complacency?

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

I know a lot of people are convinced that there are secret government conspiracies under every rock and behind every bush.  I haven’t gone quite that far, but I did stumble upon something that made me stop and wonder a little.

I went to the local grocery store the other day to pick up some milk and orange juice.  These are part of breakfast at our house and we need to resupply from time to time. We usually buy these in larger quantities at an unnamed “big box” store, but this time I made a quick stop at our local super market.  The milk was in its usual half-gallon plastic carton.   But, when I picked up the carton of orange juice I happened to notice that it was not actually a half-gallon.  It was only 59 ounces, not the full half-gallon 64 ounces.

Now you may think that this is not a big deal. What is the difference between 59 ounces and the half-gallon 64 ounces?  The carton looked the same.  The orange juice tasted the same.  What are a few ounces between friends?

Apparently this “down-sizing” is happening more than we realize in the grocery business. Several years ago, the ice cream makers reduced the size of a carton of ice cream from a half-gallon to “1.5 quarts”.  A half-gallon is two quarts.  They reduced the contents by 25%, but kept the price the same.

I like ice cream, so I have kept buying it at the grocery store.  But, I don’t like the way that the manufacturers are charging the same price (or higher) for a smaller amount of product.

This may be happening on other shelves in the grocery store.  Have candy bars gotten smaller?  Have bags of flour been reduced in size?  Have shampoo bottles shrunk?

Apparently the food and grocery industry thinks it is smarter to reduce the size and volume of their products rather than increase their prices.  They must believe that consumers won’t notice the down-sizing and stop buying their products.

I may be the only one who has noticed this “sleight of hand” at the grocery store.  Maybe it isn’t a big deal.  But I think it would be more accurate and more honest if the stores and their suppliers would keep sizes and prices consistent so that shoppers and consumers can know what we are really paying for their products.

Maybe it is time to launch a boycott of orange juice and ice cream to let the manufactures know that we don’t like this sleight of hand.  Or, maybe it is time to write a letter to the stores that are stocking their shelves with smaller quantities and higher prices.

Maybe we should write to our local Congressman and ask for a Congressional investigation!  Or maybe we should just enjoy our ice cream and orange juice and realize things just aren’t what they used to be.

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.

 

 

Weddings And Marriage

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

In my last article, I mentioned that my wife and I had attended four weddings in four weeks from late August and to the end of September.  All of the weddings were at outdoor locations from Temecula to Malibu, from Oak Glen to downtown L.A.

It used to be that June was the month for weddings, but one wedding planner told me that now September has become the new popular choice for weddings.

There is a passage in the Bible that says, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother, cleave to his wife and the two will become one flesh,” (Genesis 2:24).  This short verse contains three important words.

When a couple gets married, they need to leave their father and mother.  They need to end their dependence on their parents and establish their own family.  Many young adults have already done this by finishing school and starting a career.  But, sometimes they have remained financially and emotionally dependent on their parents.

In addition, the married couple needs to cleave to one another.  The word in the original Hebrew language has the idea of an unbreakable bond.  We might use the word “super glue” to convey the idea that a married couple needs to “stick together” and not let anything or anyone break this sacred commitment.

Finally, the Bible verse also says that the married man and woman “become one flesh”.  This expresses the physical intimacy that God intended for a married couple to share.  It is one of the most remarkable and unique relationships known to mankind.

These days, sadly, physical intimacy is not taken seriously.  Movies, TV sitcoms, books and magazines often give the impression that intimacy does not need to be protected and that people should pursue any relationships they want.

Maybe it sounds old fashioned to encourage students and young adults to not live recklessly and thoughtlessly in this area of their lives.  Maybe it seems unrealistic to expect married couples to remain faithful to their wedding vows and to one another.

Maybe we need to remind ourselves and our kids that marriage is something very special.

Weddings are special moments in the lives of the couple getting married and for families who celebrate this wonderful occasion.

Regardless of what month you select for your wedding, I hope you will remember these three important words – leave, cleave and become one!

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.

 

Getting Married

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

Someone told me recently that September has become the new big month for weddings. Traditionally we think of June weddings, but that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore.

From late August to the end of September, my wife and I attended four different weddings.

There was a wedding every week!

We enjoy attending weddings and sometimes I am asked to officiate.  Certainly each wedding is a special moment in the life of the families and couple involved.

One interesting pattern with all four of the weddings was that each one was held outdoors. Some were in lush garden settings, while others were in more remote, secluded settings.

I’m not sure what has happened to the traditional church wedding, but I have noticed that it is a growing trend to have weddings outdoors or in less traditional settings.

A number of different weddings are recorded in the Bible.  One of the most famous is the wedding that Jesus attended with His disciples in Cana of Galilee, found in the book of John, Chapter 2.

Another wedding is recorded in Genesis, Chapter 29.  In this passage, Jacob is tricked by his father-in-law and ends up with the wrong wife.  Jacob wanted to marry Rachel, but the father-in-law gave Jacob the veiled sister, Leah, instead!

Marriage is a special, God-given relationship.  In Genesis, Chapter 2, we read, “Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh”.

We’ll talk more about the “leaving and cleaving” in my next article.  But let me express my congratulations to the families and couples that got married during the past month.  It looks like you are in good company since September has become the new month to get married.

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.

Weather Conditions

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

When people ask me about the weather in California, I usually try to explain it like this. It is a contest between the desert and the ocean.  The hot dry winds push in from the north and east, and the cool ocean breezes push back from the south and west.

We are caught in a tug-of-war between these two imposing forces. Fortunately, the ocean usually dominates our weather and as a result we get morning fog and cool afternoon breezes.

But when the hot, dry Santa Ana winds prevail and the heat builds up, the air conditioning bills skyrocket. We all felt the effects of the heat during the past few weeks.  And, we will see the increased electric bills in another few weeks.

My wife and I grew up in Arizona.  The past few days felt like we were back in Arizona.  The days were really hot and the evenings provided little relief.  Everyone you talked to would comment about the heat. In the Phoenix area it is not uncommon to have over 100 days a year that are over 100 degrees. The low temperature at night often does not get below 90 degrees. It stays hot all summer.

There are a lot of things that I do miss about Arizona, but one thing I do not miss is the long, hot summer.

I heard the story of a pastor who was asked to help start a new church in Arizona.  After thinking about the invitation for a while, he replied, “There are three reasons that I think that God does not want me to move to Arizona…June, July and August!”

Someone said that God uses adversity and discomfort to get our attention.  The hot, dry weather we have experienced certainly got our attention.  It reminds us of how we expect comfort and convenience.  It reminds us of how fortunate we are to have air-conditioned homes and cars, offices and classrooms.

I hope that the weather is a little cooler by the time you are reading this article.  Let me encourage you to be thankful for the comforts you enjoy and don’t complain when the weather warms up for a few days. Just remember, you could be living in Arizona!

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.

Lost in Love

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

 

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

We are continuing our one year journey through the Bible at our church on Sunday mornings.

I have enjoyed studying and teaching about each book along with the other pastors at our church.

There are five poetical books in the Old Testament: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon.

You are probably familiar with some of these books.  Many people turn to the Psalms to find help and hope in times of difficulties.  Psalm 23 is one of the best known writings in the world, as David wrote, “The Lord is my shepherd.”

The book of Job records the suffering and tragedy experienced by a remarkable man named Job.  Proverbs is filled with helpful lessons and insights for daily living.  And, Ecclesiastes records King Solomon’s interesting perspective on work, family, life and death.

The one poetical book that people are probably most unfamiliar with is the Song of Songs, or also known as the Song of Solomon. This is the story of King Solomon’s love for a beautiful young woman.  It contains some remarkable descriptions of their courtship and marriage.  The author uses vivid word pictures to describe their romantic relationship.  They were lost in love.

But the book also includes some of the problems and difficulties that the King and his new bride experienced.  There were seasons where indifference and selfishness began to take root in their relationship.  There were times when they did not communicate effectively.

These same problems can weaken married couples today.  Couples that are engaged or newly wed are lost in love.  But, they can not foresee that there will be challenges and difficulties in the future.

Marriage is more than love and romance.  Marriage also involves a commitment between a husband and wife to stick together through the good times and the bad.

If you have not read the Song of Solomon before, let me encourage you to dust off your Bible, use the table of contents and find this short book in the middle of the Old Testament.  You may not understand all of the imagery and figures of speech, but I think you will be surprised at how the Bible tastefully addresses romance and marriage.  You, too, may find yourself “Lost in Love.”

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.

 

Not Again

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

Many years ago, my wife suggested that we add a small mint plant to our vegetable garden.  We had a beautiful bed of strawberries and never thought the mint would be a problem. But over the next few years, the mint completely took over the garden.  We discovered that mint is like a weed.  It grows quickly and spreads rapidly.

I actually wrote an article about this problem and asked for advice on how to get rid of the mint in my garden.  One person sent me an email with a simple solution: Never plant mint in your garden in the first place!

The only way I was able to get rid of the mint was to dig up every square foot of my garden and sift every shovel of dirt through a screen.  It took many weeks and many hours to completely remove every small twig and root of mint.

That was several years ago.  Since then I have planted a variety of vegetables in my garden. This year we have enjoyed fresh tomatoes, bell peppers and zucchini squash. But, a few days ago I saw something that I never expected to see again.  Several small twigs of mint appeared in my garden.  I had not seen any mint for years. How could this be?

It reminded me that there may be old habits and sins in our lives that we think we have conquered and defeated, but they reappear when we least expect it.  I wonder if there are things from your past that might resurface and invade your peaceful life unexpectedly.

All of us are vulnerable to temptation and sin.  All of us have our weaknesses.  All of us can fall back into some old habits if we are not careful and prayerful.

If you see a small “twig” of mint resurfacing in your life, don’t ignore it.  Ask God for help and strength to face the temptation.  Ask a friend to help keep you accountable and have the freedom to speak into your life.  Don’t try to handle it alone.

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.

 

Fast Food

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

 

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

Most people have their favorite “Fast Food” restaurants.  The list is endless.  Some of my favorites include In-N-Out Burger and Chick-Fil-A.

The idea behind the fast food business is that you can get your food quickly without a long wait. The service is good, the food is good and you are able to be on your way.  There are usually plenty of places to park, and most include a drive-thru lane.

Recently, my son and I stopped at a fast food place on Labor Day.  We actually wondered if it would be open.  We knew that banks and post offices were closed.  We learned that other businesses had reduced hours. We were surprised to see that our restaurant was not only open, but packed with hungry customers.

While we were waiting in a rather long line to place our order, a man suddenly dashed into the restaurant almost knocking people down as he hurried into the restroom.  It happened so suddenly that I did not get a good look at the intruder.

Moments later, at least five police cars pulled up and surrounded the restaurant.  There were well-armed police everywhere.  Several entered the restaurant and someone pointed them to the men’s restroom.

As more police cars arrived on the scene, one officer entered the rest room and emerged with the fugitive.   There were so many policemen and police cars that it looked like a law enforcement convention.

Thankfully, the police quickly had the situation under control and no one was hurt.  The suspect did not resist arrest and everyone remained calm.

As my son and I ate our fast food, we reflected on what had just happened.  We realized that if the fugitive had possessed a weapon, it could have been a very dangerous situation with a very different outcome.

We were amazed that the employees did not stop working.  They kept taking orders and serving food. We were surprised that the customers did not panic or try to leave.  It all happened so quickly that no one really had time to react.

We were also thankful for the quick action of the law enforcement officers.  They arrived quickly, acted decisively and treated the suspect carefully.

As we left, my son and I were thankful that we were safe and that the restaurant got our order right.  The food was fast and the experience was one we will remember for a long time.

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.

 

WOW

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

 

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

The word “wow” means a variety of things to different people.  It is an expression we use when we are delighted by an expected surprise.  It is a word we use when we try to describe a beautiful sunset or a majestic mountain peak. I’m sure that you could add to this list with additional ways you use, “wow”.

At our church the word “WOW” is the name of our Women’s Ministry Bible Study program.  The letters stand for, “Women of Worth”.

Every Wednesday morning over 100 women of all ages gather to study the Bible.  In addition, classes are available in the evening for women who cannot attend in the day time. There are classes that study specific books of the Bible and there are classes on subjects that are specifically geared for women.  Some of the studies being offered this fall include: Becoming the Woman of His Dreams; Choose Joy – Because Happiness Isn’t Enough; and A Study of the Book of Genesis.

Women of all ages participate in the WOW program.  Some are new mothers.  Others are empty-nesters. Some have a lot of background studying the Bible, and others are new to Bible study. Many of the women who attend WOW actually attend other churches in the community on Sundays.

This weekly program is available to women who want to deepen their knowledge of the Bible and strengthen their friendships with other women. WOW classes begin on Wed., Sept. 10, at 9 a.m. Child care is available for nursery and preschool children.

For more information, please visit our website at www.efreedb.org, or contact our Women’s Ministry Director, Nancy Salvato, at our church office, at (909) 594-7604.

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.

 

 

Learning Your Letters

By Pastor Mark Hopper

 

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

Some of our grandchildren have been in the area for a few weeks and we’ve really enjoyed our time with them.

One day, we went down to the beach and had a fun day swimming in the ocean and playing in the sand.  They loved digging holes and building castles. We also drew pictures and shapes in the wet sand.  They loved to watch the waves come in and erase what we had drawn.

At one point, I started writing the letters of the alphabet in the sand with the flat side of a small plastic shovel.  I was amazed to hear my little granddaughter reciting the name of each letter as I drew them.

Now, I know that every parent and every grandparent thinks that their kids are exceptionally smart.  But I think that my grandkids are even smarter! I was so amazed that a child so young already knew every letter by name.  Maybe this is normal, but I doubt it.  Who would have thought that a 2-year old would know and recognize every letter in the alphabet?

I’m sure that her parents should get much of the credit. I know they read books and stories every night before bed. And, I know that kids learn a lot of educational things by watching TV and children’s DVDs, too.

I don’t know how old your children or grandchildren are, but let me encourage you to start reading to them and helping them discover the joy of learning their letters. Letters become words and words become stories.  Stories become books and books become adventures.

There are few gifts that you can give to your children and grandchildren that are more valuable than the gift of reading.  Don’t wait for others to do the job for you.  Start today to help those little ones learn those letters.

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.

 

 

Connecting The Dots

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

I usually have a pretty good sense of direction.  I don’t get lost easily and I can find my way to a destination without a lot of trouble.

One of the great tools of our time is the GPS system in our cars and on our phones.  These “Global Positioning Satellites” help us know our own location and help us find the location we are looking for. Recently I discovered that you cannot always trust the GPS.  My wife and I were on our way from Diamond Bar to a wedding in Apple Valley.  I have not been to Apple Valley before so we entered the address in the GPS on my phone. The wedding invitation included the address but did not have a map.

One dot on the GPS represented our current location as we drove east on the 10 Freeway.  The other dot represented our destination.  It looked pretty simple – connect the dots! But, as we got into the hills of Apple Valley, we got lost.  We tried to follow the GPS map on my phone, but we discovered that the destination we were looking for was not where it appeared on the map.

What can you do when you are lost and the dots don’t connect?  You phone a friend!  We called another couple who were already at the wedding and they helped get us back on the right road and guided us to our destination. Thankfully, the wedding had not started by the time we arrived and we were able to enjoy the special event.

I am sure that there are times in each of our lives where the “dots” don’t connect.  One of the best things you can do when you lose your direction and need help finding your way is to “phone a friend”.  That friend is God. In the New Testament there is a verse that says, “Let us approach the Throne of Grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need,” (Hebrews 4:16).

The best thing I can recommend when you need help and direction is to talk to God in prayer.  Tell Him your fears and uncertainties.  Ask Him for help and direction.  He is always available and promises to help you in your time of need.  He can connect the dots and help you find your way.

 

Lost And Found

By PASTOR MARK HOPPER

 

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

I am a big Indiana Jones fan.  At the end of the the first movie, “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, there is a scene where the Ark of the Covenant is packed into a wooden crate and wheeled into a huge warehouse.  It is clear that it will be lost and forgotten among the thousands of other similar crates stored there.

When my wife and I recently traveled overseas some of our luggage got lost.  Our flight from Lisbon to Moscow was delayed and we missed our connection in Milan.  Our luggage should have been transferred with us on the later flight but instead it ended up in “Lost and Found.”

When we finally got to Moscow, our luggage was still in Milan.  The Russian airline personnel assured us that our luggage would be sent to Moscow the next day.  Unfortunately, we were being driven to a city 200 miles away and could not wait for our luggage to arrive.

A few days later, we received an email informing us that our two lost pieces of luggage had arrived in Moscow and we could claim them at the airport when we returned to Moscow in about two weeks. Thankfully we had a document from Aeroflot Airlines that showed we did have two pieces of luggage in storage at the Moscow airport.  But, the airport is a big place and when we got back to Moscow, I went to a variety of offices and ticket counters trying to find the location of the Aeroflot Lost and Found.

Finally, at the end of a maze of hallways and corridors, I found a locked, steel door that said, “Lost and Found”.  When I rang the bell, a stern, uniformed attendant greeted me with suspicion.  She didn’t speak English and I didn’t speak Russian.  But, when I showed her my document she allowed me to come in.

Behind her desk was a storage room filled from floor to ceiling with unclaimed suitcases, baby strollers and car seats.  I am convinced that if you have ever lost a child’s car seat, it is probably at the Lost and Found at the airport in Moscow.  There were dozens of them! The room looked like a scene right out of that Indiana Jones movie.

The stern woman actually was very helpful.  She pointed to the huge storage room and gestured to me to start looking for my lost bags.  It looked impossible. I expected that the luggage would be organized by flight numbers or by airlines.  Instead, suitcases were piled on the floor and on racks all over the room.  It was like trying to find a needle in a hay stack. It would have been easy to give up hope, but I knew our bags were here somewhere.  The airline had sent us an email stating that our bags were here.  Finding them, however, was a challenge.

It is amazing how all luggage looks alike.  One of our bags was gray.  It seemed that most of the other bags in the room were gray, too.  But thankfully, my wife’s bag was bright pink.  We found it first. Now I knew that our bags were really here and I redoubled my effort to find the gray one, too.

After looking for almost half an hour, my new friend, the stern lady official pulled a gray suitcase out of a stack in a far corner with our names on it. Amazing; there it was!

This whole adventure reminded me of a passage on prayer in Matthew, Chapter 7: Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, “Ask and keep on asking, and it will be given to you. Seek and keep on seeking, and you will find.  Knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened for you.”

I am sure there many lessons that can be learned from this experience.  First, I recommend that you buy only bright colored suitcases in case they end up in a Lost and Found in a foreign country. Second, never give up.  When you face an impossible challenge, keep going.  Persistence and determination can pay off. Third, I believe God still answer prayers.  My wife and I prayed for a safe journey on our travels overseas.  And, we prayed that we would find the lost luggage, especially the bright pink one that was filled with gifts for our grandchildren.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Bed Time Story

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

When our children were young, we always read them a story or two before they went to bed.  So it is no surprise that our children do the same with their children.  Maybe it is a universal requirement.

Recently we enjoyed spending time with some of our grandchildren.  One of my jobs was to read a bedtime story to one of our grandsons.  He is 6-years old, and growing and learning so much. Instead of reading your typical nursery rhyme or children’s story book, we decided to read a fascinating biography about the life of a man called, “Uncle Cam”.  His parents have a number of these easy-to-read biographies about famous Christian leaders and missionaries.

Uncle Cam’s real name was Cameron Townsend.  He grew up on a small farm in Southern California in the early 1900s and eventually launched a world-wide organization called Wycliffe Bible Translators that helped rural and illiterate people to read and write.

In addition to his literacy work, his goal was to translate the Bible into the languages of these people so they could know about God’s love for them.  And, he wanted to improve their personal lives by teaching these people skills in agriculture and raising livestock.

One particular chapter really caught our attention.  When Uncle Cam was working among a group in rural Mexico in the 1930s, he received an unexpected surprise.  One day the President of Mexico actually came to visit him.  The President had heard of the good things that Uncle Cam was doing for these people and he wanted to come and see it for himself.

My grandson and I were so surprised and excited when we read this.  I’m sure that is a bedtime story that we will remember for a long time.

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.

 

 

Rain, Rain, Go Away

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

 

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

We don’t get a lot of rain in Southern California in the summer.  In fact, we usually don’t see a drop of rain between May and November.  We get most of our rain in the winter and spring.

On our recent trip to Central Europe, we experienced the exact opposite.  It rained day after day for a week.  The creeks were full and the hillsides were covered with lush green grass.  It looked like a picture postcard. We all enjoy a light drizzle or an evening shower, but this rain wouldn’t quit.  It rained hard for days.

The farmers may appreciate all the rain, but young grandchildren and visiting grandparents can get a little cabin fever after a week of rain. Usually we got out each day to walk or ride bikes to a local park.  It is fun to get out and the grandkids loved the play yard at the park.  But it was hard to go anywhere with rain every day.

One solution we found was to drive a few miles to a nearby town and go to the shopping mall. This provided a good alternative and got all of us out of the house.

One of the best things about this part of the world is enjoying the outdoors.  It can be cold and barren in the winter, but spring and summer are beautiful.  We love it and the grandkids do, too.

Whether you live in Southern California or Central Europe, rain and water are essential. In the Bible it says, “God has shown His kindness by giving us rain from heaven and crops in their season, providing us with plenty of food and filling our hearts with joy,” (Acts 14:17).

The rain and the weather are good reminders of how blessed we are to live and enjoy the world that God has made, even when it is more rain than we would like. I’m sure we all hope to see some more rain soon in Southern California.

 

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.

From Russia With Love

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

 

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

My wife and I were in western Russia recently with a team from our church.  We have maintained a partnership with a Russian church for almost 20 years.

 

Our primary activity on this trip was to teach English to students and young adults.  Students in almost every country in the world love to learn and improve their skills in another language.  This is true in Russia as well.

 

Several translators helped us communicate with our Russian hosts and with the students who attended the English camp.  We were impressed by the ability of many students to understand and speak English. They were excited to get to practice their speaking skills with us.  Many have studied English in school, but very few have had the opportunity to practice speaking with Americans and other English speakers.

 

Each day was filled with classroom instruction and individual interaction.  There was also time for other activities and recreation. Many of the students were connected with our host church.  But, others were non-church guests and friends. We enjoyed opportunities to help them with their English skills and to talk about their personal faith in God, too.

 

I know there are political tensions between our nations, but we found the Russian people we met to be warm and gracious.  We were thankful for the opportunity to reconnect with these delightful people.

 

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.

 

It Looks Like Summer

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

I was having lunch at my favorite restaurant the other day and it was packed with people. There were all these students lined up waiting to order their food. It was crazy! Why weren’t these kids in school?

I found out that it was the last day of school for the Walnut School District. I think the students were released at 11 a.m. and it seemed like all of them descended on In-N-Out at the same time. The kids were excited and full of energy. It was like a huge dam had broken and all their pent up energy was filling the restaurant. It was clear that these students were ready for summer.

It is true that we all need a break from time to time. Certainly teachers need a break from the demanding role of teaching students five days a week. I’m sure that students also need a break from all the homework that they deal with during the school year.

Parents may feel a little different. There is something nice about kids having a routine. I’m sure parents are also glad that their children are learning and growing at school each day.

What are you planning to do with your kids now that school is out for the next ten weeks? I recently saw an article in the Orange County Register titled, “50 Things To Do For Free In Orange County With Your Kids This Summer.” I think every parent could use some helpful, inexpensive ideas to fill these lazy, hazy days of summer.

One thing I encourage all of the parents at our church to do is send their kids to summer camp. There is nothing quite like a week away from home at summer camp. Camp is expensive, but worth every dollar. In addition, many churches offer an inexpensive week of Vacation Bible School in the summer. Our VBS will be July 28 to August 1. It is a great week for kids to grow and learn.

I hope you have some creative plans for your students this summer, although I do recommend a visit to In-N-Out from time to time.

School is out. The kids are ready for summer. Are you ready, too?

Pastor Mark Hopper

Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

(909) 594-7604

Sunday Services: 9 and 10:45 a.m.

Rainbows

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

 

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

Recently my wife and I had the opportunity to go back to Hawaii.  We love Hawaii and find it relaxing and enjoyable.  However, this time we had some of the worst weather we have ever experienced there. We used to go to Maui during summer vacation.  But, now that my wife has retired, we are able to go at other times of the year.  The fall is nice, because the crowds are smaller and air fares are lower. But this time, at the last minute, we went at the end of the winter season.

We were surprised at the weather. Strong winds blew all day long during the first three days we were there.  These weren’t the usual afternoon trade winds.  These were strong, steady winds that blew day and night. Even the locals were expressing their dismay with the unusually strong winds. Along the side of the road, we saw a large, established tree that was blown over by the wind.  Apparently there was a low pressure system over most of the islands that was drawing in these 50, 60, and 70 mph winds.

Along with the wind there was rain.  Sometimes the rain was in the form of tropical downpours. Other times it was more gentle and steady.

One morning we decided to brave the winds and take a walk on the beach.  The wind continued to blow but the rain came in gentle waves. As we looked out over the ocean we saw a beautiful rainbow; it was amazing. It stretched over the water – a complete rainbow! During the remainder of that day we saw at least five more beautiful rainbows as we drove from the southern to the northern end of the island.

The first rainbow mentioned in the Bible was during the time of Noah and the Ark.  The Bible says that God gave the rainbow to serve as a reminder of His promise to never flood the earth again. We don’t see rainbows on sunny days.  We see them on rainy days.    In the midst of adversity, we can still find reasons for hope.

You may be going through a rainy season in your life right now.  But, with God’s help, you can find hope and encouragement.  He can provide a few rainbows to remind you of His love and concern for you.  He can give you the strength to stand against the strong winds and endure the tough times in life.