Interview with the Director of Access Ministry at McLean Bible Church

November 28, 2007

In this episode, Dr. Edward Bradley interviews Jackie Mills-Fernald, the director of Access Ministry at McLean Bible Church. Her relationship with Access Ministry began originally in 1999 as a volunteer. By autumn of that same year she had joined the Access Ministry staff. In 2000, Jackie became Assistant Director of Staff and Volunteer Development for Access with a focus on recruitment, training, and overall program development. Since December of 2003, Jackie has served as a member of McLean Bible Church’s ministry staff as Director of Access Ministry and also oversees the Signs of Life deaf ministry.

Jackie is a sought after workshop presenter and consultant for churches in the development of disability ministry and creating an inclusive culture in the church.

After listening to the podcast, let us know your thoughts below. Do you have a question for Jackie? Would you like to know more about their ministry?

Podcast – November 28th, 2007

November 28, 2007

In this episode, Dr. Edward Bradley interviews Jackie Mills-Fernald, the director of Access Ministry at McLean Bible Church.

Upper Loft Meditation – Psalm 69

November 20, 2007

“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.” – Psalm 69:30

“I look back at my journey and see that God had a special plan for my life. His path took me to prison that I might come to know him and learn to share His magnificent love with others in prison.

In 2006, two of my friends asked me to drive them to their friend’s house in order to get some stuff. When we got there, I stayed in the car waiting for them. They went inside to commit a crime that changed my life completely. They murdered two people and came back to the car. Their clothes were all bloody. I asked them what had happened and they threatened me and told me to shut my mouth otherwise they would kill my family. During the first week after this I was so scared that I did not say anything to my parents. A week later I decided to tell them the truth. I was 15 years old and ended up in prison, convicted of taking part in the murder of those two people. I was convicted by the judge and needed to serve three years.

I went through anguishing moments and great sadness. I missed my family terribly but they never abandoned me, which gave me strength. God put peace in my heart. At the UI-34 prison, I started going to JEAME meeting run by Virgilio and his staff every Wednesdays. I used to take part in the worhsip time playing and singing. That ministry was very important to me because it brought me knowledge, joy, peace and love.

Because of my good behavior, they allowed me to play at other events outside the prison. After one particular performance, I felt in my heart that that day would be my last concert. I told my mates this, but they only laughed at me. But on December 12th, 2006, after ten months and eight days, God proved my innocence and released me from the prison.

I left the prison more mature and giving more value to my family. God helped me to find a mechanic course at a factory. After one year, I have completed the first year high school at one of the best schools in Mogy Mirim. I have been in fellowship with my church Igrega Congregaçã Cristã, and take an active part in the youth group.

God gave to me and to my brother a song where we tell my history to the glory and honor of God. We thank Him for everything. Amen!”

By Tiago Nunes, ex-inmate of FEBEM Unit 34 Sao Paulo, Brazil

What is your story of Thanksgiving?

Palabras de Aliento – Lucas 1

November 16, 2007

“Él irá primero, delante del Señor, con el espíritu y el poder de Elías, para reconciliar a los padres con los hijos y guiar a los desobedientes a la sabiduría de los justos. De este modo preparará un pueblo bien dispuesto para recibir al Señor.” Lucas 1:17

En el plan de Dios, un hombre es seleccionado para preparar el camino a Jesús para guiar a la gente de vuelta a Dios. Nótese que esto será hecho “en el espíritu y poder de Elías.” Juan habló con gran autoridad, un llamamiento al arrepentimiento, y un reto a estar preparados. “¿Estás listo?”

¿Cómo debe prepararse la gente? La acción que preparará el camino para Dios es la conversión del corazón. Involucra lealtad emocional, honestidad intelectual, una necesidad por una conciencia limpia y un espíritu receptivo al amor de Dios. Esto lleva al arrepentimiento.

El enfoque principal será volver “los corazones de los padres a sus hijos” y los corazones del “desobediente a la sabiduría del justo.” El acto de arrepentimiento se nutre y crece en la tierra de relaciones justas. Debe haber tanto perdón como restauración.

Cuando el corazón de un padre se vuelve hacia sus hijos, debemos entonces volver nuestros corazones a Dios. Debemos buscar la gracia de Dios para nutrir el fruto del arrepentimiento. Una parte clave en el crecimiento de este fruto es la renovación de nuestras mentes. ¿Por qué? “Así podrán comprobar cuál es la voluntad de Dios, buena, agradable y perfecta. Romanos” 12:2b

¿Estás listo hoy para lo que Dios tiene para ti?

Upper Loft Meditation – Luke 1

November 13, 2007

“And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” – Luke 1:17

In the plan of God, a man is selected to prepare the way for Jesus to lead people back to God. Notice that this will be done “in the spirit and power of Elijah.” John spoke with great authority, a call to repentance, and a challenge to be prepared. “Are you ready?”

How were people to prepare? The action that will prepare the way for God is the turning of the heart. It involves emotional allegiance, intellectual honesty, a need for a clear conscience, and a spirit receptive to the love of God. This leads to repentance.

The primary focus will be to turn “the hearts of the fathers to their children” and the hearts of “the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous.” The act of repentance is nurtured and grows in the soil of relationships made right. There must be both forgiveness and restoration.

As a father’s heart turns from himself to his children, so we must turn our hearts to God. We must seek God’s grace to nurture the fruit of repentance. A key part of the growth of this fruit is the renewal of our minds. Why? “Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2b

Today, are you ready for what God has for you?

Upper Loft Meditation – Luke 1

November 7, 2007

“Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, Therefore, … it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” – Luke 1:1,3-4

Luke sets the focus of his Gospel as an orderly account for the “most excellent Theophilus.” Theophilus was a person of position and one whom Luke had very likely baptized. The purpose of writing this account is that Theophilus would “know the certainty” of what he had been taught. The book of Luke is not meant to be an introduction of the Gospel but an affirmation of the authenticity of the Good News of Jesus.

The root word for the word translated “certainty” is a compound word of “not” and “to fail”. It means that this is a sure thing. This story is the truth. It can be counted on with your life.

Our age is one that doubts everything. Certainty is considered a rare element that dissolves rapidly.

The power of the Gospel is that the Spirit of God is persistently preserving and proofing the integrity of the message. This is to be believed.

There is a great need today for followers of Jesus to know what they believe and why they believe it. This is the foundation from which you can explain the hope you have within you.

The intent of telling the gospel story is for the benefit of another. All of us need to be Gospel storytellers who believe with certainty!

Palabras de Aliento – Romanos 3

November 2, 2007

“Esta justicia de Dios llega, mediante la fe en Jesucristo, a todos los que creen. De hecho, no hay distinción, pues todos han pecado y están privados de la gloria de Dios, pero por su gracia son justificados gratuitamente mediante la redención que Cristo Jesús efectuó.” Romanos 3:22-24

Nuestra tendencia es retorcernos cuando oimos “Todos han pecado.” Rapidamente nos ponemos a comparar para nuestro rescate. No soy tan malo como… o, si la gente sólo entendiera mi situación…o, fue lo mejor que pude hacer. Como Dios lo ve, todos somos culpables.

Este entendimiento es el punto de partida para el perdón y la plataforma para recibir nuestro perdon. Este trabajo de la gracia no es basado en nuestros esfuerzos, sino en la intervención de Dios.

La palabra “justificado” tiene un doble significado. Es la declaración de todo lo que has sido encontrado “No culpable.” Has escapado del castigo de la ley. Alguien más ha pagado completamente la pena por ti.

Es también un anuncio que has sido declarado justo, totalmente aceptable ante Dios. “Sin embargo, al reconocer que nadie es justificado por las obras que demanda la ley sino por la fe en Jesucristo, también nosotros hemos puesto nuestra fe en Cristo Jesús, para ser justificados por la fe en él y no por las obras de la ley; porque por éstas nadie será justificado.” – Gálatas 2:16

Por lo tanto, debemos vivir no como alguien que se retuerce y se inquieta en incertidumbre, sino como alguien que ha sido liberado para vivir por la gloria de Cristo.

“Amigo, puedes cojear como un hombre con dos pies rotos, dependiendo de tu dudosa rectitud aceptada por Dios. O bien, puedes poner tu fe en Jesús y ser declarado “No culpable” y “Justo”. La elección está en tus manos.” Dr. Isabelo Magalit (Filipinas)