A.  Pastor Gary was a minister for the young people.  I don't think I ever heard one of his messages that didn't mention the young people at some point.  This was one of his callings, and we will not forget.  Yesterday, Pastor Gary passed away in Papua New Guinea.  He is survived by his wife, Sister Carolyn, and children, Sandy, Andrew, Sister Cathy, and Billy.

Thursday, April 29, 2004 - Benj

Iraq & Politics       

Surprisingly, all the negative news out of Iraq of late has helped President Bush.  The latest polls show him slowly widening a lead over Kerry, and they also show that the American people trust Bush more in leading the war on Terror.

The Democrats, not so subtly, have been assuming that a worsening of conditions in Iraq would help Kerry.  The last month has proven that assumption false, and has left Kerry in a weakened state.

Where do things go from here?  John Kerry has a tough road to walk, and the smart money is still on Bush winning by a slim margin.  Conservative optimists, of course, are predicting a Bush landslide.  

Could it be that if things improve in Iraq, that Kerry gets helped?  Something along the lines of:  Iraq stabilizes, Bush is duly granted his victory, the nation begins focusing on other things (health care, jobs, etc).  And accordingly Bush is no longer viewed just in light of the war on terror?  

If this election ends up being about the Terror War & Iraq, Bush wins big.  If it begins to shift to other domestic issues, then it'll be a fight to the finish.  With the smart money still on Bush.

   Posted on Wednesday, April 28, 2004                                                       by Llenis M

 God of the heavens and the earth, creator of everything our eyes can behold desires us intensely?  He has a strong positive attraction for us?  I don't know about you, but this makes my heart leap for an inexpressible joy and it leaves me flattered to know that my King loves you and me this way! 

 Song of Solomon 2:3, "Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the sons. I sat down in his shade with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste." 

       The Lord longs for you and I to enjoy every moment that we spend with him as something that we cannot compare with anything of any shape or form in this world.

.  Song of Solomon 4:10, "How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride.  How much more pleasing is your love than wine.

 I must tell you today that God is not mad at you, nor disappointed, nor frustrated with you, but on the contrary, sick of love for us.   I pray that this short thought will inspire you to seek the Lord with passion and love as he reveals his heart to you in a manner that you will say, his love is better than life!  Amen           

One windy night, before family prayer, my grandmother asked me to get the head coverings.  I brought two…one for her and one for my mom.  After prayer that night my grandfather asked me to sit and have a chat with him.  “Why didn’t you wear a head covering?” he asked.  I squirmed a bit as I usually do when being questioned about such issues and said, ”Well, I really don’t know if wearing the head covering applies to me.”  He asked me why the word of God, which forever stays the same, would not apply to me.  I thought about it for a minute and confirmed that wearing the head covering seemed to be something that women had to do back then—more a tradition of that time.  Being a bit [or a lot] more liberal than my Indian parents, I feel that God only looks at the heart…why would it matter so much if I didn’t wear a stupid head covering?  Things have changed—haven’t they?  I’ve always had this stance; but I wore the head covering because my mom and grandma did.  I didn’t feel like following the tradition anymore.  I wanted to make up my own mind.  So I told my grandpa that I would get back to him on that one…after I did a little research. 

Here are my findings:

1 Corinthians 11:1-16

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.  I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions just as I handed them on to you.  But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the husband is the head of his wife, and God is the head of Christ.  Any man who prays or prophesies with something on his head disgraces his head, but any woman who prays or prophesies with her head unveiled disgraces her head--it is one and the same thing as having her head shaved.  For if a woman will not veil herself, then she should cut off her hair; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or to be shaved, she should wear a veil.  For a man ought not to have his head veiled, since he is the image and reflection of God; but woman is the reflection of man.  Indeed, man was not made from woman, but woman from man.  Neither was man created for the sake of woman, but woman for the sake of man.  For this reason a woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.  Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man or man independent of woman.  For just as woman came from man, so man comes through woman; but all things come from God.  Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head unveiled? Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair, it is degrading to him, but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering.  But if anyone is disposed to be contentious--we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.

I went over this passage with my father.  (My dad, dad, I mean;)  I’d never really analyzed this passage before, but what I found surprised me.  Paul says, Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.  Paul goes into talking about the purpose and requirements of Christ followers.  Growing up as a Christian these days, there are sooooo many different beliefs about God’s word and what it really means.  Some take it literally and some dissect it until it fits into their puzzle.  …Almost seems like people are twisting God’s word to make their lives easier.  On a side note, I’ve heard that divorce is most common among Christians.  That is so crazy.  Why?  Because we twist God’s word to conform to how we want to live.  God will understand if I can’t get along with my husband over whether or not he barbeques on the porch or the patio.  Some people. 

But back to my headcovering dilemma.  The word explicitly says that, For if a woman will not veil herself, then she should cut off her hair; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or to be shaved, she should wear a veil.  How can anyone dispute this?  Some may say that it was a cultural thing, or a thing from that time period.  But then we can say that about a lot of things.  I don’t want to look to deep into what reads to be so simple.  Wearing a head covering when you pray may seem archaic or even embarrassing for some; but if it is God’s word, shouldn’t we obey?

I am not saying that people who don’t wear one are hell bound.  But if anyone is disposed to be contentious--we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.  God is not about bringing strife among people.  God DOES look at the heart.  And he does convict people when they need to be convicted.  It is through him that we receive light on these matters—if we are willing to listen.  The more we read and study God’s word, by God’s grace, the more we will heed to what IT says and not to what man says is the right or wrong thing to do. 

Interesting Word of the Day:  boondoggle  [boon dawggl]  (noun):  an activity or project that is trivial and wasteful of time or money  

Mid 20th century. Coined by the U.S. scoutmaster R.H. Link for a braided leather cord made by Scouts.  

The basketball team, after winning almost every game of the season, felt that the practice was a boondoggle since they were sure to win the championship game.  

A.  At long last, the rosters for all 8 teams are up.  Click here to check them out.  Also, I have added pictures for everyone that I have them for.  If you want your pic added, hit me up at chunglao@hotmail.com.  *Please keep in mind that these rosters will be edited as the tourney date approaches.

Also, Tourney 2004 has been revamped to better suit you.  This section is the official home for all upcoming tourneys.

NBA Finals

Before I begin my update today, I would just like to tell everyone that I have great news!  I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance by switching to geico.

A former St. Johns player, Artest is the epitome of lockdown defense and is one of the main reasons why Indiana finished with the best record in the league. Its refreshing to find a guy so dedicated to playing defense- especially when defense doesn't get you any stats or put you on any posters. When you play defense, your playing for your team and not for yourself. Here's a stat for you. Over the course of the entire season, Artest held his man to under 9 shots per game! Enough said. I hope the Pacers take it all!

See ya next time.

Thursday, April 22, 2004 - Benj

Taking Control of a Quality Life - Chuck Swindoll       

ü      Make and cultivate a few very close friends

ü      Stay in touch with people

ü      Read widely

ü      Exercise regularly and strenuously

ü      Turn the TV off

ü      Commune with God

ü      Fight the rut of routine

ü      Leave time for leisure

ü      Have more fun

ü      Take up a hobby or pastime that gets you outdoors

ü      Don’t let your occupation enslave you

ü      Eat less

ü      Laugh more

ü      Quit fussing

ü      Pray everywhere and at all times

ü      Encourage at least one person everyday

ü      Stop living for money

ü      Invest in people (and eternal commodity)

ü      Plant a garden

ü      Trust God for something that seems impossible

ü      Loosen up your intensity

ü      Stop taking yourself so seriously

ü      Start today

Observation of Language and Gender

In one of my classes we've been discussing the subject of language and gender, and I have got to say, it has been one of the most interesting subjects that I've studied. Some things that we talked about in class is how the use of language reflects the different roles men and women play in society, and even the status the genders hold that may be subconsciously embedded in the minds of the people of a certain culture. In our culture we have certain revealing things.

For example, why is it okay to call a girl a tomboy, but if you call  a  guy  a sissy it's a really offensive thing? I don't even want to go into what the implications are, I think you get my point.

That class discussion triggered my mind and I started thinking back to one day I pulled my car to the side to ask for directions, and a gentleman who was probably in his late 20's told me the directions and then addressed me by the term "honey." Then I thought, if a random stranger who happened to be a man asked me for help and I called him honey, it would not be acceptable at all, and I think its due in most part to gender.

But anyway, one thing that I found in my very shallow research in this topic is how language evolves over time, and interestingly enough found the etymology of the words girl and youth. Girl in times past used to refer to both genders, while youth was exclusively for young men. I thought that was so cool, and while this info may not land you a job (unless you are an etymologist) or anything, its still interesting ;).

Okay everyone, take care, have a great week! Until next time.

   Posted on Tuesday, April 20, 2004                                                            by Ben H

A song by Fred Hammond is entitled "Running Back To You." I think every Christian can identify with the words of this song.

How can you forgive me when I've often gone astray
How can you think of me when I do things my way
Turning my back from you
The one who loved me first
Having my own desires
Renewing worldly thirst...
And I am running back to you
I see your standing there for me
Your arms are opened wide
And I don't have to cry no more
You're standing there for me
And I am running back to you,
Why do I go away when I know I am no good when I'm on my own.

The fact is, we are miserable failures when it comes to being holy. If any one were good  at it, he wouldn't need Jesus. I've come to that realization  so many times, and I've found that whenever I have fallen (I lost count years ago), I can always run back into his wide open arms. In fact, some of my most precious moments with Jesus have not been the times when I'm "coasting," if you know what I mean. It's been those times when I feel lost and alone, and I cry out, "God! Please take me back. I'm lost without you. I've made a mess again." He always takes me back and I feel his warm presence surround me.

I wonder at those times how I ever thought I could live without him. I look at people around me and I wonder, "How do you do it?! How do you live without Jesus?" The funny thing is, I end up going through the same process over and over again because of the deception in my own heart . The Bible talks about the deception of the human heart: 

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" [Jer. 17:9]  

Apostle Paul talks about the deceitful pull of sin in our bodies in Romans: 

"For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.[Rom.7:9]"  

But he gives us hope: 

"O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord!... There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus..."[Rom. 7:24,25;8:1]  

Jesus is our righteousness, our justification. He intercedes for us, his brethren. That is what gives me hope. One last verse I'd like to leave you with:

"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched  with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."[Heb.4:15] 

He not only forgives, He understands.

A.  Josue Flores has been interviewed for The Tonight Show, be sure to check it out.

B.  Roster Info:  We have received all of the rosters except for Brooklyn's.  Brooklyn reps, please submit this info ASAP.  In the mean time, we are putting up pages for the other rosters as we speak.  I'm guessing a release date of later on this week.  I will keep you informed through the boards.

Also, please remember that the $100 per team entrance fee is due by: 

APRIL 30th, 2004

Please contact Vinod at  vpv1227@hotmail.com for the address to mail your funds.

Thursday, April 15, 2004 - Benj

The Pop of Benj, Round 4        

The Rise of Trump:  The Donald has managed to raise his TV show, "The Apprentice" pretty high into the ratings stratosphere.  I saw it for a few minutes during the very first episode, and found the cheese factor to be very heavy.  So I didn't turn it on again until last week, and was surprised by the big improvement.  And tonight's finale is two hours long, about two hours longer than my tolerance for such reality TV.  Maybe I'll catch the last 10 min.  Regarding the two finalists:  Kwame seems like a likable guy, but I think Bill has more of Trump's edge and drive.  I could care less who wins, though, so no predictions.  

A.  Tourney Reps:  Please send your rosters which include the name, jersey #, and position of all your players to Vinod at vpv1227@hotmail.com, or myself, at chunglao@hotmail.com.  They are officially due tomorrow.

A.  As promised, here are my spring break photographs.  Taken in the picturesque town of Asheville, NC, a group of seven Chi Alphites embark on a trip to hickville.  …Where who knows what will befall us…  Once there, with the moonlight as our guide, we drive up a winding road which takes us up to the top of a mountain to the front gates of an old abandoned school where we  spend our days traveling up and down the mountain…to and fro…from Mary’s house and back again.  What happens to the boxcar children: Gil, Lindsay, Greg, Kristi, Erica, Gifty and I?  Well, take a look :)

B.  I recently had my resume updated.  I did not even want to think about it…but my mom says I better have a job lined up after graduation.  Woe is me.  Only a month till graduation.  Anyways…my resume is so awesome.  Why?  I had someone else do it for me.  And guess who that person was???  IndaPhatFarm’s very own Binu Varghese—my uncle!  Yes indeed.  Binu is my uncle.  He is my mom’s first cousin.  So that makes him my uncle.  He may only be a few years older than I, but he gets the same respect as an appachan.  So anyways…the other day I showed him my resume and he was like “this is crap…do you really expect to get a job with this???”  I was like…”yeah, well I was hoping I would.”  So, being the Good Samaritan that he is, my uncle takes my substandard resume and turns it into gold.  And, for a simple fee of $35.00, he’ll the same for you!  Just send a self addressed envelope to:

A.  "Guard Your Heart":  The International Christian Fellowship has submitted their sampler CD to IPF, for you to download and post your thoughts.  

Male Vocalist - Jacob C. Thomas

Female Vocalist - Becky Kurikeshu

Child Vocalist - Hannah Rebecca Thomas

Backup Vocalists - Sony Thomas, Rachel J Thomas  

An International Christian Fellowship - Worship CD

ã Produced by Jacob C. Thomas

Please remember that this IS A SAMPLER.

click here to download.  (16 MB)

B.  Mailing List:  The Mailing List resumes today.  Thanks for your patience.

C.  Also, from here on out, the previous week's worth of updates will be archived.  This should save you all some scrolling space.

D.  We want to wish a belated congratulations to Jeby & Soy on their wedding.

E.   Also, congrats to Caleb and Kerry Ann on the birth of their son, Josiah, who weighed in at a little over 8 lbs.

F.   "As predicted, The Passion of the Christ rebounded this Easter weekend at the box office. On its seventh weekend, the Mel Gibson movie resurrected from the fifth slot to reign in the top spot once again, taking in an estimated $17.1 million. The total gross to date is an estimated $354.9 million— the eighth-highest domestic gross ever ..."                                                                                    

Click Here for Past Articles

  Posted on Sunday, April 11, 2004                                                       by Christopher M

For the past week, I have been thinking of what I should say in this space that has been allotted to me.  I actually began to write something on four or five different occasions, deciding against the topic of my choice each time.  I am still not sure what to say.  Being a student of the arts, writing is something of which I do a lot.  But this year, more often than not, I have found myself at a loss for words.  I know why I find myself in such a situation.

Writing is one of the most personal things we do.  Whether we are jotting down a quick note or piecing together a doctoral thesis, when we write, we reveal the most intimate details of ourselves to those who might chance across our words.  They will see our sloppy penmanship, or our poor spelling, or our terrible grammar.  And even if we are privileged to be among those who have mastered such things, we are still vulnerable.  Is there coherence in our thoughts?  Are our views unjustly biased?  Or, leaving all that aside, is everything we say even right?

Because I write so much, I am lucky enough to turn out something of merit every once in a while.  With it, of course, comes a sense of accomplishment.  Unfortunately, that is also the moment at which I am most likely to succumb to my pride; it is far too easy to cross that line.  And so, I find myself here - unable to write.  At times when I need my God-given talents most, I cannot find them.  Because I allow myself to forget that they are just that: given to me by God.

Over the last twelve or so months, I have become very much aware of the kind of person I am.  I am human, and so very frail.  Everything I take for granted - my abilities, my health, my life - can be taken away in an instant.  And yet despite the temporality of my existence, I still choose time and again to lead the kind of life that I know cannot be pleasing to my Creator.  I have often wondered why I am so; flaunting my disobedience in the face of God.  Now, I know why: that is who I am.  I am that person who stands unawares of whose Presence it is that I am in.  I am that thief who laughs at a bruised and broken Savior.

And yet even here, at a moment in which justice would only be served in my dismissal, He chooses instead to offer His love.  That is the kind of person He is.  He can look at me, his creation, even as I raise my fist in defiance and say, "I love you."  And as I see myself through His eyes, I realize that I am the one who is bruised and broken; needing His love and healing.  So I come to Him; not with my usual bravado, but just as I am.  I am not strong or wise or good.  I am weak and foolish and evil.  But even though I am all that, I am still found to be Heaven's child.

I am complete.  In Him.

   Posted on Saturday, April 10, 2004                                                                by Liza B

Therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

                                                                                                                       Galatians 6:10 (NIV)

What?! Do good to someone else? I barely have time to do what I need to do! Phew that verse must apply to someone who has an opportunity cause I have too many things to do!

If this describes your thoughts read on.

Last year, in April, I was going through the shock and grief that accompanied the sudden death of Blessan. As most of you that have experienced grief, there are the good days when you resign yourself and accept the will of God, and the days where you feel lost, angry and full of despair. One Monday I woke up paralyzed with grief: as I lay on my bed staring at the ceiling, the phone rang. A few minutes later my sisters came into tell me that I had to go to the bank quickly to run an errand for my parents. I forced my self to get up and while driving to the bank I began to cry and pray and I told God, “Please Lord, show me you love me today. I know that you love me, but please show me today because my heart can’t take this without your help.” When I got to the bank I composed myself and went inside smiling and waited in line to get attended. There was an older lady in front of me and as she was leaving I moved aside to let her pass. To my surprise she stood right in front of me and engulfed me in a big hug and told me “God bless you, God bless you angel”. As I watched her walk away, tears filled my eyes at the tremendous love that I had felt from her. I got out of there as soon as I could ran to my car before I broke down crying in the bank. If anyone were watching me that day they would have thought I was crazy because I was laughing, crying and saying “Thank you God!” over and over for that quick answer to prayer.

I am not really known for my good memory, but I will never forget that day or that lady. In the matter of one minute, by just one hug, my faith in God grew stronger and I experienced a lot of healing.

You see it just doesn’t take too long to show love to someone else. A smile, a hug, a call to say “I’m thinking about you” are things that all of us can do if we really want to and not only that, we are commanded to do this!.

As Christians we all have the Lord and the strength that He provides to get through tough times. There are times however when we need an encouraging word and God will send someone to encourage you. Well what if that person is too busy to pay attention to what God wants them too hear? What if God is calling you to be a “Jesus” to someone today? What are you doing with that prompting from the Lord?

We don’t know how our actions will affect someone on a given day, and I know that lady had no idea how much she lifted me with her kind gesture, but I know, and most importantly God knows.

As I end here I want to leave you with the question, “What can I do? How can I encourage someone today?” Whether it is having a listening ear, or sending an email or whatever it may be, plan on doing what YOU can do. God may have need of you soon.

Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.

                                                                                                                                                            Prov 14:22 (NIV)

Air America Radio

Look out Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, Air America Radio is here and it may be a force to reckon with. That’s right the liberals finally have a media outlet on the radio to combat the likes of their right wing counterparts. I occasionally listen to conservative talk radio and am for the most part pleased with it; however, lately I cant seem to stand it. Why? Because of the incessant advertising. Especially on the Rush Limbaugh show. Rush can’t seem to speak for more than 2 minutes without cutting to a commercial break.  For the last week or so, I’ve been listening to Air America. I’ve got to admit, some of the hosts make a couple of good points here and there, but for the most part, they come off as hatemongering conspiracy theorists. 

Right now, the station is riding on the 9/11 commission hearings  and Iraq but I have a feeling, after the dust clears and everything is settled, they’ll have nothing left to talk about. 

"Facts are meaningless,  You can use facts to prove something that's even remotely true!"  

Homer,  you are a wise man. 

Thursday, April 8, 2004 - Benj

Condi Rice, Taxes, Chipotle's   

Condi Rice, President Bush's National Security Advisor, is testifying at this very moment before the 9-11 Commission.  You can listen live at www.npr.org or catch it on the major TV networks.  I think it's good that she and the Administration gave into the public demand, and that she is now telling her side of things.  

Turbotax:  I used this program for the first time ever to do our taxes.   It went pretty smoothly the whole way (until the very end).  But I really don't know if I saved any time doing it.  And at the end, I had to do a major download from Turbotax's website to obtain the needed fonts which allowed me to print all the paperwork.  How stupid!  You would think that everything you would need would be on the CD-ROM itself, without additional downloads needed.  Especially for something as basic as PRINTING documents. 

A.  IPF has added a new columnist, namely Christopher M from Toronto, who will be updating weekly.  Look for his inaugural piece, this weekend. 

B.  Tourney News:  Chicago is CONFIRMED to attend the 2004 Classic.  This brings the list of confirmed teams up to 4, with DC, Amityville, Chicago, and Philly.  Newark, Brooklyn, Houston, and Yonkers, please call Vinod or myself with your confirmations.

C.  Abey Kurikesu has sent in a copy of the Detroit Revivals flyer. 

D.  Finally, Vinod will be updating this coming weekend.  Thanks for your patience. 

A.  Ladies and Gentlemen, it's official.  The 2004 Blessan Samuel Classic will take place on June 5th, 2004 in Philadelphia, PA. 

Location:  McGonigal Hall, at Temple University.

For all the latest info in terms of rosters, deadlines, and lest we forget, SMACK, be sure to log on to the Message Boards.

Stay tuned for Vinod's weekend update(s), for more details.

Thursday, April 1, 2004 - Benj

Breather   

I'm heading to a Christian Men's Retreat this weekend; it'll be great to have a breather from the recent rush of life.  There is something so relaxing about being at a retreat setting: surrounded by trees and God's great creation, sleeping in cabins, heading to the lodge for coffee and fellowship, encouraging teaching, uplifting Praise & Worship, etc.  

Speaking of Christian Men, I recently heard and was blessed by this Twila Paris song: 

Come and join the reapers,

All the Kingdom seekers

Laying down your life to,

Find it in the end.

Come and share the harvest;

Help to light the darkness

For the Lord is calling faithful men.    

That's all for today folks.  See you next week.   

A.  Submitting Content:  Missing your Birthday in the B-Day section?  Want to submit an article, event or comment?  Well we just made it easy for you.  Just fill out the form below, and click submit.  Its as simple as that.