Orange County Christian Outreach Week

Today is the first day of the 47^th annual Orange County Christian Outreach Week. 

Though the name has changed over the years, the purpose remains the same.  It is: “Reaching out together in love and unity to our friends, family, neighbors and co-workers with the Good News that Jesus Christ changes lives.”

Over the next week, approximately 2,500 people will hear one or more of 23 different speakers in clubhouses, an automotive museum, and homes throughout the community.

“Orange Coast Christian Outreach is a celebration of changed lives,” explained Pamela Curry, chairman of OCCO.  “This is a great opportunity to hear ordinary people tell extraordinary stories of what Jesus Christ has done in their lives.”

The origin of the week goes back decades.  In the early ’60s, a local resident named Lloyd Johnson attended the Presidential Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C.  Afterwards, Lloyd formed a “think and pray” group with other men to find ways to reproduce the effectiveness of the prayer breakfast and to affect their community. The first annual “Newport Harbor Christian Leadership Week” was held April 18-24, 1964. 

“In fact, Mariners Church really evolved out of one of those coffees back then,”  Pamela said.

Since then, there is always a Mayors Prayer Breakfast modeled after the National Prayer Breakfast. 

“It’s our flagship event, because of its history and its impact,” explained Pamela.  More than 600 people are expected to attend, and nine local mayors will be present.”

The speaker this year is Bob Roberts, Jr., global diplomat and a friend of kings, presidents and political leaders.  He is also the founder and pastor of Northwood Church Dallas and author of several books, including “Real-Time Connections: How to Use Your Job to Change the World.” 

The week is filled with luncheons and evening desserts, where speakers share their personal stories. 

“We have over 25 churches participating,” Pamela said.    “Newport’s are St. Andrews Presbyterian, Mariners and Newport Coast Lighthouse.  The week functions so smoothly because of God and the wonderful hundreds of volunteers.  Each home event has its own support system, with hosts, co-hosts, etc.”

“Our committee meets every September to begin planning for the next spring. There are ten of us on the committee, and God clearly put us together,” Pamela explained. “We are all different people of different ages from different churches.  But we all have the same desire to share Jesus with our community.   Each year we look at all the relevant topics for everyday life in Orange County, and we pray a lot.   This year, I kept hearing God’s voice saying: ‘Ordinary People with Extraordinary Stories.’  It’s nothing one of us does, we all pitch in and God shows us.”

Pamela also credited God with guidance choosing speakers.  “A committee member will know of someone or meet someone with a relevant story which we share with the committee and we agree on them.” She said.

Two locals who will share their stories are Alex Sytnyk and Barry Meguiar. 

Alex is a CdM man who lived in Ukraine during WWll.  When he was 3, he and his mother were taken to be killed; she told him to run to escape, saying “I want you to run away from here; God will protect you and guide you.”  His life included several escapes and a lot of running; in fact, he is a marathon runner almost 70 years later.

Newport resident Meguiar, president and CEO of Meguiar’s Inc. will speak at the Marconi Automotive Museum.  A rogue virus kept him the hospital for two and a half weeks, including 7 days in a coma on life support.  He will share about hearing God’s voice while in a coma and about his new global ministry for lay people.

Some of the other stories to be shared by speakers include: a woman’s experience as a US Marine reservist; the difference a father makes; caregiving with grace; dealing with autism; life behind the veil of a Muslim; transitioning home from war; when homosexuality hits home; overcoming addictions; a rape victim keeping her baby; and overcoming sexual abuse. 

For complete a schedule, visit www.outreachweek.org

Pamela has been the chairman of OCCO for 10 years.  She loves helping people hear about God changing lives because God changed hers. 

“I’m a cancer survivor.” Pamela said. “Cancer took me from being achievement oriented to being relationship oriented.  Jesus is the most important relationship anyone will ever have.  I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 1999 and have had nine surgeries with one more to go.  God gives strength where you don’t have it.  I love this week and what God does.  I’ve been on many committees, but have never seen anything like what happens here.  It’s a God thing.”

Cindy can be reached at cindy@newportbeachindy.com.

Catalyst West Draws Thousands

The scene during a break in the Catalyst West conference at Mariner's Church.Take 3,400 young leaders from the Christian community, add nonstop creativity, energy, passion to be relevant leaders and put them together with inspirational leaders for three days at Mariners Church, what do you get?

You get Catalyst West, which has been described as ‘a think-tank” and “a pilgrimage” as well as a conference. The most unique description I heard was “pure leadership adrenaline.”

“People call it a conference, but it’s really an experience,” explained LV Hanson, director of Catalyst Connect. “It’s a movement of young leaders in the church dedicated to be change agents in the culture. It’s a place for leaders to be equipped, inspired and empowered to make a difference. ”

While Catalyst participants were predominantly from the West Coast, some came from Canada, Australia and Africa. More than 40 different church denominations were represented, and the average age was 32.

“The DNA here is leadership, it crosses cultural lines,” Hanson said.

Catalyst was conceived in 1999 by Andy Stanley, John Maxwell and several other young leaders who saw the need for a leadership event focused on a new generation of church leaders with new ideas. In October 2000, more than 1,500 church leaders convened at the first Catalyst at North Point Community Church in Atlanta. Since then, Catalyst equips 12,000 leaders there every year. This is the third year for Catalyst West at Mariners.

“I love being with other people who are trying to make a difference. It’s a reminder to live holy lives, to be courageous and to keep our eyes on God,” said Krysten Norkaitis, a Corona del Mar resident. Krysten works for Every Generation Ministry, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children’s programs in churches around the world. “This is my first Catalyst experience; it’s relevant, it’s well done, and it’s a lot of fun!”

Some of the fun included comedy, video, active audience participation, prayer and inspirational worship.

“This is my third year at Catalyst, and the lineup of global leaders in media, entertainment, publishing and business seems to grow each year,” said Sophia Marsh-Ochsner, a marketing consultant who attends and volunteers at Mariners Church. “It’s definitely a culture-shaping conversation among people who are emboldened to make a real difference in their sphere of influence.”

The main topic for Catalyst continues to be leadership; this year’s specific theme was “Take Courage,” based on the Bible verse that says: “Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.”

“In life, in history, in the Bible, often a single act of courage is the tipping point for something extraordinary,” explained Andy Stanley.

Besides helping start Catalyst, Andy founded North Point Community Church and has helped plant more than 30 partner churches globally. “We’ve all watched this principle lately on TV, as individual acts of courage turned an entire government upside down. Our stories are different, but there are circumstances that you’ll face that will be opportunities for tipping points for something extraordinary in your leadership, your life, your marriage. There is no limit to what God can do through a life yielded to Him.”

An extensive collection of leaders spoke at the event. Not all the speakers were from the Christian community, but they all addressed courageous leadership. Part of leadership also includes caring for the poor, and there were opportunities to become involved in different strategic charitable organizations.

Dave Ramsey, a popular national radio personality and author of the New York Times best seller “The Total Money Makeover” stressed that leadership is service. “There are no good leaders that aren’t servants; that’s their primary job. Whatever you do, do things with such excellence that people will be drawn to Jesus,” he said.

Soledad O’Brien, anchor and special correspondent for CNN shared some of the stories of courage and leadership she has witnessed first-hand while reporting breaking news from around the globe.

“Success and leadership are not really realized until they impact other people outside of yourself,” she said. “You can be a looter or a life-line in life.”

Jack Dorsey, creator, co-founder and chairman of Twitter Inc., also addressed courage. “It takes a team working together and excellent communication to make something impressive happen,” he said. “Only the courageous will engage problems that have never been addressed.”

Randall Wallace, screenwriter of “Braveheart” and director of “Secretariat” was the final speaker.

“We don’t have to save the world, that’s already been done. Jesus is more than a leader, He is the message. All we really need to do is love God and love others so they too can love God,” he said. “When we open our hearts to God we become the leaders God wants us to be because we’re not afraid anymore.”

Cindy can be reached at cindy@newportbeachindy.com.

A Promise at Sobibor

Philip Bialowitz at Chabad Jewish Center in Corona del Mar. Photo by Jim CollinsPromises made as a teenager are seldom remembered, but Philip Bialowitz has kept his promise for 67 years. Not a day goes by that he doesn’t think about what led up to his promise, or of doing everything he can to keep it.

“This is my mission until I don’t have breath in my lungs,” he said. “Time is running out. I am only one of eight survivors left to tell the story.”

Sunday night I was privileged to join more than 100 others as Philip Bialowitz shared that story, which includes horrific experiences as a prisoner at the Sobibor death camp, his dramatic escape, and life afterwards.

This year marks the 67^th anniversary of the largest successful prisoner revolt of the Holocaust, and the 85-year-old survivor of that revolt spoke to an appreciative audience at Chabad Jewish Center in Corona del Mar.

“When I heard Philip was coming to Southern California, I knew I wanted him to speak here,” Rabbi Reuven Mintz said. “It is so important that these living survivors tell their story and for people to hear from a living witness. This is especially true for the younger generation. Having Mr. Bialowitz is a great privilege and honor. He is a man with great courage, hope and such an important message to share.”

I spoke with Philip briefly and said how honored I was to hear him. He calmly replied, “It’s not a pleasant story, but it needs to be told.”

Philip was welcomed to the podium with a standing ovation.

“Thank you for coming to hear about a topic that holds so much emotion for me personally,” he said. “I am grateful to see many young people here. I hope my story will serve as a warning and an inspiration.”

In April 1943 Philip and his siblings were taken to the Sobibor camp in eastern Poland. Sobibor’s one purpose was to kill as many Jews as quickly as possible. During its 18-month operation, at least 250,000 men, women and children were murdered. (Those who weren’t sent to the gas chambers lived in constant terror; at any minute they could be subjected to sadistic games, whipped, shot, or torn to pieces by dogs.)

“Ninety-nine point nine percent of the Jews who entered Sobibor were sent to gas chamber immediately,” Philip said. “When we entered, SS officers asked if there were any professionals, and my brother Symcha told them he was a pharmacist and I was his assistant. That’s the reason I survived. We said good-bye for the last time to our two sisters and other family and friends. My 7-year-old niece cried when she hugged me, knowing she would be killed.”

“During the six months there I was beaten, whipped and I watched my family and friends perish, but some of us lived to take vengeance and tell the world the truth.”

Philip explained: “A seed of resistance grew among a small number, including my brother and me. The conspiracy was led by a rabbi’s son named Leon Feldhendler, but we needed military knowledge. A miracle happened when a group of Russian Jews arrived who were trained in warfare, including a young lieutenant named Sasha Perchersky. Within a few weeks they had a plan for everyone to escape, because anybody left behind would pay for our escape.”

Philip explained that seconds before the prisoner uprising began on October 14, 1943 Leon and Sasha called out to their fellow prisoners: “Brothers! The moment of destiny has come. Let us rise and destroy this place. We have little chance of surviving, but at least we will die fighting with honor. If anyone survives, bear witness to what happened here! Tell the world about this place!”

“I am here bearing witness.” Philip calmly said to us. “I owe my gratitude to Sasha and Leon. They inspired me with the will to live and led us to freedom. I will continue to tell the story. We must stop hatred and genocide. “

Of the 300 prisoners involved, only 48 survived. Philip and Symcha spent sox weeks with partisans and a year at a small farm where the Mazureks, a heroic Polish family, allowed them to hide. After the war Philip eventually settled in New York, working as a jeweler. He has five children and fifteen grandchildren. Philip has also delivered testimony at trials of different Sobibor’s SS staff and Ukrainian guards.

You can read his experiences in “A Promise at Sobibor: A Jewish Boy’s Story of Revolt and Survival in Nazi-Occupied Poland.” It is a book I couldn’t put down about a life I can’t imagine.

Philip received another standing ovation when he finished speaking, and again after answering questions. The standing ovations were very fitting for a man who lives to stand up for justice.

“We must stand as a reminder of the power we all have to stand up against evil in the world,” he said. “We owe this to ourselves and to our children. No matter how difficult life gets, never give up.”

Cindy can be reached at cindy@newportbeachindy.com.

Queen of Angels’ ‘Mardi Gras’ Aids Building Fund

“Mardi Gras Around the World,” a festive fundraising event of Our Lady Queen of Angels Church, is happening on Saturday, March 5.  The hard-working committee has planned a night of entertainment, including a selection of trips for auction. 

 “We have the most talented volunteers on the committee.  We also happen to have the most generous parishioners who have have donated all twenty-two ‘Event Exclusive’ trips,” explained Rosemary Quinn, Administrative Assistant at the church.   “The trips are amazing; they are literally from around the world.  Their descriptions go on for pages on the website.  There is truly something for everyone, and everyone is invited, not just our parishioners.”

“The whole idea came from needing to help with the cost of financing the construction for the church,” Rosemary said.  “We also have a goal of bringing everyone together.  We need to have a lot more parish-wide events. We are going to have a wonderful evening.  This is the first annual.”

Our Lady Queen of Angels Church and School has been committed to the spiritual and educational growth of the Catholic community in Newport Beach since the parish was founded in 1961.  Due to the challenges of trying to accommodate the growing needs of the community as well as the significant seismic upgrades required by building codes and regulations, the physical structures needed to be updated and expanded.

Rosemary explained that after many years, prayers and sacrifices, the long held dream to provide additional space needed by the OLQA community is taking the next big step forward. 

“Ten years ago, we wanted to buy land to build a new church and we needed to double the size of our school, plus add a gym.”  Rosemary said.  “Since then, we bought the property from St. Mark Presbyterian Church, and we built our absolutely fantastic new school for Kindergarten through 8^th grade.  Now we only have $1.1 million to go and that will let us put the spade in the ground to start the church.  It’s also such exciting timing as this year marks our 50^th year anniversary!”

Father Kerry Beaulieu, pastor of Our Lady Queen of Angels, explained that thanks to very generous parishioners and friends of the parish, they now have $13.8 million of the $14.9 million needed to pay for the construction of the new church.  Many parishioners sacrificed and fulfilled their pledges early to help take advantage of reduced construction costs at this time.  St. John Vianney Chapel generously gave $250,000. 

“When OLQA began in 1961, they met for the first time at St. John Vianney Chapel.” Father Kerry explained.

Father Kerry has been the pastor at OLQA for 6 ½ years.  

“It’s wonderful to work with such caring, wonderful, well-educated people who keep coming up with great new ways to serve the community,” he said.  Father Kerry is looking forward to the Mardi Gras event because “it will be great to have a fun, playful event together for such a worthy cause.”

Mardi Gras guests will enjoy food, live entertainment and opportunity drawings in the parish hall, which will be transformed into four sections from around the world, thanks to Linda Young, parishioner and managing partner of Elite OC Productions, and staff. 

Food is being donated by: Arriba!, Bluewater Grill, Jeff the Silent Chef,  Mark’s Catering, Newport Rib Company and Sage.

The trips and experiences range from local to across the globe.  In keeping with the digital age, everything is being handled by computer.   In fact, bidders need not be present for the on-line auction, though they would miss the fun and surprises.   Simply click on the OLQA website’s main page (www.olqa.org) and follow a link beneath the Mardi Gras logo to go to the auction site and view the trips, descriptions, and opening bids.

The 63 on-line auction items are available for anyone to bid on right now. 

Those trips include: Sailing on “Stars & Stripes”; an Astronaut Training Experience at the Kennedy Space Center; a NASCAR Driving Experience; tickets to the US Open Tennis Finals Weekend; and tickets to Super Bowl XLVI.  

The 19 ‘Event Exclusive’ trips (bidders must be present) include a 2 BR Tuscany Condo, a 3 BR Fiji Worldmark Resort Condo, a Cabo luxury retreat, and 100,000 Hilton Points.  There is also a grand prize of a stay in a B&B on Bourbon Street in New Orleans and two opportunity drawings, donated by parishioners.

Our Lady Queen of Angels is home to many wonderful people and ministries.  “Mard Gras Around the World” promises to memorable for all, but more than the fun, funds raised will help build the new home that the OLQA family needs.

Cindy can be reached at cindy@newportbeachindy.com.

Five A’s Spell Better Relationships

Last week I wrote about the ‘Compelling Marriages Conference’ held at ROCKHARBOR Church.  It sold out in record time, echoing a sentiment I’ve heard repeatedly recently, and that is that people want help strengthening their marriages.  These extra-challenging times are putting extra strain on relationships.

“Finances are the No. 1 thing that couples struggle over, and needless to say, our economy isn’t helping,” Dr. Roger Tirabassi said.  “Finances are the No. 1 issue, sex is second and child-rearing is third.”

Roger and his wife, Becky, were the keynote speakers at the conference, which also featured other well-known marriage experts.  They shared some of their most popular principles that anybody can try, no matter how long they have been married. They are called the “5 A’s” and they are just one of changes written about in their new book ‘Little Changes Big Results for Crazy, Busy Couples.’ (Available at lwww.changeyourlifedaily.com).

“The idea came to me about sixteen years ago,”  Roger explained.  “As a counselor, I am always looking for ways to help people, and when it comes to marriage, I wanted to find ways to help couples stay consistent with each other, to affirm each other daily.  I also wanted a simple way for them to clean up little irritations and frustrations, to keep those from building up.  We’ve all heard that it isn’t the big blow-outs that take out marriages, it’s the slow leaks.”

“I’ve taught these ever since, I even teach them at every wedding I officiate,” Roger said. “I’ve heard from countless couples that it’s really helped.  Many men will say that they aren’t good at communicating, but they can do this, it’s a tool they use.  I believe it’s a great preventative strategy.”

Roger explained that people tend to do the right things naturally when they are dating or engaged; they focus on the strengths of the other person.  If they do see weaknesses, they minimize them, or just assume they can live with whatever it is.   Unfortunately, this perspective reverses after marriage, and we tend to focus on our partner’s weaknesses and minimize their strengths.   Practicing the brief daily discipline of the “5 A’s” is a quick and effective way to significantly strengthen marriages.

 1.  Affirmation:   Affirm each other for something the other person did or something you like or appreciate about him or her.  Avoid making negative or sarcastic comments during your affirmation, such as ‘I was surprised that you actually helped me.’

2. Affection:  Physical touch is essential to healthy relationships.   Even when you are tired, it’s important to be intentional with your affection.  This can simply be a hug, a love pat or holding hands.

3.  Apology:  It’s important to keep short accounts since it’s so easy to hurt each other.  If couples developed the habit of apologizing to one another every day, they might need less counseling.   An easy way to do this is to ask, ‘Is there any way I irritated, frustrated or hurt you today?’  Each partner can only share one incident, after which the person who asked needs to respond with, “I am sorry for hurting you.  Will you forgive me?” 

Try hard not to defend yourself during this time.  Roger also stressed that this is for the more minor offenses, not relational ‘felonies’.  Deep hurts need more focus and more time. 

4.  Ask:  Ask your partner,  “Is there anything I can do for you today, or tomorrow?”(Depending on what time of day you ask).  Your request should be only one item a day, not a long list of chores.  This gives you an opportunity to serve your partner.

5.  Amen:  The final ‘A’ is the question “How can I pray for you right now?” This may seem awkward at first for some, but most couples find it significantly improves their connection with God and each other.  Keep it simple and comfortable, for example:  “Dear God, Thank You for (my spouse). I pray that you will help him/her with (a specific need).  Thank You.  Amen.”

Roger and Becky have practiced the “5 A’s” for more than 15 years and have found the experience to be  “intentional ways of connecting daily.” Roger explained that the success of the “5 A’s” is because they are a short, three-to-five minute exercise that helps you connect and feel close with your spouse physically, emotionally and spiritually. He suggests incorporating them into your daily routine at bedtime.  You can take turns sharing one “A” at a time or each partner can do all five at once, or vary things to find an order and   that works for you. 

Cindy can be reached at cindy@newportbeachindy.com.