Hi ACC Teachers and Volunteers,

When I think about all of the non-believers I used to work with over the 20+ years in my old company, I wonder how many of them I could have shared more seriously about the true meaning of Christmas. Some grew up in the church and fell away, while others have a very negative view of Christianity or religion. Some would make fun of Christians in general, while others were respectful of all religious beliefs. 

On some occasions when I would share a bit about my faith, I learned that I worked with quite a few Christians. I used to sit by a Youth Pastor. Others viewed themselves as Jesus’ Light at the workplace. I used to be a part of a Bible study at work on Wednesdays during lunch breaks in the early 2000s. At one point, we had around 20 people in and out of our meetings. If I ever visited a cube and saw a scripture verse on their wall, I would point it out and we’d have conversations about faith and the Bible. Many times people would ask me to pray for them… and some former co-workers still do!

Other times, people would be more challenging by disputing the Truth of God’s Word by using worldly logic and histories to try to disprove the Bible. Others actually viewed themselves as god-like. And others just needed proof that God was real.

No matter who I encountered in the old workplace, God was always real to me. He was the One constant Rock in my days and weeks and years at work. If I was more aware, I would pray to be useful to God on my way to work. Some days, I think I touched some lives. He allowed me to be patient when I had no patience. He allowed me to be encouraging when I didn’t feel encouraged. He allowed me to be helpful when I didn’t feel like helping others. God is AMAZING!!

This same AMAZING GOD sent His Son to Earth as a little baby over 2000 years ago to change the world… to turn traditions, culture, values, and laws upside down. He transformed lives by touching them, speaking life into them, and dying for them… and FOR US. 

As you celebrate Christmas with your families this year, celebrate Christ our Savior and marvel at His humble beginnings. Celebrate Him and when you go back to work or back to your regular lives, be His Light and share Christ and His Love with others. God can and will use you. Pray that God will use you in the workplace, in the marketplace, in the grocery stores, in the gas stations, at birthday parties, at funerals… wherever you go.

Merry Christmas to you all and be safe.

See you all next year!

Teacher Francisco

Hi ACC Teachers & Volunteers,

During this season of thanksgiving, I’m reminded to be thankful no matter how easy or difficult life is. I am thankful for my family and my extended family.

I’m also thankful for the opportunity to serve at ACC with all of you on Sundays and Awana Fridays. It’s an extreme blessing to have faithful coworkers serving in God’s Kingdom together. You all make sacrifices of time and energy in your preparations and service to be away from your families and your personal time. God is made known because of you and I believe that He is pleased.

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

The scripture above reminds me of 4 things:

1. Find ways to have joy in life no matter the circumstances.
2. Talk to God all day long and share your thoughts, successes and failures with Him.
3. Be thankful about everything… the successes and that failures are learning opportunities.
4. If you are not sure of what God’s will is in your life, start with these 3 things.

The following scripture verses from Ephesians are my prayer for each of you as well as an encouragement to you. Pray this over your loved ones and the children that you serve at ACC. Re-read it at least 3 times to let this scripture really sink in. Let the Holy Spirit speak to you.

Ephesians 1: 15-21 (ESV)

15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

Thank you all and God bless you richly…

Teacher Francisco

Hi beloved teachers of children,

I was reading out of the book of Luke this morning and wanted to share what I learned today…

In Luke 24, Jesus joins two disciples heading towards a village called Emmaus. Jesus had just been resurrected and news was spreading across the town to all of the disciples. The two disciples were discussing what happened when Jesus walked up to them, but they did not recognize Jesus because He had caused their eyes to not be able to identify who He was.

In thinking that Jesus was a visitor to Jerusalem, the disciples explained the recent events to Him. In Luke 24: 25-27, Jesus tells them that the prophets of old had spoken about the Christ and his sufferings. Jesus then proceeds to have an Old Testament study with the two disciples connecting the prophecies with the fulfilled events.

Luke 24: 25-27 (ESV)

25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

I don’t think I ever remember this particular scripture this way… that Jesus had a Bible study with some disciples. I marveled at this and said to myself “It would be really neat to have Bible study with Jesus.” Besides, Jesus can explain everything in the Bible. Who better to teach the Bible than our Lord!

However, I also realized that when Jesus went back up to Heaven and God gave us His Holy Spirit, we still have access to Jesus during our Bible study time through His Holy Spirit. Call it “Bible Study With Jesus” or “Bible Study With The Holy Spirit”. Regardless, if you are a believer, Jesus is with us when we study His Word!!

1 Thessalonians 4:8 (ESV) 

Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

John 14: 26 (ESV)

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

2 Peter 1:21 (ESV) 

For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

John 10: 25-30 (ESV)

25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”

I hope this encouraged you! Have a great week…

Thanks and God bless you all for your great service to Him and the children.

Teacher Francisco