Mission trips have the potential to change lives — and not just the ones of those who are being ministered to. It is often the missionary him or herself who is changed. This summer, you will have plenty of opportunities to change your life by going on one of the many short-term mission trips First Orlando sponsors. This Sunday, January 27, three in particular will be highlighted: East Asia, Porto Seguro, Brazil, and Montana. There will be an informational meeting Sunday at 4 p.m. in Faith Hall 301C for the East Asia trip, and at 5 p.m. in WC-132-134 for the Porto Seguro trip. The Montana outreach will have two meeting times: Sunday at 5 p.m. in WC-117 and Wednesday, January 30 at 6 p.m. in WC-117.

Posted January 22, 2008

How do you feel about hobnobbing with a real live Heisman Trophy winner? Here’s your chance.
Danny Wuerffel, who was the quarterback for the Florida Gators from 1993 through 1996 and won the Heisman in ’96, and Shane Matthews, who quarterbacked the Gators from 1990 through 1992, will be speaking next Wednesday, January 30, at Faith Hall.

Posted January 22, 2008

I don’t care what you say, there’s always something sweet about revenge. That’s why many popular movies are based on it. The main character’s home is burglarized and his wife tragically murdered, so we cheer his progress as he tracks down the perpetrator, finally catches him and single-handedly exacts Old-Testament justice. The hero may be exhausted, bloodied and broke, but all that is inconsequential when compared to the fact that justice has been served.

Posted January 21, 2008

We can tell you about the humanitarian side of the Watoto Children’s Choir — and we will — but before that, there is one thing you really should know: These kids can sing! In other words, if you would simply like a solid evening of incredible enjoyment and entertainment, then attending a performance of these young singers is exactly what you’re looking for. And it’s free! (Though a love offering will be taken.) The Watoto Children’s Choir of Uganda will be performing this Wednesday, January 23 from 7-8:15 p.m. in the Worship Center.   

Posted January 17, 2008

So what are you doing for summer vacation? Well, if the Global Outreach Ministry has its way, you’ll be spending part of it in the Amazon. First Orlando will be sponsoring a mission trip to the Amazon from July 21 through August 4. There will be an Amazon mission trip meeting this Sunday, January 20, at 5 p.m. in E1-206. For First Orlando member Jim Nassar, who helps head up the Amazon venture and has been there more than 20 times, there is no more thrilling way to spend your vacation.

Posted January 15, 2008

On April 6, 1977, a 17-year-old girl named Tina walked into a Los Angeles County abortion clinic to end her 30-week unwanted pregnancy. She was given a saline injection and told to lie down. But something happened. The baby, after being burned alive for approximately 18 hours in the womb from the saline, was severely injured, but not killed. Little Gianna was delivered alive. The official paperwork referred to Gianna as “an infant born 10 weeks premature, the product of an attempted saline abortion.” The letter also said she had needed oxygen and was “transferred to Harbor General [Hospital] upon birth, where she remained until discharge 6/6/77.”

Posted January 15, 2008

In the summer of 1957, my parents decided to move to Florida. My father had accepted a pastoral staff position at the Boca Raton Bible Conference Grounds. The moving van, packed with our furniture, had already left our home in Toronto, Canada, while my parents, older brother and I proceeded south down the U.S. east coast in our family car. As we stopped to refuel at a gas station in Virginia, a service-station attendant overheard my brother and me talking. “Excuse me,” he said. “Let me guess. You guys are either from Canada or right here in Virginia, right?”

Posted January 14, 2008

This presidential election is far too important for First Orlando to just sit back and do nothing. And Pastor David Uth has no intention of letting that happen. “I’ve been agonizing over what to do about it,” he said. “I have been praying about it.” But, it must be noted from the outset that one thing Pastor David will not do, is try to sway anyone’s vote. “I have made a commitment that our church will not endorse a candidate,” he affirmed. “As an individual I will personally endorse a candidate, but I will not do it on behalf of the church.”

Posted January 11, 2008

At its core, “A Taste of the Sweet Life” is a fundraiser, plain and simple. But, when you get to digest it a bit, it’s actually a philanthropic evening of delectable delights. “A Taste of the Sweet Life” is an event that will allow you to dine on the most delicious desserts, pastries and cakes you will ever consume. Pastry chefs from all over Central Florida will be showcasing their talents to provide you with some truly flavorable fare.

Posted January 10, 2008

If you are looking for a little bit of adventure and a whole lot of meaning, then participating in a First Orlando mission trip is the way to go. This Sunday, January 13, there will be separate informational meetings about the trips. The Mongolia meeting will be 12:30 p.m. in WC 117. The Thailand meeting will be 5:30 p.m. in E2-319.

Posted January 9, 2008