Meals Needed

Good evening ladies,

I am happy to announce that Carter David Woods was born on April 13th weighing in at 9 lbs 6 oz!  Fred and Sierra are overjoyed at this precious gift of a son.

We would like to serve them by setting up a meal schedule to help them out as they adjust and get settled.  The dates needed are: April 19, 21, 23, 25, 27.  

If you can deliver a meal to the Woods' please reply to me as soon as possible and I will get you the address and other info.  (It doesn't have to be home cooked, you can get take-out as well.)

They live near Clovis/ Alluvial area.

Thank you ahead of time for stepping up and serving the needs of others within the fire family!

Blessings,

Jessi Silva

903-6868

Coffee Date Canceled

Hi Girls,

Our coffee date for the 16th is canceled.  I am not able to get the childcare.  But we are still on for the play date at Sierra's on the 28th.  Please let me know if you can come!  We may be working on a project while there.... as soon as I work out the details with Sierra I'll let you know!  Hoping to see you ladies soon.
Have a blessed week,
Jessi

4/8/11 Meeting Follow Up

Ladies,

Just wanted to give an update of the prayer meeting on the 8th.  We went over some awesome scripture to cover in prayer and I wanted to share some of that with you....

"It is the Lord your God you must follow, and Him you must revere.  Keep His commands and obey Him; serve Him and hold fast to Him."  Deuteronomy 13:4  (Following Him in reverence, obedience, and service.  What perfect instruction!)

"to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."   Ephesians 4:12-13

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."  1 Peter 5:6-7 (loved the part about "in due time"!  The Lord will lift this group up in His timing, and will do with it what He wants, not what we want.)

With this change of structure in the meetings, we have changed a couple of other things.  We will have a regular meeting day every month, instead of the date always changing.  It will be the 1st Tuesday of every month.  So the next meeting is May 3rd at 6:30.  Also, we are no longer meeting at the conference room in Station 17.  It will be at Mimi's in Riverpark.  We will just get a private booth to where we can get dessert, coffee, whatever we like and just have a more warm, intimate setting.  Please let me know if you may be coming to the meeting, just so I know to look for you and that we have a large enough booth.  Really looking forward to the change in setting, and just spending time in scripture, prayer, and casual fellowship.

Ladies Coffee Date: Saturday the 16th, at 9:00.  Meeting at Starbucks at Willow/ Nees.  Please let me know if you can make it!!

Play Date: Thursday, April 28th at 11:30 at the home of Sierra Woods.  Please let me know if you need address/ directions.

Hoping to see you ladies soon, may you have a blessed week!

To God Be The Glory,
Jessi Silva
silva.family@att.net

Next Meeting.... and Future Meetings

Dear Firefighters Wives For Christ,


While spending three refreshing days up at Hume Lake for the Firefighters For Christ International Event and the Firefighters Retreat, completely distraction free, the Lord revealed something wonderful to me in regards to Firefighters Wives For Christ, through John and Jane White.  For those of you who don't know, FFC came into being in the early 70s when two firemen, one of them named John White, met together for an hour of prayer each morning at a fire station in Los Angeles.  In June 1978, FFC became an international, incorporated, non-profit organization.  It's mission is to encourage firefighters everywhere to live their lives for Christ.  John White describes this mission: "Our mission and our purpose is to encourage firefighters to live their lives for Jesus Christ,” White explained. “That encompasses a pretty large field, but there are three types of firefighters [to whom we minister].  One is the person that has never before invited Jesus into his heart, so we encourage him to do that,” he added. “The second is a guy that maybe drives a bus for the Billy Graham crusade and goes to church with his wife, but when he gets to the station, he’s just intimidated by the guys he works with and nobody really knows that he’s like an undercover agent or a closet Christian. … So we just want to encourage that guy to be the man God has called him to be. And then the third guy is the guy that is living fully for the Lord, and we just want him to go more for it.”  
I feel as though our purpose is similar.... to encourage wives of firefighters in the Lord, to build each other up, to support, serve, grow and be bold women of God.  However, what I caught this weekend when hearing John speak and then speaking individually with Jane (one of the most loving and faithful servants of the Lord I have ever known), is that it began with prayer.  And only prayer.  Of course I have prayed over FWFC, yet that hasn't been the focused commitment that it needs to be. 


So, the next meeting is this Friday, the 8th.  And it will be a prayer meeting, as with future meetings.  Whoever can make it, we will simply come together to pray over FWFC.  That is the only way this group will grow and flourish.  Is through the power of prayer and the Holy Spirit at work.  It won't grow just by a study or a structured program.  I am so revived in my hope for FWFC.  And bursting with excitement to see what the Lord is going to do.  If you want to be any part of this... to see first hand how God will work through prayer, please join us- all you have to do is show up.  It will be somewhat brief.  We will still schedule a coffee time and play date.  However the focus will be on prayer.  


Thank you to all who have been on this journey with us so far, I look forward to seeing you Friday night.
P.S.  Just a neat thing to check out: the FFC website (for Fresno chapter)- we have made the front page ladies, let's just show up and watch God move! http://www.ffc-fresno.org/index.cfm?section=1


To God Be The Glory,
Jessi Silva
"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him" 
1 John 5:14-15

Next Monthly Meeting

Next monthly meeting: April 8th at Station 17, 7:00pm.  Hoping to see many of you there!  Sorry again for the cancellation of March's meeting.

For the 8th, we need someone to bring a snack, someone else to bring a drink, and someone else to bring their testimony.  Please be sure to email me back and let me know if you can make it and if you can help out with one of the above things.  Thanks so much ladies, really looking forward to seeing you all again!

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

Meeting Canceled

Emailing you to let you know I need to cancel tomorrow night's meeting.  I have not been able to complete the things I wanted to have done because I have been so sick off and on.  I am sorry if this has messed up anyone's schedules.  I will most likely email tomorrow with a rescheduled date.

On another note, if you have not yet committed Firefighters Wives For Christ to prayer, I ask that you do.  And if you have prayed, please continue to do so.  The Lord did not burden me with this group without a purpose.  Even though I am not quite certain of His purpose, and what He wants to accomplish with this group, I know He's led it this far and He will reveal His plan.  And I can't wait for that.  I want as many as of you as possible to be a part of that.  A part of something that's bigger than ourselves.  Something that is going to bring about change... changed attitudes, changed hearts, changed lives.  And not for our glory, but for His.

So I challenge you, not just to be praying, but to put your faith in action.  Take the time to invest in fellowship with other believers and time with the Lord.  Seek His face, His will, His voice.  He is always in communication with you.  To find Him and hear His voice you must seek Him.  Anything you desire more than Him is an idol.  Yes, an idol.  Let Him be your constant pursuit instead of some other goal.  If that goal fits into His plans, He will help you accomplish it.  If not, He will gently change your heart's desire to align your will with His.  Pursue Him first and foremost, and the rest of your life will fall into place, piece by piece.  Take that promise of His to heart.  "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

Update on Sierra

Just wanted to give you an update on Sierra Woods.  She received the flowers and was very thankful as it brightened her day.  She will be having surgery on Wednesday.  Please continue to pray for the Lord's encouragement- that she would feel His presence daily, for the support Fred needs as he holds things together at home, and for a smooth procedure and recovery.  We are hopeful she will be home late next week.  
Thank you to all those who have been praying, Sierra is greatly appreciative.


"Your word is a lamp for my feet, 
   a light on my path." 

Psalm 119:105

Prayer Request & Help Wanted

Firefighters Wives For Christ,

I have been in communication with Sierra Woods.  She was in Monterey visiting her mom and ended up in the ICU, then was transferred to UCSF on the 23rd.
PLEASE lift up Sierra in prayer.  Pray for doctor's wisdom to figure out exactly what is going on and for the necessary and effective treatment.  Please pray for her heart.... for His perfect peace and trust in the Lord's control over all circumstances.

Also, Sierra and Fred are looking to see if any fire wives are interested in watching their 3 year old, Rylee, 1-2 days a week.  Fred is a B shift, and Sierra is a nurse.  So when they're work days end up on the same day occasionally they need childcare.  Please contact me and I can forward you to Sierra for more information if you are interested or know of anyone else that may be.

Thank you ladies for your support and prayer for Sierra.  I would like to arrange for a bouquet of flowers to be sent to Sierra at the hospital.  If you can donate any amount to help support that please email or call me.  Thank you so much,
Blessings,
Jessi Silva
(559) 903-6868
silva.family@att.net

Change of Date!

Next monthly meeting: Tuesday, March 8th.  7:15 PM

Who can bring....

a snack?

a drink?

a testimony?

These are the 3 things I'm looking for in the next meeting.... if you can do one of the following please let me know.  For the testimony, it can be as brief as you'd like it to be.  Just share how you came to know Christ- the influential people and events that led to your salvation.  If you feel it on your heart, if it makes you nervous at all even thinking about sharing it - that's the Holy Spirit stirring.  I've truly enjoyed hearing the stories we've heard thus far and so much look forward to hearing more.

Blessings,
Jessi

2/8/11 Meeting Follow Up

Ladies,


Hope you are having a great week so far.  Below is the update from last night's meeting.


We read from Sarah Young's devotional "Jesus Calling"...
"Come to Me for rest and refreshment.  The journey has been too much for you, and you are bone-weary.  Do not be ashamed of your exhaustion.  Instead, see it as an opportunity for Me to take charge of your life.
Remember that I can fit everything into a pattern for good, including the things you wish were different.  Start with where you are at this point in time and space, accepting that this is where I intend you to be.  You will get through today one step, one moment at a time.  Your main responsibility is to remain attentive to Me, letting Me guide you through the many choices along your pathway.
This sounds like an easy assignment, but it is not.  Your desire to live in My Presence goes against the grain of "the world, the flesh, the devil."  Much of your weariness results from your constant battle against these opponents.  However, you are on the path of My choosing, so do not give up!  Hope in Me, for you will again praise Me for the help of My Presence."


The first sentence is "Come to Me for rest and refreshment."  Where do you go for rest and refreshment?  The place you look to for help, strength, assurance, and rest is a starting point for examining yourself.  Do you go straight to your husband?  Pick up the phone and call your friend?  Your mom?  How often do you seek the Lord first, knowing He is the only One who can provide true rest and lasting refreshment.  Then we are reminded of a promise to believers in Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  And that includes the things you wish were different.  God doesn't only use the wonderful things.  The good things.  He uses hardships, pain, and suffering.  A Christian's suffering does not go to waste.  A wonderful quote by Dr. Peter John Kreeft: "In fact, it's significant that most objections to the existence of God from the problem of suffering come from the outside observers who are quite comfortable, whereas those who actually suffer are, as often as not, made into stronger believers by their faith.  Indeed, the fact is that it is the world's greatest sufferers who have produced the most shining examples of unconquerable faith."
Now weariness comes from our constant battle with the flesh.  From going against the grain... swimming upstream.  However, the hope and peace to sustain us is found in His Presence.  (Psalm 42:11)  How do we get there?  His Presence?   Just as it mentioned earlier, remaining attentive to Him.  Seeking Him first, keeping our focus and attention on Him, His word, His truth.  That is how He leads us, guides, us, and speaks to us.  Through His word, through prayer, through time spent with Him.  How else can we expect to know Him and be in His Presence unless we sacrifice our time and attention?


MEALS: Thank you so very much to all of you who delivered a meal to the Garifos.  It was so awesome to see you serve others so willingly.
GIRL TIME: Next coffee date is set for Saturday the 26th at 9:00am.  (Starbucks at Willow/ Nees)  Please let me know if you can make it!
PLAY DATE: We set a play date at Dry Creek park (Peach/ Alluvial) on the 24th at 11:00.  Hope to see many of you and your kiddos there!
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, March 8th at 7:00 PM.


Please email or call me with any prayer requests.  I am prayerful and confident that God will do some great work with Firefighters Wives For Christ.


Blessings,
Jessi Silva
silva.family@att.net

Sweetheart Dinner

Hey girls!  Any plans yet for Valentine's Day??


Firefighters For Christ is hosting the annual Sweetheart Dinner.  The Sweetheart's Dinner is a great opportunity to bring your "sweetheart" to a special evening and show your love and appreciation for them. The dinner is open to all active and retired firefighters, from any department, and those special friends affiliated with the Fire Service. 

It is on Saturday, February 12th, 6:00-9:00 and will be held at People's Church.  The cost is $40.00 per couple and will include a four course meal and entertainment. 

Please RSVP as soon as possible. Please email me if you have any questions or special requests or needs. 

Would love to see all of you there and enjoy a romantic evening out!

Updates

Just wanted to update you all on the prayer requests:


Amy is doing well in her recovery.  She has to be sure not to overdo it but is looking well and I have had the pleasure of seeing her at church the last two Sundays.  Please continue to pray for emotional healing and their ability to rest in God's plan and sovereignty.
Mickey also is doing well.  I got to see him at the Firefighters For Christ breakfast this week.  Hearing him speak of his thankfulness and God's goodness was inspiring.  His heart had actually stopped beating for several minutes, yet God decided He was not done using Mickey yet. :)
Thank you for praying ladies.  And please don't hesitate to contact me with anything I and/ or the group can be praying for.  


For His Glory,
Jessi


"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Phil 4:8-9

Prayer Request

Ladies,
Another prayer request:  Mickey Kaitangian had heart valve repair last week. He coded during recovery but is improving.  Please pray for a quick and healthy recovery, and that he would be surrounded with loved ones to help with whatever is needed.
Please be sure to keep your eyes and ears open within the department on any needs there may be.  Prayer, meals, etc. 


Thank you girls for the coffee on Saturday.  Can't wait for our next meeting on the 8th.  Please spread the word.  Hope to see many of you there!


Blessings,
Jessi Silva
silva.family@att.net


"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish that I may gain Christ" Philippians 3:7-8

Prayer and Meals Needed

Ladies!

We just found out this afternoon that Amy Garifo has gone to the hospital for emergency surgery.  Please be praying for her recovery; for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.  Please pray for God's all encompassing comfort for the Garifo family.

Another way you can help support is by volunteering to deliver a meal.  We would like to get a meal schedule set up for each evening from January 11th - January 19th.  If you are willing to cook and deliver a meal (or even purchase take out and deliver) please email me or call me with what date you can do, and I'll give you the details.  I know it would greatly help them out.

Thank you for your support and prayers,

Jessi Silva

silva.family@att.net

1/7/2011 Meeting Follow Up

Thank you to all who came to our meeting on the 7th.  I am really enjoying seeing your smiling faces, even if only on a monthly basis.

I am going to start including the devotional we have at each meeting in the meeting follow up so that everyone can stay connected with those.  Last night we read from Sarah Young's Jesus Calling...

"Come to Me with a teachable spirit, eager to be changed.  A close walk with Me is a life of continual newness.  Do not cling to old ways as you step into a new year.  Instead, seek My face with an open mind, knowing that your journey with Me involves being transformed by the renewing of your mind.  As you focus your thoughts on Me, be aware that I am fully attentive to you.  I see you with a steady eye, because My attention span is infinite.  I know and understand you completely; My thoughts embrace you in everlasting Love.  I also know the plans I have for you: plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Give yourself fully to this adventure of increasing attentiveness to My Presence."

As I read the first sentence, I couldn't help but think - how eager are we to be changed?  Since when do we gladly and thankfully drink from that cup??  It's not easy.  That's why we have to ask for that teachable spirit.  For the desire to change.  What old ways are you clinging to in this new year?  What things are you still holding onto... not quite ready to let go of.  Not ready to allow God to change and do with it what He will.  According to Romans 12:2, we are not to "conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."  How do we do that- renew our minds?  By fixing our eyes on Jesus.  Hebrews 12:2-3 says, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith... so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."  Fixing our eyes on Jesus.  I looked up several definitions of "fixing."  To place securely.  To correct, or set right.  To make stable or firm.  To direct one's efforts or attention; to concentrate.  Hmm.  So that is what we are to do.  To securely place our attention, our efforts, our time on Him.  Reading His Word daily (His love letter to us).  Praying daily (constant communication).  Worshipping daily.  (And this doesn't have to be in church with hundreds of other people.  We can worship the Lord in how we treat others, how we talk, our work ethic, how we sacrifice our time and money.  Our relationship with Christ is really not much different than others.  It takes quality time, effort, sacrifice and communication to grow and strengthen a relationship.  Why would it be any different with Jesus?  HE KNOWS the plans He has for you... plans to prosper you and not  to harm you.  Can you rest in that promise from Jeremiah 29:11?  It gets even better in verses 12-13: "Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart."  Do you take these words to heart?  I hope so.

MEALS - As far as meals go, it did not work out to have a contact at headquarters.  So, we are on our own.  It is going to be by word of mouth that others will hear about Firefighters Wives For Christ and the meals ministry.  My prayer is that people will speak up when there is a need, and that us ladies will keep our eyes open to opportunities where we can bless other fire families.  If anyone is having a baby, a surgery, on extended sick leave for any reason, we would love to help out.

GIRL TIME - our next coffee date is set for Saturday, January 15th at 9:00 AM.  We will meet at the Starbucks at Willow/ Nees.  Looking forward to it!

PLAY DATE - any hosts?  Any of you willing to open your home for a couple of hours tops for a play date let me know... great way for our kids to get out some energy and for fire wives to get together.

NEXT MEETING - Tuesday, February 8th @ 7:00 PM, in the conference room at Station 17.

Hoping to see many of you there!!

My prayer continues to be that this group will grow.  That there will be a stirring in hearts, a longing to know Christ more, and to bond with other fire wives in the process.  Please email or call me if you have any prayer requests.  Again, prayer requests may be kept anonymous from the group, and all is kept confidential.  

Thank you ladies for taking part in Firefighters Wives For Christ.

To God Be The Glory,

Jessi Silva

silva.family@att.net