Urbana 2006

Urbana 2006 is currently ongoing in St.Louis MO. Most of us are not able to attend, but we can be blessed by the testimonies and video sessions that have been posted online. Here is the website and a list of interesting sessions as a quick reference for us busy medical/graduate students. Do browse around for other sessions. Be blessed.

Dec 28 pm
The Global Church

From Brokenness to Reconciliation

Dec 29 am
The Body Life. Ephesians 4: 1-16

Dec 29 pm
Urban Ministry (highly recommended)


Spiritual Realities

Book Review: Walking from East to West: An Autobiography by Ravi Zacharias

I first heard Ravi Zacharias speak over the radio as an undergrad. His weekly program, "Let My People Think" was almost a staple in my life all the way to senior year. Having only listened to him through the radio/online, I used to have an image of a scholar sitting in his armchair with his fingers stroking his chin as he expounded on life's toughest questions - Does God exist? How could a loving God allow good people to suffer? and so on. This image was erased when I heard him speak, live, as part of the Veritas Forum in Columbia University in April 2006. I was convinced that he did not think of all his answers just from reading books and thinking in his arm chair. His perspective comes from a genuine, real life experience which he talks about in this book.

It is an easy, yet captivating read about the story of how God set His heart upon a young man who almost gave it all up and changed his life into something he neither could ask for or imagine. You will read about how God transformed this man into someone who today is able to reach world leaders, CEOs, intellectuals - anyone with a gripping question in their heart. Ravi's narration is simple, candid, and humble. The story will be a breath of fresh air among all the medical textbooks and journal articles you are reading - a reminder that God, the Master weaver who leaves no detail unattended, has a plan for each of our lives.

To borrow a copy, please email phow@. Otherwise, you can purchase a copy at Amazon. Believe me, it's going to be worth it.

You can learn more about Ravi Zacharias at his website at RZIM.

November Birthday Wishes!!

HAPPIEST BIRTHDAYS to:

Katherine (11/8)

Pei-Wen (11/9)

Rujin (11/16)

Dave (11/17)

 

Hope you all have wonderful birthdays! ECF wouldn't be the same w/o each and every one of you. Thanks for all the laughs, good times, and contribution to ECF. May the year ahead be great!

Reflections

Job 38: 25-27
God Answers Job

Who cuts a channel for the torrents of rain,
and a path for the thunderstorm?
to water a land where no man lives
a desert with no one in it,
to satisfy a desolate wasteland and make it sprout with grass?

There are times when storms don't come to us by their own accord or by our own doing. It is God who makes a path for the storm to travel. And if it comes to us, we know that through the storm, He desires to water the desolation, hardness, and fruitlessness in our lives.

The storm comes and if we hold on to Him, not trying to run away from it, it will bring God's refreshing rain that will bring life to the dead areas of our lives.

Continuing the celebration...

LET US CONTINUE THE CELEBRATIONS!

 

Happy Birthday to PC! May the road ahead be filled with happiness, memories, & great experiences!

Hi ECFers:
We'll be meeting with Dr. Hawkins in Belfer 701 for prayer at noon on
Friday 10/20/06. Come by if you can make it.

Fall Retreat 2006

This year ECF had our annual retreat from October 6-8 at the Presbyterian Center in Holmes NY. We had a good time of fellowship and getting to know one another in the midst of nature. We had three different speakers who all shared honestly in their testimonies about how God worked in their personal lives and medical practice. The common theme through their stories is that God is faithful and He is the Master weaver.


In the first session with Dr. Hawkins, started with her personal testimony and a discussion of two questions:
1. When was the time you felt closest to God?
2. What are some of the things that are hindering you from feeling close to God right now? Are there doubts? temptations? anger and bitterness? overwhelming burdens?

Among the common themes running through the discussion of when people felt closest to God was
- in the midst of community/fellowship when there was a collective desire to gain momentum towards Him
- knowing that one was living in His will
- through serving others (according to His will)
- through prayer - just talking to God honestly and openly
- by trusting Him even if we are not sure of the outcome

This was followed by a cookout lunch and free time




Then we had a chunk of free time to hike/chat/play basketball....

jump and pose for pictures,

and not to forget, a special time of bonding between friends.


In the evening, we were joined by Dr. Mark Travin, a nuclear cardiologist at Montefiore, who shared his testimony and led an interesting discussion. While some people left to go back to the Bronx, the night remained long among those who stayed - chatting, getting to know each other, playing games.

On the final morning, both Dr. Hawkins and Dr. Ally Ko shared. Dr. Ko is a gynecologist with a lot of experience in crisis missions, serving for example, during the earthquake in Pakistan. She is also the new New York area director for CMDA. We look forward to her many visits to ECF and are grateful for her trekking all the way to the campsite by train/cab to spend the weekend with us.

After packing up, Dr. Hawkins prayed a prayer of blessing for each one of us. She also looks forward to having prayer times with anyone who would like to drop by her office, Belfer 709 during the weekdays.



I'm sure all who came, whether it was for a short time, or for the entire trip, were blessed. Thanks to those who put all their efforts into planning the retreat, even in the midst of exams and other pressures. Thanks to all those who faithfully prayed and are praying for us as a fellowship. Keep up the good work!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AYANA!

May today be bright and cheerful to celebrate a special you! May abundant blessings pour your way. Hope to see you at ECF!!

To the ECF twins

It's the TWINS' birthday!! Happy Birthday to Sophia and Ken! The rest of the nation is also celebrating this day!! Hope this upcoming year brings loads of wonderful new memories, blessings, and experiences!

Prayer Request

Our hearts go out to Ima who just lost her father after a long battle with poor health. Please remember Ima and her family in prayer during this tough time.

(Cards can be sent to 45-3G)

ECF Summerstyle!

This Thursday, August 10, Kemi will be hosting a dessert ECF
Summerstyle with sweets sweets sweets! It will be at 7.30PM in 1945,
23G. See you there for a good time!

another important announcement!

A few days ago, on 8/2, our Kemi celebrated her birthday!!!! For all of us who are so behind (sorry...me), I want to wish Kemi the best birthday wishes for the coming years. May they be full of blessings and happy memories! Thanks for being so special to ECF, Kemi!

let it be known....

  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LUCHIN!   

Hope you had a great day and enjoy all the good stuff that comes with birthdays! We all miss you here!!

Save the Date!

Announcing the wedding date of our beloved Ope and Kemi.

Mark your calendars for OCTOBER 21st 2006

More information is forthcoming.

Reading/Library

As med and grad students, we are swamped with a lot of reading to do for classes, rotations, lab, etc. However, let us be encouraged to continue in our daily Bible reading and study. The word of God is life giving bread for us to eat. It nourishes us, reminds us of who we are, who God is, and keeps our lives in the proper perspective. If we take the time to sit down to pray and read, the Lord surely will meet us and speak to us through His word.

In addition, there are many writings of the faithful that have encouraged and challenged us in our walk with the Lord. If you are interested in any of the titles listed below, send an email to phow@ to arrange for lending/borrowing.

If you have read books that have been a blessing to you and would not mind loaning them to other ECFers, please send a list to phow@.

Legend:
:-) easy, short read
*** highly recommended

Biographies
The Heavenly Man - Brother Yun
The Cross and the Switchblade - David Wilkerson
The Cross and the Scalpel - Gwen Wilkerson
From East to West - Ravi Zacharias
The Legacy of a Pack Rat - Ruth Bell Graham
In God's Underground - Richard Wurmbrand
Tortured for Christ - Richard Wurmbrand
Surprised by Joy - C.S. Lewis

Classics
Pilgrim's Progress - John Bunyan
Mere Christianity - C.S. Lewis
Miracles - C.S. Lewis
The Problem of Pain - C.S. Lewis
The Great Divorce - C.S. Lewis
The Screwtape Letters - C.S. Lewis
The Abolition of Man - C.S. Lewis

Spiritual Disciplines
God's Chosen Fast - Arthur Wallis
Celebration of Discipline - Richard J Foster
Spiritual Leadership - J. Oswald Sanders

Christian Walk
Following Jesus in the "Real World" - Richard Lamb
Rising Above the Daily Grind - Chuck Swindoll
Reaching for the Invisible God - Philip Yancey
Knowing God - J.I. Packer
Cries of the Heart - Ravi Zacharias
A Long Obedience in The Same Direction - Eugene Peterson
The Holy Spirit - Billy Graham
A Grief Observed - C.S. Lewis

WONDERFUL WISHES!!!

Two Big ECF Birthday Announcements!!!!

 

Happy Belated Birthday to our one and only IRENE!!!! (6/29)

Happy Birthday to our very special JANE!!!!! (6/30)

 

May all your wishes come true and may you have many many more lovely birthdays in the future! Thanks for all you bring to ECF! See you around!

06.06.06---a very special & unique day

It is the 23rd anniversary of the day our lovely DEB decided to grace this world with her presence!!
May this day be full of fun (studying) and memories (First Aid info)! But even more blessings the rest of the year!

Bunches of Smiles and Best Wishes!!!

Sound the trumpets, blow the horns,

Prepare the party, pop the popcorns,

Let us come together to celebrate

And hope our friends' days are GREAT!

 

Yay for Mary (5/25), Soyoun (6/2), and Mike (6/3)! Happy Birthday!! Best wishes to you in everything! May God bless you as you have blessed us at ECF!

Church List

Manhattan Churches

All Angels' Church
251 W 80th St (b/t Broadway & West End Ave), Manhattan
Church phone: 212-362-9300
http://www.allangelschurch.com
Contact Alicia Pittard: 806-382-7898, apittard@aecom.yu.edu

Compass Fellowship Church
Sunday Worship Service
82nd Street and West End
Mickey Mantle School
11:30am
http://www.compassfellowshipchurch.org
Contact Ju-En Thlick: 917-572-6244, jthlick@aecom.yu.edu

Emmanuel Presbyterian Church
212-870-3185
emmanuelnyc@hotmail.com
Union Theological Seminary
The James Chapel
Enter on Broadway or Claremont at 121st St
Contact Irene Jarchum: 860-420-9269, ijarchum@aecom.yu.edu

Overseas Chinese Mission
154 Hester St. in Chinatown, Manhattan
http://www.ocmchurch.org/
Contact Jacque Chak: 510-325-9660, jchak@aecom.yu.edu

Redeemer Presbyterian Church
http://www.redeemer.com
Hunter College, 69th St (b/t Park & Lexington)
Contact Liang Huan, lhuan@aecom.yu.edu

Remnant Westside Church
http://www.remnantwestside.net
P.S. 111, 53rd and 10th Ave; Sundays at 10:30a
Contact Andrew Ahn: 718-514-5016, andrew.i.ahn@gmail.com

Times Square Church
http://www.timessquarechurch.org
Broadway & 51th St
Contact Opeyemi Olabisi: 917-518-5153, olabisi@aecom.yu.edu or PC How: 860-538-6685, phow@aecom.yu.edu

Bronx Churches

Three Angels Seventh Day Adventist Church
3425 Boston Rd (near Eastchester Rd), Bronx
Contact Conair Guilliames: 917-553-6880, cguillia@aecom.yu.edu

Victory Seventh day Adventist Church
1271 Burke Ave (& Gunhill Rd), Bronx
Contact Conair Guilliames: 917-553-6880, guillia@aecom.yu.edu

Bronx Fellowship of Christ (home church)
various apartments around the Bronx
http://www.bronxfellowship.org
Church contact: 718-741-2881
Contact Erin Rose Rundquist: 509-499-2812, erundqui@aecom.yu.edu

Blessed Sacrament Church
(718) 892-3214
1170 Beach Ave
Bronx, NY 10472
Contact: Myra Davila, 917-428-7132, mdavila@aecom.yu.edu

St Helena's Church
(718) 892-3232
1315 Olmstead Ave
Bronx, NY 10462
(note: has daily 12:15pm mass)
www.sthelenabronxny.org
Contact: Myra Davila, 917-428-7132, mdavila@aecom.yu.edu

St. Raymond's Church
1759 Castle Hill Ave
Bronx, NY 10462
(718) 597-3232
(note: has daily 12pm mass)
Contact: Myra Davila, 917-428-7132, mdavila@aecom.yu.edu

St. Clare of Assisi (1918 Paulding ave)
Sunday masses: 7, 8 (Italian), 9, 10, 11, 12, 1
Confessions: Sat 4:30-5:15pm
Contact: Jakub Sroubek, jsroubek@aecom.yu.edu

St. Francis Xavier (1703 Lurting ave)
Sunday masses: 7:30, 9:30, 11:15, 12:30
Confesssions: Sat 4-5pm
Contact: Jakub Sroubek, jsroubek@aecom.yu.edu

Queens churches
New Life Fellowship
http://www.newlifefellowship.org
82-10 Queens Boulevard, Elmhurst, Queens
Contact Tina Wong: 408-203-2021, ywong@aecom.yu.edu

Brooklyn Churches

Shiloh Seventh Day Adventist, Brooklyn
http://www.shilohbrooklyn.org/
Contact: Magalie Bruneus: 718-329-6103

To add/delete/edit churches and contact, please email einsteincf@gmail.com

Birthday Announcement!

Happy Birthday to Tina!!

You have brought some special light to ECF this year. May this coming year
bring the best yet and may you have many more lovely birthdays to come!

Good luck finishing up 1st year! Have a SPLENDID summer!

The Guatemala Trip 2006!

First of all, thank you so much to all of you who prayed for the Guatemala trip. We really felt your prayers while we were there. It was a mountain top experience and it wouldn't have been without the prayers everyone sent up in our behalf. There was truly an amazing sense of team spirit among us and God gave us the strength each day to do His will. Here is just a couple of pictures from the trip. There are more pictures available courtesy of andrew's site

In the days leading towards the trip we were busy trying to locate sources of cheap medicine and other things we could bring with us to bless the people we would be seeing - toothbrushes and toothpastes for the kids, coloring books, etc. We also get a donation of stationery from staples as well as 2000 POUNDS of Tindamax! We didn't get to bring any of it because it arrived late and are now trying to discern God's plans for 2000 pounds of anti-parasite medication! Wow! We asked, and He really opened up Heaven's doors for us!


t minus 5 days to departure: We are busy distributing the medicines into individual packets and packing our suitcases with them. Thanks everyone who helped out! We couldn't have done it without you!


Here we are on the morning of April 14th, 4am in the morning that is, on our way to the airport. We each have with us two 50 pound suitcases with tons of medications inside, stationery from staples, coloring books, toothbrushes, toothpaste, glucose testing kits, etc. etc. The bus ride to the airport and our immunizations were sponsored by Dr. Kuperman's office. Thanks Dr. Kuperman! And Dr. Olson from anatomy gave us the gloves we needed.



Here we are on the other side, arriving at Guatemala City. We then took a 5 hour bus ride (although it did seem longer) up to El Rodeo.

Some scenery along the road.




Team picture at a gas station stop. Faces from L to R: Sonja, Mark, Dave, Holly, Wyn, Dr. Hawkins, Sylvia, Jason, Magalie, Deb, Sophia, Miguel, Tina, PC, Do Eun, Roger, Mike, Ps Nelly, Helder, Ps of the church in El Rodeo. Missing: Juan who's taking the picture.


We got to El Rodeo at night and had dinner at the church before setting up for the next day. Here are some pictures of the layout of the clinic which was held in the church building. The individual doctor's rooms are behind the yellow curtains and the rest of the hall was divided into a pastor's area, lab, pharmacy, and triage areas.

Take a look inside one of the "rooms" (left). Magalie doing some health ed (middle) Some of our patients and Jason (right).

Here is the patient waiting area outside the church. Some shade was provided by a large "tent" using a big flag of Guatemala.

This is the area at the back of the church where we ate our meals and one of the ladies that worked very hard cooking for us all day!


After lunch, it was back to work. Here are some of the doctors and some of the patients we met throughout the day.


In the evening after a full day of clinic, there was a service held at the church. Miguel preached and some of us had the opportunity to pray for some of the people who came up for prayer.



This is the family that moved out of their newly built house to let the girls stay there. The hospitality of the people there touched all of us. They worked hard to feed us and make sure we had everything we need for the clinic.


The next day, we spent the morning in clinic and the 2nd half of the day on the road again, this time down to Antigua, a 5(questionable) hour bus ride away. Antigua is very different from El Rodeo, it is a more touristy place, with cobblestone roads and many magnificent cathedrals built by the Spanish conquistadors. While in El Rodeo, there were many more patients with parasite and diarrheal problems, there were more cases of diabetes and hypertension in Antigua. Here is our setup in the local church.



The pharmacy


Toothbrushing lessons and diabetes workshops were held in the open on the street in front of the church.




Here some kids with their staples notepads.


Flushing out cases of impacted cerumen!


For our meals, we were hosted by a family living next door to the church for breakfast and another family living a walking distance away for lunch and dinner.
Again! The hospitality blew us over! They also put us up in a hotel during our stay in Antigua.


The main mode of transportation from the hotel to the church was by pick-up truck. It made for some sore bums but also for a scenic ride through town everyday.


All of us were touched and transformed during this trip, in different ways. Just to watch God work in the lives of the people we met and in each other. There were many miracles that took place during the trip, including the changing and molding of our hearts. There was a precious sense of community in the group that we all miss now that we are back to our regular lives. But our lives are all the richer because of this experience the Lord gave to us. We hope that you are all also blessed and challenged by what the Lord has done, is doing and is going to do.

This medical missions trip is the first, but we all hope, not the last for ECF.

Guatemala Trip

In the service I attended last week, testimonies were shared by the Times Square Church team returning from the crusade and outreach project to Rosario, Argentina. It was such a blessing and encouragement to see an obedient people follow God's leading to go to a nation, the faithfulness of those who were left behind to cover them with prayers and the amazing work the Lord did through and in them and in the people they encountered in Argentina. But things were not easy, there were spiritual, physical and emotional attacks on the team before and during the trip. They shared how they tangibly felt the prayers that were sent out from New York as well from everyone around the world praying for each and every part of the
mission. (testimony)

God did His work through those who went and those who stayed behind. It all really just emphasized in my heart the importance of praying and standing in the gap for those who are going out to the mission field.

It's less than 24 hours before, Mike, Dave, Sophia, Magalie, PC, Deb, Tina and the rest of Dr. Hawkins' team go to Guatemala. And more than ever, it's important for us who won't be with them to be partakers of this trip with them, through prayer. It's great that the trip details have been posted so that if anyone of us is led to pray and/or fast during certain times this week that we would know what to specifically bring before God's throne. This is a trip that the Lord placed in the heart of Dr. Hawkins and our dear friends heeded God's call. We trust that the Lord will make a way. He is the author of this missions trip and He will lead and provide for everything. And we trust that this mission trip will bring glory to His name and show those they will be serving the heart and love of Jesus for them.

Mike, Dave, Sophia, Magalie, PC, Deb and Tina, you'll be in our prayers all throughout this week. We're just trusting that the Lord will not only use you guys but bless you through this trip. We love you and we'll be praying for you!

Happy Easter, everyone! We have an awesome God who became one of us, died for us, and rose from the dead to conquer sin, death, and bring salvation
and life to all the areas of our lives. Thank you, Jesus!

Vic

Guatemala Trip Info for prayer

Hey everyone,

Here is more information on the trip so you can pray for us.

Who's going?
7 health care providers, 1 postdoc, 7 students, 4 from Juan's church
Pray for those who aren't saved, that we can show them the love of Christ

when's the trip?
april 17 - 22

what's going on?
Monday, 17th
We leave bright and early via plaza cab (please pray for us - you know how reliable they are!) to the airport.
We fly from Laguardia to Guatemala City and take 5 hour bus ride up the mountains to El Rodeo and plan to do some set up that night.
Pray for safe journey and ability to work as a team to set up.

Tuesday, 18th
am/pm: clinic
evening: church service
Pray for God to move among the people. They are very needy and have a deep hunger for God. Pray that their hunger will be met.

Wednesday, 19th
am: clinic
pm: drive down to Antigua and set up

Thursday, 20th
am/pm: clinic
evening: church service

Friday, 21st
am/pm: clinic
evening: last night in guatemala

Saturday, 22nd: fly back to La Guardia, stopping in Dallas.

Praise God for providing above and beyond what we imagined. One company donated 2000lbs of Tindamax!!! We will have to give most away to other medical missions groups. There is an issue of it arriving on time and an issue with being able to co-ordinate the distribution of meds for different people to carry - please pray for us! There will be things that come up before, during and after the trip - we need God's grace, wisdom, and strength.

Reflection of the Month-April

Because of You

 

For the past three months the theme of forgiveness has being coming back to me in different ways, through sermons, conversations with friends, family circumstances, etc., etc.  If we compare forgiveness to a destination, you will find yourself constantly at a crossroads deciding whether you want to continue and get there or if you want Jesus to take you there.

 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17

 

I find this verse liberating, it remind me of a testimony given by a former member of ECF.  She described how her past sins were coming back to her mind and feeling guilty about it, until one day when she pray and felt liberated.  How many of us get stuck in our past putting road blocks to our forgiveness, to our freedom in Christ. 

 

“Because of You we run and not grow weary.

We don’t have to hide behind the shadows of our past

Because of You we bow before you trembling, forgiven not forsaken,

Delivered not condemned. Because of You” (Kandi DiLoret, AWE)

 

I love the second line of this verse!  There is nothing in our past that has not being forgiven, don’t hide behind it, don’t stay attached to it!  As many pastor say… If the devil reminds you your past, remind him, his future!

 

In this Holy week remember that Christ’s sacrifice was once and for all times.  His blood will never loose his power!

 

 

Quick Note:

Sorry for not being able to keep up with the monthly reflections and regular communication with all the people we love.  Things here have been very very busy.  I’m trying to keep up writing but is hard.  We just want to say HI! We Love you all!! We will be praying for the Guatemala group!!  ¡Dios les bendiga, los guarde y llene de muchas bendiciones en su viaje misionero!

Javier and Jady

 

---

Blab-away for as little as 1¢/min. Make PC-to-Phone Calls using Yahoo! Messenger with Voice.

Just an encouragement for those who aren't able to make it to Guatemala this time! God has a blessing for you too! Thank you for praying for us, and keep praying for us! You are also a part of what God is doing in Guatemala and what He's doing at ECF.

This is a story of what happened when David came back from "battle" in 1 Samuel 30:

3 When David and his men came to Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. 4 So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep. 5 David's two wives had been captured—Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 6 David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

7 Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, "Bring me the ephod." Abiathar brought it to him, 8 and David inquired of the LORD, "Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?"
"Pursue them," he answered. "You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue."

9 David and the six hundred men with him came to the Besor Ravine, where some stayed behind, 10 for two hundred men were too exhausted to cross the ravine. But David and four hundred men continued the pursuit.

11 They found an Egyptian in a field and brought him to David. They gave him water to drink and food to eat- 12 part of a cake of pressed figs and two cakes of raisins. He ate and was revived, for he had not eaten any food or drunk any water for three days and three nights.

13 David asked him, "To whom do you belong, and where do you come from?"
He said, "I am an Egyptian, the slave of an Amalekite. My master abandoned me when I became ill three days ago. 14 We raided the Negev of the Kerethites and the territory belonging to Judah and the Negev of Caleb. And we burned Ziklag."

15 David asked him, "Can you lead me down to this raiding party?"
He answered, "Swear to me before God that you will not kill me or hand me over to my master, and I will take you down to them."

16 He led David down, and there they were, scattered over the countryside, eating, drinking and reveling because of the great amount of plunder they had taken from the land of the Philistines and from Judah. 17 David fought them from dusk until the evening of the next day, and none of them got away, except four hundred young men who rode off on camels and fled. 18 David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken, including his two wives. 19 Nothing was missing: young or old, boy or girl, plunder or anything else they had taken. David brought everything back. 20 He took all the flocks and herds, and his men drove them ahead of the other livestock, saying, "This is David's plunder."

21 Then David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow him and who were left behind at the Besor Ravine. They came out to meet David and the people with him. As David and his men approached, he greeted them. 22 But all the evil men and troublemakers among David's followers said, "Because they did not go out with us, we will not share with them the plunder we recovered. However, each man may take his wife and children and go."

23 David replied, "No, my brothers, you must not do that with what the LORD has given us. He has protected us and handed over to us the forces that came against us. 24 Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike." 25 David made this a statute and ordinance for Israel from that day to this.

the birthday alert!

the birthday alert has been activated again this sunny 11th day of April. The birthday boy is Ju-En. Give him a pat on the back, high-5, "how's it going?", "happy birthday" when you pass him in the halls. Or better yet, give him some "birthday punches...i mean...PATS"...one for each of the years he's lived and one more to grow on!!      HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JU-EN!!

Today is the fourth of the Fourth

There he is...Mr. Andrew Ahn.... (to the tune of Miss America)

Ok...anyway...we just want to announce that Mr. Andrew has won the title of "Mr. Birthday Guy" today. It was tough competition, but Mr. Andrew has out-waved, out-walked, out-competed all the other contestants to win this coveted title. Today, here at Einstein, Mr. Andrew is the man! Give him a big *high-5* and a 'congrats' when you see him walking around Belfer or Forch!!

Happy Birthday, Andrew!

supplies for Guatemala trip

Dear ECF,

As many of you know, a couple of us are going on a medical missions trip to Guatemala with Dr. Hawkins and Juan from April 17 - 22. There are a total of 7 health care providers, 8 students/postdoc and 5 members of Juan's church going. So far, Dr. Hawkins has gotten a grant for $7500, praise God, and our efforts now are focused on getting the medications and medical supplies we'll need. Please pray for this and for the trip in
general.

We also need to borrow some things, if you have them, for the duration of the trip. If you have any of the items listed below and are able to lend/give for the trip, it would be very useful. Please let any of us know if you are willing.

1. Things we need to borrow and promise to return
- stethoscopes
- BP cuffs
- otoscope/opthalmoscope set
- thermometer
- clip boards
- sleeping bags
- large suitcases (to carry meds)
- one pair of goggles - anybody kept theirs from anatomy?

2. Disposable things we need and can't return
- alcohol wipes
- hand sanitizer
- gloves (maybe people in the lab can ask their PIs to donate some)
- bubbles - to play with kids
- notepads

We will also need some help packing the medicine/vitamins up into ziplock
bags. This will take place the week before we leave and more information
is forthcoming.

Thanks so much,
Dave, Sophia, Deb, Magalie, Tina, Mike, PC

Passover Demo This Week!

We'll be having a special Passover demonstration this Thursday (3/30) at ECF.  Our speaker, Doug, used to come do this for ECF, and we're fortunate to have been put back in touch with him this year.  From what I've heard, people have really enjoyed this in the past.

Doug will be showing us how the traditional Passover service is performed, explaining the different elements as well as sharing with us the further meaning that Jesus has invested in it.  Hopefully we'll come away with a deeper sense of how the past ties into the present, especially as we go through this Lent season in preparation for Easter!

ECF will begin at 7:30pm in Belfer 601 as usual.  And yes, you can go to this and still make Skit Night at 9pm!  ;)  Hope to see all of you on Thursday - invite your friends too!

Any questions?  Email Deb (dleong@)!

Fun with Math

Hi all,

So I was on the road from the Bronx to Baltimore, struggling to stay awake, when I remembered the math problem that Dr. Yuen gave to us last night. Well, the first thing I realized was that she gave us the wrong problem.

So the problem is this: you have a 3x3 grid, where all vertical, horizontal, and diagonal 3-member lines must add up to 30. Dr Yuen, incorrectly, said that we needed to use all numbers 7->15 inclusive. This is clearly wrong because there is only one combination of numbers that will add up to 30 using 15: specifically, 7+8+15. Since you can't reuse numbers, and every single member of the 3x3 grid will be used in at least 2 lines, this is impossible.

I'm assuming that she meant we used the numbers 6 to 14 inclusive. This problem makes more sense. First off, we need to figure out what the question really is asking. If we think about it, there are 9 numbers, and 8 equations that must add up to 30. This could probably be solved computationally very simply, but that ruins the fun. There are too many degrees of freedom for this to be solved by number crunching.

However, we can realize that there are specific boundary conditions based on the numbers we have. Assuming 14 is the highest number, there are only 2 number combinations that will add up to 30: 14+7+9 and 14+10+6. Likewise, for 6: 6+11+13 and 6+10+14. Yay. Now if you think about it real quick, there are only 4 places on the grid that used in only two equations. If you realize that, the numbers fall into place:

7, 14, 9
12 ,10, 8
11,6,13

(When I realized this, I got so excited and almost got my 2nd speeding ticket in 3 wks. D'oh.) Dr. Yuen says that there is another combination that works. Hm. Maybe I can figure it out on the ride home. I don't have Dr. Yuen's email address though.

Sincerely,

Anonymous.

***Special Broadcast***

Vic's birthday

 Is here.

Call her

To wish her

Opulence,

Robustness,

 Insight,

Adeptness, and so much more this coming year...

*Hope you have a fantastic birthday, Vic. You are so special to all of us. May God continue to richly pour His blessings on you!*

Happy Birthday to our Ope!!

Give me an 'O', give me a 'P', give me some 'E', 'Y', 'E', 'M', 'I' !!

We join in the celebration written all over the blue sky!

Today is the day our beloved Ope was born _?_ years ago,

Let us rejoice and tell him how much he means to us....more than gold!

 

Thanks for being a great leader and for the awesome Bible studies, Ope! We may not always tell you, but oftentimes, they are the very tools that God uses to speak to us individually. Thank you. Hope you have a superhero-style birthday!

From the BBC:

"When Albert Watson, from Hodge Hill, saw Mel Gibson's film 'The Passion of the Christ', he was moved to write a poem about Lent. He wonders how people can give up chocolate for Jesus, when Jesus gave up his life for people."

"An olive grove that night was spent
With blood and sweat emotions rent
A guard of soldiers had you brought
Before an all accusing court
My response to their cruel intent?
I'll give up chocolate for lent

They hung You Jesus on a tree
Of Roman nails they used three
Two in hands and one in feet
Their evil deed was now complete
"It is finished!" Your life was spent
and I gave up chocolate Lord for lent"


Albert Watson, Hodge Hill, Birmingham

Drumroll Please...

Yay!!!

It's Jacq da Mack's birthday!!!!!

Sheng ri kuai le!!!

Hope it's da bestestest ever and may God make it da bestest year ever!! =)

A wise person once said...

Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
~ Unknown

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DENISE!!!   You are one of the sweetest, nicest people on earth! Thanks for bringing the smiles into all of our lives. And as another year swings by, just keep in mind:

 A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun.  Enjoy the trip.  ~Author Unknown

May your trip be one filled with all the good stuff!!

Bible Study Synopsis Feb 2nd

You know you're at a bible study at Einstein when:

a. mutant and polymorphism are mentioned in the same breath as swiss cheese.
b. the words 'potent' and 'inflammatory' are used to describe God's word.
c. 'anemia' is paralleled with our condition without God.
d. All of the above

Yes! The answer is d - all of the above.

Knowing the Character of God -Part I
Think about this question:

Is it possible to have faith in God without a knowledge of his character?

One of the ways to learn about the character of a person is to listen to or examine their words. We can learn more about the character of God by reading His word. God's word is so potent that the bible says that He magnified His word above "all things", PS 138:2b.

What are some of the charaters of God?
Constant or Unchanging; Psalm 102:25-27
Patient Ps.103:8;
Just Deut. 32:4;
Merciful Ex.34:6, etc.



There is much more to be learned about the character of God, so join us during our next study time at Belfer 601, 7.30pm on Thursdays.

New Member Induction

It is official!!! Ms. Tina Wong has been inducted into the highly prestigious organization, The Two Four, exclusively for those with 2 dozen years of experience under their belts. Let us celebrate this momentous day by wishing her all the best! May her future bring spectacular things!

God bless you for being such a great person to all who know you!

Happy Birthday, Tina!

Bible study synopsis Jan 26

A meeting full of blessings!

We were delighted to see so many 3rd years (denise, rujin, tracy) and both the 4th years (mary and melody!) yesterday night. Mary brought us some middle eastern pastries and once again Ima brought the snacks up a notch with chicken nuggets and BBQ chips! Thank you ladies.

Kemi and Ope led praise and worship and taught us some songs in Nigerian (sorry, I forgot the name of the dialect) The song below can be sung in the tune of "God is so good x3, He's so good to me"

Oluwa Dara, Oluwa Dara
Oluwa Dara, O Dara si wa

Our passage for this week was Luke 10: 25-37 on the parable of the good samaritan.

Why do we have to show charity to others? Do we do it because we love Jesus?

Why is it easy to show charity under some circumstance but difficult under other circumstances?
easy - when it is convenient, when we have time/money, when we get rewarded
difficult - when we don't have time/money, busy-ness, afraid of being thought of as "weird", etc.

How may we improve?

Please don't forget to pray for Pei Wen's Work-In-Progress preparation.

See everyone next week!

Bible Study Synopsis January 19, 2006

Imma's Testimony:
She had viewed the bible as a historical manuscript until she moved to NY last fall and purchased a new bible "The Message" from Barnes & Noble. Things look much different now and she sees the bible as a real time application.
Here are some scriptures that God used to give her direction last
semester:
- Psalm 45:11 "Be here"
- Hebrews 12: 1-2a "Run for it"
- Ephesians 1 "Don't get tired"
- Mark 13:13 "Stay with it"
The end of the struggle was success, Glory be to God.
The bible is a God's spoken word to us. Let's apply it in our daily
work.
Imma expressed how much love she has felt from ECF.
Thanks for sharing dearest Imma.

Who's next????

Bible Study: Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1-12)

This passage is a very thought provoking one as we shared on Thursday.
As you read through the text, consider the following questions:
- In verse 8-9, is Jesus telling us to be more shrewd? Is shrewdness a bad thing?
- What is Jesus implying in verse 9 exactly? What is the significance of eternal dwellings?

The scripture says that we are live in the world, but we are not of this world.
As we discussed the meaning of the parable, one the key thought was to use our tangible possessions, and innate intelligence to draw people to Christ.

Points to reflect on:
What resource(s) has God entrusted you with and what is your attitude towards them?
Are we/what keeps us from being generous with the resources and talents that God has given us?
Please feel free to discuss any questions or thought with any "ECFer" as you run into them this week.
Looking forward to a great time of fellowship on Thursday January 26, 2006!

-Kemi (aadekoje@montefiore.org)

Happy Belated Bday to Ima!

*Ahem* *Cough, cough* Can I have your attention please? =) We would like to wish Ima a very happy belated birthday! Sorry we completely missed it! May you be blessed in this new year as you continue to grow in His love and grace!

*ding ding* another announcement time!

ECF wishes Tracy, one of our beloved 3rd years, a super birthday!! It's always good to see you at ECF. Hope this coming year brings bigger and better blessings your way! Thanks for all the advice, laughs, and encouragments! Hope your day is a memorable one!

ECF Meeting Notes 1/12/06

I. CMDA (Contact: Tina, ywong)
- Retreat
* More Than Lip Service: Following Christ by Serving Our Neighbors
* Date: February 17-18, 2006
* Featuring: Service project
- AECOM Rep
* Next meeting 1/28, 10am - 12pm, Location TBD
* Want to share ideas and pray with other NYC med fellowships?
* Currently attending: Tina, Deb, Jacque

II. Worship (Contact: PC, phow)
- Ideas
* Gospel Night - Ayana & PC
* New songs - Ima
* Songs in different languages: Ope, Peiwen
- Notes
* Sing louder! Dont feel inhibited if you want to stand or clap ;)
* Send in song suggestions
* Phase in new songs
* New songs: teach PC, or volunteer to teach on Thursdays

III. Testimonies (Contact: Ope, olabisi)
- Share encouragement/how Gods working in your life!
- Email reminders

IV. Bible Study (Contact: Ope, olabisi)
- Topic Ideas
* Book studies
* Character studies
- Notes
* More participation!
* Send in your topic suggestions
* Keep Bible study shorter if we will go into small groups
* End fellowship by 9:15

V. Speakers (Contact: Deb, dleong)
- Topic Ideas
* Teaching Intelligent Design in School
* Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research
* Basic Foundations of Christianity
* Passover Demonstration
* Relationships
- Potential Speakers
* Dr. Jeanette Yuen (March or April - Redeemer, cardiologist, mom)
* Speaker with PhD suggestions?
- Notes
* All potential seeker events
* Advertise with flyers
* Have ECF pamphlets available at events

VI. Outreach (Contact: You?)
- Easter
* Compile info/contacts/rides for services
* Passover demo
- Alternative: Valentines Day
- Hot Cocoa Outreach-like event
- Seeker specific events/talks
- Bible studies for seekers
- Table at Grad Students Club Night

VII. Snacks (Contact: Ima, iekandem)
- Sign up if you feel led!

VIII. Retreat (Contact: Deb, dleong)
- Camp Wightman
* Pro: sheets, boating
* Con: A little far; leave later next time
- Potential Site: Presbyterian Center at Holmes (thanks, Jacque!)
* www.presbyteriancenter.org
- Retreat site search criteria
* Definitely within 2 hours of Einstein, preferably less
* Cheap: Camp Wightman was $56 per head minus food; max: $90 with meals
* Meals not necessary
* TBD: date (most likely Oct), theme, speaker

Congratulations!!

Congratulations to Ope and Kemi on their ENGAGEMENT, December 19th 2005

"Well, it's about time!" - NYT

"So, that's what he's been up to!" - Newsweek

"It's the best thing he's done all year!" - Ope's boss

"We saw it coming!" - Times Magazine

We are all so happy for you guys and wish you all the best. You have been such a Godly example to all of us in your life and relationship. Don't forget to update us on the wedding (which Ope says will be some time in Fall 2006)! We will ALL be there!

Happy Belated Birthday!!

Hi Melody!!

 

Apologies for the late wishes, but we still hope you had a GREAT time celebrating the back-to-back holidays-- your birthday and a wonderful Christmas following. May the coming year bring many blessings! Good luck in everything!