More Than a Job…
When our Lord walked this earth, His association with work and a professional job was stunning, to say the least. The people who knew Him identified him as “the carpenter” (Mark 6:2-3), meaning He did more than do some carpentry work every so often. Rather, the use of the definite article “the Carpenter” clearly pointed to it as His occupation and even operating a business, where He offered a service and made a profit. But also, His claims to be God and yet working with His hands as a carpenter challenged the culture’s warped view of work. The Greco Roman culture of His day thought any person who worked such a menial job with His hands was unimportant and lacking any influence within the culture. But Jesus was exemplary in His work as a carpenter. We are told that He grew not only in favor with God, but also in favor with humans (Luke 2:52), which included those with whom He associated in His professional life. Though the world in His day look upon His carpentry job as meaningless, His example drew the attention of people and His Heavenly Father who said in Mark 1:11, “You are my beloved Son, in You I have been pleased.” Up to this point, all that He had done was work as carpenter. Our work is more than a job or position… it is a calling where we demonstrate our faith in the Lord daily in the details of our work. (PMC)
This thought was written by Paul M. Curtas, General Director of FCAP.
A very important aspect of any business is how much exposure its products or services is given. It is the way people will see and learn about the company. When the church of Jesus Christ is alive in the workplace, its people are God’s way of giving exposure and authenticity to the Christian faith, as they relate to coworkers and customers. Christ did not ask us to decide to become His witnesses… He said in Acts 1:8, “I will make you my witnesses.” How?… By giving us His presence through the Holy Spirit and continuing a work in us (Philippians 1:6). It is God’s way of testifying how He is real and can be seen at the workplace. Interestingly, what can hinder us is when we entertain the idea that the only credible testimony is to be done within the narrow confines of our church services or special meetings. We must realize the impact of any church’s ministry is not just to be measured by gathered totals… it also about scattered influence, where the church’s presence resonates to people. (PMC) Consider: “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” (2 Corinthians 2:14)
Our “Engaging at the Workplace” Training was held in Atlanta on November 1 and was well received by all who attended. Represented were airline/aviation personnel from Seattle, Newark, and Atlanta. Anyone who has completed our Workplace Training 1, “On the Job…God’s Way”, is eligible to attend this second training. Watch our web site and Facebook page for details as dates and locations are set for 2019. If you wish to know more about our trainings or find out how you can bring these trainings to your area, contact
It is fair to say that the word hope is being misused in day to day conversation. For instance, “I hope so” or “we can only hope” are used as something that will only happen in a miracle. In the Bible, the closest we can find hope defined is in Hebrew 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The word is used in relation to faith as if they were equivalents … “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7) and ” For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance” (Romans 8: 24-25). Both faith and hope have the same characteristics as invisible, yet tangible assurance. If like me you have been waiting for the Son of God’s second coming, do not lose hope because “…the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:25-27). MM
a time of praise and worship, Pastor Jake Aquino delivered a message. The FCAP Praise and Worship team rendered a special song entitled “Sapagkat Ang Diyos Ay Pag Ibig” They write, “It was filled to overflowing with some people standing outside the church building but intently listening and participating. During the alter call almost all of them came forward to be prayed for by the Lufthansa brethren, including the pastors and church workers. It was like a revival service that morning where everybody felt the warm presence of the Holy Spirit. To God be the glory!” Gifts and treats were provided for the children. The two pastors and their respective churches received financial love gifts from FCAP-LTP/LTTP and from a church.
It seems as if there are two major companies competing in America for consumer hearts when it comes to electronics, Apple and Samsung. In the hope of getting the latest gadget from Apple, people camped out in front of stores for more than two weeks before the product came out. It was not any different for the Samsung S8 because of the camera that is in it. They waited for hours in the hope that their new device will help make their lives easier by offering features that did not exist in the earlier models. As soon as the device is revealed, there is always a better one coming out to give the consumer a better hope. “For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God… because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God… Not only that, but we also, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance” (Romans 8:19-25). When He comes again, things will change forever … and there will be no need for a better hope. MM
Did you know that God works in multifaceted ways to reach people? He is using conversations and responses to everyday situations in the workplace to point the way. We tend to look at brief encounters with people, like short chats or a kind gesture, as something not big enough to be considered ministry. But the opposite is true! Our words and gestures can be like billboards, pointing people to the Lord. Think about the many brief conversations and encounters you have with people every day. Do not underestimate the importance of your words or gestures expressed in the name of Christ, for according to God they have eternal significance.(PMC) Consider: “So, whatever you do, do all for the glory of God. …Showing all good faith, so that the teaching of God our Savior will be attractive” (1 Corinthians 10:31; Titus 2:9-10).
In support of my co-worker’s mission trip to a small hilltop church in Haiti, God’s Holy Spirit convicted me to donate what seemed to be a small thing, 20 pair of reading glasses. I wondered how they would be received. Staying behind at work the week of the trip I prayed for God’s covering for everyone’s safety and for God to be glorified. Upon his return, my co-worker shared amazing stories of God’s hand of provision and protection. He said the folks were filled with tradition but not the Word, something that can unfortunately be said of many churches worldwide. Their focus for the week was Ephesians 5: 18b, “…be filled with the Spirit.” I was grateful to see photos of smiling faces of the faithful trying on new reading glasses to illuminate God’s Word. To God be the glory! (Anonymous)