Thank you for your support to our min- istry. Your gifts are changing lives. One of our missionaries, Amy Speake in Costa Rica, tells the following story about how people in Costa Rica are be- ing impacted by the message of Christ. “I had the opportunity to preach to the women in the jail. I talked to them about the symbolic importance of doors being the access to our spiritual houses. The Bible says that Jesus has the “Keys of David”, which were the keys in Biblical times to the palace and all the important doors (Is 22:21). It symbolizes the maximum authority. Jesus has the keys/the authority to free the captives, but Mat- thew teaches us that Jesus also has given us the keys to the kingdom. His Word frees us from whatever jail the enemy has tried to place us in. The problem is that many times we get used to the jail and don’t want to come out.”

“As I walked through the jail door, I was impacted by the clanging sound of the keys on the key ring. I asked the women in the jail if they would like to have the keys to get out and, obviously, they answered jubilantly, “YES!” I explained that they had the keys to open their spiritual jails that moment, if they desired. This thought certainly impacted them; just the day before, a prisoner in a different group had hung herself with her clothes after feeling she was not only trapped behind the jail doors, but trapped behind the doors of despair and feeling unforgiven. Perhaps, there was no one to tell this woman that God loved her. Thankfully, we have seen the ma- jority of our group come to Christ and find forgiveness.”

Thank you for your support. Spiritual doors are opened and captives are set free and given life. God Bless!

Miracles in our Past

By: Pastor Rod Schorr
Published: 4/27/12

If anyone ever asks you why we say ‘In God We Trust’, be sure to tell them about ‘The Miracle Fire of New York City’, or ‘The Battle of the Clouds’.

The Miracle Fire of New York City
Things had grown so dire and depressing, by the Fall of ‘76, that Richard Lord Howe is- sued a ‘Proclamation’ to the American people, ordering them to “Return to your allegiance, its blessings and its peace, rather than offering yourselves up as a sacrifice to an unjust and precarious cause.” But before anyone could respond, on the very next morning, as a matter of fact, after that proclamation had been made, a fire broke out in a New York City tavern, and nothing was capable of stopping it. The fire destroyed nearly all the housing and headquarters of the occupying British; but more importantly, it rekindled American morale.

No one knows how the fire started. Washington would later say: “Either Providence or some good fellow has done more for us than we could do ourselves.” Yes, the fire may have been started by a patriot or two, but one thing is certain: ‘Providence’ kept it burning! Here’s how…

When the fire broke out, not a single bell of warning could be heard! Months before, while he was in control of New York, Washington had ordered every bell in town and everything else made of brass to be confiscated and recast for cannon.

An unusual south wind kicked up out of nowhere. For two whole days, it roared through the streets of New York City, fanning flames which had begun on the south side of town! British soldiers rushed in to help, but the blaze had become such an inferno that no one could approach it. They resorted to tear- ing down homes in the path of the flames, but nothing was going to stop its advance. When it was all over, a fourth of the city was destroyed and British headquarters were in chaos. That was the ‘response’ to Lord Howe’s ‘Proclamation’.

The Battle of the Clouds
It is mid-September now,  in 1777 and, in spite of a few nice victories under their belts, Washington and his army are not out of the woods! He has just lost a thousand men at the Battle of Brandywine, and is forced into an- other retreat. He orders his disheartened troops to move through the North Valley Hills, near present day Malvern, P A.

Then on September 16, while the relocation is in progress, Washington suddenly learns that General William Howe (Richard’s brother) and General Charles Cornwallis are only two miles away and that they are bearing down upon them with more than 18,000 men. Their purpose is simple: complete annihilation of Washington and his contingent of the Continental Army.

Unwilling to flee, Washington orders his men to stand and resist, but the odds are overwhelmingly hopeless; they are both outnumbered and outgunned 2-to-1. The British mount a slaughtering attack, General Howe tearing into the center, Cornwallis out on the flanks. Washington’s choice quickly becomes evident: surrender or be annihilated.

But then something happens! Suddenly, it rains! A thundering downpour deluges the battlefield, with such intensity, in fact, that all fighting must cease. The battle- ground becomes an ankle deep mud hole. Horses, troops, gunnery all get bogged down. All troop movement ceases. The torrent soaks the gunpowder on both sides of the battle; soon not a shot can be heard!

An erie silence ensues as the British give up the fight and trudge back to the dry shelter of their tents. Washington and his men flee to Yellow Springs. Once again, and in quite a miraculous way, they have escaped to fight again. And that’s why we say, “In God We Trust”. Remember what God promises His people; when they truly set their hearts on Him? “I will throw into confusion, every nation you confront.” Ex 23:27 And that is a promise we still need today!

Pray for our country, dear ones, that Americans everywhere would long for what we once had! Next week, one more: the capture of Benedict Arnold. Do you know how miraculous that event was?

See you Sunday. RAS

Community News

National Day of Prayer—May 3
The 61st Annual Observance of Prayer for our nation will be held across America on Thurs- day, May 3. This year our focus is “One Nation Under God” with the powerful verse, “Blessed is the nation whose God is theLord.” (Psalm 33:12). How reassuring to know of our Heav- enly Father’s protection and guidance—and how vital prayer is for the healing of our land and its people. There will be a prayer gathering on the steps of Orange City Hall (300 E. Chapman Ave.) at noon on May 3. That evening, all churches in Orange are invited to gather for a city-wide time of Christian prayer at Heritage Christian Fellowship at 7 p.m. Contact Heritage 714-538-8261 for childcare needs: Infants— 2nd Grade .

Mother Daughter Tea Luncheon—May 5
Plans for our annual Mother Daughter Tea luncheon is in full bloom under the direction of Anna Richards. It will be held on Saturday, May 5th at 11:00 a. m. in the Social Hall. This year the theme is “My Cup Runneth Over” with guest speaker Judee Stapp. Tickets $15 Adults (13 and over) and $8 for children. For information con- tact Anna Richards at (714) 537-1832.

Infant Dedication—May 13
We will be setting time aside on Sunday, May 13 during each service to dedicate children. Please con- tact the church office 714-997-2811 if you would like to be included in either service or have ques- tions regarding dedication of children. What a mar- velous way to celebrate Mother’s Day!

Take Action Now! Sign Petition to Repeal SB48!
SB 48, a California bill devoted to the corruption of our children, has been passed into law. It mandates that, for all children in public schools, from Kinder- garten through 12th grade, “instruction in social sciences,” present “the role and contributions of…lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans.” School districts are al- ready required to provide “supplemental materials” implement- ing SB 48 to individual schools and teachers. The goal is the sexual indoctrination of our children. This bill must be re- pealed. A petition is available for signing, after each service, that will help place a repeal on November’s ballot. Be sure to do your part! And pray for our country!

Service Crews for April 29
Security 
8:45 am—Don Sutton
10:30 am—Paul Rygalski
Ride to Church 
8:45 am—Greg Nygren (323-864-4669)
10:30 am—Norm Sufficool (714–974-8654)
Ushers 
8:45 am—Joe Terry, John Manahan, Mike Rainey, Joe Yankowski
10:30 am—Chuck Tripi, Archie Johnson, Bob Manfro,
Grecia Romero, Frank Rueckel
Nursery** 
8:45 am—Janet Reeves
10:30 am—Kristen Morgan**
Toddler** 
8:45 am—Melisa Stice
10:30 am—Kristen Morgan
Promise Peak 
8:45 am—Pam Tripi, Sara Bell
10:30 am—Kristie Geller, Joan Wasson, Shawn Hall
Deacon Worship Assistance
Jason Dwinger (Team Leader), Ryan Bonilla, Pat Thomsen, Bob De Aragon, Mike Rainey
Sweetheart Bakers (Due 5/8): Jackie Slaughter
** If you would you like to help with our precious children in the Nursery or

the Toddlers, please contact Kristen Morgan 949-606-3108.

This Week at Covenant

Friday (4-27) 
7:00pm Junior High and High School Youth Group
7:30pm  IPUH WORSHIP SERVICE
Bold Gathering at Schroeder Ranch Friday April 27 thru Saturday April 28

Saturday (4-28)
7-11am MCBS Leader Breakfast
Sunday (4-29) 
8:45 &10:30 am Worship—Sanctuary
3:00pm IPUH Worship—Sanctuary
3:00pm JKI Worship—Social Hall
6:00pm Evening Study-Sanctuary
Monday (4-30)
9:00am CC Homeschoolers (on break)
6:00 pm CCC Crafters—Rm. 24
6:30pm Haven Café—Home of Joyce Thurber
7:00pm Marthas Vineyard
7:30 pm Square Dancing—Social Hall
8:00pm Women’s Exercise Class- Rm 35
Tuesday (5-01)
5:00 pm Prayer Meeting (Community)—Sanctuary
7:00pm MCBS Mens Community Bible Study
Wednesday (5-02)
9:00-5:00pm Star Testing-Rm 35
11:30 am Prayer Meeting—Library
7:00pm Family night on Break, National day of Prayer (Heritage Christian Fellowship)
7/8:30 pm Choir/Praise Rehearsal—Sanctuary
Thursday (5-03)
9am-5:00pm Star Testing- Rm 35
9:30am ENCOURAGERS
3:00pm Eagles Wings Class Rm 29
4:00pm Eagles Wings Class Rm 35
IPUH- Social Hall
Friday (5-04)
7:00pm Youth Group (Jr. High and High School)
7:30 pm IPUH Worship Service—Sanctuary, room 24

Beautiful Passion Week at CCC

CCC’s sanctuary was filled during Pas- sion Week with families and friends gathering to remember history’s greatest event. The CCC choir offered a beautiful message of God’s love and the great hope of the Resurrection. The annual ‘hunt on the lawn’ was a happy event, with hundreds of Easter treats for the kids this year. Our Easter mailing reached out to 3500 homes in our area, with an additional 1500 that were personally mailed or hand delivered to friends and acquaintances by C3 members. There were many visitors for all services. Special thanks to all of you who worked so hard to make our Easter week truly effective. To those who gave to the mailing, supplied the children’ s treats, handed out cards, invited friends, served and sang and ministered!

God bless you all!
Pastor Rod

Click on this link for a PDF packing list and directions Mens Retreat Info

Looking forward to a blessed weekend!

A ‘Stroke’ from God

By: Pastor Rod Schorr
Published: 4/20/12

It was late—Christmas week as a matter of fact—in the year 1776: the greatest and the worst year in all of America’s history. Washington and his beleaguered troops had been hounded by the British and the Hessians under one of Britain’s most ruthless generals: Charles Cornwallis. Cornwallis had driven them out of New York, all across New Jersey and then finally Jersey and then finally

There were 2400 Americans there, and across the river, living in the relative luxury of Tory homes and the abandoned homes of patriots in Trenton, Princeton and Kingston, was an army of 10,000! It was time for Washington to quit. The year had been a total disaster. There had been one bitter defeat after another. The American cause was doomed! The only problem was that someone forgot to tell Washington!

Two Letters that Crossed in the Mail
On December 21, Washington sent a letter to Congress expressing his wish for ‘some brilliant stroke that can save our cause’. “Some brilliant stroke…” Remember that wording! The purpose would not be to win the war, or even to regain lost ground, but simply to south across the Delaware River, where they now shivered out the winter in tattered tents and ragged summer uniforms. boost America’s morale. But could it be justified? Would it be worth it? And what on earth would it be?

Then on December 22, just one day after Washington’s letter left in the mail, a letter came from Joseph Reed, an adjutant away on reconnaissance, and one of Washington’ s closest friends. Here’ s what it said: “Will it not be possible, my dear General, for our troops to make a diversion or something more at Trenton, and the greater the alarm the more likely the success… “I will not disguise my own sentiments that our cause is desperate and hope- less if we do not take the opportunity to strike some stroke. Our affairs are hastening fast to ruin if we do not retrieve them by some happy event. Delay with us is now equal to total defeat.”

The two letters actually crossed in the mail, and they expressed the same inspiration, with almost the exact same wording! Washington’ s famous crossing of the Delaware was an inspiration from God! Reed’s letter brought much needed confirmation for Washington. And on Christmas Eve, of 1776, he put his plan into action. He ferried his pitiful army across the river, for a midnight attack on the city of Trenton.

Enemy Blunders
God was working on the enemy too! In mid-December, General Howe was so pleased with his success, and so contemptuous of the American resistance that he decided to take a vacation in New York. He needed some R&R. Cornwallis, assuming that both sides would wait out the harsh winter, actually booked passage for London to see his wife! His troops were spread out in three different towns; only 1400 Hessians remained there at Trenton.

Washington ordered a handful of men to remain back at camp, to keep bright fires burning; to make small-talk and clank pots with the noise of business-as-usual, while the rest of his men, all evening long, moved silently across the river. Their pass- word that night was ‘Victory or Death’.

Impossible Odds
The crossing was a treacherous one; the river that night was full of ice. Two of the battalions never made it across; and those who did were half-dressed and had no shoes. To make matters worse, a terrible storm raged all through the night. In the drenching rain, much of their gunpowder became soaked and worthless; many would be fighting with bayonets alone!

With the icy river and the stormy weather, their arrival was delayed. But by 8:00 the next morning, they had surrounded the city. The battle lasted 45 minutes. The entire city of Trenton was taken, 900 Hessians were captured, 500 fled, 21 were killed. Some say that only two Americans died in the battle. Others say none at all!

It is recorded that after the victory, Washington grabbed the hand of a young soldier and said: “This is a glorious day for our country!” Oh, yes it was. It was the first, and the greatest, turning point in the war. News of the victory thrilled the new States! American morale came back to life! Americans were learning, first hand, what they had al- ways been reading in Scripture:

“Not by might, nor by power but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” Zech 4:6

And that is why we say, to this day, ‘In God We Trust’.

See you Sunday! RAS

Community News

Thanks for the Easter Eggs
Thank you so much for your generosity in donating Easter eggs this year! We had over 60 kids attend our Sunday services and they had a great time at the Easter Egg Hunt. We are very thankful for all those who helped with stuffing and donating eggs.

Men’s BOLD Gathering in the Desert
Men! Our next gathering will be at the Schroeder Ranch in Bar- stow Friday, April 27 through Saturday, April 28! Come join us for a time of encouragement from God’s Word on “Streams in the Desert”, fun activities, and great food! The cost is $25 for Adults and $10 for sons. Contact Pastor Gene Loeffler (714) 474-8838 or Charlie Wasson (714) 393-0804.

Mother Daughter Tea Luncheon—May 5
Plans for our annual Mother Daughter Tea lunch- eon is in full bloom under the direction of Anna Richards. It will be held on Saturday, May 5th at 11:00 a.m. in the Social Hall. This year the theme is “My Cup Runneth Over” with guest

speaker Judee Stapp. Tickets $15 Adults (13 and over) and $8 for children. We are still looking for ladies to participate in the Centerpiece Decorating Contest! For information contact Anna Richards at (714) 537-1832.

C3y Youth Yard Sale—May 5
The Smith’s have graciously opened their home (1412 E. Palm Ave., Orange) on May 5th between the hours 7 a.m. — 12 noon for the C3y Youth Yard Sale! All money raised will go towards scholarships for Forest Home where kids will spend the week learning about God, growing closer to each other and having a great time during the summer. If you have items you would like to donate please contact Kristie Geller at 714-280-5541; or Nick Delawder 714-334-4083. See You There!

Spring Creek Indian Holiness Camp
Time is running out! Pastor Norman Cash (Spring Creek Canyon Mission) needs to raise $17,400 by June in order to purchase the Spring Creek Indian Holiness Camp. If you would like to help fund this precious project contact Karen Smith at 714-771-2734.

Service Crews for April 22

Security 8:45 am—Doug Bridgman

10:30 am—Jeff Myers
Ride to Church
8:45 am—Greg Nygren (323-864-4669)
10:30 am—Norm Sufficool (714–974-8654)
Ushers
8:45 am—Al Vande Vegte, Don Sutton, Chris Schrader,
Paul Hamilton
10:30 am—Bob Bell, Dan Determan, Sheri Determan,
Ben Kellogg, Daniel Schroeder
Nursery**
8:45 am—Joyce Thurber, Alyssa Schrader
10:30 am—Megan Nygren, Grace Brooks
Toddler**
8:45 am—Megan Shores
10:30 am—Janelle Hall
Promise Peak
8:45 am—Pam Tripi, Sara Bell, Ken Stice
10:30 am—Sara Bell, Judy Kenney, Joan Wasson, Shawn Hall
Deacon Worship Assistance
Chris Schrader (Team Leader), Frank Richards, Frank Rueckel
Sweetheart Bakers (Due 4/24): Anna Richards ** If you would you like to help with our precious children in the Nursery or
the Toddlers, please contact Kristen Morgan 949-606-3108.

This Week at Covenant
Friday (4-20) 
7:00pm Junior High and High School Youth Group
7:30pm  IPUH WORSHIP SERVICE
Saturday (4-21)
6:00pm Conestoga
Sunday (4-22) 
8:45 &10:30 am Worship—Sanctuary
3:00pm IPUH Worship—Sanctuary
3:00pm JKI Worship—Social Hall
6:00pm Evening Study-Sanctuary
7am-8pm Rubies Fundraiser 186 N. Atchison, Orange
Monday (4-23)
9:00am CC Homeschoolers (on break)
6:00 pm CCC Crafters—Rm. 24
6:30pm Haven Café—Home of Joyce Thurber
7:30 pm Square Dancing—Social Hall
8:00pm Women’s Exercise Class- Rm 35
Tuesday (4-24)
5:00 pm Prayer Meeting (Community)—Sanctuary
7:00pm MCBS Mens Community Bible Study
Wednesday (4-25)
9:30am VIP Ministry (visitation) LOA RM
11:30 am Prayer Meeting—Library
7/8:30 pm Choir/Praise Rehearsal—Sanctuary
Thursday (4-26)
9:30am ENCOURAGERS
7:00pm Communion Service
Friday (4-27)
7:00pm Youth Group (Jr. High and High School)
7:30 pm IPUH Worship Service—Sanctuary

Special Notes

Dear CCC Family,
I wish to thank all of my very thoughtful friends and church family who prayed so faithfully for me during my very trying four week ordeal. God bless you all! Don Sutton

Important Reminder…
Please make sure to close doors com- pletely, lock the doors, and turn OFF Heater/AC after using a room, or when leaving the campus. Kindly restore any room you use to a condition you would like to start with (put away tables, chairs, wipe tables down, empty trash, wash dishes and put them away).

Men’s BOLD Gathering in the Desert
(April 27th-29th) 

Men! Our next gathering will be at the Schroeder Ranch in Bar- stow Friday, April 27 through Saturday, April 28! Come join us for a time of encouragement from God’s Word on “Streams in the Desert”, fun activities, and great food! The cost is $25 for Adults and $10 for sons. Contact Pastor Gene Loeffler (714) 474-8838 or Charlie Wasson (714) 393-0804.

“Streams in the Desert”

Harvest Bible University
We are half-way through our first trimester of the year. The five classes we are offering at our campus in Guatemala City are: Foundations of the faith, Christology, Prayer, Devotional Life, and Character Development (Fulfilling your Calling). Selvin teaches two of the classes, and I am a student in the Chris- tology class taught by our seminary friend from Bolivia. On Thursday eve- nings Selvin teaches a class at the Har- vest campus in Santa Lucia Milpas Al- tas, at the Escuela Vida y Esperanza.

Tomorrow Selvin leaves for Ixcan, Quiche with one other Harvest teacher and two students. They will travel all day Friday and Sunday to be able to join the Ixcan Harvest Students on Saturday. A pastor from Oregon is teaching a class on Friday and then Selvin and his “companions” will teach on Saturday. Saturday evening they will have a time of recognition for Roduel Perez, the di- rector of our Ixcan campus, honoring the years he has served there.

Please pray for traveling mercies and the teaching time. Also, with over 18 hours in the car in just 3 days, the men will have many hours to talk. Pray that it would be a valuable discipleship mentoring time.

Health
We asked you to pray for our health at the end of February when we were go- ing through a tough time with viruses. We seem to have recovered now! Selvin has a bit of coughing still. Pray that he will be able to build up his de- fenses and not get sick again. Health and safety can be on your permanent prayer list for us!