sam farina

Perseverance

2009-03-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

Sparky didn’t have much going for him. He failed every subject in the eighth grade, and in high school, he flunked Latin, Algebra, English, and Physics. He made the golf team, but he promptly lost the important match of the season and then lost the consolation match. He was awkward socially—more shy than disliked. He never once asked a girl out on a date in high school.

One thing, however, was important to Sparky—drawing. He was proud of his artwork even though no one else appreciated it. He submitted cartoons to the editors of his high school yearbook, but they were rejected. Even so, Sparky aspired to be an artist. After high school, he sent samples of his artwork to the Walt Disney Studios. Again, his work was rejected.

Still Sparky didn’t quit. He decided to write his own autobiography in cartoons. The popularity of his cartoon strip eventually led to countless books, television shows, and licensing opportunities. Sparky, you see, was Charles Schulz, creator of the Peanuts comic strip. Like his main character Charlie Brown, Schulz seemed unable to succeed at many things. But he made the most of his talent and refused to quit.

Forgiveness

2009-02-06T07:45:00.000-08:00

In his book, Beneath the Crops of Jesus, A. Leonard Griffith tells the story of a young Korean exchange student, a leader in Christian circles at the University of Pennsylvania, who left his apartment on the evening of April 25, 1958, to mail a letter to his parents. As he turned from the mailbox, he was met by eleven leather jacketed teenage boys. Without a word, they beat him with a blackjack, a lead pipe, and left him lying dead in the gutter.

All of Philadelphia cried out for vengeance. The district attorney planned to seek the death penalty for the arrested youth and then, this letter arrived signed by the boy’s parents and twenty other relatives in Korea:

Our family has met together and we have decided to petition that the most generous treatment possible within the laws of your government be given to those who have committed this criminal action....In order to give evidence of our sincere hope contained in this petition, we have decided to save money to start a fund to be used for the religious, educational, vocational, and social guidance of the boys when they are released...We have dared to express our hope with a spirit received from the gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ who died for our sins.

"You Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon you."
- Psalm 86:5 NKJV

2009-01-30T08:38:00.000-08:00

From time to time I receive letters, phone calls, and emails of encouragement. Many are stories of how God is working and touching lives. I wanted to share a few that I received recently:

* * * * *

Happy New Year Sam. I wanted to share how your teaching at Manhattan Beach this past summer helped to change my life. I was asking the Lord about the direction in my life as I sensed I was at a crossroads. I also sensed that I was physically moving. During your week of teaching you taught on the "rope holders"... boy, did that minister to me. During that week the Lord kept giving me a single word "Calvary" and through various other "hints" I ended up moving to Winnipeg in October… Up till your message on "rope holders" I really felt that I was headed in a totally different direction.

So a thank you from me to you to start your year! Your teaching was one of my life changing times.
I hope I have the opportunity to hear you again soon!

* * * * *

Just wanted to say thank you for your help in the last year. Your insight and support has been a blessing to me and the ministry. May the Lord bless you in the New Year.

Fearless to Risk

2009-01-20T11:58:00.000-08:00

One simply cannot live without taking risks. Risk is woven into every aspect of our daily experience.
· To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.
· To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
· To reach out for another is to risk involvement.
· To expose feeling is to risk exposing our true selves.
· To place your ideas, your dreams, before the crowd is to risk.
· To love is to risk not being loved in return.
· To live is to risk dying.
· To hope is to risk despair.
· To try at all is to risk failure.
- Unknown

“God hath not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and of a sound mind.”
- 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV

If you know you couldn’t fail what would you risk? What would you attempt?

2009-01-03T17:07:00.000-08:00

What an incredible Christmas!
I felt so privileged to spend time with our son, daughter-in -law and granddaughter the week before Christmas. Then to come home to NC and have my mother and sister come down for a week. I laughed, ate, ate, went to movies had parties and ate. We had 20 over to eat on Christmas eve after speaking at Hope church at the first Christmas eve service. What a great day.

This season has also been a time I have been privileged to speak each week at Morganton NC First Church. It has been a joy to be home and feel the joy of sharing the message of Christmas in a congregation throughout the season. New Years eve Vicki and I shared the message of the Passover. Passover marks the New Year on the Jewish calender. What a great night we had as people took bitter herbs, a part of the Passover meal put it on bread and then dipped it in the juice of the cup symbolizing the the shed blood of Christ covering the suffering of our sin, past bondage's, tears of the past year. Many left suffering from 08 at the altar. I then shared from Acts 12 the story of another Passover experience, the jailing of Peter and his miraculous deliverance. The expectation of the church as they prayed for his freedom was heard by God as an angel came to the prison. Those in attendance wrote out their expectations for 09 and then Vicki and I prayed over ever person.

Tomorrow I will talk about faith that God responds to. It is not the size of the faith but the believing (pisteuo) that ignites the possible (dunata). Believing the spark that ignites the impossible and causes it to become possible. Believing activates supernatural power that enables what normally would never be possible. Don't worry about the size of your faith. If your believing, then faith the size of a mustard seed, will ignite supernatural power.

2008-12-23T14:15:00.000-08:00

These days news about the economy is everywhere. Amidst all the talk, the kingdom of God is advancing! Jesus said, “When we find ourselves witnessing this kind of turmoil, there is only one priority—the proclamation of the glorious gospel.” As we watch all the upheaval and uncertainty in our world today, I believe the stage is gradually being set for the return of the King!

Could the current economic crisis, so inter-connected around the world, be moving us toward the end? What I know is that this past year I traveled more miles proclaiming salvation through Jesus Christ because it is our most urgent task. Your support touched 5 countries last year, including Malawi, China, Philippines, Canada and the United States, as we reached more people with the Gospel of Christ.

In Malawi we had the opportunity to team with 200 young people from Canada in partnership with Extreme Dream, who blanketed the area around the capital Lilongwe. Over 5,000 decisions for Christ were followed up by local churches in the area. The final weekend was held in the large soccer stadium. Thousand gathered for Friday night and multiple events on Saturday, and more than 15,000 people filled the grounds for Sunday’s day long outreach. Each and every time I gave the invitation to become followers of Christ, throughout the weekend people walked forward and hundreds of counselors prayed with each person individually.

Twice this year you made outreaches to Asia possible. In June I spent four days in the Philippines using God’s Word to challenge leaders from 15 Asian countries. Approximately 61% of the world’s population lives where these men and women will lead and minister. All will give their lives to reaching people with the Gospel of Christ. In October I traveled back to Asia, this time stopping in Southern China. It was a privilege to take a team of 9 U.S. business and church leaders to share the Good News of Christ in five separate venues, and it was an incredible sight. Members of the team used their individual, personal strengths and stories to move Chinese men and women toward Christ, many of whom were hearing the Gospel for the first time. We flew from China to Manila for a business leaders’ outreach. This outreach was the dream of the General Superintendant of the Assemblies of God, Reynaldo A. Calusay. The response was overwhelming as professionals from North America shared with leaders from Manila. The Kingdom of God was advanced in a new and powerful way.

Canada has been wide open to the Gospel this year. I have been privileged to share the Gospel in large venues all over Canada. It may surprise you to know the nation to our north has a lower percentage of evangelical believers than many nations in Africa! The Holy week outreach in Pickering, Ontario was a highlight. From Palm Sunday through Easter people filled the auditorium bringing friends and neighbors to Christ. Whitby, Ontario was the location of special weekends of outreach to men. When men come to Christ, there is a great impact—whole families are changed. Another weekend titled, “Breaking the Generational Code” focused on parent-teen relationships. The response was great; they packed the auditorium with 4 generations of people. Again the Gospel went out with power. Edmonton, Alberta and Winnipeg, Manitoba were cities of wide open response to Christ. Add to that the many cities we visited in the United States and truly 2008 was one of the most gratifying years for Vicki and me. We thank God for allowing us to work for Him in these Last Days.

On a personal note, this year has been filled with the joy of watching our granddaughter, Olivia, grow. She is now over a year old. She loves blueberries for breakfast and has learned they live in the refrigerator. This revelation has motivated her to now stand at the refrigerator and try to open the door. This is truly a sign of brilliance. I have contacted Harvard about pre-admission in 2017. Tory and Elizabeth continue to make us proud as the church they pastor grows and they continue to carry the Gospel to the southeast corner of the Twin Cities in Minnesota. Vicki and I are praying for all of you. We love to hear from you and learn of the joys and the obstacles that fill your walk. We can only pray specifically if we hear from you. Contact us by mail, the internet, phone, or text. We’d love to hear from you!

We pray that you and your family have a wonderful, very blessed Christmas!

2008-12-20T13:44:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a wonderful season. Last week Vicki and I spent 3 days with our son Tory, Elizabeth and Olivia. We celebrated the birth of Christ with gift giving and a whole lot of hugs, pictures and food.
I arrived home to the coming of my mother and sister Candy to Charlotte. Again my heart sings with the joy of the season. family is all it is cracked up to be. I am happy, thank you God.
Tonight a Christmas gathering with friends, tomorrow sharing the Christmas story of salvation in Morganton NC, and tomorrow night another party. This must be what joy overload feels like.
If only Vicki were home that would be the cherry on the Sunday. She is with her mom for the weekend but home Monday, alright!
My heart does go out to those who will face the first Christmas after the loss of a loved one. I just emailed a mother who's son was killed in Iraq this year. If you are reading and you fit this picture remember as you draw near to Christ even though the hole in your heart is still real He is the healer of the broken hearted, the balm the soothes the bruised, and He loves you even when you cry or feel angry.

Thoughts on Giving

2008-11-21T11:53:00.000-08:00

There are three kinds of givers: the flint, the sponge, and the honeycomb. Which kind are you?

To get anything from the flint, you must hammer it. Yet, all you generally get are chips and sparks. The flint gives nothing away if it can help it and even then only with a great display.

To get anything from the sponge, you must squeeze it. It readily yields to pressure, and the more it is pressed, the more it gives. Still, you must push.

To get anything from the honeycomb, however, you must only take what freely flows from it. It gives its sweetness generously dripping on all without pressure, without begging or badgering.

Note, too, that there is another difference in the honeycomb. It is a renewable resource.

If you are a “honeycomb giver” your life will be continually replenished as you give. And as long as you are connected to the source of life, you can never run dry. When you freely give, you will receive in like manner so that whatever you give away will soon be multiplied back to you.

- From God’s Little Lessons for Leaders (Tulsa, OK: Honor Books, 2001), 73.

2008-10-25T11:05:00.000-07:00

What a joy as Vicki and I trained coaches from all over New York state. Vicki is an incredible teacher and a great Life coach. Men and women from across the state not only received teaching but also had opportunity to receive coaching as the participants coached each other as part of the days work.

If you are desiring coaching in your own life both Vicki and I have some time slots available during from now through December. Contact us and we will work with you.

2008-10-25T10:35:00.001-07:00

Wow! Please forgive me for not keeping you posted on the last few weeks of travel.
The trip to China and Manila was absolutely the best. 6 business leaders and 3 pastors traveled with me. The time in China included unbelievable freedom to share the most important values of my life with with people. The response was huge.
Manila was a chance to host the first ever Business leaders summit where we taught Prosperity with Purpose principles. The team of corporate teachers we had with us absolutely knocked it out of the park. We are still hearing reports of impact.
I can not tell you how moved I was by the material all the team members shared. I found myself taking detailed notes that I will use in the way I handle my resources. If you want a copy of the power point notes let me know and I will email them to you. Topics include Prosperity with Purpose, How to Break The Poverty Mindset and more.
Tuesday we held a pastors school where the team of Church leaders taught and they nailed it. If you are a church leader interested in receiving the notes let me know and I will email them to you. The subjects covered include, Enlarging Your God given Dream, The Barnabas Factor, How to Minister to Professional People and Business Leaders, What Business Leaders Like and Dislike.

2008-09-01T11:17:00.001-07:00

I just arrived home from a wonderful weekend with my mother, sister and brother-in law. I always love when my speaking allows me to spend time with family. I especially enjoyed my time with them this trip. We stayed two nights in central Wisconsin on Little Silver Lake. This was where as a boy I hung out many weekends. Dad had built a simple cottage on the lake and as kids we loved every minute of time together there. When we went as kids we worked mowing the lawn, painting, trimming trees in the morning and swam in the clearest water you could imagine all afternoon. Lifes a little easier now when I go. Most work is done and the cottage has been replaced by a much more comfortable house built a few years ago. I do not get there very often but when I do the memories are sweet. I even got a round of golf in.
I had the privilege of speaking Sunday at Fox Valley Christian Center and hanging with Steve Nickel who cast the vision for this wonderful Assembly. Steve is a great leader and a tremendous thinker. I always walk away with more after being with him. I also hung with his son Josh and had the joy of dreaming with him. I believe it was a very important meeting and conversation that I have already set up a conference call to discuss the possibilities with the executive team of Trinity.
The Fox valley is filled with memories as well. It was here that God gave me the privilege of speaking year after year and seeing lives changed by His word and power. I looked out at people this weekend who came to follow Christ because of those meetings and was able to see a boy who 11 years ago was healed of blindness. Thank you for the opportunity to be with you Steve.

2008-08-27T17:25:00.001-07:00

I wish all of you could have been with me at Trinity College Faculty retreat. The energy was tremendous. The passion of the professora as they approach the 2008 student boby is contagous. They will start classes with over 300 students. This is a major jump over all projections as new students fill the campus. Team Trinity is the feeling that fills the campus. This atmosphere is what every future leader desires to grow in.

2008-08-27T16:29:00.000-07:00

What a trip and event we had in Malawi. Mike Love and Dean did a fabulous job of setup for the first YC Malawi. The teams of youth from Canada were incredible. I love Canadians! Shane, Darcy, Kelly, David, Percy and the list goes thank you for being the only Jesus some in that country may see until heaven.
We had over 5000 decision cards to follow Christ turned in over two weeks of outreach by the teams and the 3 days of outreach.
Jesse Young from Sarasota FL accompanied me and it was ajoy to have him with. His assistance was needed.
The last day was impacting when we visited a village where a baby had been born and the mother died in child birth. We brougfht the first cereal to the child who now was 6 months old being raised by Grand mother. The dirt floor huts and many needy children were deeply moving.
Thank You for praying for me as I traveled. Thank you also for praying for my health before leaving on this important trip. Many of you heard I had surgery after speaking the Lake Geneva family camp in Alexandria Minnesota. The surgery to remove an abscess in my belly was a concern since it left me with an open wound that finally closed completely the day I left for Africa. I am still paying the bills it cost $20,000 to get a second belly button. The insurance paid a lot but as you know the system demands a chunk from us. Pray with me as figure out who owes what. It looks like the last bills are coming in.
What is interesting about this whole medical situation is we were having many healing occur at the camp meeting. I was trusting God even as I watched the lump within me grow to the size of a baseball. It was in the hospital a word came through Vicki that I would come out of this with a new empathy for the hurting. Wow is she right.
This was my first experience in the hospital and I would not trade it. I understand like never before. I am not interested in another trip through this but I guarantee I will be different as I visit, talk and pray for the physically wounded.

2008-02-05T17:43:00.000-08:00

What an incredible weekend I have experienced in Chicago and Memphis over the last two weekends. Both weekends were filled with God's presence. On both weekends I met with people for a pre evening rally coaching session. WOW! The question and answer time was marked by people moving forward in their personal and spiritual life. In Illinois people made commitments to follow Christ and others became aware of the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. In Memphis people also received Christ's mercy, grace, and forgiveness and were deeply moved by the realization that we are the treasury of the Holy Spirit and that His power is ours. Divinity in dirt. the Holy Spirit incarnate, God in flesh. He dwells in us.
I was deeply moved on Sunday morning when I read James 4:5 "Do you think that the scripture saith in vain, the Spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy". If a drug addict abrubtly decides to stop doing drugs what happens? Unless that person has a miraculous deliverance, it probaly won't be to long before his body begins to crave those chemicals. In the New Testament, the image of this would be dipicted by the Greek word epipotheo, which is a compond of the words epi potheo. The word epi means over, the word potheo is the word desire. When these two words are compounded together the new word epipotheo portrays an intense desire, a craving, a hunger, an ache, a yearning for something, a longing, for something. It describes an intense, abmormal, excessive yearning.
The word epipotheo is used here in James 4:5 to describe the desire the desire of the Holy Spirit has for us. He yearns for us. He crys out, give me what I crave for, which is us. He wants more, more, and more of us. Every day He wants our time, our attention, our devotion, and our fellowship. His gifts, His word, His power, are all directed toward us. He is in love with Us.
Wow! What a truth!
Welcome Him in, give Him more of you.
Post the questions you have as you read this.

2008-01-07T13:42:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a Christmas season I had. The joy of a grand baby was huge. I was so captivated by the family being together and having time to unwind that I neglected this blog. Bad on me.
Today I am in Bismarck ND, Yesterday was an incredible day. I have added a new wrinkle to the meeting this week. I will meet for 30 minutes prior to each rally for life coaching. Yesterday we had 60 show up for this 30 minute window. I was energized by the session. We talked about the future story that each of us needs to see and write out.
Tonight I will share on values and the creation of a personal mission statement. I will keep you posted.
Do you have a mission statement?
Do you know your core values?
Would you like help discovering either?

2007-12-12T07:57:00.001-08:00

I have enjoyed the last few days at home more then I can express. I must have been fryed when I returned from Africa. 3 countries in 1 week, speaking, meeting, and fighting jet lag after an endless fall schedule caught up to me. Just this week I have gotten back on track. My eating habits crashed and exercise had become non existent. But I am back. I have reclaimed proper food intake, and exercised since last Sunday.
I am learning the need for Sabbath play as well as Sabbath pray. Today I am even going to golf with a couple of businessmen from Charlotte.
I just finished writing/editing a daily devotional/journal that I am publishing in the new year. I believe it will help people who have trouble spending quality time with God.
I wish you could see the house, it is fully decorated for Christmas. Two trees, one just for our new granddaughter Olivia. She will not remember a day of this Christmas since she is 4 months but Vicki will enjoy every moment. All I hear is "I can't wait to hold Olivia."
I have had two speaking cancellations this month, bummer. God knows.
My spirit has been more sensitive to the Holy Spirit this week. Just having the time to sit has helped. I have had time to ask important questions for 08. Have I heard all the answers? Not yet. I am believing that by the New Year clarity will reign in my life. I have included images of Africa.

2007-11-22T16:58:00.000-08:00

Wow! do the days fly by! I had an incredible weekend with Royal View Church last weekend. I flew home Monday night arriving home at midnight and flew Tuesday Morning early to Dallas. I have had the joy of spending 3 days with my 3 month old granddaughter Olivia. Hot Dog! Tonight Vicki and I are babysitting it is a blast! This is our first Thanksgiving with her.

We have so much to be thankful for. I have sat today and thought of all my friends. You are all over the world. So many live in Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia and the list goes on. God has provided for are every need.

Tomorrow I leave for East Africa. When I think of how God has blessed Vicki and me with so many opportunities to minister for him and in so many places I am amazed.

We ate at our friends the Wilson's today, they are a great family. If you are ever in the Dallas area visit Oaks Fellowship that is the group the Wilson's lead. Let me know how your day was. I will keep you posted each day from Africa.

The picture is of Vicki's parents and Olivia

2007-11-13T08:49:00.001-08:00

What a great church New Hope in Abilene is! If you live near it is a church you would love. The picture is of the leadership. On my way to Toledo today.

2007-11-09T16:47:00.000-08:00

I am in the middle of the west Texas country. Hee Haw! 11 incredible leaders fromNew hope church are gathered in a two day retreat. We are 25 miles from anywhere, cooking for ourselves at a fantastic location. Between working sessions we have played Bocce and tomorrow we shoot skit. welcome to the wild west. I will post pictures tomorrow. I love working with leaders it energizes me. We ate steaks cooked on the grill come and get it!

I am posting pictures today of the spin converge youth conferance I spoke last weekend.

2007-11-07T12:43:00.000-08:00

WOW! what an early morning. I flew from MSP to ORD to CLT arriving before noon. It is good to be home even though I leave tomorrow for TX. I have already repacked. Vicki just made me some press coffee so I am living big. I received an email from a student that attended the spin conference this past weekend. That was a blast. Over 300 students worshiping God, I love it. I spoke 4 times and loved every minute.
The last to nights I spent with Tory, Elizabeth and Olivia were a high light of the week. They are doing great, I am proud of them. I am working on my message for this coming Sunday. I am in Abilene TX at New Hope church. This is a seven year old church that has grown rapidly to over 500. I will see my Uncle Chuck as well this weekend. He gave me my first opportunity to travel in ministry. Lots of memories mixed with laughs will be shared I am sure.

The beauty of Olivia

2007-11-06T20:04:00.000-08:00

Tell me, is she good looking!

A day of coach training

2007-11-06T19:32:00.000-08:00

This has been an incredible day. I conducted a two day training of coaches in Minneapolis today. The energy was huge as men discovered a new tool that will help people move forward in live. I enjoy training coaches as much as coaching clients.
Then I was able to spend the night with my son, daughter in law and my new granddaughter. She is beautiful as you can see. We all went to dinner together and Olivia was great. Vicki was home in North Carolina she is a trooper, I love her more every day. Tomorrow I leave early for home. I am ready to be home after 16 days, this has been a long trip, 2 countries, 3 states, very impacting on lives.