While flying across the Pacific recently, I became appreciative of little things, like a bed to sleep in while stretched out, and comfortable chairs with elbow room. I was thankful for the good books which I read, like Deliberate Simplicity by Dave Browning, Quitting Church by Julia Duin, The Forgotten God by Francis Chan and a novel by someone, but I forgot the name...(it was a good historical fiction book on the end times.) In Taiwan, I was thankful for a great conference, a roommate from America, and a chance to meet friends from other countries and hear their stories and appreciate their ability to speak English. I only know one language, and I still haven't mastered it. I was thankful for a good hotel. I was thankful for my wife, whom I missed greatly, and my family.

I am thankful my son-in-law Eric is going to seminary and got another church position closer to the seminary. I am thankful my other son-in-law, Nick, is stepping out in faith as a missionary to the music world and that God is meeting his need. I'm thankful for my grandkids, for my daughters, Ashley and Emily, who are great moms, for my daughter Amy and her steady job as a Montesori teacher, and for my son, Andy, doing very well at Moody Bible Institute. I am thankful for being part of the greatest group in the world, the family of God.

Being away from my everyday life made me appreciate what I forget is special. And yet, seeing what I don't see very often, made me thankful for what God is doing on the other side of the world. I am thankful God is big, that God is in charge and is working everywhere. He is not worried at all about anything. I am thankful I am His.

Be Thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Jim Smith
Executive Director
CB Southern California
Pine Summit
www.cbasc.com

Pine Summit has entered escrow with a Christian organization to purchase the camp! Two years ago we entered into escrow with a different organization, but the funding fell through and the sale was not completed. We are excited that this organization will keep Pine Summit functioning as a Christian camp and has the desire and financial ability to complete the Master Plan of Expansion and Improvements for Pine Summit. The sale of the camp should be completed by the end of the year, however, we are praying that it will finalize in November.

It was a privilege to have Dr. Brent Garrison as the main speaker for our Fall Men's Retreat at Pine Summit. He likes motorcycles, his family and the Lord. His stories and spiritual practical advice were priceless. One written suggestion for the Men's Retreat was to "make it longer, maybe a week or two!"  Someone else wrote that Brent Garrison "was the best speaker I have ever heard."  Brent spoke to a group of 86 men on the importance of spiritual disciplines, such as journaling, prayer, bible study, and silence. Brent recently stepped down from his position as President of Southwestern College in Phoenix and is now a consultant for CEO's of major corporations. 

Mountain View Band

We are grateful to the great Praise Team from Mountain View Bible Church, our CB church plant in Alpine, CA, east of San Diego. The team led our men in singing during our Fall Men's Retreat at Pine Summit. Mountain View's Pastor, Eric Motl, played the bass along with the other very talented members of the Mountain View Praise Band.

Hillside Band

During our Transforming Churches Conference at Hillside Community Church in Rancho Cucamonga, the Praise Team from Transformation Ministries' Hillside Church did an excellent job in leading the conference in singing.

Thanks to both bands for their humble attitudes, willingness to go the extra mile and for their tremendous skill and ability. Both teams added quality to these two events.

Over 500 attended the Transforming Churches Conference at Hillside Community Church this October. Thanks to TM (Transformation Ministries) for allowing CBSC to join them again this year. Tom Mercer, Dave Gibbons and Harvey Carey were a few of the speakers at the conference. Only a few CB churches were represented, but one CB associate Pastor attending the conference really enjoyed hearing Harvey Carey. He said he had "never heard preaching like that." Harvey is the Pastor of the Citadel of Faith in Detroit, Michigan. It was truly something that we'll not soon forget. Share the Gospel where you are! We will attempt to see if we can make this message available to those interested. Plan now to attend the 2011 Transforming Church Conference on October 20-21. It is well worth your time.

In Santa Barbara, Calvary Baptist's Spanish-speaking congregation under the leadership of Pastor Rolman Mazariegos has seen their attendance grow this past year from 100 to 165. Iglesia Bautista El Calvario has a goal of reaching the 200 mark by 2011. They have baptized 28 people so far this year. Pastor Rolman, who also serves on the CBSC Board, has served at the church for five years and works closely with the English-speaking congregation pastor, Christian Schalesky, who is new to the church this year.

On Tuesday, November 2, we have a right and privilege to vote for our political representatives. Take the time to vote. There are many voters guides to help you. Below are two..
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Thanks for reading our newsletter. Since we are extra thankful this month, let me thank the great staff at Community Baptist Church in Rancho Cucamonga for letting us print so many retreat booklets. Thanks also to San Antonio Heights Community Church in Upland, Pastor Chuck and the entire church staff, for allowing us to "move in" and call your church our "home office."  Thank you!