CD Covers (& years of release) Fishnet, 2026 Light In Dark Places, 2025 Jonah’s Whale, 2025 Harvest, 2024 One Way, 2023 For Him, 2022 Koinonia, 2021 Solid Rock, 2020 Upper Room, 2005 Open Arms, 2001

Dear Father, A man came to Jesus and asked, "What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" Jesus responded, saying, "Go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me." But the man went away grieved, for he had great possessions. It is easy to make an entirely literal interpretation of what Jesus meant when He said, "Sell all you have and take up your cross." It almost as though a man with great abundance cannot successfully combine both his possession and fellowship with You. But this understanding is altered when we look at it through the analogy of the cross. To carry a cross, we need our hands and shoulders. More explicitly, we need our entire body, inclusive of our hearts. It means doing away with whatever can become a distraction. In essence, Jesus wasn't saying, "You can't combine wealth and devotion." He was saying, "Whatever has your heart other than Me can prevent you from following Me." Solidarity is not determined by verbally pledging commitment, but by the structure of our priorities. In school, I was taught about opportunity cost-- what we do when we cannot afford to have both of our desires, and, in choosing one, we let go of the other. It applies differently to every one of us. For some, the exchange may seem insignificant, like the midnight sleep that prevents necessary fellowship with You. So perhaps the best way to look at this is to ask: What can stand in the way of my commitment to You? That thing is the distraction from the cross. Translations; Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindu Slide 5: Urdu #LettertoGod #thecross #wealth #fellowshipwithGod #koinonia

Dear Father, A man came to Jesus and asked, "What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" Jesus responded, saying, "Go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me." But the man went away grieved, for he had great possessions. It is easy to make an entirely literal interpretation of what Jesus meant when He said, "Sell all you have and take up your cross." It almost as though a man with great abundance cannot successfully combine both his possession and fellowship with You. But this understanding is altered when we look at it through the analogy of the cross. To carry a cross, we need our hands and shoulders. More explicitly, we need our entire body, inclusive of our hearts. It means doing away with whatever can become a distraction. In essence, Jesus wasn't saying, "You can't combine wealth and devotion." He was saying, "Whatever has your heart other than Me can prevent you from following Me." Solidarity is not determined by verbally pledging commitment, but by the structure of our priorities. In school, I was taught about opportunity cost-- what we do when we cannot afford to have both of our desires, and, in choosing one, we let go of the other. It applies differently to every one of us. For some, the exchange may seem insignificant, like the midnight sleep that prevents necessary fellowship with You. So perhaps the best way to look at this is to ask: What can stand in the way of my commitment to You? That thing is the distraction from the cross. Translations; Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindu Slide 5: Urdu #LettertoGod #thecross #wealth #fellowshipwithGod #koinonia

Genesis 3:7-8 AMPC [7] Then the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves apronlike girdles. [8] And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. https://bible.com/bible/8/gen.3.7-8.AMPC It is our responsibility to protect the expression of the knowledge of God in us. Realization of nakedness made them hide from God's presence, away from koinonia and that is what guilt does. Guilt blinds and leaves us deprived because they should've known that hiding from God was pointless. Being self-conscious in God's presence deprives us of true fellowship. God later asked who they were listening to; any voice contrary to God's is the devil. Despite knowing God's voice, the woman heeded the suggestions of a strange voice leading to the fall of man. Let us strive to protect the expression of the knowledge of God in us otherwise we'd be well underway to death. #OneMinuteWithGod

BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE ARC Far too often, church buildings with several stairs up to the entrance send an unspoken but clear message to disabled and elderly people – "You're not welcome here." The narrow aisles and pews that leave no room for a walker or wheelchair silently tell them – "We don't have any place for you." Check out the ARC – our Agape Restoration Communities – five sketches for these 12-living-unit buildings with four 1-bedroom homes, two 2- or 3-bedroom homes, and a community room/chapel on the first floor, and a balcony, four 1-bedroom homes, two 2-bedroom homes on the second floor, all wheelchair-accessible. But this accessibility doesn't mean we should just send off disabled and elderly people to an ARC as a "rest home" – we invite young singles, married couples with families, and middle-aged empty nesters who all learn how to babysit and/or provide home health care, etc. – so the ARC is a true well-rounded Christian church family, a fellowship, and a community (various meanings of the Greek word "koinonia") where people really care for each other, where the design and stated purpose say to all, including disabled and elderly people – "You're welcome here!" ... READ MORE: https://agape-restoration-society.org/ARC-News/a-n_2026-06-13.htm#article_1

A Heart That Holds Others in Grace Philippians 1:7 “Just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.” Paul writes these words not form comfort, but from chains. Imprisoned for Christ, he does not speak bitterness, loneliness, or self-pity – but affection, unity, and grace. His love for the Philippian believers is not rooted in convenience, but in shared suffering and shared purpose in the gospel. To say, “I have you in my heart,” is to speak covenant language – deep spiritual fellowship (koinonia). This echoes his earlier words: “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you...for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now” (Phil. 1:3-5). True Christian love is not sentimental alone; it is sacrificial and mission-centered. United in Chains and in Calling Paul reminds them that whether he is in “chains” or proclaiming Christ publicly, they are “partakers...of grace.” Grace had joined them together. Scripture teaches that believers are bound together not merely by friendship, but by Christ Himself: “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body” (1 Cor. 12:13). “If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it” (1 Cor. 12:26) The Philippians shared in Paul's ministry through prayer, support, and steadfast faith (Phil. 4:14-16). They could not stand in the prison cell with him, but they stood with him in spirit, purpose, and loyalty to Christ. So it is with the church today: “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). The Grace That Makes Us Family Paul does not say they are partakers of his hardship – butpartakers of grace.Even suffering becomes sacred when grace is shared. This grace: saves us (Eph. 2:8-9), strengthens us (2 Cor. 12:9), unites us (Rom. 5:2), and sustains us in trials (1 Pet. 5:10). Grace forms a spiritual bond stronger than distance, stronger than prison bars, stronger than persecution. “Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus” (Rom. 15:5). A Living Application Philippians 1:7 asks us: Who do we carry in our hearts? Do we love fellow believers only when life is easy? Or do we share grace in trials, defend the gospel together, and stand firm side by side? Jesus said: “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Paul's love flowed from Christ's love: “The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 5:5). When Christ swells in us, His people dwell in our hearts. Closing Prayer Heavenly Father, We thank You for Your abounding grace, the grace that saved us, sustains us, and binds us together in Christ Jesus. Thank You for the example of the apostle Paul, whose heart was anchored in love even while bound in chains, and who joy flowed from fellowship in the gospel. Lord, teach us to carry one another in our hearts, not only in times of ease but also in trials. Make us faithful partakers of grace – standing together in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. Knit our hearts together by Your Spirit, that we may love as You have loved us. Strengthen us when we suffer for Your name. Give us boldness to proclaim Christ, patience to endure hardship, and compassion to bear one another's burdens. May Your grace be evident in our words, our prayers, and our lives. We entrust ourselves and one another into Your loving care, confident that You who began a good work in us will complete in until the day of Jesus Christ. We pray this in the precious and mighty name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

When we hear the word fellowship, we often think of: • Christian friendships • Hanging out after church • Food and conversation But the New Testament word for fellowship is koinōnia (κοινωνία) — and it means much more than social connection. Koinōnia means participation, partnership, sharing in, and spiritual union. It’s not just being together. It’s having a shared life. In Acts 2:42, it says: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship…” That word “fellowship” is koinōnia. They weren’t just spending time together. They were sharing their lives, their resources, their faith, and their mission. In 1 Corinthians 10:16: “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?” That word “communion” is koinōnia. It means participation in Christ Himself. And in Philippians 3:10: “…the fellowship of His sufferings…” That doesn’t mean observing. It means sharing in. Koinōnia is not social. It’s spiritual union. It’s partnership with: • The Holy Spirit • The body of Christ • The mission of the gospel Fellowship is not just being around believers. It’s sharing the same life. 🔥

“Gratitude Born From Gospel Fellowship” Philippians 1:3-5 “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.” Paul's gratitude is not rooted in comfort, convenience, or circumstances – but inChrist-centered relationships.Writing from prison (Phil. 1:13), he teaches us that joy is not the absence of chains, but the presence of Christ and His people walking faithfully in truth. “I thank my god upon every remembrance of you” - Gratitude Anchored in God Paul does not merely thank the Philippians; he thanksGod for them. True spiritual gratitude recognizes that every faithful believer is the workmanship of God: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” (Eph. 2:10) Every remembrance becomes an altar of thanksgiving. Like Samuel, who said, “Thus far the LORD has helped us”(1 Sam. 7:12), Paul sees the church as evidence of God's sustaining grace. “Always in every prayer...with joy” - Prayer Saturated: With Joy Paul's prayers are not burdened by bitterness, but filled with joy. This joy is not emotional optimism – it is spiritual fruit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace...”(Gal. 5:22) Even while imprisoned, he fulfills the command: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4) Joy flows naturally when prayer focuses on God's work in others rather than our own trials. “For your fellowship in the gospel” - Partnership, Not Proximity The wordfellowship(Greek koinonia) meansactive participation and shared labor.The Philippians were not passive believers; they supported Paul financially (Phil. 4:15-16), prayed for him, and stood firm in doctrine. This is the fellowship described elsewhere: “We being many, are one body in Christ.” (Rom. 12:5) “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship...” (Acts 2:42) Christian fellowship is not social closeness – it isshared obedience to the gospel. “From the first day until now” - Faithful Endurance Their partnership was not seasonal. They remained steadfast: “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” (1 Cor. 4:2) This echoes the perseverance of true believers: “But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.” (Heb. 10:39) Faith that endures produces joy in others and glory to God. Closing Reflection Philippians 1:3-5 teaches us that: Gratitude grows when we see believers as God's work. Joy deepens when prayer becomes our first response. Fellowship flourishes when the gospel is central. Thanksgiving multiplies when faith endures. May our lives cause others to say, as Paul did: “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” And may our fellowship be found not merely in words, butin truth, labor, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to Christ: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”(Heb. 10:23) Closing Prayer Heavenly Father, We thank you for the gift of fellowship in the gospel and for the faithful brothers and sisters You have placed in our lives. Teach us to pray with joy, to love with sincerity and to serve with endurance. May our lives bring You glory and cause thanksgiving to rise in the hearts of others. Keep us steadfast in Christ until the day of His appearing. In Jesus' holy and precious name, Amen.

Koinonia Discovery – Medley Bikutsi https://avechrist.com/koinonia-discovery-medley-bikutsi-2/

⸻ Theme: “More Than Just a Game” Occasion: U17 Rugby Family Day & Quarterfinals Preparation Audience: Players, Coaches, Parents, Teachers, Supporters Speaker: School Chaplain / Guest Speaker Duration: Approx. 15–20 minutes ⸻ 1. Introduction Warm greetings and welcome everyone – players, coaches, families, staff, and supporters. “We gather not just to celebrate the sport of rugby, but the spirit it awakens in us: unity, discipline, resilience, and heart. Today’s theme — ‘More Than Just a Game’ — reminds us that rugby is not only about tries, tackles, and trophies. It’s about life, character, purpose, and legacy.” ⸻ 2. Scripture Reading 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 (NIV) “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize… I discipline my body and keep it under control…” Key Point: The Apostle Paul compares life to a sporting event. Just like athletes, we train, persevere, and aim for something greater than momentary glory. ⸻ 3. Theme Exploration: “More Than Just a Game” A. Philosophical Insight Sport, especially rugby, is a microcosm of life — a mirror of what we face daily: • Opposition → challenges • Teamwork → community • Strategy → wisdom • Injury → setbacks • Victory/defeat → humility and growth 💬 Quote: “Sport doesn’t build character, it reveals it.” – Heywood Broun ⸻ B. Biblical & Theological Reflection • Discipline and Training: Just as players discipline their bodies, so must we train spiritually (1 Timothy 4:8 – “Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things…”) • Unity in the Team: Rugby teaches koinonia – fellowship. Like the Body of Christ, each player has a role (1 Corinthians 12). • Resilience and Endurance: James 1:2-4 – “Consider it pure joy when you face trials… so that you may be mature and complete.” Injuries, losses, being benched — all build internal strength. ⸻ C. Cultural Relevance (Fijian and Rugby Culture) • Rugby is more than a sport in Fiji — it’s identity, pride, and a place where young men become leaders. • Rugby in Fiji is a stage of national theology — where faith meets sweat, prayer meets boots, and communities rise together. 🗣️ “We pray before we run, and we worship after we tackle.” ⸻ D. Scientific Perspective • Neuroscience: Team sports improve emotional resilience and brain connectivity, which helps with decision-making under pressure. • Psychology: Playing for something greater than self increases performance. This is why faith, family, and school pride matter on the field. ⸻ 4. Message to Players “You are not just athletes. You are leaders in boots, ambassadors of Suva Grammar, and witnesses of the values we preach.” Before you step on the field: • Remember your family watching • Represent your school’s legacy • Reflect your God-given gifts • Remind yourselves: “We play to glorify.” ⸻ 5. Message to Families & Coaches “Your words off the field matter as much as their actions on the field.” • Support them not just in victories, but in valleys. • Train them not only in rugby but in life’s virtues: humility, integrity, and teamwork. • Don’t just raise champions, raise good men. ⸻ 6. Spiritual Application: The Ultimate Game • Rugby will end, school will pass, trophies will fade — but character lasts forever. • Jesus calls us not to just “play” life, but to live it with purpose. “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world (or win every game), but lose their soul?” (Mark 8:36) ⸻ 7. Final Encouragement 🏉 Rugby may be a game, but your journey is a calling. Whether you win or lose — • Leave the field with honor. • Play with heart. • Trust God with the result. • And always remember: You are more than just a player, because this is more than just a game. ⸻ 8. Closing Prayer Prayer Points: • Strength and safety for all players • Wisdom and unity among coaches • Protection and joy for all families • Spiritual insight: That each player will know they are called by God to be more than just athletes — they are His light in the world.