The Missing Peace

Report: 2010 Women’s Day
Guest Editorial: Elena Garcia McKean
“And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7

The Speakers for the 2010 Women’s Day – The Missing Peace!
The following are just a few of the many comments written on our visitors’ response cards at the close of the City of Angels Church’s 2010 Women’s Day: “Awesome and amazing!” “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I knew I needed to come, but now I know why – I found peace!” “I think I finally found the church I have been looking for!” “The baptisms brought tears to my eyes. In fact, I was crying all morning!” “Very touching! The service put peace in my heart!” “All the speakers were so real. The culture show refreshing! Thanks for the food! The only thing missing was my sister!” “Great job ladies – God’s love and strength shines through all of you!” “I had an incredible time and Sonja spoke about so many things that were going on in my life.” “I felt Sonja was speaking to me.” And from one of my visitors, Juliet, “I loved every minute. Thank you Elena. Hope you invite me again!”

Our Women’s Day actually began at our Congregational Workshop in January. Many prayers were offered during that month, and in February, we began in earnest, inviting women and gathering commitments for this life-changing event. God’s Spirit moved through our prayers, labors and tears with both the Latin and English Women’s Days. With 130 women disciples in our congregation, the Lord blessed us with 342 in attendance! On Saturday of the English Women’s Day, a dynamic Indonesian student and a powerful young single woman – Nathalie and Bianca – were baptized! Sunday at our service, another single – Ashlie – and two more college girls were baptized – Jenny and Viviana! Also, a young single woman was restored to the Lord – Becca! With so many visitors, by faith the March and April harvests will be very plentiful!

The Speakers Table with Brittany Bell, Miss Arizona in the forefront, and Sonja Chloupek on the left!

The Speakers Table with Brittany Bell, Miss Arizona in the forefront, and Sonja Chloupek on the left!
This year’s Women’s Day was held at the beautiful Downtown LA Sheraton Hotel. The Missing Peace Program began sharply at 9:30AM with a prayer from Michele Williamson. Then all of us had a lovely continental breakfast of fruit, yogurt, muffins and coffee. After an amazing time of fellowship – and as more and more visitors were showing up – Erika Felder sang, The Voice Of A Savior. After this heartfelt presentation, all of us watched the filmshort: The Cross, which communicates the passion account through the eyes of Jesus, Himself. Though I have probably seen this video over a hundred times, I was still moved to tears as Mary Magdalene looked into the eyes of Jesus and realized He lives!

More tears (and laughs) followed as four very gifted sisters shared their testimonies on different aspects of peace. Patrique Smellie, a former lawyer and our current Women’s Ministry Leader at UCLA, spoke on Peace In Relationships. She detailed her “ups and downs” in her interactions with her mom, and how becoming a Christian has mended and transformed their relationship. Shay Vloet shared vulnerably on Peace Of Mind. As with so many young women, her “fool-proof, guaranteed to work life plan” was a disaster! Now after entrusting her life to God and surrendering her control, she is now one of our student leaders and is excited about where the Spirit will guide her. Brittany Bell, a two-month-old sister from Phoenix and the reigning Miss Arizona, preached on Peace in Christ, sharing her amazing conversion story and her quest for a true purpose! (Sunday in Phoenix, her little sister was baptized!)

Shay and Elena celebrate Nathalie’s baptism!

Shay and Elena celebrate Nathalie’s baptism!
Then, Burgandie Onekea shared so vulnerably on Peace Through Pain. Burgandie opened up about falling away as she strayed from Christ and her husband, while she pursued her career. In tears, she thanked God for the sisters in the City of Angels Church who helped to restore her and her husband to Christ just three years ago! Rob & Burgandie now serve as the Shepherding Couple for the North Region. Their oldest son Derion, who’s wrestling with the darkness was the initial spark to the Onekea’s return to God, is now a dynamic disciple in our sister church in New York City.

Viviana is surrounded by her new spiritual family!

Viviana is surrounded by her new spiritual family!
Following these fantastic testimonies, we had a short break and quickly returned to be encouraged by the Hawaiian Cultural Dance – performed by Burgandie, Michele Williamson and Manu Batson. Their rhythmic footwork and coordinated arm movements were accompanied by the song, Somewhere Over The Rainbow by “Bruddah IZ.” This “peaceful” rendition so reminds me of heaven! Then came the baptisms and our theme speech, The Missing Peace, by Sonja Chloupek!

Sonja and her awesome husband Chris lead the Phoenix International Christian Church. Sonja won the hearts all with her “women’s humor” about the “need for five pairs of black shoes,” how “crying can be fun,” and the singular joy of “finding a designer dress at a yard sale that fits perfectly.” She shared about her spiritual journey to find happiness, contentment and peace, which almost ended in the darkness of owning a Range Rover, constant partying, and all that comes with being a blonde, South African model in LA. Then she became a disciple, and everything changed – she found her “missing piece.” From Philippians 4 and Mark 5, Sonja preached the Word and gave several practical challenges to overcome the destructive demons of bitterness, rebellion and lack of forgiveness, helping us to find that allusive and “missing peace.”

Elena, Sonja Chloupek and Karla Radka, who was visiting from Orlando!

Elena, Sonja Chloupek and Karla Radka, who was visiting from Orlando!
Though Therese Untalan closed with a prayer, our Women’s Day continued into Sunday church! Kip, my incredible, amazing, awesome preached – in honor of Women’s Day – on the story of entitled, The Shining Star. All that Esther pointed to God’s sovereignty and grace. Kip’s last point was Shining In Grinding And Timing. In other words, in “grind of life,” we can question, “Where is God?” However, in retrospect we see Him moving throughout all of our days, but His presence and miracles are made known in His timing! I so needed to hear this!

Chenelle and the sisters from Portland – Courtney and Brittany!

Chenelle and the sisters from Portland – Courtney and Brittany!
Many, many thanks to all the sisters and the brothers who helped to make this event an incredible success! Special thanks to: Fred Batson, Victor Gonzalez Sr., Paul Kelly, Michael Kirchner, Rob Onekea, AJ Penedo, Andrew Smellie, and of course, Kip. Throughout the day, I felt God’s presence. God has blessed me with so many wonderful memories in my 36 years as a disciple! The memory of the 2010 Women’s Day will be one I will savor even in Heaven. And to God be all the glory!

Elena Garcia McKean