In the previous last 2 monthly blog updates I have written about our campaign to increase the number of home groups in the church. To recap, the idea was to have Elba create a video series called the "The Real Jesus" based off The Vineyard Columbus rendition. We would then distribute the DVD to members of the congregation that are willing to open up their home, serve a snack, and play the DVD. We worked hard to produce the videos weekly and we got them completed.
Our church is committed to mission and one of the places that we go to frequently is a place called the Suribim. It is about 100 kilometers away from the church and they have been thriving in this remote community. However, some sin issues have presented themselves in the community and it has caused problems within the congregation. Sometimes within these remote communities it is not unheard of for people to take the matters into their own hand to administer justice. Sometimes this justice leads to death. We believe that Jesus has touched a majority of the people in this community and he is changing people from the inside out. It is amazing how when Jesus is introduced into a community and people take hold of His good news, a people group is changed…as well as the community. However, we still ask you to pray for this community for healing and reconciliation. The first picture is of Elba's twin sister, Nira.
As mentioned above, Camilly was a part of dance team and they performed really well and the church loved the dance. Actually, the following week. A director at one of the public school asked if the dance team would come to their school and do the same presentation for their students. That was such an honor, and a great way to show the love of Christ through the dance team. Here are the girl's Mother's day picture together. It is a great picture and they all look so beautiful.
Please pray for spiritual, physical, and emotional health for us. Please pray specifically for Elba. She had been experiencing a lot of pain in her abdomen / back area. We thought it was a kidney stone but that got ruled out. The new thought is a herniated disk.
1. The historic Jesus
2. Jesus the Master
3. Jesus the Sufferer
4. Jesus the Healer
5. Jesus the King
During the campaign we created over 20 new groups. This was very exciting and we were wondering if any of these home groups would continue meeting together after the campaign. We are happy to report that 7 groups made commitments to continue to meet together. We are very surprised by the result and look forward to seeing how these groups will mature, create community, and disciples. In addition, some other churches are asking for the videos that were created so they could do the same campaign. Awesome!!!
The Easter weekend service went very well and we had a large turnout not only for the evening service, but for the early morning service as well. We encouraged our members to bring their friends to come and celebrate. In the morning service, we had a nice time of worship, shared the Word of God and then we ate breakfast together. It was a lot of fun, a lot of food, and a labor of love. In the evening service, Camilly was part of dance team that performed for the church. They practiced really hard and the result proved in their performance. We were glad to see some new faces come to the church to celebrate Easter together. It was a great service to celebrate the Lord's resurrection. Praise the Lord!
Our church is committed to mission and one of the places that we go to frequently is a place called the Suribim. It is about 100 kilometers away from the church and they have been thriving in this remote community. However, some sin issues have presented themselves in the community and it has caused problems within the congregation. Sometimes within these remote communities it is not unheard of for people to take the matters into their own hand to administer justice. Sometimes this justice leads to death. We believe that Jesus has touched a majority of the people in this community and he is changing people from the inside out. It is amazing how when Jesus is introduced into a community and people take hold of His good news, a people group is changed…as well as the community. However, we still ask you to pray for this community for healing and reconciliation. The first picture is of Elba's twin sister, Nira.
As mentioned above, Camilly was a part of dance team and they performed really well and the church loved the dance. Actually, the following week. A director at one of the public school asked if the dance team would come to their school and do the same presentation for their students. That was such an honor, and a great way to show the love of Christ through the dance team. Here are the girl's Mother's day picture together. It is a great picture and they all look so beautiful.
Much love, Steve, Elba, Camilly, and Alyssa
