Praise God
We have so much to be grateful for these days. By God’s grace we welcomed over 2,600 people to our Easter services April 23-24. In each service, numerous people prayed to receive the Risen Jesus as their Forgiver and Leader as they let go of their former life and “fell” into the waiting, loving hands of God.
From Whom
We have also seen from God’s hand incredible provision. To date, the total committed to our New Day Giving Campaign over the next three years is $2.7 million. As many of you know, we invited everyone to give at least a tenth of their commitment as a First Gift Offering for Easter. By a miracle of God, we have received $487,108! When our campaign consultant heard that number, he said, “That is astounding! Most churches I work with receive somewhere between five and ten percent in a First Gifts offering, but typically it is closer to five. You guys have tripled that!” All I could say was “Put your hands together for Jesus!”
Of course, we owe a great debt of gratitude to Mark & Belinda Sexton and Rob & Lisa Carney who served so well as co-chairs of our campaign. Our thanks also go to Jean Webster for coordinating the prayer ministry and all of our staff for putting in many extra hours to make this a special time of spiritual growth.
All Blessings
On May 1st, many of us witnessed another work of God as 29 Confirmation students confirmed their faith in Jesus Christ. This is a strong group of students with great spiritual potential. Please pray for them by name through the month of May, that God will establish them in faith, connect them with others in a small group or class, and help them find a way to use their gifts in service. Special thanks go to Brad Curtis, our Director of Student Ministry, for leading this class since November.
Nichole Arvidson Kristyn Harland Michael Olson
Taylor Arvidson Michael Harry Maren Reynolds
Tyler Bell Kristi Issacs Connor Riddle
Alexa Brown Ryan Kassing Zach Ross
Amber Clouser Abigail Kauerauf Emma Sandstrom
Peyton Cole Emily Kauerauf Rachel Scheffler
Brit Cooper Matthew Kauerauf Christopher Scothorne
Stephanie Cramer Mitch Koehler Hayley Simpkins
Eli Day Peter Laudeman Jason Woodworth
Alex Halloway Blaire Marker
Flow!
Finally, we are thanking God in advance for the “Extreme Makeover” of our Children’s Ministry that will touch many young lives in the weeks and months to come.
Wow. We are experiencing an incredible outpouring of blessing! Your prayers are making such a difference. As you continue to pray us forward, please hold in prayer Donna Fedor and her family. Tragically, both of Donna’s parents, Don and Helen Willingham, died on April 25.
Thank you for your life changing ministry of prayer.