"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” -- Acts 1:8
What a meaningful Holy Week we experienced last week as a church family! The beautiful Good Friday evening service featured reflections from six different speakers, each focusing on a different phrase from the mouth of Jesus from the cross. We left the patio filled with reverent hope as we looked toward Easter.
Then we gathered on Sunday with three joyful Easter services that featured taking communion together to signify that Jesus is the only bread that satisfies and only drink that will always quench our thirst. Our text focused on Acts 2 where Peter gave the first sermon ever preached by a Christian. Three thousand men were converted that day and the Church was born! Jesus told Peter and the disciples before ascending to heaven that they would be his “witnesses in Jerusalem” and this fulfillment began on that amazing day of Pentecost. Like the early disciples, we fulfill this call to be Christ’s witnesses 2,000 years later in our own Jerusalem (Carmel), Judea (surrounding communities) and the ends of the earth (national and global mission projects).
We are being Christ’s witnesses in our everyday work and life as we prayerful engage in actions that point to Christ’s amazing grace. Your generous gifts—both large and small—make it possible to partner with 29 missionaries in the US and globally, committing over $235,000 annually because of your small acts of great love. Church planting, discipleship/training, evangelism and service to the hungry and needy are all part of us being faithful witnesses in word and deed.
Over the next couple of weeks, you will be hearing about the faithful witness to Christ’s love through one very practical action: building a house in Ensenada for a family in need. Again, it’s because of your support that this life-changing house-build can happen in partnership with YUGO Ministries. I can’t wait to tell you more about it this Sunday so you can experience the joy of joining God in the good work he is doing near and far.
Something to Think About
How can you be a witness to Christ’s love and power this week in your work, family or neighborhood?
When you think of evangelism and discipleship, do you consider something like building a home for a family as an important way to share the gospel and build up the body of Christ?
Prayer
Lord, we pray for the Zacarias-Mendoza family who, right now, are seeing their new home being built with the help of our CPC family. We ask that would encourage these fellow brothers and sisters in Christ as they move into their new home this week. Use that new house for ministry as well as providing a safe and beautiful place for the family to call home. Thank you, Spirit, that we get the amazing privilege to be your witnesses near and far. Bless our friends in Ensenada, Mexico, and may you expand the reach and impact of the local church for your glory. Amen.
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