Nancy and I were recently reminded why we invest in the ministry of Church of the Open Door by the powerful testimony of our friend, Katherine Newman. Katherine and her friends are just one of 75 discipleship groups God has launched among us so far this year, and she shared the following about her experience:
I was raised in church. I made my communion and confirmation, memorized prayers and songs, but I had no feeling of a connection with God. God seemed too big, too important and too busy to be interested in me. I now know that I have been wrong! What I have learned with my dear friends in discipleship is that God our Father IS interested in me. He is never too busy for me, I am important to Him, and He WANTS a relationship with me.
What a joy it is to be reminded of how God is pouring out His Spirit and changing lives in our midst!
Here are a few more ways we see God at work among us through your gifts:
- We are running out of spaces for summer events like VBS and Camp IDRAFOJE due to the growing number of families God is bringing to us.
- This Sunday (May 28) we are excited to baptize a number of kids, youth and adults who are identifying with Jesus Christ and His Church.
- God is allowing us to prepare and send one of our best, Abi Andersen, to do nursing work and proclaim the good news of Jesus among an unreached people group in Africa.
In addition, we are needing to invest more in our property and properties team. They are weary and spread thin. One pressing need is to add an additional properties team member who can help with the endless pressures of 44 acres and very active ministries.If you’re anything like Nancy and me, one of the areas that produces the most fear is what God asks us to do with our finances. Whether you already trust the Lord with your finances, or are considering beginning that journey, you may wonder if the sacrifice and commitment is worth it.
As we continue our study in the Gospel of Luke, I’m reminded of what Jesus says in Luke 12:31: “Seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.”
As we seek God’s kingdom, Jesus gives us an amazing promise!
Luke 12:33-34 states that God will “provide you with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Thank you for investing in the gospel of grace as we seek His kingdom together! Your gift of any size makes a difference!
Nancy and I are trusting along with you in our Heavenly Father’s promises to provide, supply and be our adequacy in all these areas.
Partnering with you,
David Anderson
Lead Pastor
P.S. For more information about how to make gifts to Church of the Open Door from publicly traded stock, an IRA, or a will or trust, CONTACT US.
