Seeing Grace - Acts 11:23

Wakefield is going through an exciting time. We are seeing new families visit. We are seeing visitors stay and join the family. But more importantly we are seeing lives transformed by the Lord Jesus Christ!
What has led up to this time? How did it happen? There are a few things that could have caused this change. 1) It is possible that the body is now comfortable with me as their pastor. Like any church going through a change in leadership, we lost a few. However, maybe those that stayed are now becoming comfortable with me. 2) We are now doing some things right. One good improvement was the introduction of our Bodybuilding class. Bodybuilding 101 & 201 have accomplished their goals. These classes have discipled a small group of people. They have also knit these people together in a small group. We have used it to both teach and create fellowship within the body. 3) People are starting to put shoe leather to their faith. Over the past number of months we have seen several trust in Christ. This is due of course to the work of the Holy Spirit. However, if I am permitted, I would like to add to that the fact that God has been using the believers of Wakefield to accomplish His will. This year a Grow Team led Melvin to Christ. He invited Kevin, who last Tuesday evening prayed to receive Christ as savior. Al took Dan to visit two family members. They put their trust in Christ after Al and Dan shared with them. Samantha has been attending Wakefield on and off for the past year. Finally, Bruce and her boyfriend shared Christ with Sam. (Steve and Samantha are in the above picture) Now we have a new sister in Christ. I could go on, talking about Cindy and Jamie, Al and Dave, and Barbara, Eta, and Jean, but I think you get the picture. People are excited about the Lord and this excitement has led them to share with others.
Two things I want to share that I believe are on the horizon. 1) I believe that The Truth Project, which begins in January, will have an even greater impact on our people. It will be a tough transition for some, the adoption of small groups. But I feel that this curriculum and the small group concept will drive us into an even deeper understanding of our God and even deeper relationships with each other. 2) I believe that strife is on the way. We will be tested as a body in the near future. Recently, I was talking to a pastor friend of mine. He said, "Every time we get to a point in the church where I think things are going to take off, something happens. Because of that we never seem to grow." I do not have an answer for my friend. I do not know his dynamics. But I can take his words as a warning. Something will soon happen that will test us. "Let us be strong, Lord Jesus, and lean on you."
-Mark