September on my Mind
“Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.”- Habakkuk 2:2
I know that we are in the middle of summer, but part of me is gearing up for the fall season. September has become VISION MONTH at the Shepherd's House. With this being the first week of July we are two months away from launching into a NEW and FRUITFUL season of doing "faith and life" together while also reaching our community with the love of Jesus! Each week leading up to September, I will be sharing on something stirring, something to focus on and get excited about. Today, I want to open this series talking about COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS. As we look to be a light in our city, one of the things we are intending to do is partner with those in our church who are doing great things right where we live. We have already made a huge connection at Snapdragon (owned/operated by church member Valerie Kobabe), which provides healing and hope through art classes, a clothing/art boutique, prayer meetings, Bible studies, and more. In just one week we have already seen one family’s life forever changed! A week ago Wednesday while I was joining a group at Snapdragon for a prayer time, I had the opportunity to pray for a lady. Well, I was beyond blessed and encouraged to see the woman and her daughter show up at church that Sunday. My encouragement was turned into exhilaration, when the mom and daughter both looked up to receive Jesus as their Savior! I love what the Apostle Paul says in Colossians 4:5, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” This moment amazed me and I believe with all my heart they are MORE TO COME (both moments and people to church) as we serve alongside Valerie’s vision for Snapdragon.
In addition to Snapdragon, there are other people in the church who are making a difference; there are other places to go; and there are other partnerships to do God’s kingdom work for a Heaven Harvest. Just this week I met with the area leader for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a ministry that brings the gospel to high schools, and have made a commitment to take on a local high school as our assignment by joining their FCA club on a weekly basis! As we focus on Community Partnerships, I know that each of us can find places to serve others, shine the love of Jesus, and make a difference.
Stay tuned for more to come in the month of September, as we will have people share what God is doing in their midst and how we can better connect and contribute to the vision and mission He has given in order to effect real, lasting, and joyful change in our city and beyond! "In the same way, let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."- Matthew 5:16