Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Final Reminder: If you haven’t yet, please pick up a Lent devotional, so that you are able to reflect on the grace and mercy of our savior Jesus Christ. Lent is a season for you to draw near to God. Many Christians give up something for lent, i.e. they fast from something. Jesus expects us to fast (cf. Matt. 6). So is there something you will give up for Lent?
Last Sunday, we heard from Rev. Dr. Mathews Varghese. He shared more about the work that God is doing where he is serving in India. I know that many of you didn’t get the opportunity to join the afternoon sharing, but if you would like to know more, I can send you the notes our Mission Deacon took! I do want to let you know what Rev. Dr. Varghese is looking forward to and what he would like us to be praying for them:
They have a vision to have deeper discipleship and spiritual maturity among believers (so do we, in CPC!). They are aiming to train the next generation of leaders (so are we, in CPC!). They would like to strengthen isolated and persecuted churches (so do we, as we pray for them in CPC!). And they are hoping to expand training centers and community programs.
Please pray for the ministry in India that they would have wisdom, protection, and perseverance in the midst of persecution. Pray for strength and encouragement for pastors, leaders and Christian families (as they continue to work on evangelism, even though there are anti-conversion laws). Pray for greater opportunity for training facilities and sewing centers which equip lay people to make a living. Pray for God’s continued work in building His church.
Finally, I want to remind you this month of what we are aiming at as a congregation. Our mission (as a church) is to glorify God, love people, transform lives through Christ. Our Vision (as a congregation) is “Equipping the Next Generation to Advance God’s Kingdom.” Our measures help us to know that we are doing those things.
So this week, here are the measures in relation to the world:
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- How am I giving more this year than last year?
- How am I displaying Christ in my words and actions to my community?
- How am I presently advancing God’s Kingdom?
- How am I seeking to join God in what He is doing beyond Sunday Worship?
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What are your answers?
Please continue to pray for the nations of Israel/Gaza and Ukraine/Russia and Sudan. Here is a suggested list of prayers if you are at a loss for words in how to pray: https://send.org/story/hh_pray_for_ukraine. And https://worldrelief.org/blog-prayer-for-israel-and-gaza/ And here are other prayers for peace in general: https://worldrelief.org/prayers-for-peace-in-the-world/ Thank you for kneeling on behalf of the people of Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Gaza and Lebanon, and Sudan, and taking a stand (or a knee in prayer) against the forces of darkness in this present age.
Further announcements can be found in the weekly spotlight. And other church wide announcements can be found in our weekly bulletin.
For Prayer:
1. From Bishop J.C. Ryle – “To be prayerless is to be Christless, Godless, and in the high road to destruction…It will always be found that when prayers are few, grace, strength, peace, and hope are small.” Please join our Wednesday night prayer meeting (7:45 – 9:00 pm) even if you can’t participate the whole time.
https://zoom.us/j/758587937?pwd=aS9sZUdxcm1janNNM2I2aXJ6Smx2QT09
Meeting ID: 758 587 937
Password: 030086
Join by phone: +1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
2. We’d be glad to pray for you. If you need prayer, you can submit your prayer request via the following link: https://www.cbcgl.org/pray/
In Christ, your servant, SDG,
Pastor Nathan Willems
Associate Pastor of CrossPoint Community – A Ministry of CBCGL