Celebrating 3 Years

We had a great service Sunday. I can't believe it has been three years since Community Hope started as an official church. Gary Smith started out talking about how it doesn't matter how we start the race but how we finish! I am thankful for Gary and his family for starting Community Hope. Cary Vankampen spoke next about the first days of him coming as the launch pastor. Cary told how the Lord spoke to his heart that Community Hope would be unlike any other church but to let God lead and for him to get out of the way. Cary and I spoke on the same scripture verse in the book of Matthew. Cary and I had not spoke to each other about what we are going to say. God's Spirit was trying to tell all of us the same things.

1. Jesus went to the people/ To be the church, we must go to the people!
2. Jesus had compassion/ Jesus had compassion for the sick and hurting
3. Jesus told us to pray for laborers into the harvest/ Word in the verse is send out which means eject. We need to eject out of our comfort zones and go spread the message of the kingdom.

I am so thankful for Mike and Ann Emheiser who was there to lead us in worship Sunday. Ann gave her testimony of how she had not played the piano since they left. It was very moving and powerful way to end the service. I am thankful for three years of ministry at Community Hope, but I am even more thankful the years and the things to come!