When I wasn't helping work on the house, I got to spend time with Jeff, Jona, Wawa, Johnny, and Rosadite hearing about the ministries they are invested in. It is so encouraging and exciting to hear how God is working through STEP and the school in Merger! -Nathan
Today we worked on the house. We met up at 7:30 and crossed over to The Community through an opening in the wall. We wound our way down dirt paths between tin-walled homes, and it took 90 seconds to get to the spot where the foundation had been laid for the walls. We gathered on the site, and Ton Ton, the job foreman, introduced the beneficiary family members. It is a tiny woman with 7 children. The girls were all introduced as "Cheri"... and their name. Mason told us this means Sweetie, or Missy. Then Ton Ton, aka Bob, prayed.
Glenwood’s outreach strategy is to be involved in sending those called to serve on a long term basis, to assist the development of national missionaries and leaders and to send short term Global Outreach (GO) Teams to these areas. Glenwood has been involved in Haiti for many years and is eager to support ministry in any number of ways. A team of ten went to Port-au-Prince in February 2016 to minister in a number of ways. See the teams updates below:
We attended church this morning at the Baptist church at the bottom of the -very- long, steep hill, just outside the gate to the campus. Brave souls walked, some of us rode down. The service was at 8:30, and people were milling about, having just gotten out of Sunday School. A familiar song was being piped out of the church into the portico. The church building is large, with several levels. The acoustics were very good, and the acapella singing of the congregation was A-MAZ-ING! What a tear-inducing blessing. They sang several hymns we knew, so we sang along in English.
Once we left New York, we made it here without a hitch. Approaching Haiti in the plane, we were reminded of Hawaii - azure sea to the West and mountains to the East. We disembarked and immediately felt the humidity, even though we were in the airport. Immigration was a breeze, and we were serenaded as we waited our turn by a drummer and accordionist playing a one-bar song, on repeat.
What Decisions does your family face right now? Among all the options available, how do you discern which is best? Do you ever wonder, "where are we going" as a family?
In this Parent Connection we talked about how family mission statements help you to engage life's circumstances and make decisions for your family that point you where you want to go. Discerning how your family uniquely reflects God's character, based on how He has designed you, can help to intentionally direct your family through the many decisions that rush at you, instead of reacting in the moment.
This year VBC will be held on Monday, June 20 - Friday, June 24! We’re headed to the SonGames to see Tumbalina Turnover, Stella Swift, and Brutus Liftsalot as they compete! We’ll learn about how God calls us to join His team and be a part of His mission for the world. Start considering how you can be a part of VBC this year!
According to our church constitution, the nominating committee’s responsibility is to present church board nominees for Glenwood member vote at the Annual Meeting. Looking at 1 Timothy 3:1-13, a nominee should demonstrate spiritual maturity, manage his household well, manifest a servant’s heart, and endeavor to live his life above reproach.
The Mission ConneXion Northwest conference is January 15-16 at Sunset Presbyterian Church (14986 NW Cornell Road, Portland). There will be over 100 workshops, exhibits & resources available. A program listing the speakers and workshops is available on the Ministry Information Table in the Foyer. You can register online at www.missionconnexion.com.
Two new equipping classes are starting this Sunday. Both classes are held in Room 314, upstairs near the Library.
At the 9:00am service, Wayne Cochran will be leading a class entitled The Cross. The death and resurrection of Jesus are at the core of Christianity. The cross of Jesus Christ impacts us daily. This class examines the biblical significance of the cross and what it means to "take up your cross" and "be crucified with Christ."
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 instructs Israel to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” and to teach their children to do the same. God calls Christians to disciple their children to know, love, and follow Him.
Our Winter Women's Bible Studies begin next week: Colossians and Philemon: Continue to Live in Him and Precept Study - Second Half of Acts. For more information about them check out the Women's Bible Study page or use this link to register online.
The 2016 Bible reading plan is available on our website at glenwoodcc.org/reading or at the Ministry Information Table in the Foyer. Journey through the Bible over the next year by daily reading and exploring each passage on the schedule.
On November 22, Pastor Paul invited the congregation to continue supporting the school in Merger, Haiti (CENV) by contributing toward the construction of a new kindergarten building. This new building will provide multiple kindergarten classrooms. There are now almost 400 students enrolled at CENV; 100 students were enrolled in Kindergarten last year. The new kindergarten building is estimated to cost $50,000 (US). $25,000 has been contributed. We would like to raise the remaining $25,000 by January 31, 2016. If you would like to contribute, please m