Moving Along

Things continue to progress well as we prepare to leave the movie theater for more conducive worship experience in a local elementary school. It has been an amazing journey thus far, and we can see the fingerprints of God all of the transition.

Last week we met with a consultant firm that specializes in portable church ministry and church growth. The people involved with this organization cared nothing for the "bottom line," but only for lives to be reached and touched with the Gospel. They were a blessing and great investment in the ministry of what God is doing in Forest Hills. Not only did they expose our weaknesses, but they helped guide us through the necessary elements we need to secure.

We are very excited to share these new needs with you. We know that you will not only pray for us, but will also seek the Lord as to how YOU can partner with us further in seeing God reach the Jews and Gentiles of NYC for Him.

We love you!

What's in a Name?

This week our campus gets a new name and awning. It has been incredible to see the LORD take a ratty old storefront and convert it into a modern and comfortable worship center. Rarely does a day go by that people walking by to not stop, stare, and inquire how a church can be held in a such a modern and inviting place. We love how God is using this simple space for His glory.

Tragically, however, there is still a significant part of our community that has yet to enjoy the benefits of the campus. Due to the laws of Halakah (Jewish cultural law), our Jewish neighbors are forbidden to enter a church building regardless of its fixtures of elements. By calling our store its default name "the church," or by posting our church title over the door, we are shutting out the very people Jesus came to save! It is not that there is anything wrong with the title "church," or is it a title by which we should be embarrassed or ashamed of; rather, it is simply a cultural word that the Jewish community has chosen to take offense with and use to keep distance between themselves and us.

What's In a Name?
After much prayer and consideration, we have decided to officially name the church campus, "Genesis." This contemporary, Jewish and defining title will help alleviate the stress and phobia of the Jewish community, and allow for a more level playing field in sharing the Gospel with them. After all, the name "Genesis" means, "Beginning" and comes from the Jewish Bible. What better title for a place from God will start a new work and give new life to all people who call on His name.

Please be praying for this exciting new chapter in the ministry of our church. By God's grace, and through our obedience, many new opportunities lay ahead for the thousands of people of Forest Hills to come to know Yeshua (Jesus) as Messiah.

November Prayer Points

Another month of ministry brings forth new and exciting opportunities to see God further His Kingdom here in Forest Hills.

We would be honored if you would join us in praying for the following:

1 - New Meeting Space.
This is nothing new, however, new challenges and blessings have developed recently. Whereas, we were struggling to find a single alternative to meeting inside of a Movie Theater for Sunday worship, we now find ourselves with two new possible venues. Both require an incredible amount of faith and finances, but both will solve the God-given problem of offering a Kids Church and seating issues.

2 - Freedom from Religion.
As the church continues to age and reach new people, it becomes increasingly easy to rest, fall into habit and take for granted the privilege and opportunity we have to reach new people for Jesus by His efforts alone. Pray we keep our eyes on Jesus.

3 - Family.
It's the Holiday season and the challenge of putting "family first" can easily be ignored or compromised. Pray that the Sweeten crew will remember our first priority to each other, and never let the lesser ministries replace the primary.

4 - Wisdom.
Could certainly use a lot more of this!

THANK YOU!
Jeremy and Family

RIver of God

I just got back from an incredible Mission Convention "kick off" with River of God church in Enola. I drove down earlier in the day with buddy Bill, and had a phenomenal time teaching him Central Pennsylvania culture and heritage. He had no idea how to climb a tree in a tree stand, but he does now!

More importantly, I was able to have dinner with my parents and best-friend from High School, Pete. Pete and I have been together since the sixth grade, and he was there when the Lord radically got a hold of my life during my Junior year. He has seen the unsaved version and the saved version of me, and has also been relentlessly prayed for and witnessed to ever since.

By God's grace, Pete became a Christian last year, and yesterday God finally provided an opportunity for us to catch up on the difference the Lord has made in his personal, family, and social life. I am thrilled with how he has grown and developed as a Man of God in such a short period of time. Jesus has saved Pete!

As if the day was not perfect enough, as the night set in and the time for the service began, ROG church made us and the Spirit of God feel welcome and free to minister. Worship was real, and the people were eager to learn from the Word what being on mission for God was all about. I especially loved the fellowship that took place following the service. Almost all our prayer cards were taken, we prayed for several families and youth, and even ate some cookies together! They truly desire to serve the Lord, and are making major strides in doing so both in central PA and around the world. Talks are already underway for members of the church to possibly join us in NYC for a weekend of ministry together.

It was an incredible day in ministry, and one I pray is not unique.