Hershey Keeps Getting Sweeter

As cliche as it may be, we truly believe that Hershey is becoming a pretty 'sweet' place to minister.  You truly leave the service looking forward to the next gathering and you know that church people are going to be praying for you until then.  It is a great experience - and one that does not come naturally!  This past Sunday, the church felt more like a network of friends than a place to fulfill a religious commitment.  People are getting to know one another and care.

Pastor Shawn and the Life Church team have taken intentional steps to build a community - and they are leading by example.  Rarely is there is a week where he and his family are not opening up there home for others or inviting the church to join them on a nature hike.  These simple, yet personal, touches make all the difference in establishing the legitimate 'family of God.'

We are blessed to be considered a part of the team and are eager to begin following in their footsteps of hospitality and concern.  With winter now behind us, the people of Hershey are gathering again at parks and local venues - and we will be there to meet them!  In addition to our community Bible Study starting in May, there are several other plans to get God's people out and into the neighborhood.  The future of God's Kingdom is so bright here in Hershey - and its coming forth from God's people showing God's love for others (I John 4:16)!

Church is a COMMUNITY of Shared Faith

We are loving our partnership with our local church: LifeChurch-Hershey.  Pastor Shawn has a great burden to see people reached for Jesus, and he knows it will take a team to see the mission accomplished.  Therefore, we have been been assigned to extend the reach and presence of the church into the daily context of Hershey-living.

Beginning in May, small gatherings will take place in different shops, restaurants, cafes, parks, etc. around Hershey.  Their purpose will be to simply gather church members for times of fellowship, Bible study, and worship (prayer or otherwise).  Our understanding is that Acts 2 is more than an explanation of 'tongues' but, rather, a definition of how the God's empowered church is to operate.

When the early church gathered to worship Jesus, the Spirit descended, and He drew those outside the church into a conversation (and subsequent conversion v.37) with the church.  Our hope is to simply live out Acts 2:42-47 in and around Hershey, PA.  We will gather to fellowship, read/study our Bible, and pray together.  It will not be weird, obnoxious, or freaky.  We will not try to make a name for ourselves.  And the event will have just as much appeal and application for non-believers as it would for aged believers in the faith.

The ministry and power of the Gospel is beyond the control of anyone of us.  People are only saved (and the church is only powerful) when the testimony of Jesus is taught and lived out.

Q: Are you living in Central PA and looking for a church or Bible Study?  Consider joining us in Hershey.  LifeChurch-Hershey

Queens Update From Easter Weekend

Pastor Todd and the entire Point Church family just completed two full weeks of Easter

ministry in NYC and Long Island.  It began on Pal Sunday weekend with the church partnering with the local community to put on one of the largest Egg Hunts on Long Island!  Over 3,500 attended and the Point Church served food, drinks, and invites to church.  Great idea to partner with their community!

The Easter ministry continued with a Good Friday service, a baptism service on Saturday, and three Easter services on Sunday.  32 people made a decision for Jesus this Easter and 17 took the plunge and baptized!

Pastor Todd is continuing the legacy and forging new success for Jesus in Queens and NY!!  We could not be prouder!

Needed Some Time

With all that has taken place over the past 8 weeks, I found myself needing some 'alone time' with the Lord.  With Christine helping out at the boys' Easter parties at school, I took my faithful puppy, Greta, and hit a couple of trails around Lancaster Co. 

I needed to be with the Lord.  Specifically, I needed to hear the Spirit's voice and just abide in His presence.  I knew He has been with us throughout this journey, and that His plans for our future are secure.  There was no crisis of 'doubt' or 'failure,' only a desire for intimacy.

Looking back over recent weeks, it is obvious that He has carried us through the recent separation, provided incredible insight and encouragement through members of His Church, and He recently brought countless ministry opportunities (evangelism and counseling)  this past week week.  I know we are right where we need to be; All I needed was time to rest in His presence.  Mission Accomplished.

So Much that I Don't Want to Passover

I was able to present "Jesus in the Passover" to a local Christian School this week.  The teacher did a wonderful job prepping the kids for the meal and its symbolism, and I knew going in that I would only have 1-hr to perform the meal and message.  Those of you who know, know that 1-hr is really rushing when it comes to a Seder meal...especially when trying to demonstrate both the Jewish and Christian elements/interpretations.   Therefore, I intentionally spent a lot of time planning exactly what I was going to say and emphasize.  Even then, I still found myself feeling like I was 'short changing' the kids and message - Passover is just that rich in meaning!

In the end, I wanted the kids to know who the Jewish people are, what the real meaning of Passover is, and why this historic event is meaningful to both Jews and Gentiles.  In these three aspects we come to terms with humanity's hopelessness without God, the consequences of human sin, and the great and merciful God who freely offers salvation to all through faith.

Right Where We Should Be

It is amazing how God always places us right where He wants us!  Our new home church

(LifeChurch-Hershey) is still in its infancy, but it continues to attract incredible groups of new believers and seekers.  One of the major demographics it is reaching (without even trying) are military families!  Many in the church are former soldiers and sailors, and there are even more with loved ones still active and on deployment.  Each one has their own story about how they came to find the church, but very few knew the others previously.

God knows the challenges that comes with being in the military, and He has divinely appointed that our family be a part of this emerging and growing church community.  Please pray for us and those we have been directed to love and serve.  Serving military members and families is an honor and it requires an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit.  Many times, those hurting do not even know what they need when asked.  We need the Spirit to reveal all things.

Queens Update

It's been one month since the installation service of our new leadership team in NY, and things could not have gone more smoothly or successfully. Pastor Todd Bishop and the new administration have received the full support of the congregation and are already experiencing new growth. We can never thank you enough for your prayers for the church at this time and ask that you please continue to pray, as it appears a new meeting place will soon be necessary for the Sunday service. 

More information can be found on their website: www.pointchurch.tv 

Not a Bad Gig

Just got back from an amazing couple of days on a few ships.  Yeah, I love it!