Difficult Season

Life as a Christian is never easy, and Jesus never promised it would be. In fact, He promised the opposite. Nevertheless, this does not mean that Christians should enjoy or seek trials, or worse yet, criticize those who do suffer. Suffering is just a part of this fallen and broken world, where people sin and are sinned against. It will either draw you closer to Jesus, or become an excuse for you to run from Jesus. I choose to run to Jesus, which is why I am asking for prayer.

The past couple weeks have been really difficult for the family and ministry. While the church continues to grow and prepare for a larger, more sufficient, ministry venue, it has also been suffered pride issues. Instead of everyone coming to church to give, the majority have come to simply take. As a result, volunteers and offerings are down or plateaued. We've prayed, and I've preached a sermon on the topic, but it comes down to the heart of the people; and that is God's turf.

Additionally, our home has become an infirmary. Since early Fall, there has not been a time when all of us have been well. Sinus congestion, colds, and everything else have been persistent and there seems to be no end in sight. We have adjusted our habits, bought stock in Purell, and have gone from embracing to "fist-bumping," but still the sickness remains. We need divine intervention.

Again, we know there is a purpose in all of this to save even more people here in NYC. It's not the personal suffering that bothers, as it is so much the suffering of others, the Mrs. and the kids. May God grant His power and provision in revealing His healing.

Amen?

December Prayer Points

It has been a rough season to say the least. While the ministry has gone exceedingly well, personally has been a whole other story. From the kids and the Mrs. battling a sinus infection from hell to a punk street thug stealing my primary means of transportation (mountain bike), everything seems to be a battle for our lives.

We are not discouraged, but know that all of this comes from being in the successful center of God's will. And with this in mind, we ask that you please join with us in praying for God's continued success and influence amongst the people of NYC.

Prayer Points:

1 - That we suffer well. The Scriptures and history clearly declare that we will suffer in this life, especially if God is using us to reach others apart from Him. The key is not that we avoid suffering, but instead simply suffer well. We want to grow closer to Jesus and be an example of grace in ALL that we do. Pray we don't fail in suffering.

2 - Big Move Coming. February 2011 will mark a huge transition in the life of our church plant. Please pray that us, the church, and the community will be prepared and equipped to meet the high demands, expectations, and challenges that come with reaching more people for Jesus.

3 - Family Health. With three small kids, one which is in school, it seems impossible to keep them healthy. Of course, sick children not only depress their parents, but they also miss or on school and church activities. Please pray that the Lord protects them from sickness and grants them every opportunity to grow in knowing Jesus.

Thank you for praying, and please keep in contact with us. You are a key part of God's success in NYC!

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.

Full Circle

Last year our church plant pledged $110 a month towards the support of foreign missions. With God's help we were able to support 8 different church-planting ministries around the world. What a difference a year makes...

This past weekend we concluded our Missions Emphasis week. The total in Faith Promises came to over $1,800.00 in monthly pledges!!! Our people understand missions, because they recognize first-hand the difference a missionary can make in the local community. By having a pastor who is a missionary and benefiting from the ministry they are emphatic to multiply the blessings on to others. Missions really does go FULL-Circle when God is at the center.

Thank you to all who are supporters of God's work here in NYC. Your gifts are not limited to the people of Forest Hills, but are being multiplied to the planting of churches all around the world!!!