Praise God for many Young Adults (and others!) who have been participating in seeking to know God with theological depth. The mind informs the heart, and as we have learned much about God, we have learned much about delighting in Christ. We also praise God for the many small groups that have formed this past year. There has been deeper community, accountability, and shepherding through these efforts.
– Zach Martin | Mathetai
Over the past year, some of us have faced challenging circumstances: acute or chronic illnesses, surgeries, issues involving the care of loved ones, the passing of various relatives, difficult work and family situations, vehicular problems, and more. We’ve supported one another through prayer and in other ways throughout these situations. Along the way, we’ve received many blessings, including physical healing, the arrival of grandchildren, protection in and from accidents, ongoing involvement in ministry and witness for Christ, the marriage of children, and the salvation of friends and relatives. From a human perspective, though, many issues remain unresolved and we continue to seek God’s intervention. Our sense of need drives us to draw near to Christ and find our deepest joy in him, and we seek to make him known to those who have yet to confess him as Savior and Lord.
– Greg Smith | Koinonia
We have seen the class responding to the needs of each other through prayer, giving, food, transportation, and prayer – drawing us all closer to one another and to the Lord. There is a wonderful spirit of caring, praying, loving, and learning as we seek to follow Jesus with the desire to let that overflow into our community and contacts outside the class.
– Rod Kidd | Growing in Grace
The pouring out of generosity by class members whether individuals are recovering from medical issues, new infants, loss of loved ones – just to name a few. This is seen by means of meal trains, phone calls, cards, and words of encouragement. Extremely uplifting and feeling of family.
– Ted Preusser |The Journey
We’ve experienced God’s means of grace through our fellowship and practice of the one-anothers of Scripture. His goodness to us has been sweet as we grow together in Christ.
– Jarrod Stillings | Fusion
We’ve seen so many needs that have been met by our DC, including providing meals, prayer, notes, and words of encouragement. We’ve enjoyed incredible interaction during the lesson time as people share encouraging thoughts that provoke deep thought and ongoing conversation after class. I also find it an absolute joy watching our cross-generational membership connect and interact on a regular basis.
– Jeff Scott | The Journey
I come from a city that is majority Catholic. Most people in their 20s don’t take faith seriously and are just following the traditions of their family. It has been so encouraging to my own faith and for the hope I have for my own children to witness newly married couples pursue a godly life. It’s the goodness of God that the Church is still building and I’m thankful I get a front row seat to it! Nothing gets me more fired up than seeing people LOVE Jesus and the gospel!
– Kari Hafeli | Cultivate
We have been encouraged as a class to read through the entire New Testament this year – 1 chapter a day- asking ourselves each day “What is one way this chapter encourages me to live life God’s way.” As we read with specific purpose, we are growing and being stretched spiritually to apply the truths God is teaching us, individually and collectively.
As we have a growing number of class members that are unable to attend regularly due to health challenges, God has given us the opportunity to see many of our members reaching out to those now home-bound to encourage them and let them know that they are still an important part of the body of Christ at HBC. It is a blessing to see how the Lord faithfully uses each of us, to be a channel through which He is able to encourage others.
– Jim Tucker | Abundant Life
We have had life-changing needs come up in our class. We also have seen life-giving growth and love and sacrifice of our discipleship community. Through the grace & direction of our Lord, we’ve seen miracles and needs met. We Praise the Lord for how he’s working in our community.
– Mary Raybuck | The Orchard