New faith community changes life…

The Indiana Conference’s Church Development team is tracking 25 new-faith communities that have been launched the past few years.  Together  they average 2,500 people in weekly worship attendance.  Praise God!

Each person reached has the potential of a changed life–like Amber Bean who a year ago wasn’t a Christian.  But now, thanks to Kristo’s Hands & Feet and the work of the Holy Spirit, Amber is passionate about her relationship with Christ and serving Him.  You can view her amazing testimony by clicking this link.

There are many, many others like Amber in your neighborhood.  So who is God counting on you and your church to bring the hope and joy of new life in Jesus Christ this Lenten Season?

— Ed Fenstermacher, Associate Director of Church Development

Small acts make a great difference

I had the opportunity to hear April Maley speak, who wrote the book entitle I  Will Not Be Silent.  This young woman shared about growing up with an abusive alcoholic father, who eventually shot and killed her mother.  She was only nine years old, and many times she found herself acting as the parent of her three younger siblings.

Church was never a part of her family’s life, let alone the Bible.  But thanks to an invitation from a girl in her neighborhood, she attended a church when she was five.  Although she didn’t continue attending, she remembers being taught the song, “Jesus Loves Me” and receiving a Gideon’s Bible.  She said that many, many days during her years of abuse it was that song that she would turn to.

What seems insignificant–an invitation to a young neighbor, a trite children’s song, a little book–can make a huge difference in people’s lives, people like April.  Small acts can make a great difference!

— Ed Fenstermacher, Associate Director for Church Development