Thursday, March 29, 2007

March 2007 News


REACHING OUT TO YOUTH THROUGH THE MINISTRIES OF BETHEL TEMPLE





INCARNATIONAL MINISTRY

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14).” Jesus was God incarnate and we seek to follow His example to live among the people we are trying to reach with the gospel. Incarnational ministry is sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ by having relationships and living our daily lives with people in North Philly/ West Kensington.

I am realizing more and more that there is no other hope we can offer than the hope of the gospel—not just the hope of the gospel message, but the way God’s people (the church) live it out in the world. If Christians are to share the message of the hope, then we have a great responsibility. For example we are to meet the physical needs of the community, and show how a child of God lives and makes decisions. Too often people in the city rarely see Christians fearing God. We are called to live in this community and be a living testimony to our neighbors.

I had an encounter on my way to the auto shop around the corner from my house. I saw a childhood friend of mine named Fernando sitting on the steps of Santos’ cheese-steak place. He knows a little about the Lord and we began a conversation about it. First he started to say that the church is full of hypocrites. He may be right, but I told him that he was focusing on the wrong thing. We all fail and we all need to get back up in the power of Christ. Then he changed the topic and said, “Nes, you know that I was talking about you the other day—how your God has given you a house, two cars, a family, and you also work at church.” Fernando began to explain that he was trying to prove to a friend that God does exist. This is amazing how someone that doesn't hold on to Christ as their own Lord and Savior would defend the faith.

This incident with Fernando on the street was a moment of purpose for why we are here in the city. This is a place that I have invested the hope of Christ. The hope of the world is Christ and we as His vessels need to share that hope to this world. Let our hope from the righteousness of Christ flow through us in our daily living for the world to see and through that they will see Christ.

Verses to meditate on:
Pr 2:7 He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless.
Pr 2:8 ...for he guards the course of the just and protects the ways of the faithful ones.







YOUTH MAKE FAITH PUBLIC THROUGH BAPTISM

Bryant was led to the Lord in November of 2005 at our annual camp Men-O-Lan retreat. He is 15 years old and a sophomore in High School. He also plays football for his school and our Timoteo league (he an Eagle). Bryant lives on our block and so we have many opportunities to talk about what it means to live for Christ. He asks lots of pointed questions. I have known Bryant since he was a baby. He lives with his Dad and brother, Montrez just four doors down from us. Pray for the continual growth of Bryant and the salvation of the rest of his family. At his baptism his mom and aunt, whom6 we had never met before, attended.

Angel has been a part of the ministry for about 6 years. Angel is a very confident and respectful young adult that likes to serve. He is a senior in high school. He is a junior leader for the middle school ministry that meets every Thursday night. He is 17 years old and lives with his Mom and step-dad and younger brother. Pray for the direction of his future and the continual growth of his faith. He is also a “Raider” in the Timoteo Flag Football League.

Victor (pictured above) is a freshman at Community College of Philadelphia. He is 18 years old and has been with the youth ministry for about 3 years. He also helps with the middle school ministry as an adult leader. He started as a junior leader and now has stepped up. This year he is transitioning from the Raiders to Eagles to become my assistant coach. He has a desire to grow in his leadership skills. Pray for the continual growth in his faith and his connection with the adults of the church.

These guys are also among those involved in our weekly discipleship group. They desire to grow deeper in their faith with Christ. Pray for their futures and their daily decisions as Christians. Pray for me as their teacher and shepherd.