"Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." ~ Psalm 127:1
Good afternoon, friends! I am writing you this update with a full heart! The Lord has been remarkably kind to our church and I would like to share a few highlights with you from this past month. Personally, I would like to thank you for your interest in the ministry at Living Hope Church. I pray these updates bless you!
To begin, August began my full-time employment with Living Hope Church! Sara and I expected this to be a blessing but in no way could we have anticipated how rich this season would have been.
The opportunity to be full-time with the church has provided me with more time to spend in sermon preparation, pastoral counseling, and administrative tasks, just to name a few. However, the most important thing the opportunity has provided me with is time with my family. What a gift!
In addition to that wonderful news, our church also welcomed 9 new members! These new members joyfully signed the church covenant and have formally agreed to honor the Lord, love their fellow church member, and pursue the lost; all in the context of the local church.
On the same Sunday, we baptized 3 people! I wish you could hear each of their stories but take it from me, they were amazing.
Needless to say, it was a Sunday to remember. And all we know to say is 'thank you, Lord.'
During the month of August, we set aside 3 weeks to study missions and evangelism as a church. We called the preaching series, "Always Ready." During this series, we asked three important questions: What is the gospel? (Romans 1:16); What is our local mission? (1 Peter 3:15); What is our global mission? (Matthew 28:20)
The response to the preaching of God's Word was remarkable. For example, one young brother has told me of two evangelistic conversations he has had this month. Well done, brother!
Another brother sensed the Lord leading him into a season of memorizing gospel rich passages so that he might be sharper in conversations. Is this not the Lord, friends?
And lastly, in response to the preaching series, we have officially started our on campus ministry. These small beginnings are so fun! Just this week, a few of us went to the University of Arkansas and handed out church invitations which inevitably led to several gospel conversations. This is just the beginning. I am dreaming of the day in which we own a house near campus which hosts our college ministry. And it all started from the preaching of God's Word.
During the month of August, we hosted our very fist women's retreat! This was a massive success. Sarah Taylor did a phenomenal job organizing this event and the reports were so encouraging. We rented a nearby house, which was suppose to house 7 ladies but by God's grace 19 attended!
There were craft projects, intentional teaching from Carolyn Mahaney's book, "True Feelings" and amazing food. Needless to say, we are excited for next years retreat! Friends, it is remarkably encouraging to consider the amount of gifted and servant hearted people who make up this church. Again, all we can say is "thank you, Lord."
In conclusion, I would like to say a final word to all of you who are supporting this church by your prayers and/or finances. Thank you for your investment in this church. The Lord is answering your prayers and blessing your giving. Together, our goal is to plant a gospel-centered and Biblically-saturated local church for the glory of God!
I wish tomorrow was Sunday. However, I am glad that tomorrow is Monday because we have work to do!
I love you all,
Matt, Zach, and Tim