Heart to Heart
Beginnings & ending; open doors and gates; glancing back and looking ahead – all three of these describe what makes January so unique.
Many in our church family would describe the last year (2023) as being a rough one. We experienced so many deaths and the heartache of grief, over and over again. But we also saw new life being birthed amongst us – as 6 children and adults put their trust in the LORD, and the Reifke’s welcomed their first child (shortly after moving to Idaho).
Yes, we saw people we love, moving on to other places and some to other churches. Average attendance dipped to 102 in-person on Sundays, with another 49 watching online. But we also welcomed a number of new people to FAC, and we’re richer for it. Our Griefshare support group not only brought hope to hurting hearts, but the gift of new friendships. As one person put it, “I told my family I’ve got two sisters now that I didn’t have before!” We look forward to seeing those relationships grow even deeper in 2024.
It was hard seeing Kaleb & Katlyn leave FAC early in the Fall, and watching others choose to depart at the same time. But then the LORD brought some new people into our fellowship. We began the search for a new Next Gen/Worship Pastor, as the job description was posted online. In the meantime, we have been praying hard and anticipating God’s timing, to direct us to the person He has been preparing for FAC. God is going to do even MORE in ’24!
One of the joys last year, was watching God supply superabundantly throughout 2023. We ended the year at 103% of budget, and broke $300,000 in General Fund giving. We have been blessed by generous “above & beyond” giving that allowed us to pay off the construction loan with Orchard Alliance, in less than a year. On top of that, we had strong giving to Alliance missions, and sent a 5-person team to Senegal in February. I had the privilege of going back to Africa in November, to lead a prayer retreat for some Alliance IWs. It will be fun to see how God chooses to work thru His people as we plan to send another team to Senegal and visit the other IW team in Africa by year-end. There’s going to be a lot MORE in ’24!
Marketers are savvy people – they know now is the time to promote new diets, gym memberships and sales on exercise equipment. Well, the Scripture says that kind of training is beneficial, but training in godliness is even more crucial (1 Timothy 4:8). That is why I encourage us sign up for the Alliance 40 Days of Prayer (https://40days.cmalliance.org/subscribe). Let’s determine to be people of the Word and of prayer – even MORE in ’24!! The Bible testifies that “they devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching… and to prayer” – Acts 2:42.
My theme word for 2024 is “Expectant.” I am standing on tip toes, anticipating God doing something that far exceeds our creative thinking or imagination. May we be faithful to extend Help & Hope to the people around us. May we be intentional in seeking to BLESS our neighbors. And may we do all that we can, to complete The Mission to reach the unreached, and to bring back King Jesus in our lifetime.
Let’s believe God for even MORE in ’24!
Pastor Adriaan & Diana <><