What an incredible 40 Days of Community! As we look back and celebrate what God did in us … and through us … it’s really something! Many of you have expressed to me that the small group Bible study really helped you get God’s perspective on why on earth He put us here. And, through the outreaches that we did, God opened our eyes to a needy world – that’s not only physically hungry … but … emotionally hungry, spiritually hungry and relationally starved. We’ve truly met many of our neighbors and loved them … shared with them … hugged them … helped them and shared the most important news that there is — how they can have life with Christ — forever!

I just want to personally thank all of you for your hearts to love, learn, grow, share and care this past 40 Days!

I’m excited about 2008 and what God has for us as a church community. I sense that as we … love God, follow Jesus and serve our neighbors … there’s no limit to what God will do in and through us to reach the thousands in our community who need Christ!

We love you guys!

Dan & Laura

Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think—according to the power that works in you—to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Ephesians 2:20-21

One thing that I love about January 1st is that it signifies not only a new year but a fresh start and a new opportunity to look forward to new things and what God wants to do in and through us this year.

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Phil. 3:13-14

On Christmas day, we joined in with Celestial Manna (celestialmanna.org) and some other churches to give away food and clothing to people in need. We’re so grateful to the Lord for giving us ways to connect with people and care for them in tangible, practical ways. As we gave out food, clothes and toys, people often ask, Why are you doing this? When we respond that we’re local churches just sharing Christ’s love in practical ways, it touches hearts. Jesus said in John 13:35, Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.

Some pictures of the outreach on Christmas Day (click on the picture for a larger view):

This past Saturday was a great to show the love of God to so many people. We gave out 330 bags of groceries to families and individuals and toys to children in an apartment community in Germantown and also in a nearby community in South Germantown. It was really something to connect with so many people and share God’s love in a practical way. We sense that God is helping us build bridges to people in our community by demonstrating God’s unchanging love for them. Since the apartment complex is right around the corner from the Germantown Regal Theater, many people have visited our worship service too. We want to say thanks to Charlie Mann and Celestial Manna (celestialmanna.org) for helping us connect with the many grocery stores that have given us food.

We also experienced a spiritual hunger too and an openness to Christ. As we were giving out some New Testaments to people, two young men from Brazil asked some questions about Christ. One of them explained that he was open to Christ but felt like all paths lead to God. So, to him, it doesn’t really matter what you believe as long as you’re sincere. As the conversation continued and he was able to hear what the Bible had to say about the whole idea of truth and what Jesus said about it, he became more interested in listening. His friend was so intrigued about the story of Christ that he asked for a New Testament. The conversation lasted for some time and as we ended, they both were open to looking into the story of Christ some more.

The whole conversation reminded me of a passage in Romans …

But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, ‘How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!’ Romans 10:14-15

Here are some pictures of the outreach (click on the picture for a larger view):

This past Wednesday I stopped by the apartment that we will be going to this Saturday to connect with the management and staff. And, I walked in on their Christmas Party. They were all so excited that we’re coming back again this Saturday!

And, I just got word tonight that we will most likely have more food than the last time to give away this Saturday! We picked up a lot last night and we got more tonight from DC … and tomorrow is going to be 2 stores. God is truly moving!!! The person helping us with the grocery store also just told me that we may be able to do multiple weekly pickups! So, I will start looking into other apartment complexes too.

We need to pray for more small groups to start in the new year … and for people in the groups to catch the vision for what God wants to do in our community – to help people physically and spiritually with the Good News of Christ!

I just got off the phone with one of the Hampton Apartment workers … and … she is just so excited about the outreach … and she was really moved by the Sunday service that she came to the other Sunday … she senses that God is drawing her to Himself through TCU!