People are spiritually hungry - perhaps more than ever. Jesus said go and make disciples not come and make disciples. God has called us as a church to go and build relationships with people right where they live, and love them and share Christ with them. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus said, In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

A paraphrase of Matthew 5:16 reads like this …

In the same way, let your light shine before all people, that they may see your … small, ordinary acts of kindness that are real and authentic … because when they connect what you’re doing for them to your faith in Christ … it leaves them with a good taste in their mouth about God and may open them up to what you have to say about Him.

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!

The fifth life purpose in the 40 Days of Community series is worship. Worship is more than just singing. It’s offering our whole lives to God every day. It’s freely allowing God to work in our lives. Worship also involves giving our time, talent and resources.

Just the other day, a couple was sharing in one of our groups about their own financial struggles. But, they wanted to stay committed to giving a set amount of their income back to God. This week, the husband got his year bonus and it was exactly what they needed to take care of some financial obligations with a little extra! God loves to surprise us as we trust Him!