VBS Success + Mission Outposts

Dear Nokesville church family and friends, 

“He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30, NRSV). 

Last Saturday, we joyfully celebrated a one-day Vacation Bible School. Fifteen children participated, and over twenty volunteers came out to provide help. It was pleasing to see the children having a great time learning the word of God in the safe church environment. I pray that the seed of the gospel planted in their hearts will continue to grow and bear much fruit in their lives. They packed 43 birthday bags from donated items by our church family, which were later sent to the House of Mercy for distribution. Delicious meals were prepared by Chef Jacob and his sous chefs (his parents). The house of the Lord was filled with a joyful noise and a yummy smell.

I want to thank all the volunteers for their hands and hearts in service. Special thanks to Debbie and Karola for coordinating this special annual event for the spiritual well-being of God’s children. Inviting families with young children, youth, and young adults to Jesus is what only God can do. Let us count on the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit as we desire to share the joy and power of the gospel with them.

On a separate note, we’ve been prayerfully trying to launch and spread the Mission Outpost (small group) movement in the life of our congregation. If we are ever serious about deepening our Christian fellowship (koinonia) with one another, we need more than attending Sunday morning services. Through Mission Outpost families, we can get to know our brothers and sisters in Christ more dearly, sustaining and encouraging each other. Thankfully, Natalie and Curt McArtor have stepped up to lead a Gainesville Mission Outpost family.

We want to invite our church family and friends, especially those who live in and near the Gainesville area, to come and check out our new small group. My prayer is that as we launch this new Mission Outpost family, the Holy Spirit will take it over and shape it according to the will of God so that we may deepen our intimacy with God (Up to God), strengthen our spiritual bond (In to each other), and get serious about the Great Commission of Jesus Christ (Out to the world). Come, Holy Spirit, come!

This summer, we pay attention to the spiritual disciplines as we desire to go deep in our spiritual walk. Last Sunday, we explored the Christian practice of simplicity. You can watch it at Sermons | Nokesville Methodist Church – Bible Teaching in Nokesville VA. This Sunday, August 9, we will explore the ministry of the towel (Philippians 2:3-11). I hope to see you all soon on the Lord’s day. 

Your brother in Christ, 

"The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps" (Proverbs 16:9, NRSV).