Difference Maker

That being said, I look back to 2011 and notice so many highlights that I saw in our churches.  Then I thought that if I don’t mention all the highlights, the specific churches, should I mention any of them? . . . Until I was in the store and realized that thought was naïve and short sighted for this case.  So, even though I know I cannot mention all, I will still mention some.

• One highlight that stands out for me is Rivers Crossing Community Church in Cincinnati, OH.  This past year, the church decided to do a capital campaign to raise money for a permanent building, support ministry and church planting in Guatemala, and to launch their next campus.  Even though RCCC is only 4 years old, they still raised over $1.9 million.  How Amazing!  This is a tribute not only to the blessings of God but also the great leadership of Paul Taylor, Jeff Sharp and their team.
                         
  
• GHC has 13 new churches in 2011 and several more expressing interest to join in 2012.
              
  
• Redeemer’s Church in Reedley, CA is transforming a slum in Nairobi, Kenya in Africa by not only feeding the hungry, but also networking and empowering the community to break the cycle of poverty, sickness and needless death (preventable diseases).
                  
  
• Coastal Life Church in Stuart, FL has grown to over 650 in average worship attendance and has brought over 200 people to Christ in their 2 year history.
             
  
• The Community at Lakeridge is 4 years old and just moved into their own property which many long term established churches would love to own.  What a blessing!
                  
  
• First Baptist Church in Clovis, CA pays for their pastor and board to train leaders from other churches.
                       
  
• South Valley Community Church in Lemoore, CA started a thrift store for the community.
                     
  
• Even with the current economy, many churches have increased their income by more than 20% in 2011, over giving in 2010.
                          
  
• Many of our churches are rescuing children from human trafficking. We praise God for this!
                                                           
  
• I also wonder how many hours have been volunteered through our churches in their respective communities.  People are cleaning, painting, refurbishing houses, feeding the poor, tutoring, providing professional medical care,  homeless shelters, AIDS care, mowing lawns, doing laundry, training many for jobs, serving other churches, starting new churches, Thanksgiving and Christmas ministry to the community and on and on.  Yet this doesn’t even consider extensive international ministry.  Our churches are also serving around the globe.

Churches may not be able to help everyone in the world, but they are helping some in the world . . . and as a result are changing the world one life at a time.

As I think about all of our churches, I am grateful for individuals who support our ministry and for churches that see ministry beyond their four walls.  I am thankful for their service in their own communities and beyond, as they are impacting the nation and world.  As a result, churches and individuals commit prayer, time, and finances to Growing Healthy Churches and I am very grateful!