Secret Church |
- SC 14 Stories: Amy’s Unlikely Gathering
- Gospel Threads at the End of Their Rope
- Book Recommendations from Secret Church 14
| SC 14 Stories: Amy’s Unlikely Gathering Posted: 22 Apr 2014 10:01 PM PDT Over the next couple of months, we’ll be sharing some encouraging stories from this past Secret Church simulcast. The hope in this is that you will be uplifted as you are reminded of the continual work of Christ in our everyday lives. If you have a story to share, you can do so HERE. We’d love to hear from you.  Amy’s SC 14 simulcast group Like many, Amy hosted a Secret Church 14 simulcast on Good Friday. However, the group of people that gathered in her home were probably unlike most. While (I think it’d be fair to assume) the majority of small group gatherings consisted of people who, for the most part, knew each other, it was not so with Amy’s gathering. Here’s her story in her own words… As soon as I signed up for my Simulcast (probably the first day it was available!) I immediately posted it on my Facebook page letting everyone know that ALL were welcome to come to my home. Slowly I began receiving inquiries … At first it was just the ladies but then a couple wanted to know if their husbands could come and I said OF COURSE!! Anytime spouses can grow together I am a fan! Each one thought that they were “crashing a party” of a bunch of people that already knew each other. Each one was VERY bold and brave to step out of their comfort zone and join in when they could be the odd one out (especially the two ladies that didn’t come with their husbands). It was great because as soon as everyone arrived I was able to say, “no one here knows each other but we have all gathered because we want to go deeper with our Lord and fall more in love with Him. I could not be more proud of you all!”. We had a wonderful time filled with lots of delicious snacks (that we had to eat quickly before David got to the care of our bodies part of the talk!) and we have continued the discussion through a Facebook chat with everyone. It was a blessing and I loved every minute of it – even at 2am! Can’t wait for the next one!! – You can catch the full replay for Secret Church 14 for up to 30 days (through May 17th) by registering here (or simply logging in to re-watch it in your account if you’re already registered). This will allow you to view both the musical worship as well as the time of prayer for Turkey. After 30 days, you can see the teaching portions for Secret Church 14 here. |
| Gospel Threads at the End of Their Rope Posted: 22 Apr 2014 01:26 PM PDT Pastor David frequently refers to weaving gospel threads–different pieces of the gospel–into everyday conversation. He’s even preached a sermon series on it. If ever such language was relevant, it would be tomorrow (April 23) on the island of Büyükada, where thousands will make a pilgrimage to an ancient monastery atop a little island peak. As they go, they’ll unravel a spool of thread, symbolic of their deepest longings–longings they hope will come true as a result of this annual religious trek. For a full picture, read the Eurasia Stories article below. Then, in light of the SC 14 prayer focus, pray for the people of Turkey that will be making this pilgrimage as well as for the Christians that will be reaching out to them. Tomorrow there will be unusual openness to God; by His grace, this will make for unusually fertile soil. ISTANBUL, Turkey—Each woman arrives on the island of Büyükada this day hoping her life will change. The idyllic setting — warm breezes wafting in from the Sea of Marmara carrying the aroma of wisteria and rippling the lush greenery — is not why these women have come to this small island near Istanbul, Turkey. Mothers and daughters, groups of friends and women traveling solo stream off the large, city ferry boats. They have traveled from all over Turkey to this island for one reason. According to tradition, on National Children's Day (April 23) a woman who climbs the hill to the Aya Yorgi monastery and unwinds a spool of string along the way will receive her heart's desire. My friend, Sevgi,* and I are among 285 believers taking part in an outreach event to these women. Our group is diverse — over 20 churches from Istanbul, four churches from other Turkish cities (Adana, Ankara, Izmir, and Bursa), and ex-pat Christians from Great Britain and America. Christian Iranian refugees living in Turkey also are present, hoping to minister to their own people. In a city still resistant to the Gospel, open street evangelism and large, public gatherings of believers are rare… CONTINUE READING
|
| Book Recommendations from Secret Church 14 Posted: 22 Apr 2014 07:34 AM PDT Here’s Pastor David’s list of recommended resources from Secret Church 14. These books can be a great way to dig deeper into some of the topics discussed during our recent simulcast. Since this year’s topic, “The Cross and Everyday Life,” covers a whole host of issues, we’ve listed these resources by category. On the Gospel-Centered Life …
On the Gospel and Life …
On Sanctification …
On Spiritual Disciplines …
On the Gospel and Work …
On the Gospel and Play …
Miscellaneous …
– You can catch the replay for Secret Church 14 for up to 30 days (through May 17th) by going here. This will allow you to view both the musical worship as well as the time of prayer for Turkey. After 30 days, you can see the teaching portions for Secret Church 14 here. |
| You are subscribed to email updates from Secret Church Blog To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
No comments:
Post a Comment