Hello Houston!
Last weekend found me in the original Sam’s town, Houston. I traveled there by silver air wagon from Detroit via Charlotte. Seems a bit out of the way, but who’s to question econo-air math? If you’re asking what’s this all about, well, the CGGC has a church plant in Houston. Did you know that?! Prior to starting as executive director in the spring, I didn’t. Probably everyone else across the denomination did, but remember I come from “the sticks” of PA. However, I’m thinking many folks across the church are like me and know very little about this new work that started in 2006. In fact, I’m thinking that we all know very little about our church plants in general and they are our mission expansion points in our own country. Anyway, I’ll tell you about this venture and in the future introduce you to others as I get to visit them.
Upon arrival I connected with my partner, Steve Stillman, who serves as director of our Western Regional Conference. He traveled on terra firma from Missouri and met me at the airport, providing the “wheels” for our visit. The first task was finding the hotel, which we did after 90 minutes driving across “town.” Houston is huge, 2.1 million people with multiple beltways circling the city. Flying over and then driving through city suburbs revealed an expanding prosperous city that should be a great place for a church plant with so many options.
Pastor Randy West and his wife, Celine, met us for dinner so we could get to know each other better. None of us had ever met before. After the usual pleasantries Randy shared his story. He grew up in Houston and came to know Christ at an early age. His father was a well known African-American pastor in the city. Prior to planting Shadow Creek Fellowship in Houston, Randy ministered in Vancouver, WA and planted a thriving church in that city. He and Celine came back to Houston several years ago, connected with our General Conference and were approved for planting after the usual assessment and “boot camp” training.
Their church, like so many plants, began in their home as a Bible Study in 2006. It grew to about 20, so they found a place to worship and began holding Sunday services. By April of this year the church had relocated to its present facility (which they remodeled with CGGC financial help) and began to hold public services. Easter attendance brought spikes into the 70s, but recently over the summer numbers are averaging about 30. Glenn Smith, who serves as Randy’s mentor and coach, met Steve and me at the church worship center on Sunday morning. We wanted to meet the people and share in their worship time. There were 63 in attendance, which is promising.
After the morning service we three met with Randy and enjoyed lunch with his family. To be frank, the church has, as they say, “hit a wall” in attendance, finances and leadership. We talked together about what needs to happen and what can be done. We’re working on a plan to help this fledgling church, but much prayer will be needed. There is great potential for kingdom success in Houston, but it will require faith and works from all involved. Please keep the West family and Shadow Creek Fellowship Church of God in your prayers.
Steve took me back to the airport for the flight home at 5 p.m. and he headed north up highway 59. It was an eight-hour return trip for me, but Steve’s would be about twelve. Mine would have been some shorter, but I couldn’t find my car in the Detroit airport parking lot. That’s another story! Anyway, please keep us who minister for Christ and His Church in your prayers also.
Blessings to all in Jesus’ name,
Ed
Findlay Flood Updates
Hello everybody.
I send you greetings in the name of Jesus.
I'm copying a letter from Pastor Bill Reist of College First Church (See Page 2). It will give you a good synopsis of the response & recovery situation in the flood aftermath in Findlay. This information may be helpful in the event you desire to offer help hands-on. Of course the option of financial assistance through the CGGC disaster relief fund CC 9085 is always an option or a direct gift to one of the churches who had families affected. I've included their contact information below. As you know, the Catalyst facility was flooded and the church lost almost everything. I'm also including a "needs list" from Pastor Nathan Buck. I would add the note that before responding, contact should be made with Pastor Nate so as to avoid duplication and to provide the most needed items. Thanks to you all for being the bridges between those in need and those who can help. Please continue to encourage everybody to pray for God's working through this experience. Thanks again and God bless!
Ed
College First Church of God, Pastor William H. Reist
Phone: (419) 422-7365 email: wreist@collegefirst.org
CrossPoint Church of God, Pastor William M. Shoemaker
Phone: (419) 420-9093 email: solomon47@hotmail.com
The Catalyst Community Church of God, Pastor Nathan A. Buck
Phone: (419) 422-0898 email: info@thecatalystchurch.com
God Works at Maytown VBS
I have a great story from our VBS this year. I wanted to share how God has been working at Maytown Church of God. Last year for VBS we had a total of 25 kids attend. For a church our size that was a good amount. This year we were praying for 40 kids to attend. God gave us even more. We had a total of 54 kids attend throughout the week of VBS. And 4 of those kids came our last night! Our theme was "Water Works Park" by Cook. We had a great time. Not only did we have wonderful attendance, but the kids really got into the missions project this year. We chose to send our missions project money to Bangladesh for bikes and rickshaws. Our goal was $200. We raised over $950.00. The kids brought in over $300 and we had a matching gift plus we had additional donations from the church. We had our closing ceremony on Sunday and our attendance was 70, up from our usual 40. We are very excited about the victory God gave us for VBS. We are looking forward to seeing what He is going to do next year!
Danielle Lindemuth Maytown Church of God (ERC) |
Martinsburg Church Hosts Golf Clinic
As I read the newsletter today (Vol.1, No. 1-August 17) I began to think of something we supported this summer. One of our leaders loves golf and wanted to share this love with the youth of the church. He, with three other men, hosted a weekly golf clinic for kids. He expected four, but twelve kids signed up. The High School permitted us to practice on their field. The clinic leader's supervisor gave him a gift card for a sporting goods store. Another man donated 70 clubs and the clinic was underway. Maybe these kids will be playing in an annual tournament someday because someone took the time to teach them how to play. The pastor even got to go out to the Par 3 course with the kids last week. I thought I was cured of golf, but maybe there is still hope. Grace and Peace,
Lew Button
Martinsburg Church of God (ERC)
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