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A Message from Pastor Kevin DibbleyTim Keller once said a true friend is someone who “lets you in” and doesn’t “let you down.” As we continue our journey through Acts, we see just how much the apostle Paul depended on friends who were willing to stand with him when following Jesus became dangerous. In Acts 20:1–16, a real assassination plot forces Paul to change his plans—but what stands out is not fear, it’s faithfulness. Friends step up. They stay close. They share the risk. Our sermon this week, “Friends That Stick,” reminds us that we all need relationships that hold fast when life gets messy—and in Christ, we are called to be those kinds of friends for one another. Acts shows us a diverse people united in one mission, bearing the load together for the sake of the gospel. Join us this Sunday as we consider what it means to be Friends That Stick when the going gets tough. |
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Update from Refugee MinistryOur Refugee Ministry team has been in close contact with our Afghan refugee family (the Rasooli’s) amidst all the turmoil recently in Minneapolis. Before coming to the U.S., the Rasoolis have been granted all of the necessary visas and work permits by the federal government, as well as a special visa (the SIV), which is awarded to foreign nationals who have helped the US government overseas. However, our ministry partner, Arrive Ministries, knows of numerous cases of refugees who are in possession of all of the appropriate papers, who don’t have any criminal charges, yet have been detained, with some being sent away to Texas. As you can imagine, this has cast a huge cloud of fear and anxiety, on the entire refugee community in general and specifically, our friends the Rasoolis. Our refugee team is working to improve security for the family. Sohaila (the mom) normally has a 3-bus, 1 1/2 hour ride home from her job at a daycare center. There are a lot of Federal agents at the bus stops, so our team will be providing daily rides home from work for as long as needed (Naim can drive her to work in the morning). Other areas that we’re trying to help include: grocery shopping at ethnic grocery stores on their behalf, helping with laundry instead of having them go to the laundromat and gas for the car so that Naim (the dad) can drive to work instead of taking the bus. If you are interested in showing God’s love to these vulnerable friends, here is how you can help:
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Waterbrooke AppOne helpful link on the Waterbrooke app is the church directory. In the interest of privacy, you need to be invited to access it. We don't just leave it open to the general public! If you've already been using the directory, no further action is needed. If you have not used it before or if you don't remember hows to access it, contact the church office here office@wbfellowship.org and we'll get you set up! If you don't yet have the app, use the QR code above or click here to get it! |
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OutreachWaterbrooke Outreach We Need Help from You! We're going to be running weekly facebook ads starting in January to reach out to our neighbors in Victoria. We'll be inviting them to visit Waterbrooke. As part of each ad, we'd like to include a brief (2-3 sentence) testimonial from someone who attends church - a different person each week. Please click on this link to watch a brief video describing what we're doing and why. In this video, you'll meet Kenneta, who is collecting the testimonials after each service for the next few weeks. |
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Winter 2026 Waterbrooke Women's Bible Study!You are invited to join the Women of Waterbrooke this February as we dive into the book of Hebrews! This rich book will lift our eyes to Jesus, our great High priest, our “sure and steadfast anchor of the soul”. *Note: This study will be hot off the presses! It is available on Amazon and Crossway. |
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Lines, Lures, & BrotherhoodGrab your boots, bundle up, and join us on the ice! And if fishing isn't your thing, that's fine, come enjoy the fellowship. Please bring a dish to share. |
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Dinners of EightWe are planning an event for our adults to meet, get to know one another better and enjoy an encouraging evening of fellowship! A number of families have agreed to host a group of 8 in their homes and will prepare a main course. Once people have signed up, we will organize groups (based on geographic location as much as possible). The host will contact you to bring a side dish, salad or dessert or some sort to round out the meal. First come, first served! Sign up deadline Sunday February 8th. Please click here, fill out the requested information and submit. You will be contacted after February 8th with information on who will be hosting you and more details. Note: some of our hosts can accommodate young children and we may be able to work with food allergies and preferences in some cases as well. You will be asked about these things when you fill out the form. |
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Missionary SpotlightI am Karise Pagano, an Italian-American missionary serving in Italy since 2013 and collaborating with local ministries since 2007. Sent by Waterbrooke through Entrusted Word Ministries, my mission is to make disciples by living among the Italian people, building relationships, sharing the Gospel, and mentoring sisters in Christ. Italy’s beauty and history contrast with its deep spiritual need, as many are trapped in superstition and false religious teachings. Effective outreach requires long-term relational investment to exemplify the life-transforming power of Christ. My ministry includes supporting Alba Safe House and Recovery Program, which provides housing, recovery, and training for women and children escaping human trafficking. I also serve The Masterpiece Project Worship Music Ministry, which creates Gospel-centered worship music in Italian. Additionally, I assist local ministries with consulting, administration, event planning, and translation, all while striving to share Christ and disciple others in their faith. To sustain this work, I rely on financial partnerships with fellow believers. If you feel led to join my ministry team through a recurring gift, you can do so at https://www.entrustedword.
Praise the Lord with me: • As He provided ALL of the funds necessary for the citizenship documents. • My book on grief has been translated, printed, and already gifted to several recipients. Please continue to pray that God would use my words and story to point to Him! Please pray: • For God to provide financial partners to meet my deficit of $500/month. • For the ministries I serve and my dear friends who lead them. • For the Italian Citizenship Process to be successful, as we await a second hearing at the end of February. • That I would trust fully in the Lord for His provision of all I need to serve Him for as long as He desires in Italy. |
