|
|
A Message from Pastor Kevin DibbleyThis Sunday we’re looking at “The Power of Our Testimony.” Every one of us carries a story of how Jesus met us, changed us, and is still changing us—and those stories matter more than we often realize. In Acts 21:27–22:29, Paul stands before a crowd that is anything but friendly. They’re angry, suspicious, convinced he’s corrupting true worship. But instead of defending himself or matching their hostility, Paul does something beautifully simple: he tells his story. He remembers what it was like to be just like them—zealous, convinced he was serving God, blind to Jesus. And from that place of understanding, he shares how Christ broke in, opened his eyes, and turned his life around. Paul’s testimony becomes a bridge. And that’s what our stories can be too. Not all of us have a “Damascus Road” moment, but every follower of Jesus has a story of grace—whether it’s rescue from rebellion or awakening from empty religion. Each story is a living witness to the power of Christ to transform a life. This Sunday, we’ll watch how Paul uses his testimony to point a hostile crowd to Jesus, and we’ll pray that God would give us courage to do the same—to share our stories so others can hear His story of saving grace. I’m looking forward to worshiping with you as we gather as God’s people. And I hope you’ll consider inviting a friend or family member who needs to hear the hope we have in Christ. |
|
Refugee Ministry UpdateThe father of the family being helped by our Refugee Ministry Team had his Immigration interview this past Friday. He was required to re-answer questions from his original interviews in Afghanistan and to provide additional information over the course of 4 hours. The Arrive Ministries attorney who accompanied him said afterward that he did a good job of answering their questions, and she felt he had a strong case to be approved for a green card. However, no determination was made at the time of the interview. Now the family just has to wait to learn if they will be approved or denied their green card status. No one knows how long it will take to receive the decision. Please pray for a positive outcome! Refugee Ministry Team |
|
Dinners of EightFebruary 21st saw many of us braving the elements to attend “dinners of eight” at the homes of designated Waterbrooke hosts. Designed to help us all get to know one another better through a meal and fellowship, the dinners involved 63 people meeting at 7 different homes. The hosts prepared the main course while everyone else brought the sides. Word has it that the Eaton’s pot roast and the Campbell’s lasagna were huge hits, while everyone loved the Hatch’s vegetarian Thai curry! Already, people are talking about repeating the fun event in the fall! We hope even more people can join in the fun next time! |
|
Encouraging Karise from AfarCan you recall the last time you received an encouraging text or message or word just at the right moment during a hard or heavy time? It is often at those moments when we know the grace of Jesus in an even more meaningful way - the glimmer of light on a dark afternoon and the moment of comfort when we feel overwhelmed. Karise is a member of our church family who is deeply loving and sharing Jesus with those in Italy. We get to joyfully partner with, pray for, and be deeply connected with her in friendship and relationship. So as this new year begins, please take a moment to sign up to send Karise a note of encouragement! A note of encouragement can include an introduction of yourself, a written prayer over her, her life, and her ministry; a Scripture promise that has strengthened you or encouraged you lately; asking intentional questions to get to know her in a new way; and any specific ways she can be praying for you. When you sign up, you will receive automated reminders before your selected date to help you prayerfully prepare and ask the Lord what He may have you share. To receive the reminders, please be sure you're email and text number are current. If you're not signed up to receive texts, please text START to 87447. Emails can be sent to info@redenti.org. For more information about Karise’s ministry, please visit https://redenti.org/. You can read about her current prayers and praises in her Missionary Spotlight below. |
|
Benevolent MinistryWe have a long history at Waterbrooke of coming alongside others who are hurting, whether it be spiritually, emotionally or financially. For those with financial needs those with resources generously contribute to our benevolent fund so that we can help others. We review each request on a case-by-case basis to ensure we are wisely stewarding the funds we have been entrusted with. In the past few months, we contributed towards the cost of a large car repair bill for someone who could not afford the entire payment. We also helped one of our congregation members obtain a pair of special glasses that were very expensive. If you'd like to support our brothers and sisters in need, and you're able to make an extra gift for that purpose, you can contribute to the Benevolent Fund by selecting that option online or by writing "Benevolent" on a check. If you need assistance for any financial needs, please contact the church office. |
|
Waterbrooke AppIf you don't already have a Bible app on your phone or want to try another one, our Waterbrooke App has the whole Bible right at your fingertips! On the home screen, just touch "BIBLE", choose the book you want, and then the chapter. It's as simple as that! |
|
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. |
