|
|
A Message from Pastor Kevin DibbleyIn our study of the book of Acts this week, the apostle Paul is getting closer and closer to Jerusalem. His days as a free minister of the gospel will soon come to an end. Before long, Paul will be calling himself a prisoner of Christ Jesus. In Acts 21:1-16, we are told repeatedly that the Holy Spirit is warning the people that if Paul goes to Jerusalem, he will be imprisoned for the gospel. Paul’s friends plead with him not to go. Yet, Paul is resolved to go to Jerusalem even though he knows that he will be arrested. What is the point of the warnings of the Holy Spirit if they aren’t to protect Paul from being arrested? As we study God’s Word this week, we will see that warnings are not always meant to keep us from suffering. Rather, warnings prepare to suffer in ways that honor God and advance the gospel. This is helpful to us when we read warning passages in the Bible. What do we do with the warnings of the Holy Spirit? Thank God the Holy Spirit warns us of the dangers of following Jesus faithfully so that we will keep following faithfully. He does so to equip us to follow with hope and encouragement. Come this Sunday, as we study The Wise Warnings of the Holy Spirit. Let’s pray that the end result would be that each of us would have a stronger and clearer resolve to take up our cross and follow Jesus. Looking forward to worshipping King Jesus with you all. Invite your friends. |
|
Refugee Ministry UpdateThe Rasoolis, our Afghan refugee family, just received a summons to appear before Immigration authorities, date to be determined. The parents and 2 oldest children must appear because the federal administration recently decided that all Afghan refugees, even those legally here with valid work authorization (like the Rasoolis) need to be re-vetted to determine if they should be allowed to stay in the US and get green cards. An attorney at Arrive, our ministry partner, said that with Immigration constantly changing their processes and procedures, she does not know what to expect. She said “if the meeting goes well, they may be approved for their green card but if not, they all might be arrested on the spot.” Please pray: • that the Rasoolis will experience divine calm during the interview and will be able to present their situation in a compelling way that ultimately results in green card approval. • that the authorities at the meeting will abide by a recent Federal Court ruling that people with legal refugee status cannot be detained. • for the Refugee Ministry team to shine God’s love to this wonderful family that we’ve come to care for so much. |
|
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. |
|
Caring Meals for RecoveryWe’re organizing meals for members of our church family, Lynette and Larry Dux. Larry is recovering from surgery, and they would appreciate your help. Providing a meal is a practical way to show care and support during a time of healing. If you’re able to sign up to bring a meal, please add your name to the schedule. On the sign up, there are also some dietary restrictions and helpful tips from Lynette. Thank you for helping us serve one another with love. |
|
Waterbrooke AppNot only does the "notes" feature contain Sunday sermon notes, it also has two features related to prayer: 1. Waterbrooke Weekly Prayer Focus. On Wednesdays, we send out an email with a focused prayer touching on a different need, ministry or topic that all of Waterbrooke can be praying about together. Also included is that week's fighter verse. Each week's prayer focus is added to the app. 2. Wednesday Prayer and Praise. During the Wednesday evening Worship and Discipleship time, we consolidate prayer requests and praise reports that have come in the church office or from small groups that week along with new requests/praises from Wednesday night. These are retained under the NOTES section and are another way that you can join in prayer with our body! If you don't yet have the app, use the QR code above or click here to get it! |
|
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. |
|
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. Everyone is welcome, couples, singles, young and old are all welcome to this event! 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. |
|
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”. |
|
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. |
