It was their first street concert. For the YouthAblaze Nova and the residents of Damong Maliit, the first may not be excellent, but it was good enough to have.Barely two years old, YouthAblaze mustered enough guts and faith in God to go and make disciples in their own style. They provided gospel songs, dances, and dramas to perk up the audience (the pastor gave the gospel message). Some mothers were happily surprised to see their teen children performing on a level they didn't expect.
Being a first, it was not without slip ups, and there were many! Nevertheless, they declared undauntingly - "Next time, we know better. That won't happen again." May God continue to use their creativity and courage. May their attitude be like that of the English missionary to India who said "Attempt great things for God. Expect great things from God."
The Women's Ministry of PCF Los Angeles sent a big balikbayan box of goodies as giveaways for members of PCF Nova. Well, instead of merely giving these, the church agreed to put up an effort to earn these. For every visitor a member invites, he or she will be entitled to get one goody. If the visitor returns the next Sunday, the member gets another goody. I told my members, invite others and dare them with these words - "if you won't feel the presence of God in the gathering, don't come back."
It has been working so far! We were averaging around 8 visitors every Sunday! Some members even gave away their own goodies to their visitors. It was a small opportunity that turned into something great. I pray that the habit of inviting persists and a belief that God's powerful word can work in the hearts of people. I wish if won't be a bad case of "the offer is good while supply lasts."
Being a young church, it's hard to develop leaders, more so from the poor and less educated. But we're seeing the fruits of establishing the ministry.I started teaching CLASS 301, Discovering My Ministry. I started to assign people into various relevant ministries according to their spiritual gifts, and other parameters. New ministries arose because of availability of new leaders. So we have the Welcome Team for practicing hospitality to Sunday visitors, PrayerWarriors for interceding for ministries especially the worship service, and TheaterACTS for dramas and dances. This year we started the monthly leadership training, and I taught them how to evaluate and plan for their ministries.
I know what we just have may not be much yet, but I trust the Lord that our small efforts will be graciously rewarded with more wisdom, passion, and tremendous growth. For at any rate, it's all about God.
