Anticipation . . . sometime before Christmas read the full story of Christ's birth as it's presented, not just in the Gospels, but in other key portions of Scripture, too. Among many exciting things, you'll discover this: the story of Christ's birth is surrounded by ANTICIPATION. From prophets to wise men, from religious leaders to a teenaged Mary . . . wherever you read you can't miss the awe and anticipation that saturated this event.
Here at SWCBA we embrace ANTICIPATION as a key faith quality that drives our ministry. We anticipate that God is going to do great . . . even surprising . . . things among us. And He does! In a church experiencing a 60% increase in its attendance this year. In a seasoned ministry doing a very contemporary outreach and seeing 70 young men and women come to Christ as a result. In a seasonal outreach at one church that has grown from helping a few dozen people at Thanksgiving to helping with food and encouragement for over 1,000 this year. In near-dead churches experiencing new life and impact. In remarkable participation . . . at a level not seen in a long time . . . in most SWCBA events. In thriving churches praying and planning to accomplish even more for Christ. And in the Lord meeting our needs all along the way.
You've, of course, been a part of all of that . . . God's instruments to help make it all happen. Thank you for your faith, your prayers and your generosity. You are among God's best gifts to us. A friend said the other day, "Looks like 2010 could be another tough year." Well, that's probably true, but we're ANTICIPATING great things. We hope you are, too! |
