Still more January news:

Ø What better way to start off the 41st year than with three baptisms. On Jauary 8th, while the congregation was gathered for a bilingual service, Susana Quintero and Claudia Morales were added to the kingdom. Claudia was able to celebrate another “new birth” 5 days later as she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. A couple of days later, D’meisha Woods was baptized by one of her peers.
o A new Christians class has begun again for the most recent additions to our body. This is an 8-week class designed to give new Christians the tools and disciplines to continue to feed themselves and grow in God’s purposes for them. It also affords good encouragement and accountability to each member of the class in some of their most vulnerable moments. My wife Ami and I facilitate this class, and already feel that we will be receiving as much from this class as anyone else.

Ø Get-togethers are so important to a congregation’ body life. It leads to greater connection and growth. We have enjoyed some great times of fellowship this month:

o The High School boys got away on a hiking/camping trip to grow as a group and learn to depend on one another more.
o The high school and jr. High girls attended Girls Reflecting Glory
o Impact groups are having special events outside of the scheduled meeting to fellowship
o Several groups got together for the Superbowl:
§ Two cells combined on the English side for a Superbowl party and to encourage each other.
§ Several members hosted the homeless for a Superbowl party at the church building.
§ Other get-togethers happened on smaller scales.Almost the entire congregation came to celebrate Manuelito Flores’ birthday. We enjoyed the food, the games, the toys and candy for kids, and a piñata. Manuel had a great time. Confined to a wheelchair and with limited ability to communicate and control his motor skills, Manuel none-the-less makes a huge impact in the hearts of so many as church. Sure, he may make your head turn as he screams out with glee at any given moment, but he is all smiles and always thinks of others. He loves to be greeted, hugged, and petted and always takes your hand to whoever is at his side to make sure you also greet someone else, too. His sister, Estrella calls him her son and cares for him valiantly and wanted his miraculous 40th birthday to be something special. And it really was.