This
list is in no particular order of importance because all of them were, in their
own respect, significant to the church. If there were certain events or items
of significance which are not listed below, please accept my humble apology. I
can assure you it was completely unintentional. So let’s begin.
• “Breakthrough is on the way!”
Our
corporate declaration entering into 2013 was that ‘breakthrough was on the way’.
Many of us received it while all were touched in some way, shape or form. It
was powerful to hear testimony after testimony of God’s faithfulness and
breakthrough power touching various people within the church.
The
more testimonies were presented the more faith arose in the congregation. It
was a faith that caused people to deepen their trust and reliance on God for
the breakthroughs or answers they so desperately needed. We must remember that
the purposes of God our forward moving. If we are to hold to this truth then we
must understand that breakthrough in and of itself is not enough, but it is a
great place to begin!
What
was also significant about this prophetic and powerful statement is that it did
not become some over used ‘mantra’ or a phrase whimsically used for the
occasional ‘pop’ from the congregation. It was real! It was genuine! It was
tangible! It was God’s encouragement to this church.
This
year was filled with testimonies ranging from miracles, job changes and
promotions, economic breakthroughs, to even long standing issues being
resolved. We also witnessed God move upon people and were privileged to, see
them make professions of faith in Christ Jesus. We also witnessed various
members of our youth and children’s ministry born again. Our family also grew
by the addition of both new and familiar faces. These all serve as evidences
that God was on the move and that breakthrough was not only on the way, for
some it had finally arrived!
• The Samaritan’s Purse ‘Operation Christmas
Child Shoe box’ Project
This
was one of the most significant events of the year and was probably the one corporate
church activity which best highlighted our church’s mission statement. ‘A
Church in the City, Reaching the World’ has been our mission for quite some time
now. Even though in times past we sent people from among us to represent us
around the world, this particular event was special because the church as a
whole was able to corporately fulfill its mission.
Janina
Crespo successfully took this project on and made it a smooth and blessed
process for all. In the end a total of sixty boxes were prepared and sent
around the world designed to bless the poor, the hurting, the broken, the ill
and the lost. This is the most boxes ever sent from our church family to date.
People
have already made commitments to push us beyond sixty boxes for this new year! This
year also saw the first official box training and workshop as well as the
formation of the Pure In Heart Church baking team. 2014 promises to be a year
of greater reach into the world in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
• Thursday Night Prayer Studies
As
a church group we embarked on a journey together seeking to strengthen our
understanding of prayer. Two studies were chosen for the church to take on
together in which DVD presentations were used. These presentations proved to be
nothing short of inspiring and life changing! “When God’s people pray” by the
Brooklyn Tabernacle and “Prayer” by the Willow Creek Church were introduced,
there was an immediate sense of excitement shared by all and the level of
participation which followed throughout these studies proved it. As a result of
these studies, the church as a whole has experienced a revived, enriched and
vibrant prayer walk. As a result of the impact of these videos, the ‘Prayer’
class will be added to the Pure In Heart Adult Sunday School program the Spring
of 2014.
• The reinstituting of the Pure
In Heart Church Adult Bible Classes (Solid Rock)
This
past year also saw the resurgence of a more highly focused adult Sunday school
program which included a foundations class as well the very first class on
Christian doctrine. The classes were very well attended and will continue on
into 2014. These classes are designed to be engaging and provoking. The purpose
is to ensure that the body of Christ is receiving solid teaching from the word
of God.
• The growth and strengthening of
regional elders relationships (Presbytery grouping)
Well
established and emerging leaders from the Midwest region gathered at numerous
times and locations with the specific purpose of strengthening relationships
and to receive teaching on doctrine as well as issues facing the universal
church. These times together have been of great worth and have served to
encourage and strengthen the elders and leaders of each church. Even though
these sessions may not have been inclusive of all members due to the nature of
topics covered, the church stepped up, and assisted with outstanding servant
hood, food and hospitality for visiting ministries when called upon.
Thus
reinforcing our church’s great testimony of generosity and hospitality. God is
now bringing in in this new year new ministries from around the world to be
with us. Our testimony of generosity and hospitality, if consistent, will now
go around the world. The word reminds us
if we are faithful with the little, God will entrust us with much more!
• The study of the book of Philippians
We
just concluded what proved to be a phenomenal study of the book of Philippians.
This was the first time that this study was taken on by two separate leaders.
Each week, beginning in late September going all the way through early December
Paul’s letter to, the church in Philippi was broken down and covered piece by
piece. The study went on surprising longer than anticipated due to all the
quality and rich teaching that is in this small, potent book. It is a book
primarily about the grace and peace of God, and how we as believers are to be
not just when under great persecution but also being those whom are under a
great amount of grace and peace as well.
This
study was significant as it demonstrated a renewed focused on an ecclesiastical
approach to the presenting of God’s word as opposed to the topographical
approach which dominated the pulpit for a long time. The study was also
significant because it complimented the studies on prayer which took place on
Thursday evenings. So simultaneously the
church was being strengthened in both prayer and the word.
In
2014 other portions of scripture will be covered in the same fashion as to
further the church’s knowledge and strength in the word of God.
• Evangelist Billy Graham’s last
word for America DVD presentation
How
could this not make our list for memorable moments of 2013? What an honor and
blessing it was to be able to hear Evangelist Billy Graham’s last presentation
of the gospel of Jesus Christ! His final plea to America was actually an
unapologetic command to repentance which included clips from previous sermons
he had preached from stadiums and arenas around the world. One could not help
but feel hopefully inadequate to even touch a minute portion of this mighty
servant’s accomplishments. But then he would humbly remind us all that it is
done by the grace of God.
Billy
Graham’s message was meant to reach the lost, but his life was meant to
challenge the found! What a man of God, and what a special evening. This was
definitely a tremendous moment shared and enjoyed by Pure In Heart this past
year.
• A miracle for our youth and
Sunday school departments
The
church was recently blessed with two new printers, and scanners for both the
youth and Sunday school departments. Both of the previous machines were out of
date and were no longer conducive for what was needed. Some maybe asking why
this would even be listed on this list recapping this year. It is listed here
because Pastor in faith presented the need to the congregation on a Sunday
morning for the new equipment while also informing the church that there was no
resource available to meet the needs of both departments. Literary before he could complete presenting
his request to the church, various members volunteered to meet the need!
Furthermore, not to be humorous in anyway, but those who volunteered fulfilled
their commitment and presented the new equipment to, the church just a week
ago!
This
need was met within a minute of being presented. As Pastor recalled that very morning
just before the meeting began, the Lord reminded him of the scripture which
stated ‘that we have not because we ask not’. So he decided to simply ask, and God answered.
An amazing moment shared by all.
• The Rolon’s ‘breakthrough’
This
was just one of the most phenomenal moments for the church this past year. The
instant brother Jose lifted the communion cup and bread and declared he was no
longer unemployed but would begin work the very next week the church erupted in
praise to God. If this wasn’t enough good news, Jose went on to share what
other miracles he had received from the Lord after the last eight months of
uncertainty and difficulties his family had faced. Not only did he get hired
with a new company, but God also opened up the door to further his education at
no additional expense.
For
the sake of protecting and safeguarding our brother we won’t go into detail concerning
the other blessings he had received. Throughout
the entire eight to nine month ordeal never once did Jose and Evelyn stopped
presenting their tithe or offering to the Lord. They remained faithful and so
were rewarded by God who is faithful. This
was a wonderful and uplifting moment shared by all.
• The ordination of Christopher and
Damaris Negron
This
year also saw the setting in of Christopher Negron into eldership in the
church. The setting in was significant for different reasons of which included
an establishing of pluralistic eldership. The church had not had available to
it a plurality of elders in over ten years. This event was attended by various
recognized governing ministries as well as friends and family. It was a
welcomed addition of help and support to Pastor Peter and Marilyn Negron as
well.
The
ordination was overseen by brother Gary Finkbeiner who was gracious enough to
present the importance of the history of the church as it pertained to the
setting in of servants in to the office of eldership, as well as officiate over
the signing of necessary documentation. Also that morning brother Victor Davis
preached a mighty word to encourage the church body in light of this ordination
occasion and celebration. “It is always better together”.
This
phrase is a reminder that the purposes of God for this house and his church by
enlarge are better accomplished as we stay, labor and serve together. Words of
encouragement were shared and scripture passages from God’s word were read
before the congregation by various ministers whom were present to represent
their heart and support of this occasion. Pure In Heart Church will now enter
2014 with an eldership team which is strengthened and ready to move onward, forward
and ‘together’.
In Conclusion
Well
that is a pretty good list right? I’m sure I didn’t recall everything that took
place which would be considered of great significance for us this past year,
but it is a fair attempt. The truth is that it would be impossible to
successfully document all that God has done this past year (Just ask the writers
of the gospels. They could attest to how difficult this was to do, as well.).
As far as I’m
concerned 2013 is done. It has now fallen into yesterday and has become another
chapter in our book. Now it’s time for us together to look ahead. It is time
for each of us to reexamine our commitment and count the cost to becoming true
disciples of Jesus Christ in 2014. Blessings!
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