"The strain and pressure to abide by traditional religious forms all begin to pale in importance as we function in faith as the people of God who glorify His Name and honor His Presence." ~ A. W. Tozer
It's been almost twelve years since we started attending Cornerstone Christian Church (CCC). We served there as if there was no tomorrow. Tim served as a deacon -with a term as the chairman of the board. He preached and led small group bible studies, Sunday school, and special events such as Easter, Christmas Eve Services, Family Fest, etc. I helped in the Women's and Children's ministries. For many years our whole family spent our Sunday evenings serving in AWANA Club. In addition to all that, my children were all involved in Children's Church, and Youth Group as helpers. Brahms regularly played in the Youth Band and now he is the Band Leader in Training. Those are the only ones I can remember at the moment. In other words we were heavily involved as a family. There is no slacking in the Lewis house when it comes to serving at our local church.
In the midst of all that involvement with Cornerstone, God has allowed us to venture in directions that were not within the boundaries of our plans. About six months ago, we came across a newly planted church - Folsom Community Church (FCC). We saw a great need there. Hence we decided to encourage the workers by being available to help them. Tim helped in preaching and planning along with the other leaders. He also helped with music along with Brahms and Miriam. Helen volunteered to help with the children.
The experience is refreshing. We felt that the amount of resources (energy, time, etc.) we invested at FCC made a huge difference. And that is a good thing! However, at a certain point it became challenging to maintain conflicting commitments between the two congregations.
With that in mind and for the sake of excellence of service, we asked Cornerstone to commission us to go serve at FCC for a year. We believe that this step will expand CCC's influence through our family and promote brotherhood between the CCC and FCC. This is our mission for the year 2012.
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
~ Acts 1:8 NIV
Folsom is our Jerusalem. God commanded us to also go beyond into Judea and Samaria. However, because of modern transportation and the lure of better living, some Judeans and Samarians have moved to Jerusalem. FCC's goal is to reach the Filipino communities around the area and we want to be part of that! Who knows what we will be led to do again next year, but it's all exciting. May the God Almighty, who is our ultimate boss, find pleasure in what we are doing.
