I'm new Sarpy Campus
CCC Sarpy

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

I'm Amazed

It wasn't more than three weeks ago that I was discouraged. Frustrated and discouraged is more accurate. Frustrated that our numbers were lower than I wanted. [Wow, that looks petty as I type out "than I wanted."] Any way, I was discouraged because the couples and families who visited weren't coming back for a second visit.

I mean, we had a fantastic visitor follow up system in place. Complete with a follow up phone call, email and a hand written note within the week, thanking for them being with us that Sunday.

I asked myself, What more could be done? What else should I do to get visitors to come back?

I was moping around and vented my frustration and discouragement to my wife. After whining for awhile, Terry then asked a very simple question, "Are we praying about it?"

Whoops. Right there I realized I was trying according to my own efforts. I was ignoring the power of God and the work of the Holy Spirit.

So...we started a prayer time during second service.

Since then we had a family visit us because of seeing the flags flying in front of the school and have a dad walk into church after seeing our signs while waiting for his son's football game to start there at Lewis and Clark. We have also seen several families come back for a second and third visit and also get plugged into a Journey Group!

All that said, I'm amazed. I'm amazed at my near sightedness and lack of dependence on God.
I'm also amazed at how God works and the power of prayer.

On the journey of growing and learning,
Steve Walters
stevew@cccomaha.org

posted by Steve Walters at 10:19 AM

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Halloween Hosts...

Last Friday we had a number of families from the Sarpy Campus commit to let them know they care. They demonstrated care with fire pits, mini or full sized candy bars, smiles, costumes and even some cider or hot chocolate for the adults.

I heard a number of stories of how the people from the neighborhoods appreciated the friendliness and creativity of these families. I talked with one family from Sarpy who purchased 200 candy bars and taped a card with information on the ministries and times of services at the Sarpy Campus. Afterwards, the neigbors came over and hung out in their driveway until late into the night.

I couldn't help but think about how this was happening all over Sarpy County and that God was pleased. Pleased that people were meeting neighbors in the neigborhood and blessing them with a smile, sugar and most importantly, hope. I know each host didn't take a soap box and start preaching, but they didn't have to. They preached in a far more effective way. With love and a way to show that they care.

May God continue to give our families caring and creative hearts to reach their neighbors!

On the journey,

Steve Walters
CCC-Sarpy Campus Pastor

posted by Steve Walters at 1:05 PM