November 18th, 2024
by Shelley Emmons
by Shelley Emmons
For the last 30 years, taking Jesus to neighborhood children, youth, and FAMILIES has been the heartbeat of House of Faith!
While meeting with children and youth has been a weekly part of the ministry for years, we have also tried to reach as many of our (650+) families as possible each year through various avenues such as pool parties, family camps, Christmas parties, and other activities.
But there has ALWAYS been a desire to impact FAMILIES on a more personal and ongoing level; to really walk through life with families by encouraging, equipping, growing together, and teaching them how to make Jesus a priority in their own family.
Two years ago, we decided to try something we had never done before. Instead of trying to start with the more than 650 families we serve, we started with 2 families and 3 staff members and met in 1 home (reminiscent of the very first House of Faith backyard Bible club, starting with 1 school meeting in 1 backyard).
These 2 families committed to meeting together EVERY Tuesday night to share a meal and study God’s Word, and to make their relationship with Christ a priority. We have seen MUCH fruit in the lives of these families.
Fast forward 2 incredible YEARS later! Those 2 couples have now multiplied, and we have turned into a mighty group of between 25-30 who meet weekly! The family photo was from our Thanksgiving potluck meal we shared together last week. The smiles say it all! We ARE FAMILY! And we are walking out this thing called LIFE together, because TOGETHER with JESUS is BETTER!
We have yet another opportunity to reach our FAMILIES in December at our Family Christmas parties, where we will have nearly 2,000 people, lots of food, gifts, and the message of HOPE all of our families need to hear! We CANNOT wait to see what the LORD will do in the lives of our families in the upcoming year(s)! He has done GREAT things! We pray that He will send even MORE families to join our weekly Bible study group, and that the Lord will continue to work in the lives of our children, youth, AND families. It is good to celebrate and give thanks for ALL He is doing!
And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:6-7, NLT)
While meeting with children and youth has been a weekly part of the ministry for years, we have also tried to reach as many of our (650+) families as possible each year through various avenues such as pool parties, family camps, Christmas parties, and other activities.
But there has ALWAYS been a desire to impact FAMILIES on a more personal and ongoing level; to really walk through life with families by encouraging, equipping, growing together, and teaching them how to make Jesus a priority in their own family.
Two years ago, we decided to try something we had never done before. Instead of trying to start with the more than 650 families we serve, we started with 2 families and 3 staff members and met in 1 home (reminiscent of the very first House of Faith backyard Bible club, starting with 1 school meeting in 1 backyard).
These 2 families committed to meeting together EVERY Tuesday night to share a meal and study God’s Word, and to make their relationship with Christ a priority. We have seen MUCH fruit in the lives of these families.
Fast forward 2 incredible YEARS later! Those 2 couples have now multiplied, and we have turned into a mighty group of between 25-30 who meet weekly! The family photo was from our Thanksgiving potluck meal we shared together last week. The smiles say it all! We ARE FAMILY! And we are walking out this thing called LIFE together, because TOGETHER with JESUS is BETTER!
We have yet another opportunity to reach our FAMILIES in December at our Family Christmas parties, where we will have nearly 2,000 people, lots of food, gifts, and the message of HOPE all of our families need to hear! We CANNOT wait to see what the LORD will do in the lives of our families in the upcoming year(s)! He has done GREAT things! We pray that He will send even MORE families to join our weekly Bible study group, and that the Lord will continue to work in the lives of our children, youth, AND families. It is good to celebrate and give thanks for ALL He is doing!
And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:6-7, NLT)
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