Memorial Day - Fellowship Day

This year during our Memorial Day Fellowship Day, Stephen did a Chalk Talk that paralleled the freedom we have in America and the spiritual freedom we can have through Christ.

St. Joseph County 4H Fair

The Amazing Grace booth was at the St. Joseph County 4H Fair again this year. We were able to participate in passing out tracts and witnessing to fairgoers.

Elijah joined us this year and kept Mommy and Daddy busy even when things were slow!

Biblical Dinner at Fellowship and Arborwood

We had the exciting opportunity to participate in biblical dinners at Fellowship Baptist Church and at the Arborwood Retirement Apartments. These dinners are designed to give one the experience of what it was like to eat together during Christ's time. Eating a meal back then was very different from how we eat today!

For one thing, tables were low to the floor, and guests had to recline.

Hands and pita bread were the only utensils used. Slightly messy, but still delicious!

At Arborwood, we used tables at regular heights since several participants were in wheelchairs. They also enjoyed utensils.

The significance of the biblical dinners was not just to experience a new and exciting way of eating. We also learned the significance of breaking bread together. To "break bread" with someone is to say, "You are my friend. I love you. I will die for you" and with an enemy, "I forgive you." When Christ broke bread at the Last Supper and when he declared that he was the Bread of Life, he was declaring the amazing depth and sacrifice of his love for his disciples and for the world.

The Armor of God

Stephen presented a message on the armor of God recently. He used his replica of Roman armor as an object lesson.

Using a good-natured volunteer, Stephen demonstrated how the Roman armor richly illustrates Ephesians 6. One thing was made very clear - we cannot put on nor carry the armor in our own strength. Stephen's volunteer was dripping with sweat and very ready for a break by the time Stephen had every piece of armor on him!

Chinese New Year Party

This past week, we were thrilled to help with a Chinese New Year Party and outreach along with the Chu and Giegerich Family.

We distributed posters and fliers similar to this one. We thank the Lord for about 25 Chinese people who ended up coming.

We had lots of good food!

We had a time of singing and special music.

Evelyn's father shared in Chinese and English the etymology of the Chinese characters 年 (year) and 福 (blessed). Both have amazing spiritual and Biblical parallels in their modern and historical forms. He concluded with a clear presentation of the Gospel.

We prepared special traditional New Year 紅包 (Red Envelopes) for each of the guests. Inside of each one was a Gospel tract, a bookmark featuring the Chinese character 福 (blessed), and a penny pressed with the 10 Commandments.

We also gave Chinese New Testaments to anyone that did not already have one.

Please pray that God would work in the lives of each Chinese person present, and that he would continue to give us opportunity to minister and reach out to the precious Chinese people.