Another First

Experienced the first EASTER SUNDAY service at the new Community Worship Service this past Sunday.  I was very anxious and excited all at the same time.  It's a big day in reaching out to the community. The whole weekend was tremendous!

The weekend started off with a damper literally because Saturday's car wash for the community was postponed due to the rain.  But it was awesome to see a group of people come out to walk around the neighborhood and deliver invite cards to the Easter Sunday service.  The team went out in prayer and faith.  Realize the teams went out house-to-house walking in a steady and strong rain.  The rain couldn't stop this.  400 homes around the church received invite cards.  (FYI: car wash is set for this Saturday 4/30 @ 11 am). 

Sunday morning arrives and God just proved again that He is doing something.  The actual service was unique in that a drama presentation was the main message.  The young men and women in it did a wonderful job in preparing and executing with such passion.  It was powerful and moving.  Then we spend some time in prayer and worship.  Lives came to the altar to give their heart to the Lord, get a fresh start, healing, and prayer!  To see people crying out to God and to be able to pray with them was a blessing. 

For a newly planted service, we've averaged 37 people in attendance and 2 first time visitors weekly.  This Sunday we had 57 people in attendance and 4 first time visitors.  A young lady who came alone last week, came back this Sunday with her husband and two children.  One lady came because of the invite card in her mailbox.  Two other gentlemen came from personal invites from their friends. 

These are the kind of days you love to have.  Not just people there but the presence of God and the power of the Holy Spirit experienced first hand by so many.  Come check us out one week.  We'd love to see you there!

Enjoy The Ride,

Cecil

SPECIAL EASTER SERVICE

What Does Easter Sunday Really Mean?

Come check out the answer with your family and friends on

Sunday, April 24th @ 9:30 AM for a special Easter service.

In the 1-Hour service you'll experience a SPECIAL DRAMA PRESENTATION and take some time to pray for whatever needs you have in your life.

Jesus really can change EVERYTHING!

If you have any questions, please contact us via:

Email: info@firstcog.com

Find us on Facebook: FIRST CHURCH OF GOD

Twitter: REMIXITUP

Be blessed and we look forward to meeting you!

His Arrival Is Just The Beginning

I was reading John chapter 11 and something really spoke to me and hope it blesses you...

As soon as Martha heard Jesus arrived in town, she didn't wait for Him to get to their house, but she went out to meet Him where He was.  This lady was bold.  She basically blamed His late arrival for her brother's death.  Not only that but she also turned this "problem" into His problem by stating that God the Father could do whatever He the Son asked for.  Her declaration of faith is the turning point in this miracle.

LIFE APPS

1. Don't settle for the small wins. 
If you see God starting to move onto the scene of your life, He's just arrived on the scene.  As in this story, the miracle didn't take place when He arrived.  Don't be satisfied with His arrival at the outskirts of town OR life but dare to get out of the comforts of your "home" and meet Him where He's at so that our entire life is transformed.  If we see Him answering one prayer request, don't rest on the laurels of that victory, and relax thinking He'll just take care of everything else in one shot.  Continue to seek Him out thru prayer, worship, and fellowship.

2. Be bold to tell Jesus what's in your heart. 
The hurts, pains, desires, crazy dreams, etc... He wants to hear it from you even though He knows everything already.  Dare to dream big dreams.  Dare to be different in living a godly life in obedience to Him so that He can answer us! 

3. The full miracle awaits your commitment to Him.
If you boldly go after Him consistently and continuously, the complete miracle will be seen in your life.  Your soul, health, mindset, relationships, finances, career, education, family, and all that makes up you will be a new creation of Jesus.  He will totally transform your life From The Inside Out: http://youtu.be/DP_Ry7yrYxY.  As it says, "My heart and my soul, I give You control.  Consume me from the inside out Lord."

Have a blessed week! 

Enjoy the Ride,

Cecil

New Service Plant's Missions Miracle

Couple of weeks off from writing ... Quick recap since last post:

Missions Possible Sunday @ Community Worship Service of First COG.  Let's just say it is a God-thing!

The ushers took the offering and quickly counted so we can inform the congregation of what they were able to do for missions.  We announced $2K or so immediately.  That was a great number for a new service plant's inaugural missions offering from a congregation of about 50 people.  But I guess God wasn't done.  The team went upstairs to do a more elaborate count and realized actually there was a lot more offered and pledged.  After the "recount", the new amount was $8000.  All of us sitting around the table counting the money and cards, just were in amazement.  "You've got to be kidding me!" is what I remember saying/thinking!  God is definitely moving in different ways!  And He isn't done yet, because more people has stated they will be supporting.  Thank God for everyone and all that He is doing!

The missions team had identified certain persons and project to support:
A) Ann Vadakottu - Missionary to Guatemala ... work with children at an orphanage.  She is a full-time missionary going for 1 year to Guatemala.  Her dream is to minister in India.

B) NF - - Serving in Middle East ... work with women and children.  She is going to serve for 3 years. 

C) Japan Disaster Relief - via Church of God World Missions.  Bring essential aide to the cities ravaged by the earthquake and tsunami.

Please keep these people and project and all in the missions field in your prayers!

Enjoy The Ride,

Cecil