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‘A Front Row Seat’ at Introducing God
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In the fall of 2009, I found myself fresh out of college with loads of unscheduled time. God had been working in my heart in the area of evangelism, largely due to the influence of Jon Smith, who is now leading the OneU campus ministry at University of Maryland, College Park. I’d really been struck by Jesus’ commission in Matthew 28 to “make disciples of all nations.” As I prayed about ways to evangelize, I recalled the amazing opportunity we have at Covenant Life Church through the Introducing God course.
There were many things that struck me as I led a discussion group. I was reminded that our guests are not projects that we target with the gospel, but real people I could begin loving, listening to, and sharing the love of Christ with. And yes, they do need the saving message of the gospel, since those who haven’t trusted in Christ for salvation are under God’s wrath. I was amazed as I watched God work in hearts, and humbled as I saw that it often had to do with God’s timing and not my “eloquent speech.” This drove me to pray more often and with more fervency. It’s funny how much more real and “alive” prayers can become when you’re thrown into a situation that you can’t control. God is the one who saves, and the only one who can change hearts. This truth resulted in much joy and confidence as I lead the group. I found myself praying even during the group times.
Not only was I humbled, but I learned how to listen better, love better, and pray more. And as I saw God work in the group, my faith grew. One girl in my group got saved in the first couple of weeks. He gave her a hunger for his Word, and she came to the point where she believed. Another guy in the group was quieter, but at the overnight (a weekend mini-retreat that’s part of Introducing God), he professed faith in Christ as well. Another is now a friend, is seeking to understand the gospel, and has come to Covenant Life many times since. I’m praying God will open his eyes. I’ve also heard countless testimonies from those whom God saved at the overnight; it was a sweet time of seeing the Spirit at work.
Finally, I was amazed at how God worked in me. I don’t normally expect to be the beneficiary when I go somewhere to “serve,” but I learned so much from the guests, from the teachings by Mark and Robin, and from working with my group.
If you have a hunger for evangelism and are trying to find a way to get a kick-start, try serving in IG. If you don’t have a desire to evangelize, come serve in IG and watch God grow you in this area. If you don’t have the time to commit to serving in IG, please pray for our volunteers and guests.
In John 3 God tells Nicodemus that he must be born again to enter the kingdom of God. Only God can bring the new birth, so let’s pray that he will do this in the lives of many who enter the doors of Covenant Life Church! God calls us all to evangelism, and IG is one way you can evangelize alongside other Christians, learn from them, and get a front row seat to how God is using this church to powerfully spread his gospel!
—Andrew “Ace” Leyva
August 18 2010 at 11:55 am
Serving Our Neighbors Across the Road
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In a continuing effort to bring a gospel witness to the community immediately surrounding Covenant Life Church, a number of church members have begun a weekly ministry to the Laytonia community. Laytonia is the small, largely self-contained community right across Muncaster Mill Road from the church building.
According to one resident, a Laytonia homeowner for over 40 years, the community used to be an upscale neighborhood of single-family homes. However, through the years, with the progression of extensive development throughout the Gaithersburg area, Laytonia slowly declined to become a socially and economically distressed neighborhood.
But there is reason for optimism. A homeowners association is in place and is increasingly active to take measures to improve the neighborhood. In God’s providence Covenant Life member and staffer Joe Moorman was recently appointed as the president of the HOA.
Covenant Life has sought to be a good neighbor to Laytonia in recent years through service projects such as trash pickup days and the renovation of the Laytonia Community Center. In addition, members Peter and Shirley Giglio have been actively serving the children and families of the community through a weekly boys and girls club.
This summer, Todd Keeler and his family organized a local mission week for the 10:31 Youth Ministry, which included the Laytonia neighborhood. Youth from Covenant Life spent time interacting with children in a Vacation Bible School-type setting, bonds were formed, and God was clearly at work in numerous ways.
On the final day of the outreach, about 15 children from Laytonia crossed Muncaster Mill Road and entered Covenant Life’s facility for the first time in their lives. They enjoyed a building tour, played some games, and heard a brief gospel message. At the conclusion we asked, “How many of you would like to learn more about the Savior, Jesus Christ?” To our delight, every one raised their hands!
Since that week, Covenant Life members have continued to pray for and plan ways to serve the Laytonia community. Since mid-July a number of members, young and old(er), have been reaching out on Tuesday afternoons. A typical gathering includes playing games like football, soccer and four square. One Tuesday a water balloon toss turned into a water balloon fight! Youth including Jenna Fourney and Katie and Alexis Ambrose have been organizing crafts, and the kids have come to the community center for Bible teaching more than once. It has been wonderful to see the how attentive they are.
Last week, we played an intense game of kick-ball—Covenant Life vs. Laytonia—and unfortunately, we got trounced 12 - 4! They had some big kickers and swift feet on their team. A rematch is in store for this week.
It has been a delight to connect with this community and to be able to bring the love and light of God’s Word with us. We see God at work through us in this ministry and in us as well.
Looking forward, the plan is to have an ongoing presence in the Laytonia community and to seek to be faithful to the Great Commission in our own back yard. Greg Somerville has already begun a Good News Club in the local elementary school. And plans are being made to offer a reading, writing and math enrichment program for the younger children, a homework club, a mentoring ministry, and to serve the youth in a setting similar to Introducing God.
To find learn more about this ministry or to participate, please contact Drew Garfield or me. We would love to have you join in this venture. For sure, we would appreciate the prayers of God’s people as we look to the Lord to lead and bless this ministry.
August 11 2010 at 1:45 pm
Greeting Team: All Hands On Deck for Week #1
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Greeting and expressing the Savior’s love to our guests is a gospel priority and a wonderful part of our church life. Isn’t it a pleasure to see our guests properly welcomed and cared for each Sunday?
Right now, the Greeting Team is short-handed for the second service in general, particularly for week #1. Church members, please take a moment to prayerfully consider when you can serve, and contact LINK today. Thank you!
August 6 2010 at 11:47 pm
Last Church Picnic of the Summer
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Come out for the last church picnic of the summer on Sunday, August 15, right after second service. Bring the neighbors or an acquaintance. We’ll see you there!
July 31 2010 at 11:26 am
Summer Musical - Five Loaves and Two Fish
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Performances of this year’s summer youth musical take place Friday, August 6, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, August 7, at 2:30 p.m. Students in grades 3 - 8 have been working hard over the past two weeks to learn an original musical based on the feeding of the 5,000 entitled “Five Loaves and Two Fish: A Tale of Divine Catering.” The production includes cast, choir, and orchestra and is directed by Patti Goodling.
Simultaneously, Kristina Johnson has been leading a two-week “mini-musical” camp for children in grades K - 2 that also culminates with the kids performing in the “Five Loaves and Two Fish” musical.
Last year’s performances were a big success. Hope to see you there on August 6 or 7.
July 20 2010 at 10:44 pm
Scott Hall and Team Help Spruce Up at Arlington National Cemetery
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It’s always great to see Covenant Life members being recognized for service to our community. Scott Hall and his landscaping company recently took part in an annual Renewal and Remembrance project at Arlington National Cemetery, and the Frederick News-Post did a nice write-up on the event.
Scott comments: “I visited the cemetery last year and it just struck me that we should be a part of this.”
Read the story at FrederickNewsPost.com.