Church Plants - Arizona

Ray Strauss, pastor of The Church at Sun Valley in Arizona, sent this update:

Friends,

Thank you so much for your prayers! It is with awesome privilege that I joyfully report to you that Sunday we had our “dress rehearsal” in preparation for our community launch this coming Sunday. Last Sunday we met with our core families and neighbors and had 35 people, most whom are not believers. Out of the 35, the decision cards were marked as follows:

4 recommitments: ( I personally believe these were professions of faith and will learn more after follow-up)

8 desiring to attend our new members class and become members of the church

6 interested in child dedication (there are a lot of babies!)

1 feeling called into the ministry (specifically youth, we need one of those!) *He is also the community coordinator for the developer and as the official coordinator, he inquired if the church is willing to partner together on community projects and activities, i.e., they provide the funding and the church provides the, direction, activities, and people. God is up to something there!

7 desiring to serve in any capacity

3 desiring discipleship to grow in their commitment and relationship with Christ!

We are so humbled and excited at what God is doing here. FBCE family, we thank you so much for your prayers and support! Lives are being changed and a genuine sense of excitement and expectancy is building in the community around the church and what God is doing. The church is becoming the “community hub and go-to place” for people to learn what is going on and what there is to do.

With the birth of the community, God is teaching people how to be caring neighbors, good friends, and kingdom citizens. We have fastened our seat belts because the Lord is doing something so powerful in our midst. One day people will say, "What is it about Festival Ranch that is drawing people there?" The answer is simple: “When Christ is lifted up, all people will be drawn to Him!”

Lastly, I heard that you all prayed for us in the middle of your service Sunday! Thank you!!! The unity and kindred, sweet spirit that permeated our service was no doubt helped by your prayers! Pray for us this week as we hand out door hangers inviting every family and resident in our community to church this Sunday! We fully and confidently expect great and mighty things from our awesome God this Sunday!

Grace and peace,
Your missionaries,

Ray Strauss and Daniel Scott
The Church at Sun Valley - Your other family!