02 April 2007

ICoS First Anniversary

God is good. The Igreja de Cristo o Salvador celebrated its one year anniversary April 1, 2007. There were 102 in attendance, including Riverchase’s very own Brothers Dewayne Spivey and Ron Jackson and our sister in Christ, Carol Echols from Cullman. Matt preached on practical ways that we can, “Fear the Lord and keep his commandments” as Solomon writes at the end of all wisdom in Ecclesiastes. We were honored that Dewayne led us in communion and Ron worded the closing prayer, both translated by our teammate Travis Sass. We made some new contacts that some of our members brought with them, as well as saw faces we had not seen for a while. Our first anniversary was already a time of celebrating what God has done in the city of Salvador through this church he has called us to help plant here and a time to call some back to communion with this growing body of Christ.
After the worship service, we had an American potluck done the Brazilian way. During the lunch, some of our members were given the opportunity to share with everyone what being a part of ICoS has meant to them. People shared everything from their blessing of being married surrounded by this family of Christ to finding new friends who have encouraged them in their walk with Christ. It does not seem that the day could have been any better.
What a blessing it was to have Ron, Dewayne, and Carol with us for a few days but that time was too short. We were encouraged by their love for us, their affirmation of the work we are doing, and their willingness to struggle with us through some of the questions that we face on a weekly basis just as a result of working in the service of our King. We thank God that he brought them to us and got them back home safely to you. To God be the glory.

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