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Not sure how to really understand all that God (ONLY GOD) is doing.
Being at the mall has been a blessing in more ways than I can name.
I know lots of people miss Brush Prairie and that is completely fair. As the dust settles for the mall, our intentions are to begin a new campus at Brush Prairie that will most likely be a video venue with some live teaching. I have no other details, except to say we not only want to do this, it seems we will need to do this.
There have been literally hundreds and hundreds of new guests that have come since we opened the campus on Easter.
Because the venue is so large and can seat close to 1700, we dropped the 1:00 PM service the week after Easter. But because the 11:00 AM service had over 1700 people (the week after Easter), we had to add back the 1:00 PM service this last weekend, and with no signs or advertising, only word of mouth and an email, we had over 600 people at 1:00 PM last weekend.
Kidsworld rocks! Finally we have space to really serve our children. Thanks to the team, you are doing so amazing. The face painting artist was a good last minute addition for the kids last weekend. At one point there was a line that was over an hour.
The word is incremental changes. Each week we want to begin to add some things, change some things and serve the community better. IT IS A PROCESS. The magnitude of the project is so overwhelming. Please pray for the teams as we serve the people that God is bringing to our newest campus.
We will have some staff move offices to the mall this and next week. The goal is to have the doors open every hour the mall is open. AND, to have people there to talk with, greet, pray with and answer any questions. If you want to volunteer to be part of this team, email dondit@livinghopechurch.com.
Youth leadership is discussing right now options for both High School, Middle School and College services (locations, days, etc.)
LOTS to think about. Here is our reality. Please hear my heart. Living Hope exists to passionately, authentically and simply help people know and follow Jesus. There could be no better opportunity than where we are at in the epicenter of Clark County. To love and serve this community is what we are about. To help people know Jesus is all that matters. Hundreds of new people are coming, and many are finding their way back to the arms of God. It is so cool. Our attendance at the mall in 2 weeks (not counting Easter) has increased by over 1000 people. We are where we need to be. Please understand there are many campuses you can connect to if the mall isn't working for you personally, but please realize our focus is not and cannot be about primarily our comfort or convenience. We cannot drift in our mission. We have to be about reaching people. We will be about reaching people. God will be glorified. God has opened a tremendous door. We need everyone to help. Come and serve if you can.
I pray as we begin a new series called "Mr and Mrs" that we can each week take one principle and begin to apply it to our lives. This week we talked about moving our marriages from ME to WE. I believe WE is less about two and more about three. Ephesians 5:21 provides the necessary foundation for ALL relationsips: "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." Work this week on focusing on meeting the needs of each other. It will change everything.
Next week we will talk about learning to fight fair, learning to communicate and to talk in a way that brings the connection and intimacy we all want. I love this series. I love that students can come and learn about relationships. I love that singles can gain perspective as they begin to allow God to lead their future. I love that God's word is timeless truth.
Looking forward to seeing everyone. If you have time to help, we are moving offices this week.
God is so good to us and when I share, especially numbers, they are only for you to have a picture of what God is doing. Please know that in my heart and the heart of our leaders and staff, we all will labor knowing that God is the ONLY ONE who gets the glory.
He is doing a new thing Living Hope. Let's walk together in it.
John
PS
We really are having to replace lots of equipment with the mall location and if you can donate specifically toward that please do so.
ALSO, this next weekend Starfield will be leading worship at the mall. And there will be a concert at Brush Prairie. Awesome days.
Anyone can view this Nykky | April 23rd The Mall Campus is great! I wish I was there more! I was there for all Easter services as a section host and am now there every Saturday as a section host and help with "Easy Worship" at the Downtown Campus on Sundays. My boyfriend does security for all services at the mall and is there tonight for security at the girls event. From six months ago, to now, my boyfriend and I have done a 360 with our lives (which includes being baptized Jan 31st). I thank you, Living Hope Church and God for that change. We can only move forward from this point on...ONLY GOD. |
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 Shannon Galford | April 23rd So proud of you guys. Wish I could be there to see all the awesome things God is doing through Living Hope but know that I am praying for you John and Living Hope down here in California. Love you! |
Brian Clift | April 21st Hi John, my wife and I are christians and were on our own little outreach in Cabo San Lucas last week and ran into some other christians there. We ministered together and they told us about you, Prais the Lord. We will be going back again. Dios te bendiga, su hermano en Jesus, Brian. |
 Pastor John | April 19th Thanks Rod for all you have done bro. You are amazing. Lisa, thanks for having Grace on the cameras this weekend. I was a bit afraid when I started talking about cats..... :) Julie thanks for your dedication and your prayers. You are a prayer warrior and it blesses so many. Heather. I am so glad to see you connecting and love your ministry. Would love to talk about partnering. You are quite the leader. Thanks for your encouragement and for YOUR HEART. See everyone this weekend. LOVE THE MALL. LOVE THE OPEN DOORS.. Love Jesus. |
rod evans | April 19th These are great times for the grace of God to reach the hearts of the needy. You are on the right track to continue to follow the heart of God, and where He leads you to present His truths. Keep on the course, even if it means we all might have a little further to travel, that is nothing compared to eternity. |
Lisa | April 19th One word for you, PJ: awesomesauce. I normally can't stand the mall, but LOVE having the services there. You know why? BECAUSE WE CAN REACH MORE PEOPLE. Soooo many campuses around the local area... I hope that those who don't like the large size of the mall will seek out a campus and get involved in a more intimate area. And btw...there's a store next to the Starbucks in the mall that does AMAZING AMAZING seated massages... $20 for 20min. Freakin' KILLER....let me tell you, it was WONDERFUL. |
Kay Butler | April 19th I think the new Mall location is awesome! What a way to reach out to those that need the Lord. Someone asked me "Why the mall?" I said "Why not!" This is an especially great place to reach youth as the mall is where they hang out. Living Hope is a blessing to my family and to the community! |
Randy B. | April 19th A great harvest is the Fathers heart. All peoples are invited. I will continue in deep, private, & continual prayer for you good shepherd. My hope is Michelle will be joining you in teaching. Her Christ like love for the flock is profound and genuine. Your love for us is great too. |
Julie LaFountain | April 19th Starfield tickets are available on their wedsite. http://www.starfieldonline.com/ |
Aimee Lockwood | April 19th Pastor John, I want to thank you for your words, God is blessing you and the church so much. I feel HE is blessing my family and I as well. I have known God since birth and have always loved HIM. Through your words and the openness of the church family I am feeling closer to God every week. My husband and I have been with your church going on 3 years and we can't imagine not being a part of it. Thank you again and Praise God :) |
Heather Radu | April 19th I am blown away by what God is doing at the mall. My mom,sister and sister and law came with me this week. I want to be more involved in ministry as a volunteer on some level. I would love to get together and talk to you when you have time. I am available anytime as I am working from home. We have over 18 mission trips scheduled so far this year to Guatemala. I would love for living hope to have a team come down. I would love to see you be on that team preaching to the people in the garbage dump,ghetto (home to 65,000 people), and womens prison. We have current ministries in all three areas. Your a blessing, Heather |
