Christmas like never before

The local church matters. The local church is important. There is nothing like the local church when it starts to operate in the power of the Holy Spirit. There is nothing like the local church when it intentionally pushes out of the four walls. I love how the Lord can use us as a catalyst to start something we couldn't expect. Our connections and conversations with people matter. Living life intentionally choosing and going against isolation brings opportunities for us to encounter Christ and for others to do the same.

First, supplying Christmas couldn't have happened without so many people. As always, City Church, our home church came alongside us and deployed their people to meet the needs of the families living in the apartment complex we had been praying for. If you've been reading the other event/outreach blogs, you'll know that these families are incredibly familiar with us. You will also know that we had been praying for an open door into these apartments and a year before the Lord opened the door.

Not only did we supply Christmas to families, but we also invited them into the church. Typically, our events we have pushed in to their places, but this time we hosted a small party, and arranged transportation to bring them into the church.

• We couldn't have done this without the body of City Church and their resources.
  

The party at the church was a huge success. We had a photo booth, played games, and we had an opportunity to share the love of Jesus. The Santa suit was used again, and this time it was David Steward. We ate pancakes and had a dance party. Decorated ornaments. The kids matter so much.

A few days before Christmas Eve we dropped the gifts off to all the homes. One of the moms welcomed my friend and I into her apartment and we gladly accepted the invitation (When doors open to share the gospel you always go through them. We need you to go through them). We listened to her share some challenges and we had the opportunity to pray for her. It was Holy and important. Seeds were planted and we trust the Lord for her growth and next steps. Maybe we get to be a part of them and maybe we don't. Just be obedient to the one and present thing.

We got to set-up a Christmas tree in someone's apartment. Sometimes places can be heavy. I am thankful for the ones who come with us to be a covering. There's a reason we go together.