The ministry has seen growth not just in numbers (we now host an 8:45 and 10:30 service to help with parking and seating) but in ministry participation. We have recently finished a sermon series on Christian Habits. Families were excited to share steps they need to take in their personal walk with God and to share encouragement received to faithfully continue steps that they are currently walking such as faith; prayer and Bible reading; and church attendance and use of spiritual gifts.
The youth ministry has been encouraged to see an after-school outreach to a local school grow. Teens are welcomed to participate in the youth center after school. Here they can receive help with tutoring if needed, play various games together, and of course, have a time of preaching and Christian fellowship. They stay until the Wednesday Bible study, and we are excited to see fruit grow from this.
Our new members class routinely has participants desiring to discover specifically what Desert Hills believes and our philosophy of bringing Christ to the community. Through this we have seen families come to Christ and follow the Lord in believer’s baptism and from there enter into various small groups.
Two more areas of excitement are the ladies Bible study, which meets twice a month and the children’s church. The ladies Bible study continues to thrive and they truly come together to learn of Christ in a deeper way. The children’s church participants are excited to learn more about missions. They weekly learn what missionaries do and how children help their families while on a foreign field. They will be sending Christmas items this year to missionary children of similar age and are excited to be personally involved.
A couple of areas for prayer would be for God’s continued protection and unity; finances to complete an extended parking area; prayer for pastor’s family; and for families to continue to be rooted in Christ. We covet your prayers and fully understand the power they bring. Thank you for caring about our ministry here in Arizona and know that we pray for your ministry as well.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_images picture_size=”auto” hover_type=”none” autoplay=”yes” columns=”2″ column_spacing=”13″ scroll_items=”” show_nav=”yes” mouse_scroll=”no” border=”yes” lightbox=”yes” class=”” id=””][fusion_image link=”” linktarget=”_self” image=”https://bcpusa.org/wp-content/uploads/Nightime-church.jpg” alt=””/][fusion_image link=”” linktarget=”_self” image=”https://bcpusa.org/wp-content/uploads/P1010108.jpg” alt=””/][fusion_image link=”” linktarget=”_self” image=”https://bcpusa.org/wp-content/uploads/P1010069.jpg” alt=””/][fusion_image link=”” linktarget=”_self” image=”https://bcpusa.org/wp-content/uploads/P1000932.jpg” alt=””/][fusion_image link=”” linktarget=”_self” image=”https://bcpusa.org/wp-content/uploads/P1010359.jpg” alt=””/][fusion_image link=”” linktarget=”_self” image=”https://bcpusa.org/wp-content/uploads/P1010372.jpg” alt=””/][/fusion_images][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
