GPS Update from First Southern Baptist Church,Sanger

This update comes from Pastor Chuck Antaramian:

We had 15 people meet at the church and we prayer-walked several of the new housing developments that have sprung up in Sanger in the last few years. We estimate that in the nine sections we prayer-walked we covered approximately 1500 homes.


The event was encouraging as a few people got to talk to people in the neighborhoods and one family said they would be at our Sunrise service. It was also interesting to see a church of another denomination going door to door giving out invitations to their church.

We will be stuffing our 1500 outreach packets tonight and preparing to go out Saturday with a special invitation to attend Easter services at FSBC Sanger.

His servant and yours,

Chuck Antaramian

GPS Update from First Baptist Church, Oakhurst

This update comes from Pastor Richard Cavoretto:

At First Baptist Church of Oakhurst, we planned for 1,000 door hangers to cover a radious of 1 mile around our church. We have many members who are elderly and a neighborhood that is hilly with a lot of steep, long driveways. Most homes are spread out. We decided to combine the prayer walk with the distribution of the flyers. We also decided to strertch it out over the whole week to give our folks some flexability. This Saturday we distributed about a third of our goal. My partner and I spent three hours. 8 individuals have volunteered to be prayer-walkers-flyer-distributers. We have included a card in each bag inviting the public to a 9:00 a.m. "Late Risers Sunrise Service" which will include a skit and family freindly message. It will be followed by a continental breeakfast. Our 10:45 service will have some special music and a special evangelistic message. Children's church will also be special with a traditional egg hunt.




Blessings,

GPS Update from Oakview Baptist Church, Auberry

This update comes from Pastor Dale Fink:

As a rural, low home density area of the foothills, and with an older congregation, we chose to gather strategically in one home each of the 3 dominantly populated areas near the church; Prather, Auberry and Tollhouse Sunday afternoon. We had a potluck following the Baptist credo- where 2 or more are gathered they shall eat. Then we prayed for our neighbors by streets and named those we know that are unsaved. This went off well in 2 of the 3 locations where there were 10+ adults each.


For those that are applying themselves, this is a great way to connect, pray and advance the message of Jesus Christ.

Thanks,

In the Lord,

Dale Fink

GPS Update from Sierra Heights Baptist Church

This update comes from Pastor Bill Steele:

We had about 30 participate in the event. Because many of our members are “mobility challenged” we combined prayer walking with “drive-by” prayer and bicycle prayer. We broke our church zip code area into 11 sub-areas and assigned 2-3 people to cover each area. Some observations:


1. Helped us to see up close and personal the houses that contain the homes of families in our immediate area. Each house was different, some well kept, some neglected, some abandoned. This is similar to the spiritual lives of people, well balanced, neglected, and empty!

2. Some, after explaining what they were doing, prayed with individuals they met along the way. They were well received and encouraged.

3. Most realized that this prayer time was more for us than for the community. God changes us when we get out on the streets!

4. Momentum is building as we look forward to seeing what God is up to in our area. Having spent Sunday evenings discussing prayer, and praying in small groups for our area – we feel that the real work is on the Holy spirit to draw and call people into the body. Our efforts should be focused on getting ready to receive them.

Bill Steele – Sierra Heights

Haiti Disaster Relief Update

To: Mid-Valley Churches and Friends

From: Rich Johnstone, DOM

Southern Baptists have a Disaster Relief infrastructure that is in place and ready to mobilize. Don Hargis leads the effort on behalf of California Southern Baptists. See Don's initial report. Don is the point person in coordinating people and resources to respond to crises like the disastrous 7.0 quake in Haiti. International relief organizations welcome and respect Southern Baptists as significant partners in responding to crisis needs. Jesus Christ is honored by ministering in His name.

Florida Baptist Convention is taking the lead in this disaster relief effort. Jacksonville Baptist Association has had a close, ongoing relationship with believers in Haiti for the last 12 years. Their orphanage facility is being used as a staging area for relief efforts. Follow their blog for latest updates.

ACTION POINTS:

First, make people aware of the magnitude of the need.

Second, mobilize the church for a major prayer emphasis.

Third, make financial gifts. The 70 Mid-Valley churches can make a significant impact by receiving an initial offering this Sunday, Jan. 17. Assure your congregation that 100% given will go directly to CSBC Disaster Relief. Two options for giving:

1. All Checks Sent to the Mid-Valley Association for "Haiti Earthquake" will be directed to CSBC Disaster Relief. (mail to: MVSBA, 825 W Ashlan Ave. #101, Clovis, 93612)
2. Give online directly to CSBC Disaster Relief.

Fourth, GO. There will be a phase in the relief efforts when volunteer groups will be welcomed. Check back with Don Hargis to learn about these opportunities.