Island Grace Church Update, Spring 2014 Dear Supporters of Island Grace, “They made their hearts diamond-hard lest they should hear the law and the words that the Lord of hosts had sent by His spirit through the former prophets” (Zechariah 7:12). That is an amazing assessment of the ones to whom we are called to preach the Gospel. It is a good reminder that our constant, ceaseless position should be on our knees pleading with the Spirit of God to go before us to soften these hearts that there may be an open door for the Good News in their souls. And it is reminder that if anyone surrenders to Christ it is by the merciful sovereign God who grants repentance. We truly appreciate you being on your knees with us, pleading for saving grace in the work we do in Hawaii. It is my joy to report that there continues to be growth in the number of people being discipled at Island Grace. Our heart is to make disciples of Christ (Matthew 28:18-20) as He has commanded and, through that, see Christ build His church. We are seeing Gospel growth in these lives as individuals learn what it means to humble themselves, forgive, love those different than they, release guilt, serve the body, and meet needs, all in the name and for the glory of Christ. It is encouragement and affirmation to this young church to see members walking in a manner worthy of their calling (and continuing to grow in this walk). Speaking of which, at the beginning of 2014 we accepted our first church members. We rejoice that 35 brothers and sisters are the first members of Island Grace Church. There is certainly a different feel here now that these individuals share ownership of this ministry and have committed to grow, serve, and worship in it. Please pray as we seek to multiply into a second home group very soon. There is more than enough people, but we are waiting on God’s time for the leadership and training aspects to be just right. The home group is another aspect of discipleship for us where life-on-life ministry can take place, as well as outreach and fellowship. It has been a precious opportunity for members of our church to get to know one another and care for one another. In July we are having our first family camp on the North Shore. Again, this will be a tremendous opportunity for our church to strengthen our relationships with Christ and with one another and to pray for fruitfulness. We are coming up on our 5th year together and the Lord is building a tremendous ministry team, which I pray the Lord will use into the next 5 years. On a personal note, Lirio and I are doing fine. Lir’s health continues to improve, though she is still seeing a doctor once a week for treatment. Thank you for your prayers for her. Brandon has started an internship in San Francisco having just finished his sophomore year at Cal State Maritime Academy in Vallejo. Marjory is graduating from high school in a couple of weeks and is deciding on a college soon. Sam continues to outgrow us all and enjoyed his freshman year on the wrestling and volleyball teams at Mililani High School. As many of you who serve in churches know, the odds are tremendously stacked against us on our own. We cannot break hearts of diamond. We cannot save one soul. We can, in fact, do nothing apart from Him! So please pray for us, as we pray for you, that your preaching and your ministry will not be in vain; that His Spirit will go before us and bring a harvest for the sake of His name. May this exalt Christ. Yours in Him, Ray Palompo Pastor of Island Grace Church Mililani, Hawaii
Posted on: Fri, 09 May 2014 23:17:32 +0000
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