We know and have seen how God works in seasons and surely we are seeing a season of increase this year here at N4C. Having served through this ministry for almost ten years now, I know that we have been through many ups and downs. Some of you were there with us and some may have missed themThe many challenging times tend to stick out in our memories and tend to bring us discouragement and doubt but God works in seasons. Psalms 30:5 says “weeping may endure for the night but joy comes in the morning.”

Summer is yet to be over but I will say that it has been a wonderful ride.Allow me to recount the good times… Earlier this year, our pastor told us of his desire to do a community outreach project. This project was realized in May when we opened up our doors and fed the community.Through this project, we saw increase. Everyone in our church family rallied to meet the needs. God was in the midst mobilizing groups of people to gather equipments, manpower, food and even music. Throughout the day, people of different kinds and backgrounds responded and came.All were thankful and appreciative and some even returned the next day for our Sunday service.I have to say “not bad” for a first time project of its kind.

Then in June we held our very first Sports Festival.For four Saturdays in the month of June we meet, competed and rejoiced with one another in different sports.I recall having to play softball in the middle of the rain; having to compete with people at the church I never had a chance to mingle with.Memories of loud cheering and teasing are still in my mind.What a wonderful time.One may think what has sports got to do with spiritual growth but on the contrary regular interactions can prove to be helpful in building one another spiritually.This project showed increase in leadership and camaraderie. Bridges of friendships were built – “Not bad!” for a first time project of its kind.

In July we held another outreach program targeting the children.We held PowerLab VBS in one entire week.This was something I was apprehensive to do because of the difficulty of having to teach everyday.But I remembered a preacher saying. If you are afraid of doing something for God, do it afraid and that’s exactly how we did this project.We anticipated 50 kids and around 70 kids showed up.A mixture of emotions came over me.One is fear coz I’ve never done this and the other is joy saying “thank you Lord for answering our prayers”.I have no words to describe the fun and excitement on the children’s faces.All I know is that I was seeing increase not only in there numbers but in their personal relationship with Jesus.Thursday night was particularly moving, when the kids knelt at the cross and prayed the sinner’s prayers. There is also increase in the dedication and service of every volunteer.I saw tired bodies with smiling faces and thankful spirits in everyone. Not bad for a first time project of its kind!

We are living out August and embracing the current VBS program Crocodile Dock. I cant wait to see what increase will God do in my life and the life of everyone involve.Im sure there will be challenges but I know that those challenging moments will also pass.This summer has truly been fun.Not the usual picnics at the park, fire works and playing out in the sun but one that is filled with times of increase.I cant wait for what God will do in the coming season!

Ecclisiastes 3:1