| This past Sunday it was great to have the Carpenter family with us in worship again. Brad and Chelsea have carried on—and expanded upon—the mission field in Rwanda, Africa, and our church has had a special connection with the Thomas family, Molly De La Cerda, and now the Carpenters since the mid-1990s as they’ve ministered in Rwanda and in surrounding countries. We’ve supported these families, we’ve sent several teams of both students and adults to visit them, and we’ve hosted them when they’re back in the States as they update us on ministry and raise further support. Brad’s message was a good challenge to ask questions of ourselves: how are we “being witnesses” through the Spirit wherever we find ourselves? That comes from Acts 1:8, where Jesus says (right before his ascension into heaven): “Rather, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Brad noted for us that it clearly says “you will…” do these things, and that one of the marks of truly following Jesus is that we become witnesses that point back to Jesus. In our church over the past several decades, our approach to missions has attempted to be both nuanced and thoughtful. We have had many conversations about whole-life discipleship, noting how walking with Jesus can help bring healing in all aspects of life. We’ve looked at some of the ways that “missions” over the years have been unhelpful, and tried to avoid the pitfalls of colonialism and American superiority attitudes as we engage with others. In our own culture, we’ve noted how listening to and loving others goes a long way, as opposed to preaching “at” others and treating people around us as boxes to be checked-off as we share the gospel. In all these things and more, I believe that we often talk or think ourselves OUT of being faithful witnesses to Christ in our culture, communities, and at home. We become so concerned with “getting it right” or at least “not getting it wrong” that we work our way into inaction. The fear of not doing things well or of how things will be received can be paralyzing and strip us of our potential to really be “light” in the world around us. One of my main hopes for our church is that each person would walk more closely with Jesus every day. And I firmly believe that one of the ways that we walk more closely with Jesus is by making disciples around us. How are we doing there? Are we light in dark places? Are we the salt of the earth? Are we pointing others to Jesus? May God empower us through the Holy Spirit to follow Him more closely every day, and in so doing to be Jesus’ witnesses here on earth in both the things we say and the loving actions we take toward others. Peace in Christ, Bobby Kirkpatrick |
| Summer Sundays Coffee Cafe Conversations |
| Beginning June 2nd, join us on Sunday Mornings in the Coffee Cafe for donuts, coffee, and conversations from 9:00 – 9:45 AM. Each week we will gather to have a small breakfast and enjoy facilitated discussions over scripture and spiritual topics intergenerationally. We look forward to spending Summer Sundays in conversation with you and your families. |
| Summer Activities |
| As we begin transitioning into summer, here are a few ways that you can join in community with one another. |
| Men and Women are invited to join us on June 18th at Dunn Bros Coffee to enjoy each other’s company in conversation and music. We look forward to seeing you there! This summer we plan to have a combination of service and fun outings each Tuesday for our children and students. Information is updated regularly on our website. Click below to be taken directly to the information page.Friends Summer Outings Weekly Information |
| Family Promise |
| We are in the middle of our Family Promise host week and are so thankful for the many volunteers who make our guests feel at home during their week on our campus. If you are available to help tear down rooms and put Sunday School classrooms back together before services on Sunday or have any questions regarding future volunteering, please contact Beth Skeeter or Desiree Trevino. |
| Carpenter Family |
| Thank you Friendswood Friends for hosting us on Sunday and this week. It is a joy to be able to be connected with you as fellow children of God and on mission with Him as we announce the good news that He saves among the nations. See the Tuesday email to get video links that provide a more detailed description of what the Lord is doing and what we get to be a part of in Central/East Africa. Thank you for your continued partnership through prayer and finances! Brad, Chelsea, Sarai, Gideon, and Ian |
| We are blessed by the Carpenter family and their commitment to the people of Africa. If you would like to learn more about becoming a prayer partner or other ways you can be of support for the Carpenters, visit their page on the EFM Website. |
| EFM Rwanda – The Carpenter Family |
| Dude Camp Information |
| May 26-29 |
| Dude Camp begins this Sunday!Be praying for the safety of the campers and counselors, and pray for their hearts that they may draw closer to Jesus during their time at camp. If you are a parent sending your 4th or 5th grader to camp, click below for easy access to all of the information Ms. Tena has communicated regarding packing lists, drop-off times, and medical forms. New this year is a parent-to-camper letter that you don’t want to miss! |
| Dude Camper Information |
| Meal Train |
| Click the link to sign up to provide meals for the new Stevens family, party of three! |
| Meal Train Sign Up |
| May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 |
