Making a Community Impact

On August 7 at each of our NewPointe campuses, we are literally fulfilling Scripture which tells us not to just love with words but with action. It’s called Community Impact Day. We will be serving the people in our surrounding communities by tackling various projects like painting, landscaping, carpentry, hairstyling, visiting the nursing homes, clean-up and more.

We are meeting at each of our campuses at 9 a.m. for a time of prayer and worship, and then we’ll scatter throughout the communities and become “love with skin.” God will use this to speak to our communities. I truly believe that most people need to see a message more than they need to hear one.

So, remember - we will not be having regular services at any of our NewPointe campus on August 7, and the church will be closed. Instead, we are going to BE the church!

Later that day, everyone will gather back at the Dover Campus at 6:30 p.m. for a tailgate celebration. Bring chairs and food for your own family, and together we will enjoy a concert, fireworks, and games as we celebrate what God has done through us and in us and in our communities. It will be a fun and exciting time.

Finally, I want to thank you for your generous spirit. When other pastors hear about what we are doing on August 7, usually the first question they ask is, “What about the offering?” I tell them that the people of NewPointe are truly committed to the vision and mission, and they will give whether we have an official offering or not. So thank you in advance for the generosity of your time, talent, and treasure.

If you haven’t yet decided to participate in Community Impact Day, there is still time. The last day to register is this Sunday, July 31. Stop by the Information Desk or register online at our website.

P.S. I am kicking off a new series on August 14 called Lead Where You Are. I promise you won't want to miss any of these messages.

Monthly Letter - July 2011

An America pastor was talking to David Yonggi Cho, pastor of the World’s largest church with over 1 million members and many more attending. It is in South Korea. He asked him, “What is the key to success in reaching so many people for Christ?” David Yonggi Cho replied, “I pray and obey,” and he started laughing. The America pastor couldn’t believe it. I am sure he was thinking that he would get a list of things.

I was reading in Deuteronomy 11. It’s the story of the Israelites entering the promised land which God said would be theirs after delivering them Egypt and the power of Pharaoh. God told them however that the land that they were entering was not like the land of Egypt.

I believe that this is where NewPointe is. What I believe the LORD has promised us, to influence I-77 and northeast Ohio through multi-sites, is not like where we have been before. It is totally different, yet I believe filled with great rewards.

Do you know what God said was going to be the key for the Israelites to possess the land? You got it - pray & obey. It was basically listen to God, then obey what He asked, and then you will have the strength and ability to take the whole land. In fact, God said if we’ll do this, no one will be able to stand against us.

Some things never change – the Israelites taking possession of a land filled with giants, David Yonggi Cho building the world’s largest church in the most unpredictable place, or NewPointe seeking to fulfill God’s vision by impacting and influencing a whole region called Northeast Ohio – the formula is the same: pray & obey. By the way, it’s the key to your own personal life of possessing all that God has called you to.

Be vigilant, listen obediently to these words that I command you so that you'll have a good life, you and your children, for a long, long time, doing what is good and right in the eyes of GOD, your God. 

Deut 12:28 (The Message)