Christian Fellowship Chapel Winnipeg, Manitoba John Harwood, Pastor Our small groups have been reading


and studying the book Crazy Love by Fran- cis Chan. He has challenged us to take a close look at our Christian commitment and ask ourselves if we are passionate or lukewarm in our walk with the Lord. Do we really know how to discern the voice of the Lord, and are we obeying, or are we merely “hearers of the Word”? Te challenge has shown us that we have to be intentional in our pursuit of God; other- wise, we are actually neglecting Him. Baptisms: Two in March Linda Edwards, Correspondent


Paradise Valley Church Natoma, Kansas Ben MacConnell, Pastor Paradise Valley joined together with


other area churches to form a ministry to children and youth called “Outside the Lines.” Tis was a non-denominational effort to get the Gospel out to our area. Our church was responsible for snacks and any other needs for the weekly aſter school “Kids Club” for the month of February, then in March we were involved with the Middle School youth group on Wednes- days We provided some game equipment for the “5th Quarters” held Fridays aſter home games. We pray that God will use the teaching and papers kids took home. It was our 10th year to host the com- munity Good Friday service


Evangelical Bible Church Dallas, Oregon Jerry Franz, Pastor In January and February Pastor Jerry


led us through a series entitled “Te Music of Marriage.” Marriage is a harmony of two people, not a solo. Tis message was so powerful that many requested the CD, some intending to give the message to chil- dren and grandchildren. High School youth attended an open


house at Multnomah University in Portland.


People Need the Lord


A recent tragedy reminded us to make use of the opportunities we have to share the Gospel. A lady with a one- year-old and a three-year-old began coming to Paradise Valley Church in February. We knew her, as she had previously come to the parson- age seeking someone to talk to. In the past year her husband had hung himself (she found him), and her father-in-law had died. She was very depressed and overwhelmed. While Pastor Ben and I were in


Wichita for my surgery, she had attended the church. A Gideon rep- resentative spoke that day and gave his testimony. He shared with us that she had spoken to him and was very moved and receptive. I did not get to see her again, as I had just returned home from surgery on the following


It was an opportunity for them see what a Christian university is like. Tey attended classes and chapel; enjoyed lunch with current students; and toured the dorms. Our choir and several individual


groups, gave a beautiful rendition of the life of Christ, from birth to his death and resurrection, using familiar hymns. On Easter all Sunday School classes


met in the sanctuary for a program enti- tled “Te Flowering Cross.” Te cross was decorated beautifully with flowers from member’s gardens. Several children’s class- es sang songs, a young man from youth group recited a poem he had written [see page 11]. It was a very meaningful time spent together in honor of the resurrec- tion of our Lord. Our church has a rotation prayer notice


for all of our military personnel. We are happy to welcome home recently discharged US Marine Corporal Trevor Mackey. Vicki Kibbey, Correspondent


Saturday. In the very early hours of Monday morning, she lost her life in an auto accident. A friend (you know how nothing


goes unnoticed in little towns) told me he had seen her sitting on the church steps at 11 p.m. He had talked with her on other occasions, but this night he was in a hurry. When he drove back past the church at 11:30 p.m., she was not there. I can only hope that, as she sat


there, she committed her life to Christ, then got into her vehicle to travel three hours to her mom to tell her the good news. (Tey had been estranged for years.) Less than 20 minutes into the trip, Jesus took her in that dark night, but spared the children who were safe- ly buckled into their car seats.


—Sharon MacConnell


Earthquake in Ecuador Reach Beyond is responding to the enormous needs resulting fom the April 18 earthquake along the west coast of Ecuador. Figures issued by the Ecuadorian government place the death toll at 654, people injured at 17,600 and 29,000 are living in temporary shelters. Because of fears of further earth- quakes many are sleeping in the open air. Tese fears have been justified by the fact that a further six earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 or greater have shaken the same area and over 700 aſtershocks have been recorded. Reach Beyond has sent out three disaster teams already to the disaster area and more are planned. If you would like to help Ecua- dor financially, Reach Beyond has opened an account number for donations– #218041. Details of how to donate can be found on the website reachbeyond.org or by phoning 719-590-9800.


Fellowship Focus, May/June 2016 21


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