2019 Summer story
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Let me start by saying how thankful I am for your involvement in the work of God in Wichita Kansas.
I’m reminded of Philippians 1:3-5. Paul says, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”
By God’s will, and because of your prayer and support over the last year, True Life Church experienced some unforgettable moments! For this letter we will focus on the activity during the summer months.
Please visit our media page to see celebration videos of some these life changing moments.
Our summer kicked off with a Men’s Campout at a local lake. Our deacons resolved that the men of TLC needed some unplugged time with friends and sons. The men came out of the weekend recharged, encouraged, and ready to take on life with new vigor.
Within three weeks of school ending there was a lock-in. One of our members secured a decreased rate at a local arcade/carnival park in Wichita which helped us attract over 25 students (double our average youth group attendance at that time). Several students became interested in the gospel as a result of this night, and others were inspired to evangelistic activity! This event was followed by other student focused events, including a scavenger hunt and a car wash to help fund our student ministry.
Country Acres Baptist Church graciously invited our students to attend Falls Creek with them mid-June. What an experience! It was a first for all 7 students that went from TLC, including Lonnie, a new to True Life Student, who trusted Jesus at Falls Creek!
Baptism Sunday was absolutely the highlight of church life this summer! Bear with me, but this is was an incredible day! Here’s what happened…
Baptism Sunday was paired with Bring a Friend Day at TLC. As July 14th approached, the TLC family was celebrating because of all the invitations that were happening. We handed out invitation materials, invited people to the event on social media, and had lots of personal conversations! As the day arrived, we continued in prayer, and in expectation of God’s movement through the day.
God brought many guests to True Life Church for the worship service. Our average attendance previous to that day was in the 40’s based on the previous few months. Over 90 people came to Bring a Friend Day! Our average worship service attendance from July 14th – Sep 8th has increased from the mid 40’s to 63 people – PRAISE GOD!
The baptism service was also well attended. Although not everyone could make it out to Lake Afton, many guests came to watch as family and friends publicly declared that their lives have been turned over to the King. At 2 PM 11 people stepped into Lake Afton with Norm, me, and three other men to help in the baptisms. Two fathers also came down to baptize their kids.
Included in those being baptized were Lonnie (new believer) and his father Jason – who trusted Christ earlier in the day. Jason believed Jesus, was baptized, and baptized his son Lonnie all in one day!
The Little Red River Baptist Association (Heber Springs, Arkansas) joined us in Wichita late in July for a VBS. However, the team from LRRBA did MUCH more than just put on a puppet show for the kids.The team from LRRBA went from house to house telling people about Jesus and about TLC. As a result, several families are attending church, and are considering membership.
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We are excited to see what God does this fall in us and our community!
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If you are not already praying for Wichita Kansas, please begin today. Please also consider financially supporting the ministry, or visiting Wichita. We are happy to facilitate vision tours and mission trips of all kinds.
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God Bless You
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James Thorne - Executive Pastor
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