In the book of Luke, someone tested Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”   Jesus answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” —Luke 10:27

And he still asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” The Lord Jesus told him the parable of the Good Samaritan. It shows us that a neighborhood is not determined by geography. It is God’s arrangement, whoever God has placed besides us, so that we would have the opportunity to care and to serve, is our neighbor. Our church is our spiritual home. Therefore, where the church is located, it is the place where God has entrusted us to be salt and light. Although many brothers and sisters do not live near our church, neither can they tell the names of our neighbors, this does not change God’s will—He has placed us in this community so that we can love, serve, and testify for the gospel here.

May our church be the light in the neighborhood. Spread God’s love to the community.

The Blessings and Joyce from this Harvest Fall Festival

This year’s Harvest Festival was on Friday, which is God’s special arrangement, so that more brothers and sisters can participate. Both Chinese and English groups, young and old, all participated, serving together in unity. Participating fellowships included the Teens Group, Mark Fellowship, Martha Fellowship, Living Water Fellowship, Young Adult Ministry, Unity Fellowship, and Carmel Fellowship. Brothers and sisters prepared various games and activities. We also prepared snacks and sweets, such as roasted

marshmallows and popcorn. It was warm and joyful, full of laughter. Many neighbors already know that we have this event every year, and some families are even looking forward to it. We heard testimonies before that there were some teenagers who came to our church Fall Festival and later joined the Teens Group. This is the work of God. Glory to the Lord!

 

What we gained spiritually: Love our neighbor in practice

I: Living “the tangible love” in the community

Everyone who came here had the feeling: this is a gratuitous, sincere invitation. We don't ask for anything in return, we just want our neighbors to feel love and warmth here. We also introduced them to our church. We do hope that they will come into God’s home and know the gospel in the future. Evangelism is our ultimate mission.

II: Reacquaint yourself with “who is the neighbor.” The church is our home; the people around the church are our neighbors.

III: It is in line with God’s call on us for the future.

In the Book of “Future-Oriented Church”, there are three characteristics of a healthy growing church - Engage in Youth ministry, Embrace culture diversity, and Love your neighbor with tangible love. The Harvest Festival is the embodiment of these three points: young people working together + multicultural unity + truly serving their neighbors.

Next year’s outlook: Continue to light up this community

Next year’s Harvest Festival will be held on Saturday, which is a great opportunity. We have the following plans and visions：

Earlier publicity - Hang banners in advance to let neighbors know in advance.

Invitation on the day - On the same day, co-workers will be sent to the surrounding streets and intersections to invite passers-by.

More light, more warmth - More lighting will be placed on the church fence and grounds to make the church a place full of light, security and hope.

Continue to care for your body and soul - This year we offered free blood pressure measurement (many thanks to the two sisters for their service this year); free gifts such as: Notebooks, colored pens, stickers; Bible scripture bookmarks; on-site prayer service team. May God continue to use us on the Harvest Fall Festival as a bridge to the gospel, a touchpoint of care, and a blessing to the community.

Be light, be salt, and glorify the name of the Lord.

The Lord Jesus said：   “You are the light of the world… In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14, 16

May the Lord continue to use us to become a channel of spreading the gospel. May God send more people to come to our church, God’s home and to know the Lord Jesus who gives life abundantly. All Glories to the Lord! Amen!