"We ought always to give thanks to God for you… because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing." ~1 Thessalonians 1:3. “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” ~2 Peter 3:18 

 

Growth is natural. It is not something that we can manufacture by working harder or doing more. Growth comes from being connected. Connected to the Lord and connected to each other with our focus solely on Christ. We have a great opportunity before us. We have just experienced a tremendous blessing from the Lord. We witnessed great growth, of not just people but the highest quality of people--people who are like minded in their desire to know and love God and serve Him and His bride, the church.

 

I am honored to be in a position of leadership in a fellowship dedicated to following scripture and not trends. I am excited for the years ahead as we move forward. 

 

This week I want to take some time to share with you a little bit about our elder team. 

 

Sergio and Katie Aguirre -- The Lord brought them to Way of Life a couple of years ago. Sergio preaches sometimes, and Katie is on the leadership team of our children's ministry. They have a daughter Sophia, who is really cute. And they have an amazing passion for reaching people with the good news!

 

Steve and Janet Hoskins -- They were married around the time that Way of Life began and they have been vital leaders from the beginning. Janet is a prayer warrior and they love to show hospitality through masterful cooking and giving of their time to help. Steve is quiet and has great wisdom and a deep love for Jesus. 

 

Matt and Liz Jones -- These two have been a great support for me and Yvonne from the very beginning of Way of Life. The gifts that they have fill the gaps beautifully that I have as a leader. Liz is our administrative ninja and they have a bunch of fun kids and love Jesus more than anything. Matt loves spreadsheets and Liz loves chocolate. 

 

Craig and Susan Smith -- These two have become fast family and are a tremendous addition to our leadership team. Craig will be preaching from time to time. Craig loves people and wants more than anything for people to know Jesus. Susan is a gifted piano teacher and smiles a lot! I am excited to see how the Lord uses their leadership in the life of our fellowship! 

 

Our elders and their wives are responsible for shepherding our congregation. Everyone in our fellowship is prayed for each week and we are striving to get everyone connected with regularly. If you have questions about anything pertaining to the church as we navigate the road ahead, please feel free to connect with any of these people or with Yvonne or me and we would love to answer any of your questions.

 

I am so thankful for the leadership of Way of Life and I hope that you get to know these people well enough to laugh together and eventually have some great memories together. We are praying about adding another elder or two at the first of the year.  

 

Let's continue to celebrate what the Lord is doing. He’s definitely growing us in more ways than just numerically!! 

 

 

Love ya, 

Chris