LAKE POINTE CHURCH ON MISSION SINCE 1979

Transcription

1

2 LAKE POINTE CHURCH ON MISSION SINCE 1979

3 CELEBRATING 35 YEARS ON MISSION Dear People of Lake Pointe, Every year in December, we invite all our members and attenders to give above and beyond their regular gifts to a special offering that provides the bulk of support to our mission efforts all year long. These resources will allow us to start churches in the United States, to strengthen indigenous churches around the world and extend needed help in the communities where our campuses are located. All of the funds will be distributed through our existing partnerships so that there can be accountability that the gifts get to the ones who need it the most and that we are contributing to an intelligent and holistic strategy. As we give and go, we reveal the love of God. We cannot do everything, but as His Church, we must do something we must be His hands in this world. Thank you for prayerfully considering giving a sacrificial gift during December that will allow us to continue to expand these great efforts in the year ahead. Steve Stroope Lead Pastor lakepointe.org/onmission

4 NORTH AMERICA OPPORTUNITIES COMMUNITY OUTREACH FIND YOUR PLACE SERVING LOCATIONS & OPPORTUNITIES SET UP & TEAR DOWN CHURCH PLANTING BOSTON WASHINGTON D.C. SAN FRANCISCO PHOENIX DENVER TAMPA BAY MEDICAL SKILLS DENTAL SKILLS OPTOMETRISTS EYEGLASS VOLUNTEERS EGYPT SPORTS OUTREACH TEACHERS COACHES CONSTRUCTION SKILLS GHANA CHILD SPONSORSHIP MEXICO RIO GRANDE VALLEY CHILD SPONSORSHIP EGYPT DENTAL SKILLS MEXICO HAITI COUNSELING & RECOVERY MEDICAL SKILLS INDIA ESL TEACHERS ESL HELPERS COUNSELING & RECOVERY BUSINESS SKILLS SPORTS OUTREACH HAITI DENTAL SKILLS OPTOMETRISTS EYEGLASS VOLUNTEERS MEDICAL SKILLS ESL TEACHERS ESL HELPERS TEACHERS COACHES SPORTS OUTREACH GHANA WATER + HYGIENE OPTOMETRISTS EYEGLASS VOLUNTEERS INDIA BUSINESS SKILLS COACHES SOCIAL WORKERS HUMAN TRAFFICKING PRISON OUTREACH LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES TEACHERS MEDICAL SKILLS DENTAL SKILLS OPTOMETRISTS EYEGLASS VOLUNTEERS MEDICAL SKILLS DENTAL SKILLS VISION CLINICS HOSPICE HIV/AIDS ORPHAN CARE SENIOR ADULT CARE CHILD SPONSORSHIP & MENTORING ESL TEACHERS ESL HELPERS PRISON OUTREACH HUMAN TRAFFICKING SOCIAL WORKERS CONSTRUCTION SKILLS LEARN MORE AND GET INVOLVED:? SOUTH AFRICA COUNSELING & RECOVERY CHILD SPONSORSHIP HOSPICE HIV/AIDS ORPHAN CARE SOUTH AFRICA MEDICAL SKILLS DENTAL SKILLS OPTOMETRISTS EYEGLASS VOLUNTEERS LEADERSHIP SKILLS INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES DFW SPORTS OUTREACH COUNSELING & RECOVERY FOOD PANTRY HOMELESS LAKEPOINTE.ORG/ONMISSION

5 It was amazing to see that others across the world loved and cherished the same God I loved. He no longer was the God of Rockwall, but the God of the whole world. Because God changed lives 4000 miles away, my confidence in God grew exponentially. //Andrew Hodges

6 INTERNATIONAL FOCUS Sports Camp, Ghana, Africa THE LOVE OF JESUS WASHES HANDS One by one 1,350 children lined up for KidsGames, a combination of VBS, sports camp and experiential learning all rolled up into one three-day event. A Lake Pointe team consisting of teens and teachers from all over the DFW metroplex took time from their summers to present this program to two partner churches in Accra, Ghana All Souls Baptist Gbawe and South La. Initially Pastor Dennis (Gbawe) and Pastor Moses (South La) were skeptical that games and life lessons would benefit the children in their areas. However, by 11 am on the first day of KidsGames, 1,000 kids had joined the games. Word got out so quickly that the next morning children came early to secure a spot. During those days, we shared the gospel clearly, said Brad Bassett, and each kid received a snack and lunch, something they probably wouldn t have had. The bread from the sandwiches came from a bakery Lake Pointe helped create. The bakery employs members of the local church in Ghana, so the entire ministry became a beautiful group effort. Worried they d not have enough leaders, Lake Pointe also partnered with another church. At Gbawe, they met at the only green space in the area, a school. One of the coaches from the school volunteered and said, I love what you re doing here. I want to incorporate what you re doing into the school. The children lined up to get into the games, Brad said, and the line moved slowly as each child got a squirt of hand sanitizer, because we taught hygiene as well. Brad wondered if they could expedite that part, but when he moved to the front of the line he realized the lady doing this was looking each child in the eyes and saying, Jesus loves you. That s when I stopped caring about the slowmoving line, Brad said. We showed them how games could be used in evangelism, Wes Hartley said. After it was over, they were floored at how well it worked. With strong partnerships and a strategic focus, Lake Pointe is making a difference in the lives of countless people globally. Read more stories: lakepointe.org/onmission

7 NORTH AMERICAN FOCUS Encounter Church, Boston, Massachusetts THE FAME OF GOD IN BOSTON Then this city will bring me joy, glory, and honor before all the nations of the earth! The people of the world will see all the good I do for my people, and they will tremble with awe at the peace and prosperity I provide for them. Jeremiah 33:9 Encounter Church, a new partnership outside of Boston, looks to Jeremiah 33:9 as its beachhead. Chris Causey and Jason Hodges, along with their families and several other families, have relocated from their homes in the South to plant a church in a city that founding fathers hoped would be a city on the hill, a beacon to all. Chris spent years studying the apostle Paul s aggressive church planting strategy where influential cities took center stage. He asked himself, Where would Paul go today if he were to drop into 21st century America? When Chris met with Lake Pointe leaders at a church planting conference, they asked him, Have you considered Boston? I was gripped by the influence this city had, Chris said. Global leaders spend time here, then leave to head nations. The world is educated in Boston, yet it s incredibly dark spiritually. It has this history that screams about Jesus, and so I m merely here pointing to what s already on the halls and walls of the city. We don t have to offer anything new. We have something really old already here that can make people new, Chris said. Encounter Church had its first outreach on September 28 where they served more than 2,500 people. They ve created a parenting program for local schools, and the town has become their biggest promoter. Their goal is to simply inhabit where they live, love others and form significant relationships in their neighborhoods. As they build momentum and a strong team, they are preparing to launch weekly services in 2015.

8 weekend. Nearly forty people volunteered. Sean believes that God will call some from Grace Church to help launch Encounter Church in Sean s attitude should be the norm, Chris said. Grace Church is about the kingdom of God, about the name of Jesus and not their name. STRONG PARTNERSHIPS Until they launch, they have the privilege of incubating at nearby Lake Pointe partner, Grace Church, pastored by Sean Sears. We stand on Grace Church s shoulders, Chris said. But, Grace and Encounter wouldn t be where we are if it wasn t for Lake Pointe. This passion for the fame of Jesus, along with the dedication and sacrifice of eight families who have joined the work, ignites Chris desire to plant Encounter Church. History happens in Boston, Chris said. Our prayer is that history happens here again. Before their first outreach event, Sean of Grace Church said, We need you to step up and be a part of Encounter Church s outreach this Read more stories: lakepointe.org/onmission

9 NORTH AMERICAN FOCUS City Church and La Chapelle, Montreal, Canada TWO CHURCHES. ONE CITY. French-speaking pastor David Pothier thought he d plant a church in rural Quebec. He felt in his gut that the need in the countryside was great. But that all changed when he wrote a paper for seminary about an area of Montreal called Rosemont. I discovered that the need for church planting was greater in the city of Montreal than in rural communities. I did not expect that. Less than 1 percent of Montreal s population call themselves evangelical, and of that only.3 percent are French-speaking. The need loomed, and David began to pursue his new dream of starting a church for French-speaking people in the city. Initially he was on staff at a large church as a youth pastor. God continued to surprise and confirm his future calling as random people would ask him, Why don t you plant a church? Three years later on January 7, 2013, David resigned his church position. Two months after Less than one percent of Montreal s population would call themselves evangelical. that, he planted La Chapelle, a church in the Rosemont area of Montreal the very place he d researched in seminary. La Chapelle reaches more than 750 Frenchspeaking people a week. This summer a team from Lake Pointe had the privilege of watching La Chapelle touch many lives as they fed the homeless, prayed for a permanent venue, worshipped God in French, and set up for a service in a rented theater. STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS Meanwhile, Chris McGregor, pastor of City Church in Montreal, had an interesting journey from Texas to Canada. After meeting his wife Yanci at Dallas Theological Seminary, he felt a tug toward his Canadian roots. I had this jealousy for Canada, he says. And he felt God ask him, What if you went back? At a leadership conference in 2011, the two prayed and fasted about where God would have them plant a church. The last worship song s lyrics focused on lighting up the darkest spots of earth. I visualized the city of Montreal, and us bringing the light of the gospel into this dark city, Chris says. His wife had a similar, clarifying experience. The McGregors quickly learned this truth: the clearer the calling, the more opposition you face. We ve faced a lot of challenges, Chris says.

10 From being discouraged about fundraising, to experiencing loneliness, to the lack of Christian influence in the city, we ve often felt like a round peg in a square hole. The transition from Dallas to Montreal has been dizzying, but they ve spent the past several months planting City Church and are seeing the joy of lives changing. This summer, a Lake Pointe student team served City Church. The Rockwall and Forney teams converged for a week to help City Church serve its neighbors with free bottles of water, packs of gum and donuts. They also distributed over 5,000 invites to their services on Sunday. A highlight was praying over the city from the summit of Mont-Royal after getting to understand more of the local culture and rhythms of life there. In the past year, 25 people have made significant decisions for Christ many of them choosing to follow Jesus for the first time. On September 14, City Church celebrated its one year anniversary with 218 in attendance. Read more stories: lakepointe.org/onmission

11 LOCAL FOCUS Lake Pointe en Español ONE CHURCH. TWO LANGUAGES. What began with threats of violence ended with a woman crying joy-tears as she took communion for the first time in five years. The military warned Pastor Paul Lewis and his family that they needed to leave their home and church in Mexico for three months. Why three months? Paul asked. It will take us that long to eradicate the cell from that cartel, and bring safety to the city, the official said. They fled, taking only what they could carry. They arrived in Rockwall homeless, and Lake Pointe provided housing. One week later, armed militia pelted their home in Mexico with machine gun fire. Six months later, violence shook the town with beheadings of local officials. Paul couldn t return with his young family. To stay connected to his congregation (a Lake Pointe partner church), Paul began videotaping sermons and sending them to Mexico. While here, Paul was asked to help with the Lake Pointe en Español service, which then met in the chapel with only forty people in attendance. I saw the service as a mission opportunity, Paul said. Soon Pastor Steve asked Paul to be the official pastor of the service. I agreed because Pastor Steve believed in our potential and envisioned reaching the Hispanic community. He also asked, How can we enable you? Knowing that I had that kind of support made all the difference. Six months later Lake Pointe en Español became an official campus. We have the same DNA as Lake Pointe: Sharing Christ, Building Believers. We have the same membership class, and the same expectation of service and giving tithes and offerings, Paul said. A blessing happened when people started giving and serving, he said. We outgrew the chapel, then we moved to a larger room which we outgrew as well. Last December we moved to the gym. In September 2013 we started our second campus in Mesquite on Saturday nights, and in November, the Richland campus begins on Sunday afternoons at 1:30. Lake Pointe en Español continues to grow because its foundation is grace. Recently, one woman sat weeping as she took communion. An usher asked what was wrong. This is the first time in five years I could take communion. In my last church, the pastor would decide who was worthy to partake, but for five years he said I was unworthy. Today, I feel worthy. Our biggest testimony is that we are one church, two languages, Paul said.

12 Making a difference... in Spanish Lake Pointe members who have Spanishspeaking friends can now invite their friends to church with them. Bilingual families can attend church in the same building. Lake Pointe Church is becoming known as a place for the Hispanic community to gather. Read more stories: lakepointe.org/onmission

13 BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS Current Partnerships INTERNATIONAL Cuba Undisclosed* East Asia Undisclosed* Egypt Healing Grace Ministry Egypt Kasr el-dobara Egypt KDEC Ghana All Souls Church Ghana Koinonia Baptist Church Haiti Mission of Hope Haiti Eglise Baptiste Evangélique de Pétion Ville India Mexico Mexico Mexico Rio Grande Valley Rio Grande Valley South Africa South Africa Crossroad Bangalore Amor Viviente Fuente de Vida Iglesia Bautista Youth for Christ Church of Acts Iglesia Bautista Filadelfia Norwegians Settlers Church Westville Baptist Church NORTH AMERICAN Boston Encounter Church Boston Grace Church Denver Front Range Christian Church Denver Restoration Community Church Denver Storyline Fellowship Montreal City Church Montreal La Chapelle LOCAL Arlington A-Life Church Dallas Cornerstone Church Garland Ethiopian Evangelical Baptist Church Garland Hope Clinic Garland Living Word Arabic Church *Not listed for security reasons Phoenix San Francisco San Francisco Staten Island Tampa Bay Washington, D.C. Kaufman Mesquite Mesquite & Rockwall Rockwall Wellspring Church South Bay Church Epic Church The Journey Church Church Experience The District Church Genesis Center Sharing Life Pregnancy Resource Center Lake Rockwall Estates

14 UPHOLDING VALUES The impact Lake Pointe has made around the world over the last three decades is owed in part to four principles that guide every mission endeavor. They provide the foundation for effective, long-lasting and financially-sound partnerships that reflect the heart of the Great Commission. INTENTIONAL We commit to strategic and purposeful mission opportunities around the world. We pray, and we plan. We dream, and we design. We do this with one aim to see the kingdom of God dynamically expand. RELATIONAL We commit to long-term impact by working directly with proven church leaders in every partnership we invest in. We believe that churches in each local context provide the best opportunity to sustain our efforts over many decades. HOLISTIC We commit to serve the whole person in the whole world. We understand it s hard to hear the gospel if you re malnourished or thirsty. So while we provide water, feed the hungry and treat the sick, we also tend to the spiritual needs of each person and guide them toward a personal relationship with Christ. ACCOUNTABLE We commit to full financial and ethical integrity in all the efforts we pursue, and invite full examination into these areas. In turn, we also ask our partners to demonstrate that same kind of accountability one of productivity, thrift and generosity. This ensures that the maximum amount of resources can reach those in need.

15 701 E. INTERSTATE 30 ROCKWALL, TX LAKE POINTE CHURCH ANNUAL MISSIONS OFFERING TWO EASY WAYS TO GIVE 1 Use an Annual Missions Offering envelope 2 Go online to lakepointe.org/give M I S S I O N S O F F E R I N G MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR 35 YEARS Gifts of real property, i.e. land, stock, vehicles, or jewelry, may be given by contacting the church financial office. You can also set up a recurring gift through credit or debit card online at LAKEPOINTE.ORG/GIVE