LIFECONNECT. WELCOME to LifeConnect! Exciting Mother s Day at LifeQuest! GOD COULDN T BE EVERYWHERE, SO HE MADE MOMS... HAPPY MOTHER S DAY!

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seek to grow in faith, fellowship and service to the world!

1 LIFECONNECT A LifeQuest Ministries Newsletter Issue 13 May-August 2018 WELCOME to LifeConnect! We hope you enjoy receiving this newsletter, seeing all that has and is happening in our faith community, getting caught up with the latest news and upcoming events at LifeQuest Ministries, as we seek to grow in faith, fellowship and service to the world! You ll see a variety of ways to connect and grow in this developing faith community, through our Sunday Praise & Worship service, mission and/or ministry events, and fellowship opportunities. Invite your friends and family to come and see, all that God is unfolding within the community of LifeQuest! GOD COULDN T BE EVERYWHERE, SO HE MADE MOMS... HAPPY MOTHER S DAY! Our current newsletter will carry information spanning over the months of May to August. If and when we develop new programs, ministries and/or initiatives; that do not appear in this newsletter, we will keep you informed through and/or text. So, please keep an eye out for all our communications with you, so that you can be well informed and kept in the loop! In This Issue Mother s Day Front page Message from the Pastor; pg2 LifeTime Events Faith, Fun & Fellowship pg3 Celebrations & Joys; Sermon Series pg4 A Quest to Give & Serve LifeQuest in Missions pg5 Celebrating Easter 2018; Contact Information pg6 Exciting Mother s Day at LifeQuest! Someone has said, a mother's love is truly a reflection of God's love for us! Whether you are young or old, mothers; and special women in our lives, have played a key role in shaping and molding our lives across the years. And so, we want to take this opportunity at LifeQuest to give thanks to God for all these special women in our lives, by celebrating them on Mother s Day, Sunday, May 13, through our worship and time of fellowship. We will have gifts; and several awesome give-a-ways; (for all women) a wonderful catered brunch, a fun photo booth, and many more blessings and surprises for an all in, wonderful experience for everyone joining us this special day! Please invite and bring your friends, family and your mom's, as our guests on Sunday, May 13, as we celebrate and remind each of them how valued, loved and beautiful they are to us! This will be a fun and memorable day for LifeQuest, and we can t wait to embrace, honor and celebrate each soul! *NOTE: For planning purposes, please let us know if you have guests coming no later than Wednesday, May 9th. Thank you! 1

2 A Message from Pastor Wes LifeQuest s plan to share the Good News of the Gospel All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples I am with you always, said Jesus (Matthew 28.18, 20) Sometime ago, I heard a legend that was told about Jesus, right before he ascended into heaven. Some people came to Jesus and said, Jesus, you have worked hard with your disciples to spread the good news of salvation to every nation, city, tribe, culture & language. But, what is your marketing plan to continue to spread the good news of salvation, after you are gone? Jesus said, I have a plan! What is it, they asked with much curiosity? My disciples will share the gospel, the good news of salvation to one person at a time and they will proclaim the message to the whole world. Then, the people said, What if they fail to share the good news, what plan do you have? Jesus said, If that were to really happen, then I have NO other plan. Jesus also said, I doubt if they will stop sharing the good news of what I ve done for them because through me they have experienced the Father s unconditional love, compassion and grace. And in response to my love they will make my very last command of making disciples their very first concern. And, in the power of the Holy Spirit, they will announce my Father s gracious offer of forgiveness everywhere they go, and to every one they meet. This is my plan and the only plan I have. People who were gathered around Jesus said, What kind of people have you chosen to share the gospel message? Are they sharp, dynamic, articulate types with charismatic leadership and exuberant personalities that can draw in the crowds? Jesus interrupted and said, I have chosen a few smelly, uneducated fishermen, a couple of leather-skinned shepherds, a greedy tax collector, a political zealot, some disillusioned religious folks, an ex-prostitute, a prisoner, a doctor, a business-woman, a tent maker and just a few others A person in the crowd said, But, Jesus, how can you entrust the greatest enterprise and marketing plan to people such as these? The risk is too great! Surely your plan to share the gospel message through these people will not and cannot succeed. Seeing that the crowds were running out of questions, Jesus replied, It is not a risk because they will not fail. I have made NO other plans to spread the Good news of my redemption and offer of eternal life with the Father. These men and women will not fail me. I HAVE NO OTHER PLAN TO SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS OF MY LOVE Jesus said. Friends, a tiny handful of the most unlikely characters, enriched with the dynamic power of the living Christ; through the presence of Holy Spirit, did NOT fail. Witness the church throughout history and its growth in the world today. Christianity has not only survived all kinds of obstacles, but God s plan of spreading the gospel through one person; in turn, sharing with another person; what God has done in their life, has successfully prevailed. YOU AND I WOULD NOT BE HERE TODAY IF THEY HAD FAILED. With God s help, we at LifeQuest have attempted to follow God s plan of spreading the Good News to grow our church! Each one sharing what God has done in our life with another, and inviting persons to come and see and taste the love of Christ. Making an observation about LifeQuest s plan to grow, one person said, Pastor, one size does not fit all. Frankly, I don t know if one size fits or doesn t fit all. All I know is, there is only ONE PLAN and that s the plan of Jesus! The Lord remains committed to just this ONE SIMPLE PLAN: He wants to use EACH ONE of us to REACH ONE of our family members, friends, co-workers, acquaintances (and strangers, too), by sharing what God has done and is doing in our life, and then, extend an invitation to someone to come be a part of the family of faith! And, if we step forward in faith, and in response to God s love, we will NOT fail either! We have no other marketing plan, friends. We only have one plan. Will you join us in accomplishing this plan to share the Good News and grow the community of LifeQuest!? Please think, reflect and pray about these things. In the Journey with you...dr. Wesley SK Daniel, Pastor The Dream for LifeQuest Ministries......was born out of deep prayer, passion and a vision to reach multi-generational and multi-cultural people with the transformational love of Jesus Christ. OUR VISION is to know Christ and to make Christ known! In our quest to know and make Christ known, OUR MISSION is to help one another experience Christ, discover a community of genuine love, change lives, our society and the world; and fulfill our God-given 2

LifeTimes at LifeQuest Faith, Fun, & Fellowship Events!

the Bible. Spanning 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high, this modern engineering marvel amazes visitors young and old.

This stunning exhibit help the visitor see and experience what Noah s life and journey must have been like.

of this fun adventure from June 6-8, 2018. We ll experience this massive structure first-hand, and have many of our questions about the Ark answered...plus, we ll have a lot of fun along the way!

..JOIN US AT LIFEQUEST AS WE CAMP OUT LifeQuest is going to offer a 2-night summer ministry opportunity for all children (age 3 to 10) *July 18 & 19 from 6:00p.m.-8:00p.m. There is no cost for this event, and ALL KIDS are welcome and invited to attend!

*Dates are subject to change depending on availability of location. GOD IS THE LIVING CENTER OF EVERYTHING...Eugene Peterson (God s Message) It s Time for a Summer Cook-Out!

We'll spend time watching family friendly movies, Finding Dory, I Can Only Imagine & The Secret Life of Pets (Rated PG) We invite you to bring sandwich meats of your choice, bread, spreads and your

3 LifeTimes at LifeQuest Faith, Fun, & Fellowship Events! THE ARK ENCOUNTER JUNE 6, 7 & 8, 2018 The Ark Encounter is the largest timber structure, built from standing dead timber, featuring a full-size Noah s Ark, built according to the dimensions given in the Bible. Spanning 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high, this modern engineering marvel amazes visitors young and old. This architectural and engineering wonder contains three decks of world-class exhibits, and is situated in the beautiful setting of Williamstown, Kentucky. This stunning exhibit help the visitor see and experience what Noah s life and journey must have been like. So, if have you ever wondered how big the Ark was, how Noah built the Ark, and/or how he fit all the animals on board, make plans to join your LifeQuest family on our first road-trip, and be a part of this fun adventure from June 6-8, We ll experience this massive structure first-hand, and have many of our questions about the Ark answered...plus, we ll have a lot of fun along the way! For more details, please contact or visit with Paige Note: All reservations are needed by Friday, May 11. Thank you! HEY KIDS...JOIN US AT LIFEQUEST AS WE CAMP OUT LifeQuest is going to offer a 2-night summer ministry opportunity for all children (age 3 to 10) *July 18 & 19 from 6:00p.m.-8:00p.m. There is no cost for this event, and ALL KIDS are welcome and invited to attend! Pre-Registration will begin in June, so keep watching for more details. If you have questions and/or would like to volunteer for this ministry, please contact Paige Chapman. *Dates are subject to change depending on availability of location. GOD IS THE LIVING CENTER OF EVERYTHING...Eugene Peterson (God s Message) It s Time for a Summer Cook-Out! Coming to LifeQuest Movie Sunday s Come join us for some fun, laughter and fellowship on Sunday s, June 17, July 15 & August 19; following worship for...movie SUNDAY S! We'll spend time watching family friendly movies, Finding Dory, I Can Only Imagine & The Secret Life of Pets (Rated PG) We invite you to bring sandwich meats of your choice, bread, spreads and your favorite snacks (popcorn, fruit bars, brownies, etc) to share. We ll provide all cold beverages, water and coffee. We'll have lots of fun together, and can't wait for our Movie Sunday s! One of the things we enjoy as a family of faith at LifeQuest, is that from time-to-time we love to get together to share in moments of fellowship around a meal, and catch up with each other about things going on in our lives. We share with each other our joys, our struggles, and our hopes so that we can be in prayer for and with one another. These times of fellowship draw us closer to one another, making us stronger, so that we can be encouraged in our journey s of life and faith. Join us for our Summer Cook-Out on Wednesday, June 20, 6.30pm Bring one or two of your favorite dishes. We'll provide the meat and beverage. (Location to be announced) We'll plan to have lots of fun and an awesome time of fellowship! 3

ALL IN CELEBRATION! Over the season of Lent, some of us were part of an exciting and life-transforming Bible study called, All-In by Mark Batterson.

In this study, Mark taught us that half way is no way to live! He said, quit holding back. Quit holding out. It's time to go all in and all out for God.

" Throughout this study, Mark challenged us to fully surrender our lives to the lordship of Jesus Christ, because that's when the true adventure really

..and so, we decided to close our time together by breaking bread and fellowshipping at Bonanza's Steak House on April 22!

Lots of fun, laughter fellowship with our family of faith in this wonderful and transforming study! Thanks be to God!

at: NOAH S EVENT VENUE 1805 90TH STREET, WEST DES MOINES Invite Someone You Know to Join You at LifeQuest on Sunday s!

4 ALL IN CELEBRATION! Over the season of Lent, some of us were part of an exciting and life-transforming Bible study called, All-In by Mark Batterson. In essence, we learned how we can serve God with passion, going all-in and all-out in our own walk with God, and in the life of our faith community. In this study, Mark taught us that half way is no way to live! He said, quit holding back. Quit holding out. It's time to go all in and all out for God. Mark said at one point: Many people believed they are following Jesus, when it fact they have invited Jesus to follow them!" Throughout this study, Mark challenged us to fully surrender our lives to the lordship of Jesus Christ, because that's when the true adventure really begins! This study also helped us grow closer and bond with one another...and so, we decided to close our time together by breaking bread and fellowshipping at Bonanza's Steak House on April 22! We had so much fun sharing life, and were full and over flowing, when we all left there. Lots of fun, laughter fellowship with our family of faith in this wonderful and transforming study! Thanks be to God! UPCOMING SERMON SERIES Our upcoming sermon series will take us through both the life and Work of Faith of Noah, as well as provide us with Divine Direction, in our own journeys of faith. NEW SERMON SERIES: May 20-June 10 Noah The Work of Faith June 17-July 8 Divine Direction SUNDAY WORSHIP LifeQuest worships every at: NOAH S EVENT VENUE TH STREET, WEST DES MOINES Invite Someone You Know to Join You at LifeQuest on Sunday s! Congratulations to Faith & Hope Kiwayiele We are jumping with joy for both Faith and Hope Kiwayiele, and their parents, Phil and Raissa in their earning incredible scores on the Iowa Assessment Test. Both Faith and Hope earned scores that exceeded the national standard scores, placing them as Proficient in EVERY SINGLE educational category. (Reading, Vocabulary, Mathematics, Social Studies and Science) Hope is performing at the same level as an 8th-10th grade student, and Faith is performing at same level of a 6th-7th grade student. We are so proud of you girls!!! WAY TO GO!!! 4 Keep up the great work!!!

A Quest to Give & Serve... LifeQuest In Missions May Mission Opportunity Ruth Harbor Ruth Harbor is a home and program located in Des Moines, Iowa.

before she gives birth. Ruth Harbor opened its doors and welcomed its first maternity residents in 2001.

struggling to thrive and provide a quality life for their children.

All of the services of Ruth Harbor are provided at no cost to the residents, and as an interdenominational, Christ-centered ministry, Ruth Harbor does not utilize government funding, rather they rely

Each Sunday in May, we invite you to give a special gift to Ruth Harbor to support their ministry.

5 A Quest to Give & Serve... LifeQuest In Missions May Mission Opportunity Ruth Harbor Ruth Harbor is a home and program located in Des Moines, Iowa. This ministry was founded in 1996 by three women who believe God called them to start a home to fill the service and support gap that exists after a young woman decides to continue her pregnancy, but before she gives birth. Ruth Harbor opened its doors and welcomed its first maternity residents in After years of serving young moms facing unplanned pregnancies, Ruth Harbor also recognized that there was another "gap" that needed to be filled: young moms who have chosen to parent and are struggling to thrive and provide a quality life for their children. So, in 2016, Ruth Harbor started a Mother-Child Program, and began accepting young moms who are parenting one young child, into the home. All of the services of Ruth Harbor are provided at no cost to the residents, and as an interdenominational, Christ-centered ministry, Ruth Harbor does not utilize government funding, rather they rely solely on the support of individuals, churches and groups who support their mission. LifeQuest will be supporting this ministry; beginning on Mother s Day, and throughout the month of May. Each Sunday in May, we invite you to give a special gift to Ruth Harbor to support their ministry. Please pray about how God may be calling you to give to Ruth Harbor, as they seek to help and assist these mothers and their babies in our community. Ongoing Mission Project Booster Pak We encourage everyone at LifeQuest to continue giving to Booster Pak in one of two ways: Financial Gifts: You can give a financial gift (cash or check) through LifeQuest. Please make checks payable to LifeQuest and write Booster Pak in memo line In-Kind Donations: A complete list of items that are needed, can be located at the Community Table on Sunday mornings at LifeQuest If you have any additional questions, please visit with Paige Chapman and/or her at paigelifequest@gmail.com THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE MISSION OF BOOSTER PAK! GOD IS THE LIVING CENTER OF EVERYTHING...Eugene Peterson (God s Message) Coming Up Sunday, September 2, 2018 ~ Love Our Neighbors ~ We wanted to announce this now, so that we can all be planning and looking ahead to this day of service. On Sunday, September 2, we are making plans to go out into the community, to serve and be a blessing, as our act of worship! So, instead of being in a worship service this day, we ll worship in service. Afterwards, we ll to share in lunch and our experiences. Please be in prayer, and let Pastor Wes and/or Paige if you know of an organization and/or individuals LifeQuest could serve on this day. 5

As LifeQuest family of faith we have so much to be thankful and grateful for, don't we?

God was present and God did some amazing things through every person present.

Gonzalez Ke'Auana Meeks leading and caring for many, many children this day Delicious, tasty, mouth watering food, contributed by ALL the members of LifeQuest 55

We exceeded our goal! Beautiful, positive spirit, and high energy throughout the entire morning Easter egg hunt with 21 little kidos present!

Special thanks to Lexi Gonzalez & Deb Ingram for their leadership Beautifully made Easter baskets for all kidos by Raissa Atona-Boundji Creatively and stunningly

Whenever God does something that's beyond what we can do, we must take time to thank Him first, and then thank one another for giving our ALL for God and for each

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for your unwavering and determined commitment, support, and love for the community of LifeQuest and for all that we are striving to

6 As LifeQuest family of faith we have so much to be thankful and grateful for, don't we? As you know, we ALL worked very hard and went ALL IN to make our Easter celebration a special and memorable worship experience. God was present and God did some amazing things through every person present. Here are some highlights Faith and Hope's engaging liturgical dance, to open up our worship Gifted guest musicians, (Rudy LaFontant, Annie Caves, Jerod Skau) & Alyson Simmons. All led by our Director of Music, Jessica Menken Creative and attractive visuals created by Paige Chapman Amazing and engaging children's message led by Sergio Gonzalez Ke'Auana Meeks leading and caring for many, many children this day Delicious, tasty, mouth watering food, contributed by ALL the members of LifeQuest 55 PEOPLE PRESENT! Thanks to each and every one of you for inviting, inviting, inviting friends and family to our Easter worship! THANKS BE TO GOD, and thanks to you! We exceeded our goal! Beautiful, positive spirit, and high energy throughout the entire morning Easter egg hunt with 21 little kidos present! Exciting to watch them all! Special thanks to Lexi Gonzalez & Deb Ingram for their leadership Beautifully made Easter baskets for all kidos by Raissa Atona-Boundji Creatively and stunningly developed Easter postcards (developed by Paige Chapman) we were able to share and invite friends and family Beautiful and Easter appropriate set-up by Noah's staff Whenever God does something that's beyond what we can do, we must take time to thank Him first, and then thank one another for giving our ALL for God and for each other! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for your unwavering and determined commitment, support, and love for the community of LifeQuest and for all that we are striving to do to glorify God! God IS doing some amazing things in our life together! THANK YOU LIFEQUEST FAMILY!!! Contact Us Please contact us if you have questions or need additional information about LifeQuest LifeQuest Ministries P.O. Box West Des Moines, IA (515) Dr. Wesley Daniel, Pastor weslifequest@gmail.com Paige Chapman, Pastoral Ministry Associate paigelifequest@gmail.com Jessica Menken Director of Music Ministries jessicalifequest@gmail.com KeAuna Meeks Childcare Provider keaunalifequest@gmail.com Interim Creative Team Leader (Paige Chapman) Visit us on social media: Website: Facebook: lifequestministries Twitter: JourneyatLQ Instagram: lifequestdsm TEXT Welcome to: (515) to stay connected to LifeQuest, upcoming events & ministry/mission opportunities! 6

Memorial Messenger. God s Amazing Canvas. Volume 76 February As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. John 15:9.

Memorial Messenger. God s Amazing Canvas. Volume 76 February As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. John 15:9. Memorial Messenger Greetings, Volume 76 February 2018 God s Amazing Canvas I m thrilled that Memorial Baptist Church is going to have 5 new deacons join our deacon body in the coming weeks. You affirmed