We apologize for the long overdue update! God has been moving in extraordinary ways over the past few months up here in the northeast. Since our last post, God has been graciously growing and deepening the people of Church at Bergen. We have been worshipping in the larger space for quite some time now, and God is continuing to bring new people each week to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are currently looking and praying for a more permanent location to gather, so please pray to that end with us as the hotel has been a great place to start, however we are experiencing the limitations and don't want to stifle or slow down the work of God. We know He is ultimately in charge and knows what is best, so we are trusting in that as we move and make decisions.
Our community groups have been thriving as people have been gathering all over bergen county. I (Mike) just finished teaching through the core identities of Church at Bergen (Gospel Driven, Word Driven, Discipleship Driven & Mission Driven). It was a largely instructive past 9 weeks for our entire church body. We are excited to dive into the book of Genesis on December 1st and we are praying that the Lord would use this next sermon series to instruct, encourage, and give us a more full understanding as to why we exist, who God is, and most importantly what He is all about.
We have had the joy of hearing testimonies from CaB members over the past number of Sundays who God is transforming by His gospel. The stories range from heroine addiction, attempts at suicide, deep suffering, to nominal Christians who grew up hearing the gospel but never truly understood the implications of it upon their life. There are few nights that I don't fall asleep with tears seeing what was once a vision and a call, becoming reality as we experience the evidences of God's grace in building this church.
I (Mike) have been meeting with a group of men for discipleship and leadership development, who we pray will in turn become future elders, deacons, church planters, and leaders in Jesus' church. Kristin has been fostering sweet fellowship with a number of women at CaB for times of encouragement and prayer which has been a deep blessing for her.
Jaxson is a joy. He is growing up way to fast. We are delighting in him as it has created greater worship to Jesus because of this gift we have in our son. Pray for us to be faithful parents, and for God to protect Jaxson from our sins and grow him into a man who loves Jesus and is used for God's glory and fame.
We covet each of your prayers, for perseverance, faithful obedience, and that the Lord would continue to lead us. We hope to plan another gathering down in VA for an update on the many more spectacular things God is doing in and through this new local church, Lord willing in the beginning of January. Stay tuned!
Have a great Thanksgiving!
Pray for:
-Genesis sermon series
-Future gathering space
-Jaxson's health during flu season
-Protection over Mike & Kristin's Marriage
-For many more lost to be rescued and disciples to be made mature in Christ
