Wednesday, August 10, 2005

Relationship and Community Building in Alhambra

Relationship and Community Building in Alhambra

God is a relational God and He has called us into relationship with Him, each other and the world. And one of the ways we see the Lord is in our lives and in the way we love each other. God has called us to build relationships and community.

Relationship and Community Building with the Church
We have several intercessors who faithfully meet every Saturday morning from 8-9am to pray for Alhambra. They are excited to see God move in this city and answer prayers. Their hearts’ cry is for God’s Kingdom to come to Alhambra as it is in Heaven. They are not only seeking God’s presence and relationship with Him but also they are seeking relationship with each other. They are praying for God’s people to come together in prayer and life so that the world will see the love of God as we walk in unity (John 17:23). God has called us to be connected to each other as God’s people, His Church and His Bride.

Relationship and Community Building with God’s creation: people
Just recently a few pastors and myself were in a local Alhambra restaurant. We had become friends with the restaurant owner and he knew that we were pastors. He watched us for a few weeks as we came in and then finally asked us if we would have time to teach him about the Bible. “Of course”, we all replied. We began a Bible study with him through the book of Mark. It has been exciting to explore God’s Word together and see God guide our times together. The world is so hungry for Jesus. We are made in God’s image and our very being hungers to know Him. We didn’t have to ask this restaurant owner anything, he asked us. It is exciting that he came to us to ask but it reminds me that we should be taking the initiate to model God’s love in our lives and be quick to share it, not just in response to a question but before we are asked.

Relationship and Community Building with the city for YOUTH
On August 16th the West San Gabriel Valley Partners for Youth will hold its first youth summit. This is a team consisting of school administrators and teachers, the YMCA, churches and other non-profit organizations. We are seeking ways to address the needs of junior and high school students after school. This is a great way for us to partner together for the YOUTH of our area. We want to discover the needs, understand what is being provided and work together to meet the unmet needs. This collaborative represents how the people of God can work with their community for God’s Kingdom Causes – so that His Kingdom will come to Alhambra and the Greater LA area as it is in Heaven. God’s heart and love is for the City. God’s call for us is to connect with the city and demonstrate His love and peace.

Relationship and Community Building – its God’s heart and it’s our call!