Happy Thanksgiving!

We are so grateful for your prayers and partnership both emotionally and financially.  We have had a really fun month of walking alongside our church as they use their creativity and God given talents to reach others and strengthen the church.

UPDATES

Cooking Class

Chef Jorge did a great job! In all the years we’ve been in ministry here in Los Angeles I don’t think we’ve ever seen an event do such a good job of drawing people together. We know food helps fellowship and outreach, but this cooking class took that to a whole new level. The class was fun and relevant and a great evangelistic word was given by another emerging leader, also named Jorge.  The class created a momentum and really allowed Jorge and the team he formed for this event to use their gifts and experience new things.

During the class there were four different Mexican fusion dishes taught. Many students were able to try the techniques out after the demonstration (and lots of sampling). After two dishes were demonstrated there was a short and clear gospel presentation – nobody made a decision to follow Christ during this class, but there have been some really great follow-up conversations, so we know seeds were planted and doors were opened.

South Park Remodeling

This month was the ground breaking and dedication of some new soccer fields and other improvements being made at the park across from our church, South Park. This is a needed improvement for our neighborhood. There are two new apartment building and a new school also being built within two blocks of our church. 

Many city leaders came out, along with local elementary schools and other community groups to celebrate. We were the only church represented. We have been helping out and involved where possible in these city and community projects. We also continue to pray fervently for our community and reach out on a spiritual level because we know no amount of beautification or physical structures will heal the deep hurt and remove the consequences of living far from God.

Other special moments

Jorge preached his first ever message this month. He studied and prepared a message on Haggai. It was communicated clearly and powerfully. He definitely will be preaching more so he can continue to develop that gift.

Fabiola with one of her disciples at a birthday party celebration this month

Thanksgiving Celebration

We changed our Sunday service from the morning to the afternoon for our special Thanksgiving celebration and were encouraged to have double the amount of people show-up. At the end of the service a group from the children’s ministry did a dance choreography – we didn’t have enough space for everyone to watch from inside, so a group gathered outside on the porch and watched from the window. 

We had so much wonderful food. Our desserts and side dishes were donated from a host of different restaurants. Then the turkeys and hams were prepared by our church. After the meal, those that wanted to spend more time together gathered around a bonfire in front of the church where we were able to laugh, share stories and share the gospel with many new families.  There were at least a few people that prayed to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior that evening.  

A special family thanksgiving. One foster mother heard about our Thanksgiving service and the feast to follow so she arranged for her two foster children to reunite with their parents and two other siblings for a special family thanksgiving. It was a time of sharing, reconciling and making good memories. This is something we can definitely be thankful for – being able to help people while they are going through difficult times.  

Youth

Our youth leaders were out of town so we were able to step in and cover the youth group one evening. Since we worship in Spanish on Sundays it was great hearing the same songs in English being led by the youth worship team. We allowed students to ask us any questions they had on their heart about faith, God, the Bible, life, etc. We were able to share the gospel very clearly for a couple of the new students and address hot topics they asked about bullying, the right way to deal with ungodly authorities (some teachers, police, etc.), death and grieving, heaven and spending eternity with God (“Isn’t that [eternity] a looong time,” asked one student). They could’ve kept going all night. It was great seeing how much they are maturing in their faith.

Coming up:

Christmas Banquet & Toy Store        December 19

WE STILL NEED A LOT OF HELP WITH TOYS for CHRISTMAS.

We have found that the toy store is the best way to allow parents ownership and dignity in choosing and purchasing (75% off) a gift for their children for Christmas. It is a fun, practical way that helps us celebrate Christmas with many people as we share the love of Christ.

**We need donations of new, unwrapped toys for this event. If you do not want to ship, we can also do the shopping for you if you give us enough time (Preferably by December 11^th). Send your gifts or checks to: World Impact (C/O Chad Wolyn)/ 2001 S. Vermont Ave. / Los Angeles, CA 90007 / If a check, please write “FUENTE” in the memo. We need toys/gifts for boys and girls ages 0-18.  If you would like a specific gender/age, please email us and we can give you some more specifics.  Maybe you could get your whole small group or church involved!

Please Pray with Us…

- An amazing Christmas Banquet & Toy Store.

          Here is what a win looks like (how we should pray):

• Families smiling, being drawn together in quality, Christ-centered fun and fellowship
• Great food; crafts that tell the meaning of Christmas and help create memories.
• Family photos, salvations, God-centered, edifying conversations and new friendships forged.
• Gifts for everyone without the commercialism or competitive spirit, jealousy, etc.
• Everyone leaving saying to themselves, “That was the most fun – and good, clean fun – that I’ve had this year.”
• Lots of new families and individuals that feel connected to God and the church and return and become a part of the family of God.

- Good down time, fun and memories for our family around Christmas.

- More salvations and more leaders empowered!

As you celebrate Thanksgiving please know that we as a family are giving thanks for YOU.

God bless you!

Chad, Fabiola, Rebecca, Justice and Beniah