A Very Good Good Friday

"Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, 'Dear woman, here is your son,' and to the disciple, 'Here is your mother.' From that time on, this disciple took her into his home." - John 19:25-27

With the world full of anxiety, it is especially good to celebrate the crucifixion of our savior for the salvation of mankind. This week we will join together with a few other congregations in South Fremont for the Good Friday celebration. The crucifixion shows the degree to which our heavenly father cares for us. The above verse is a reminder that although Jesus came to provide us a heavenly home and eternal life, even in the middle of his excruciating pain he did not forget the human needs of the ones he loved. May God grant us faith in Him and a generous heart as we join together and commemorate what Christ did for us. Please come and join us.

HIGHLIGHTED PRAYER

Praise God that He has connected us with a few other congregations for a multi-cultural Good Friday celebration. Please pray that the planning and execution will go through smoothly and that it will be a meaningful time of reflection and celebration.

PRAY FOR OUR CONGREGRATION

We're encouraging our congregation to take "Practice Resurrection" for 40 days. This is a habit that brings New Creation style life, love, joy, freedom into our own lives or someone else's. Please pray that there will be participation and that this will be a spiritually meaningful practice.

Please pray for those among us who are being negatively affected by the economic downturn. Pray that they will have faith in God and that God would provide for them. This prayer is for all three congregations - English, Cantonese and Mandarin.

Please pray that we will reach out and bring to Christ both non-Christians and new believers this year.

Thanks for the prayers of everyone regarding the progress of the remodeling of the new facility. We should be able to resolve everything without any extra cost. There are a few minor fixups needed, so pray that this will be a speedy process. May God grant us the use of the new facility soon.

PRAY FOR THE REST OF OUR CHURCH

May we rejoice with the angels that three sisters accepted Jesus at the 3/28 drama performance for the Mandarin congregation. There will be a small group taining on 4/29 for district pastors and small group leaders. Pray that this will be a productive training time and that God will grant the small groups growth in maturity, unity and additional members.

The Cantonese congregation is anxious to glorify God through their voices. Pray that God will bless their choir rehearsals and grant wisdom and energy to Sisters Christine and Yum as they lead this effort.

Pray for our summer missions efforts. Pray that God will lead some youth to join in for the Yugo trip to Mexico - and perhaps some adults to help drive a van. Also pray that God will provide a team and leaders along with clear details as we plan what to do with two Taiwan churches we are working with.

Starting in April, the English and Mandarin groups will combine their children's Sunday School. May God grant smooth coordination and communication among the teachers, along with energy and enthusiasm for this very important task.

PRAY ABOUT HOW GOD IS LEADING YOU ON HIS MISSION

PRAY FOR THREE(3) OF YOUR UN-CHURCHED FRIENDS/FAMILY

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Amen.