July 13 | India Update | Ross Eddy

India has been such an amazing adventure. It seems like yesterday the three of us gathered together at the Holiday Inn to leave for Dulles to spend a month in a third world country that none of us had ever been to. Now tomorrow night we leave to go back home.

Working with the second Korean team has been great. We went with them on the boat and traveled to the islands preaching the Gospel. This was our third trip on the boat and remarkably we are still going to islands we had not been to before! What will always be engraved in my memory about this team is the way they pray. Rarely have I encountered a group of people who have such a heart for prayer. Also they love to sing praise and worship songs. For the full three hours back from the boat to the mission house I heard every P&W song I knew of in Korean. It was a trip.

The fact that we are leaving tomorrow is bittersweet for me. I have changed during my short time here and many memories have been made here. When I come back I hope that I can retain all of them, because all them have impacted me deeply in some way. Also the Korean team is leaving soon to stay the night at another church to spread the Gospel in that area. A part of me wishes to go with them, to keep proclaiming the Good News, to continue shinning a light in the darkness. But I know that I must go back to America. Cannot wait to see my family, enjoy my own bed, and have some American coffee.

Weeks ago when the first team was with us on the boat, for some strange reason the infamous 80s power ballad “Every Rose Has its Thorn” by Poison was jammed stuck in my head. Much to the annoyance of my comrades it got engraved in their heads as well. Since then just for kicks I have kept the song alive just about everyday. Right now the song hits home pretty hard. My heart has grown close to India but I miss my family and friends dearly. I want to spread the Gospel in India but then I realize how much America needs the Gospel as well. I hope that in the future I can come back. Never will I forget this place because of the impact it has made on me.

July 11 | India Update | Ross Eddy

Wow. It seems like we just left the Holiday Inn to come to India, now we are almost ready to return hom. The second Korean team has arrived. Today they performed their skits and songs. I got to play the guitar with them on “Shout to the Lord”. At the end of the service Dr. Roy called all three of us up to say our goodbyes to the congregation since it was our last Sunday with them. When we were done speaking Dr. Roy said that they did not have anything to give us as a token of thanks for our trip here, so instead the whole church sang us a song as we stood up there. I had to fight back the tears that were forming in my eyes.

The last couple of days we have visited houses in the evenings for Bible Studies and supper. All three of us have had our fair share of leading them. Went to a zoo yesterday. Saw Elephants, Rhinos, and a lot of weird looking deer native to India. That evening we went to house and meet a Korean Missionary to India who had along with him a Korean Pastor and his daughter. The Korean pastor led the Bible study and we had Dr. Roy translating in Bengali and Esther translating in English all at the same time. It’s comforting to know that when we all get to Heaven that we will be able to communicate with each other without barriers.

Tomorrow we are getting up at 5:00 am to go back to the boat to hit the islands. Super excited to get back to work!

Please continue praying for us!  See you soon.

July 9 | India Update | Ross Eddy

Our team, along with the Roy family, went to the mall yesterday. We ate at a Chinese buffet, spent time with Samuel and Barnabas (Dr. Roy’s sons) and the took time to get some Indian coffee. It’s interesting how differently things are priced here in India.  We ate lunch for $3 and went to a movie for $4.  I’ve greatly enjoyed adjusting to the Indian culture as it relates to food (and all other areas), but one thing I’m looking forward to upon returning is a Mocha.  After working in a coffee shop you start to develop likes and cravings….let’s just say when I return I will be making my way to the coffee pot!

Later that evening the team traveled with Dr. Roy to the apartment of one his church members. I (Ross) led the devotion for everyone.  I shared about divisions in the church. I read from 1 Corinthians 1:10-17. Afterward Dr. Roy discussed ministry throughout India and the many aspects related to it.

AJ asked Dr. Roy if it would be permissible for him to record the conversation in order to share with Christians in America how they could partner with God in his global mission. Dr. Roy agreed and then passionately explained what the ministry needed. He shared passionately and fully expects God will supply what is needed. The amount of outreach and ministry that God has laid on the heart of this man is amazing. So much is yet to be done in India!

Joining the rest of the Roy family we went to the house of another church member. AJ gave the lesson this time talking about how God is solely responsible for saving people when it comes to sharing the Gospel; he shared that it is not by eloquent speech or power we have obtained. At the beginning of the lesson Dr. Roy led the study group in song when suddenly the power went out and it was pitch black. Dr. Roy didn’t miss a beat. Everyone continued as if nothing happened. The power switched on and off through the evening that forced me to hold a flashlight for AJ to see his notes and Bible.

In India, the three of us have learned to become flexible and willing to adjust as needed. The resilience, endurance, and determination of our Indian brothers is starting to rub off. 

July 7 | India Update | Ross Eddy

The boat trip was a good adventure. During the same night we departed from shore we went to an island and preached the Gospel. As soon as we got our position and supplies for our program to start I suddenly felt a heaviness in my spirit. I could literally feel the spiritual darkness in that village. All I knew to do was pray. I shared with AJ and Lucas, and Lucas said that he was experiencing the same thing so all together we prayed for God’s light to shine in this dark place. After the Gospel was presented and we began to leave, Dr. Roy told me that one of the men that came up to give their lives to Christ was a Hindu priest. It then dawned on me how important spiritual warfare is on the mission field, and how we all need to participate.

The Korean team included us in their program. We joined in their songs and dances and I had the honor of filling in for one of the members due to sickness. The drama showed how God formed man, how man turned from God, and how Jesus died to bring man back to God. I was the person who placed the crown of thorns of head of Jesus and delivered the strips on His back.

One of the most enjoyable times of trip came when we got to ride on top of the bus! Driving through the country and villages we were allowed to climb on top of the bus. That evening traveling back to the mission house I witnessed some of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. The setting sun amongst the clouds slowing drifting behind the rice paddies that were filled with wildlife was breathtaking. Plus the occasional tree branch coming out of nowhere to smack you in the face was great as well.

July 5 | India Update | AJ Roberts

God has been moving here in a way that I’ve never seen. The moment I stepped off the plane I knew this was going to change my life, but as the days have passed, I’ve found out why. I’ve seen and experienced things here that I didn’t think were possible, both good and bad. From masses of crippled, homeless people to the gospel being presented and many responding. God has used this trip to shape how I look at the world. Before coming over I knew that we would experience poverty, but not to this degree. At night, there are hundreds of homeless people lined up on the sidewalks sleeping. There are little kids that don’t beg for money, but for food. In America, our everyday things are luxuries to the rest of the world. I’ve had ice cold water once in two weeks. I’m reminded of the countless times at home that I didn’t drink the water because it was from the tap or because it wasn’t cold enough. If you drink tap water here, you puke for two days. Today we hand washed our clothes…and it was hard work. The majority of the world do that everyday, but I get frustrated because my machine won’t work fast enough. My prayer is that I will never forget this place or these people, that my heart would stay broken the way it has been for the past two weeks, and that God would continue to fill my heart with a desire to reach the lost, not only in India, but in Martinsburg and anywhere else that He places me.

While I’ve seen the worst possible conditions, I’ve also seen some amazing things too. There are not many Christians in India, but the few God has, He is using completely for His glory. If there is one thing that I will never forget, it’s the people that we have labored with. It is easy for us to come here and sacrificially serve knowing that we will return home in month. But these people, they’re here for good. There are five people that have shown me what it means to serve and to count others more significant than yourself: Pastor Barra, Suprio, Ashish, Cacunda, and Sauren. I’m sure I butchered their names, but they deserve mentioning. Each one has served in a different way, and through them God has taught me many lessons about life and the faith.

The three of us are definitely missing home and our families, but we are still focused on the mission at hand. The gospel has gone out many times and each time, God has saved people. He is good, and just the idea of Him choosing us, a bunch of lowly dudes, to share his salvation with those far from him across the world just blows my mind. I’ve been reading in Acts about Paul’s conversion, and we are right there with him. We have not earned the right to labor for the gospel, but He’s gracious, and we’re grateful.

So for the team, I just want to thank you guys for lifting us up in prayer, it has been felt. I’ve heard people say that they’ve felt prayer before and I’ve always wondered what that felt like…well now I know. It’s incredible. I’m extremely thankful to have such an awesome church family. Please continue to pray for us that would be unified and that nothing would separate the bond that we have formed. I loved Luke and Ross before this trip, but it has only grown stronger. Their love for God and people continually push me to do the same. I’d also ask you to pray for our health and endurance. This work is extremely fun and rewarding, but at times it can become tiring walking long distances in extreme heat. We’ve each had the opportunity to share the gospel with churches and villages about twice a day when we go out, so also pray that we’d be spirit led and proclaim God’s goodness with boldness. We love you guys and can’t wait to share everything God’s been doing here.

July 3 | India Update | Lucas Dorminy

Hey everyone! I just wanted to write a note and update on India because it is a slow day today and it has been an amazing time so far.

As you probably know, half of our team has left to go back to the States already. Since then we have done some open air preaching, but mostly waiting on the new team to come in from Liberty University.  They seem to be really cool people and it has been fun getting to know them. They came in about 3 days ago or so and 2 days of that was a road trip filled with gospel preaching. They have been planning months and months for this trip so they have a big skit they do about the fall of man along with a few dances to draw attention… us on the other hand… I can play the guitar?

So, needless to say, it has been interesting.  I have been thanking God this whole trip for Jacob making us step up and preach the gospel even while he was here. It has been a big help to constantly go through the gospel systematically. AJ, Ross, and I have been doing most of the preaching with the help of Dr. Roy to translate and fill in the cultural explanations. Its an amazing feeling to preach in front of 100-200 interested people who have never heard the gospel in their life. It is nerve-racking, but afterward you feel as if you were made to do it. I have been reading a lot in the book of Psalms every morning and I have been trying to keep my heart like David’s. Love the Lord our God in frustration, hurt, and prosperity.

I love the people of India. I miss home, but when I go out all I want to is preach the gospel. All I want to do is share the word of God with everyone I see. The hardest thing would have to be seeing the poverty and all of the people in need of just basic essentials. We can’t help everyone even if we want to. Just pray that we don’t get numb, pray that we still feel compassion for this people and this nation.

We love you guys and keep praying for us because after this team we have another team from Korea coming in. Love you and God bless.

July 1 | India Update | Ross Eddy

Today a mission team from Korea came to the Roy household. They are a team of 12 who have arrived in Kolkata after spending time in Nepal doing mission work.  They are here for week to help in spreading the Gospel through song, dance, and skit. All of them are very nice and I look forward to working with them.

As with our first day in the city, today was a day of rest for the Korean team. We shared a meal at a Chinese restaurant, then went to Mother Teresa’s house. Seeing the life of someone who completely lived out the Gospel was inspiring. What was most moving was seeing the orphanage that was created inside the building. Both teams went inside the orphanage and played with the children. It literally broke my heart to see so many children without parents.

Back at the mission house both teams rested. It was very hot today.  All three us (AJ, Luke, and Ross) spent time relaxing on the roof of the house this evening.  We all reflected on the trip and God’s movement in our lives as Owl City’s “Fireflies” played quietly in the background. A moment of complete peace that I will cherish forever.  The rest of the week is going to be a busy one with our new partners in the Gospel from Korea!

June 30 | India Update | Ross Eddy

Today the team went with Dr. Roy to the Seminary. All of us headed out early to catch the one hour trip to the seminary. The train was overloaded with people, and we were forced to stand the full hour.

Upon arriving at the Seminary, Dr. Roy went to teach his theology classes. He then gave us the task of cataloging the massive amount of books that had been delivered to the Seminary for the elementary school. After several hours we had accomplished our task. Both Dr. Roy and his wife, Sang-yee, were overjoyed at this task being completed for it had laid dormant for a long time.

Afterward Dr. Roy then asked us to go to one of the classrooms and tell the kids about our country. I (Ross) gave a lecture on the history of the United States and how it became a country. We then explained certain aspects about our government, cities, etc.

That evening we went to the house of an elder of the church for evening worship and dinner. AJ did a tremendous job delivering a message from Acts 8:26-38 about Philip and the Ethiopian, and the food that the family made for us was superb.

Please continue praying for us.

June 29 | India Update | Ross Eddy

One of the biggest challenges of mission work is its unpredictability and the need for flexibility. Monday was designed for us to travel outside of the city to preach the Gospel but it rained so severe last night that the roads leading out of the city had been shut down forbidding us from venturing out.

To adjust the team was sent to a daycare.  During the morning AJ, Luke, and I painted the faces of all the kids. It was explained to us that the church opened the daycare because there are many young single moms in the area. The reason for this is that in Indian culture during the marriage ceremony a “dowry” is paid by the wife’s family to the husband. Many men simply live off the dowry for a couple years and then skip town to find another young wife to live off. This leaves the mother and children in a very difficult situation. 

In the evening we were on our way to another birthday when we made a special visit. The group delivered a laptop that had been purchased for a young believer who became paralyzed.  This computer will allow him to do ministry at home. We delivered the laptop to him then prayed for him. He has become a Christian but the rest of his family had not. Even with such obstacles he has lived for our Lord. It is this sort of faith that has inspired us for the whole trip.

June 28 | India Update | Ross Eddy

Church this past Sunday went well. AJ and Ross shared their testimony, and Lucas gave a special performance off “Come Thou Fount” for the congregation. The associate pastor gave the message. Preaching from Ruth 2:8-13, he compared the example of Boaz helping Ruth, so should Christians help in Church, in the Community, and in the work of Spreading the Gospel.

The team left with Dr. Roy to visit his brother’s house. There we enjoyed another “service”, filled with acapella songs and Lucas delivering a good message from 1 Peter. We then enjoyed some Korean Chicken Soup while watching the German vs. England FIFA Cup match. People here in India are BIG on soccer.

Returning home we stayed up to watch a movie on the life of William Carey. It was humbling to watch how a man suffering through so much and giving all he had to do the work of Christ was used by God to changed India forever. An excellent movie to watch the day before spreading the Gospel!

June 26 | India Update | Ross Eddy

Today was a day of rest for the team (Ross, AJ, and Lucas) from the heavy week of ministering the Gospel. Most of slept through the morning and early afternoon.

At 3:30 all of us left to visit a man celebrating the one year anniversary of the passing of his mother. There was close to twenty people there to mourn and rejoice the life of this wonderful woman. Dr. Sukrit Roy delivered an appropriate message in 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18. Explaining that all of our saved loved ones who have past away are not dead but are alive with Christ and we will see them again.

After celebrating the past life of someone we then went on to celebrate the life of someone just getting started. We arrived to the birday of the beautiful young girl Sophia. Dr. Roy gave another message but I must admit that I paid little attention for I was given the honor to hold this young beauty in my arms. I could hear the adoption agencies calling my name.

Upon returning home I spent the evening playing Monopoly with Dr. Roy’s children, Esther, Jemimah, and Barnabas. All of us had a swell time fighting over mortgages, trying to cheat the bank, and hoping to get that “Get ou of Jail Free card.” They are a wonderful family that truly adopted all of three of us.

June 23 | India Update

Team is healthy and doing well as the week comes to a close.  Team 1 (Brad, Chris, Jonathon, and Jacob) will be departing for the US on Friday evening.  Team 2 will be staying until July 15 with Dr. Sukrit Roy of Christ Mission Ashram.

Over the past 4 days the teams have been on a boat traveling through the Bay of Bengal and the Sunderban Islands to proclaim the Gospel to people who have never heard it!  Each team member had multiple opportunities to share the life giving Gospel through a translator.  All did an excellent job clearly communicating Christ and each time many people placed their faith and trust in the Lord.

The team also had an opportunity to briefly share with seminary students from Christ Mission Ashram’s seminary on Monday.  This was a particularly special time as team members partnered with and prayed for peers who are being sent out to the field to fulfill the Great Commission.

A trip was also made to Serampore College where students were introduced to the president of the college as well as receiving a brief history of the historic institution.  The college was founded by William Carey, the father of the modern missions movement, in 1818.  To have the opportunity to stand on the college campus is breathtaking. William Carey spent the best years of his life in India as a missionary from England.  The team was able to tour a small museum with pieces of memorabilia from Carey’s life and work.  Upon leaving the campus the team took a short trip to the burial grounds of Carey and his other mission partners.  It was a surreal moment as the team stood in place where one the greatest missionaries who ever lived was laid to rest.

Currently the team is preparing for another day out in the field.  It has been hot here so please pray for health and favor as each team member fulfills their responsibilities.

We are grateful for you all and count it an honor and privilege to serve with you in this mission to India.

—

June 17, 2010 Update

Team members partnered with missionaries from Christ Mission Ashram today in multiple outings across Kolkata.  The morning started in a local village that houses one of the many ministry posts of CMA.  The team spent time with local children, some orphans, and some in ‘day care’ in order to connect and get a glimpse of daily living for children in a rural village outside of the city.  Ross Eddy and AJ Roberts spent time sharing portions of their Christ stories with those in attendance.  Upon AJ completing his portion Jacob Atchley and Dr. Sukrit Roy partnered to share the Gospel with children and adults.  Many responded to the call of the Gospel and were converted.  Upon conversion the new believers were connected with resources and a local church.

Immediately following the trip to the first village the team traveled to a second.  At this site Chris Goode and Luke Dorminy were able to share in testimony and song.  At this location the Gospel was shared again and many responded to the Gospel.  Again follow-up connections were made.

In the evening the team traveled to a church plant outside of Kolkata and spent the evening.  At this location Jonathan Dorminy lead the children through song and Ross Eddy and Chris Goode acted out the story of David and Goliath for those attending.  Upon the conclusion of the drama Jacob Atchley and Dr. Sukrit Roy together preached John 13 on The Service and Demonstration of the Gospel.  The evening was concluded with the team praying for the church plant and together singing ‘Give Thanks’.

Seeing India and the opportunities with your eyes at times can be overwhelming.  Moment by moment the team is becoming acquainted with both the customs and culture of India.  The more intimate details of the trip that are taking place from person to person are still coming together.  Not sure when those details will come.  At this point the process of understanding and communicating what is taking place is being formed and developed.  The team is looking forward to sharing the intricate details with you in the days ahead.

Thank you for your continued prayer and support!  See you soon!

Please continue to pray for the team to:

• • be humble and obedient to the leading of God’s Spirit
• • reflect the love of Christ in relationships
• • be bold in sharing the Gospel
• • be strong and courageous especially in new circumstances

Videos and pictures from the mission can be found here and here. 

June 16, 2010 Update

Team departed on Monday morning and safely arrived in Calcutta/Kolkata, West Bengal, India on Tuesday evening at 10:20pm.  The team was greeted by a welcoming group from Christ Mission Ashram the host church and mission organization.  Upon arrival the team traveled to the Lydia House, the location the team will be based for the duration of the trip.  All team members are healthy and functioning well.  The necessities are covered quite well as both food and housing arrangements are excellent.

Wednesday was a day to gain a heart for the city of Calcutta and the nation of India.  Dr. Sukrit Roy and his team planned a day that allowed the team to visit several locations across the city that would help expose the team to the conditions of the city as well as the spiritual needs of the city.  The time traveling through the streets of Calcutta proved invaluable for each person.  Perspectives were certainly different from each member of the team but no one is far from consistently recognizing the spiritual needs of the people of India.

One might ask, “How can one person make a difference in a city of millions?” I will leave you to study the life of Agnesë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu.  Today we came in contact with her life’s work.  You likely know here as Mother Teresa.  As we all passed through her house for the dying and destitute we saw the legacy of a life lived in service of others.  Her life and work may be debated, but her impact is lasting.  As the men from the team stood and sang to the perishing today in Mother Teresa’s house I was filled with a heart of thankfulness not to be serving others, but to have been served by Christ himself.

We are working diligently to fill out the call and blessing of 2 Corinthians 5:20.  Please continue to partner with us as we work.  What we do we do not do alone, but with you our partners we stand and work.  We love you and are grateful for you all.

You can find a photo journal from Brad Hopkins here.

Every church and every person needs to have foundational beliefs that guide and direct life, decisions, direction, and processes.  During ‘Foundations’ The Church at Martinsburg will examine the book of Romans and establish core doctrinal beliefs for life, relationships, and mission. This series more than any we’ve done before will set the pace and direction for the church.  You don’t want to miss this as we wade into one of the Bible’s deepest and richest books!

Christianity has been the most powerful transforming force in human history- and the book of Romans is the most basic, most comprehensive statement of true Christianity.

4/25 – Romans 1:1-17 – Intro to Foundations/Romans – “God’s Good News”
5/2 – Romans 1:18-25 – “Wrath”
5/9 - Proverbs 31 - “Mom Knows Best”
5/16– Romans 1:24-32 – “Deliverance”
5/23 – Romans 1:28-32 – “Spiral”
5/30 – Romans 2:1-4 – “Window”
6/6 – Romans 2:5-16 – “Secrets”

There are many tools available that will help you communicate the Gospel, but few (outside of the Gospel) are as effective as your personal story of what God has done in your life.  Sharing your story is an important way of reaching others and proclaiming the Gospel.  This resource will help you develop your personal testimony.  Take the time this week, print it off, and walk through the document.  It will be one step you can take to share the Gospel and reach those far from God. 

The Church at Martinsburg will not be meeting at the Regal Cinemas on Sunday, February 7. The current road conditions are not safe and we want to do everything we can to ensure safety.

The church will however be meeting online at http://www.martinsburgchurch.org at 10am on Sunday.  Please take the time to join us online.  We look forward to seeing you soon.

If you are involved in a community group please contact your community group leader to get an update on the status of your group for the week.

Enjoy the day with your family and friends!  We look forward to seeing soon.

As you’re able please pass the word along.  Thank you.

Weather / Schedule Update for 12/20/09

The Church at Martinsburg will not meet at the regularly scheduled location but will meet online with video at 5:00 pm.  Video will be available on the homepage starting at 5:00pm.

Please check back for up to date information about meeting times and schedule.

To you and yours have a Merry Christmas.  We look forward to seeing soon.

Stay warm and enjoy the day!  As you’re able please pass the word along.  Thank you.

Don’t forget Christmas Eve with the Church at Martinsburg. Click here for more info.  It will be a Christmas Eve to remember.

The story of Christ’s birth is a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love.

So, what happened? What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists.

And when it’s all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that will take months to pay off, and this empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas?

What if Christmas became a world-changing event again?

Advent Conspiracy is an international movement restoring the scandal of Christmas by substituting compassion for consumption.

Here are four points that the Advent Conspiracy website suggest for Christians to follow .

[Worship Fully]

It starts with Jesus. It ends with Jesus. This is the holistic approach God had in mind for Christmas. It’s a season where we are called to put down our burdens and lift a song up to our God. It’s a season where love wins, peace reigns, and a king is celebrated with each breath. It’s the party of the year. Entering the story of advent means entering this season with an overwhelming passion to worship Jesus to the fullest.

[Spend Less]

Before you think we’re getting all Scrooge on you, let us explain what we mean. We like gifts. Our kids really like gifts. But consider this: America spends an average of $450 billion a year every Christmas. How often have you spent money on Christmas presents for no other reason than obligation? How many times have you received a gift out of that same obligation? Thanks, but no thanks, right? We’re asking people to consider buying ONE LESS GIFT this Christmas. Just one.  Sounds insignificant, yet many who have taken this small sacrifice have experienced something nothing less than a miracle: They have been more available to celebrate Christ during the advent season.

[Give More]

God’s gift to us was a relationship built on love. So it’s no wonder why we’re drawn to the idea that Christmas should be a time to love our friends and family in the most memorable ways possible. Time is the real gift Christmas offers us, and no matter how hard we look, it can’t be found at the mall. Time to make a gift that turns into the next family heirloom. Time to write mom a letter. Time to take the kids sledding. Time to bake really good cookies and sing really bad Christmas carols. Time to make love visible through relational giving. Sounds a lot better than getting a sweater two sizes too big, right?

[Love All]

When Jesus loved, He loved in ways never imagined. Though rich, he became poor to love the poor, the forgotten, the overlooked and the sick. He played to the margins. By spending less at Christmas we have the opportunity to join Him in giving resources to those who need help the most. When Advent Conspiracy first began four churches challenged this simple concept to its congregations. The result raised more than a half million dollars to aid those in need. One less gift. One unbelievable present in the name of Christ.

Join us as we rejoice together in the birth of Jesus and the new life he has given us!

On Thursday, December 24th at 5:30 pm, bring your family, friends and neighbors for a family-style celebration!* We’ll be reading the story of Jesus’ birth and worshiping together in song. This is going to be a party that you won’t want to miss – we hope to see you there!

A professional photographer will be present taking complimentary family photos that will be printed before you leave.

This will be a Christmas Eve to remember!

*We invite the kids to join us in celebration! Children’s Ministry will not be provided.

When:
December 24, 2009 5:30PM

Where:
301 Foxcroft Ave., Martinsburg, WV

Contact:
Dan Edman
dan@martinsburgchurch.org
304 616 0205

On December 6 everything changes for The Church at Martinsburg. Plans will be delivered and the mission will be reinforced.  Taking cues from the life of Jesus together we will kick off the Christmas season with a look into the future.  Movement and momentum will be initiated as details are given for what’s ahead for this new church. 

“This is your opportunity to serve someone else.  Use it and celebrate the life of Jesus by serving someone else this Christmas season.”

What will happen on this day will not quickly be forgotten.  You and those you bring will be provided an opportunity you never thought possible while in church.  The Church at Martinsburg is committed to serve our community and partnering in Jesus’ mission and on 12/6 you will see it in real time.

Each year we celebrate Christmas but how often to do we examine what actually took place that day many years ago. This Christmas The Church at Martinsburg will take a journey together to see what the Miracle of Christmas really was and how what took place changed the course of human history.  We invite you to participate with us during this sermon series and discover what actually happened on the first Christmas all those years ago.

12/13 - Miracle - God Moves - Galatians 4:4-5
12/20 - Miracle - In Plain Sight - Matthew 1:18-24/Luke 2:10-12
12/27 - Miracle - Peace Through Pain - Isaiah 53:2-12

Miracle Offering Info
During the Christmas season, The Church at Martinsburg will work together to be a blessing. We know that we are able to do more as a whole than any one part. We want to invite you to begin praying about what you can give and how you can participate. The goal of our Miracle Christmas Missions Offering is to be a blessing to the Eastern Panhandle and our church planting efforts around the globe.

Miracle Community Offering - $1000
We believe that the mission starts at home and we will intentionally invest in what is taking place in our neighborhoods and communities.  We will use funds from this offering to provide our Community Groups with resources to carry out ministry ideas that they have developed together.100% of these funds will be given away to support our ongoing efforts across the Eastern Panhandle.

Miracle Church Planting Offering - $2500
The International Mission Board is the sending agency that The Church at Martinsburg partners with to make our international church planting efforts possible. 100% of these funds will go to supporting our International church planters and our future church planting efforts throughout the world.

TOTAL Miracle Goal - $3500

This offering will be collected during the weekends of December 13 and 20 during the worship gathering.