The English Ministry members threw a surprise leaders appreciation event yesterday. It was a wonderful night of  delicious food, ultra creative performances, and some good-natured roasting of the leaders. To all those involved in putting on the night, a big thank you. God has given us an amazing family in SBECC; the night truly touched our hearts.

To our coworkers who have given of their time and of themselves, thank you for your sacrifice  to the church. From small group leading to lesson planning to sitting through two-hour meetings, your service has had eternal impact on the youth of the ministry, and last night was a tangible expression of that fruit.

To all who use your gifts to build up the church without official titles, you are so appreciated. Thank you for faithfully leading us in worship, setting up and tearing down equipment and chairs, clicking slides and making sure the sound works, carrying the trash out, checking up on people in the church, and the many more things that are done so that minstry can happen week in and week out.

Of course we all can grow in the way we love and there will always be more ministry to do, but it has been such an encouragement to serve alongside of you. What an amazing privilege that God uses the church made up of imperfect people to carry out His kingdom purposes. And how amazing are the gifts that He has given to each and every one of the saints to equip the church for ministry work. Videos of the performances to be uploaded soon on my facebook page!

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

 What gifts has God given you to build up the church?