To celebrate World Impact's 50th Anniversary, are sharing some prayer letters from decades past and “Where are they now” stories.
December 1, 1989
Dear Friends and Family,
We are rejoicing these days in what the Lord is doing through our church body. We will be purchasing new chairs within the next week due to an increase in the number of people attending our Sunday morning services. It is so thrilling to see the people God is bringing into our fellowship.
Most of the newcomers are attending church for the first time. They are not familiar with the routine; everything is new. Songs that we have memorized, and sometimes sing without much thought, are jewels to them. One morning I overheard one gentleman behind me comment on the song we had just finished. He said, “Hey, man, that’s beautiful. I can get into that!”
Many are recovering drug and alcohol addicts. They found out about our church through different avenues. Some through the Good Samaritan Clinic. Some are the parents of Bible Club kids. Some first began attending a Bible study and others heard by word of mouth. It truly is a ripple effect.
We are seeing more men attending our church, due to our “Overcomers” study for addicts. Many of them are currently going through drug rehabilitation and are staying in various hospitals throughout the city. They are getting excited about the Lord and the new power they have through Him. They are telling their family and friends about it, and they, in turn, are bringing their families to church with them. It is exciting! You never know how many new faces you’re going to see on Sunday morning.
Our teens are also getting involved and often take turns reading the morning Scripture. It is neat, though unconventional, to see how the other teens offer support to the teen who reads the Scripture. They usually clap after the passage is read and pat the teen on the back when he or she sits down.
Please pray for our Sunday morning services. The Lord is working and Satan will also be at work trying to hinder the strides these folks are making. Thanks so much for your prayers and financial support. May the Lord richly bless you for your faithfulness towards us.
Andy, Lisa, Tina, Dana, and Scott Entz