Immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine
I had a small imagination of what God can do through the church in the area of service and growth. I never imagined some of the things that happened this year, especially through the development of our Sunday Worship Services and the avenues by which God has worked in Praxis ministry. What used to be Pastor Ed giving a message on stage in front of green drabby curtains is now a beautiful stage with lighting and curtain enhancements that incorporates into a regular message series. The enhanced Sunday Worship Service experience is a product of the outgrowth in Praxis ministry, with increased areas of service, not just through sound, lighting, and stage but also through the Welcome Team, Impact and Joyland. There was a newcomer who, after his first Sunday at Willard, said that he was so warmly received by the Welcome Team, he felt like he's been going to this church for a long time. I'm also amazed that 60 Oakland inner city children come on a weekly basis to join our Joyland children during Joyland large group time to hear the message of God's love and Jesus Christ, and to hear them reciting verses like 1 Corinthians 13 gives me such joy. In Praxis ministry, I also never imagined having montly convalescent home visits, where after regularly interacting with elderly who, most of the time, I find it very difficult to carry out a conversation, 4 of them end up receiving Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior! God is wanting to stretch my mind in new areas of pouring my life out in response to the Great Commission and faithfully serving in various capacities.