A Note

​Dear Freshwater Friend,
 
Over a decade ago I was in my office late one night wrapping up a few lingering items. For whatever reason, I stopped working and reflected on why people love Freshwater. As I reflected, what kept coming to mind is this:

• People enjoy the weekend worship celebrations because our volunteers are so committed to making them feel comfortable, cared for, and loved.
• People come because Freshwater is real, relevant, and relational.
• People come because it’s a safe place to connect with God and others.
• Freshwater is inspiring.

 
I typed out my thoughts trying to capture them in order to share. Over the years I have reflected on this many times. This is the statement that reflected my heart back then and it still reflects it today.    
 
“We are the leaders at Freshwater. As volunteer staff and paid staff, we serve together. As a team we work together. As a church we worship together. As people we care for those whom we serve in our facilities and in our lives. We look beyond ourselves and consciously strive to see the needs of others so we can meet them. We desire to give people more than they expect in every way. We are unified in purpose and in spirit. We minister because we care and people come because they can feel it.”
–Pastor John
 
I still believe that this is why people call Freshwater home. We love God and we love people and that’s what it’s all about. If we miss this, we miss everything. As part of the Freshwater family, I want to thank you for investing in the lives of others. What we do matters, it matters to God and it matters to those whom we serve and serve with.
 
Several months ago a friend gave me this verse as she prayed a blessing over Freshwater and myself. She said the verse was for the church.  
 
“Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” Ezekiel 47:12
 
Freshwater does bear fruit. God is moving here in some amazing ways. And I believe we are on the verge of a new movement of God, a spiritual breakthrough fueled by the power of prayer and the passion of God’s people. Will you please join me in praying that God stirs the hearts of those who come to reflect the love of Christ with their attitude and actions? Will you pray that the Holy Spirit prompts the people in our community to take the next step and connect with him? Will you pray that God uses Freshwater to raise the spiritual climate of this community? I can sense that God is on the move at Freshwater and by the power of the Holy Spirit I am prayerfully seeking His wisdom, guidance and direction. I am asking you to do the same. Thank you for investing in Freshwater. Thank you for investing in others for the glory of God. I’m excited about what God has in store for us.