Cultural Differences & Common Ground

I have humbly been learning that a man who initially appears scary to me can go from being intimidating to my friend named John in just a few minutes of kind conversation. Though it can seem to the eye that there isn't much in common between us and our neighbors, this just isn't true. We are all created by God, we all enjoy good weather, conversations, food, sports, etc... We are all going through life's ups and downs and we all have a story to tell. There is an equal need each day for God to provide for us whether one gives credit to God or not.

We have found that we must initiate with those around us and once we do the walls fall down and we find common ground. Yes, there are some who clearly keep their distance, but we know that the God who broke forth light into the darkness will continue to shine His light into the darkness of human hearts, including ours! We have already seen God drawing out a spiritual interest in a couple named Kevin and Erica, who have said several times they want to 'start going back to church'. Pray with us that we will be consistent, steady lights that burn not through our own effort, but through resting & trusting in the Light burning within us.

Our 1st Social Service
The smell of hot charcoal & hamburgers on the grill filled the air while we hosted our first BBQ for the complex this past Saturday! The beats of rap music, which normally bugs me, began to seem unnoticeable as I started getting to know new residents and help serve a large group of kids. While Jack grilled away, we enjoyed the evening getting to know new neighbors. Cristo Rey
We think we have found a church home! Cristo Rey is a bi-lingual church offering worship services in English & Spanish. This church is a church plant that branched off of a large & popular church in the heart of Dallas called Park Cities Presbyterian. We had a rich time singing praises & hearing the gospel preached in both languages. Because Cristo Rey is a church plant in process, we believe it will be a good place for us to get a picture of what church planting looks like as we are wondering if that is what God will call us to after seminary. We are beginning to see more Hispanic residents and for that reason we are glad to know that Cristo Rey may be a comfortable and attractive church to those we invite. Visit the web site at www.cristoreypca.org
Thank you for keeping up with us and for your prayers! ~ Emily, Jack & Jackson