August 17, 2023
Dear Central Church,
For the last 10 years, we’ve had a missional partnership with a network of churches near Havana, Cuba. We’ve sent several different teams to do a variety of projects over the years, which has strengthened the relational bonds of the partnership. These people have become genuine friends to many who have gone on these trips.
Last week, I was able to go on my first trip to Cuba, and I’m happy to report that I now have new friends there. I was welcomed with open arms and received generous hospitality that I did not deserve. My time there was truly a means of grace.
I’d like to introduce you to Pastor Wilmer. (Picture of Wilmer)
We were able to talk a little about ministry and the things God was doing at his church in Catalina. He shared about a home repair ministry for the disabled and how women were meeting at the church to give one another haircuts, manicures, and pedicures. Both were beautiful examples of how the transformation God does on the inside impacts the outside!
When people in the church heard we were coming, they came together and served a buffet of fruit they had collected from their homes and gardens. Our team has lived in the Midwest most of their lives. No one really knows how many times the fruit we buy in the grocery store has been frozen or how many miles it has traveled to get to us. After taking a bite of the mango, we concluded, “This is life-changing mango.”
It truly was!
Pastor Wilmer is serving more than life-changing mango. He is demonstrating for us what it looks like to be fully alive and fully committed to the mission of God in his community.
As we continue to journey through Paul’s letter to the Colossians, I invite us to think about this good news of Jesus as a buffet of grace, mercy, and hope that brings life. All are invited to the table, and we have been commissioned to serve the life-changing message of Jesus with those around us.
Speaking of tables…
We are inside 75 days of completing our sanctuary remodel project. I can’t wait until we meet in that space again and gather around the Lord’s table for the first time. Rick Schroeder, our volunteer construction manager, has prepared an update video of the progress. Check it out by clicking here
In July, we eclipse $1,000,000 of total giving to “Our Turn Now.” Thank you for this investment in our facilities. Our building is an essential tool for ministry. We are currently at 67% of our goal for this project. Praise the Lord, and keep it up!
I hope you have a good weekend, and I look forward to seeing you Sunday as we celebrate being “Fully Alive” in Christ!
Until He’s Finished,
Pastor Mark
