Weekly Celebration!
Church Family,
Every week is not full of excitement. Rather, some weeks are for seeking the Lord. In the midst of the lingering effects of the pandemic as well as the unrest in our community and nation, this past week and weekend has brought me and so many others to our knees in prayer more times than I can count. Our HHBC staff spent time in prayer around the altar on Monday morning, crying out for the people of our community and nation, crying out for God to heal our land, crying out for revival.
This morning in my devotion, I read about a man named Daniel Nash. He is probably someone you have never heard of, though perhaps you have heard of Charles Finney, a significant leader in the Second Great Awakening. Finney was the Billy Graham of his day and hundreds of thousands of lives were transformed by the gospel because of Finney’s ministry. What is amazing about Charles Finney’s ministry is that it is said that over 80% of those professing salvation during one of his evangelistic meetings continued in the faith. By comparison, it is estimated that only 50% of those converting during D. L. Moody’s meetings continued in the faith and Billy Graham said he would be thrilled if 20% of those who walked forward continued in the faith. So what is the difference? Most point to Daniel Nash. Nash was called the Prince of Prevailing Prayer. He would enter into cities Finney would visit in coming weeks and for weeks leading up to the meeting he could be found with a small group of like-minded men and women crying out for revival. It was said that when Finney finally arrived, the Spirit of God was already so heavy in the place and the people were already ready to place their faith in Jesus. On Daniel Nash’s tombstone you will find 2 simple phrases: Laborer with Finney. Mighty in Prayer.
As we celebrate some of the great ways God continues to bless Hyland Heights this week let us do so with a spirit of prayer. May we too be found mighty in prayer. May our celebrations in recent weeks only be a frontrunner to an even greater revival yet to come. Below are a few of our celebrations from the week as well as our financials from the week.
Celebrating New Life! God’s Spirit was truly felt at all of our services this past Sunday. I sang and worshiped during all three services and remember a moment in the 11:00 service thinking to myself, praising Jesus never gets old! One day, I will get to do this forever, and my voice will never wear out either! Even better, over the past few weeks we have seen several responses to the gospel, including one this week. How great is it to know our earthly family and neighbors will also get to worship Jesus with us for eternity to come! Keep sharing Jesus this week. The gospel is still the power unto salvation for all who believe (Romans 1:16) and I believe we will see many come to faith in Christ in the months to come!
But Wait, There’s More: As Brian said, it’s been a crazy end to their High School years. Anticlimactic probably doesn’t do it justice. Sunday we took time to tell our recent graduates we are proud of them and prayed over them as they begin important next steps. But let me challenge you with an idea. What if some of you took another step? What if you seek out one of our graduates to mentor, to love on, to pray for during these next years of life. Imagine the life-long impact you could have for Christ. Imagine how the graduates faith would grow and how your faith would grow too because iron sharpens iron. Before you say, they wouldn’t want me, let me assure you, every college student and young adult wants someone to do something like this for them, and you don’t know if you don’t ask. I’m sure of this, if you dare to reach out to Brian Freerksen bfreerksen@hhbc.net, I am confident he will be able to help you find just the right student to partner with during this next season of their life.
Will Guest Still Come? One thing that might surprise you to learn is that we had more than a few guests and guest families join us for worship this past Sunday. While a few may just want to find a way to get out of the house, I believe that many are looking for hope and stability during the time of this pandemic. While you may still have to sit a few seats apart, pray about who your family can invite to join them for worship this week. Let’s not miss this opportunity in the life of our country to point our community to the ultimate source of hope, Jesus our Lord.
HHBC Weekly Financials:
Weekly Offering: $21,558.00
Weekly Budget: $33,228.00
As of May 31st, we have received 104% of our year-to-date budget.
As I looked up at the many students on the stage this week, I was reminded that these students are a product of your prayers, your service, and your generosity. Many of them started at HHBC when they were in diapers. They came to Christ at HHBC VBS or Summer Camp. They grew in their faith because of ministries like Sunday School, AWANA, and Student Ministry. Each graduating class is a reminder that the way you have loved on and sacrificially given to support the ministries of HHBC really does make a difference. It made a difference in their lives and it will continue to make a difference in the lives of those growing up and who are still yet to come. Thank you for making a difference.
Please continue to remember that giving in worship will look slightly different in the coming weeks as we will not pass the plates for your safety, but will have offering baskets where you can give as you exit the worship center following whichever service you attend. For many, we know that you have started to give online and this continues to be an excellent choice to make giving easier/safer for you and to make sure that the ministry and mission of HHBC continues to impact more lives the weeks to come. If you would like to give to Hyland Heights online, simply go to hhbc.net/give.
Dr. Josh Carter
Senior Pastor
Lord, you were favorable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. 2 You forgave the iniquity of your people; you covered all their sin. Selah 3 You withdrew all your wrath; you turned from your hot anger.
4 Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away your indignation toward us! 5 Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger to all generations? 6 Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? 7 Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.
~ Psalm 85:1-7