SPRINGFIELD — The Grant Beach neighborhood north of here is coming alive thanks to the work of the Holy Spirit and the faithful obedience of members from Redeemer Church.
Making disciples was the goal. Those disciples are to worship Jesus, connect with people, and serve the city. With that in mind, nearly 500 flyers were printed and distributed in the neighborhood. Flyers also went out through Weaver Elementary School where the core group had been meeting for six months. Prayer was consistent.
Team leaders showed up at Grant Beach Park 30 minutes before the event. They were met by a group of five to 10 people, mostly homeless. Soon a crowd gathered at the pavilion.
The event included free food, soda, balloon-animal making, and drawings for basketballs and volleyballs.
Nearly 200 survey cards were filled out with 37 people asking for more information. From the contacts we made we taught people about Jesus from the Bible.
“There were many conversations had that really made the event worth every penny and ounce of energy spent,” said Greg Gaumer, pastor, Redeemer Church.
Shortly after the event Redeemer crossed the 100 barrier in attendance for the first time. Many connections were made.
Gaumer is thankful for churches helping in this effort.
“Our hope is that you would be encouraged to see what God is doing among us because of the generosity of you and your church,” he said. “We have been truly blessed as a new church start and hope that one day we could reproduce the same gospel-centered, missional- focused mindset to see churches planting churches for the glory of God.”