what a weekend!

This Saturday our team was joined by the youth group from Bethel Baptist in Janesville and our friends from Bible Baptist in Mauston in prayer walking the Northside neighborhoods of Madison. It was fantastic! Thanks to these friends who joined us - working together we cover much more territory than we would have been able to do alone!Gene preps the group before going out.

Sam and Chelsea

Becky, Paige, Spencer and KateThis was the picture taken when Jenn, Kate and Juli returned at 3p.m. after being out in the subzero temps, trudging through the snow, up and down hills -well, actually those driveways seem more like mountains after awhile. Door to door, house to house - legs cramping, blisters forming - all for Jesus! Anyone want to sign up for next time?!

Seriously, it was a great day. We had great weather (for February in WI). It is fun imagining what God is doing in the lives of our neighbors. It was really fun to get to pray blessings on them, many of whom we may never get to meet, and know that God was there with us -forming us, softening hearts, loving His children, advancing His kingdom.

and the next day...

"Now, that's my kind of church!"

That's one of the comment that we received when we shared with someone that we are meeting monthly right now as we continue to build our team. It was a great morning, making coffee, setting up the room, the tech. stuff... just like old times!

Everyone, young and old pitched in. The kids did a great job of setting up the "centerpieces" and making signs . Our kids - Sam and Spencer, Chelsea and Paige- have really been fabulous. They have participated all along the way and they continue to contribute in our worship times and in prayers. It's fun to watch them grow in love for God and His church. It is amazing to see them actively serving and discovering the spiritual gifts and grow in understanding of how they can make a difference in the Kingdom!

behind the computer...just like old times
( A big thanks to Andrew, a student at YWAM, for his assistance with the tech. stuff - he made the process simple, quick and fun - a true blessing to this technical arts department!
Thanks Andrew!)

...anticipation....hospitality...teamwork...

Thanks to all of you who prayed for us. The service went very well. We were again joined by a group from Janesville as well as the team from a new church plant in Stoughton, Watershed. What makes setting up chairs in the morning fun is imagining who may sit in them, whose life may be altered by Jesus today...and this morning, just about every chair was full.

We have had a great time this weekend. As we close this day we as a team are encouraged and excited about what's in store for the new community that God is birthing on the Northside of Madison. It's only the beginning!