Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare (Psalm 40:5).
May this year bring about the spiritual growth and maturity that God desires for our lives. As I reflect upon last year it was evident that God was with us and continues to be with us. It was thrilling to see all that God did through us last year. Though there are too many to recount, here are some memorable things:
1. We started 2010 with Gordon Ferguson and the Souled out Workshop. That workshop is available on video in the church bookstore.
2. The church studied the topic of Love One Another for the first two months of the year. We want to continue to grow in our love for each other and the world.
3. God blessed us with 33 Baptisms in 2009 and that will increase even more in 2010.
4. We were thrilled to see 18 disciples restored to God and the church. The work of reaching those who have struggled is so important to God (Matthew 18:12).
5. On March 15, the entire church had Outdoor Worship Services in the various parks. It was a great time of worship and picnics all over the city,
6. In March the campus ministry had a great week of impact as they had campus workers in from various churches to work here in Houston and then our campus ministry participated with the campus students in San Antonio from March 15-17.
7. On May 3 we had a special Teacher Appreciation Sunday as we thanked educators, mentors, teachers and coaches who have helped shaped our lives and characters.
8. Our church was blessed to host the 2009 Texas Christian Conference. The theme was They Will Tell of the Glory of Your Kingdom. The Event took place at the George R. Brown Convention Center. We were moved by messages by Gordon Ferguson, Sam Powell, the Lucas family, the Fleurants, Mike Taliaferro, and many others.
9. The 2009 Special Missions Collection which included money for Eurasia Missions, HOPE projects, local benevolence and other works. The church gave over $122,000.
10. The church participated in the 2009 Christian Evidences Conference which took place at Houston Baptist University. It featured a debate between Douglas Jacoby and Dr. Robert Price. Dr. John Oakes preached at the Houston church that weekend.
11. In June and July the entire church studied “First Principles” so that we could increase our effectiveness in studying with others and ground ourselves in God’s Word.
12. Our church added a third elder, as Ronnie Ricks was appointed as a shepherd.
13. On August 22, we sponsored the GHC Parenting Workshop featuring keynote speakers Dave and Tami Ryter and Steve and Bev Ozanne.
14. We had 22 disciples graduate from the Financial Peace University.
15. We had 22 couples complete the Dynamic Marriage program.
16. We had 6 couples complete the Growing Kids God’s Way program.
17. We were excited to host the annual Texas-wide Teen Prom.
18. We hosted the Texas-wide Marriage Retreat at the Galleria.
19. With the goal of having a spanish ministry that truly impacts the world, the church had its First Spanish Workshop and our very first Spanish Women’s Day.
20. The GHC Women’s Day featured Candice Fathi and the theme was Sisterhood: I Need You to Survive. It was faith-building and outstanding weekend.
21. The Men’s Day, held the same weekend, was entitled, Behind Enemy Lines and featured Behzad Fathi, who powerfully preached the Word of God
22. In September, the church sent 11 leaders to attend the International Leadership Conference in Denver, Coloarado. It was a unifying and encouraging time.
23. The HOPE Worldwide Community Health Fair and American Red Cross Blood Drive was hosted at the GHC building on October 10, 2009.
24. On October 11, the church had a HOPE special collection event for African projects. And let’s not forget about the HOPE MLK Day of Service that we had in January of 2009, as well as the one that will be upcoming in just a few weeks.
25. The church had record attendance on October 18 as we had our International Worship Service and Picnic. We had a record number of visitors!
26. Our Teens attended the 2009 Teen Rally which took place in San Antonio, Texas on November 14 and 15th. It was a great event for our teen Christians.
27. The church also participated in the Chance for Africa Bake Sale on December 13, which benefitted the children of African disciples.
28. The church provided many blankets for the homeless in December.
29. The church sponsored the Christmas Angel Express which helped foster care organizations. Over 140 kids were provided gifts that day.
We praise God for all he has done and all he will do in 2010. To Him be glory in the church.
—Peter Sterling