from my heart

Lately I’ve been more and more aware of the reality that we do not know the appointed time given to us by God. Over and over again I find myself thinking of the speed with which life seems to be happening these days. For instance, we just moved into 2009, but we’re already more than half way through the month. What was for a moment seen as time for considering a fresh start, has already snow balled into the events of the year, some of which are already behind us. I’m overwhelmed.
38 years old and looking back I see how many days have been wasted pursuing my own desires, goals, dreams and personal pleasures. Seems I’m learning though that God will use even the wasted days for His glory to be revealed as I surrender today to Him. What matters is today. Does my life today cause others to see Jesus as the supreme Giver of Life? Does my life today radiate Christ?
I’m sensing God’s calling me to be used up – wasted for Him. I recently heard a reference to two young women who were called into the mission field of a muslim nation. Two weeks into the mission, their lives were taken by force. Some believers stated how sad that these two precious lives were wasted. Really? Is that what we would consider wasted? Used up – but how their sacrifice speaks of the unlimited worth and value of King Jesus – that nothing was more valuable to these young ladies than knowing Christ – not even their lives.
I’m sensing a deeper, greater call to the nations. Even more specifically to the lost. To the lost. Those who are living in darkness and without knowledge of the amazing love God has bestowed upon them in the person of Christ Jesus. My spirit is rejoicing in something that I cannot yet see with my eyes, but what I already know by faith in my heart and mind. God is softening the hardened ground of the souls of men who have been so turned off to the truth of the gospel, but are now coming near the time of crying out for a Savior – Jesus.
So boldly I sense that I must go. Be used up in this manner of living my life in a way that points others to Christ. An end to the focus on programs and making people feel better. The pure message of the gospel. As a friend of mine who is in highschool stated this week in an email, raw, base, real, fresh ministry. Simple. Truth. Genuine. Love. Transformation.
If there’s ever been a time in my life when I sense God’s prophetic word being stirred in me, it is now. Send the Light! There are souls to rescue…there are souls to save…Send the Light!

First Supper Club of 2009

Southside City Church will host Supper Club for Samaritan House on Wednesday, January 14th. The menu is smoked Brisket, potato salad, beans, bread and all kinds of desserts. Let's plan a great night of fun and give aways for the residents. Also, don't forget No meeting at Southside on Sunday, January 11th. We will all meet at Alsbury for the New Year conference starting at 6:00 p.m. Dinner following at 7:00 p.m.

Me Too

I just finished reading Jesus Wants to Save Christians by Robb Bell and Don Colden.   On page 151 in the chapter "blood on the doorsteps of the universe" they quote writer Anne Lamott, "the most powerful sermon in the world is two words:  'me too'."

Me too.  When you're struggling, when you are hurting, wounded, limping, doubting, questioning, barely hanging on, moments away from another relapse, and somebody can identify with you - someone knows the temptations that are at your door, somebody has felt the pain that you are feeling, when someone can look at you in the eyes and say, 'me too', and they actually mean it - it can save you.  When you aren't judged, or lectured or looked down upon, but somebody demonstrates that they get it, that they know what it's like, that you aren't alone, that's 'me too'.

Love you guys so much.

Darrel

Christmas Party Sunday 21st

Sunday Night December 21st Southside City Church will share dinner together at Mexican Inn on 8th Ave. Just South of Magnolia.  We want everyone to join us.  So make your plans to be there at 6:00 p.m., or call us if you need a ride.

EGG Rolls from Heaven?

Last night about 50 or so folks gathered for worship and dinner - a wonderful time of worship. Catrina's tranformation story meant so much to everyone. It was great to have Jay back with us for a Sunday, along with his parents. AND THE EGG ROLLS! TUNG out did himself making home made egg rolls and spring rolls....the best i've ever tasted. AND WOW to the chicken spagetti from mom and belinda....all the great desserts and oh my goodness, the laughter....

you won't want to miss next Sunday, Dec. 14th. Join us at 6:00 for worship and dinner following.

on the 21st, we will have our Southside City Church Christmas party at Mexican Inn on 8th Ave. Everyone plan on attending....6:00 p.m.

Love,

Darrel

An Amazing First Sunday

Sunday, November 23rd, Southside City Church held our first weekly worship gathering, meeting at College Avenue Baptist Church building in the "near" Southside district of Fort Worth. We enjoyed a great meal prepared by Steve and Carolyn, desserts and salads from the crew that were amazing! Hearing testimonies from Bobby and Linda, prayer for Burkina Faso with Jennifer and Catrina....it was all so, so wonderful. Zack led us in worship that was powerful and intimate.

Look for pictures to come and plan on joining us this coming Sunday, November 30th for worship at 6:00 p.m. and dinner to follow.

Southside City Church - Sunday Worship beginning in November

I am very excited to announce that Southside City Church will be launching our Sunday worship gatherings on November 23rd, with a fellowship meal starting at 5:00 p.m. and worship at 6:00 p.m.

Everyone is invited - so mark your calendars for the special evening. SSCC worship gatherings will be held at the College Avenue Baptist Church, 1400 College Ave. Fort Worth, TX 76104. If you exit Rosedale and head West, turn left on College Avenue and head South for a few blocks the church is on the right. Directional signs will be posted so you will know where to enter the building.