It's been a long time coming... Finally, I (Ben) am able to find a good amount of time to sit down and update the blog. We are so grateful and thankful for all the support and encouragement we have received over the past months. Over the past 5 months we have received your letters, phone calls, emails, and financial provision which has made us overwhelmed with joy in Christ. Thank you for your continued sacrificial gifts of time and resources. These past months have been a roller coaster of emotions. While Boston is a beautiful city full of life and community activities, the need for the gospel of Christ to shine here becomes more evident every day. Rarely have I had a conversation with someone at work or in the community around us that knows the truth of Jesus Christ and His death and resurrection. Everyday provides an opportunity to share the treasure that we have.
Our Family is Growing (both spiritually and physically)... A lot has happened in the Smith family since we departed from Ga. Holly and I have been grown and stretched as we have been in Boston. We are continuing to grow in our love for Christ and His church and being stretched daily in our brokenness for this fallen world we live in. We ask that you continue to pray for God to draw hearts unto Himself and use us to show the joy that is found in trusting Jesus. Also, If you have not heard already the Lord has blessed us and baby #2 is due March 17, 2011. This will mean both new joys and new challenges! Please pray that the Lord will send workers to help in the children's ministry where Holly is currently serving.
God is building His Church... I feel like everyday I am reminded of the words of Christ in Matthew 16:18 to Peter when He says "I will build My church." I am reminded that Christ is not just saying that He will build a local church but a universal church of the redeemed. Charles River Church is growing slowly in numbers but beautifully in transformed lives. We are seeing people come together every week to BE the body of Christ. This past Sunday, we held our Community Grand Opening and saw fruit through those who came to hear the message of CRC. We even had a local newspaper contact us to run an article about the Grand Opening. Pray that those who attended saw the glory of Christ and will long to be connected to His body and share to those around them. And continue to pray that God will continue to open doors to reach out to the surrounding communities of West Roxbury, Roslindale, Jamaica Plain, Newton, and Dedham.
If in your prayers, you are led to support the church or our family financially, please feel free to contact me at ben@thecharlesriverchurch.com.
Thank you again for all the encouragement we have received from your support.
Trusting in God for the Glory of His Name,
Ben, Holly, and Cecilia Smith
