Our time in Brazil involved lots of mixed feelings. After five connections and almost loosing our minds on our way to Brazil, we finally got there not for my mom’s cremation ceremony. Despite all the trials and tribulations, we had a wonderful time reconnecting with family in different parts of the country (Londrina, Sao Paulo, and Sorocaba) and with friends. We also visited a part of Brazil we didn’t know called Porto de Galinhas (picture). Furthermore, I had a great opportunity to preach in couple of churches and, most importantly, reflect about church in general. Out of this time of vacation, reconnection, and reflection, God placed in my heart the following thoughts for Connection Point during this month of September:
1. On September 21, Connection Point will be celebrating two years of existence. Our theme for our last year’s anniversary was “Celebration is…” Since last year, we have gone through a lot–good and not so good things. In many ways, I believe God is teaching me (us) what it means to be His church and to be part of His mission.
2. Starting on September 5, we will be reflecting on the different aspects of what it means to be church based on the book of Acts. Through the series “Dangerous Church,” my desire and prayer is for connection pointers and others who might join us during this month to reflect on the following simple yet challenging thoughts:
Church is more than a building or an hour on the weekend. The heart of a church is the people who gather there to follow Christ together. But it’s what happens along the way that is truly inspiring! Therefore, I believe if we (connection pointers) really get inspired, we can be or, should I say, continue to be “A DANGEROUS CHURCH.” A church who is always willing to be changed and transformed so that we can promote change and transformation in our community and beyond.
