November 2010 Archives:
Changing Lives through LMW
11/26/10
Our Light My Way ministry to former prisoners has plenty of amazing stories of lives changed by the love of Jesus! Enjoy this story in Smitty's own words and a fantastic video of a recent LMW baptism. For more information on our LMW Ministry, please contact Jerry Mettee at jerrym@isonrise.com.
Donald "Smitty" Smith's Story
"While serving many years in prison, I met the Lord Jesus Christ. Upon my release I was told about the LMW service and joined. I have faithfully attended this service since it's beginning. I am sooooo glad there is a service like this because it has changed my life. I still attend and have now started serving in this ministry. I feel it's my calling to come alongside others who are going through what I went through. I also faithfully pray for this ministry and those who lead it. There is hope for all of us through Jesus Christ."
Jeff's Video Testimony & Baptism
Life Change at S.O.S.
11/19/10
As the Shelter at Orenco Station (S.O.S.) gears up to welcome the homeless of our community "out of the cold and into our hearts" this winter, here are some "real life" stories of lives changed...
Sarah's Story
Sarah woke up on December 10, 2009 after spending several weeks living in her car. The temperature outside was 10 degrees. She had eight blankets and her dog to try and keep her warm, but still was so cold she could hardly move. Reflecting on how she ended up in a situation she thought would never happen to her; she recalled the break-up of an abusive relationship and soon after the sudden loss of her job. These events cause Sarah to slip into a debilitating depression. Unable to cope with life anymore she soon ran out of money and lost the apartment she was living in.
That day, using what little gas she had left, she made her way to the public library to spend the day in a warm place. While there she saw information about the Shelter at Orenco Station. With no other options available to her she showed up at S.O.S. that evening and was overwhelmed by the caring people that provided her with clean clothes, a shower, a warm meal, and even a gift card for gas for her car. Sarah spent every night for the rest of the winter at S.O.S. and gradually worked herself out of her depression and became a vital part of the shelter operation, counseling other guests as only one that has experienced homelessness can. On March 1st she was offered a room to stay in with a local pastor and his family. Last summer Sarah landed a new job and is saving her money to get a place of her own.
Dan's Story
"If not for the welcome I received (at S.O.S.) I still would be lost. With guidance from Jesus Christ and the Sonrise Church family, I have found my way (your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path). I truly believe I am one of God's children and I accept Jesus Christ as my savior. I have have found a new family; one I trust and love. You have helped me to see the true joy of life. Again I thank Sonrise Church and it's members and most of all I thank Jesus Christ."
Thanks Sonrise!
"Sonrise Church - thank you for everything you do to create unity in our community. I so very much appreciated spending Christmas afternoon with you. The sunny day, the wonderful food, meaningful conversation and the beautiful space made me very thankful..." - D.A.
To learn more about S.O.S. and to sign-up to volunteer or bring a dessert, please visit www.sos-shelter.org.
Pastor James and the Gleason Family are Honored
11/12/10
The greeting card companies have identified October as "Pastor Appreciation Month". While we should be appreciating to our pastoral staff all year long, it's particularly important to show our appreciation in a tangible way. This past weekend at the 11am service, we honored Pastor James and his family with some special gifts. Pastor James and Mary Beth will enjoy a great "date night" together and then the Gleason family will play and splash together with a weekend getaway to Great Wolf Lodge. The boys were each given a gift bag with new pjs, a special towel, and some snacks for the trip. We are all excited to be able to bless our Lead Pastor for all he does for us!
All Youth Halloween Serve Party
11/05/10
On Halloween night, about 50-60 Sonrise Youth from 7th-12th grade gathered in costume at Sonrise Church for an evening of fun and serving. In addition to the typical party agenda (music, games, hotdogs, sodas, cupcakes, and more candy than any person should eat), all youth were divided into 11 teams and ventured out into the surrounding neighborhoods. Instead of trick or treating, the students knocked on doors asking for canned food and non-perishables for Sonrise's Food Pantry. In the spirit of competition, the winning team (collecting about 50lbs. per student) was awarded a prize bag full of treats! Altogether, Sonrise Youth collected 1490lbs. of food to distribute to our Hillsboro community!
