March 2011 Archives:

Make a Difference!

by Kim Bellwood

3/25/11

As a leader of Sonrise's Food Pantry, I am constantly amazed and humbled by the loving people in our church and community.

Earlier this month, 50 ladies came together and played in a local charity volleyball tournament called Volley for Hunger. Teams of ladies signup for the tournament knowing the money goes to feed local families through our Food Pantry.

They raised $700 in one afternoon! That is enough money for our Food Pantry to feed over 100 families for one week. It is amazing what we can do as Christians when we come together to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors. These women of God are truly incredible!

Yea God!

3/18/11

Following our Family Celebration Weekend, we've really seen God move on many hearts to fully commit to Him. Currently, we have 40 people who've asked to be baptized--Yea God! If you are interested in finding out more about baptism, please contact Don Gillispie at donnieg192@live.com.

Advent Conspiracy 2010 Update

from Pastor James

3/11/11

Dear Sonrise Family,

Thank you for your generosity to give in times of need! Through your giving over $39,000 dollars came in for Advent Conspiracy. Let me give you an update on how these funds are being distributed:

LOCAL:

1) The gift to the City of Portland for the Trafficking Shelter has been distributed and I was able to personally thank Mayor Adams for joining with us in this effort.
2) The Campus Expansion dollars have been moved into a savings account as we await a location for this next step in our church. Continue to pray for a location to be opened up. We could start this Easter (April 24) if we could secure a location. This is taking longer than we had hoped, but with your prayers we'll persevere.

GLOBAL:

3) The gift to World Vision for the Uganda Water & Evangelism projects has been distributed and they were very thankful for our involvement. We'll be receiving information throughout the year on how this effort is proceeding.
4) John Matlock and I will be going to Tanzania this April (April 1-8) for Pastoral Training. We'll be teaching a basic Bible Doctrine class over the five days we're there. Please pray for open hearts and minds as we teach these Pastors more of God's truths.

John has been a missionary to Tanzania for the past four years and prior to that was one of our Elders. He and his wife now reside in Vancouver, Washington. We will use the remainder of the money in this account to send John back to these Pastors in the fall to teach a class on the Life of Christ.

Here are a few photos of extra gifts that were given for a church roof in Mwanza, Tanzania and for a grinding mill for the ladies of one of those churches that is located in the Serengeti, Tanzania.

Thank you once again for your generosity: “Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God‘s people.” Philemon 7

Pastor James