GRACE IRVINE PRESBYTERIAN CHINESE CHURCH
Grace Irvine’s Many Firsts – An Unexpected Journey
"Jesus is a better Boaz; he is a redeemer too, and..., I think he can be my redeemer." Yinqing uttered these words, after studying with us for 6 weeks in the book of Ruth. On the day that we concluded this mini-series, she gave her life to Christ.
Church planting is an exciting journey, brimming with God's grace in unexpected ways and moments. It brings to mind the hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, who embarked on an unexpected journey accompanied by a spirited group, striving toward a seemingly unattainable goal, yet carries on with awe and wonder. Lin and I felt a similar sense of adventure over the past 4 months since we moved to Irvine.
FIrst Convert
On November 13, 2023, 6 weeks after studying Ruth, Yinqing gave her life to Christ. This brought me more joy than all the other progress we have made so far as a church. Grace Irvine exists first and foremost to reach the lost. A few weeks later, a family of 5 also believed in Jesus, just 3 months after they moved to the US. The entire family has already begun serving the church. "I have many in this city who are my people" I continue to experience the meaning of this verse by laboring alongside other believers and seeing many come to faith in Christ.
First Sermon
The unexpected nature of our journey also includes moments of unforeseen grief and sadness. Unexpectedly, the first sermon I delivered in California was a message at a memorial service. A gentleman who lost his wife in late August became one of the first friends I made in town. In the providence of our Lord, I had the privilege of ministering to him during this particularly challenging period and conducting the funeral service for his wife. While entirely unforeseen, I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to serve his family and the community in this manner.
First Retreat
By the first week of December, our core group has expanded to 28 adults and 17 children. The growth took us by surprise, and the enthusiasm and spirit in the group reminded me of the crowd accompanying Bilbo. We went on a weekend retreat on the second weekend of December, it was a sweet time of fellowship and a wonderful opportunity for team building.
First Service
Against our initial expectations and plans, we are preparing for a preview Sunday service on January 7, 2023. As the core group continues to grow, with some members speaking only Mandarin, we all feel the need to have a space to worship our God in our heart language. Thanks to the generosity of New Life Church Irvine, we will have access to the Music Room of Beacon Park School, and we look forward to baptizing new believers in our first service.
Pray with us - for our family, our core-group, Grace Irvine's first service, and the new believers among us!
Support us -- despite the progress, we anticipate facing a shortage in the spring of 2024. Consider become a regular supporter or give us a year-end gift.
Support Grace Irvine: https://give.pcamna.org/to/1958/
Church website: https://graceirvine.org/
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