I am so excited about the ways our church is growing and making a difference in our community—not only locally but globally as well! As many of you know, a few of us had the opportunity to travel to Nairobi, Kenya earlier this month, and it was so fun to build relationships with our global partners at Mavuno Church Downtown. Throughout our time there, the word that kept popping up for me was faithfulness. I was reminded over and over again of God’s faithfulness in my own life, in the lives of the others on our team in Kenya, and in the lives and ministries of each person we met there. God is faithful—true to His promises—even when we are weak or don’t understand our current circumstances.

We got to visit a variety of different ministries that were all started by volunteers from Mavuno Church. One empowers local artisans and helps them sell their products (jewelry, baskets, etc.); one supports cancer patients; and another teaches film-making to students in the slums. The common denominator among all of these ministries is that each of them started small. It was one person. One idea. One passion. And it was God’s faithfulness that brought each ministry into fruition. If God is using ordinary people and their simple passions halfway across the world, I believe He wants to do the same through us here in Huntington Beach!

Where do you see God’s faithfulness in your life?

How might God be prompting you to be faithful with what He has given you? (skills, resources, passions…)

We are so grateful for our partnership with Kenya, and especially for our new Kenyan friends. It has been a true blessing to our Mariners HB community to have our dear friend Betty with us for the past 6 months, as a global resident from Kenya. She will be returning to Kenya at the beginning of August, so please make sure you give her a hug on the patio when you see her, and tell her “asante sana” (thank you very much) for her time here!

Here is a note from Betty:

Friends,
I can’t believe my time here is almost up! Thank you so much for welcoming me with open arms and allowing me to be part of your church. I feel so blessed to have interacted with so many of you. From the purple chairs, on stage, on the patio, at community events, on trips to Mexico and in your homes, I will cherish the relationships and lessons that I have learned interacting with you all. Again, thank you for the great impact you as a church have had in my life.

Sincerely,
Betty Wanjiru

Speaking of global, we have another Mexico Faith Adventure coming up! Join us on August 6 as we begin construction on a small home for a pastor’s family in Rosarito. CLICK HERE to sign up.

Also, remember to bring CASH and invite a friend to enjoy lunch at a local food truck after service for our CASH MOB this Sunday July 24 after morning services!

I am grateful for this community. May you experience God’s faithfulness and be reminded of his love this week!

Monica