God Moving At Maranatha

THERE IS A BUZZ IN BELLEVILLE

When I entered the lower level of Parkdale Baptist Church for a meeting with local pastors and ministry leaders last Thursday, the atmosphere was electric. The place was abuzz with conversation. The excitement in the room was palpable.

Our Belleville Christian Ministries (BCM) group had witnessed steady growth in attendance over the last several meetings, but this first meeting of the 2022-2023 season set a record. Christian leaders are being drawn to the group by a hopeful sense that God is doing something special among us.

A beautiful tone of humility characterized the meeting. One leader said that, based on his wide experience in Christian ministry, the level of unity in this group is unique. People seem committed to laying aside their personal agendas in order to see God glorified in Belleville.

The group was excited about two initiatives in particular. We are planning the first joint worship service since the start of COVID (to be held Sunday, November 6 at Maranatha). Also, the BCM is launching a ministry called Neighbourlink, which will see our churches cooperating to extend practical help and witness to people in the city who need a hand up. (You will hear more about this at the upcoming joint worship service.)

Three phrases capture what BCM is about.

· Celebrating in Hope

· Connected in Hope

· Sharing our Hope

“Celebrating in Hope” describes the regular joint worship services we plan to hold. “Connected in Hope” refers not only to the current monthly meeting of pastors and ministry leaders, but to our wider unity as Christians in Belleville. Finally, “Sharing Our Hope” speaks of our efforts to touch our city together with the love and Good News of Jesus.

I hope you are as excited as I am about this “buzz in Belleville.” Please keep this movement in your prayers.  —Pastor Tom