We were reminded of some key values of FFAC such as prayer. It is while praying that we directly encounter God. We realize our desperate need of Him. The Lord then fuels our desire to be His messengers to people who have yet to experience life in Christ.

Let's look back. Among the earliest habit formed by FFAC is the Extended Night of Prayer. It is held every 3rd Friday of the month. We would usually have a missionary guest speaker, celebrate the Lord's Supper, and pray all evening from 7-11pm. Since coming here in late 2004, we may have gone past 10pm, but usually, time is not an issue when God is clearly among us in the prayer meeting. Incidentally, there is a prayer gathering here every Friday evening at 7pm. Your staff and I are re-reading Jim Cymbala's Fresh Wind Fresh Fire.

Cymbala quotes a guest pastor from the corner of the world fondly referred to as "down under" who spoke these words: "You can tell how popular a church is by who comes on Sunday morning. You can tell how popular the pastor or evangelist by who comes on Sunday night. But you can tell how popular Jesus Christ is by who comes to the prayer meeting." (p. 28).

We're keeping our existing partnerships. We have a roster of missionaries and Christian workers here and abroad. We want to keep adding to them. We want to keep praying for these. We want to keep giving and even increase our gifts to our denomination's Global Advance (international ministries) and Canadian Ministries (local church planting) fund. After all, the theme in this year's District Conference is "Restoring the M in the C&MA” We want to strengthen our commitment to missions.

Now let's look ahead.

In addition to our Alliance connection, FFAC has adopted two new ministries, namely Action International Ministries (AIM) and Hungry For Life (HFL). Let me correct the info I announced last Sunday when I mentioned that the April 26 offering is going to be divided into three parts. No, it is not three, but rather equally split in two: half will go to AIM and the other half will go to a specific HFL Project. We are aware that FFAC, Global Advance and Canadian Ministries are also behind (read "deficit") with respect to the moneys received and projected budget year-to-date. Your elders and church staff team are learning to look to God to enable us to depend on Him and He will supply all the resources to ensure that ministries and workers continue in reaching people for Christ.

Plans are underway for the missions team to review and make recommendations to the BOE as to how we can enhance our missions philosophy and practice. Simply put, how can we pray more? How can we give more? How can we send every person in FFAC to get involved in short-term missions trips? We want to send several teams of people to a partner church or missions agency in a specific country to do long-term relief work, community development project and ultimately proclaim Christ and see a church filled with Christ-followers.

You may be thinking that this is all well and good to dream, but look at the economic situation. Sure we're in recession. We are concerned about folks who have lost their jobs or those whose positions are in jeopardy. Instead of not doing anything and feeling dejected, your elders, staff and leadership team are learning to go to God in prayer.

We are still calling upon the same God who has done mighty works on behalf of His people throughout human history. When we humble ourselves before God, stop looking at ourselves and begin fixing our eyes on the Lord and when we pray, God promised to hear, forgive us and heal us (paraphrased from 2 Chronicles 7:14).

God has done it in the past. He promised to do the same in the future. We have reason to believe that the Lord is definitely working and moving among us now.

Warmly,

ricky p. mapa, pastor

Oh, and one more thing. You might be thinking, so what is FFAC doing here in Edmonton? It's good that you asked. You see, we have a really good problem going on in FFAC. We cannot find enough people to start and facilitate small groups in all corners of our city for prayer and God's Word. Would you be willing to (1) open your home for a small group and/or (2) to lead a team to conduct a small group meeting? You asked. Would you get involved? You may go see Thess Garcera, Emen Abarquez or me. Come and join God's work in FFAC right here in our city.