“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us…” – Ephesians 3:20
We have officially set things in motion! Bayside Church has made a commitment to unleash compassion globally and locally. As you know, we have prayerfully and strategically chosen 56 ministry projects to fund as a part of our Compassion First Campaign model. Many of you have already invested in seeing that these projects are funded over the next three years. Once our commitment to the Compassion Projects has been fulfilled we will then turn to improving our existing campuses to expand our Kingdom impact.
That’s what we mean by compassion first!
This blog is intended to keep us all praying, giving, and celebrating as we participate in this campaign. There will be monthly updates and some special reports to share what God is doing through His people and because of your participation. Here are just a few things that you have already helped set into MOTION.
Compassion
F.I.R.S.T.
Project Updates
F – FIGHT
Fight Sex Trafficking and Poverty
Spotlight on Project #4: HEART
Health and education are two of the biggest challenges for the people of Kenya. Bayside has partnered with the HEART (Health Education Africa Resource Team) Foundation over the past 10 years to help address these issues and the dire needs of the Kenyan people. In July, Bayside sent a team to serve alongside HEART for two weeks. During their trip, the team was able to visit several WEEP Centers (Woman’s Equality Empowerment Program), one of the programs HEART has developed with the hopes to encourage and train women and minimize orphaned children.
The women at these centers have been beaten and abused, victimized and abandoned, broken and ostracized, and they’re HIV positive. Now, through the work of HEART, these women’s health has stabilized through medication, they receive job and business management training through sewing and baking classes and they are being discipled.
With over 500 women on the waiting list for the WEEP centers, there is much work to be done! We ask that you pray for the ministry HEART is doing and the Kingdom impact they are making on whole communities one woman and one family at a time.
I – INVEST
Invest in High-Impact Ministries
Spotlight on Project #25: Joni and Friends Sacramento
Bayside partners with Joni and Friends Sacramento to provide scholarships to Marriage Getaway, a marriage conference for parents of special needs children. This year’s conference was enjoyed by 33 couples at Zephyr Cove in Lake Tahoe over the Memorial Day Weekend. Most were parents of children with special needs, while the others were couples with one or both spouses impacted by disability.
These are couples in need of rest, getting away is nearly impossible, as special needs childcare is hard to find and harder to afford. Through the generous donation from Bayside and others, several of these couples were able to be gifted a scholarship, covering part or all of their time away.
The weekend came to a close after a lakeside “re-commitment of vows” ceremony and communion. The theme verse for the weekend was Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” and it served as a reminder to each couple that their “rest” will always be in the Lord.
R – REACH
Reach At-Risk Kids
Spotlight on Project #27: Faith Alive
Halfway around the world, the Faith Alive Nigeria HIV/AIDS hospital transforms lives by providing free medical care to tens of thousands each year. Thanks to the generosity of Baysiders, Faith Alive brings long-term sustainability and hope to 120 employees and volunteers.
Currently, the Faith Alive Hospital cares for over 10,000 patients a month and provides ongoing care for HIV/AID patients, as well as care for emergencies, opportunistic infections, surgery, and birthing services. Faith Alive has built several small satellite clinics so that patients don’t need to travel great distances to receive care.
Now, with recently acquired land adjacent to the main clinic, Faith Alive moves into the planning stage to build the first Pediatric Hospital in Jos, Nigeria. We praise God for providing an architect that is donating the plans and for the continued support of our Bayside family to give generously above and beyond through the Motion Campaign.
Urgent Prayer Request:
The Faith Alive Foundation HIV/AIDS Clinic in Jos, Nigeria continues to be a beacon of hope to thousands of impoverished Nigerians. As hospital strikes, political tensions and tribal and religious clashes of violence escalate, each day 300-350 patients find free medical care and the love of Christ at Faith Alive. Please pray for peace and stability in Nigeria, for continued strength and courage among Faith Alive staff and volunteers, for civility between Christian and Muslim leaders and an end to tribal warfare.
S – SERVE
Serve Our Community
Spotlight on Project #38: Breakaway Midtown
Bayside’s call to reach local communities is never more prevalent than the summers spent at Breakaway (Bayside’s version of VBS)! Since its inaugural camp began 7 years ago the Bayside Midtown Campus has taken this high-energy camp out of the doors of the church and into the community. This year we’ve expanded our boundaries and added another nearby community; church family connecting with two different communities of families all for the glory of God – it’s a been a great summer!
Breakaway is a high-impact, exciting activities camp held on Tuesday evenings throughout the summer at Leataata Floyd Elementary in Sacramento. Campers choose a summer experience, either sports or creative arts, and are placed in small groups with mentors who teach, encourage, and tell them about God’s love for them. This year, record numbers of campers and volunteers are participating, and they are having a ball learning art, music, dance, soccer, and basketball!
T – TRAIN
Train the Next Generation of Christian Leaders
Spotlight on Project #50: Crescent Project
The goal of Crescent Project is to see every Muslim have an opportunity to respond to the Gospel and be connected to a true follower of Jesus.
Twelve Baysiders participated in the Sahara Challenge Conference this June and had the privilege of sitting under the teaching of Fouad Masri and other professors learning all the facets of Islam and how to build bridges with Muslims in our communities. The team was encouraged and motivated by hearing testimonies from new believers from Muslim backgrounds who had recently come to faith in Jesus. This was an intense week of being challenged and equipped. This group is now better trained to work with refugees here in Sacramento, reaching out to Muslims and sharing the hope we have in Jesus with people of all faiths.
Want to be inspired too? Check out this amazing story of life transformation from our friends at Crescent Project.
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Thank you for reading this update! As you can see, God is already using the first fruits of your giving to help churches, save lives, and spread the hope of Jesus Christ around the world! And we’re just getting started!
If you want to learn more or get involved in the Motion Campaign, check out motion.baysideonline.com
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