by Tom Hayes
pastor of Missions & Community Impact

Hope is a powerful thing. It has sustained each of us through some of our own dark times. In Romans 15:13, the Apostle Paul calls our God the "God of Hope." It is great to know we serve a God who not only gives us hope, but who is called the God of Hope.

Our world is filled with many people who do not know or understand our God of Hope. Daily we are given opportunities to joyfully share Him with people in our own city and throughout the world. As a church, Stonebriar is committed to Sharing Hope with All People in All Places.

On Missions Sunday 2010, you will have the opportunity to learn specifically how we will be sharing hope this next year through Stonebriar's Missions Ministries. Missions Sunday provides an opportunity for our people to get a taste (sometimes literally) of the places in the world where Stonebriar ministers. Each year, our people are surprised to hear about the many ways and places that we are ministering worldwide.

We hope you will join us Sunday, February 21, for the opportunity to see firsthand what ministry looks like in other countries. We will have various tables and exhibits throughout the Atrium for the whole family to enjoy. For example, you will see how medical clinics are used overseas, will experience what it feels like to go to church in India, and will hear testimonies of orphans across the globe who are supported by our church. We hope you will be moved, encouraged, and inspired by everything you see and hear on Missions Sunday.

Please pray with us that February 21 will be a day that God moves in the lives of people in our church, and that each person will be encouraged to support our desire to Share Hope with All People in All Places. Throughout the year, please also remember to pray for the many missionaries Stonebriar supports who are serving worldwide.