Hello wonderful friends and family,
Firstly, I pray that this update finds you well! Secondly, let me apologize for how long it has taken for me to send this update. Things have been busy, but I am excited to share with you all the Lord has been doing and all He has allowed me to be a part of these past months.
Great Commission Conference in The Netherlands
In February, I was blessed to help facilitate and participate in a Great Commission Conference led by Jim Eby. We gathered with leaders from seven countries across Europe. This training held so much for us as we continue becoming more equipped at discipling individuals and lead discipling ministries. To say I left challenged would be an understatement. It was also so special to have that time to build relationships with these leaders from across Europe as we take on and walk out the Great Commission on our own, and together! We are already planning for our Phase Two meeting this fall.
The Link Coffee House
This year, we have seen huge growth at The Link! We have been putting in effort to grow our presence online, meaning I’ve had to get comfortable being on camera, which is not my favorite, but all for the cause. These efforts have helped us gain new customers and reach the financial goals we have been praying for since our opening. We have also branched into some additional community outreaches from the Link such as hosting a Homework Hub for students once a week and hosting a community group every month.
European missions can be slow, and Coffee House Ministry is a long-game ministry based on relationships built over time. The most exciting thing, and a huge testimony, I can share is that several of our regulars, who are unchurched/agnostic/part of lgbtq+ community, have started wanting to have conversations about the Lord. In the past few months I have had the opportunity to share what I believe, who Jesus is, why I read my Bible, what a church is, how faith is important to me, etc., all because of the questions they have been asking. Through relationships and time investment with them, they are welcoming me to share the truth of the Lord with them, and it's the most incredible thing in the world! Please be in prayer with me that the Lord will continue to open these doors and give me the wisdom and favor to share Him with them!
Compassion Church Bridgend
Being asked to be a part of the leadership team at the local church has been such a journey, and ultimately, an answer to prayer. A couple of months ago, the Lord reminded me of the years I asked to have the community of a home church again. Being a part of this team continues to be such an intentional blessing from the Lord. The people challenge me, encourage me, and help me continue as we work together to serve the Lord and reach the people of Bridgend.
Our church is situated in the heart of our town, and, because of this, we are in constant spiritual warfare. We often say that we have made camp in an area that the enemy claimed and he’s not happy about it. We deal with a lot, but God is so good, and He knew what He was doing when He brought this team together.
Connect Groups
I took on a connect group at the close of last year, and meeting with these ladies has become the highlight of my week. Gathering to talk about the Word, diving into studies together, tackling hard conversations, crying together, praying together; it's one of the most beautiful things I have ever gotten to be a part of. We are walking together and seeking the Lord together, and I am thankful for it every time we meet!
Thank you all for your continued prayer and support. I am anxiously expectant for all the Lord is doing. We are in a season of brainstorming more ways to reach this lost area and be the true hands and feet of Jesus, as well as ways to help disciple our body of believers to go further with the Lord.
My love and prayers to you all!
Janene Wooten
