Author: wp_rizovg

We are filled with gratitude in the aftermath of the Thanksgiving holiday! Thanks to our many food donors, community partners, and 600 volunteers, we served 1,200 meals at The Grand Meridian and delivered another 1,760 meals to people at their homes! Volunteers also brought food to several local emergency and domestic violence shelters that day. And all of it happened at a new location for the first time in over a decade.

This was our first year partnering with The Grand Meridian, and they were wonderful to work with! Earlier in the year, we were informed that our former location was going to be sold. After searching and meeting with possible new venues, The Grand Meridian was chosen. Their willingness to open their doors on a holiday shows their love for our community and we are so thankful for their professionalism and helpfulness as they worked with our volunteer leaders.

This effort couldn’t have happened without another important group of people: our community partners. These local businesses care about the Fox Valley, and we thank: Abel Manufacturing, Brown Family Dentistry, Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce, Fox Communities Credit Union, Hupy & Abraham, JJ Keller Foundation, N & M Transfer, Outlook Graphics, and the Schmidt Family Foundation/US Oil. And we are thankful for the tireless efforts of Bryan, Stacey, Julie and Micah, who oversaw the whole meal. Together we loved our Fox Valley neighbors with a hot meal and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that reflected the love of God.

We are thankful for each person who served as depicted in Matthew 25:35 . . . “…for I was hungry and you gave Me food. I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in”.

June 1 is Children’s Day in Romania, and you were part of it! Your generosity and giving to Christ The Rock has an impact on the other side of the world through our mission partnership with REGEN Foundation in Fagaras, Romania. REGEN reaches out to under-served Roma communities in and around the city of Fagaras, sharing the love of Christ and offering homework clubs, children’s activities, and practical help for marginalized families. The hope of life in Christ shines through REGEN in this formerly Communist country.

Children’s Day is just one example of what REGEN does. The kids involved in their homework clubs were invited to a special day that included games, arts and crafts, and a gift for each child. These children deal with adversity on a daily basis: poverty, chaotic family situations, a parent who is an alcoholic, and other challenges. REGEN is a bright spot in their week where they receive help to stay in school, encouragement and love — and they hear about the hope of the Gospel. Your giving makes a tangible difference in these children’s lives.

And right now, we have a long-term worker from Christ The Rock serving with REGEN! Some of you discipled Carly Sebendtsfeldt, and many have supported her 2-year commitment with your prayers and finances. Thank you for your commitment to making the name of Jesus known throughout the world — they joy of these children is just a small glimpse of how heaven rejoices when one of them says yes to Jesus’ gift of salvation!

by Stacey Meyers, Fireside Café manager

When the Fireside Café opened two years ago, our vision was that it would be a welcoming home-away-from-home for our community, and that it would plant seeds for God’s kingdom for people who spend time here. By genuinely caring for every guest, we hope to offer people a small glimpse of the way God loves every person.

It has been so rewarding to see that vision come to fruition since we opened our doors! Here are just two stories of many:

Since last fall, I’ve gotten to know two Café guests who meet here with their children to have a playgroup almost every week. They have been fun to get to know – and it’s been even more fulfilling to see them begin attending our Sept.-May moms’ group, Moms Inc., and connect and grow with Christian moms this winter!

And last month, one of our baristas saw a woman sitting up on the walkway who looked upset and tearful. She took time to sit down and talk with this woman, listen to a little of her story – and then asked if she could pray for her. The woman said yes, and our barista lifted up her situation to the Father in prayer.

These stories, and others like them, are why the Café exists. The amazingly simple concept of a cup of coffee leading to eternal impact is exactly what discipleship means at Fireside Cafe.

On February 2, 426 men from 35+ churches throughout Northeast Wisconsin and Upper Michigan gathered at CTR for No Regrets. This annual one-day men’s conference challenges and encourages men to imitate Jesus’ leadership in their homes, workplaces, friendships and ministries. Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, WI started No Regrets in 1994, and CTR has been a host site since the late ’90s.

This year’s event featured worship, prayer, six national speakers simulcast from Elmbrook, 11 local speakers, and 25 local sessions on being a godly man, marriage, parenting, restoring mental health, discipleship, as well as sessions just for teens.

Our prayer is that No Regrets is just the beginning of growth for the men who attend. Some of the results of this year’s event were immediate — a few men accepted Jesus as Lord and savior that day! Other results happen all year long, such as attendees who go on to start a Men’s Ministry at their home churches, or use No Regrets seminar recordings in their small groups. We are so grateful to be part of discipling these men, and we can’t wait to see what God does through them as they go back int!