Pass through, pass through the gates! Prepare the way for the people. Build up, build up the highway! Remove the stones. Raise a banner for all the nations.
The Lord has made proclamation to the ends of the earth: “Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your Savior comes! See, His reward is with Him, and His recompense accompanies Him.'” They will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the Lord…
Isaiah 62:10-12
Families Building Faith (FBF) was started sixteen years ago based on the idea that there had to be individuals and families who wanted to strengthen each others’ walk with Christ in every day life. We have found that such “strengthening” comes in a variety of ways so we offer multiple opportunities to grow your faith as well as the chance to encourage others. While FBF is incorporated as a body of Christ, it was not created to operate like a “traditional” church. We rely on the promise of God that where two or more come together in His Name, He is right there with us. Thus, our focus and efforts are directed toward recognizing and integrating faith building moments in our daily lives as we live them out in our homes, jobs, relationships, and activities.
Here are some thoughts to keep in mind as you read on:
1.) Faith. We have come to understand and appreciate that each person’s walk with God is often in a different spot than another’s. Our goals are not to convince you about God, but to be willing to share how God is working in our lives and in the lives of others. Our hope is simple–to encourage faith, not sell it.
2.) Variety. When you look into this world, you will see a tremendous amount of diversity. From the varying shades of greens to fact that almost every sunrise and sunset are different from one day to the next, God has moved our hearts to offer a variety of ways to engage faith: facilitating community, digging deeper into His Word, and through serving others. Even though we have lots of ways to plug in, we want to reassure you that you do not need to be a part of all of them. We warmly suggest that you do what will work best for you and your situation.
3.) God’s Word. We believe that it is the foundation of all good change in this world. We also believe that the best application of its truth is to our own personal lives. In the months ahead, we hope to take our studies online. Please keep an eye out under Inspiring Growth. Once operational, you will find opportunities to join in and explore how God’s Word applies to the here and now of every day life.
4.) Prayers. Over the years of FBF, we have been asked to pray for and with many souls as they journey through life’s trials and difficulties. We have seen many be comforted by knowing that someone else is thinking of them and asking God for help on their behalf. We do maintain a prayer list of those requests, and it is a fundamental question that we ask when reaching out to help another: Is there anything we can hold you in prayer for until we see you again? It is through that question that we are regularly blessed to watch God move in ways that were not expected. Amazingly, it is also a beautiful way to get to know each other better.
5.) Serving Others. From the beginning, the vision for FBF has been God-led, grass-roots, community-based effort that draws people together. In faith, the rubber meets the road when we are willing to help others-in-need as He asks of us in His Word. What we have learned over time is that “need” is an interesting word. It is more encompassing then most realize. Sometimes, it can be related to finances or hard times, but often, it can be about the state of the heart and mind: grief, loneliness, depression, trauma, heartbreak, and so on. Things that are not easily shared, nor readily apparent with a quick glance. Hence, you will find–depending upon the time of year–a broad range of things that we do to lift up the souls that are struggling.
*** Please be cognizant that during this season with Covid-19, FBF’s traditional outreaches have significant modifications. Safety, and not being a part of the spread, is our top concern. Because of the virus, you will see a noticeable shift in what we do and how. Please keep our outreaches, and everyone’s safety, in your prayers.
6.) Collections. We do a LOT of collecting to pass on items to others-in-need! Sometimes it is a food items; often times it is clothing, school-related or household items that you may be no longer using. These collections stem from the idea of passing along the items we have been blessed with– and are now no longer using–so that someone else may be blessed too! We always ask that items be in EXCELLENT (like new or very gently-used) condition. Please note that our collections are often limited in duration as we rarely collect something year round. If you miss the time frame, please pass it along to somewhere else. Occasionally, we do put out calls for new items with the trust that God will move hearts to bring us what is needed.
***Please no drop offs of any items, that are not specifically adopted through one of our signups, during this season of Covid-19. We are strictly stopping all general collections, and being extremely cautious on what and how things are coming in. Check in with us before you assume we will take what you would like to give.
7.) Volunteering. There are several ways to plug in and serve for all ages. We have sorting times, assemblies for certain projects, and delivery opportunities depending upon our events. These experiences are often short in duration, but allow you hands-on with a project that will bless another. You can also help donate or collect items, spread the word either verbally, by email, or distribute some of our collection flyers (usually available for our Christmas and Easter programs). Sometimes, we have what we call “at-home” jobs that allow you to pick up the supplies for a job we need done, take it home, and return when it is finished. We welcome families with children of all ages, however, they must be accompanied by an adult, or multiple, adults depending upon their age range. All groups of children and teens have specific guidelines and require adults to be present with them; you will find those details in our signups as they are posted.
***During this season of Covid-19, most of our outreaches will be focused on what can be done at homes, as there will be very few assemblies available. Please keep an eye out for how you might be able to help from your own four walls.
Our ultimate hope for FBF centers on the idea that if we can come together, with even just a few doing a little bit, God will do wonderful things for the amazement of many! And that, our friends, grows faith in the hearts of those near and far!
Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Matthew 7:24
