On Monday, July 25, the city of Langley made national news as tragically Paul David Wynn and Steven Furness were killed by a gunman, who’s ill intent was towards those who were homeless.
This heartbreaking news directly affected Recovery Church (RC) as one of our amazing volunteers works with the father of one of the victims. With Mandy Martins help, CLA let the families and the City know that our facilities and pastors were here to help with whatever is needed to see this brokenness start to heal.
This past year, RC also lost three dear friends to the opioid crisis; Jesse Little, Warren Hedstrom, and Stephen Ryan. People who are loved by their families, spouses, children, and Christian Life Assembly. I add the names of these individuals because each one is more than a statistic on the evening news. These are people deeply loved by the Father and have unimaginable worth. Isaiah 61 states that it is the poor, the broken hearted, the captive and the bound who are not only named as the focus of Jesus ministry (Lk 4:18-19) but are also declared prophetically to be called Oaks of Righteousness, whom God will use to repair the brokenness in our world. This is the 'God’s Eye View'. This is what the gospel creates and we are seeing this take place each week as we gather at Recovery Church.
Every second Saturday an outreach team from CLA, led by Garrett Cahoon, reaches out to people living along Langley’s one-way. Hot coffee, warm clothes and conversation leads to prayer and encouragement to people who are the forgotten. We have also consulted with the City of Langley to make clear that our aim is not just spiritual encouragement of our friends, but to also help them find opportunity to get off the street. We provide naloxone (overdose) kits, and contact details for detox and recovery centres in Langley. Please pray for Recovery Church and RC’s dedicated volunteer team.
I ask you as well, please be in prayer and action for two upcoming Recovery Church Christmas events.
First, is our Christmas service on Sunday, December 18. This night is filled with worship, a gospel message and some great food. We will also assist parents with gifts for their kids. This is always a highlight for Recovery Church.
Secondly, on Christmas Eve immediately following the 4:30 service our RC team will take 'Christmas Bags' filled with life essentials to those on the street. If you would like to help us, please drop off these items at the church office clearly marked “Recovery Church".
Warm socks - Toques - Gloves - $10 gift card for Tim Hortons - Beef jerky or Pepperoni sticks (single serving) - Instant coffee (single serving) - Christmas candy (individually wrapped) - Granola Bars Protein Bars - Hot Hands warmer packages - Toothbrushes - Toothpaste (travel size) - Chapstick - Wet wipes (travel size) - Hand sanitizer (travel size) - Hand Lotion (travel size) - Polysporin
If you would like to donate financially to these projects, the offering from both Christmas Eve services will go towards these projects.
Thank you CLA for your prayers and involvement. We love you.
