Monday, February 18, 2013

February News from Richmond


It's has been a little while since our last update but it has certainly been a really full and challenging season.

Over the past few months, God has continued to exhibit His faithfulness in the midst of challenges and loss. Monique and I have always had what we would call an amazing marriage but the past few months have connected us at a deeper level than we would have ever thought possible. I love her tremendously and am excited to journey through life with her.

Date night in February

Last month we were able to return to Franklin, TN for 10 days that simply sped by too quickly. We were able to connect with friends that we consider family and serve Strong Tower Bible Church by sharing a few songs on their "Hip Hop Sunday". During the stay in Tennessee, we were able to experience some teaching and fellowship that invigorated our pursuit of God and instructed us in many areas that we had been itching to grow as it pertains to our faith and the power of the Holy Spirit. We returned to Northern California refreshed and ready to pursue whatever The Lord would set before us.

Hip Hop Sunday at Strong Tower Bible Church in Tennessee

Growth continues in Richmond and at Living Hope Neighborhood Church. Many new relationships are being forged with individuals and some decisions are being made to begin the pursuit of God. Monique was a part of a leadership team for an event called "Victory Weekend" put on for the women of Living Hope. Similar to the vision Monique has for the "Girl Talk" event she has led in the past, the hope was for women to experience freedom in Christ and to understand their spiritual identity. There was a great response and there is certainly excitement in the air as it pertains to women's ministry in Richmond. 

Victory Weekend Worship
Women responding to the Word

We recently partnered with an organization that brings a truck to our church parking lot and gives away free produce to homes that qualify. This has been a huge blessing to get some healthy food for some folks who have very little. It also connects us with our neighbors by meeting felt needs. Another way that God has provided for me to connect with people has been at coffee shops in and around the city. He has provided the venue for some really encouraging and challenging conversation with people that have been "burned by churches", "are more spiritual than anything" or "don't really believe in God" by their own admission. Please pray that God would continue to use these chats for His glory.

The new bi-weekly Food Bank produce give away at Living Hope

Please pray for Monique as she continues forward with her education at Williamson College in Franklin. She's doing an amazing job of staying dedicated to her work and I'm so proud of her amazing G.P.A. It's challenging for her to be diligent in her work while life and ministry continues to happen around her. I know that her desire is to serve others well and her workload is substantial.

We have both been awakened in our desires to be more intentional about being creative. Monique has begun to teach herself how to play piano and it is extremely impressive to see how far she's come in just a few months. I've been focusing on writing and trying to record some new songs, as well as, be open to however The Lord would want to use me in speaking and writing endeavors. We both understand that God has given us the passion to connect with others for the kingdom through these creative means and just want to be good stewards of them. We are both seeking The Lord for direction and vision on how He is calling us to use these areas of our lives. We are also praying for the resources necessary to accomplish what we feel has been set before us.

Thank you so much for your continued prayer and love for us! We would love to know how to pray for you, as well.

All our love,

The Zackery's