To Grow: to be rooted and be fruitful
Many people say that 2020 is an unfortunate year for it is full of hardship and difficulties. However as followers of Christ, we should see 2020 as a year of opportunities in showing God’s love and spreading the gospel as we are not limited by distance. Through technology, we are able to share our faith despite our current limitation to travel.
As for IFGF Pekanbaru, Indonesia, Covid-19 is not a reason to sit back and relax. The church is still going strong with their iCare and iGrow to make sure that their members are growing spiritually. During this pandemic, IFGF Pekanbaru has seen iCare multiplications from 10 care groups to 13 care groups. All this happened even though their iCare is done through Zoom meetings.
Before the pandemic, many church members couldn’t join iCare due to work and time constraint. However, online iCare has proven to give them more flexibility that enables them to join iCare. Furthermore, to help its members to get to know each other, IFGF Pekanbaru holds a monthly Care Celebration for all iCare members.
Not forgetting the youngsters in the church, IFGF Pekanbaru holds an online care group for kids. This is a special group for kids as during this “stay at home”, kids still need to socialize with others. iCare Kids gives kids space to gather, have fellowship, testify and learn the word of God. Having a strong foundation that is built on God’s word is the most important thing for kids as they grow up. They are our successor and we should take heed for their spiritual growth.
The TYC also has weekly meetings such as iCare, TYC Hangout and Celebration TYC to cater for the youth community in the church. This is important as youth have strong needs to stay connected with each other. Through community, the youth can grow their spiritual life together.
Other than the spiritual aspect, IFGF Pekanbaru wants to ensure the physical wellness of its members. As many families are financially impacted by the pandemic, IFGF Pekanbaru organizes IFGF Care. Through IFGF Care, donations are collected and distributed to those in need. As of today, IFGF Care has done its 4th cycle which will bless its local church members, Karya Indah Satellite, Palas Satellite, Siak Satellite and even other churches and IFGF Pekanbaru’s local community.
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
– John 15 : 4 –
Next: DIACONAL MINISTRY
