Our target for a first service at Friend of Sinners Church has always been at the end of 2016. The strategy is one that recognizes the importance of cross cultural ministry, of enculturating into the community first, and then when there is trust and acceptance begin to strategize services. We were giving away Bibles, and promoting Friend of Sinners Church with new friends. Dan was playing dominoes with Deon, a friend from last week, when the request started circulating among those enjoying the picnic: "When is the pastor going to preach - we'll come back to hear him then."

Dan had not prepared a sermon, but Scripture teaches us to be ready in season and out of season. We were giving away reader's Bibles (NIrV), Dan did not have the Bible he uses to preach from, but he knows Romans Road by heart. So, with FoS Pub Evangelist Bart Helmbreck on the guitar, and with Kim singing, and with song sheets from Bart's car, a service was born at 1:00 Saturday afternoon in Carver Park with 12-15 people in attendance. Many asked if services would continue next week at 1 pm, and promised to be back.

Praise God for His grace and power to do much more than we could ask! 
What does it take to prepare a picnic in Carver Park? Grilling 96 brats, a dozen hotdogs, potato salad, chicken salad, treats, toys... A slight glimpse behind the scenes in this YOUTUBE VIDEO. 

Left, Bart warms up for the service, (though he doesn't quite know yet that it will happen).The service went well, considering it was planned on the fly. (Please ignore Dan's singing on the YOUTUBE VIDEO!) Bart was such a blessing, and we were surprised that "Romans Road" (the passages Dan had already decided to preach on) were written on the back of the song sheets that Bart happened to have with him. God is so majestic in his sovereignty! He is moving so mightily in Milwaukee, and our prayer partners are a key support element in this work of God. Thank you so much!