Light

Five Ways to Be Missional On Halloween

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By AFBC Staff

Each Halloween, many families take to the streets of their neighborhoods to Trick-or-Treat, attend holiday parties, or participate in community festivals. This is a great time to connect with people in your community whom you have lost touch with, or to meet new people and begin new relationships.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

It is also an excellent time to reach out to those in your community you wouldn’t normally interact with. Don’t miss out on the great opportunities God places in your life. We’ve put together a short list of ways you can be intentional and engaging this season.

1. Give Out Awesome Candy

Let’s be honest on October 31 kids are only focused on one thing and that is getting the best candy around. This is not the time to pass out tracks, dental floss, or coupons. Imagine if you were the child visiting houses; would you be more excited about the house that gave you canned food, or the one that had the best candy?

2. Have Something for the Parents

Make your entry way inviting and warm so they fell comfortable chatting for a bit. Offer the adults who are out with their kids some hot chocolate or pumpkin bread.

3. Be Encouraging and Engaging

When you see them, tell the kids how great their costumes are. Consider hosting a pre-trick-or-treating party for everyone to spend some time together before heading out to get those treats.

Spend time with the families in your community; get to know their stories. Ask questions and learn about what’s going on in their lives. Look for ways you can connect with or serve them.

4. Participate In Community Events

Look for festivals or parties that involve the whole community. Ask your friends and neighbors to go with you. Spend time getting to know them along the way.

Albuquerque’s First Baptist Church is hosting its annual Harvest Festival on October 30, or take your friends to a pumpkin patch for a day of family fun.
5. Pray For Open Doors

Become aware of the needs of those around you. Ask Him to show you how you can connect and engage with others.
Let us know how things go in the comments. We hope that you and your family have an amazing time this fall.

DNOW 2015 – Living in a Dying World

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By Karen Polich

What happens when you bring together an amazing group of volunteers who pour themselves into fifty youth during an intense weekend of D-Now? A phenomenal spiritual experience occurs.

With eighty volunteers, eight homes, spot on worship led by Adam and Julie West and a solid message delivered by Jason Boggs, the youth that converged on Albuquerque’s First Baptist Church were challenged to analyze where they are in reference to where God wants them to be. We are living in a dying world where God has called us to be the salt and light. Struggles come but no one is walking alone. Burdens can be shared. Difficulties can be overcome together in the family of Christ followers.

Life changing decisions were made. Many teens made decisions to truly walk in God’s plan. Being the light in this world requires intention. Nine teens gave their lives to Christ after hearing the message of salvation.

We are all living in a dying world. After an amazing DNow event, the challenge is there for each of us to examine how we are choosing to live in this world. What do others see when they look at you and me?