2012 CLEARVIEW STATE OF THE CHURCH ADDRESS

2012 CLEARVIEW STATE OF THE CHURCH ADDRESS

Dear Clearview friends and family:

I’ve had the privilege of pastoring Clearview since 1999 and these have been some of the most exciting days that I have experienced as a pastor. 2011 was a year of great adventure and blessing! When the year started, we were just a month into our new facilities. All of us were so grateful for what God had done for us. Little did we know how much more He was about to bless us in the days following!

In 2011 we were blessed with so many visitors. Many came to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and followed through in baptism. Others made Clearview their home, and brought with them wonderful gifts and talents and have become an integral part of the body of believers. In fact, it seems as if we have known each other forever.

We have seen so many wonderful ministries grow and flourish last year: AWANA, LIGHT Women’s Fellowship, and Illuminate (Youth). We have also seen many younger faces at Clearview than ever before. In fact, one visitor asked me: “How did you get all these young people to come and be active in the church?” I answered them: “We prayed for them and changed for them. It is part of our vision to reach the next generation for Christ.”

I can go on and on, but I want to direct our attention towards the new challenges and opportunities for Clearview in 2012. As we see more and more young adults at Clearview, we will have more ministries and opportunities suited to their needs and personalities. God has some great things in store for them. Along with young adults, we have also seen a surge of men at Clearview. This is also part of our vision. This year we plan to prayerfully mobilize our men to reach our community for Christ.

This is just the beginning, and there is so much more that God wants to do at Clearview if we will completely surrender ourselves to Him. Let us also be aware that the enemy is powerful and will do everything possible to harass us. We need to keep our eyes on Christ and spotlight the cross in everything we do.

I urge you to pray for each other. Pray for me as your pastor that God will fill me with His Spirit and help me to lead according to His will. You are daily in my prayers.

Together in Him,

Pastor Shah