Connecting With Our Community - Jimmy Angel in Columbus, OH
Summer seems to go so fast! It feels like only yesterday was May 1, and now it is nearly Independence Day. Here in Columbus, Ohio, the Lord has given my church plant, Redemption Hill Church, plenty of gospel ministry to keep us busy. Here is what God has been doing in my ministry as a Pastoral Apprentice at Redemption Hill.
UPDATES!
Sports Camp - Redemption Hill held our annual Sports Camp in June! Along with our partners from Park Baptist Church in South Carolina, we had coaches teaching the kids how to play flag football, soccer, baseball, and other sports. We shared the gospel with 60 kiddos throughout the week. I (as well as other RHC members) got to share the gospel with parents as well. I took the lead on the Sports Camp since Pastor Josh was on paternity leave (Welcome to the Redemption Hill family, baby Milo!). That meant ensuring all logistical details were in order and that our volunteers knew where they needed to be and had the necessary supplies.
Block Party - The Sports Camp concluded with our annual block party. Redemption Hill was able to invite sports camp families and other community members. We had free food, inflatables, and raffle prizes. Pastor Josh had the opportunity to share the gospel with the over 100 people who visited. We had a “Free Prayer” booth, where multiple people approached Redemption Hill members to ask for prayer. I coordinated the set-up for the event. Additionally, I communicated with our vendors and ministry partners to make sure everyone was on the same page.
Baptism and New Members - Seth and his wife, Andrea, began visiting our church this winter. Though he was already a believer, he had not been baptized after his conversion. Seth chose to be baptized, and it was our honor to do so! A few weeks later, Seth, Andrea, and Ian, another young man who had been visiting our church, became RHC members.
Preaching - I have been blessed with the opportunity to preach several times this quarter. Here is a link to Redemption Hill’s sermons. My most recent ones were on May 18, June 8, and June 29.
FAMILY UPDATE
Sarah is enjoying her summer break and additional time with JJ. She is currently leading Redemption Hill’s Women’s Bible Study through the book of Ephesians.
JJ is officially a toddler! He has been walking for about two months, but now he is very fast! He loves playing with cars and dinosaurs.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Praise - On June 1, we had 95 people at church! That is our highest attendance ever. Pray that the Lord will continue to bring guests, especially those who are lost, to hear the gospel.
New Meeting Space - As Redemption Hill continues to grow, we are prayerfully seeking a new space this fall. Pray that we will find a space that works both in terms of size and within our budget. The kids' space is especially needed - we regularly have 24 to 27 kids in that ministry, not counting new visitors.
Sunday School - Redemption Hill is launching a Sunday School this fall! We will begin teaching an adult course on Biblical Theology. We will also offer classes for kids. Please pray Isaiah 40:3-5 (see below) for us - that God would “make straight the paths” for the teaching of His Word by removing logistical obstacles. Please especially pray for me as I lead our kids’ ministry in introducing these new classes.
Isaiah 40:3–5
A voice cries:
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD;
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
and the rough places a plain.
And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed,
and all flesh shall see it together,
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” (ESV)
I am so thankful for you and your partnership in the gospel!
Jimmy Angel, Redemption Hill Church