I looked into the Kids Town area, peeked into the auditorium while Greg Reed, our campus pastor, was preaching, and gave an encouraging word to the volunteers. We do not even have everything completed for our official launch on October 3rd and our leaders are already talking about adding a second service. I do not know how long it will take before we add a second service, but I am excited about what is going on. I am looking forward to what God is going to do at the South Campus!

Ritchie

Ritchie

What did I love about it, besides the fact that it was 8o’s music? The fact that we do not take ourselves seriously but we take Jesus Christ very seriously! That is reason # 1056 why I love Avalon Church. I love you guys more and more each day.

Ritchie

Here is what I need you to do.

1. Sign up to play in the tournament. The cost is $100 per person or $400 per team. Each participant will get a golf goodie bag, a chance to win some valuable prizes, lunch, a chance to participate in our charity auction, a great round of golf at a beautiful course, and, of course, the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child.

2. Spread the word. Talk to people at your work and get a team or talk to your company about sponsoring a hole or being a major sponsor. We still need several sponsorships.

3. Consider a sponsorship. If you own your own business or are the decision maker at your business we would like you to sponsor a hole or be a major sponsor of the tournament.

4. Donate to the charity auction. We have had some great gifts donated already; things like signed sports memorabilia, sporting equipment, TVs, iPods, electronic equipment, cleaning services, tattoos, Hotel getaways, and even an African safari.

5. Sign up to volunteer for the golf tournament.

You do not have to be a good golfer to be involved. I play golf about once every two years and I plan to be there. It is going to be fun!

Ritchie

Here are a few things to remember:

• We will be upgrading our video, sound, and lighting during September so the final product will be revealed on October 3rd.

• We are giving the children’s rooms, preschool rooms, youth rooms, and the lobby a facelift during September so that we can be at full strength on October 3rd.

• We will have a modified band and praise team for September. On October 3rd we will have the full program like we have at the McDonough Campus.

• We will have “live” preaching each Sunday that will mirror the same message as the McDonough Campus. On October 3rd I will be “live” at the South Campus and then each week following that will be broadcast through video with the same message as the McDonough Campus.

• We need all of our volunteers to show up and be involved during September so that our October 3rd launch will be great.

Ritchie

Next Sunday we begin a new series called “Unspoken.” This series will be at the McDonough and the South campuses. The series will be out of John 17 and is based on the prayer of Jesus. Our goal is to make you a better follower of Christ, to demystify prayer, and to teach how to have a regular, meaningful, and powerful prayer life. You can pray and have your prayers answered! You do not want to miss it.

See you Sunday.

Ritchie

This week I am profiling four new children in the Indawo Yethemba Children’s village in South Africa. If you were at one of the services at Avalon Church McDonough Campus on Sunday, you know that Isaiah Porter is leaving in a couple of weeks to live and work at the village for a year. We are so excited for Isaiah and for Bob and Joanna Graham, directors of Indawo Yethemba.

Pray for the Grahams as they lead Indawo Yethemba. Bob is seen in this picture with Rosina, one of the grannies, and a social worker. They are in one of the homes at the children’s village. Bob and his wife, Joanna, will be coming to Avalon in January. Pray for their safety as many of the government health care workers are currently on strike in South Africa.

This week I am profiling four new children in the Indawo Yethemba Children’s village in South Africa. If you were at one of the services at Avalon Church McDonough Campus on Sunday, you know that Isaiah Porter is leaving in a couple of weeks to live and work at the village for a year. We are so excited for Isaiah and for Bob and Joanna Graham, directors of Indawo Yethemba.

Sandile came to Indawo Yethemba last week. His mother died while giving birth to him. Sandile is now four years old. Thank you for giving him the hope of a bright future, an education, health, and the opportunity to know Jesus Christ.

This week I am profiling four new children in the Indawo Yethemba Children’s village in South Africa. If you were at one of the services at Avalon Church McDonough Campus on Sunday, you know that Isaiah Porter is leaving in a couple of weeks to live and work at the village for a year. We are so excited for Isaiah and for Bob and Joanna Graham, directors of Indawo Yethemba.

Andiswa was abandoned at the hospital when she was 2 years old. Her mother just left her there because she had no prospect for giving her a normal life. She had no money, no way to provide for her daughter, and we believe she had HIV/AIDS. We are not sure, but we believe Andiswa is about 6 years old now. She came to Indawo Yethemba last week and her life has changed forever. Now she has hope and a very bright future! She has eczema, but with proper medical treatment, her skin will return to normal soon.

Phiwayinkosi is Philasande’s younger brother. Just days ago, neither of these boys had hope for living a normal life. Their prospects for an education, health, and a loving family were very dim. Now, because you care enough to give and support these children, he will be able to have the prospect of a normal life and will hear about Jesus Christ. Thank you!