DEAR SEVEN MILE ROAD,

What a year it has been. This time last year, we were preparing to celebrate our 7thanniversary when we were unexpectedly displaced from our Sunday Gathering space. Looking back a year later, my heart is bursting with gratitude.

We spent our first 7 years rehearsing with some regularity that the church is not a building; rather, we are the people of God on the mission of God by the power of God. It has been supremely encouraging to witness you actively believe that and live it out together over the last year. House Churches have continued to thrive, we have experienced ongoing unity and joy in the family, we forged a partnership with Compassion International and sponsored hundreds of waiting children in Ghana during Advent, we partnered with HCPN to help plant 5 churches, we have continued to raise up and release goers to the nations, and, on top of it all, the Lord provided a great physical space so that we did not miss a Sunday Gathering to celebrate the grace of Jesus and all that He is doing in our midst. Truly, what a year it has been.

Suffice it to say that the Lord is taking care of us and is on the move. As faithful as He has been this last year and the last 8, we are looking forward with great anticipation to all that He has in store for our church family. Please continue to pray with us that we would be a people hungering for the Face of God, committed to the Frontlines of His mission, and that He would miraculously provide a Facility that allows us to stay focused on this mission for years to come.

God’s richest blessings to you all,

Jeremiah

Loving neighbor

This year, we refocused ourselves on who we set out to be 9 years ago: the people of God on the mission of God by the power of God. This is who we are and what House Church is. Longing to follow the footsteps of the early church (Acts 2:42-47) by living at the intersection of Word & Prayer + Meal & Mission, we reminded ourselves why we set apart one week each month to just eat a meal with each other: to have a safe, fun, inviting space to welcome in those who are close to us but far from God. In House Churches across the city, we experienced this in new and fresh ways as over 150 neighbors, coworkers, and friends poured into meal nights each month getting to experience the love of Christ as they were embraced by his people!

Loving HoustonWraparound Specialists[57].jpg

FROM DEATH TO LIFE

What a year in the life of our community. We prayed specifically for more individuals to cross from death to life. We pleaded that God would give us more opportunities to stir the waters of baptism as resurrection hope altered the trajectory of more futures. We went from celebrating 7 baptisms last year to 33 this year! Church family, we are bearing witness to all that the Spirit is doing in our midst as we behold the Risen King moment by moment. What a gift to get to be on this adventure alongside each of you!

(Artwork above by Ashley Wood)

LIGHT IN The Dark

Each December, we give away every dollar that comes in as we long for our city and world to be transformed by the birth of Jesus. In December of 2023, Seven Mile Road forged a new partnership with Compassion International with the goal of empowering local churches to provide holistic care for children living in poverty. Thanks to your generosity, Seven Mile Road began sponsoring 332 childrenliving in Accra, Ghana. Over the next four years, each of these 332 children will be cared for through financial provision, prayer, and letter corresponding with the people of Seven Mile Road. Your care for those living in poverty is allowing children to know their worth and dignity, all in Jesus's name. Thank you for your commitment to push back darkness and bring the light of Christ to the world!