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IF:
ISSUE EIGHT // DECEMBER 2021
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A REFLECTION OF FAITH INITIATIVES
ABOUT IF In this issue of IF, we have highlighted people and places who have had firsthand experiences of God’s blessings that happened because people were willing to give. They are not extensive stories, but simple reminders of just how far your giving goes to further the work of the Kingdom of God. The print version of IF is published annually in December. The publication is also available online via www.issuu.com/parkwaychurch.
Parkway Church 10940 S Nicholson Rd Oak Creek, WI 53154
1 414 571 2680 4u@parkwayoc.com www.parkwayoc.com
Parkway Church @_parkwayoc
ISSUE EIGHT DECEMBER 2021
Greetings! Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in the “Last Days” as described in 2 Timothy 3:1-5? To live in a time where people would become so polarized due to the issues of the day. To watch as many voices rise to drown out those of the opposition. Families against families, children against parents… To be so vocal about one issue yet apathetic about many others. To live in a time where, as a child of God, you would wonder how much longer will it be and how much more will we need to endure before God says, “It’s time, blow the trumpet!” If you are like the believers of the ages, who look forward with great anticipation to the returning of our Savior, this would surely be your hearts pleading, “Come quickly, Lord Jesus.” There is, though, a bit of dichotomy found within the hearts of all who have experienced the transformative love of Christ. This contrast found within our hearts that desires and anxiously awaits the return of the Lord to the pleading of our prayers that asks the Lord to wait just a while longer that we might reach one more for His kingdom. This desire to see restoration come… 2022 is a celebratory year for Parkway and stands to be the beginning of prophetic fulfillment as well. As an assembly, we will celebrate 50 years of serving our community and world with the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. What a tremendous privilege! We also look forward to what should/could be the beginning of restoration. Jubilee from a biblical position and properly defined is simply this, restoration. Jubilee occurred every 50 years. A ram’s horn, the trumpet, would be sounded, and all would know that a holy reset had occurred. Families restored, possessions restored, heritage restored, the promise restored. As an assembly of believers, we know and believe that the return of our Savior is near, and as a result, there are many things yet to be done in preparation. Having this understanding, the apostles of the New Testament warned us not to become complacent or complicit with the time or culture we are living in. Rather we were instructed to watch and pray, to be ever vigilant, to work and gather while there was still time that souls might be saved. Jubilee. What a concept. What a promise! Are you ready to receive restoration? To see the things and places in our lives where we have experienced loss as a result of the enemy and personal failing restored? To walk into a time where God restores prosperity, health, family, power, and authority. Let’s together follow the biblical principle by humbling ourselves before our God, turning from what has distracted us back fully to God, loosening Him to do this work of restoration. It’s time for Jubilee! With the arrival of 2022, we have much to celebrate, and as you page through this publication, I would simply ask that you celebrate what God has done through us in the past 50 years. I would also humbly ask that you prayerfully ask God how you might partner with us financially as we look to work together, reaching our world in a time of prophetic fulfillment. For His glory,
Pastor Timothy Peters
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2021 gave us many opportunities to share our faith with the neighborhood around the Parkway campus. More than 75 children shared fun and faith in the story of Moses this summer at our Kids’ Camp (above). From the Red Sea to the Promised Land, we learned about God’s faithfulness! The Parkway family also gathered on our parking lot for Sunday Services (right). We sang, heard the word preached, and fellowshipped with one another. The outdoor services were a unique opportunity to bring the church outside of the four walls of the building.
Royal Family Kids and Adventure Camps Teen Reach blessed many area kids with a safe place to grow in their faith and build lifelong relationships. The Good News Club provides a weekly opportunity for children in public schools to learn about Jesus. Bible reading, activities, and question and answer times open hearts to know the Savior.
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Currency is the system of money used by most people in a particular country. We know the main currency of the United States is the dollar, and there are 10 other countries that use it as well. But, over 160 countries have their own currencies. Currency Word Search Look at the list of ten currencies. Find them in the puzzle and circle them. Also circle them in the list so you can see which ones you’ve found. Words may appear horizontally, vertically, diagonally, backwards and share letters.
U Q S Q E F N E Y I I S B F O S F U H P E A S N O Y DMB F B V E E E P U R Y AWN S L K
1. DOLLAR 2. YUAN 3. EURO
N X S T T K Y R H Q P U B X H
4. QUETZAL
K O F Q N Z E A O KMP U P I
5. RUPEE
B S H Y L K A L Q Y B Y E X Q
6. SHEKEL 7. YEN
Y G T O D T H L B M L K S J A
8. PESO
M L T P D X D O R UMK G Q Z
9. ZLOTY
Z Y M S Z N K D H J R D P A J
10. RUBLE
Used in this country: 1) United States 2) China 3) France 4) Guatemala 5) India 6) Israel 7) Japan 8) Mexico 9) Poland 10) Russia
EARN EXTRA MONEY! Here’s a short list of money-making ideas. Some of these you can do by yourself, and others would make good family projects. Always ask for permission from your parents before starting a project.
1 2 3 4
Do extra chores for your parents Sell your original crafts & artwork Do yard work for neighbors Walk or babysit dogs
11 A GENEROUS PERSON WILL BE BLESSED BECAUSE HE SHARES HIS FOOD WITH THE POOR. PROVERBS 22:9
LITTLE IS MUCH WHEN GOD IS IN IT!
12 GUATEMALA
SENEGAL
NIGERIA
PHILIPPINES
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On the island of Moloka’i in Hawai’i (top left), signs, wonders and miracles were reported after revival services. 29 received the Holy Ghost, 1 was baptized in Jesus’ name, and 1 was raised from the dead! This year, Lighthouse Ranch for Boys (above) was hit directly by Hurricane Ida. Extensive damage was done around the property with downed trees, a demolished sign, and several days of no power. A donation helped to provide essentials for residents and staff during the rebuilding process. Sharing the gospel through the Save Our Nation rally (left) saw hundreds come to the Lord. Thousands tuned in from around the world as over 2,000 gathered in Downtown Milwaukee. 1,122 received the Holy Ghost, 108 were baptized in Jesus’ name, and 122 claimed a miracle!
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GOAL for giving in
2022
In 2022, we want to continue to support the many areas that your giving through IF impacts. We have highlighted three different areas and the goal for each area. We believe that God will be glorified in what we give as we continue to spread His message throughout our world.
$60,000 CHURCH MINISTRIES
Donations go towards things like the Benevolence fund which helps our very own Parkway members in their times of need.
$90,000
COMMUNITY MINISTRIES Donations go towards things like food pantry donations, school Bible clubs, and donations that help shelters keep the lights on for those who are without a home. It also helps other local assemblies in their time of need.
$100,000
GLOBAL MINISTRIES
Donations go towards items such as building materials for orphanages and new church buildings, vehicles for missionaries to carry the gospel across the nation of their calling, and emergency funding when a time of need arises.
HOW will
YOU help?
The Bible speaks about the blessings that come from giving sacrificially from a cheerful heart. We ask that you prayerfully consider what to give in 2022. We believe that God can, and will, miraculously provide what we need when we need it.
HERE ARE 6 WAYS TO HELP YOU FIND THE MEANS TO GIVE
TAX RETURN
INVESTMENTS
DISPOSABLE ASSETS
The average tax return for 2021 was $2,827. You can give a return to God.
No investment yields returns like God’s Kingdom, yielding gains for eternity.
Things that are no longer treasured or useful can be turned into a monetary gift.
BUDGET REDUCTION
UNEXPECTED PROVISION
Systematic giving takes a smaller amount every week or month, and adds up to a generous gift.
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Reducing expenses can mean giving up something you don’t need to meet the needs of others.
When God trusts us to give, He provides resources we never expected.
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MONTHLY GIVING
J E S U S T O L D T H E M . “ I T E L L YO U T H E T R U T H , I F YO U H A D FA I T H E V E N A S S M A L L A S A M U S TA R D S E E D , YO U C O U L D S AY T O T H I S M O U N TA I N , ‘ M O V E F R O M H E R E T O T H E R E , ’ AND IT WOULD MOVE. NOTHING WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE. MATTHEW 17:20