Mercy Projects Unite Small Groups
06/06/2016 .As we approach the two-month mark of our Mercy Projects, it’s exciting to see how small groups have been united through tangible expressions God’s love.
According to Small Groups Pastor, Ben Reed, Mercy Projects are an excellent way to bond through acts of compassion. “Groups that serve together, stay together. It’s what makes a healthy small group.”
Since the Miracle of Mercy campaign began in April, over 1,000 new small groups have been formed in homes, online, and in the workplace. This is in addition to our existing 8,400 small groups branching out from our 17 Saddleback campuses.
In the course of the campaign, over 35,000 study guides have been distributed worldwide, and nearly all of our regional small groups have doubled in size. Through this remarkable growth, we see how the unity of small groups has built community, friendship, and a desire to serve in mercy-related ministries.
Already by mid-May, over 6,611 people across all Saddleback campuses had registered for one of our Mercy Projects related to local and global PEACE. With Mercy Projects open through late July, that number keeps growing by the day.
On May 22, over 600 people attended the Mercy Fair held at our Lake Forest campus. This celebration of what God is doing through Mercy Projects helped build momentum and offer insight on opportunities to reflect his love.
The transformation of hearts has been phenomenal, from members getting baptized after service projects, to others forming new small groups to reach more people. We’ve even seen people in the community experience life change, and ask how they can become part of a small group.
“Serving in Mercy Projects has been the catalyst that pushed many people forward in faith,” explains Ben. “Through our Motel Ministry, we come to bring physical help and spiritual support. We are winning souls all the time.”
According to Ashley Eure, HIV/AIDS Initiative Manger, the turn out of small groups to serve has made a permanent impact on the community. Over 50 Saddleback members showed up for the AIDS Walk, and 100 copies of Purpose Driven Life were distributed.
“We connected with multiple people who were searching for a church community,” explains Ashley. “We even met a new believer living with HIV who is in recovery, and is excited to have a church-based support group when he leaves the sober living home.”
With Mercy Projects available through late July, now it’s up to our church family to engage with small groups to demonstrate God’s love.
Ben adds, “As small groups get into a regular rhythm of serving, they’ll discover the joy and desire to step out on a more consistent basis.”
To learn more, visit saddleback.com/mercyprojects.