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Our History When we take the time to look at where we've been, it allows us an opportunity to see how we are doing with our walk with God. As I pause to look back over the past 2 years, counting the struggles, trails, heartache, and many disappointments. I must never forget the reason for these trails, struggles and heartaches; they are learning lessons, gifts from God to help us grow in the grace and knowledge of who He is. May we all learn to praise Him for the life lessons He brings our way, may we glorify His name in everything we do.
Our Story: Our Church family started out as an evangelistic outreach ministry (In His Service Ministry) and to reach the lost in our City. We were meeting every week on Saturday at the house of prayer to pray for a half hour; then hitting the street to witness one on one for an hour in the hopes to make a difference. Later we met back at the house of prayer for words of encouragement and a short message for the Word. This was our start as a body of believers who are committed to serving God. Later an opportunity came for us that we could utilize the 2nd Presbyterian building, which was only a few blocks away from where we were doing our street ministry. This was a true blessing from God. Now instead of meeting at the house of prayer which was further away, we could meet at 2nd Presbyterian and actually have more time to spend on the street for it was closer. So by the providence of God, on August 17, 2007, 2nd Chance Community Church of Freeport officially opened its doors in the parlor / fellowship hall of the 2nd Presbyterian Church. The members of 2nd Presbyterian stood beside us for support, encouragement, constructive criticism, and thru all the trials that come with being a new Church. I can never thank the Lord enough for them and only wish them the best, which the Lord has to offer. In June of 2008; 2nd Chance Community Church of Freeport moved to our new location at 1421 W. Galena Ave, to share the building with the Community Reformed Church of Freeport. We are truly thankful to Almighty God for the doors He has opened and the people he has brought into our lives. In January of 2009, more changes were in store for us. As we grow in the Lord and strive to conform to His will; we found it imperative to make some serious changes. We wanted to hold true to the 5 solos of the reformation, that we believe that salvation is by grace alone, thru faith alone, in Christ alone, and that the Holy Scripture (original text) is our sole source of authority for what we do and how we live, and that everything we do, should be done for the glory of God. So as of Jan 25, 2009 our name changed to Grace Alone Christian Assembly. As of April 2010 more changes are taking place; I found it to be a good rule of thumb, that if you think you are sinking and losing your way, then stop and go back to where you are standing on solid rock, where you will have clarity of vision to see what needs to be done. I believe that I have neglected the calling of God, by putting on hold, that of evangelism; seeking that which is lost for the Glory of God. To speak the truth of Jesus and not just the love of Jesus, for it is too easy to get caught up in the trap of modern evangelism and churchianity here in America. So, as of May 1st, 2010; I will be taking a leave of absents to seek the Lord for direction and guidance. This will be a time for me to get to know my family again (which is my first ministry) and to get in a deeper relationship with God. If it is the Lords will, we will continue as a home Church when we get back, that the body of believers can be edified and God can be glorified.
Praising His Name Mike Brinkmeier, Pastor |