Dear Church Family,

When we talk about the mission of the church, I hope we never think only about what happens within our own buildings or even in our own city. God has given us the privilege and responsibility of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with people near and far, including those living in places we may never have the opportunity to visit.

That's one reason I'm so grateful for the partnerships that allow us to participate in gospel work around the world.

In Philippians 1:3–5, Paul expresses his gratitude for the believers in Philippi and their partnership in the gospel. I love that picture of the church. The work of sharing Christ was never intended to rest on the shoulders of one person or one congregation. We have the opportunity to work together, each doing our part to help others know and follow Jesus.

This past Sunday, we began our annual Global Missions Offering, which continues through the end of the year. Through this offering, our CityRise family supports gospel ministry through the International Mission Board, North American Mission Board, Texas Baptists, and Union Baptist Association. These partnerships help extend our reach across our city, state, nation, and around the world.

Over the coming weeks, I want to share some stories that help us better understand the people and ministry behind these partnerships.

One of those stories comes from Southeast Asia where IMB missionaries Victor and Madeline Hawthorne are serving Deaf communities. For many Deaf individuals, access to the gospel in a language they can fully understand presents a significant challenge. Through visual resources and sign language, the Hawthornes are helping people encounter the hope of Jesus, grow in their understanding of God's Word, and learn to share their faith with others.

I encourage you to take just three minutes to watch this story. As you do, pray for the Hawthornes, for the Deaf communities they are serving, and for the gospel to ontinue spreading among those who have yet to know Christ.

I would also love for every member of our CityRise family to prayerfully consider participating in this year's Global Missions Offering. You can learn more about our missions partners and how to give at cityrise.org/globalmissions or cityrise.org/gmo.

Before I close, I have a couple of reminders. The first is to remind our West U Baptist family about Gallery Groundbreaking this coming Sunday, November 8! We will gather for one combined worship service at 8:30A, followed by Community Groups at 9:45A, the groundbreaking ceremony on the front lawn at 11:00A, and lunch together after that. I hope you'll join us for this exciting milestone in our Pathways initiative, and I encourage our entire CityRise family to continue praying for the work ahead.

Also, November 1–15 is our nomination period for the CityRise Executive Council and Deacons. These individuals serve important roles in the leadership and ministry of our church, and I encourage our members to prayerfully consider whom they might nominate. You can review the qualifications and submit your nominations online at cityrise.org/nominations through Sunday, November 15.

Church family, thank you for your continued faithfulness in praying, serving, and giving. I am grateful that we get to participate together in what God is doing, both here at home and around the world.


Expecting Greater,
Pastor Roger