Family Is Everything!

First, I thank my God through Jesus the Anointed for all of you because we are joined by faith as family, and your faith is spreading across the world.

Romans 1:8 Voice

God is passionate about family. His vision for the church is for every person to be inspired, connected, and “joined by faith as family.”

This is one of the great qualities of our church that inspires Amy and me, and we are especially inspired by how God has moved to change lives through families together.

God builds families through changed lives

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Philippians 1:6 NLT

We recently saw God moving through the Teng family in the West Bay. Aja Teng, a college student at the University of San Francisco (USF), is an amazing example of this verse. Aja grew up attending church with her family, but some of the challenges in her life left Aja feeling lonely, empty, and angry at God. Through it all, her parents, Meng and Jessica Teng persevered and never gave up praying for Aja.

God’s work wasn’t done yet. After going to Teen Camp the summer after she graduated high school, God started softening Aja’s heart, and she began to have Bible studies to know him for herself. As she started her freshman year at USF, the other college students immediately pulled her in and made her feel at home. Fellow students like Camille Williamson, Kathy Siu, Maro Silean, Kayla Kim, Annalisa Burruel, and Faith Molinari rallied around Aja, becoming her family in San Francisco.

Through having Bible studies together, eating together and hanging out together on and off campus, and praying with and for her every week, these friends helped Aja experience the love of God. Through studying the Bible, she learned about how deeply and intimately God cared for her. She learned that God had been with her through all her challenges. Aja’s heart began to change as she fought to hold on to the Bible instead of her own thinking and give her whole heart to God. This led to Aja’s relationship with her own family changing and becoming so much closer and more vulnerable with each other.

On that day about three thousand believed his message and were baptized. [42] They spent their time learning from the apostles, and they were like family to each other. They also broke bread and prayed together.

Acts 2:41-42 CEV

God builds families through changed lives, and it was so inspiring seeing Aja decide to get baptized and hear her share how grateful she was for God’s forgiveness. She also expressed how excited she is to show other women how much God loves them too! It is incredible to see the amazing things God can do when we never give up in prayer and decide to stick with each other through the peaks and valleys of life as a family!

Families who stick together, sacrifice together

And don’t forget to do good and to share what you have with others, because sacrifices like these are very pleasing to God.

Hebrews 13:16 ERV

In Silicon Valley, Craig and Beverly Nomura consistently show their deep commitment to their community, especially their unwavering dedication to serving others. Beverly’s family lives in Maui, and when devastating fires struck the island, 17 of her mother’s coworkers lost their homes and all their belongings.

In response, Beverly and Craig, alongside their family, co-workers, and friends, came together to raise funds for these families in need. Their collective efforts resulted in a substantial total of over $4,000 in aid. Last week, they were able to distribute gift cards to each affected family, providing crucial assistance during this difficult time. The recipients of this support expressed profound gratitude, and Beverly remarked how there were numerous heartfelt hugs and tears of gratitude shared among them.

“We did not know how to help initially,” Beverly shared, “I feel God has orchestrated it; when we want to do good, everything comes together naturally.” The Nomuras’ compassion and actions serve as a powerful example of how God’s influence can be profoundly felt, transforming lives when we come together as families to make sacrifices for the well-being of others.

It’s fall y’all! Building family in Santa Clara

Day after day they met in the temple [area] continuing with one mind, and breaking bread in various private homes. They were eating their meals together with joy and generous hearts…

Acts 2:46 AMP

This past weekend the Santa Clara ministry welcomed in the Fall season with their “It’s Fall Y’all” Sunday service. This verse came to life as everyone enjoyed the fellowship and shared homemade pies, fresh baked goods, and hot seasonal drinks. To add a little friendly competition to the festivities, they added a pumpkin pie-eating contest to the event.

Many expressed how grateful they are for our church because each Sunday is not just an event, but it’s family!

Celebrando la Familia Hispana en Silicon Valley

This past weekend, the friends and families of Christians in the Silicon Valley South ministry came together to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a special Sunday Service Celebration!

On Saturday evening, they invited friends and neighbors to make several hundred empanadas and appetizers for Sunday. It was a fantastic time of connecting, where they prepared food together and enjoyed great conversations, festive music, and relaxed camaraderie.

When Sunday arrived, everyone gathered in the BACC Common Ground courtyard to savor the delicious treats after service. Many friends, family members, and neighbors joined the celebration. The day was filled with lively music, a captivating Mexican folklorico dance performance, a variety of Latin-themed foods, and the forging of meaningful friendships and lasting memories.

Many of those who came expressed that they deeply appreciated the experience and would like to return to service in the weeks to come. A number of new friends even expressed interest in studying the Bible together.

We’re looking forward to all the ways God will move to change lives and build families this fall!

Until next time!