Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ in whom we have been blessed beyond measure.  I send you greetings from Pastor Montia and from our faithful brother Randy.   As I write, they are on the other side of the planet sharing the Good News that peace with God has been made possible because of his glorious grace which he has freely given to us in Christ.  And further, they are helping to equip South Asian believers to do the same.  The Lord has commanded us to go, and we are faithfully, to the best of our ability, responding in obedience.  The command to take the Good News “to the ends of the earth” includes the command to take the Good News to the end of the street, and across town.  To this command we have not been as faithfully obedient. 

I confess that I have not shared my faith here in Riverside with the same confidence that God will move in the heart of the person with whom I’m sharing, that I have when sharing in South Asia.  I guess I have believed the lie that most people here have already heard and rejected the truly Good News that peace with God is possible through a relationship with Jesus.  Perhaps you have had the same struggle.  But the Lord has convinced me that right here in our city, there are thousands of people who are ready to enter a relationship with him.  They are waiting for us to share the Good News about Jesus with them so that they can experience the forgiveness, peace, joy, and satisfaction in him that he has generously given to us. 

We must not allow ignorance, fear, or apathy to keep us from sharing the reason for the hope we have in Christ with a city full of people who have no hope without him.  It will not be easy.  Most things worth doing are not easy.  But Jesus promised that he will be with us always.  We are in this together.

Join us at Magnolia Church this Sunday as we look at the Gospel of Luke and see how Jesus initiated a relationship with some ordinary fishermen who he made into fishers of men.  We are all just ordinary people.  But with Jesus, ordinary people can do extraordinary things.  Invite a friend who would be blessed to find rest in the people and presence of God.  I hope to see you here.

For His glory among the nations, in our hearts, and in our city,
 

Sunday School will be offered for preschool children only.
 

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Operation Safehouse Outreach
As a partner with Operation Safehouse in Riverside, Magnolia Church has some opportunities for those who want to get involved in the movement to end slavery and human trafficking.
We are looking for volunteers to donate items in order to provide Easter bags for 8 youth residing at our partnering Safehouse. There are two males, 14-15 yrs old and six females, 13-16 yrs old.  Donation suggestions: age appropriate devotionals, Bibles, toothbrushes, toothpaste, chapstick, personal care items, Easter candy, journals w/pens. If you are able to donate any items, please bring them to the church office by March 31.
For more information contact women@magonline.com or 951-689-5700x109.