1 Peter 3:15 encourages; "in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you..." One of my prayers over the next few weeks is that we will all be a little better equipped to share our testimonies, and why we have hope in Christ. We'll look at Paul's various defenses of his ministry and the gospel itself as he stands trial. I think from Paul's defense before the people we can draw a good rough outline for organizing your own testimony - Connection, Conversion, Commission. Or, what is your connection with your audience, how did Christ convert you to following Him, and how has He commissioned you now to serve the Lord? We will also hear testimonies from our fellow church members. Hearing the stories of others can help to shape the way we think and speak about the work of Christ in our own lives.  All this so that we may be better, more equipped and ready witnesses to Christ. 

On a related note, there are a lot of opportunities for us to connect with evangelists or think through our evangelistic witness. Consider the following! 

• Last Sunday we showed a Multiply video featuring Nasser, inviting us to join him in his missions work. I hope some will consider that call! Talk to us if you are interested in missions and vision trips.

• Breakfast on Sunday at 9am with mission partner Wayne Larson. Come and hear about his ministry in the middle east!

• Members of Lakeview Chruch in Utah will be here next week on a partner trip. I hope many of you will connect with them and be encouraged by the Lord's work through the church in Utah.

• Connection Cookout at 6pm on Monday night. Come hang and talk with Wayne Larson, members of Lakeview Church in Utah, Dan Smith from Eleos Coffeehouse, Mission Southside leaders, our own Jack Houghton representing Relentless Prison Ministry, and families of VBS kids.

• CBC Church Plant Gatherings at 9am at CBC are going throughout the summer. Drop in and hear what's happening as the team discerns the direction of the church plant! You may even be inspired to join.