Romans 3:6-7 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.

Last Sunday Alex and Jean Paul both got baptized into Christ!

Alex was a former student of Brian Wheeler, and kept in touch in the years since he graduated. His friendship with "Mr. Wheeler" eventually led to studying the Bible and Alex make the decision to become a Christian last Sunday, October 27!

Meanwhile, Jean Paul was asked to study the Bible over Zoom by two of his former colleagues from work - one who is a part of the church in Los Angeles and the other in Sacramento. Since Jean Paul lived in Fairfield, they contacted our church to see if we had any disciples in that area. It turned out that Jean Paul lived just a few minutes from Brian and Stephanie in Fairfiled. The rest is history! After years of being called by Jesus, his former colleague from our sister church in Sacramento came down last weekend and was able to see Jean Paul decide to become a disciple on Sunday, October 27!

Both men were baptized at the same time, on Sunday! We are so grateful the Lord gave us "twins" in the SF Bay Fellowship!

Welcome to the family Alex and Jean Paul!

John and Lynne (from the Peninsula Fellowship Group) and I, spent the last two weeks of October on a HOPE worldwide Singles Corp in Johannesburg, South Africa. Our mission was not only to spend time with our brothers and sisters in Christ from around the world, but also to work with preschool-age students and their mothers living in low-income areas with the goal of improving their chances for a lifetime of success. The South African chapter of HOPE, through the Caregiver Learning Through Play and the Book and Breakfast initiatives has made a huge impact within their community. They help to support over 1500 preschools and provide families with nourishment and literature. The entire trip was incredibly encouraging as we witnessed the grace and generosity of God in His will to take care of His children.

With volunteers from the States, the UK, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, we entered preschools in the neighborhood of Diepsloot to work alongside local teachers for the week. We brushed up on our knowledge of Wheels on the Bus, practiced our animal noises, and rolled up our sleeves to color, paint, and dance with the children. Following a full morning of singing and learning, we ventured deeper into the community each afternoon. That took the shape of attending parenting workshops, going to a local grocery store to pack groceries for low-income families, going into the sheet metal shacks of families with young children to learn about their experiences, and attending a workshop about the importance of engaging one’s child through play. To end each day, the HOPE Singles Core came together to discuss how we saw God working through our lives on this trip and to thank Him for each revelation. One night, we met with the campus and singles of the local JoBurg Church and had an encouraging night of worship as we sang and danced around a fire in not one, not two, but four different languages! God blessed us with lasting friendships, phenomenal experiences, and new perspectives on how we can better glorify Him.

Matthew 20:28 says, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Additionally, Matthew 25:40 says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” To be Christ-like means to serve the children of God. This trip was a constant call to serve the community of JoBurg with gratitude as we reflected on how much God has blessed each of our lives and humbly strove to use our actions to glorify God with God’s love. This entire experience is one that will stay in our hearts, and we are all so grateful to God for putting us on this path. We cannot wait for more adventures to come as we seek to follow God’s will and see more of the beautiful world He created.

- Sam, Palo Alto Fellowship Group

November is Indigenous American History Month. We want to celebrate and honor our Indigenous American brothers and sisters continually, but we wanted to take a moment to acknowledge this celebration this month.

The Governor of California issued this proclamation yesterday:

"Home to the largest population of Native Americans in the United States, California has long been a land of opportunity for Native Americans from across the nation and continues to be a beacon of hope for those seeking both community and a voice on a national stage.

This Native American Heritage Month, we grapple with the duality of a history of violence and oppression while Native people, despite all odds, continue to persist as shining examples of exceptionalism. In this spirit, we look back to celebrate the forebears of this place and embrace them as their full selves—successful, talented Native luminaries—in ways they may not have been at the time. We also venerate those who are blazing trails and lighting others’ torches throughout American society today. 

This year, the nation learned more about the devastating legacy of federal Indian boarding schools—with twelve sited in California alone—including how many students were lost, the inhumane treatment of children, and the practice of funding those schools with the sale of tribal lands. Last month, we witnessed—for the first time in history—a United States President issue a formal apology for the atrocities committed at federal Indian boarding schools across the nation. We hope that this important acknowledgment of pain, of lost years, and of intergenerational trauma will help Native communities in processing a national campaign designed to destroy cultures, community and identity—one we know was ultimately unsuccessful."

To read the entire proclamation, click HERE.

The Bible tells us to: Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Rom 12:10 

Let's learn about each others cultures and history and grow in our love for one another. Let's become more curious and ask questions about indigenous heritage so as to be more devoted to brotherly love. Let's honor our neighbors and community members who are a part of the Indigenous community and be a part of their celebrations this month.

Happy Indigenous American Heritage Month!

HOPE worldwide’s long-standing Community Service Brigades (CSB) program provides short-term, high-impact volunteer opportunities for those in the medical, dental, counseling and education fields to use their skills and experience to serve the materially poor.

Brigade volunteers help meet the needs of our brothers and sisters as well as those they serve in their outreach program communities. The volunteers empower individuals and families to invest in and improve their health and well-being throughout the year. The impact of these Brigades is felt for generations!

Medical and non-medical professionals alike are needed to make the CSB’s successful. No matter how young or old you are, no matter your degree or professional qualifications, if your heart is to serve, you are needed!

Click on the button below to see the details of each of the CSB opportunities in 2025. Trips are under one week long making it more possible to take time off of work to go and some of the opportunities are even available for children as yound as ten years old to go with a parent.

Check out what is coming up for the CSB's in 2025!