Celebrating What Matters Most | No. 2
- Socal Naz
- Sep 10
- 3 min read
Recently I watched a video from a local village where a toddler had fallen down a narrow shaft, trapped dozens of feet below the surface. Adults could not reach him, but an older boy—14 years old—volunteered to be lowered down. With ropes tied securely, the boy was lowered into the shaft and soon re-emerged, holding the toddler safely in his arms. The celebration that followed was powerful—the father clutched and kissed his son, while the whole village hugged and thanked the boy who had said yes to the rescue. Here is a link to the full story:
That story reminded me of you, our pastors. In this September note, I want you to know how deeply grateful I am that you said yes to God’s call on your life. You are heroes—both to me and to the countless lives you touch. Only in eternity will we fully understand the impact of your “yes,” as people are saved and live fruitful lives because you answered God’s call.
The prophet Isaiah wrote: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” (Isaiah 6:8). Most of us, when we first said yes, didn’t fully grasp the burdens or the blessings that would come with this call. Yet through it all, God has been faithful, and He continues to use your obedience to reach the lost. Please know that I pray daily for you and our district—that we will be encouraged and stay focused on what matters most: winning souls for Jesus.
What Matters Most at San Bernardino First!
San Bernardino First has experienced some really great days in the last few months with their attendance touching nearly eighty people on some Sundays! Even though currently without a permanent pastor, Shane Prince and other SB First members have provided great lay leadership and Pastor Tim Fillmore has led and preached in many spirit-filled services. We have had several other great pastors help us out here at SB First by preaching on Sundays and we are grateful for them!
A new Men’s Ministry has launched with 19 men attending the first gathering. The group committed to meet monthly, taking on a church project each time. The fellowship was marked by God’s presence and immediate impact: One man shared that he had been planning to take his life the week before but decided to delay after hearing about the men’s Bible group. He opened up about his struggles, and seven men stepped forward, each committing to call him daily throughout the week. Another man asked for help with a pornography addiction. A fellow participant, who had previously overcome the same struggle, offered tools and guidance. They are now meeting weekly for accountability and encouragement.
In addition, four committees have been organized, with 27 members total (approximately seven per committee).
Sunday School attendance has grown to around 35 participants. To better serve the group, classes have been divided into two adult groups and two children’s groups. The first Sunday in this new format was well-received. Sunday worship attendance averages around 60, with children’s ministry ranging between 13 and 23 each week. Wednesday prayer and worship services average about 20 attendees.
On the west side of the church roof, a 15x15 section had sustained damage. A company has generously offered to repair the section at no cost, including materials, with the simple request that the congregation continue sharing God’s love faithfully.
These developments are clear evidence of God’s ongoing work in the life of the church and community.
Friends, thank you for asking every day: “What matters most to Jesus today?”—and then walking in faith and obedience. We would love to hear your “What Matters Most” stories from your church. If you have photos or reports to share, please send them along so we can celebrate together. They do not have to be long stories – even one example of something showing “What Matters Most” in your church will be a great encouragement to others!
Sherri and I love you and count it a privilege to serve alongside you in the Southern California District.
With gratitude,
Shawn Siegfreid
District Superintendent
Southern California District Church of the Nazarene
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