Jesus In Us

Paul writes in Philippians 1:3–6:

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”

I want to say thank you for the many blessings we have experienced during our first two years of ministry together. Sherri and I were deeply humbled and blessed by the overwhelming vote of confidence we received at District Assembly. It has been over two weeks since that wonderful day, and every time I think about it, I rejoice and thank God for our district and for the privilege of serving alongside you. Let’s keep moving forward in Jesus’ name!

As I reflect on this year’s District Assembly, one of the strongest impressions many people shared was the incredible sense of unity across our district. Scripture teaches that the Church should be united. In a time when there is so much division—even within our denomination—I am grateful that we are united around a shared passion for lost and broken people.

Jesus said, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” That promise is especially powerful when His people are united. Together we stand against “principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12). Thank you for faithfully fighting the good fight together.

As we look ahead, we want to continue focusing on our mission:

“Lost and broken people matter to God. Lost and broken people matter to us.”

Along with that, I would like to emphasize a simple phrase: “Jesus in Us.”

Years ago, I remember telling someone whose Christlike spirit had deeply impacted me, “I see Jesus in you.” As a district, I want us to look for those moments in our churches and ministries where we clearly see Jesus at work through His people. I would love to hear more “Jesus in Us” stories and reports from across Southern California.

For example, Yucca Valley Church held revival services this past weekend. Pastor Jim Smith shared this “Jesus in Us” update:

“We had a great weekend. Last night, the father of a family that started attending church about a month ago gave his life to Christ. Today we baptized him, his wife, and their two children.”

Stories like that remind us of what Jesus is doing in our churches and communities. To me, this is what matters most.

As we move forward, let us remain faithful in prayer, evangelism, and bringing people into the Kingdom of God. Please join me in praying for our summer ministries. In just a few days, nearly 60 people from our district will be traveling to NYC in Salt Lake City, Utah. Pray for our students, sponsors, and leaders as they participate in this life-changing event.

We will also be hosting our youth and children’s camps at Camp Idyllwild in July. Let’s be diligent in praying for every camper, counselor, sponsor, and leader. We are believing God for a mighty harvest among our young people.

As I close this newsletter, I want to remind us of the great denomination of which we are a part. As many of you know, God used the Church of the Nazarene to bring salvation to my entire family. I love our denomination deeply.

At the same time, we recognize that we are facing some challenging days. My encouragement to every pastor, preacher, teacher, and leader is simple: Stay biblical.

One of the mistakes we have made in some areas of our denomination is drifting away from a high view of Scripture and from the authority of God’s Word. We must return again and again to the Bible as our foundation.

Simply preach the Word.

Just this afternoon I listened to a message preached by Pastor Nate Wells of Oceanside Peace and Grace Church. What impressed me was his commitment to faithfully preach the biblical text and allow God’s Word to speak. I believe that when we honor Jesus and His Holy Word, we will experience the harvest He has promised.

Thank you for your partnership in the gospel. Sherri and I pray for you, and we ask that you continue to pray for us.

I see Jesus in you!

Blessings,

Shawn Siegfreid

District Superintendent

Southern California District Church of the Nazarene