Las Vegas has been one of the most economically devastated areas in America in the past year. Already plagued by the highest suicide, divorce, and gambling addiction rates in the United States, Unemployment has surpassed 13% and is on the rise. Our partner church in Las Vegas, Grace Point, took a major hit in growth and giving in the last half of 2008 through the first half of 2009. Dozens of church families are facing foreclosure, and many more have already left Las Vegas. In just two years North Las Vegas has gone from being the fastest growing area in the nation to one of the fastest declining. A 15,000 home master-planned community which Grace Point planned to reach was forced to declare bankruptcy before a single house was built.
The City of North Las Vegas, one of Grace Point’s strategic partners, canceled their largest community event of the year due to financial shortfalls. This event was one of Grace Point’s annual strategic service ministries to the community. In spite of this set back, the church increased its commitment to serving the North Las Vegas community through Servolution, a weekend where over 150 volunteers served over 3,500 man-hours and over 9000 people! Thankfully, Grace Point has been able to survive the economic challenges and is now growing again. The spirit and momentum of the church is at an all-time high and the staff is functioning at a higher capacity than ever! We are committed to standing alongside Grace Point as they strive to reach Las Vegas with the only real hope in troubled times, the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
“The partnership with First West helped enable us to survive a crucial season for our church. Through the partnership money, we were able to maintain our budget and not have to make any major cuts. The mission team from First West was also a part of our Servolution weekend.” – Devin Hudson, pastor of Grace Point
Hope for the future…
Grace Point is praying for their own church building! The economic downturn and corresponding drop in property values is making it possible for GP to consider purchasing a building for the first time.
Starting a Saturday night service in order to reach a culture that works crazy hours.
Servolution 2010 – GP hopes to double their efforts from this year!
New partnerships with key community organizations
Prayer PointsThat people will respond in faith and not fear during the economic downturn. For the many families who are affected directly by the economic situation. That we will be able to replace the solid military families Grace Point Church will be losing the next few months. That God will raise up more volunteers to work with Grace Point Church. That God will give Grace Point Church leadership wisdom and direction.
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2010 Mission TripsConsider going with us to Las Vegas in 2010! We have two trips scheduled for 2010 (dates subject to change). Las Vegas (July 4th Weekend and Labor Day Weekend) 2010 Mission Trip List Click Here If you are interested, please contact the Global Ministries Office at 318.398.9280 so that we can make sure that you are aware of any updates or information meetings.
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How to GiveTo help Pastor Devin Hudson and Gracepoint Church shine the light of Christ in Las Vegas, please give to the Transform Fund. Be sure to mark your offering envelope and/or check's memo with the words "Transform Fund". Transform Las Vegas ResourcesFirst West Transform Brochure PDF Listen to the Las Vegas Transformation Message featuring Devin Hudson Watch the Transform Las Vegas video. Listen to the entire Transform Series
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