Faith for Living (FFL) will be turning 21 in January 2022. Since its inception, God has been gracious to expand FFL in birthing FFL Sterling in 2010, helping plant FFL Fredericksburg (now renamed Victory Church of God) in 2016, and extending three global campuses in the Philippines. As a result, FFL has been labeled a small church with a big heart and megachurch mindset.

Each year, God gives FFL an annual directive. This year's theme was the "Year of Mission." One of the newest creatives produced at the beginning of 2021 was to start a podcast called "Chosen."

This idea was based on John 15, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you."

As the church's online presence began to grow, the mission of Chosen was to reach and minister to those who may not typically or regularly go inside the church building. The interviews between the "Chosen" guests are designed to simply tell their personal stories of how God transformed their respective lives. The power of their testimonials has ministered and led others to Jesus.

The heart of FFL is to reach those who are broken, lost, and needy. Every Saturday, a team goes to Trader Joe's to distribute food to the underprivileged, homeless, and even local members in need. Another missional focus early this year was to support and partner with local businesses. It has helped a great deal that some members have started their own businesses where we were invited to dedicate their establishments to God. This has opened a door of opportunity where people can be led to salvation, then be followed up to be a part of the local church.

In the past three months alone, God opened a door where the FFL Praise Team ministered to the senior residents in the Word and through worship in September. October celebrated International Day, where we partnered with our Hispanic brothers and sisters to reach more in our community. In Mid-October, FFL hosted a marriage conference to inspire and instruct all couples (believers and the unchurched) in cultivating a healthy and Godly relationship with each other. The last week of October capped off the month with an outreach event held outdoors called Trunk and Treat to reach neighborhood kids and parents alike.

Recently in November, FFL hosted another collective event called Praise Fest! Praise Fest has been an annual event since 2016 that started with three churches praising One God to foster unity and camaraderie among the local COG churches. This year, Praise Fest grew in participation, with a total of 9 churches collaborating as one and modeling what transpired in the 1st church found in the Book of Acts!

We simply thank God for His unlimited grace! Never underestimate the potential and possibilities of small churches. As the adage goes, "You can never judge a book by its cover." A church may look small on the outside but have enormous potential inside!

We believe that every small church that is Christ-centered, Spirit-filled, and Word-based is making an indelible impact on their respective communities.

Freddie de la Rosa
Senior Pastor
Faith For Living

Ministry on the Margins at Faith For Living