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Gratia Fall Season Begins with Youth Bible Study

On August 25, Gratia Church opened the fall season with a Bible study, welcoming a newcomer who joined for the first time. The young leaders are actively moving forward in campus evangelism together with the regular students and are now preparing new outreach schedules. We pray that Gratia Church will continue to reach many new souls who can find true rest in God’s Word and His grace, and that all Bible study students may grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus.

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The Midwives who Feared God

Exodus 1:1-22 The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, “When you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.” The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live.
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The Power of Forgiveness

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

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Summer Bible Study Series on Ephesians

On July 9, Gratia Church launched a new Bible study series on the book of Ephesians during its Wednesday gathering. Sister Ruth led the study, joined by regular members both in person and online. Following the session, participants shared reflections and testified to the abundant grace they received through God’s Word. We pray that through this series, Gratia members may grow deeper in Scripture and live daily as true disciples of Jesus Christ.

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Grace-Filled Sunday with Guest Speaker and Visiting Family Members

Gratia Church experienced a grace-filled Sunday worship service on June 29, joined by guest speaker Pastor Larry Wesley and visiting family members.

Pastor Larry Wesley delivered a powerful sermon from Genesis 22, calling the congregation to live with authenticity and true repentance. Reflecting on Abraham’s willingness to offer Isaac in obedience to God, Pastor Wesley emphasized that genuine faith is not merely about outward acts of devotion, but about inward surrender-marked by trust, integrity, and obedience to God’s voice, even when it requires deep sacrifice.

He challenged the congregation to lay down personal idols, confront hidden compromises, and return wholeheartedly to the Lord. True worship, he reminded, comes from a heart that yields fully to God in humility and truth. After the service, everyone shared grace from the Word and had fellowship, enjoying a joyful Sunday meal together. It was a beautiful and strengthening moment to see families and friends gathered in unity to worship. May the work of the Holy Spirit continue to dwell in the hearts of all who attended.

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Gratia Easter Retreat Concludes Celebrating the Risen Lord

On Sunday, April 20, Gratia’s Easter Retreat joyfully culminated with the celebration of Easter Sunday, marking the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The day began with a solemn and moving message from Pastor Walker on John 19, reflecting on the deep suffering and sacrificial love of Jesus who bore the cross for the salvation of all. The retreat attendees were led to reflect on the cost of the cross and the overwhelming grace poured out through Christ’s obedience unto death.

The retreat concluded with a heartfelt time of testimonies, as attendees shared the grace they had received throughout the weekend—from the Word, fellowship, prayer, and every moment spent together in God’s presence. As the retreat came to an end, hearts were renewed, faith was deepened, and many left with a clearer vision of the living Christ in their lives.

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Gratia Hosts Fundraiser Bake Sale on Campus

Gratia Church hosted a successful bake sale fundraiser on the University of San Francisco campus on April 14. The event was organized by Gratia leaders who took the lead in both baking and sales, showcasing strong initiative, leadership, and teamwork.

Members contributed baked goods, filling the table with a diverse and delicious selection that attracted many students and faculty. The fundraiser not only raised support for ministry activities but also served as a meaningful opportunity to connect with the campus community in a warm and welcoming way.

“It also became an opportunity to share about the Bible studies and fellowship, and one student showed great interest in joining. We pray that the mission in San Francisco continues to grow in passion and fire.

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Tell Him That the Lord Needs Them

On Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem in a way that defied people’s expectations. Rather than arriving as a powerful, triumphant king on a mighty horse, He rode in on a humble donkey, signaling a new kind of kingdom built on love rather than force. The crowds waved palm branches in welcome, yet this moment was just the beginning of a path leading to the cross – a bitter, sorrowful journey involving betrayal, the last supper, the arrest in Gethsemane, and eventually crucifixion. Even so, at the heart of all this sorrow was a deep love for sinners that cannot be overlooked.

Jesus’ unassuming entry reveals how God often works in ways we do not anticipate. The Messiah the people expected was meant to defeat enemies and restore Israel’s earthly power, but Jesus brought the power of the cross instead. Where the world exalts pride and might, Christ came with humility and sacrificial love – a paradox that continues to challenge our assumptions about what true strength and salvation look like. Only through this unexpected road of suffering did Jesus provide resurrection and new life, turning what seemed foolish into the ultimate display of divine wisdom.

This paradox shapes our own faith journey. Just as many in Jerusalem didn’t recognize the King riding on a donkey, we too can miss God’s transforming presence when we impose our preconceived ideas of how He should act. Far from intellectual proof or political maneuvering, the cross represents God’s simple yet profound call for our hearts – to trust Him in humility and love. When we lay aside our pride and let the unexpected grace of the cross touch us personally, we experience a resurrection of our own heart. Through faith in this humble Savior, we participate in a kingdom far greater than any worldly force, living a life that points to the power of God’s love even in the face of sorrow and suffering.

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Gratia Continues Teacher Training to Raise Leaders

Gratia Church continues its Bible teacher training program as of April 8. Pastor Julia led a session focused on Romans 5 for JC and Rashaad, offering them a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of God’s Word. Brother JC has recently begun leading the Wednesday group Bible study and has shown remarkable growth through the training.

Sister Amora and Roby are also continuing their teacher training every Saturday. Amora, in particular, has been actively leading Tuesday Bible studies with three regular attendees. She finds great joy in teaching and has been experiencing the powerful work of the Holy Spirit.  We pray that Gratia Church remains committed to raising mature leaders for God’s Kingdom.