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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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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.

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Gratia Sunday Service and Farewell Prayer for Missionary

Gratia Church held a graceful Sunday service on March 23, filled with powerful and heartfelt praise and worship. The message delivered was based on Luke 5. Below is a summary of today’s message.

In Luke 5:1-11, Jesus instructs His disciples to move out into deeper water after an unproductive night of fishing, prompting them to cast their nets once more. Their eventual miraculous catch is a powerful image of what happens when we allow Jesus to lead us beyond our comfort zones. In the same way, He calls each of us to a deeper faith that touches every aspect of our lives, pushing us past the surface-level routines and assumptions we’ve grown used to. When we trust and act on His Word, even the most barren areas can yield abundant fruit.

This invitation to go deeper is ultimately about welcoming Jesus into our hearts, letting His presence transform and guide our decisions. We may think we’ve done all we can on our own-like the disciples who had fished all night-but Christ sees hidden possibilities where we see dead ends. Embracing this new depth of faith involves surrendering our plans and desires to Him, allowing Him to direct us toward blessings we could never achieve alone. As we open our lives to His leading, we come to realize that genuine transformation doesn’t stay at the shallow end but discovers overflowing grace in the deep waters of faith.

After the service, members prayed for Pastor Nancy, who has faithfully served YD Berkeley is returning to her home country. Her devotion and passion for Jesus Christ were sown in this land and have borne beautiful fruit through her life. Members wished her well on her new journey and prayed that her life would continue to be a great blessing to many. They also prayed that she would keep living as a witness for Jesus Christ.

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Student Bible Study Continues to Bring Joy and Grace

Gratia students continue to find joy and grace through their weekly Bible study. They gather every Monday at 7 PM and have been studying the book of Galatians together. Sister Ruth has been faithfully leading the study, and all participants have been receiving abundant grace.

Being college students, they face a heavy load of schoolwork and other commitments. This time in the Word has become a much-needed moment of true rest in Him. Gratia Church prays that God’s Word will continue to be their power and strength, helping them overcome challenges and stand firm in the Lord.

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Gratia Explores Stanford University for Church Planting

San Francisco Gratia Church made a special trip to Stanford University to explore opportunities for church planting. Gratia ministers are planning to expand their mission to Stanford this summer, and they conducted a short campus evangelism session to engage with the students. Ministers and members were delighted to explore this new campus, which is one of the most prestigious schools in the world. We pray that a mission revival will take place on this campus and bring the good news to this community.

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Gratia Christmas Retreat Concludes Focusing on Jesus

Gratia Church’s Christmas Retreat concluded with grace, focusing on the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The retreat was held from December 13-15, 2024 in Pacifica, CA, with this final day being on Sunday. Throughout the retreat, the Bile Studies focused on Matthew 1-4.

Many members gave encouraging and graceful testimonies. Brother JC said it was a life-changing retreat for him in terms of finding direction in his life. Brother Aaron said he received exactly what he needed in terms of renewing his faith in the Lord and taking rest in Him. Brother KJ said the retreat helped him come back to Jesus. Sister Larese testified how she was called by the Lord one year ago, and that attending this retreat has strengthened her call.

Please pray that Gratia members can hold onto the grace from the Christmas retreat, be centered in Jesus Christ, and called for the Kingdom.

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Gratia Launches First Worship Night on USF Campus

Gratia Church held its first-ever worship night on the USF campus on December 7. USF students attending Gratia opened the door for the use of campus facilities, and they organized the event to bring together Christians from all churches and fellowships to praise God on campus.

The evening, entitled “All of a Sudden” from Acts 2:2, was led by Brother Larry and Sister Ruth, along with members of Gratia and other on-campus fellowships. Many participants from various campus fellowships joined the worship night. Together, as one body of Christ, students and members of Gratia were able to praise God and share in His grace.

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Gratia Members Celebrate Thanksgiving Together

Gratia members celebrated Thanksgiving together at church with a special Thanksgiving service followed by a meal. Students who remained in San Francisco also joined the celebration. Pastor Peter shared a message based on Colossians 2:6-8, titled “Overflowing with Thankfulness.”

Members enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship, reflecting on God’s work in their lives and expressing their heartfelt gratitude. May God’s grace continue to overflow abundantly in the hearts of all members in the years to come.

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Gratia Graceful Friday Prayer Meeting

Gratia Church held a graceful Friday prayer meeting on November 22. Pastor Julia shared a brief message based on Philippians 3:12, titled A Life Captured by Christ. She emphasized that without Christ as our ultimate goal, we risk grasping at whatever comes our way-things we neither need nor truly desire. Instead, we must hold firmly to the Lord. On this journey to gain Christ, pruning is essential. Just as a branch that bears many fruits and flowers is trimmed to produce the best fruit, so too must we cut away the excess in our lives to focus on what truly matters.

After the message, members prayed together and for one another, experiencing a powerful time of renewal through the Holy Spirit. Even in the midst of the storm, members who were thirsty for the Lord came to the prayer meeting, driven by their deep passion for Jesus Christ. May the Lord use their lives to bear abundant fruit.

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