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Egypt, My People
Roy Sowerby, a long-time community member and anointed teacher, taught this week about the Biblical perspective on Israel, Egypt, and the Middle East. Considering recent events in Egypt, this was a timely teaching. Correspondingly, Roy has lead us in powerful times of strategic prayer and intercession over Egypt this week. As the Holy Spirit equips us, we are beginning to understand God’s heart and the destiny He has for these nations.

First Annual GBNW Super Bowl Party
by Alicia

We love having another reason to get together and talk, laugh, eat…oh yeah, and watch football!  So, Super Bowl Sunday we got together at The Gate and pulled some couches around our new TV and watched the Packers and the Steelers play.  Staff, students, and several of our community families were present. Xaundelle had prepared a whole spread of snacks for everyone, and she dutifully kept the table replenished all evening.  For the most part, there was genuine interest in watching the football game (not just the accompanying commercials) and the majority of the folks were cheering for Green Bay.  So, the outcome of the game made an ideal conclusion to our party—go Packers!

Kids’ Praise Tuesday
by Alicia

Tuesdays at GBNW are a blast!  Every Tuesday morning, the entire GBNW community (so that’s 8 students, 21 adults, and 24 kids) gathers for worship and kicks off our day with great anticipation for “Kids’ Praise Tuesday.”  Everyone in the room participates, and by the end of the first kid-oriented praise song, our blood is pumpin’, and everyone is dancing, jumping, and smiling!  Many of the adults, including myself, will admit that it’s the highlight of their week.  There is something so refreshing about shaking off any vestiges of religiosity or staleness or ritualistic worship and becoming like children!  Our Heavenly Father delights in us, and He is not offended when we laugh with joy in His presence or even when we sing silly songs!  It’s been fun for me and other grown-ups in the room to dust off some of our own childhood favorites, too, like “I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy” and “Father Abraham” and “I’ve Got a River of Life” and “Jesus Is the Rock [and He Rolls My Blues Away]”.  Then, postured as favored children before our Heavenly Father, we transition into deeper worship in a sweet spirit of unity and joy.  Each time the Holy Spirit does something unique, but there’s always expectation for Tuesday!  And if you happen to visit on a Tuesday, be sure to check any reservation or stuffiness at the door, and wear your dancing shoes!

Soup, Salad, and Smiles

One of our core values is to respond to local needs such as feeding the poor and loving the lost by partnering with other neighboring ministries. This week, thirteen staff and students attended the Union Gospel Mission Meal Server orientation! The mission offers free beds, showers, and food to the homeless in Spokane, helping an average of over 130 persons every day! And they don’t stop there! They also provide help get these people off the streets with a free rehabilitation program rooted in Biblical principles to get them equipped for the real world. The students and staff will be joining a meal-serving team on a regular basis at the Union Gospel Mission.

Community Shabbat: Indian

This week we celebrated Shabbat with the whole community and had our biggest dinner yet with over 60 people attending! It was such a joy for the student and staff to serve the community and guests that came. The menu was an extensive Indian spread with Balti Butter chicken, Yogurt Cucumber Salad, Mint Chutney, Cardamon and Cinnamon Seasoned Rice, Masala Okra, Garlic Naan and Lemon Poppyseed Cupcakes! There was even coffee and homemade chai with dessert! Most of our Community Shabbat’s end with a dance party or a game of musical chairs in which everyone from the youngest to the oldest can participate!