The Denver United Chronicles

A Visit From Jacob and Noelle Goodlin

 
On Sunday, April 17th, Denver United was honored to welcome Jacob and Noelle Goodlin, two of our global missions partners, to both morning services.  Based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the Goodlins serve with In His Steps International, working with the youth and at-risk women in the country.  Noelle was also involved with the memorable Sak Saum necklaces that were presented to moms in the congregation last Mother's Day (see story).  The Goodlins gave an update on the amazing outreach opportunities God has provided for them in Asia.  View some of Jacob's stunning photos of their life and ministry in Cambodia.

To learn more about the Goodlins, visit their blog.  To learn more about the global, national and local missionaries and ministries that Denver United supports or partners with, visit Denver United Missions.

Making a Difference in Haiti

Continuing in our committed response to the devastating Haiti earthquake, Denver United sent a team of 15 people to Haiti March 14-21, 2011.  The team included Pastor Andrew Mondy, Melissa Sturgis, Neysa Lettin, Jeremy and Megan Oaster, Christopher Bach, Darren Boe, Amanda Davis, Kristen Gonzales, Sydney Neeley, JT Weatherford, Callista Clark, Jeremy Gage and Connie Bean, led by Matt Zimmerman.  Partnering with Renewal4Haiti and Dr. Joseph Charles, the trip focused on assisting with rebuilding efforts at the Camejo hospital in the city of Leogane.

Here, in Matt's own words, is an update on the trip:

We got to work as soon as we arrived.  After we set up our tents and put our work clothes on, we knew that we would be focusing our efforts in two main areas: 1.) building two post-operative rooms for the hospital, and 2.) clearing the rubble from the old warehouse area to prepare the area for construction of a guest house that will allow them to host guest medical experts and short-term teams.  When we stopped work the first day, part of our team went out to explore and met an incredible Haitian family that truly needed to see a doctor.  We were able to connect them with Dr. Charles. Not only were their medical needs addressed, a relationship was born that we enjoyed for the duration of our trip.

After two days of hard, physically intense work, we discovered that a high school run by a missionary organization was located next door to the hospital.  A few of us walked over and asked if there was anything that they needed or if we could help.  They pointed us to another campus.  At this elementary school, we teamed with believers from Norway to put the finishing touches on two new school buildings.  We were able to be a part of the grand opening celebration.

Back at the hospital, work continued on the two new rooms and rubble removal.  On a personal note, I was so proud of our team and the attitude with which we approached the massive pile of rock that remained from the warehouse.  It wasn't glamorous... It didn't provide any cool pictures... It was really hard, hot work.  But it was what our friends in Haiti needed and asked us to do.

In the midst of all the hard work and projects, we found ourselves immersed in conversations and relationships.  We consistently found ourselves sharing the hope and love of Jesus.  Whether it was just playing with children or explaining in details the hope that we have in Jesus, there was always someone in our midst.  We carried Creole Bibles to missionaries, provided a few solar powered electronic Bibles to the hospital and a missionary, and answered many insightful questions posed by our translator.

Oh...and we got to see some beautiful parts of a wonderful country!

Share in some of the memorable moments of the trip by viewing the wrap-up video. 

Worship With United Kids

 
On Sunday, April 10th, Children's Pastor Mauri Brendle and members of United Kids helped lead worship during both morning services. With their high-energy enthusiasm for the Lord, employing both song and dance, they helped demonstrate the importance of approaching God with a childlike heart of faith. Relive the memory with some photos from that morning.

A Night of Prayer, Worship and Baptisms

 
On the evening of April 3rd, Denver United held a night of prayer and worship in Davis Auditorium.  As part of the service, water baptisms were also performed.  Members of the congregation gathered around a portable hot tub parked behind Sturm Hall to witness the event.  Despite the snowy weather, four individuals braved the cold to take this exciting and important step of faith, bearing public testimony of their commitment to Christ.  Take a look at some of the memories from that night.

Special thanks to Brandon Bernardo for providing photographs of this event.

Denver United's First GO Day

On Saturday, April 2nd, Denver United hosted its first official GO Day.  Sixteen individuals, armed with willing hearts of service and $10 in their pockets, took to the streets looking to impact the lives of others through practical acts of kindness.  They gave out 300 bottles of water, as well as breakfast sandwiches and coffee.  They also talked and prayed with dozens of people at the 16th Street Mall and Civic Center Park.  It was a perfect opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the people in our community.

The next GO Day will be May 14th.  Join us as we take God's love to the streets of Denver and serve at Streets Hope, a ministry dedicated to helping women looking to escape the sex trade industry.  For more information, visit the Denver United website.

One: A Marriage Conference

On March 12th, 40 people attended Denver United's first marriage conference, One.  Held on the campus of Colorado Community Church, the speakers for the event were Denver United's very own Bob and Carol Baker, who are nationally recognized marriage ministers and radio show hosts.  Topics included understanding your partner's differences, conflict resolution, effective listening and growing together spiritually.