Dual Baptism on Sunday, November 7, 2010

New Life's Refugee Ministry has blessed our congregation by allowing us to meet and learn from people all over the world. And, in some very special cases, to share in their challenges and triumphs as they navigate their way in this new phase of life; far removed from the refugee camps, war and persecution they suffered for so many years.

Emmanuel and Bingwa are both originally from Congo. Because of the war, they fled to refugee camps in Tanzania. Both young men spent much of their childhood in those camps.

Here, they are making a new life for themselves. Both Emmanuel and Bingwa accepted Christ before coming to the US, but had never been baptised. This past Sunday, with their new church family surrounding them, they took the step to publicly declare what was in their heart and be baptised by Pastor Kevin.

All who witnessed this day were blessed.

New Life Celebrates Refugee Awareness Day - June 18, 2010

New Life was honored at the Santa Clara County Refugee Awareness Day for its contributions to the Refugee Resettlement Program at Catholic Charities.

The honor and certificate were given out at the Refugee Awareness Day Celebration, which featured our own Cin family as they performed the Cin National Dance! They were one of many performances that afternoon, which celebrated and honored the unique contributions made to our community by the refugees who have made Santa Clara County their new home.

Special Worship Music - February 28, 2010

Rashid is a recently-arrived Congolese refugee. He is a free-case refugee who is living in the Transition House that New Life sponsors with Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County.

A week ago, Rashid first visited New Life for Sunday service and mentioned that he led worship in his church in Congo and that he'd like to play for New Life. Debbie and Mike Munns who lead the New Life Worship Team, took Rashid up on his offer and invited him to sing this week! With no rehearsal at all together, Rashid, Mike and Debbie led the congregation in a moving worship song that Rashid sang in French, much to the delight of the 9 other Congolese in the audience!

Serving the refugees of San Jose has blessed and enriched New Life Covenant Church in ways that cannot be ennumerated. This Sunday's special music was just one small way that the refugees we've met have given so much to this congregation.

In case you couldn't join us yesterday, here are some photos: