What does Peniel mean?

So glad you asked! … and we always have to be careful about the spelling… The word Peniel is taken from the story in Genesis 32:22-30 where Jacob wrestles with God. The Holy Spirit has used this story to teach us many life lessons such as:

The importance of perseverance
Clinging to God in crisis or when we fail and not turning away from him
Difficulty is designed for us to develop intimacy with God
Intimacy leads to character transformation which leads to fruitfulness
And many more.

… So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face”…

So then, our vision statement, Cultivating An Atmosphere For Face to Face Encounters With God, comes from the lessons we are learning from this scripture passage. We want our lives to be transformed more and more into the image of Jesus. This best occurs when we create an environment of faith, understanding and expectation so that we encounter God face to face. This is our goal, for ourselves, and for those to whom we minister. We wrestle with God so that we are transformed by grace.

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Ramesh’s Story

The first was when I was 14 and heard clearly for the first time the story of Jesus Christ, that every human is flawed. Try as we may, no one is able to meet God’s perfect standard of love - for God and for each other. But because of God’s unrelenting love for us Jesus came from God, suffered, died, rose again from the dead and returned to God. By doing this He created the way for all of humanity to be reconnected in a loving relationship to God, our Creator. I decided then that I believed Jesus is who he said he is. He became my Saviour.

Elsie’s story

Even at an early age I remember looking up at my mother, who was busy with her chores, and pelting her with these questions. “If I die what will happen to me?” This last question prompted my mother to gently lead me in a simple prayer, which I said with great conviction. “Jesus, please come into my heart and make Satan leave my room!” He did leave the room and I was quite satisfied with the peace that filled my heart. From that moment on I knew that I was safe. This was my first encounter with the Living God.

Cyprus Mission Trip

In Cyprus, the Catch the Fire conference brought powerful healings, spiritual renewal, and diverse communities together, with many experiencing God’s love and healing touch.