I had meant to get to this post last week, but it has been one amazing week in the Canchola household! I think we've seen more doctors this week than the last five years put together!
I just wanted to wish the amazing folks over at Bay Area Fellowship in Corpus Christi a happy 10th anniversary. 10 years is an amazing milestone and Bay Area Fellowship is one anointed, phenomenal, local body of believers. They are an amazing church.
Without a doubt, no other church has had as much influence and blessing on Cornerstone Church than Bay Area. They have taught us so much about what it means to serve a community, reach people for Christ, and live out a BIG, HUMONGOUS, AUDACIOUS VISION. (forgive the big words: they really know how to dream big and live out their dreams for the glory of God! Is that better?) Now before some of you start wailing away that we shouldn't look to other churches and only to God for vision and encouragement; that's not biblical or realistic. Of course God is our primary source of inspiration and vision; it is His vision and His only that we live out at Cornerstone, but I'm grateful that God has given all of us different churches and leaders that we can look to for encouragement and inspiration. Bay Area has certainly done that for Cornerstone!
Bay Area is led by a phenomenal leader and his wife and an amazing staff of servant-hearted leaders. Pastor Bil Cornelius has been such an awesome source of encouragement and vision and a wonderful example to me of what a visionary leader should look like. He has also been a great encouragement to me in his roles as husband and father. When you talk to Bil there is no doubt that Jessica and their beautiful children are his first priority. That's how it should be. Michelle and I are grateful for Bil and Jessica's friendship. They have poured into our lives with wonderful encouragement. Thank you Bil and Jessica.
Without a doubt, Bay Area is one of the most selfless, kingdom-minded churches that I've ever witnessed and been around. From the moment we first connected with them, they have treated us like family and welcomed us with open arms. The Bay Area staff are so selfless and each have been amazing in helping to grow our staff through their mentorship and encouragement. Our staff has traveled to Bay Area countless times whether together or individually and everytime we have been received fabulously by Bay Area's amazing staff. We have also had many of Bay Area's staff down to Cornerstone to consult with us in our different ministries and areas. Their selfless giving has made an amazing impact and expanded the kingdom of God. John Atkinson, Bay Area's Small Group's Pastor serves on our Ministry Leadership Team (Board) and is one of my best friends. He and April are precious to us and we love whenever we get to spend time with them and the "little Longhorn". Hook 'em Caleb! Pastor's Paul Schultz, Bryan Fiscus, Jason Gerdes, and so many others that I can't name them all, have been such an amazing blessing to us.
In 10 years, Corpus Christi and South Texas have seen the miracle called Bay Area Fellowship flourish and change thousands of lives; all for God's glory. The great thing about that is this is only the beginning and the best is yet to come. Everytime I go to Bay Area they challenge me to stretch my vision. Their vision is being accomplished and will continue to be in a great way. Congratulations Bay Area on 10 amazing years. May God grant you countless years of fruitful ministry, impact, and life-change as you bring Him glory.
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Sarah
http://www.craigslistpostingtools.info
Posted by: Sarah | April 01, 2009 at 07:17 AM
Reading your blog today (which I do read them, skipping of course all the T.U. talk) was very touching. Jessica and I are very proud of you guys, and we learn just as much from you as you have from us. Thanks for being a relentless leader that has a heart to do whatever it takes to reach South Texas. Louie, you have a precious family and an amazing church. We love you guys! -Bil Cornelius
Posted by: Bil Cornelius | January 30, 2008 at 02:47 PM