CCY Connect January EDITION 2026

A Vision for 2026

As I write this, I have a lot on my mind and heart. It’s mid-December, and in just a few days, I will stand before our church family to honor a man who quietly and faithfully set an example worth following. James Snell served Christ and the church faithfully until his final days. If you read his bio on our website, you’ll see that he did just about everything a church can ask of a servant of God. He loved Jesus. He loved the church. And he showed up, again and again. That kind of faithfulness leaves a mark. It has caused me to pause and ask myself, Am I finishing strong? And as we prepare to turn the page into 2026, I’d like to invite you to ask the same question. Take an honest look in the mirror. Are your priorities lined up with what God desires for your life as a follower of Christ? What might need to change? Is there a ministry God is stirring in your heart - perhaps something new, or maybe a place where He’s calling you to step back in and serve? For some of us, we’ve stayed well-connected through small groups, classes, or serving in the life of the church. For others, this new year is an opportunity to rebuild healthy spiritual rhythms that may have slipped over time. Growth in Christ and meaningful Christian community don’t happen by accident. If we’re not intentional, something else will quickly take its place on our calendar. As we look ahead to 2026, our vision is simple and rooted in Scripture: to grow deeper in Christ and stronger in community. That means taking intentional steps to get connected - joining a small group, serving alongside others, and investing in what God is doing both here at CCY and beyond our walls. It also means supporting the team preparing to serve on our upcoming Guatemala mission trip, praying for them, encouraging them, and, if God leads, coming alongside them in tangible ways. I had many meaningful conversations with my friend and brother in Christ, James. He often spoke about the importance of Christ and the church in the life of a believer. His life reminds us that faith is not meant to be lived in isolation, but in community, service, and obedience. As we step into this new year together, let’s follow that example. Let’s be intentional. Let’s stay connected. And by God’s grace, may we all finish strong.

At the time of this writing, I’m studying 1 Samuel 17:25-27.  Here’s a paraphrase: Now, during these defilements spoken from Goliath about Israel, King Saul issued that anyone who killed Goliath would be given great wealth.  He would also give his daughter in marriage, and the family lineage would be exempt from paying any taxes in Israel.  Not knowing this, David asked the men standing near him on the battle lines what would be done for the man who killed Goliath.  David saw Goliath not only disgracing the Israelite army butalso defying Almighty God.  So, the men told David the statement King Saul had issued. This situation had become so intense that Saul issued an offer of money, a wife, and financial freedom for the family to whoever killed Goliath.  Basically, he put a bounty on Goliath’s head to entice anyone to step up in bravery.  Unknowingly, David asked about this, but not out of personal acquisition, but because he was offended by Goliath taunting the army of God.  So, the men told David of Saul’s “bribe.”  As he listened to Goliath throw these insults at Israel, Goliath also implied that God was also weak and ineffective.  David could not and would not tolerate this.

Life Lesson - Question:

How do you react when you hear someone use the glorious Name above all names, Jesus, as a profanity?

As Christians, we cannot dismiss these hurtful words about our Jehovah God and Lord and Savior.  If it happens in a movie or on TV, we can turn the channel to a different program.  But when it comes to approaching someone who is taking the Lord’s name in vain, do we walk away or say anything?  Sometimes fear of man’s opinion can impede us from saying anything at all.  But when we don’t say anything, that could be viewed as acceptance.  A commentary on this subject suggests asking the question, “Do you know Him?” or “Oh! We get to meet Him one day!”  They may not respond, but they have heard you and may hopefully ponder on the subject.  In the meantime, we can pray for them that God will change their heart. We see that Saul and his men were not depending on the presence of God and seeing His hand in this situation to overtake the Philistine army as He had in past historic wars, let alone His leadership over the Israelites to the Promised Land.  David, on the other hand, had been spending alone time with God out in the hills and pastures with his sheep, and possibly pondered on the mighty works of his God and knowing His faithfulness.  He knew God was still alive and at work.  

F. B. Meyer says,

“This is what we need. To live so much with God that when we come amongst men, whether in the bazaars of India or the marketplace of an English town, we may be more aware of His overshadowing presence than of the presence or absence of anyone. Lo, God is here! This place is hallowed ground! But none can realize this by the act of the will. We can only find God everywhere when we carry Him everywhere. The miner sees by the candle he carries on his forehead.”

Once we see clearly, we can fight more effectively.  David was too young to serve in Saul’s army, but being with the Lord in those pastures and fields and getting to truly know Him, David saw the big picture and knew who God was in his faith.  This is what happens when we spend time with God and His word.

UPDATE FROM VISION FOR MISSIONS - PHILIPPINES

Recovery from Typhoon Tino has been painfully slow. Many families are still living in relocation centers with nowhere to go. Their homes were completely destroyed, and the government has declared their former land unsafe, meaning they are not allowed to rebuild where they once lived. Because of this, many families cannot begin again simply because they have no land on which to build. Others who do have a place to rebuild still need help with basic tools and materials. Vision for Mission (VFM) has already assisted 22 families by providing tin for roofing and lumber to help them take their first steps toward rebuilding. The needs go beyond housing. Children need school uniforms, and families continue to struggle with daily necessities. Through your generosity, several hundred families have received food packets, and our teams continue to encourage and pray with those still living in relocation centers.

Churches and Homes Being Restored

• 5 churches are currently being repaired
• 22 homes are being rebuilt

While VFM helps meet urgent physical needs, our Disaster Team is also walking alongside families to offer spiritual hope and encouragement. Please join us in praying that new churches can be planted among the communities being visited and supported by the team. I recently returned from a very full four-week trip to the Philippines, working closely with our Disaster Team and planning how we can most effectively serve in the months ahead. Thank you for your prayers and financial support during this difficult season of recovery. It was a privilege to serve alongside our team and witness God at work, even in the midst of hardship. Thank you also for your prayers during my travel and for Mary while she remained at home in Enid. It was a challenging journey, made even more difficult by a missed flight in San Francisco, but God was faithful throughout. God continues to do great things in the Philippines, and we are grateful to serve as your missionaries there. Happy New Year to you and your family.

UPDATE FROM BURMA AND THAILAND

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, blessed Christmas to you all! As in every year during the month of December, we have conducted evangelistic Christmas outreach in two non-Christian villages: Sawdeng Lisu Village and Sankampeng Thai and Karen Village. We also celebrated Christmas yesterday, December 21, 2025, at Chiang Mai Christian Church, where I had the opportunity to preach the Christmas message to the CCC congregation. Many non-Christians heard the Good News of Jesus Christ, and we will continue this outreach through the New Year. Many non-believers have shown interest in the message of Christ that we shared. Let us pray that the seeds we have sown will sprout and grow in God’s perfect time. We pray that God will bless you all as you celebrate this Christmas with joy and thanksgiving. Together in the joy of Christmas, Jerry and Boonpon

Update from India Christian Missions

Dan has just returned from India and shared this update from the field. Thank you for continuing to pray for the work God is doing through India Christian Missions. This recent trip was unusual but truly wonderful. While very little went according to schedule, it was evident that God was present and at work in every moment. During the medical camp, many people received care, and approximately 80 individuals were baptized. One person experienced deliverance during baptism, and many others came forward seeking prayer and healing. Dan and Gary Maytubby had the privilege of laying hands on them and praying together. On Friday, the team visited two slum churches, where they experienced a deeply blessed time of fellowship. Food kits were also distributed to families in need. On Sunday, following the church service, Dan and the team presented Sister Binny with a check for 35 lakh to support ongoing ministry efforts. This trip was truly a blessing, and we are grateful for all that God has done through the faithful prayers and support of His people.

UPDATE FROM MORNING GLORY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY - GUATEMALA

Construction is well underway to expand their building to two stories, and we are WELL on our way to having our new area ready by January when school starts. We are so excited for this new space and the positive response we've had from the people who pray and support us in the US. CCY sent $30,000 from our collection in early December towards this project.

WEEKLY EVENTS

• Men's Breakfast - Tuesdays at 7:30 am - CCY North building. All men are welcome! Bring your own breakfast and join in the fellowship. Led by John Miller.

• Women's Morning Bible Study - Wednesdays at 9:30 am in the Celebrity room at CCY.
• Family Meal - Join us for a family meal on Wednesdays from 5:30 pm - 6:15 pm in the South Building. Donations are welcomed but not required.
• Women's Evening Bible Study - Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in person, in the Celebrity Room, led by Jennifer Parrett.
• Bible Study led by Matt Smith - 6:30 pm on Wednesday evenings in Sonshine Station.
• Senior Saints Small Group - 6:30 pm on Wednesday evenings in the Library.
• Youth RIOT - 6:30 pm in the South Building Warehouse. RIOT (Revival In Our Teens) is our Wednesday night gathering that takes place during the school year for grades 6-12.
• Royal Warriors - 6:30 pm on Wednesdays. Royal Warriors at CCY is a fast-paced, action-packed, Bible-based children's program for 1st through 5th graders.

• Men's Lunch - The men of CCY meet for lunch at 11:30 am for food and fellowship. Different locations each week. Locations are posted in the mid-week email, Facebook, or call the office at 405-354-0245.
• Widow' Connection - Widows are warmly invited to gather for Widows Connection on the first and third Thursday of every month at 10:00 AM at Patty's home. This will be a relaxed time of fellowship and encouragement. Come as you are, you are not alone, and you are deeply valued. Please call 405-354-0245 for location details.

Adult Classes - 9:30 am on Sunday

• Adult Sunday School - Celebrity Room at 9:30 am. Bible study led by John Miller.
• "Daniel: Hope and Faithfulness in a Contradictory World" - South Building Warehouse at 9:30 am led by Ryan Porter. Also offers a Zoom online option. Join the Facebook group at CCY Porter Sunday Class.
• "The Christian Life" - In the Library AT 9:30 am led by Clay and Jennifer Parrett.

Youth Classes - 9:30 am on Sunday

On Sunday mornings, students have teenager-focused Bible studies during Sunday School led by CCY Student Ministry leaders. Meet in the South Building.

Children's Classes - 9:30 am

• Nursery (Ages 0–2) – 9:30 & 10:30 AM Our nursery ministry provides a loving, secure environment where infants and toddlers are cared for by trained volunteers. Parents can attend service with peace of mind, knowing their child is safe and nurtured.
• The Ark (Ages 2–5) – 9:30 AM In The Ark, preschoolers experience God's love through interactive Bible stories, worship music, crafts, and age-appropriate play. It's a joyful place where learning about Jesus begins!

Children's Classes - 10:30 am

• Bible Barn (Ages 3–5) – 10:30 AM (Room 215) The Bible Barn is a barn-themed classroom where preschoolers enjoy storytime, upbeat worship, and fun group activities designed to help them understand the Bible in simple, memorable ways.
• PowerZone (Grades 1–5) – 10:30 AM (Room 207) - PowerZone is a high-energy kids' worship service where elementary students sing, dance, pray, and even participate in communion. Through Scripture-based games and team-building challenges, children are encouraged to grow in their faith and friendships.
• Special Needs Class - 10:30 AM - Our Special Needs Ministry exists to provide a place where individuals with special needs and their families feel valued, included, and supported as they grow in their faith.

Sunday Worship Service - 10:30 am

We welcome you to join us for an hour - fifteen-minute service that includes contemporary and traditional Christian music, relevant preaching from the Bible, communion for all believers, and prayer. Sunday service is in-person and online.