The New Wine Benefit Dinner has come and gone, and it was a dynamic evening of meeting new faces and getting to know those who graciously support, or are considering to support, New Wine. The keynote speaker, Ron Marlette, shared his honest and powerful story of going from being a drug dealer at age 14 to starting up a center in Solano County, which soon will be able to serve up to 180 homeless and underserved.
Ron’s vision came in to fruition because of the help and support of churches and people in the area. This is a testimony to the power of community. It is amazing to me what can be accomplished when visions are shared and callings are fearlessly pursued. But this was only possible because Ron’s vision and calling was supported within the context of community. He shared his burden with others, and this was like oxygen to his dream.
Rachel and Ronaldo shared their testimony regarding what New Wine has been and continues to be for them. It is refreshing to hear two totally different testimonies that both attest to the power of building relationships, and the transforming power of engaging culture with a loving, compassionate Christ, who deeply desires to have a deep, dynamic relationship with everyone. Realizing that our calling is to bear witness to this relational, compassionate God is powerful.
The night went well and I am excited for the opportunity we had to share what New Wine is about, and to, like Ron, invite others to catch the vision of living out the redemptive power of Christ in this broken world.