In the summer of 2000, after gathering many years in Slong and Mei Yu’s house, the Rancho Penasquitos Group began meeting in church, as part of the Glory Christian Church Friday Fellowship.  At the time, there were many families in the group.  To attract more families, the church decided to divide the group into two smaller groups: Group C and Group E.  After prayers by several of its families, the E Group named itself “the Renewal Group,” the meaning of which derived from Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”  The Renewal families had something in common; we had children of similar ages, from preschool to elementary school.  We set the group’s goal to “study God’s words, grow and renew in spirit, build each other up, care for one another, love others as we love ourselves, guide our children to bear fruits, and serve the Lord as a family.”  With this goal in mind, group members actively participated in church ministry, focusing primarily on children education.  Most members served in Sunday School, Pioneer Clubs, and as children worship teachers.  Serving together, the families grew in love for God and for each other, often supporting and encouraging each other in Christ.  15 years passed.  Children of past years have grown to fine young adults and many were baptized in the church.  In recent years, the Renewal Group flourished.  God lead many young families to the group.  Our children now span a wide age range, from preschool to college.  Many group members actively participate in church ministry.  We keeps our original goal – in Christ love others as we love ourselves, build each other up, and walk the heavenly path together.  

 Praise the Lord!  As a result of participating in Friday Fellowship, many brothers and sisters have grown spiritually as Christians, gaining a better understanding of church life and God’s words.  As we share and explore together, and encourage and pray for each other, we see the real truth and goodness possible only when we love in Christ.  This brings a renewal of our spirit.  When we come to God in truthfulness, seeking intimacy with Him, joy and peace fill our hearts.  God being with us, we are able to maintain unity, while working towards a common goal.  May God continue to bless each family of the Renewal Group.

In addition to Friday Fellowship, we started a monthly gathering in members’ homes in 2013.  Family gatherings not only renew our spirit, but also bring us fun and joy of everyday life.  As a result we grew closer.  In 2014, we studied Jesus’ life based on the twelve themes in John.  In 2015, we studied Esther systematically.  In 2016, we studied Jesus’ life based on the four gospels.  In our gathering we shared good food, family life, marriage issues, and God’s guidance in our children’s upbringing.  On many weekends we hiked on mountains and around beautiful lakes, organized excursions and trips.  When something happened to a family, we prayed together, comforted and provided assistance to each other.  These grew our relationship and affection for each other.  “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35).

We are a group full of love and harmony.  Join us, and together we will grow in Christ’s love.