In the winter of 2004, Engedi’s founders began to pray and talk about starting a new kind of church. They heard a God-given call to pursue the mission of advancing the Kingdom revolution of Jesus worldwide. Engedi began with a passion to bring God’s hope and healing to the world, especially among the poor and the vulnerable.With this mission came five values and, as a way to live them out, five biblical practices.
The next summer, in 2005, a core team of 100 people began to meet in small groups, where they prayed for and practiced the values that they wanted the community to embody.
Today, Engedi Church continues its passionate commitment to advancing Christ’s Kingdom revolution. And we’re still amazed and humbled by what God is accomplishing through us and for his glory:
Broken marriages have been restored. Lives have found purpose. The local and global poor have been lifted up. People have come to a relationship with Jesus for the first time. Those who had never taken part in Jesus’ revolution have begun to impact the world.
Our church is named after an actual place in Israel: Engedi is a lush oasis in the middle of the desert. For years it served as a respite to weary travelers. We hope to be the same kind of respite for those on a journey today.
Isaiah 58:6–12
Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
The Lord will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.
Isaiah 58:6–12
