Step Step Forward
It has been a short 10 months since we arrived. Ironically the pace feels like both a snail and a rocket ship. I feel the slowness when looking at the steep path in front of us. But when we look back at the distance travelled we see an amazing view of what God has done in such a short time. This time last year Heather and I were searching for a home and digging through a storage bin in a West Montgomery parking lot. Below is a recent photo of what GOD has done so quickly. Really incredible!
God has blessed us with a wonderful community and we are learning how to labor together for Christ Kingdom. Typically we sing songs then discuss how the gospel is manifested through our core essentials. Our goal is to be more than just a weekly gathering. We long to be a life giving community for the flourishing of our region. Last night, if you include kids, there were 39 people at our gathering. It was a marvelously crowded space.
But really this photo is just a glimpse into the Church. God is blessing us with several amazing opportunities to express our Faith in Christ. Last week I was privileged to sit with a friend as he expressed his faith to another man (AJ) through a beautiful blend of brokenness, joy and grace. A.J. has never read God's word and was amazed with the story. We took A.J. a bible last Thursday and by faith we will meet with him weekly. This is one of many similar stories. GOD IS AT WORK!
You may recall that we chose a Church name: Christ Fellowship The process of naming this new Church was a labor of prayer and patience. You can view our new website here gatheredbygrace.com. A lot of work is still left to do before we launch a public worship service. But we are getting closer.
God has blessed us with a wonderful community and we are learning how to labor together for Christ Kingdom. Typically we sing songs then discuss how the gospel is manifested through our core essentials. Our goal is to be more than just a weekly gathering. We long to be a life giving community for the flourishing of our region. Last night, if you include kids, there were 39 people at our gathering. It was a marvelously crowded space.
But really this photo is just a glimpse into the Church. God is blessing us with several amazing opportunities to express our Faith in Christ. Last week I was privileged to sit with a friend as he expressed his faith to another man (AJ) through a beautiful blend of brokenness, joy and grace. A.J. has never read God's word and was amazed with the story. We took A.J. a bible last Thursday and by faith we will meet with him weekly. This is one of many similar stories. GOD IS AT WORK!
You may recall that we chose a Church name: Christ Fellowship The process of naming this new Church was a labor of prayer and patience. You can view our new website here gatheredbygrace.com. A lot of work is still left to do before we launch a public worship service. But we are getting closer.
Mending our support.
As 2016 comes to a close we are doing a budget review. You might recall that we asked supporters to commit for three years. Well! we are approaching the one year mark and your seed investments are bearing fruit. THANK YOU! Christ Fellowship is emerging! By Faith she will flourish and many more Churches will be planted in this region. Last week a new friend said, "Its like a blackhole for Churches here, we have so few Churches!" Her comment prompted others to join in with the same passion. This need is amplified when you consider the thousands moving into the metro area monthly (estimated 21k/month).
As we review our progress we are discovering some needs. Life happens and some external support needs to be regained. Specifically we are raising 1200/month. We could invest significant time in 2017 toward this goal. However, we are at a year-end giving period and we are praying to close this gap through onetime giving. Doors have opened wide for the harvest here, but additional time needs to be spent replacing support. Please prayerfully consider a year end gift which could help close this gap.
As we review our progress we are discovering some needs. Life happens and some external support needs to be regained. Specifically we are raising 1200/month. We could invest significant time in 2017 toward this goal. However, we are at a year-end giving period and we are praying to close this gap through onetime giving. Doors have opened wide for the harvest here, but additional time needs to be spent replacing support. Please prayerfully consider a year end gift which could help close this gap.
Here are a few items we need prayer for:
- Continued growth (in depth and number) for our core group, These saints are amazing, and sacrifice a great deal to join this work
- Financial provision: for funding to arrive without the need to slow down our current progress. Specifically for 1200/month.
Praise!
- Our community is beginning to love and serve as a Church. We are learning how to give of our Time Talent and Treasure.
- If you have difficulty in renewing your support the fastest and easiest way to resolve any funding issues is to contact Karen Fowler at 678-825-1223 or email her at kfowler@pcanet.org
