“CATC has restored hope…”

By Brad Helvey, Executive Director, Camp Challenge Ministries Alaska

Someone asked me recently what Church at the Crossing has done for Camp Challenge Alaska this summer. Maybe the question should be what hasn’t CATC done for Camp Challenge this summer?

I truly believe that CATC has restored hope that God works in spite of all our messed up circumstances. As directors of a para-church camping ministry, Selena and I have been overwhelmed by the love we have felt from your church family. We have truly treasured many opportunities to fellowship with your leadership, speak at your fall youth retreat, and make friends that now feel like family.

CATC has not only restored the buildings and grounds, but has also been the spear head for accomplishing some of our dreams here. The men that traveled in May worked with relentless energy and accomplished a major project. They left an even bigger impact with the people here. Camp Challenge will never be the same. When 60 people showed up one night in July, I thought to my self, wow, what a motley crew. What those 60 people were able to accomplish in a week, would have taken me years to do on our own.

CATC has been and I believe, will continue to be, an answer to many of our prayers. Thank you so much from the Leadership Team at Camp Challenge Alaska and from the Helvey family. God Bless.

By the Narrowest Margin

By Dr. Steve Rennick, Senior Pastor

This past weekend I, Steve Rennick, did concede election for the 2009 Chili Champion of the Crossing to Reverend James Cook! Pastor Jim did a great job, as did Pastor Tim, along with all members of our teams!!!

 

Thank you to everyone who worked, came, voted/gave, and celebrated the great things God is doing!

 

$589,901 in total commitments

$487,338 in total gifts given thus far

 

This is 80% of the total commitment which has already come in… and since we are 12 months into a 15-month campaign, then we are also 80% of the time.

 

Amazing! 80% of the total gifts in 80% of the total time… and this in an economy in turmoil. I praise God and thank each one who is so faithful & generous!

 

We are well on our way to meeting, and even surpassing, our goal. We have through the end of December. I encourage you to make Year-End Offering 2009 a high priority as together we Prepare The Way!

Alaskan stories

The two trips to Alaska have just finished! The group of ten men who went in May had an incredible experience. To read an article by Brad Helvey, Director of Camp Challenge Alaska, about the men, check out this website:
http://churchatthecrossing.org/Portals/0/missions%20memo.pdf

And to read about the trip of the youth, they kept a blog during their time at this site:
http://catcmissions.blogspot.com/

And thanks to those who made these trips possible in so many ways!

Andrew Gale

Camp Challenge Indiana is a SUCCESS!

The Church at the Crossing Prepare the Way Camp Challenge Indiana Mini-Work Camps were a great success.  We had 64 different people put in a total of approximately 120 man days of work at the camp.

Some of our accomplishments included:

• Installing insulation in the ceilings of 6 cabins.
• Installing air conditioners on timers in 5 cabins.
• Replacing the steps on 5 cabins.
• Repairs to several cabins such as replacing fascia.
• Installing OSB on the ceilings of 4 cabins.
• Wiring for new lighting in 4 cabins.
• Thoroughly cleaning the inside of several cabins.
• Painting the exterior of 9 ½ cabins.
• Painting the roofs of 3 cabins plus finishing the roof of the bathhouse.
• Clearing the paths of debris.
• Cleaning and organizing the kitchen.
• Cooking for our crew.

In addition, we made many connections with each other and with the camp.

And after the two weekend push, the Camp Challenge team went up for another work weekend the beginning of June.  Look for more information about next year!

CATC is building a home in the Bells Chapel neighborhood

In addition to our PTW efforts, and as another expression of our desire to have a significant impact within the Bells Chapel neighborhood CATC is the primary partner in a Habitat for Humanity build this Spring. Before sunrise on Saturday morning, March 14th, Pastor Rennick unloaded the first load of lumber off the truck in the CATC parking lot for a “panel build”.  By noon, over 100 of the church family had served and completed assembly of all the exterior and interior walls of this 5-bedroom house. 

Starting Wednesday, March 25th, volunteers will construct the home on site just one mile from our PTW partner, the Bells Chapel Church of God.  The home will be completed by volunteers by the first of May.  The home will allow H4H applicant, Sue Long, to have her first home, along with her 13-yr old son.  It will also allow her to enter into foster care of 3 extended family members who need a home. 

CATC chose this project because of the partnership with BCCOG and desire to bless the neighborhood. The costs of materials for the project were donated by Enterprise Housing, Inc., of which CATC’s Donna Thomas is a member.  The timing of the build coincided our March Missions focus which includes 4 themed weekends – 1) Homelessness, 2) Hunger, 3) Haven (featuring Children of Promise), and 4) HIV/AIDS.  The 4 weekends focus on real and practical needs in our local and global community.  CATC Mission Director, Andrew Gale envisioned these 4 weeks for the congregation based upon Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns”.

–Submitted by Tim Broyles, CATC Pastor of Outreach and Missions

See the good you are doing

This WTHR news clip from November highlights the need at our friends at Bell’s Chapel and how Church at the Crossing and others are coming together to assist their recovery.

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=5fa91ccf8713fc287b1a

Introducing a friend to the story of Bell’s Chapel

By Jamaison Schuler

A colleague and friend, Sonja, was telling me about her need to clean out the basement. With two rapidly growing toddlers, the basement (and the bedrooms, and the bonus room, etc… you know the story) were becoming overcrowded with toys and gear that weren’t being used any longer. She wondered aloud who could use these items. She knew she could donate them to Goodwill, but she was hoping to make a donation that had a bit more direct impact.

Well, I couldn’t just sit there! I told her about Bell’s Chapel and their needs. I explained that the books, toys and some gear could be used in the daycare. And other items may even be sent home to parents who could use these high-quality items like baby monitors, bathtub toys and feeding supplies. Even a Lands End diaper bag!

To help her better understand the impact her items could have, I shared with her the link to the Prepare the Way video about Bell’s Chapel.

She was hooked.

Thanks to Sonja’s generosity, I dropped off five large garbage bags, two boxes and several larger toys in the lobby at church yesterday. It took me four different trips to haul it all in, and I was sure glad I had cleaned out the minivan before going over to her house!

Everyone wins. Bell’s Chapel and the members of their community clearly benefit. Sonja now has more room and is happy to know that her donation may help so many others. It warms my heart to see God at work, helping make meaningful connections.

Who do you know that’s cleaning house in this New Year? Maybe you can drop a similar suggestion?

No room…

By David Casterline, Worship Arts

My mind is sorting through the faces I’ve seen – from the faces of people who’s lives and hearts have been changed through the God’s work at Bell’s Chapel (as we pastors visited Pastor Adrienne and Miss Vicki recently) to the faces I saw yesterday and Friday at our own Christmas Celebration…

At Christmas Celebration, we got to experience the incredible story of Jesus, with people from all walks of life; people in every situation… from the homeless to the wealthy, from the lonely widower to the large family, from the happy to the heartbroken, from the content to the desperate, from the saved to the cynic. A bus was donated and 45 men and women from local missions enjoyed lunch and experienced the performance. A cast member brought a homeless man he had befriended and was quietly introducing him around before the show. Crossing attenders promoted this show like crazy and brought with them people with whom they wanted to share this awesome presentation of God’s love for us.

There was just not enough room for the people we all brought.

Some stood the whole show, others ‘experienced’ it on video packed into the mother’s room, and we may have lost some who desperately need God’s touch… because they couldn’t find a seat.

How will we Prepare The Way for them? How can we reach out when we have no place for them when they respond?

Club 56 Shopping Spree

By Josh Mifflin, Club 56 Intern

Ten Club 56ers went on a shopping spree at Marsh supermarket last night to gather food for a family affected by the Bell’s Chapel fire. Splitting up into three teams, each team bought three healthy meals for the family. Thanks to these kids, this family has three days of full, healthy meals!

The kids not only know how to shop smart and healthy, but they know what it means to buy meals for family in need. Jesus wants us to think of others, and these kids fully understand that. Last night was an amazing opportunity for them to show their servant hearts. It’s an honor to serve with them!

Clothing and Food Giveaway!

By Ken Agee

On Friday, December 5, from 5:00 PM until about 9:45 PM a good group of people came to prepare the soup at CATC. Karen Orr, Anne Moore, Joan McCoy, Ren Mink, Andrew Kutschera and his son, Margie Courtney all participated in preparation for the next day’s activities.

On Saturday, Joan McCoy prepared the hot chocolate, coffee and washed numerous pot and pans during our time passing out these items. Merry Juerling and her children were on the front porch passing out the coffee and hot chocolate. Harold Garnes was inside the house playing his flute and his music was enjoyed by all.

We were trying to provide an uplifting environment. We all know that those we served were in need and didn’t need the “handout” mentality and stigma to be the dominate thought of the day. I hope the day was a little more light-hearted. I saw Pastor Adrianne doing some of her best work that day, affirming why we have the commitment to Bell’s Chapel that we do.

Dec. 6 Clothing and Coat Giveaway

By Bishop Adrienne, Bell’s Chapel Church of God

I just wanted to let you know what a blessing Saturday was to so many people. There were about 100-125 persons who came through for clothes and food. Ken made a wonderful vegetable soup that blessed so many. After the give-a-way on Mitthoeffer we took the leftover soup downtown and passed it out on the streets to homeless people; they were so appreciative.

Thanks for how you all bless us to be a blessing to others. I know God is so pleased and so am I. Thank you and please continue to remember us in your prayers.

Bishop Adrienne

Brad Helvey’s visit

By Andrew Gale, Missions Director

The CATC family was happy to have Brad Helvey and family in our midst this past weekend. Brad is the Director of Camp Challenge Alaska. Brad, and his wife Selena and son Merek, spent the weekend getting to know our community and meeting with different groups in the church. On Saturday Brad met with SATC folks and had a meeting afterwards to discuss some of the construction plans, giving photos and blueprints. Sunday was packed with being in all three services as well as a question and answer time with the senior high youth.

I hope you had the opportunity to meet this bright, creative leader and to sense his passion for the people of Alaska. And now, as I head out to my car on these cold winter mornings, fingers numb, I’ll remember the incredible partnership we get to be a part of with Camp Challenge.

Make sure you check out their website:

https://www.campchallengeministries.com/

Arson: Not Accident

By Andrew Gayle, Missions Director

It has been announced today by the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms) that the devastating Nov. 10th fire at Bell’s Chapel Church of God was in fact arson. You can read more on the story at: http://www.theindychannel.com/news/18199990/detail.html

This official statement supersedes the earlier investigations which had determined that the cause was an accidental electrical fire. It is apparent to investigators that the fire was set to cover up a burglary including evidence that several items from Pastor Adrienne’s office were not found in the remains of the fire. Pastor Adrienne has asked us to be in specific prayer about two things:

1) for the hurt that the congregation feels that someone would steal from and damage their ministry in this way and

2) that Pastor Adrienne would have wisdom as she leads her congregation through this difficult time.

Friends, your involvement and participation these past several weeks has been invaluable in showing love and partnership to our friends at BCCOG. You truly are being the hands of the work of Christ. Please continue your participation and your prayers as both are truly needed!

We are the branches

By Samme Rousopolous, Children’s Ministries

Tuesday, all pastors and ministry directors spent the day in “retreat” but in many ways it was a “charge.” We had a “parade of partners” traveling from one ministry partner to another.

Our first stop on the parade was Bell’s Chapel. Pastor Adrian and Miss Vicky were in the office, as well as little Autumn, sitting shyly on the couch. Pastor Adrian shared with us how ministry was going. She shared how last week she was standing on the corner praying, as is her practice, for the community.

Three shots were fired.

Wow! There are some who do not want to see the good work that Bell’s Chapel is doing to continue. I thought to myself, would I keep coming back, keep persevering, keep believing — especially if guns were fired?

The Lord, I believe, has placed Pastor Adrian and her team there for a mighty work and we at Church at the Crossing have the extreme privilege of partnering with them. The former infant house, now offices and pantry, showed the evidence of love and work. In the house, over the doorway to her office, it was painted, “We are the branches.”

Hmmm. It was great to visit them and see their dedication and expectancy for what God has for them there on that corner. By this time Autumn slept soundly — no worry about gunfire, or where her meals would come from, or her clothes, or who there was to love her. We were so touched by her innocence as a child and her peacefulness as she slept. We circled around and had a time of prayer for the church and Pastor Adrian, the ministry and all their members.

Miss Vicky and our staff

 

Autumn sleeps

Giving Thanks

By Maxine Jones, Adult Ministries

This Thanksgiving our family did a lot of the traditional things that all families do — eat, talk, eat, play games, eat, have fun, and the day goes on. But we did take time to share 5 different things that we were particularly thankful for this year.

Our church is one thing that I especially want to say “thank you” to God for leading us here. We have much to be thankful for: in giving each of us such wonderful worship experiences week after week, for the Christian friends who mean so much, for insights from strong Christians who teach and preach and share.

I thank God for the encouragement we receive from His Spirit, for the Word of God that we hold onto for all of living. I thank God for this congregation of people who are like “iron sharpening iron” to me! I thank God for caring people who wrap their arms around you when you need it the most.

I want to be a part of a church with a mission also. I find great joy in supporting this church. It is one way we can say “thank you” back to God.

My Childhood Memories of Bells Chapel

By Allison Hayes

About 15 years ago, when I was 12 years old, I went to VBS at Bells Chapel for two summers as well as going to several worship services there. I have rich memories of that time. It was my first experience in a revival and my first experience with cross-cultural ministry. It was neat for me to see the love of Christ across cultures. Whether black, white, or Hispanic, I saw this love expressed in the congregation and in families. It made a big impression on me to see everyone being referred to ‘brother’ and ’sister’ and to feel part of God’s family. I am thrilled to see CATC’s partnership with BCCOG, and I’m excited to give some of my children’s things to the BCCOG daycare.

You can have my shoes

By Tim Broyles, Pastor of Outreach & Missions

I just hung up the phone after calling Pastor Adrienne to see how she is doing today. She was sitting in her newly remodeled office in the ‘infant house’ and casually told me that she is ‘barefoot.’ In my mind, I pictured that she must be enjoying the carpet of the new office but quickly realized that she was barefoot because she had just given her shoes to a woman who came by for food.

Pastor Adrienne had spent the morning giving away food from the newly stocked food pantry to those who came by for a needed hand. One of the women who stopped by was in house shoes on this cold brisk day. As Pastor Adrienne visited with her, it was obvious that the woman needed the shoes more than she did… so she gave them to her!

Friends, this is the everyday reality and heart of our partner at the BCCOG.

On this week of Thanksgiving, I am thankful for faithful people of God like Pastor Adrienne who help meet real needs, and for the partnership of all of you who are a part of this important work… Together, we are the hands and feet of Jesus!

From the mouths of babes

By Ann Brandon, Business Administrator

I asked my daughter (8 yrs old) to write a few sentences about her experience at Bell’s Chapel. Here is what she gave me last night:

What a Week

By Tim Broyles, Pastor of Outreach & Missions

What a week of ministry partnership with BCCOG. By Monday, one week after the fire, the small house next to the church was improved, painted, and transformed by CATC/BCCOG volunteers into:

1. a before/after school meeting place for children,
2. a fully-stocked food pantry, 
3. an office for Pastor Adrienne so that she can be back into her community. CATC’s Jen Martens and Ken Agee coordinated with dozens of volunteers from both churches to efficiently make this important change.

Daily, CATC volunteers delivered the stacks of food and day care items to BCCOG. Many other items have been donated such as tables, a copy machine, computer, and household items.

On Wednesday, Mandy Baldwin and leaders took over 30 junior high students to offer their help on-site. On Friday, John Drake and Anton Reed of CATC’s Early Childhood Center delivered over 40 coats that were collected by ECC families.

We continue to listen to the needs expressed by BCCOG leadership and are thankful for our partnership!

GREATLY ENCOURAGED

By Dr. Steve Rennick, Senior Pastor

Great news! Our friends and partners at Bells Chapel report that 95% of their children have moved to their new interim facilities at Abounding Grace Church of God! They are greatly encouraged by this AND by our (The Church at The Crossing) active partnership in helping them set up & supply this new site. As the food & kids items continue to pour into our lobby here on site @ CATC I, too, am greatly encouraged.

Well done, CATC, and keep that food and those kids items coming!

Let us “continue to do what is right” – 1 Peter 4:19

Club 56 gets into the act

By Samme Rousopoulos, Children’s Ministries Director

Sunday the Club 56 Leadership Council met to discuss upcoming activities – now you must understand these are 5th and 6th graders on the council (full of energy and ideas) – so it’s always fun being with them plus some Club 56 adult leaders.

I shared with them the opportunity to be part of Prepare the Way, explaining to them that they didn’t have to be adults to participate and contribute. Lindsay Rennick amened that!

Anyway they came up with a lot of ideas: Jar Wars with the Junior Highers (this is a coin contest), a clothes tree for Bells Chapel infant house, an assembly night where we would gather and assemble items for Bells Chapel (like bookcases or tables; we even have one of our adult leaders willing to contribute $250 towards the purchase of these items), a shopping spree where we give different teams of kids so much money and they have to plan out healthy menus and then purchase the food for the pantry seeing who does the best with the money they have, one even suggested a time where they would help with the kids at the daycare.

The kids are excited. Our first project will be in early December. I say the “first” because these kids have big hearts and I’m sure they’ll be doing much more.

I think what I want you the reader to hear is “don’t under estimate the power of kids in serving.” They do have big hearts and helping hands.

My thoughts after our book delivery to Abounding Grace (Bell’s Chapel Child Care site)

Yesterday, a team of four adults (Diane Rennick, Holli Wilson, Kay Yoder, and myself) and four kids (Lindsay Rennick, Cameron and Blake Wilson, and Carlee Brandon) delivered hundreds of books to Bell’s Chapel child care that our CATC kids has collected.  The place was busy with babies and children and their caregivers in every little corner of their temporary site.

Everyday heroes … those were the words that came to my mind this morning as I thought about our time yesterday.  Everyday heroes like the CATC Discovery Zone kids who brought hundreds – yes hundreds – of books to share with the kids of Bell’s Chapel.  Everyday heroes like Miss Vicki (child care director) who lives and breathes the children who walk through their doors each day, loves them uncontrollably, and doesn’t leave until every last one has gone home.  Everyday heroes like Pastor Adrienne who leads that congregation through this crisis with grace and courage.  What a privilege to work with everyday heroes like these!

"God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!"
Ephesians 5:20 

Ann Brandon
Business Administrator
The Church at the Crossing
9111 N. Haverstick
Indianapolis, IN 46240
317/844-9355, Ext. 18
www.churchatthecrossing.org

Bells Chapel Fire Update 11/13/2008 at 8:00am

A Chance to Care in a time of Crisis

What a shock to wake up Monday morning with a phone call from Tim about Bells Chapel.  I was disheartened and discouraged over the destruction of a fire that consumed the entire top floor, flooding the basement and leaving none of the building usable.  This is a community of people that we have promised to partner with and it was difficult to see them in so much pain as we walked through the church with them Monday morning.  As I opened up the PTW website I saw the video which has a picture of Pastor Adrienne sitting in the sanctuary that is no longer there. 

Wednesday we met with Pastor Adrienne and two others to discuss next steps with Bells Chapel and our partnership.  This was a meeting planned a week before the fire, but made even more urgent.  We sat and listened, prayed, and affirmed as we discussed the future.  As Pastor Adrienne said, "There will be beauty from ashes."  We heard their concern about getting Pastor Adrienne back in the community as soon as possible.   

From this meeting we found a few immediate needs that we are going to pursue and wanted to make you aware of:

1. Food – This is a necessity for their outreach to the community
2. Kids Items- They are continuing their daycare in another location so kids items including diapers, wipes, and paper products are important
3. Clothes – They will have a clothes drive on December 6 and need clothes for this, especially coats

This weekend we will begin work on an office for Pastor Adrienne in their infant house.  We want to move in a desk and shelves so she can begin working out of the office.  If you are interested in helping with this please contact me (Andrew Gale) or Jenny Martens (571-1956) . 

There are other plans we will be implementing shortly, but for now, these are the immediate needs that we could use everyone’s help in supplying.  Thank you so much for your continued prayer and support.  Continue checking the blog for updates.

Andrew Gale
Missions Director
Church at the Crossing
www.churchatthecrossing.org

Bells Chapel Fire Update 11/11/2008 at 2:30pm

CAUSE OF FIRE DETERMINED … and … MORE PARTNERSHIP COMING

It has been confirmed by the fire investigators of the City of Indianapolis that the fire at Bells Chapel Church of God was NOT caused by arson.  The fire was electrical in the wall near the sanctuary and Pastor Adrienne Holmes’ office.  I rejoice to know that this was not an act but an accident.

Pastor Adrienne and other Bells Chapel leaders are here on site today as we plan and prepare for our next steps in partnership together. 

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”  — Psalm 133:1

Dr. Steve Rennick
Senior Pastor
www.churchatthecrossing.org

Bells Chapel Fire Update 11/11/2008 at 8:15pm

I just hung up the phone from speaking with the Bells Chapel Church of God Daycare Administrator, “Miss Vickie”. And here is part of what she said to me.

“Pastor Steve, your people are so sweet and they have blessed us again and again. When people from The Church At The Crossing come in we just hug and greet and laugh and get to work.”

Wow – I am so proud of the many people who are responding in so many ways to our friends and partners at Bells Chapel Church of God … the meals that have been prepared and served … the donations of food and children’s items … and the love poured out.

Thank you, Lord, and thank you CATC!

Dr. Steve Rennick
Senior Pastor
www.churchatthecrossing.org

Bells Chapel Fire Update 11/10/2008 at 4:00pm

Early this afternoon some of the CATC staff and friends visited the children from the Bells Chapel Day Care at the Abounding Grace church plant, where they are moving them for now.  The staff served them lunch and spent time with them.  The children were in high spirits and the staff are working well with the situation.

As mentioned in an email to the church, we want to offer some tangible ways that people in our community can begin getting involved with the people of the Bells Chapel Church.  We will be collecting two different types of items:

1) Food – Non-perishable groceries, paper products

2) Day Care – Diapers, paper products, juice boxes, Cheerios, pretzels, wipes, fruit cups, new toys, books

If you have any of these items or could purchase them for the church, we would love to be a part in replenishing their resources both for the food pantry and children’s Day Care.  There will be two tables in the sanctuary lobby where you can place these items.

As other needs arise we will update this blog with information.

Bells Chapel Fire Update 11/10/2008 at 1:30pm

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Bells Chapel Fire Update 11/10/2008 at 10:45am

Steve Rennick, Tim Broyles, Ken Agee and I just arrived back from Bell Chapel. The damage to the site is tremendous. Pastor Adrienne met us at the church and took us through the areas we could walk. The sanctuary, fellowship hall, and kitchen upstairs are all burned. The basement, where the children’s area is located, is flooded with water still leaking from above. For the time being, the children have all been moved to Abounding Grace. There will be inspections at 1pm today by the Fire Dept. to see what a possible cause might be.

This is a difficult and trying time for our friends at Bells Chapel. A place of refuge for the community has been destroyed and it is time to rally around them in prayer and support. Continue to check back for more information about ways we can help!

Andrew Gale

Bell’s Chapel Fire Update 11/10/2008 at 9:00am

Dear CATC Church Family,

Many of you have already heard on the local news of the devastating fire overnight at our sister church and “Prepare the Way” partner – the Bells Chapel Church of God.  The early report is that the fire started in the sanctuary during the night and that there is extensive damage to the facility.  Pastor Adrienne is so thankful that no one was hurt.  The Abounding Grace Church of God (corner of 63rd Street & Sunnyside Road) will become the temporary home for the Bells Chapel Church of God.

We will have several of us on site with Pastor Adrienne this morning – I am leaving just after writing this.

Please pray for the following:
1.    for God to bring good out of this fire

2.    for wisdom for Pastor Adrienne & the BCCOG leaders as they handle many, many details

3.    for their daycare director, Miss Vickie, as they attempt to shift their 150+ children to the Abounding Grace Church of God Daycare

We will stay in contact with you via e-mail and with recent fire updates on our website.  We will continue to respond to their needs and will inform you of how each of us can help our dear friends and brothers & sisters in Christ at the Bells Chapel Church of God.

I’ll be in touch with you soon,

Pastor Steve Rennick

“How Can You…?”

By Jim Cook, Pastor, Caring Ministries

“How can you justify the Prepare the Way campaign when the economic outlook is so scary?”

I’ve had a couple of people ask some version of that question. How can you… when so many are unemployed… when others may lose their jobs… when life savings are threatened? Etc.

Here’s how I answer that for myself:
• IF we weren’t watching out for unemployed people in our church and community…
• IF we weren’t responding to practical needs of people among us….
• IF the Lord hadn’t been so faithful to us in good times and hard times in the PAST; and IF the Lord weren’t providing everything we need most NOW; and IF we weren’t sure that God would continue to meet our needs in the FUTURE…
• IF we didn’t need to move ahead into the future God is offering us as a church…
• And IF we didn’t need to keep our priorities very straight in times like this…
• THEN I’d have a hard time explaining why it’s important that we stay on track with Prepare the Way.

Since I believe we can trust God for our future together, I fully support the Prepare the Way campaign, especially the involvement of our church family in local, state, national, and international missions.

Jesus says that we should seek God’s Kingdom and God’s righteousness FIRST, and all these other things we need will be ours, as well. He went on to say, “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34

I don’t think Jesus means that we should not plan ahead financially or that we don’t need to manage our resources well. I think he means that we don’t have to panic because God knows our needs and, when we are honoring God in every part of our lives, God will make sure our deepest needs are met.

Got faith?