April 16, 2006

Five years ago the doors were officially opened to a new church in our town - The Bridge Community Church.  A year had been spent in preparation for this event.  There were countless hours of prayer, launch team meetings, paperwork, planning, praying, dreaming, investing, and more praying.  My feelings of fear and inadequacy faded as we were certain of our calling to start up a new church and eager to be used by God in this endeavor. 

But the real test was on Easter, April 16, 2006 - would people show up?  Praise God they did, and they continue to do so.  For five years we have been blessed beyond measure to have front row seats to God's hand at work in our community.  Yes, it has been a hard 5 years with lots of sweat, tears (at times), and financial testing.  All pale in comparison to the lives we have seen changed by God. 

Just look at this video for a glimpse at this life-change.

Today at church we celebrated.  A large crowd of beautiful faces.  It was wonderful!  During the lunch, a self-proclaimed atheist man who occasionally attends with family came up to me to congratulate me.  He commented on how wonderful it was to see our "business" grow the way it has, especially during such tough economic times.  He marveled at how we can do it when most of the workers aren't paid - just volunteers.  And, he said we should be proud that we really had "something going". 

I kindly thanked him, but insisted we owe it all to the Lord.

And, I can say that with 100% certainty.  It was and is by His grace, His strength, and His provision alone.  And today our goal was for God to get ALL of the glory.  It is His alone to have.

I am blessed beyond words by my church family.  They are much more than a face in the crowd.  So many coming from unchurched or warped church experiences.  Nothing is more beautiful seeing those far from God come near.  Bridgers, you are my heartbeat.

I am so grateful for those who have come along beside us and partnered with our ministry.  Those who left perfectly good churches to come serve sacrificially to launch our church.  Those who lifted us up in prayer, who financially contributed, and who served many hours without complaining.  Those whose came to know the Lord and jumped onto our vision to grow the church. 

Like me, I pray that they feel as blessed to be used by God on this mission field.