Ministry News

By God's grace, I completed my residency program at Bethlehem Baptist Church on July 31, 2007. It was a very good year, and I already miss being there, but I am so grateful to be fully focused now on our new ministry at Glory of Christ Baptist Church.

We were able to commence Sunday morning services on July 15, as planned, and by God's grace we tripled in number. There were several families that wanted to be part of what we are doing, but not until we started Sunday morning services--that's why we grew so fast at that point. At that time, we were meeting in a little "pole-barn" which doubled for an educational space for some homeschool families. We are so grateful to Craig and Lisa Howse for allowing us to use the "barn" for several months free of charge. That helped us so much!

But we needed a bigger space with more classrooms, and after some prayer and searching the Lord led us to a great location: the Handke Family Center in Elk River, Minnesota. Handke used to be the Elk River High School but now it's used for all kinds of community activities. It's a perfect fit for us and we're deeply grateful to the Lord for providing it for us!

In addition to this worship space, the Lord also provided us with some great office space! Besides being the first tenants in the office, included in our monthly rent we get high speed internet, a 10x10 storage space, snow removal service (I can hear my friends in California saying, "what's that?"), and maintenance services. Kevin Feder (Pastor for Family Discpleship) and I feel very blessed to have found this space!

Then, last Sunday, October 7, 2007, we were able to launch the church publicly as planned. We had about 10 visitors, we commenced Sunday School for all ages, and we commenced our mid-week service as well. We weren't expecting great big numbers, so the way it turned out was pretty much what we expected. Our plan is to reach out to one local community per month over the next ten months and slowly but surely get the word out that there's a new church in town.

I'm not a great preacher--not by any stretch of the imagination--but if you'd like to hear what I'm preaching these days you can visit our new website at www.gcbcmn.org, and then go to Resources, Sermons.

A WORD TO OUR SUPPORTERS:
Kim, Rachel, and I again want to thank you for your faithful love and support! We feel so privileged to be partners in the ministry of the Kingdom of God with you. Words cannot say how thankful we are for you, but we hope that you hear our thanks when you hear the reports of what's happening with our ministry. We are striving with all of our hearts to glorify God and honor your partnership in the way we live our lives. So, thank you very much! And please pray for us.

"[10] He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. [11] You will be enriched in every way for all your generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. [12] For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God." (2 Corinthians 9:10-12)

THANK YOU!!!