Last Tuesday the leaders of our church decided that it was time to close our campus. We had set out benchmarks for 2011...goals that if we were close to reaching them we would continue to move forward. Our attendance had grown this year, but in the past month we have found out that several families will be moving away-AND the big one is that we are not a self-sustaining church...honestly we are not close-we have A LOT of young families and we just have not been able to get over the financial hump...
This has been VERY HARD for a lot of people...we have a group that really loves each other...our Savior...and serving our community--they enjoy getting their hands dirty. I have been praying hard that people will stay strong in their faith through this time...that they will find and connect with a church that loves Jesus and JUMPS into the community...
Personally...I haven't EVER cried this much in a week...I care DEEPLY for the people here...for this church...our family has poured their lives into the work here and it has been very rewarding. I have not had a plan B...never wanted to do anything else with my life...I have a sense of peace about the decision...YET...I feel sick about it...years and YEARS of investing my life...Can't really put this into words real well...
Here is what I know...I know that God loves me and this group more than we can even possibly express...I know that our God is faithful-that even though we didn't have a plan B-he already knows what will happen...I know that he wants us to be real-to share our hurt, anger, joys with him...(Our last Sunday will be a CELEBRATION of what he has done here!) And I know...that the influence of Grace Community Church South Bend/Mishawaka will be far reaching. I am deeply sad by this AND I am confident that God will continue HIS WORK through HIS people. Lots of feelings and emotions...Thank YOU LORD that I know you!
5 comments:
I'm very sorry to hear this news, Tim. As painful as it is, we have to believe that God will bring some fruit from all the seed you have planted. Thanks for your faithfulness and your passion for the work during these four years. We will pray with you for the necessary healing and also for God's work in your life going forward. Be affirmed that you have done a good work for the Lord.
I was shocked to hear of the chuch's decision, but we know that God is good--all the time!
We'll pray for God's clear leading for you and the ministry He has already planned.
His and yours!
Jesse Deloe
I'm so sorry.
Praying for God's purpose and plan.
Tim, these are difficult times but our God is a solid rock and He is there for us at all times. I prayed again today for you. I have been on the road a lot lately but do watch email. May Grant you the perseverance and wisdom as you seek His leading now.
Tim,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know that this is a hard time for all involved. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you guys, even if you just need someone to listen.
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