Here's our update for you and the other members of our prayer team.
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Potential for Breakthrough
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Two weeks ago I spoke to a man at Kensington Church by the name of Frank who is a husband, father, and mature believer. I shared the vision of Great Oaks with him. He was very excited, and shared he had been praying about the need for a church like Great Oaks, and that he knew others who felt as he did. I gave him my business card and he told me he'd be in touch soon. I've not heard from him since. I know how busyness and/or reservations can quench what God is doing. We need a breakthrough with Frank and people like him.
I've also taught the Kensington Men's Bible Study for the past two weeks. This group of about 2 dozen committed men received me very warmly, and a couple of them expressed a desire to be part of what we're doing. I gave them my card and ask them to email me. Again, they haven't followed through. I'm going to make sure I get their names in the future! But if they would initiate, how much better! We need a breakthrough!
I'll also be helping in the leadership of two large group "Financial Peace University" Bible Studies. While I won't be teaching (the teaching is on video) this could give me great exposure.
I have also been given permission to set up a Great Oaks information table in the lobby of Kensington during their "Nucleus" small group conference. This is another important opportunity. I'll be one of about 5 churches with info tables.
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The opening words of a song from the 70's were, "It's a long, long road, with many a winding turn, which lead us to who knows where, who know where..."
So true! Of course, there is a "who" that "knows where", and that is the Lord. But we walk by faith, not by sight. We don't know what tomorrow holds.
Our Great Oaks presentation to the larger body of Kensington Church has again been pushed back, now to April 5 (Palm Sunday). It probably won't move again. But the road is getting very long, especially for Tammy and Stephen who are often very lonely. We are in great need of clear encouraging signs that God is in this. The next two months are crucial. The opportunities to attract people to our church start team are going to be significant. This is the "make it or break it" time, and we need your prayers as never before.
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Thank the
Lord for some great conversations I have had this past two weeks and some great opportunities that are coming soon.
- Thank the Lord for a wonderful visit with my parents (I'm writing from Oklahoma City right now, and will leave in a few hours).
- I'll be at an RCA Church Planting Conference in Holland Sunday through Tuesday. Pray that this time will be blessed with opportunities to minister to others, good connections and encouragement for all.
- On Tuesday from 2-4 pm I'll be in Grand Haven at First Reformed Church (where I had my first pastorate) to be examined for being reordained in the Reformed Church. Pray that God will give me grace and wisdom as I respond to questions on theology, church government and the sacraments.
- Pray for the Lord to open doors next Friday and Saturday at the Nucleus conference.
- Aleyse and her boyfriend, Abi, will be flying to Detroit next weekend. Abi is seeking God's will for his future, and he is coming to seek our wisdom. Wow. Pray that God might bless this time.
- Continue to pray that God will
gather a team of 25 by mid April. Pray that God will use the opportunities I shared above, and that people who have expressed interest in Great Oaks will be stirred by the Lord to contact me.
I have more I could share, but I need to get on the road, my parents are taking me to the airport in a few minutes.
Thank you all so much for your love and prayers!
Love always,
Paul & Tammy
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13712 Castle Avenue
Warren, Michigan 48088
616-886-5500
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