Wow! I realize I've not sent a Prayer Update for nearly a month. So, at last, here's the latest from the Bradfords...
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Thank you for your prayers for the large mailing we sent out last month. We received a number of responses. As a result about 50 people attended our 3 interest meetings. We have some wonderful people expressing interest, but as of now don't know how many are ready to climb aboard this great adventure. So, pray! Thanks!
We will hold our first core group meeting, which we're calling a "Village Gathering," on Thursday evening, April 2. The attendance at this and subsequent Village Gatherings will be very telling concerning the depth of interest people have.
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Tammy and I have entered an intensive time of prayer, and I have begun an extended fast, to seek the Lord for his hand of blessing on Great Oaks. We are soberly aware that unless the Lord's anointing is on this adventure, it will not bear fruit. As we begin Village Gatherings and continue to network with people, we are watching to see what the Father is doing. We are praying for the Lord's touch upon the gatherings of this infant congregation.
I will be doing an important public presentation of the Great Oaks Vision to the two largest campuses of Kensington Church. These presentations, which have been rescheduled four times now, are currently scheduled for the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May. These presentations will be followed by another series of interest meetings. These will be the final major step of publicity. After that, we will, the Lord willing, move forward to teach and build community with the core planting team. We hope to launch public services early in 2010.
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The New York dance company where our daughter Aleyse is dancing is holding their spring performance next weekend. This weekend (March 27-30) Tammy, her mom Joanne, Stephen and I are flying out to New York City to attend two of her performances.
Laura, who attends New York University, just returned from a school sponsored trip to Budapest, Hungary. She had a great time, but we thank the Lord she's safe and sound back in Manhattan!
Our girls, who are roommates, are considering leasing a different, and less costly, apartment. That'll be a big move if it happens.
David is now in the 2nd semester of his freshman year at Grand Valley State University and is doing well.
Stephen is doing OK, but the isolation of home school and lack of friendships are difficult. We need to find a permanent home so we can get him into school next year. This is a big prayer request.
Tammy is ready for a home. Our transition period has gotten too long and she's weary. She needs amazing grace flowing down!
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| Paul & Tammy Bradford
13712 Castle Avenue
Warren, Michigan 48088
616-886-5500
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Click on the link at the bottom of this email entitled Update Profile/Email Address to make changes.
We send our Family Updates every 3 months, and Prayer Updates about every 2 weeks. We also send out a "Great Oaks Update" about 2x per month.
You can also forward our Updates to friends you think might be interested using the link at the bottom of this email.
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Here is how you can pray for us:
- Thank
the Lord for the growing number of people that are considering joining the Great Oaks Church plant.
- Pray with us for clear evidence of God's hand upon Great Oaks Church. Pray for the work of the Holy Spirit in our upcoming gatherings and personal meetings.
- Pray that God will stir in the hearts of those he is calling to Great Oaks.
- Continue to pray for our 5th Wheel to sell.
- Pray for protection around those joining our team and considering our team.
- Pray for God's guidance for Aleyse and Laura as they consider a new apartment lease. Pray for blessing on Aleyse's spring performance and open doors for her future career.
- Pray for refreshment in Tammy's spirit, and ask the Lord to provide a permanent home for us soon.
- Pray for close friendships for Tammy and Stephen.
Thank you!
Love always,
Paul & Tammy
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