Hyperspeed activate!
The closer we get the faster we go!
Mach Speed
At some point things get up to a speed where you just hold on tight and pray.(Note from the editor: I got so busy — “how busy did you get Chris?” that this is actually last week’s email! I’ve updated it for you kind folks. You’re welcome.) Pastor Matt has been on vacation (so glad he gets some time to rest before I’m sent out) this month so I’ve been preaching. We’re a week away from finishing one Sunday school class and starting another. Our team from Texas is coming this week for training and hitting the streets. I got to participate in two evangelism efforts last week. And these are just some of the fun things I got to do! Never mind building maintenance and insurance logistics! But, God has been so good to keep us in our seats with the bar in the lap position for this rollercoaster ride!
Last week I got to go to the U of O with the brothers from Roseburg and share the Gospel. There was some opposition, a lot of indifference, and several meaningful conversations where the Gospel was shared. I praise God for the privilege of getting to offer the gift of life to those who are lost. I pray the seed would be watered and take root.
A few days later my church (RBC) was at the Ryan Meadows Garage Sale extravaganza! We were offering free cold drinks for anyone who had a question about God or the like. There were many many conversations had before we were rained out. Our church showed up in spades. The best part (aside from the Gospel being shared) was seeing my people engage with the questions with soberness, clarity, and winsomeness. It is an immense joy to see brothers and sisters step out and show up with boldness and love for the work of sharing the Gospel.
I can’t wait for the next chance to do it again!
Surveying and Evangelism
I mentioned last week that we had a team from Texas coming up to support the church plant. Well, they’re coming this week! Tuesday we will be covering the topics: prayer, evangelism, surveying, and the church plant itself. Wednesday we will be hitting the street from 10-2pm to do the work. First a prayer walk then surveying pedestrians to get a spiritual lay of the land. If anyone wants to join us for this work we would love to have you.
Because we’re relying on God every step of the way, prayer is the backbone of the work. I can’t wait to hit the town with the team and pray for our soon-to-be neighbors.
Habakkuk
I’m a little behind on these. I do, however, have two sermons from Habakkuk for you today! If you’re anything like me I hate waiting. This means you can binge two sermons in one sitting! You’re welcome! Our time so far has been a fascinating and encouraging examination of the justice of God and how we can find our security in it in the midst of turmoil.
Prayer Requests
Check out our prayer guide for the WVBA churches here!
Pray for our outreach efforts with the team from Texas. We want to be an encouragement to them and also lay the foundation of future ministry in Springfield.
Pray for a brother from Nevada, Cesar (say-zar). He was in an ATV accident and broke his back. Surgery went well but recovery will likely be an uncomfortable road ahead. Their church is taking good care of them.
Pray for a sister Faye who suffered a workplace injury at a caregiving facility. She’s had ongoing pain as a result.
Continue to pray that God continues to knit together and grow up our church planting team. It’s been such a joy to lead and train my people.
Pray that our insurance gets sorted quickly so we can get our application in to rent from SHS.
Pray for our brothers at Reformed Baptist Church in Roseburg. They were arrested at a Pride Parade in Salem while sharing the Gospel. They were cited for criminal trespassing at a public even in a public space.
Pray that we get approved for a grant for the church plant.
