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About six months ago we found out that we would be moving out of Enochs High and needing to find a new place to meet.  What did we do first?  Prayed. Habakkuk 1:5 was a key verse for us - "I am going to do something in your day that you would not believe even if you were told." We believed God would provide a place for us to meet. God provided that - and provided a property for us to purchase!  We knew this property would be for sale, but never thought we would be able to afford it. It has 11 acres of land with a building of 6,800 square feet. Improvements are needed, but we can pretty much move in and start to worship. This is God answering prayers, stretching faith, and fulfilling Scripture in our day.  WOW!

There is still a lot of work to do - the congregation has to vote to approve the purchase (All Church Meeting on April 19), the denomination has to approve it, and we have to do lots of different inspections.  What is the first thing we need to do?  PRAY!  Be in prayer every day for God to fulfill His mission in us.  We still have a lot of work to do with Jesus in the Orchard neighborhood where we are now.  God is not giving us property for our church. God is giving our church property for HIS MISSION. We are not buying a church, we are the church. Pray that in this whole process we will stay focused on His mission of reaching the world with His love. Pray that we will give all we are for this mission.

About a year ago I was talking with a pastor friend about our long term property search, and he said to me, "I know the Father will provide a place for you, but I hope when it happens that it will be hard - so it will stretch your faith and help you remember that He loves you."  I think those words are coming true. We can afford the monthly payments on the mortgage (about $1 million total). We need to raise $207,000 for the down payment. We have already saved $87,000 - leaving $120,000 to raise in 90 days. This is going to be a challenge, but I know God is able.

Our hope is that everyone in the church will be part of this giving project - kids, youth, college, adults.  Our hope is that all will give sacrificially. There will be different amounts given by each person, but we are praying for equal sacrifice - for some that will mean $300, for others that will mean $5,000 or $10,000.  God grows us as we give. Our entire Staff and Council have pledged to give. This is not about money; it is always about our hearts moving towards His mission.

You can give to this campaign by writing "Property" in the memo line on a check. Checks can be given on Sundays or mailed to "Covenant Grove Church, 913 Floyd Ave, Modesto CA 95350".  You can also send in checks electronically through your bank, with "Property" in the memo line.  Finally, you can give online by e-check, debit, or credit card at http://covenantgrove.org/give. Click on "Give Online", securely log in or create a login, then at the giving page click on "Building Fund" to give to this project.

We are the church, we are on His mission. This property is only a tool to further His mission and reach people with Him. Be praying.  We are the church. There is a lot of work to do. There is a lot of money to raise. Pray.  God is able.  We are His church, on His mission.  May we be faithful in prayer!

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