About five years ago we had our hearts set on the perfect place to rent for Sunday mornings. Our church plant was just about to get started and it seemed we had the right place for our services. Then within one week everything changed, the possibility of the rental was gone, and we were left with no place for our services. What did we do? We prayed! We prayed day after day, following leads and always asking for more prayer. God opened up a door at Enochs. You know what? Enochs has been SO MUCH better than the other place we considered renting. God is leading.
About one week ago we got a call from the school district asking us to wrap up our time at Enochs. We have some time to find a new rental (at least until December). What are we doing? We are praying! We are praying day after day, following leads and always asking for more prayer. We are asking our friends, neighbors, and fellow churches to pray. We are asking YOU to be praying for us – prayer connects us to our powerful Lord. He is leading us and will open up the right door for us. Jesus is leading, and we will follow.
We are praying that the next place for us to rent will allow us to live out the mission He has given us – to transform religious and irreligious people into Fully Devoted Followers of Christ. We have a heart for the unchurched in northeast Modesto and Riverbank. We want to continue to focus on building relationships and reaching out to people in this area. We have started looking for property to purchase in this area – because we want to be part of this area for a long, long time!
We are praying that the new rental we have will allow us to live the mission in an even greater way. This may be having less time for setup and tear down; this may be saving more money for property and building; this may be in a way that we can’t even see yet – but God knows and is leading us. I am not afraid we will not have a place to worship (the Spirit will protect and guide); I am on my knees praying that we will not lose the mission of Christ because we are frantically afraid about a building. Covenant Grove has never been a building – the church is the people of God.
Following Jesus, Living the Mission, Finding a New Rental. Five years ago God really stretched my faith. I will not forget the lessons I learned. I am not afraid this time. If you are a little afraid, that’s ok! Pray. Watch and wait. See what the Lord will do in this time. He works wonders. As we are calling and pursuing leads we are already seeing amazing thing happen. Covenant Grove is a church plant dedicated to Jesus and His mission to seek and save the lost. We are seeking the location God has for us to rent to continue to live out that mission and follow Him. He will lead and we will follow. Keep praying!
Praying for God’s amazing provisions to bless Covenant Grove’s next location that will be even better than our imagination. God is definitely with us at Covenant Grove. Amen
thank you Diane! You are a blessing!!