Dear Prayer Partners,
Just a month and a half we were doing the happy dance because we knew God had caused the City Council to approve the new mission project (the reversal of the Planning Commission’s decision was something that had only happened one other time in 17 years!).
We were delighted to get on with the project! The two year ordeal was finally over! Well, the City took so long and during these last few months the economy tilted toward recession and the real estate market was the first to suffer markedly……….and we lost our home building investors who were ready to purchase our current site (after we had secured a zone change to up the approved houses to 24 on our current property!) We were counting on the money from this sale to purchase our new site which was on hold pending the City Council’s decision.
Escrow was slated to close this week and here we were with no buyer for Oxford and no money!
“ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY FOR FAITH” was the comment of one of our prayer warriors when the congregation was told last Sunday of our predicament! This is just one of many hurdles and battles we have to face…..that will build our resolve and test the strength of the vision that God has given us!
What does that mean? That we scramble to get a site acquisition loan from our church’s extension fund (LCEF). We wondered if that could be done in the quick turnaround time we needed. We have seen God answer prayer already.
1. Will the buyer extend our escrow date another 2 or three weeks? YES, DONE!Thank you, Lord!
2. Will the site acquisition loan of a little over $2 million dollars be approved? YES, DONE!Thank you, Lord!
3. Pray that we will be granted a special rate for new mission plants which would mean that up to $1M of this loan can be granted by LCEF at a 1% rate.
4. Pray that the leadership can come to an agreement as to which building to slate for construction. Should this be the preschool? Should this be the fellowship hall/future day school which would be used initially for some preschool classrooms?
5. Pray that the congregation comes to a unifying resolution on the LCEF site acquisition vote (Vote on April 6).
6. Pray that the congregation can identify a first building to be constructed? (Vote on April 6)
7. Pray that if the congregation identifies the Fellowship Hall/temporary preschool is the first building to be built; the architects can reconfigure the building to maximize preschool use.
8. Pray that this new challenge serves to unify our mission launch team (the congregation) and that our mission vision remains strong and can calm the natural concerns and maybe fears at this new development. Once again, things are not as we have expected them to be! Help us as a team to trust in the Lord and in the vision that He has given us to reach new communities for Him.
9. Pray that on this day as we journey from the Cross of the Crucified Christ (yesterday, Good Friday) and the empty tomb of the Risen Lord and Savior (tomorrow, Resurrection Sunday) that we once again renew our commitment to trust in the Lord whose power overcame the grave and opened the gates of Heaven so that we can live in now only the grace but also the power that we have in Him to accomplish the work that He has given us to do on earth.
10. Pray that our team continues to work toward those things that will impact Heaven for Him and that we can have clarity about them even when (and they will) circumstances seem to change like shifting sand!
11. Pray that our team will have the gift of faith, the gift of perseverance, the gift of wisdom, the gift of a passion for the lost.
12. We pray thanksgiving for the partnership we have in our Prayer Partner team and pray that we can grow and engage more numbers of people committed to praying for this new mission launch. Please invite others to join you in prayer. You can send their names to mgsalomon@gmail to be added to our prayer partner email list.
13. Pray for the grant proposals that we are submitting and that we can access to share the vision with potential donors who also have a passion for outreach and reaching the lost, a passion for innovative education programs like the one we have envisioned which will minister to many children and their families, a passion for ministry on the border will be found and that our requests for partnership in building this preschool, day school, community center/gymnasium meet with God’s success and kindness. We are praying for foundations and donors who can assist with the construction costs of the three initial buildings. Pray also for those preparing the proposals.
14. Pray that our friends, prayer partners and others can help us identify funding sources, donors and foundations that might entertain a proposal for partnership in building this school and community project.
15. Pray that the leaders continue to have energy and health to do the work that lies ahead (much work that lies ahead)
16. Pray that those on our mission team are energized by a greater understanding of their SHAPE and how God will use their time, talents, and resources to further His kingdom through this mission project.
17. Pray that we continue to be diligent about putting prayer and study of God’s Word first and foremost as we work for Him so that we ensure we do so with understanding of God’s heart, God’s vision and God’s will.
18. Pray for protection from the evil one as we carry out God’s work.
As you can see, there is much opportunity for prayer and as our prayer warrior said: “opportunity for faith.” Thank you for your partnership once again. You thought your work as prayer partners was over (well, you probably suspected that you would be needed as we continue forward). We are thankful for your partnership in prayer. Be bold as you pray God’s blessing on His work in the South Bay of Chula Vista.
