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It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything, and this is not without reason. The past months have been very trying, to say the least. My health has been worse than ever, and I was actually admitted to the University of Virginia Medical Center in late February. Through all of this, God has been extremely gracious. I have a new doctor at UVA who is exceptional. I have begun a new treatment for my Crohn’s disease which we are praying puts my disease into remission. God has continued to peel away self-pity and pride from my life. He has broken me in ways that only He can. I praise Him for His mercy and steadfast love in my life.

Because of my poor health, many have wondered if we are still pursuing planting a church in the Shenandoah Valley. The answer is an emphatic YES! While the timing of things has been bumped back a couple months, our intent is to move to the Valley and see God raise up a new local church for His glory. Obviously, the two huge components of this are my health and financial provision. It is a difficult place in which we find ourselves. On the one hand, when my disease attacks, I am pretty much incapacitated and in bed, which is not conducive for church planting. This leads the thinking person to assume that the work of church planting has ceased and that there may not be a church after all. God has continued to strengthen and confirm our desire to see this church started in the Valley. He has continued to move things along in His timing even when I could do nothing. We have seen Him orchestrate situations throughout this whole process and it is encouraging to know that we can’t manipulate God’s plans: He does whatever He pleases, whenever He pleases. Praise Him for that. The second component of the situation is money. Now this is where it gets really complicated. I am not a fundraiser. To be completely honest I hate this part of church planting. I know how missionaries feel now when they spend hours on end calling and trying to raise funds. Some people have asked me why I don’t just find a part time job in the Valley. Well, I have two reasons for that: one is theological and the other is practical. The practical side of it is that I simply don’t have the physical prowess to exert that kind of energy anymore. I used to be able to run a landscaping business, play sports, go to seminary, and spend time with my family. Now, I find myself pushed to the limits to accomplish ministry alone. I know that the Lord will give me strength to do His will, I just can’t imagine trying to hold down a part time job and start a new church at the same time. The second reason I don’t want a part time job is because I feel that I need to pour all my energy into the ministry of the church. This, after all is the New Testament model. Granted, Paul worked part time it seems, but the ideal was that the Elders dedicated themselves to prayer and ministry of the Word of God. This is what we desire to do.

Hence, we have established Vision for the Valley 360, an opportunity for others to partner with us financially for a season as we see God build His church. I am confident that God will use this to get us to the Valley in His time. If you are one of those people who has been waiting to see if this church plant is going to be a reality, let me encourage you that it is! We need your help now! We desire to be in Augusta County right now. Please give with this sense of urgency in mind. We know God will take care of our needs, and we would love for you to share in that blessing. Click on the links below for information on how to give to our ministry. We are excited to see how God is going to use you to partner with us in this venture.

Lastly I would like to share some prayer requests/updates on what exactly is going on with the church plant:

1). My health is very good right now. I have had about 3 weeks in a row of good health. I started a new treatment 2 days ago and so far it is working. Continue to pray that it will be effective.

2). We have received several monetary donations the past month for Vision for the Valley 360 totaling around $1,000.00. We look forward to continued blessing.

3). Our current pledged support level is 25% of the minimum dollar amount we need in order to move. Pray about how God can use you to get us to the Valley ASAP. Every little bit helps, and we need help NOW.

4). We have seen God encourage other people to consider moving out to Augusta County to help us. I spoke with a family last week and they are praying about moving. We thank God for the opportunity to share our vision with others.

5). Our target date for moving is now June 1, 2010. This has been bumped back due to my health and the recommendation of our doctor to see how this new treatment works. We are eager to be in the Valley this spring. Pray for God’s will in this matter.

5). Nina and our children, Emma (3), Elliot (21 months), and Ethan (7 months) are doing well. Through my sickness and a number of other events, the Lord has been gracious beyond our imagination. Praise Him.

Hopefully this gives you a good idea of exactly what God is doing on our behalf. I cannot reiterate enough that we ARE moving and that we need YOUR help do to so. Consider prayerfully what you can do to make Vision for the Valley a reality. Let God use you in an extraordinary way!

Links for information regarding financial partnership:
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Please send all financial support to:
Community Baptist Church
643 South Suber Road
Greer, SC 29650
(please write “Augusta County Church Plant” on the memo line)

Praise our great God!
MLW

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