September Update

We continue to be amazed by the Lord’s leading and provision over the last several months.

We are excited to announce that we have settled on a church name. As I mentioned in our last update, Lawrence has developed a reputation as being a difficult and dangerous town. As in any town Lawrence has its less desirable areas but those who live in Lawrence will acknowledge the deep sense of community you feel in the city of Lawrence. Particularly in the summer months, you can find people out and about everywhere. It is not unusual to see families and friends sitting around in the park for a picnic or just to talk and hang out. There are literally people everywhere and most are very friendly and willing to stop and carry on a conversation even if you don’t know them. Because of this sense of community in Lawrence we have settled on naming the church Community Baptist Church.

In our last letter we asked you to be praying for a number of things. I am excited to have the opportunity to share some of what the Lord has been doing in answering our prayers.

Please continue to pray for Glen – the young man I had been meeting with for evangelistic Bible studies. I was able to meet with him three times for over an 2 hours each time to discuss his need for Christ. To my knowledge Glen is still unsaved but I see the evidence of the Lord working in His life to draw him to Himself. Please pray for wisdom for me as I try to continue to minister to Glen. 

We asked you to pray that there would be some families who would come along side us and help in this church-plant. As things stand now it looks like we will be starting with at least 7 people (2 families) from Lifeline Baptist Church. We are praying that the Lord would call a faithful family with children to work along-side us. We don’t know who this would be but we believe that having another faithful family with children would be a help to our ministry. Please join us in prayer about this as well.

I had mentioned in our last letter that there was an opportunity for us to secure a church building for the church-plant. I am excited to report that it seems the Lord has provided for us to start our church in an established, well-known church building in Lawrence. Lifeline Baptist Church (the church we have been training with) has voted to purchase this building for a fraction of the what the building is worth. Our best estimate is that the building is worth nearly $1 million. The church from which we are purchasing the building has agreed to sell it for $450,000 even though they had been offered much more from developers. The church building is in good repair and will be the perfect place for us to start as it is easy to find and just a short walk from the center of town. The agreement is that Community Baptist Church would enter into a rental agreement with Lifeline. Our rent will equal the monthly mortgage payment plus any cost for insurance that Lifeline has to carry on the building. In three years, once Community Baptist has established financial history with a bank, the plan is for Community Baptist church to purchase the building from Lifeline for the remainder of the mortgage. This will allow Community Baptist Church to have their own building for nearly half of what it would cost to rent a storefront in Lawrence. We are amazed at all that God has done in providing for Community Baptist Church I wish that I had the space to share all of the details here. Our God is so good and it is amazing to watch Him work and provide. Christ is truly building His church in Lawrence, MA. 

As you know, Lindsey is expecting and we are eagerly awaiting the arrival of our new baby girl, Lucy. Please pray for Lindsey and Lucy as the due date (Oct. 7) is quickly approaching. Also pray for Gabe and Ellie as they adjust to life with a new baby. 

Thank you for your faithful prayers and support of our ministry!