Psalm 75:9 "But as for me, I will always proclaim what God has done;
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. "
Well this has been such a great month of blessings from the Lord. As Psalm 28:7 says, "My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.", truly our hearts this day are singing and rejoicing in all God has done. Let me share this abundant miracle He gave to us here at Exeter Calvary.
As you know we had been praying for a new church building for the Exeter Calvary for as long as Bob and I have been here. The facility we were in was very small and had limited room for any growth. As we continued to pray and look, it seemed like no church in town would even consider renting space, and for those few who offered a bit of space, the price for rent was very high in the area where we felt strongly God wanted us to be in. But He had his perfect timing in all things.
The Lord finally opened doors for us on this little church about one street from the University in which we could meet. The previous pastor had gotten ill and the four-member church closed its doors last March. We inquired about the building but were turned down because the pastor's family was undecided on what to do with the building. But through a personal connection with one of our elders they eventually agreed to allow us to rent it for our new facility.
Now, back in February, Calvary Chapel Aurora, Colorado had planned on sending a team to Exeter in September to work and evangelize when the students were coming back to University. As we laid out our plans, little did we know that God had other plans. Since the Colorado team was already scheduled to come, they were able to work and help us get it ready to open and have our first church service on Sunday, September 21!
All week long we all cleaned, sorted, plastered and painted. We were able to open our doors with our first service that Sunday. Each morning during the week as we gathered, our prayers would be, "Lord, bless the work of our hands," and He truly did. This old church building, after so many years, was ready to proclaim the Gospel message once again.
Sunday morning came, not only with many Uni students coming, but also the previous pastor and his wife. This pastor had not seen that church so full and full of life for 40 years. He was overjoyed to see how the building was being used. Such a glorious day for all who attended.
Psalm 63:7 "Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice."
Isaiah 63:7 I will tell of the Lord's unfailing love. I will praise the Lord for all He has done.
Prayer Requests:
*raising up spiritual leaders among the British
*balancing ministry needs with personal marriage time
*my hysterectomy surgery has been postponed until after February
*Ladies Bible study starting this month
*discipleship with University girls
