Summer Recap,

The Future Facility Team was hard at work this summer.  Our first set of leads emerged last spring, but none of them panned out.  So, we took a map of the entire region, divided it up, and assigned a team member to scout out properties in each of the sections.  This produced a bunch of new leads.

We now have a stack of papers, pictures, and printouts that seems overwhelming.  So many options to consider, and so many variables to think through.  The biggest question we discussed this summer was, "How do we pick the RIGHT ONE?"

We turned to the Bible and read a profound short story in the book of Matthew.  Peter had a run-in with some tax-collectors who "audited" the giving of Jesus himself.  After Jesus confronted Peter about the conversation, the Lord said this:

  "However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel.  Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself."  Matthew 17:27

While this is not one of the greatest miracles on record, it was an amazing demonstration of God's power.  Peter had already seen great miracles.  He was in the boat when they had a miraculous catch.  The nets broke and the boats began to sink because so many fish were caught.  But on this occasion, Peter didn't need a net.  Jesus told him to cast a hook.  He would catch only one fish.  But within that fish, he would find the exact coin needed to pay both Jesus' tax and Peter's.

How will we find the RIGHT ONE?  The same way Peter caught the right fish.  We believe the Lord Himself will direct us to a property that is "swimming toward us."  We believe the Lord is already preparing the place in advance.  While we diligently follow-up on every lead and cast our hook in the water, we are waiting for something divine to happen.  We want nothing less.  We want God to find the location for us.  We want God to affirm His choice as only He can.  We want a "miraculous catch."  Pray that the Lord will bring this to pass according to His timeline.