Great Meeting
John Chisham
It was great meeting those of you who were a part of the pre-launch
vision meetings we held in Echo and in Marshall on December 17th. We
had no idea what God had in store for these meetings, but the exceeded
our expectations as far as attendance. It is a great 'wet fleece' from
God showing that He is starting a movement of Christians in Marshall
who desire to win the lost, build them up, and equip them to minister
in Jesus' name in a new church plant in Marshall.
We heard the concerns of many people who came. Some desired to see
ministry to college students who have few options in the town, and feel
less than welcome at some other churches in the area. Others want to
see people saved and revival to spread throughought the area. Some are
interested because they might be from a different denominational
background, but the local church is not feeding them. Most, however,
recognize the need for more evangelical churches in the area doing the
work of evangelism, where each member is a minister being built up and
equipped to do the work of ministry that they are gifted for.
Whatever you see as a need for the people in the town of Marshall, we
want to hear about it. We also want you to know that whatever your
gift, and whatever your level of commitment can be at this point, we
want you to be a part of this plant.
Some have aked what we need and what we need prayer for:
-We need people willing to commit to this plant. We have 5 couples and
two singles that indicated their interest in being a part of it. This
is an answer to prayer, for it is the number we were seeking as a
benchmark to move into the area, so praise the Lord! We also want to
see more coming, and there were 10 more that indicated they wanted to
learn more.
-We need churches and individuals committed to supporting this plant
with their time and their tithes. The time right now will be involved
in small groups, inviting people, and evangelistic outreach. If all you
can do is be one who is involved in small groups right now, that is
enough. By you being there, it will encourage others. And it may
clarify for you your role in the future!
-We need prayer for timing and logistics. I am ready to move NOW! But
we need to sell our home and get final approval from DEXCOM (not
necessarily in that order)
-We need people willing at some point to lead. We will identify those
more clearly in the future, but huge needs for a successful launch
include Nursery, Youth program, and Praise and Worship team.
-We need wisdom on how to be a welcoming church for all who would
come-including college students- and how to plug them in and assist
them in getting involved.
-Pray for my family in this transition time. Pray especially for my
daughter who is having the most difficult time of all of us.
This is a good start. If you promised to pray, please take these
requests and pray!!! COntinue also to pray about your participation in
this plant.
God Bless You!!
John Chisham