This “open letter” (from me) to the Calvary Family was read in all of our services today.
Good morning Calvary. I would like to share an update on our Southside ministries and call you to prayer.
On May 2nd during our Global Impact Celebration we shared a critical need in our Hispanic ministries. Abel Duliep and Max Furr stood before us and spoke of the need for a permanent meeting place. That day we prayed for Abel and Max, our new Hispanic Congregation, and the needs in the Southside of Winston-Salem.
These Southside ministries already impact 150-200 people every week. Many of you have been involved there. We have seen God at work and we believe He desires for this ministry to continue and to grow. However, we no longer have a place to meet and we face a critical situation this fall.
Facing this critical need, our Mission Team and Missions Committee continued to pray for a place. Recently, they learned of a unique facility right around the corner from the Forest Park Elementary School.
So, Monday night, June 21st, at our monthly Deacons’ Meeting, I told our Deacons about this potential meeting place. I ended my report stating, “I don’t know what the next step ought to be!” At that moment, I was amazed as I saw our Deacons sense God moving them into action. With great passion and burden, they unanimously decided that we should consider unusual and bold action! If God will open the door, we believe we can pay cash for this building and watch God do a unique work through His Church.
The Deacons immediately formed a study group to determine exactly what it will take to acquire this building and use it for our language congregation…and as a center for multi-cultural and community ministries.
As soon as the details are clear, our leaders will bring a report to you and request church action. For now, I am calling you to prayer. Remember, Jesus said:
Ask- (and keep on asking)
Seek- (and keep on seeking)
Knock- (and keep on knocking)
Together we asked God for direction.
Our leaders have been seeking God as they searched for a place.
Our hearts have been turned to a specific place and we have found what appears to be the right door…
Now, it is time to knock …and see if God will open this door.
The next few weeks are critical as this team evaluates the property and negotiates to see what it would take to buy it and begin using it for these ministries.
I am calling our church family to a time of fasting and prayer. Let’s get on our knees and knock on the door…and keep on knocking until God opens the right door.
“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Pastor Al Gilbert 