We made it back safely from our church planting expedition to Escondido, CA. Each day, it seemed, God had something special planned for James and I, to remind us that we were in the right place doing the right thing. We found some great venues that would work well for the church and the Lord sovereignly led us to people that are interested in being a part of starting The Branches @ Escondido.
In my last post, I asked you to pray that God would prepare the "spiritual soil" and show us favor on this trip; God is answering our prayers. One of the blessings that we experienced was a conversation that we had with a young woman that was showing us around one of the venues that we could possibly meet in. She was part of a small team of people showing us around the facilities and it seemed to both James and I that she may not be a follower of Christ yet. James and I took turns talking with her and answering her questions; she was intrigued about what we were talking about regarding coming to Escondido and spreading God's love. At one point toward the end of the tour she gave James her contact information and asked that we let her and her husband know when we get in town so that they can be a part of the church.
That was only one encounter of many that blessed us last week. This would be a very long blog post if I were to recount all of the blessings that God gave to us on our short week away. We will be traveling to Escondido in February and will be taking a couple of men from our church with us who are interested in moving their families to California to be a part of The Branches @ Escondido.
More than ever, I'm confident that God's hand is in this, and that He is ordering our steps and the steps of those that we will be ministering with and those that we will be ministering to.
It is just amazing what happens when you follow God's leading. This is gonna be awesome for you guys. I'm happy for the both of you but bummed that its happening so far across the states, but its all good because its for God's glory.
ReplyDeleteKris, Welcome to the Escondido area...just saw your post...first off I pray that the Lord blesses you and any ministry that brings His word to this world...we need more of that!
ReplyDeleteIt's neat to see God working in peoples lives...how did you find Escondido?
Blessings and a Merry Christmas to you.
Bob Davis
Bob,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words. We haven't moved to Escondido just yet. We are still making plans to move out there in the future. [We currently live in Indiana] We have another "expedition" planned for early February with some other men who are thinking about moving out there with their families.
Escondido is the hometown of our current youth pastor, and my best friend, James Pinkerton. James had felt for some time that he should start a church in Escondido; and after a lot of prayer, I am pleased to join him.
We are looking forward to being in Escondido and sharing Christ's love with the community. Thanks again Bob for the kind words, Merry Christmas.