Things are changing!!

The last several month we have been super busy and we haven't hardly had the time to post any photos here, but God has been helping us to complete the building! We are so close to submitting a request for a FINAL INSPECTION of phase 1 that we can taste it!!!

There have been plenty of disappointments along the way but an inordinate amount of accomplishments that just make our hearts jump, have taken place.

For instance... the fire suppression system with it's alarm signal was a huge deal, which was a major 'hang up-,' has now been installed and it passed it's inspection with flying colors and now and we are looking forward to submitting a request for a FINAL inspection to receive our Certificate of Occupancy for phase 1. This means that we can actually "use" the facility and work on phase 2 all at the same time! We all need this 'shot in the arm,' emotionally!

Just a short time ago... one of the building inspectors came through and asked us who was doing our work. Jeff Rayfield, our project manager, told him that about 90% of the work was being done by "VOLUNTEERS" (and that is not folks from UT!). The Inspector's reply was; "...you all have not cut any corners, have you...!' Those words for us... were really encouraging, seeing that this whole project has been one construction miracle after another. For us, this project has been somewhat like it was in rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. 'A sword in one hand and a trowel in the other...'

If we don't write a book at the end of this 'thing' about what Jesus did through ordinary people it will be really a shame! We want what Jesus does...(in the present tense) to be recognized and honored, especially where we are located. For what is being accomplished here, we want Him to be recognized for who He is; LORD OF LORDS, KING OF KINGS, AND THE ONLY TRUE SAVIOR AND GOD! Just to have this be the case, is the culmination of all our blood, sweat and tears, praises and prayers! Our heart concerning this project is, like Jeff continues to say..."Jesus gets...what Jesus wants!"

So the following photos taken from a bank of over 3,000 shots; we want to give you a 'snap shop' view of what has taken place here with almost 150 volunteers over this past 8 months! Just a few will have to do right now... we gotta catch a plane to Finland!

Enjoy!

Denny Duron puts forth a challenge

Pastor Denny Duron of Shreveport Community Church recently heard about the outreach to Muslims happening in Dearborn from our Trey Hancock (they are long-time friends) and is in agreement with us that the solution to the increasing reach of Islam in America is to win the hearts of men, women and children of the Muslim community to Christ.

To that end, Pastor Duron has put forth a challenge. He and his church have committed to pay the rent for Dearborn Assembly each January for the next five years. That's $3,000 each January for the next five years until the property needs to be purchased. And now he challenges others to take the 11 remaining months and commit to paying the church's rent during those months for the next five years so that the church can focus on reaching Muslims for Christ. Who will take February and March and so on for the next five years?

Learning and Growing

The last several weeks have been a huge challenge. The workers have been pulling LONG hours, from early morning until late in the night.

We have been encouraged by more teams from North Carolina. Raleigh First and Winston-Salem New Canaan Society sent teams that absolutely blew us out of the water with their hard work, their generous spirits and willingness to go beyond the call of duty.

We were having an issue with the door suppliers here in the Metro area, trying to get the required fire-rated doors in a timely fashion. Their delivery date was 12-28. One of the brothers from North Carolina worked out with a company in Winston to have the doors done over the weekend and Becky's dad and brother in law drove to Charleston, WV on 12-21 to "meet the doors" and finish bringing them back to Dearborn. They are beautiful.

Today the concrete was poured in the greenhouse. The only major things left to complete are the fire suppression sprinklers and the finish plumbing. These have been a bit of an issue and are holding the Certificate of Occupancy up. We are continuing to pray for mercy and favor from the city. Please join in prayer.

So -- what's the learning about...? There have been huge challenges in the last few weeks that if we don't keep our focus on the Lord we would be overwhelmed. We could delineate them, but that would not bring Glory to the Lord. Instead, the Lord wants us to continue to praise Him and worship Him. The children of Israel, just after the Exodus were up against the Red Sea to the front and the Egyptian Army was running up their tail. The Lord was faithful to deliver them! He is ALWAYS faithful! But within 3 days they were complaining about their provisions.