I have to take a minute to say how thankful and proud I am for The Gathering. The more I think about what Scripture says the Church is supposed to be, the more I see The Gathering becoming that. That word “becoming” is so important as we must remember we’ll never arrive this side of heaven, but we must NEVER stop becoming.
I have witnessed God at work in you through the adoption process of little Claire Dasom by the McAfee Family. You all stepped up to the plate and hit it out of the park, responding with literally thousands of dollars to go towards that effort. We are closing in on the last week of money to be raised and we are within $2000 of the total needed and it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if God didn’t raise up one or more of you to bring it home.
Another example of the grace God is demonstrating through you is in The Gathering Garden. Two Sundays ago we had a meeting to discuss how we could revive the garden. After walking out into it with a small group of our members, I was thoroughly discouraged that it would not happen this year. Then I left for the week and came back to a different place. The whole 6 garden plot was practically ready to plant! Unbelievable.
Man, I am amazed and encouraged by you. I also want to encourage YOU by reminding you that we’re just getting started. I believe there is so much more that God has for us if we stay the course. Like Paul, we must fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith.
The best is yet to come!
I am so encouraged as well. It’s amazing to me that when the church takes it eyes off itself, when we start shifting our gaze towards others, that gives God room to move. Suddenly we begin to see with new eyes where and how God is working. It’s not about us, not about this church, not about the McAfee family, not about the garden. It’s about reaching out to the lost, giving a little girl a family, and feeding a community both literally and spiritually. I’m excited to be a part of that!!
Amen to that Holly!! Well said!