I've seen a sign!

Last Tuesday, while driving down Crabtree Road, I saw that a sign had been put up announcing the future location of Woodland Baptist Church. Now remember, in Scripture, signs and wonders seem to go together. So keep an eye out for what wonders begin to take place in the coming months behind this sign!

Pressing On

The vote has been taken. The decision has been made. The committees are being formed. Soon the first phase of the actual construction will start. We're all a little anxious to see something actually start taking place on Crabtree Road, even if it's just that first truck load of fill dirt being dumped.

As with any construction project, much preparation has to be done before that first dump truck shows up. Woodland's leadership, and the committees elected to guide this project, are at work now. Last week, meetings were held with bankers and real estate agents to discuss marketing our current church property. Many things such as this will be taking place behind the scenes before we start to see a building begin to take shape. While we're waiting for that first dump truck to arrive, what can the rest of us do?

Pray! And keep praying. Pray for our church's leadership. Pray that God will give them the special wisdom they need at this time. Pray that they will be able to balance the demands on their time of a building project and their normal ministry responsibilities.

Pray for the committees who are meeting to plan the work that is about to begin. Pray that they will make wise choices on our church's behalf. Pray that all of us will be supportive and encouraging of their hard work and decision making.

Finally, pray that our entire church will remain enthusiastic and committed for the duration of the project. After the initial excitement about the new building subsides, much work and sacrifice will still be required by all of us. Progress may seem slow at times. There may be occasional weather related delays in the construction. Financial goals may look intimidating. However, we must keep our eyes focused on the goal that God has set before us. We must remain committed to pressing on even when the work is hard and the progress seems slow. We must keep in mind God's promises to provide everything we need to do what He's called us to do.

Progress we can see will be coming soon. Until then, keep praying. And be determined to keep pressing on.

What do you see?

To most folks driving up and down Crabtree Road, this driving range probably doesn't get much notice. It's been there long enough now that it's become just another part of the background as people head to wherever they're going.

The driving range will probably attract the attention of golfers for a moment. They might look to see how busy it is right now, make a mental note of when it's open, and think about how they need to get in some practice one of these days.

To those of us who attend Woodland Baptist Church, however, this driving range now has our attention every time we drive by. It's got our attention because we see something else there, something not everyone else can see, at least not yet.

Look closely at the photo. Can you see it? Can you see a large, new building filled with worshippers of the Lord Jesus Christ? Can you see the classrooms active with boys, girls, men, and women as they study the Scriptures, learning more about their faith, their God, and how to love and serve Him better? Can you see the fellowship hall filled with Christians enjoying a meal, and rejoicing in the fellowship they share in Jesus Christ? Can you see different groups meeting to plan strategies on how to share the love of God with Haywood county and the world through evangelism, and other ministry projects? If you look closely, all these things and more should be plainly visible. No, it's not trick photography, it's just learning to see with the eyes of faith.

Can you see it yet?

"We live by faith, not by sight" 2 Corinthians 5:7

Now, the real work begins . . .

That was pastor Alan Davis' remark after he announced the congregation's approval of a plan to purchase property and build a new facility on Crabtree Road. The recommendation to build was approved by 80% of those voting on Sunday, November 5, 2006. It was a historic moment for our church as we voted to step out on faith, and build a facility that will allow us to continue to grow and expand God's kingdom in Haywood county. An important decision, but as Pastor Alan stated, only a beginning.

Now, much work will need to be done by all of Woodland's members. Much planning and decision making is still ahead. Sacrifice will be required by all. We will all be asked to give of our time, talents, and finances. It will prove to be a time of testing for our church, but it is the kind of testing that can strengthen our faith, both as individuals, and as a church. If we walk by faith, we will come through the coming months not only with a new church building, but with a stronger, closer church.