I want to personally thank those in our congregation who are considering and now beginning to respond to the enormous need we have to pay our monthly mortgage payment. Being collectively responsible for an amount that exceeds $14,600.00 every month in addition to the general fund expenses is a daunting task for this local church, especially in today's economy. And yet, I'm already beginning to see some signs that God is going to help us meet this challenge.

Don't get me wrong. We are not even close to reaching our goal. And yet, people are talking. A handful of folks have already responded, but many more are having conversations about what they can do. Emails and phone calls combined with face-to-face questions and comments give me encouragement that our church family really does care about this situation. Now we watch and pray to see what God is going to do for us.


When Nehemiah assessed the situation at hand and the enormity of the task that lay before him, he was saddened by what he saw. The journey of rebuilding destroyed walls will always begin with an emotional response to whatever situation we are confronted with. I think it's fair to suggest that emotional response will include feelings of sadness, but can also include sentiments such as fear, anger, frustration, confusion, etc. The solution requires that we not become paralyzed and withdrawn by these emotions but proactive and engaged in God's answer for us. In this current sermon series, Rebuilding Broken Walls, my prayer is that each one of us submits to God, those areas of our life that He desires to rebuild inside and around us.


The Nehemiah journey reminds us that God can take what appears to be, and literally is, complete destruction and create a miracle out of it. The ultimate triumph was when God took a crucifixion and created a resurrection. As we walk the lessons of this sermon series out during our own 52 days of rebuilding, let's do it together, working side-by-side, each day growing in faith and watching God restore strength out of weakness and strong walls out of rubble. I love you. Thank you for the honor and joy of serving as your pastor.