“God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.” (Hudson Taylor)
And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:19 – NASB95)
Looking back on 2022, I want to say, “Thank you!” Thank you for your joyful, sacrificial participation in the ministries of The Bridge! Your prayers, acts of service, commitment to the “one anothers,” and financial gifts are a blessing to people worldwide and bring great glory to God. Speaking of financial gifts, Pastor Randy wrote last month that we ended November 2022 approximately $100,000 behind budget for the first 5 months of our fiscal year. What was the response? We ended December $60,000 ahead of budget for the first 6 months. In addition to that, more than $76,000 was donated toward the building fund.
2022 was a year with a lot of big changes. Many of our church members moved away (mostly out of state), 15 church members graduated to heaven, we added two great staff pastors (Jeff Borchardt & Tom Harcus), reorganized the Deacon Board, did a lot to our facilities (sold the Amigo Church property, purchased a house on Amigo, made significant upgrades to the Mission House, and a whole lot of other major maintenance work (roofing, HVAC, security system, etc.), and heard that Pastor Steve Lively would retire at the end of January 2023 (this month). Through all the changes, our great God has continued to supply all our needs.
2023 will also see big changes. New leadership of our worship ministries starting in February (more on that this Sunday morning), an even greater emphasis on discipleship and outreach (personally and in LIFE Groups), and hopefully some dramatic improvements / renovations of our facilities.
Why spend the time and money on the facilities? Great question. Let me give just a few reasons:
- Our church has been at this location for 80 years. We currently house our own ministries as well as some outside groups (i.e., Bible Study Fellowship, Child Evangelism, etc.)
- East-West Community Church (our Indian congregation) had to move off-campus when we sold the Amigo Church property
- Renovated facilities would allow us to have English & Spanish worship services at the same time, as well as minister to more ethnic groups in obedience to Mt. 28:18-20 (some want to join us right now but we don’t have adequate space for them)
- We don’t have a ground-level multi-purpose facility with a kitchen for worship services, classrooms, banquets, and special events
- Ministry would be enhanced by improved and safer walkways, more parking, recreational areas, fellowship areas, and a dramatic improvement to the face of the property on Sherman Way (people don’t realize there is a church here based on what they see when they drive by)
- We want to be an “Oasis” in the midst of the Valley where people can come to be safe and refreshed as they worship God and are trained to represent Him to a lost world
Our elders are prayerfully evaluating options and costs associated with renovations that would enable us to accomplish those goals and facilitate greater ministry in the years to come. We have been blessed by the sacrifice of previous generations that provided our current facilities. We want to sacrifice so effective ministry can take place in improved facilities for the next 80 years (if the Lord should tarry). We hope to present a plan to you in the coming weeks with specific renovations and projected costs. You will have opportunity to ask questions and give feedback so we can finalize a plan and move forward.
Please pray for wisdom in all these decisions, and for the financial resources to go forward with these plans. Ask the Lord to provide in ways that He alone would get the glory.
And by the way, “Happy New Year!” 2023 will be a great one.