October Prayer Letter

Church planting seems to find ways of deepening your dependance on God. Thanks for your prayers, they are very much appreciated.

Over the past months we have been meeting to develop the team more. We have been taking many college students and young professionals through the vision and mission of Refuge City Church. John has been leading most of those meetings and Scot has jumped in, when John has been out of town. We had another vision presentation a couple weeks ago, and things went well. John was able to relax more because Scot and I took care of organizing everything for that night. John is growing as a pastor, and it has been a joy to support him as he leads this church.

Scot and I have been working together to allevieate as much as we can from John’s load as we can. Communication has been a main area that we are trying to grow in. While it easy to think, just talk more, that’s not always the best way to communicate. Each of us understands words in different ways, and ofter how things are communicated is swayed by feelings.

It’s so easy to loose focus and let our sinfulness sway our hearts from realizing God’s grace at work in each other. It has been encouraging to me to see Scot by God’s grace serving people, talking with people about the Gospel, teaching those who are coming about our core values, and so much more. John, by God’s grace, has been: helping Scot and I see the depts to which our sin will try to hide itself, teaching us about loving the city, how the Gospel can breakthrough in how we serve and live, speaking with pastors in the area about RCC and the necesity for this church, and so much more. Amy, John’s wife, by the grace of God, has been: understanding of many of the struggles John faces, reaching out to women that have been coming and those she meets, cooking up food for so many different occasions, and there are so many other things that could easily go unnoticed.

John has asked me to speak at Airway Baptist Church on October 16. This will be my first time speaking in Ohio since my teenage years, not to mention it is for their Sunday morning service.

Things can get busy but through it all we are seeing God build another church for His glory.

Psalm 30

Prayer Letter for August

God continues to work in ways that challenge and encourage me to grow closer to Him. Thankyou so much for praying. My first month hear has been busy.

I moved to Dayton July 11. There was no warm-up to Dayton time. I moved my things into storage for the time being, and right after that I went to check out a house for John & Amy that they were interested in renting. After that John asked me to come to Raleigh and help him move, so our friend served us again and flew me and a couple others down to help with the move. John & Amy moved into the house and the weekend after they moved in, John went to the hospital with severe adominal pain. The doctors could not determine what was wrong, and after a couple days John was back to normal. We spent that week walking all over Downtown Dayton. I think I walked somewhere around 25 miles that week. That weekend after church Scot called.

Scot had been living with Jeff & Lauren Bays since he moved here. Scot was calling to tell me the house the Bays’ were renting had caught on fire. I was so thankful for God looking out for them. No one was hurt, including their neighbors and the dogs. After the fire was put out they let us in to start clearing things out. My parents arrived with drinks and the cargo van. Within six hours of being allowed in, we were able to move almost all of Jeff, Lauren, and Scot’s belongings. Also within that time period we were able to find places for them to live. I am so thankful that Andy S. was able to open his house for Scot to move-in.

Also around that same weekend as the fire, I was contacted by a college friend’s mom. She was asking if I would be interested in teaching Algebra1 and Geometry at Dayton Christian High School. So after the I got home from helping Jeff & Scot, I filled out the application. I went in for an interview a couple days later, and was offered the job this morning.

We had our first meeting last night for the plant. We Skyped in Luke, Lydia-Ruth, and the Jackson family (another family that is going to be moving from Raleigh), and we also Skyped in a college student that lives in Dayton but is working a summer job away from here. Some others came that were interested in hearing more before they decide to commit to Refuge City Church.

Please remember Jeff in your prayers, he has had a rough week and recovery from the surgery is still hard. Also pray for his wife, Lauren, she has been working hard and could use a weeks rest. Be praying for Scot and I as we start our new jobs. Scot started today as a teller for a bank and I start next week. Amy is still getting some paperwork situated before she starts her job nursing.

I am still trying to raise money to serve on staff at Refuge City Church. Please be praying as I try to raise that support. I would like to teach during the day and two or three times a week be working on administrative duties for the church.

Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in the mind of man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Prayer Letter for July

This past month has been one of ups and downs.Thankyou for praying, I was encouraged at various times this month when I remembered that friends and family are praying for Refuge City Church and the struggles we face.

A few days ago I was in despiration; I was fasting and continually asking God to forgive me, because I was doubting how things were going. Doubt crept in because I was less than a week from moving and still had not found a buyer for my townhome.Knowing that strength comes from God, and then trusting God’s plan were big struggles these last couple weeks.

Tuesday morning I decided to list the townhome for rent on craigslist.I remember praying, “God if this is the direction I should go, make it evident and help me find comfort in renting my place.” Within the hour I had three people interested and by the end of the day seven people wanted to come by and check the place out. Wednesday three people came by and took an application with them, two were highly interested. This morning one dropped off the application and later accepted my offer for them to rent. The rent I will be receiving each month will cover my financial obligations in Charlotte and then still have a little to save for possible repairs. To God be the glory for the things He has done.The renters are a nice couple that will be getting married next year, please pray as I serve them the Gospel would come though in my interactions with them.

Last month I mentioned Amy Popehad an interview to nurse at Good Samaritan in Dayton. Within a matter of days she was offered the position. Scot has had a lot of interviews and might have found a job. Nothing official with Scot working yet but could possibly work out in a few days.

Mom and Dad are coming July 9^thto help me move. The van and my car depart for Dayton Monday morning. I so relieved that my financial obligations in Charlotte went down $800. I know there are still more mountains to climb, but I have been reminded that God is working in our midst. John and Amy Pope will be moving July 15^th.

Please pray for my friend Jeff. He had a triple by-pass done Tuesday and is starting recovery. Jeff has been experiencing pain but the doctors say things went well and look good.

John Pope and the teammembers of Refuge City Church would like me to try an raise funds to help John with the administrative and legistical needs of Refuge City Church. There is a small ammount in the budget for other staff members if the funds are raised.This ammount is small and would only cover a small part of my living expences. Please be praying as I send out letters in a couple days asking people to help support Refuge City Church financially by giving to the administrative needs, which would free me up to spend more serving and working for Refuge City Church.

Proverbs 3:5-7

June Prayer Letter

As each month passes I appreciate your prayer more and more. This month is a busy month for Refuge City Church, as we go public and some prepare to move.

Earlier today I posted the preview video for Refuge City Church. John is sending the link to this video out to pastors in the Dayton area. John’s e-mail is also inviting those pastors and believers in Dayton to attend an informational dinner on June 18^th. At this dinner we will release the longer video that breifly explains the core values of Refuge City Church. So we are celebrating today as the day we became public. Now that we are announcing the coming of a church to downtown Dayton, we are praying that others will capture the vision of planting the Gospel in downtown.

The meeting on June 18^th is not soley an informational one, we are hoping that people and churches will help support Refuge City Church. First and most importantly we are asking for support through prayer. Secondly we are seeking support through partnership. It is our desrie to see the churches in Dayton unify more strongly to see the Gospel go forward. Lastly we are asking that they consider supporting financially. While there is a temtation to think that last is the most important, it is not. We firmly believe that of our request prayer is the most important.

The house has been on the market for awhile now and no one has shown interest. I am still looking at moving in July, but I might have to consider renting the townhouse. If you know anyone that might be interested please talk to them and have them contact me.

I was told to, “Shut up!” today by a co-worker. It seems like even though I have been telling people for nine months about moving this summer, some are still finding out. She then said I had to give her my e-mail and mailing address before I left, so she can still keep in touch with me.

Sorry if you were unable to make it to the dinner last month. It was a great time with people from various places I have spent my time while in Charlotte. You can still see the video from that night of what I wanted to share with my friends in Charlotte.

As we move from a period of time that has been spent on studying to a time primarily spent on videos, brocheurs, posters, legal documents, banking accounts, and so on; we would greatly appreciate your prayers as we begin to learn to do ministry together.

Scot is in Dayton, but has not found a job. Amy, John’s wife, has in inverview next week for a nursing position in Dayton. This past week I put my application in for Dayton City Schools. So many things are happening, and we really appreciate your prayers as we move forward. As of right now John and I hope to move to Dayton by mid-July.

Ephesians 4:1-7

May Prayer Letter

I am so blessed to have people like you joining me in prayer for Refuge City. This past month has been a different variety of busy and it seems like May is going to just as busy.

I did not travel of the past couple weeks, but I will be next weekend. Hopefully the weather will be nice enough to fly up to Dayton and film the last few parts I need to finish the video. John came down over my spring break to help on the creative side of video editing. I try my best to understand the artistic approach, but art is not something that can be logically explained.

Our first citywide informational meeting will be happening in just over a month. June 18 at Morning Star Baptist Church in Centerville will be our first open meeting. We will be sharing with people that night the vision and reason for Refuge City. It is also on this night that we will show the video I have been working on. I have also been working on a shorter version, sort of a sneek peek version to be sent out to people a week or two in advance to gain interest. The short version is almost done.

The house is on the market! I have a new respect for relators, that paperwork is never ending. I hope no one takes the sign infront of my house. One of the signs pointing towards my house was taken the other night. When I told my neighbor yesterday about the house being on the market he said, “Make sure it’s someone as cool as you guys.” I told him no promisses, but I’ll do my best.

John has finished the rough draft of the proposal. He is working on editing the eighty some page document and adding diagrams and photos as well as editing the church constitution.

On May 14^th, this Saturday, at 6:30PM at Parkwood Baptist Church in Concord, you are invited to attend a pre-going away dinner. I am inviting people from: the three churches where I have worshiped, people I have worked with, and others who have been a part of my live here in Charlotte. John Pope will be there to share a few things with you. Please consider coming for a pot-luck dinner and a chance to meet many of the people that have blessed me here in Charlotte.

2 Samuel 22:1-4

April Prayer Letter

Thankyou for taking the time to pray for us and Refuge City Church. Several exciting things have gone on in the past month, and more is on the horizon.

Earlier this month the team was in Dayton, filming for our first video. We spent three days walking, day and night, around Dayton. John and I probably walked at least ten miles. For one shot I was crouched to the ground near traffic with an umbrella down my shirt, it was raining and Scot was across the street.

Luke, Lydia Ruth, John, and I drove around the city and through many of the neighborhoods, so that Luke and Lydia Ruth could get an idea of what the neighborhoods are like. During this drive God grew my desire to be in Dayton and refreshed my mind on how much Dayton needs the Gospel. There are so many people living in Dayton, but there is no evangelical presence.

The whole team was blessed by how my parents served them on Sunday night. They cooked burgers and chicken, made some fruit salad, bake beans, and had a fire out back. Luke got his guitar out at one point and sang a few worship songs, while we ate smores. It’s easy to get caught up in the “things” that have to be done, and that night was a great time of fellowship for the team.

I thought the trip this month would be my last one, but I need to return to Dayton in May to re-film a few things. One segment where I am talking had no audio. I am so thankful that our pilot will be picking me up for this trip. It sounds funny that a plane has been or primary method of getting to Dayton for various trips, but when God blesses you with someone whom wants to serve in that manner, you humbly recieve it.

In a matter of days my home will be on the market. This has been where I find myself constantly relying on God. I pray things will go smoothly and the house will sell quickly. A few hours ago I was sitting on the poarch with my roomate and we were both making comments about how much we enjoy our nieghbors and will miss them.

The team decided on a logo and the cool part is, John designed it! John is still looking at changing the print name, but the logo is pretty much set. I have been trying different video applications for the video, some are good while others not so much.

Fatigue is constantly hitting me. It was a last minute decision for me to go to Dayton a couple weeks ago, and I was already worn out from work and church plant things. I am trying to go to bed earlier and watch how much time I spend working on things for the church plant. I think part of it is the realization of what’s coming and another part is what I am leaving.

On May 14^th at 6:30PM at Parkwood Baptist Church in Concord, you are invited to attend a pre-going away dinner. I am inviting people from: the three churches where I have worshiped, people I have worked with, and others who have been a part of my live here in Charlotte. John Pope will be there to share a few things with you. Please consider coming for a pot-luck dinner and a chance to meet many of the people that have blessed me here in Charlotte.

Proverbs 3:5-6

March Prayer letter

It is such a blessing knowing people are praying for Refuge City Church. This past month was busy and this month could be just as busy.

During this past month several things happen that encouraged and some that challenged me. Jeff was hired a couple weeks ago. He will be working at a restaurant next door to the one where his wife works. Scot was surprised to find his tires slashed as he was leaving work earlier this week. John and his wife Amy will be returning from his overseas mission trip today. John has also been working on designing a logo, and has come up with some great ideas, but a final version has not been reached.

I had a lot of goals for this past month and only completed 70% of them. It bothers me when I don’t complete everything and then have to catch-up the next month. For a couple days it was really bothering me, but then I remembered that God knows my limitations. I remembered that I should depend on God and not my list of things to do. Lists are okay, but my dependence should be on God.

Two trips back to back were a little more tiring then I thought. I went with the youth group at Parkwood Baptist on their winter retreat, helping with chaperoning and technical needs. Then the next weekend went to Ohio. It was nice the following weekend to chill on the front porch reading a book and talking to neighbors.

John is working on the proposal for Refuge City. The proposal will help other churches Know what RCC is about; what we stand for and our mission. The proposal will also help John think through various areas of church ministry. Having this will also help cast a vision for people both at RCC and within our community.

I am so grateful for the pastors that have been helping me understand the business side of church. John has asked me to work on some budgeting for RCC. While I find math easy and administration second nature, I know very little about finances especially church finances. David Moore at Crossway Community has been a great help for me. He has helped me understand various aspects of budgeting and has helped in getting a first draft for startup and running costs. I think this will be a nice surprise for John Pope as he returns from overseas. There is still a lot for me to learn and some great men are working with me to help in my inexperience.

I don’t know why I find this next step so hard. I will be turning in my resignation this week. It will not be effective till July, but leaving a job I enjoy is difficult. I know I could live for several decades to come here in Charlotte. I have a great job, even though its teacher pay, and great people around me. However I must be obedient to God’s call. Even though in some ways I don’t want to leave, I know I must.

2 Timothy 2:1-13

February Prayer Letter

Thankyou for your faithfulness to pray for Refuge City Church. A lot of exciting things happened in January and more to come in February.

This past month Jeff and Lauren moved moved back to Dayton, they had been in Louisville for over six years. They are still settling in and would appreciate your prayers. Scot is trying to finish up some work in West Virginia. As soon as he finishes, which should be soon, he will begin the process of moving to Dayton. John Pope traveled twice this past month. John went to Cedarville University to inform students of the plant. Later in January, John went to a conference for church planters. I went to Raleigh to visit and arrived just as he was returning from the conference. John was so excited that night to share many things that he had learned at the conference.

This month will begin my move to Dayton. I will be preparing to put my house on the market. Thankfully there is not much to do to get the house ready. A little paint, cleaning, and moving the dog, since it is not a good idea to have a pet in the house when you are selling. My brother and his family has been gracious enough to offer to watch my dog during this time. I think they likes that my dog will wear their dog out.

John and I will be traveling to Dayton this month, however we will be there at different times. He is planning on meeting with pastors in the Dayton area. I will be going up the following weekend to take my dog up, vist some friends, have a few meetings, and walk the streets of downtown.

While there is still a lot of steam moving us forward, the load is starting to be felt. John travels several times a month for meetings and conferences. John is also working on the proposal that will serve as an outline for the first several years for Refuge City Church. The whole team has been reading a lot, working full-time, serving at various churches, preparing to move, and many other things. While this time is exciting we are still human and encounter fatigue. Please pray for safe travel and great rest.

For those in the Charlotte area, keep the night of May 14^th open on your calendar. More info next month about that, but trust me keep it open if you can.

Philemon 4-7

Such a blessing

I've been using amazon.com for several years now for most of my book purchases. My family realy likes that I have a wish list on amazon, because at Christmas they go to amazon.com and order a couple books off my list. I still hold the title for easiest person to shop for, because of amazon.

The team is reading through several books over this year. So far we have read: Radical Reformission by Mark Driscoll, Humility and Living the Corss Centered Life by C.J. Mahaney. Before Christmas there were a few book on my list that I needed for this reading the team is doing. I also had books on the list recommended to me by John Pope, Nick Swan (pastor at Crossway Community Church), and Grandpa Graham for me to read to have a better understanding of interpreting the Bible. I began praying for God to make a way in my budget for me to get all the books, but with over 20 on the list that totaled close to $400 I did not see how that would hapen.

For Christmas family members bought books and gave me gift certificates that allowed me to get half of the books I really wanted. Then after Christmas a friend of mine offered to buy the rest of the books. To me the amazing part is I only prayed that God would find a way for me to purchase these books. I never asked anyone to help me.

Thankyou for your prayers. I now have all the books that I really wanted to get in order to prepare for the church plant. Sure there's other books on my list but what reader doesn't have a long list of books they would like.

January Prayer Letter

I really appreciate your prayers for Refuge City Church. I hope Christmas was a joyful time for you.

I really enjoyed the time I spent in Dayton over Christmas. Every time I attend a Koinos service, I get excited about being in Dayton. They are a wonderful church and big encouragers for me.

The highlight of my time in Dayton was taking some of my family members around Dayton. As we drove the streets of a city they were familiar with, they were reminded of how much that city desperately needs Jesus and people living in the city sharing and being examples of God’s love. We were outside one of the buildings, that is a possible location for Refuge City to have services, and there was a moment that I praise God for. Mom and Dad laid their hands on the building and began praying for the ministry of Refuge City. As they turned to walk around I saw in my parents’ eyes excitement and joy for how God is moving in Dayton. This helped me knowing that they are more excited about what God is doing then they are about having me around.

This weekend, January 8^th, Jeff and Lauren Bays are moving to Dayton. Jeff has been spending a lot of time preparing for the move; painting, putting carpet in, and other such things. Jeff is still searching for a job in Dayton.

John Pope will be at Cedarville University part of next week. He will be at a booth for the North American Mission Board. John will be sharing about the NAMB and Refuge City Church. We are praying that some students will express interest in being a part of Refuge City. John will also be meeting with leaders from churches in the area. Once again our friend from Koinos will be flying John in for his time in Dayton. It is so much fun and a blessing to fly with him.

There are families in Dayton and various other cities, praying about being a part of Refuge City. Please pray for them as they consider joining and moving.

Many of my family members gave me books for Christmas. These books are going to be a great help in writing Bible study material for Refuge City. These books are not easy reads so your prayers for my retention and application would be greatly appreciated as I study more about Biblical Theology and ways for studying scripture.

The realization of moving is starting to take hold. Even though I am moving back home it is not easy. I have come to love Charlotte. I love the people I work with. I love the people at my church. I love the pastors that have and continue to serve me. I love my friends and the fellowship I have had with them. Even though I am moving back home it’s like I am leaving home too. Being in Charlotte has taught me so much about believers being part of one big family. So preparing to leave Charlotte is like leaving home all over again. I know this is where God is calling me, so in joy and confidence in His call I move forward.

Philippians 3:1-11