Greetings from the great northeast. We are eternally grateful for your prayer support during the pre-launch phase of the new church. I am not sure if you realized exactly what you were signing up for when you agreed to become a partner for us as we plant a new church in Rhode Island. Therefore, my commitment to you is to affirm your decision to be part of this project by reporting to you on a regular basis how God is demonstrating his plan to have a new church in Rhode Island, and one that will be intentional about reaching the lost, and discipling them. There is much to report. Sit back, grab a cup of coffee (Dunkin Donuts is the coffee of choice out here) and enjoy the fruit of your prayer efforts.

First of all, we have a vision that will serve to focus our efforts and ensure we stay true to our calling:

Our vision is a transformed people being used by God to change the world (vision) by making disciples who are sold out to Christ, his cause, and his community (mission).  The vision element communicates what we want to become. The mission element is a working definition of what a disciple really needs to look like to in order to accomplish the vision God has given us for southern New England. Even though most people in our community come from a Catholic background, few have a sense of being used by God in his redemptive plan. Not many people have a commitment to Christ that has brought about real transformation in their lives. Their religious experience has been mostly external, in the form of church attendance, being a good person, and financially supporting the church.

In contrast, we want people have a real encounter with the person of Christ in way that changes them, and for them to know the joy of serving the Lord Jesus with all their hearts in his cause, and the sense that they belong to a team with an eternal destiny.

We have started community groups as a way of reaching people and forming the initial group of people who help grow the church. Along with that, we are building relationships through other events such as cookouts, special dinners with neighbors, and activities. Just two weeks ago we had a BBQ with friends we have made in the area and nearly thirty people showed up!  We also have become involved in the community. Chris is coaching soccer with seven and eight year old's and is running with the Rhode Island Running Club. Jessalyn is experimenting with the arts while holding a full-time job at Starbucks.

Your prayers are the fuel that helps us manage through all of the transitions, navigate details, avoid discouragement, resist temptation, be motivated each day, and to do this with the attitude of selflessness that was modeled by Jesus. Please continue to support us in this way. Let me encourage you to print this update and put it where it will remind you to take this new church to God each day in prayer.