We were able to gather recently to celebrate the 25th anniversary of our current building. It was great to gather and praise God, giving glory to him for the amazing things he’s done in our midst. Included in that time was the opportunity to announce that our building is now paid off, thanks to the generosity of a donor that God used to clear off the final chunk of indebtedness.
As fun as all of that is, one of the highlights of the evening was the sharing of testimony. In particular, the reminiscences of those who were elders at the time. Five of those elders shared memories of incredible challenges, difficult days, and uncertainties – walls nearly collapsing, bank accounts run dry, governmental threats, hostile weather events, and so on. Yet these very challenges serve to highlight what was also magnified: stories of deep faith, trust in God, reliance on his abundant provision. And, of course, God did provide.
It is difficult not to be inspired by the fidelity of God’s people – imperfect, regular people – who turned to God every morning in prayer in full reliance upon him. And to see those prayers answered time and again. “It was the greatest faith building experience of my life.” Hallelujah! A faith building experience that bore terrific fruit, and continues to do so today, and will continue to do so into the future.
We are grateful to our God who has blessed our congregation and we trust that he will continue to do so. May our generation be faithful so that those who follow in our footsteps can likewise say, “See! They trusted God and he blessed! May the name of the Lord be praised!”
May you be praised, Lord Christ, for you are good and gracious and faithful, blessing children to the thousandth generation of those who love and fear you.
