Part 8

After Summer Sunday Nights had ended, our contract at LNS was renewed through August of 2012 (it was later moved up to June 3rd).  It looked like the heat was off and it looked like we had a new lease on life at the school.  But, something had changed in me.  I didn't want to be in that situation again.  Although I loved worshiping at the school, I looked forward to the day when we could have our own space.  We immediately started putting our heads down, looking for a permanent home and I'm glad we did because it wasn't too long after we had gotten back to LNS that we once again heard contract rumblings. 

About mid-April, we got word from a custodian that our storage unit needed to be cleaned out for the summer.  Some major parts of the school were being renovated and they needed all of the storage space they could get.  To me it didn't seem like that big of a deal.  It wasn't like they were asking us to move out.  But, there was something in his voice that gave me concern.  We immediately scheduled an appointment with the school.  When we met with the administration of the school, there was indeed reason to be concerned.  June 3rd (today) was to be our last Sunday at LNS (at that time 6 weeks away).  The reason: renovation issues, construction issues, and storage issues facing the school over the next couple of years.  To say the least, it caught us totally by surprise. 

We understood the reasoning behind them not renewing our contract, and we saw this day eventually coming, but we honestly didn't know it would be that soon.  If it wasn't for the conversation I had with one of the custodians (which I think was a God thing) I don't believe we would have even had 6 weeks to prepare.

Again, after I got this news, I went into a funk.  Six weeks.  Six weeks to find a new place and move 400+ people!  My shoulders started to feel a heavy weight upon them. I immediately started begging God to speak.  I desperately needed to hear from God on this issue.  What was He calling us to do?  Where was He calling us to go?  My constant prayer became "Please, God, speak.  I desperately need to hear from You."

I love the pastors in the city of Venice that are associated with One Christ Won City.  We are very well connected and very close.  One of the first things I did when I heard the news was email these pastors.  I knew they would pray.  I knew they would seek God and intercede for The Bridge and for me.  Some of them responded to my email and what they said blew me away.

"I’m certain that this will be a door, not a wall.  I pray for uncommon favor to launch the Bridge into new territory with greater influence and greater impact.  I also pray that you do not grow weary or impatient, and that your ability to know and follow the voice of the Lord is fine tuned for these days.” 

"The Lord has been walking with you and The Bridge in a Mighty way!  And we are blessed by this.  He sees you as a jewel and your faith and obedience will be rewarded with great favor from him.  Praying for his protection and comfort for your members as they pray for the new direction the Lord has prepared.”

"I have prayed for you this morning as well as your leadership and the people of The Bridge. It is reassuring to know that our GOD has already prepared the way and we simply have to follow.”

"As I was praying tonight, I believe the word God gave me applies to you and The Bridge Church.  ‘This is a year of fulfillment.  You shall see it.  My Spirit is upon you.  You have great expectations.  Walk it out, speak it out.  What I have in store for you will astound you.’  Be encouraged.  I love you.”

Talk about encouragement!  God was indeed speaking.  I could feel myself being lifted out of the pit and singing a song once again.  Good thing because Sunday was coming and I had to break the news to my congregation in just a few days.