It's Official!

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!! Today, we signed the papers
to purchase the church building.  We have the keys in hand and are ready to move in!  It is a very exciting day for us.  After nearly 13 years, God has provided a permanent home for Community Baptist Church.  We will be freshening up the place and remodeling the basement over the next several days.  Our first Sunday service in the building is July 1st, and then we will have a Grand Opening and Dedication service on September 16th in conjunction with our church anniversary.  When we moved here and started Community Baptist Church in 1999, having a permanent home was just a dream and a prayer.  God has been gracious to us and we give Him all the glory for this new home! 

A New Home

Our church is on the edge of an exciting event - the Lord has provided the opportunity to purchase our very own church building!  We started in a hotel conference room in 1999.  In 2006, we moved to a community house and then in 2007, we moved to a store front lease where we have met for the past 5 years.  It is pretty exciting to think that we will have our own place and have our own identity in this shoreline community.
The building that we are purchasing was built in the late 1800's, and looks like a typical "New England" chapel with a tall working bell tower and beautiful stained glass windows.  The auditorium was remodeled a few years ago and is beautiful, as you can see in the picture below.  We are scheduled to take possession of the property in the middle of June, and then we would like to make some repairs and a few upgrades to the structure.  We are seeking help with these projects, both physical laborers and financial help.  If you would be willing to help us, you can contact us at the church office. (www.cbcbranford.org)  We are planning a "Grand Opening" and dedication service in September in conjunction with our church's 13th anniversary. 

Outside of building

Remodeled Auditorium

Yale class finished for now...

This is a picture of the last meeting of Tim's class at Yale Law School.  For ten weeks, he was able to lead 13 students (three are not pictured here) in a study of the Christian Principles in Early American Law.  This study was challenging, fascinating, and very rewarding.  Tim learned from the students as much as they hopefully learned from him.  The students questioned him at every turn, but God used the course in the hearts of some of the students who attended.  At the end of the last class, Tim gave each student a Bible and a copy of a book that explains the Bible in an understandable way.  More than one student expressed that they were curious about Christ and Christianity and that they were seeking.  We are excited because Tim has been asked to return for the fall semeter and conduct another class.  He is praying about the topic and working with one of the students to finalize the details of the class. We are praying for fruit from this amazing opportunity!

Answers to Prayer

Tim had his MRI done today and we already have the results.  The test showed no change from the last time he had an MRI, which means that there is no compression fracture and the cancer is still quiet.  The blood tests also confirm that the cancer is quiet.  Tim's pain is easing up and he has been feeling better in the last few days.  The doctor believes that the pain was from a possible muscle strain, and that it had nothing to do with his bones. This is very good news and we are praising the Lord for His graciousness to us.  We do appreciate all of those who have prayed for Tim this last week.

Another answer to prayer happened today - McKayla (8) was able to ride her bike for the first time since June of 2011.  That is when her JRA began acting up again and she had to stop riding her bike because it hurt too much.  This was really hard for her, because she enjoys riding her bike so much and LOVES riding with her daddy and the boys.  When we started her back on the JRA medication last fall, we began praying that when warmer weather arrived, she would be pain-free and she would be able to ride bikes with the boys.  Today, they went for a 2-mile ride down to the water.  When they returned, McKayla was grinning from ear to ear!  She was so happy to have been on her bike again and she said there was no pain!!!  Praise the Lord!

Prayer

I hesitate to share this because we don't know anything yet, but I know that many of you who follow this blog are prayer warriors and we need people praying for us right now.  Tim has been experiencing pain in his upper back for the last few weeks and it is getting worse.  The doctor ordered an MRI, and it is scheduled for Monday, March 12.  Please pray for peace of mind this week as we wait for this test and the results.  Thank you.