3 Big Things Going On at Graystone

Well, I didn't wear a suit to Graystone yesterday, and I didn't really give a State of the Church Address. I basically shared three really big things that are going on at Graystone. First, we are revamping our small groups structure and making a massive push to get 80% of our regular attenders and members into a small group/Bible study. You will hear MUCH MUCH MORE about small groups over the next several weeks as our plan is to begin 25-30 new small groups the week of September 14.

Secondly, I shared about us launching an FCA Ministry out of Graystone. Brian Lane, our former missionary to Brazil, will now be our missionary to the sports world of Gwinnett County. He will function as part of the Graystone staff team but will be on full-time financial support through FCA. Brian's official title is Gwinnett County FCA Director of Football. Brian's main focus will be the Gwinnett County High School Football coaches and players, but he will also be ministering to people of all sports and ages.

Thirdly, through the process of developing our master plan at Graystone's new property, we realized that 11 acres was not enough land to fulfill our vision. So, a couple of months ago, I began praying a ridiculous prayer that we could acquire the land on both sides of our church property. Well, long story short, a few weeks later, the 7 acres adjacent to our property went for sale. We felt like this was God answering my ridiculous prayer and the possibility to purchase this land was an opportunity of a lifetime. So, our financial team decided to secure the land under contract. The 7 acres comes with an old 6 bedroom house, and the cost is $425,000.

But, here's the deal. We do not have the money or the line of credit to buy the 7 acres. So, we are looking for a miracle. We are trusting God for a miracle. Basically, we need one of the following to happen (and really FAST...no pun intended):
a. Raise additional money to buy the 7 acres
b. Someone, a very generous person, to buy the 7 acres and donate it to the church
c. An investor to buy the 7 acres and lease purchase it back to the church.
d. Both a and c

Tomorrow, we are having a church-wide Day of Prayer and Fasting (See previous posts for how to fast and the purpose of fasting). We are going to seek God and trust Him to provide the resources for the 7 acres. If it is his will, he will open the door. If it is not his will, he will close the door. But, we do not know until we step out in faith and trust him.

Here are some of the Bible promises that I am claiming:

James 5:16
Psalm 37:4
2 Timothy 2:6
Matthew 18:19-20
Matthew 21:22
Matthew 7:7-8
James 4:2

Expecting great things from God...Attempting great things for God!

Johnny

PS “The opportunity of a lifetime must be seized in the lifetime of the opportunity.” Leonard Ravenhill