Blown Away

OK, well, where do I start? I am both humbled and blown away by the faith and commitment of the Graystone family. I shared our need on Sunday morning to secure financing BY TUESDAY on the 7 acres of land adjacent to the church property. I had faith (although it has wavered at times over the last few weeks) that God had answered my ridiculous prayer to acquire the land next to the church, but I had no idea how God would provide. It has been so inspiring to me to see so many people not only praying and fasting but working hard to find a way. There were people calling friends, businesses, family members, investors, car dealerships, and banks. Others were praying about using their 401k's, inheritance, and setting up separate LLC's to purchase the land.

Well, listen to how committed and creative one couple is. They are taking out a home equity loan on their house and using the money to buy the 7 acres. Are you kidding me? This couple is so committed to God and Graystone that they are putting their house on the line. That is faith, my friend. That is placing some major trust in the pastor (ME), leaders and members of Graystone Church. And get this. They were able to get a home equity loan for $380,000 at 5%. Guess what the monthly interest payment on that is? $1,600. Why is that so cool? Well, in our real estate contract with the seller, we have it stated that he will rent back the house from us for, you guessed it, $1,600 a month. So, our renter's check will go directly to pay the monthly interest payment on the land. UNBELIEVABLE!

So, here's the deal, Graystone Church still needs to provide $45,000 in the form of a down payment to make up the difference from the home equity loan ($380,000) and the cost of the house with 7 acres ($425,000). Now, we have $45,000 in the bank, but it has been designated for the Imagine Building Fund. We could vote as a church to use some of the Imagine Building Fund money as a down payment on the 7 acres. The other option is raise an additional $45,000. Personally, I think it would be great if we could raise the additional money and not have to take away from what was already given to the Imagine Building Fund.

Please join with me in prayer concerning this matter. Let's pray for wisdom and direction from God. I know that He answered our ridiculous prayer to acquire the land, and he will continue to provide in ways that only He knows how. If you thought I was fired up last week "sharing my heart", you better put on your seatbelt for this Sunday.

God is good!
Johnny

PS I had the wonderful opportunity tonight at the Shepherd Center to play catch with Matt Harvie. PRICELESS!