The event of these past few weeks have been a whirlwind. I have not had time to sit and process it all. The last day of “school” at Heartland for our children was March 16. It looks like that was the last day of Kaylynn’s senior year. No ACE Student Convention. No fun parties. It just ended.
We were scheduled to speak in PA from March 24- April 3, but all of that was cancelled. Instead, Glen Coblentz and his crew rolled in on March 12th and finished up with their part of the work on March 31. God’s timing on this project has been amazing.
If we had been in PA, then I would have missed it. A lot of choices would not have been made, and a lot of little opportunities would have been lost. As it turned out, we were here for the whole thing!
I knew it was going to be close as to whether or not we would have enough money to get “dried in.” As it turned out we had just enough to get under roof. I believe that God is stretching my faith. Several nights I woke up worrying and wondering, but I am holding faith that God is going to help us get this house built. (As of this morning, April 11, God just provided more funds for us to continue building.)
As we celebrated the night of March 31st, I could see it. We sat on the floor on a sleeping bag and ate an Ivanhoe’s picnic (with food provided by a gift card from our IL friends, Dan and Carma Miller.) We listened to music on our portable speaker and sat next to the propane heater for warmth. We prayed together and laughed together. It was a special time.
You may be thinking, “That is an awfully big house for one family.” It is big, but this house will not just be a home for our family. It will also serve as a weekly gathering place for our farm’s congregation. It will be a place of hospitality to be shared with our many guests. We are building it to share.
We will have 1350 sq. ft of space in the center of the house that will serve as a hosting and worship area. There is a home office area that I will be used for our ministry work, and there is also a room where we can welcome guests. We see our home as a tool for ministry.
It was less than 10 short weeks ago that we met with Glen to finalize the house plans. 10 weeks from the time we finalized plans until we were dried in! Amazing! God has brought us SO far, and we thank Him for it. We are building in faith, and God is providing.
+ This next week we will begin working on the electrical. A electrician friend with some time is coming to volunteer for a few days.
+ An older neighbor with a lot of skills has offered to help us.
+ Another brother has promised to help us with the gutters.
Each item, each step is one more towards the completed goal – a finished house. Thanks to everyone who has helped, prayed, encouraged, and given to make this dream a reality. We are truly humbled. May God bless each one of you.
After all the work is completed and this time of “distancing” is over, we look forward to inviting everyone to our gigantic “housewarming” party!
The Gathering at Victory Acres 