I want to compliment and thank God for the generosity of our church family in supporting the “One Mile for God’s Glory” Capital Campaign. Our church over the past 20 months has contributed over $105,000 for the purpose of our relocation and renovation of these permanent facilities in which we now worship, fellowship and study God’s word. According to the generous challenge offered by Mr. Walters to match every dollar given, the total now stands at $210,000. We have 18 weeks left to reach the Campaign’s conclusion on December 31, 2018 with only $40,000 left to raise as a congregation.
 
There are a couple of points that need to be highlighted.
 
First, we have already exceeded the amount that was pledged at the beginning of the campaign. The original pledge goal was $150,000 for which a little more than $86,000 was actually pledged. We have already exceeded what was pledged by 20 percent. Funds have been received along the way from faithful people who did not make a pledge at the beginning. Additional funds have been added from people who have heard about what God is doing and who were led by God to give even though they may not be members of our church. Last Tuesday evening after the Chattahoochee Baptist Association’s Executive Committee meeting, someone from another church gave a $100 bill for the Campaign. People have given over-and-above their pledges. New folks who have begun to attend and become members have contributed. Our church has been blessed beyond what our original expectations were.
 
Secondly, our average income for the campaign over the past 20 months has been approximately $5,200 per month. According to the average, we may anticipate $20,800 in new income between this Sunday and December 31. That means we may anticipate ending the Campaign’s time period with $125,800 on hand by the end of the year. This will leave us only $24,200 short of Mr. Walter’s challenge of $150,000. Remember, the challenge was to raise $150,000. The question is:
 
CAN WE REACH THAT EXTRA $24,200 BY THE END OF THE YEAR TO COMPLETE THE ENTIRE “ONE MILE” CAMPAIGN?
 
I believe that God will do more than we can imagine if we will pray and dedicate ourselves to Him. Jesus said;
 
“…all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have receive them, and they will be granted you.” (Mark 11:24)
 
Will you pray and believe enough to add a little extra to what we pledged to reach the goal?
Will you pray and believe that God will inspire new people to give who have not yet given?
Will you pray and believe that God will send guests and new members to us who will give?
 
God will do in this challenge what we have seen Him do over and over again.
God will do what we are incapable of doing and show us His miraculous power.
He will demonstrate His amazing glory.
 
I can’t wait to see what He alone can do and all the ways he is going to show us His mighty hand at work.

Good Words from God’s Word
 
It is a blessing to be back in the office this week working on sermons, anticipating outreach ministry this week in the Copper Springs Community and reaching out to our membership through emails and visits. It feels great to be back doing the things God has called me to do. Thanks to everyone who has filled in the gaps during my surgery and ongoing recovery. I’m about 50% right now looking forward to full recovery once physical therapy restores strength and range of motion to my shoulder.
 
It’s hard to be patient and wait for healing. We are so accustomed to instant relief and ease in activities.  It seems everything today is geared to our convenience. The Bible encourages our patience:
 
“For this very reason do your best to add goodness to your faith; to your goodness add knowledge; to your knowledge add self-control; to your self-control add endurance (PATIENCE); to your endurance add godliness; to your godliness add Christian affection; and to your Christian affection add love. These are the qualities you need, and if you have them in abundance, they will make you active and effective in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5-8)
 
To be everything God wants you to be and to be the kind of servant that contributes to God’s work, you must possess the kind of patience that waits for Him to accomplish His will and purpose through us. It’s not good to get ahead of God. The Bible says:
 
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with sings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
 
As many of you know, surgery, infirmity, and recovery teaches lessons in patience that you cannot learn until you are made to learn them.
 
I read about a young lady who was standing outside her car weeping. A passer-by noticed her and asked if she needed some help. She replied, “I knew I should have replaced the battery to this remote unlocker thing. Now, I can’t get into my car. Do you think (pointing to a distant convenient store down the street) they would have a battery to fit this?”
 
The man said, “Hmmm, I don’t know. Do you have an alarm to?”
 
She answered, “No, just this remote thingy,” handing him the remote with the car keys attached to it.
 
He took the keys and manually unlocked the door to her car saying, “Why don’t you drive over there and check about a battery. It’s too far to walk.”
 
Aren’t you glad that God is patient like that man? He meets our needs. He listens to our complaints. He puts up with our silliness. He waits for us to wake up and call upon Him. He opens our doors,
 
“But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 86:15)
 
Holy Father, teach us patience today. Show us how to wait upon you to open the doors of our hearts. Recharge our energy and love for you that you may receive the honor and glory you deserve in our worship today.