Exceeding Abundantly

On November 14, 2009, we packed our belongings and moved to Oakdale, CA, where God was sending us to begin a new work for His Glory. We left behind our children, grandchildren, parents, other relatives, church family, and friends in answer to God’s call. We had no promise of income, no idea of where our new church would meet, and did not know a soul – yet, we went knowing that this is what God wanted us to do, and where He wanted us to go.

As we began to attend local churches in the area (within an hour) before our Grand Opening service, we found that many folks had been praying that a church would start in Oakdale – in fact one church had nearly started a work here, but God closed that door at the time...He had it all planned for us to come to Oakdale before we had any idea.

Little by little we began to be amazed at God’s mighty provision – He provided a home in the country free of rent or utility fees for 6 months! We began hearing nearly daily from pastors of the many churches we had contacted asking for support, and we began to see souls saved…lots of them!

We had our Grand Opening service with 39 in attendance. We have had a high day of 69 on Easter Sunday, and 56 on Mother’s Day – we have seen 88 souls trust Christ as their personal Saviour since January 1, 2010; we’ve had 11 souls follow in Believer’s Baptism, and the Lord has been blessing the ministry.

On May 3, 2010, we received a phone call from our landlord informing us that on May 17, there was a group coming to stay at the house where we have been living, and that we would need to be out by May 14, (17 days sooner than expected); my husband and I were surprised, but we had complete peace that God was in control and that He would provide. We had been praying for $2500 that would be required for rent and deposit for a “new” home, but we had not received anything…yet.

Fully trusting God for His outcome and provision we began to see His hand at work to miraculously meet this need! We received a love offering (unexpected) – woo-hoo – Praise the Lord! Then we received another check from a church whose pastor we do not know! (marked “housing for pastor”); on Easter Sunday we received an email informing us of another church that would begin to support us…on top of that we had a blessed day in church with a sense that God was moving in an unusual way! On Monday, we received 2 more support checks, plus a another check for housing – now it was adding up – we had nearly half the amount we had been praying for when we realized that we would need at the very least a refrigerator, plus a washer and drier…and now down to 4 days before we must move out – and still not enough cash on hand, nor the place to “move,” yet KNOWING that God would provide and that He had it all taken care of.

We received a phone call from a college tour group asking if they could come to our church for a Tuesday night – but of course with our new ministry we could not have a service because our meeting place is booked every night; so they offered to come soul winning with us and asked if we would be willing to feed the group – by the end of the conversation my husband had promised to go soulwinning, house and feed the tour group in our “new home” and we still don’t know where that is going to be…and we have no refrigerator! (Are we nuts? Maybe, but we really believe that God is going to provide).

This morning we prayed especially that God would give us an answer before my parents (who were in town visiting) left, and as we were loading the car my husband received a phone call letting him know that we would be receiving a sizable check that would more than cover the immediate need!!! So, now we have the money for the housing, the refrigerator, the washer and dryer!! God has miraculously answered our prayers. Now, we still do not have a confirmed answer from the landlord of the house we wish to rent – but we trust the Lord and know that He has it all worked out!

We are humbled and honored that God would allow us to testify of His mighty power, and that we have the privilege to bring Glory and Honor to our Savior as we tell of His great love and provision…we are unworthy, but so very grateful.

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20, 21

God is so good - trust Him and have a wonderful day!

Comments

  1. Thank you for telling us; it is so exciting to hear about these blessings, and it's encouraging to me to see you, as a wife, having such great faith. Love in Christ,
    Elaine

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  2. Your faith has never wavered, and God knows that. He will provide, and always does in his timing which is always on time! This devotion has blessed my life today, and delivered a truth that I need to remember at all times, simply trust. Thank you and God bless you both as you serve our Lord faithfully. Proverbs 3:5,6

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