God has a sense of humor, if you observe the way we've come about this blessing, we call home.
Without warning we faced a sudden need for relocation of our church. With several years still on our lease, and current on all payments, new property owners came in and made demands we were forced to yield to. In order to preserve the best interests of the church, the hunt for transitional housing began.
For us as leaders of transitional ministry our approach included concerns for those in our church family who were new to the level of discipline, organization and commitment that these changes would require. Our church was birthed under the freeway of Hwy. 59 in Houston, at the intersection of Congress St. where the George R. Brown Convention Center now stands, in the early 90's. Every weekend we ministered with our children alongside us to the homeless, the prostitutes and the train jumpers or hobo's for nearly three years; and we went alone. It formed a level of discipline, organization and commitment that remains to this day, as well as complete dependence on the Lord.
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We didn't pull people out of their churches to come help us build our ministry. We didn't even know people actually did that! When the late John Osteen of Lakewood Church in Houston learned that we had been actively involved in Evangelical ministry for years while under his ministry, and were not announcing it abroad or pulling members of his congregation to our own interests, but instead were simply out there doing the works of an evangelist, he ordained us. He saw that none of our Friday and Saturday ministry demands took away from our ministry commitment and responsibility for Sunday or Wednesday service or attendance. We were passing the test of discipline, organization and commitment required for true ministry.
Several of our church members were about to be put through a similar test. This was fertile ground for seeds of faith, with the enemy at every turn. Others would crowd around our church family members attempting to lure them to their own churches, with their pastors knowledge and blessing. I don't think I will ever understand it. Would the Lord break down one church, to build up another? Silly people.
God's people have faithfully remained in one accord though, throughout those days of abusive proselytizing attempts. Our church family has passed the test and the Lord is providing us a place to land and call home, while we continue our search for a place to purchase. If the Lord returns first, of course those plans will forever change. I'm sure we'll transition well.
We didn't pull people out of their churches to come help us build our ministry. We didn't even know people actually did that! When the late John Osteen of Lakewood Church in Houston learned that we had been actively involved in Evangelical ministry for years while under his ministry, and were not announcing it abroad or pulling members of his congregation to our own interests, but instead were simply out there doing the works of an evangelist, he ordained us. He saw that none of our Friday and Saturday ministry demands took away from our ministry commitment and responsibility for Sunday or Wednesday service or attendance. We were passing the test of discipline, organization and commitment required for true ministry.
Several of our church members were about to be put through a similar test. This was fertile ground for seeds of faith, with the enemy at every turn. Others would crowd around our church family members attempting to lure them to their own churches, with their pastors knowledge and blessing. I don't think I will ever understand it. Would the Lord break down one church, to build up another? Silly people.
God's people have faithfully remained in one accord though, throughout those days of abusive proselytizing attempts. Our church family has passed the test and the Lord is providing us a place to land and call home, while we continue our search for a place to purchase. If the Lord returns first, of course those plans will forever change. I'm sure we'll transition well.
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When I say that God has a sense of humor, I find the location to be just that. You see our new home is situated right between the EZ-Pawn pawnshop and Palais Royal (get it?)... Palais Royal ~ Royal Palace... I couldn't resist!
We've survived another land grab, since our move from our last church location, post Hurricanes Katrina/Rita. That land grab incident was completely unprovoked, as is the case with many pastors today.
Just like Isaac in Genesis 26: 15-22, determined to build another altar, dig another well in a land of evil and perverse loyalties, motives and intentions, so do we. With envious thieves taking well, after well, after well we have come now to land in a broad place; it is our Rehoboth, as Isaac named his well after many had been taken by the enemies of the Lord. It reminds me of His promise to His servant David in Psalm 18:19, "The Lord brought me forth also into a broad place, He rescued me, because He delighted in me."
It is for the glory of His Name, that we pass through difficult challenges to our faith. Many are stuck and watching to see how God brings you through; and bring you through every time, He does. God's faithfulness to His Word, to His Name are without wavering side effects, and He's chosen you to demonstrate Himself through, express Himself through to a stuck generation.
Some watch to see you fall and fail, while others watch to see you demonstrate the power of God, by your faith in action. Some watch and whisper, others watch and pray, but one thing is for sure; the world is watching.
God is raising up right before our eyes, people who are not ashamed to openly, publicly BE the church of our Lord Jesus Christ. Everywhere pastors are faced with sudden decisions, and re-directions that will impact their lives, and the lives of many under their spiritual care and covering, daily.
The entire "face" of the church is changing, as modern day Acts churches take to transitional, church-without-walls formation. It's a sudden shift that produces a sudden sift reminding me of the story of the army of Gideon.
In Judges book, chapter 7 tells a story of God's people being sifted and separated, according to their faith, for the battle strategy of the Lord. Ultimately every challenge, every battle leads us to triumph and bring great glory to His Name.
The church in ACTion, the church demonstrating the gifts of the Holy Spirit, are increasing in number and in effectiveness, touching the lives of people outside the walls of the church and bringing them in.
God is raising up right before our eyes, people who are not ashamed to openly, publicly BE the church of our Lord Jesus Christ. Everywhere pastors are faced with sudden decisions, and re-directions that will impact their lives, and the lives of many under their spiritual care and covering, daily.
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| Al and Sandra Cerda host gatherings in a city park during their journey through transitional ministry. |
In Judges book, chapter 7 tells a story of God's people being sifted and separated, according to their faith, for the battle strategy of the Lord. Ultimately every challenge, every battle leads us to triumph and bring great glory to His Name.
The church in ACTion, the church demonstrating the gifts of the Holy Spirit, are increasing in number and in effectiveness, touching the lives of people outside the walls of the church and bringing them in.
What the devil uses to try and take you out, will be used instead to bring the Lord great glory and a harvest of souls for Kingdom life. Especially if you, your church and/or your pastors are praying for the Lord to have His way in you, your life, your church. If you find your church, your pastors, facing the difficult challenge of sudden relocation, take heart! The steps of the righteous are ordered of the Lord, and He knows what He's doing. The Lord remains in control. Be a source of strength and not a source of stumbling. Be a member of the church that gathers, and does not scatter God's people. Be an encourager and not a fault-finder, a participant in the plan of God and not the dead weight of dead works. Regardless of any and all differences, pass the test!
You cannot stop a move of God. That is the promise of the Father. His Word states,
Now in the present case let me say to you, stand off (withdraw) from these men and let them alone. For if this doctrine, or purpose or undertaking or movement is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is of God, you will not be able to stop or overthrow or destroy them; you might even be found fighting against God! Acts 5:38-39
Join us during any Church Service at our new location. You are personally invited to come worship the Lord with us, or in your local church. God's Word prevails and He is in control.
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Sandra Cerda is an author and public speaker, pastor and worship leader. For more on her work, go to:
http://www.cerdaministries.org/
Email the author at: sandracerda7408@yahoo.com
Her books can be found online at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B004U6T9CK
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/sandra-cerda?store=book&keyword=sandra+cerda
