Answer to prayer

Just over a year ago, we gathered in the Chapel for the first time to talk about planting another location in Bixby. The United Methodist church in Bixby had disaffiliated and we were asked to consider this opportunity. We looked at all the projections for the area and felt like it was worth exploring. As we stepped aside to listen and pray, many wonderful things began to happen. A small group of people who had left the Bixby church met with me and wanted to start this new church. Musicians were among this group and I know from a previous church plant that finding quality music is difficult. Then Rev. Steven Spradley talked with Rev. Adam Hamilton at Jurisdictional conference about this new church plant and he was very supportive and offered to advertise this new location through his communications. Adam even said he would come down and help us launch. We seemed to simply be dragged along as the Holy Spirit led us through this discernment.

We started meeting in the local library and began looking for a place to host this new location of the culture of Faith UMC. We saw terrible options, expensive options and buildings that need work but were for sale for millions of dollars. Nothing felt right and our launch team was getting frustrated. And we kept praying that God would provide the right place for us to begin. We have been looking at spaces and praying for nine long months. And that answer happened this last week! But let me back up.

Paul, one of our Bixby launch team who attends the nine o’clock service, texted me that he saw a “For Sale” sign go up at South Point church on Memorial. The Bixby group went to check out the building. Turns out that the church had decided to close and the owner wanted to get out of the rental business. I called the District Superintendent and met with the next DS after another meeting. They encouraged me to get the details. I met with our Leadership Team and they thought that this location would be perfect for us. Glen and I crunched some numbers and made an offer after another walk through. What is so amazing is that the property needs very little. We could have church there next week! But the current tenants are not quite ready to let the building go. I called my DS and he set up a meeting with the Conference. On Monday, we met by zoom and Derrek said “It sounds like an answer to prayer.” Then later that same day, I drove to Claremore and attended the DMST meeting to pitch the idea that money from the Skelly Trust (set aside for new church plants in Tulsa County) be used for the purchase of this property as an investment of funds. If the new location doesn’t take off, they could sell the space and make money very quickly. After an unanimous vote, and much discussion, everyone felt like this was truly the answer to prayer. So they have signed the contract and the expectation is that we will close on July 10th.

I have been overwhelmed by this miracle and am rejoicing even as I start making lists of things to do. We are so blessed. And in the midst of this process, we have discovered that there is 3.35 acres directly behind this beautiful little church that is undeveloped and for sale. The District discussed that we would really regret it if we didn’t go ahead and try to inquire about purchasing. I don’t know where the funds could possibly come from, but we have already had one miracle so I am placing those parcels in God’s hands. So I invite you to join me in prayer, again. And in the meantime, let’s get ready to gather as God’s beloved and broken children in Bixby.

Love,

P.S. We need a driver to help host delegates to annual conference on Wednesday, May 28th. This volunteer would be driving a Faith Van and transporting delegates for the afternoon. Please call or email me if you are willing to help. A couple would also be great with a driver and a “host” for hospitality.