I like progress. We all do. I like seeing progress. We all do. The state is redoing the main drag through Spencer and I have to remind myself it is called “progress.” I will have to remind myself of that for two years.

OVCF, the church I pastor, has been needing room for the children for several years. We have taken a very conservative approach in that we want cash in hand before moving ahead. With the generosity of our people, two donations, and an inheritance, we were able to move ahead with getting the shell done and the interior framed.  I’ve included some pictures of the outside and the framing. (The addition mimics the old building in looks). In what may be a first, what we estimated we needed and what we had just about equaled each other (to our good).

We do have some money set aside (but not enough) so we met the other night to plan our next steps. That plan is now in place and we will be moving ahead slowly since we have determined not to borrow any money.

I’m excited about the progress. I’m even more excited about the debt-free approach we are taking. I have always contended that big mortgages are an albatross around the neck of a church. A church with a big mortgage is often hamstrung in helping others with simple things. For example, the leadership here has stated “No kid will not go to camp because of finances.” Last summer, and again this summer, we have spent over $3000 sending kids to church camp, giving part-time and full-time scholarships to any who ask for/need it. I like that approach. Just today (Wednesday) I visited camp with Ryan (our youth pastor) to visit 9 campers from OVCF, all of whom received some help, and a couple who received complete help. If one young person’s life is changed, it is worth it.

These are exciting time for us. I hope you don’t mind me sharing some of my thoughts. I certainly won’t mind you praying for us as move along progress.