I am posting this early Sunday in the hopes that maybe some of you may get this and remember to include it in your prayers today.  We will be taking off for Ohio following our morning worship experience to see our grandson and his parents.  Oh yeah…also to take Jo’s truck to our son-in-law.  Jason had been laid off from his job since November or December (sorry can’t remember for certain) and God has been good to bring odds and ends jobs to him.  To compound the issue our daughter’s job at the daycare was eliminated  (lack of funds) so they have had some “close” months.  However, God has always provided… which is cool!  The good news is that Jason has a job.  The bad news is that it is at Ft. Bragg in North Carolina.  We are taking the truck to Ohio for him to use while he is gone.  (The real reason, of course, is to see our grandson).  I will be back, Lord willing, late afternoon on Monday.

But while that is a praise and a request (for safe travel for us and for him), the real reason for the request involves the church I pastor, Owen Valley Christian Fellowship.  Ever since its inception, OVCF has used the Owen Valley Sports Complex as its meeting place.  Each year the rental agreement has been a hassle, except last year (due to the flood).  Two years ago we thought we had moved to the Middle School until two months in when they called me into the office to tell me that we had to leave.  Something about “when we said the community could use the school we didn’t mean permanently.” Well, this year the complex has raised our rent to $1000/month and taken away our Wednesday usage.  We have always had the complex on Sunday and Wednesday from (get this) 12:01-11:59.  Even though that seemed silly we were content because it was available when we needed it.  The new contract wants to take away our Wednesday.  We have an afterschool program, sign class, our monthly pitch-in, and offer it to Campus Life free of charge.  This is unacceptable to us so we have looked high and low, even contacting other churches to share their building with us (SDA who use theirs on Saturday).  So far, every road has been a dead end.  The old National Guard Armory sits empty, an albatross around the neck of the county (it was given to them), and we have asked for it to be “given” to us.  It has no AC and utility bills of $3000/month.  However, we have offered to remodel it, making it energy-efficient and so far we have received negative responses.  Their next meeting is not until June 1 (the day our lease is due to be signed).  My prayer request is three-fold:

• That we would exhibit a Christ-like spirit in all our dealings.
• God would open some/a door and we will recognize that open door.
• That we would have the wisdom to make the decision that is best for OVCF and honors God.

If we have to “bow” to the demands of the new complex contract, then I am willing to accept that.  It is not my choice but this is not about me anyway. It is about a place for us to worship.   I am asking you to include OVCF (and me) in your prayers.  Thanks ahead of time.

Now…how can I pray for you?