Let's Celebrate!

I remember having LTC at the Green Valley facility many years ago. This particular year, nothing went as I thought it should. I distinctly remember being in their gym with a young team doing their puppets - and being infuriated because people who couldn't hear - kept talking, creating a roar over which no one could hear these children. I couldn't get anyone to listen to me or do anything about it. That year we had Don McLaughlin as a guest speaker and at some point he asked me how it was going - though he probably didn't have to ask - based on my countenance. I muttered around. Then he said, for now celebrate the victories - there's work to do on this - but celebrate the victories for now. There will be time to fix things later. That's still good advice for me today. I thought LTC was too broken - yet God took the willing hearts - who could see past the flaws to the potential - to grow it to what it is today. Wow, our God is great.

When I think in terms of Center Road, there are many victories to celebrate. Are there flaws and things we need to work on? YEP - and always will be. However, when we look past the flaws to the potential - the victories are abundant. Here are a few victories that come to mind.

· In 2009, while planning for 2010, the financial picture was grim for us. We cut substantially from the budget in painful ways for so many - yet God worked through this church family to meet the needs. In particular, missionaries already taking a currency exchange beating were cared for. I am amazed at the heart and soul of this congregation. I praise God for you. LET'S CELEBRATE!

· We've had people leave - some had to - some wanted to. The first is easier than the second to digest for people like me. Yet when I truly lovingly release those who left, I can clear my mind to consider that God has brought many people to his Kingdom in 2010 at Center Road. Then I am revived and strengthened. This is not "our" church, it's "HIS" church... Praise God. LET'S CELEBRATE!

· Our Vinton Woods outreach has continued - with great success. There is a great deal of interest in God's family due to the efforts of a huge team of servants. I see such smiling faces when our Vinton Woods shuttle unloads each week. Praise God. LET'S CELEBRATE!

· Our congregation has continued to be a benevolent body of believers. Our deacons reach out and help people weekly, if not daily. Fruit baskets were delivered, the MHA was fed Thanksgiving, Clothing was given away, we took a mission to Nashville, a food pantry is being maintained - and we are supplying bags to a group in Kokomo sending school children home with food each weekend - and much more I don't see. I praise God for giving hearts. LET'S CELEBRATE!

· We added godly men to our deaconship. We are in the process of looking at the ministries now and how our efforts should be carried on and by who. I can tell you I think there are fantastic things coming... Praise God for his kindness. LET'S CELEBRATE!

· Volunteerism is rising. It's a minister's feeling kind of thing - no scientific measurement. But I think we passed through a phase when people were hesitant to volunteer - for whatever reason. I say passed through because I'm seeing more and more people stepping up being willing to serve and lead. That's a really GOOD sign to Praise God about. LET'S CELEBRATE!

There are so many more victories to celebrate and to credit our God for giving us. I haven't touched the progress we are making in the childrens and teen ministry. Nor have I mentioned the host of people who serve in this place every week in so many ways. There's so much more to tell.

God is great, God is good, LET'S CELEBRATE!