The Gathering – January 2010 Update
Dear Friends,
I’m writing today to provide an update of the status of our work on a new church start in the Elizabethton area. In my last correspondence to you, I wrote, “After selling our home in North Carolina and moving to Elizabethton, Angie and I have spent the last 7 months (now 9) in preparation for this new ministry. There is no question that Elizabethton needs what God has laid on our hearts, but we cannot carry the load ourselves. We have spent this time working on the strategy, designing ministry components and praying unceasingly, while keeping our eyes open for what He is doing around us…”.
Friends, this brings us to January 2010. As of now, there doesn’t appear to be enough of an interest to proceed at this time. On one hand, this breaks my heart and is very discouraging – not so much because of the time, effort and sacrifice on our parts, but because we know this type of ministry is needed here. On the other hand, we are very well aware that God knows what he is doing and if we are to proceed, it will happen on His timetable, not ours.
A good friend of mine recently put things in perspective for me. He said, “It’s like harvesting an apple orchard. First, you are contracted to do the work, therefore, you prepare yourself for the task. Secondly, you resource yourself for success. Thirdly, you lay your ladder against the first tree only to learn the fruit isn’t ready to pick.” No doubt, this is where we find ourselves at this time. We aren’t closing up shop and going to the house, but we are waiting on God.
I have said from the very beginning that I will not get ahead of God on this and I will not let my pride put me in a place that will hinder anything God has called me to do. Although I have heard from many inquiring as to the status of the “new church” I must reiterate (often to myself) that we aren’t working off our timetable, but His. I have also said from the start that I don’t have to be the one that makes it happen. If what I am doing is laying the groundwork for someone to come in behind me, then I have followed in obedience and done so.
As far as what we’re doing in the meantime, we’re still interested in meeting with anyone whom God may be speaking. I ask that you pray for what God is doing and still wants to do in Elizabethton. I promise to keep you up to date on any developments.
Bryan Smith
Comments
charlie marley (Jan 18, 2010)
Happy New Yr Brian & Family, God will provide another road soon! Dolores’s Dad died Dec 30, we were at peace knowing he was a Christian and is now with Jesus! If people could go to a funeral and know their loved one is not saved, with no hope for eternity, a change of heart would happen quickly. People put death off and just live for today with our stuff. You all are in our prayers, God Bless, Charlie & Dolores
Jason Wright (Feb 17, 2010)
Bryan,
I don’t know you and just happen to run across this post as I was researching for my bible study tonight. I am a graduate of Elizabethton High School (93), as is my wife as well. We are in full-time ministry now as far as someone can be from home it seems. But in our hearts, we know that Betsytown needs a great church to rise up. So we will be praying for you and the steps that God has for your life. Remember, Nehemiah had a burden for his people, but it didn’ t happen right away. It took time. It wasn’t because God couldn’t do it, it was because God had to get Nehemiah ready. Who knows, maybe in this season of waiting, God is going to grow you the same way and prepare you to really rebuild the city (in a spiritual sense) the right way! Summer and I will be praying for you, and if you ever want someone to chat with, email me at wright4god@me.com.
Jason