God is moving in St. Louis!
The first two weeks of October we held our Grand Opening services for The Rock. We have met lots of new friends that God drew by His Spirit. Over those two weeks we had over 30 visitors. We could sense the presence and power of God, hearts were impact with His word, and we could visibly see a glimpse of the vision God has given us. There is nothing like being in the center of God’s will and experiencing His hand upon your work. He gets all the glory!
I remember the sorrow I felt 2 years ago as I stepped down from pastoring in Glendora, CA. It was, without question, the hardest decision I have ever made. And yet, now there is a new church in St. Louis working to fill this city with the word of God and great joy. The sacrifice that our church, my family, and I made was worth it. I know there is (and will be) greater fruitfulness in Glendora and St. Louis because Jesus is the Head of His church.
A big THANK YOU to those of you who sent us, who believed God with us, prayed for us, and supported us–keep it up! We need it.
Much of our walk with God and our partnering with Him to serve others is done by faith. We don’t get to see the results first. We have to believe first and then we see the results. This requires that we add patience (joy-filled, thankful, perseverance) to our faith. We are just at the beginning of this work of God in St. Louis. When I say, “we saw a glimpse”, its like seeing the tiny green shoot of a giant oak tree beginning to grow. We have to continue to walk by faith.
The Lord has shown us what the next step in the strategy is as we continue to do outreach and prepare for a great Christmas harvest. I choose everyday to believe that God has led us, provide for us, and empowered us up to this point and He will continue to do so. I am convinced He will continue to cause us to increase–not for us but for others and for His glory.
I remember what God told Habakkuk:
Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry (2:2-3).
I encourage you to add patience to your faith. Whatever God has called you to do, He has promised all of Himself and His resources to help you. The Lord is with you. His word will not return to Him void. He will perfect what concerns you. So don’t give up. In the end the vision (what He has spoken/shown you) will speak.
St. Louis is a beautiful city full of amazing people–people Jesus loves, purchased with His blood and wants to receive their full inheritance. So many, however, have not experienced His great love for them nor ever understood the full gospel. So many have been hurt by religion and turned off from church. God wants to reveal and restore His purpose for the people and city of St. Louis.
God is using us to convince people of His love and promises; His power and their purpose. He is using us to bring unity through a diverse, grace-filled community that shows value for every person. He is using us to tear down spiritual strongholds keeping people from Him and their purpose. The Lord has called us, along with other churches, to fill St. Louis with the word and with great joy. We see God multiplying leaders and churches so that every neighborhood has a witness of Christ-light shining in darkness, blessing lifting up the city. In the end the vision will speak!
Please pray for our church and for the people and city of St. Louis. We are especially seeking God and working hard to reach many during the coming Christmas season. Among other outreaches, we are collecting presents to give to kids. Please pray for the strategy, resources and favor we need. And pray for God to draw people by His Spirit.
If you want to give a present or money towards us purchasing presents, here is some information. We are seeking presents that are about $10-15 for elementary and high school kids.
1. Online: http://www.gototherock.com
- Click on “give”
- Choose “St. Louis English” from the drop down menu
- Give through “heart for the harvest” (H4TH) to support our Christmas outreach.
2. By mail: send presents or offerings to 7109 Field Ave. St. Louis MO 63116. Make checks payable to “the rock”. Write “St. Louis H4TH” in the memo to support our Christmas Outreach.
Thank you for your prayers and support!
Pastor David Turner 