Thank you so much for taking the time to read and pray over our January 2019 prayer request. This is our first prayer update ever! I will try to keep everything brief while still giving you enough information to pray specifically. Please feel free to provide any thoughts or suggestions about any of the prayer points. I believe you are all a part of this amazing journey God has us on to plant Ascent. Our Current Prayer Request1. Pray for God to open doors for a location. As you might expect, a building is a vital part of launching public gatherings. We know that the church is the people not the place, but as a people we are to gather. Right now, we are seeking diligently to find a place to gather for our September 15th launch, and beyond, within our budget. Please pray that God would amaze us with what he is able to provide. If you'd like to pray specifically for some of the places we are looking at; they include the local college, Elm Street Baptist Church, and the Woodward Conference Center. 2. Pray for our team as we pray. Our launch team is taking the first 21 days of this year to pray as team for the future of Ascent. I am so excited that the first action we are taking corporately as group is to seek the Lord. Please pray that God would use this time to stir up our love for one another and for Him. P.S. If you'd like to see our 21 day prayer guide and pray a long with us you can do so by clicking here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/9l3vok6m4m75ey8/Ascent%20Church%2021%20Day%20Prayer%20Guide.pdf?dl=0 3. Pray that God would give me wisdom as I meet with the people of Elm Street Baptist Church. On January 13th, I will be meeting with Elm Street Baptist Church to discuss our vision and strategy as a church plant. The reason for this is that Elm Street may be interested in partnering with us. They are down to about 10 adults on Sundays. This could be an amazing blessing for both sides. Our location prayer request would be answered! However, we want God's will for both sides. Please pray that neither side would rush into a decision too quickly and that God's will would be made clear. 4. Pray that a strong gospel foundation would be laid this year. I am passionate about making sure that Ascent is a church that boldly proclaims and demonstrates the good news of Jesus Christ. We want to see the name of Jesus made famous and then watch as He transforms people into all that He has created them to be. However, this year is going to be busy. Please pray that in all of our "busyness" we don't forget the gospel is the reason we are doing everything. 5. Pray that God would give me the courage and favor needed to fundraise. Church planting is not a cheap endeavor. We want to launch Ascent with excellence and to do that we are going to have to raise over $200,000 in 2019. I do not like asking people for anything, much less money! However, God has been working on my heart and I have come to realize that I am not asking people for money. I am actually inviting people to invest in what God is already doing. Would you please pray that I remember that truth when it gets tough? And also pray that God would begin to stir the hearts of many to join us financially on this journey. Answered Prayers1. Thank the Lord for His protection and provision. This past month I hit a deer and totaled Frank the Ford. Yes, I name my cars. Please don't judge me for that! In all seriousness, this could of been a really bad situation. I could of been injured or worse, Taylor could of been injured. Thankfully, I was alone and completely unharmed. Thanks to our insurance and family I have new transportation, Kyle the Chevy Cruze. Through this, I was once again reminded of God's protection and provision. 2. We are thankful for some time away. Taylor and I decided to take a road trip this year instead of buying each other Christmas gifts and it was awesome. We went to Nashville for New Years and had a great time exploring a new city together. We have both been so busy lately and have an even busier year ahead, so it was wonderful to be able to slow down for a few days! Thank YouYou are another answered prayer. We are so thankful for all of you who have decided to journey along with us this year in prayer. We feel so encouraged and confirmed in our call because of your support. One of the coolest things so far about planting a church is how we have felt so loved by our community. You are a blessing to us from the Lord. I hope you are as excited for 2019 as I am, because I believe God is going to do some amazing things in and through us.
Thank you again, Pastor Blake
5 Comments
Timothy good
1/9/2019 08:48:12 pm
I told you from the start I'm with you all the way with God as our father and his guidance we will accopaccom this thank you for you and your wife's total commitment we love you guys . I have been blessed beyond words to have you guys in my life .
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Blake
1/9/2019 09:56:43 pm
We love you guys. So grateful that God put you in our lives!!
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Wendy Dunlap
1/10/2019 10:09:34 am
So blessed to be a part of the plan Praying for Gods guidance
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Blake
1/11/2019 09:00:21 am
Me too!!
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Jason Dirks
1/12/2019 09:17:52 am
Praying for you friend, i’ll Be flying back from Africa during your meeting with Elm, i will be lifting you all up!
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