Celebrating 1 Year (Unofficial)
I have noticed a subtle theme of Pilgrims Progress as I have read it to my grandson, Beau. That theme is the act of telling and re-telling the works and aid of the King by pilgrims. It is an act that is well received and expected by all those who help them along the way. Every place they stop to receive aid requires them to sit by the hearth and tell of the goodness of the King so far.
Covenant Baptist Church reached a miles stone yesterday. Sunday, June 18th, 2023 was the day that we first met as a church in the pool house of Lanny and Kathy Rice. It was a humble beginning with 8 adults and 6 children. A cardboard box which once held a weber grill was propped up on its end to create a pulpit. Songs were printed in a bulletin. The large sliding glass doors were open to allow a breeze as the cool early morning warmed into a summer day. Josh preached from a Psalm (I cant remember which one exactly). I can remember him making strong points about fearing God, rather than men and about prayer being the heart of this new fledgling body of Christ. I still remember as we sang together, hearing each voice (especially the children) making its own contribution of praise.
One year later, 73 people gathered in the old grange building which God provided. Now, it is beautifully restored. Tonight, we gather for a time of singing Psalms and prayer. We will sing songs and offer prayers of thanksgiving for all God has done. We worship the God who is faithful. Josh texted me this week saying, “It is amazing what has happened in a year.” He was responding to my text, “Celebrating one year - unofficially.” We say unofficial because our official launch date didn’t happen until September 17th, 2023. We delayed the launch but continued to meet in the construction rubble until the Zion Oak Grange was remodeled by adding HVAC, insulation, new windows and many coats of paint (among a lot of little things which needed repair).
I look forward to writing a post entitled - “Celebrating 1 Year (Officially)” as I am sure that God will have faithfully provided more provision and done more divine work among us at that time. I wish we could sit around a hearth together and I could tell you about all the details of this last year. However, it is too hot here in Arkansas for a fire, and many of you are so far away that this brief summary in a blog format will have to suffice... for now.
My prayer is that you will rejoice in the story of Covenant Baptist Church and that you will pass on to others this story of the goodness and faithfulness of our King and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Bart