God Does the Math
- Details
- Category: Editorial
- Published on Friday, 19 August 2011 02:39
- Written by Pastor Randy Capistrano
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“Church statisticians state that once a church has reached 80% of its seating capacity, it will begin to hinder its growth if nothing is done to create more space”
Last year, we saw our church reach the 80% seating capacity; moving for-ward it would be a problem if we were to continue having one service. It was for this reason that I brought up the need to our church family to begin praying for more space, or for a new building. I started researching options to buy, rent, or lease a larger building, but found that the cost was not only too high, but also heard the Lord say that it was not our time yet to move.
That said, I considered the only other option...work with Lion Business Park owners on a solution to our building size problem. Our intercessory team came into agreement with me on seeking God to grant us favor with Lion Business owners. The following week, I met with the manager, and found out that there might be a possibility to expand without having to move. She said that there was about 1000 square feet adjacent to our space that might be available. I got so excited, and immediately shared the hopeful news with the intercessory team. That night, everyone was fired up. We felt the Lord saying that He was going to expand the building, and give us a low rate on the rental cost. I went to sleep that night anticipating that the Lord would give me a great testimony soon.
Days passed by, even weeks, and I started to think that the manager forgot about me. I decided to follow up, and found out what I initially thought to be horrible news. She told
me that the space was no longer available, and that the current occupant had decided to use the space. How was I going to break this news to the church family? Surely, a pastor always wants to be the bearer of good news! I finally broke the news to the group, and they shared comforting words that the Lord was still in control. I thought in my mind, "Sure, I believe that, but that still doesn't solve our building problem." I bet you didn't know pastors get discouraged sometimes. Though I felt a little discouraged, I decided to press in to God's promises, and believe Him for an open door. Several weeks passed by, and though I remained quiet about the building problem, I continued praying for God to provide. In addition, it appears the Holy Spirit was working in the hearts of His intercessors, because they began praying for the building expansion again. Lo and behold, one day God decided to give me a surprise. Weeks after I received the disheartening news, the man-ager called me to let me know that she spoke with our neighbor again, and this time he said he could no longer pay for his space, and had no other choice but to give it up. Praise God! As i was jumping up and down at the idea of having 1200 square feet added to our space, reality hit me, and I began settling down as I pondered how much cost would be added to our current rate. We had already received a discount for one year when I had negotiated a lower rate due to the impact of the economy. Our lease was up for renewal, which meant we were going to revert back to our old rate, and possibly receive an increase in our monthly payment. We already had that to deal with, so I wasn't sure how much more financial burden our church could shoulder. I met with the board to discuss what I felt was the Lord's providence for our church. After lots of prayer and discussion, we came to the conclusion that we would give a ridiculous offer of having the old rate restored, but having the new addition be completely free of charge. I figured if they would agree to my ridiculous offer, then it must be from God. Warning!!! Talk to me first, before trying to do something like this on your own.
The manager was taken back upon hearing my request. She breathed in a deep sigh before stating her thought of my proposal. "So in other words, you're asking for us to give it to you for free, right?" I looked at her as embarrassed as I knew how to be, and said, "Yes." She folded her hands, and assured me that she would do her best in representing us, since we were her favorite out of all occupants under her management, but also stated that she could not make any promises to an offer like that. I agreed, walked away with a grin knowing that God was about to give us a testimony.
It wasn't more than 3 days later when I received a call back from the manager. Are you ready for this? Strap on your seatbelts. Not only did they not give us any additional rate increase to what we were paying before, but they also agreed to keep us at the same rate for 2 whole years! I was overwhelmed, ecstatic and joyful! As I ended my conversation with the manager, I set my phone down, and a grin returned back to my face. I was going to bear some news to our church family, and this time it was going to be good! God is so awesome!