March
10,2013
Friends,
The time has come for us share with
you the things that God has been working in our lives. About 4 years ago, God
began to speak to us about planting a church in the West Bank region of New
Orleans. This is an area with a population of over 100,000 with only two viable
AG churches. Hurricane Katrina destroyed about one half of the church in New
Orleans, not just the buildings but also about one half of the ministry
families left. Every aspect of the community suffered a great loss, including
the Kingdom. God has a plan to restore His church there and bring a strong
witness that will greatly impact this city that is in desperate need of a
visitation of the Lord. We are amazed that God has called us to play a small
part in His great plan for New Orleans.
In the process of waiting for God’s
timing, Pastor Larry asked us to consider helping with the Moncks Corner Campus
start up. We prayed about it and felt that this was a door God opened for us as
part of our journey. The past 20 months have been a wonderful season in our
lives. We have enjoyed watching as God transformed this campus from a small
group of a dozen into a stable, growing congregation of 60 on its way to many
more. We have been greatly touched by your love, encouragement, and support.
Thank you for accepting us and demonstrating so much love and grace to us. Your
love and support have left a lasting mark on our lives. Late last Fall, God began to impress upon us
that our time at Moncks Corner was nearing an end and the time to start the
work in New Orleans is drawing near. Since then, we have seen Him confirm this
in several ways. Our last Sunday here with you will be March, 24th,
Palm Sunday.
Regarding this campus, it is
important that you all hold steady and stay focused on God’s plan to build a
great work here that offers hope, salvation, and healing to this community. God
has great opportunities in store for you here. Pastor Craig Butler will be
serving as the Moncks Corner Campus pastor until a full time pastor can be
located. God has great things in store for Moncks Corner!
We
hope that you will continue to pray for us as we embark on this new journey of
faith. We do not have an exact moving date, but we anticipate moving by mid April.
We believe that this step of faith will result in God opening every door.
Please pray that God will send a buyer for our home. Please pray that God will
establish an income for us in New Orleans as we get this project kicked off.
Please pray that God will help us raise our required start up budget of $15,000
plus the moving budget of $4,000.00. Thank you for your prayers.
We have been
blessed more than we can express in our service with you,
Sam and
Angie Elliott
