Doug Heisel

    If you know me, I am not one who spends time trying to hype things up or to even attach spiritual significance to ordinary events. However, every so often, I feel that special invisible “IT” in the air.

The Bible speaks of the Holy Spirit like a “wind” that blows. It speaks about the “favor of God” in a similar fashion. So I don’t know whether to call “IT” the Holy Spirit’s presence or simply the “winds” of expectation when God is up to something. Whatever “IT” is, I can tell you this: there are times when “IT” is more evident than other times. And right now, more people than just me are feeling “IT”.

That being said, let me share a couple exciting things:

 * I just signed 53 water baptism certificates! Let me say that again – 53. 53 people who all have stories of God changing their lives! So I can tell you this from past experience, this weekend “IT” will be felt, as you hear some of their stores and see all of them make a public demonstration of their faith. This group will be in all three services, and “IT” will be powerful! Then, Sunday afternoon at 4 PM, we will hold the actual baptisms. Come for one of the 3 services, then (if possible) make plans to come back at 4 PM.

* Another very cool thing, I am humbled to share, is the generous response to our financial year-end. Every day this week, response cards have come into our office. I expect many many more this weekend. Some have asked for our prayers, and we are committed to standing with them. Many are catching up with their giving, having been gone some this summer. And a number are joining me in doing something extra. Whatever the response is, “IT” is showing up. You can feel “IT” when a church community rallies together and trusts God in tangible ways. Again, I am grateful and humbled by this church community!

* Finally, (at least as far as this email goes) “IT” is also showing up Thursday nights in Celebrate Recovery, where the stories of healing and victory are simply amazing. You hear about “IT” coming out of our LIFE GROUPS, as people have sent us emails about connection, growth, and answered prayer! “IT” is here on Wednesday nights, where around 100 teenagers gather for worship and their own Life Group experience. All different kinds are Ministry Teams are buzzing with “IT” as well. And all this over summer! Just wait until we roll into Fall. You are going to have to come early to get a good seat – and you will be thankful to do so. “IT” is something you don’t want to miss. “IT” brings blessings, meets needs, and produces impact beyond what we can manufacture on our own. When “IT” is there, you are more than willing to put up with a few inconveniences.

I believe God is inviting our church to be part of something special. Join me in not only anticipating “IT” but fanning the flames with your expectation, passion, and a “whatever it takes” attitude.

A new level of INTIMACY, COMMUNITY and INFLUENCE is in sight. Let’s move enthusiastically towards “IT”!

Tags: New Life Church - INFO by Doug
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This weekend we wrap up our ROAD TRIP series. I hope it’s been a great summer and summer series. I personally have gained some new insights into the Bible and enjoyed the journey (even though I took time off from blogging each week). Feel free to share any comments or questions. We wrap up the series in the last book of the Bible … the Revelation of Jesus Christ!

 

 Road Trip Intro - 30 min survey of entire Bible: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Tags: Road Trip - 2008 by Doug
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Progress Report and Update:

10 months ago (Oct/Nov 2007) we launched a giving campaign called “Next Step”. The purpose was to raise $700,000 to add some additional modular space on our Alamo campus, and remodel and reallocate some space within our building. Although we have some room to grow in the auditorium, many of our classrooms for kids and youth are too small. We also have real challenges regarding space for medium sized groups/events, due to only having the fellowship hall to accommodate a growing list of groups who need it.

As such, the most inexpressive and fastest solution, to address this problem, was to purchase a modular building. It would not only give us the needed additional space, but would buy some time to determine a “master plan” for our existing property (as well as any additional satellite campuses). All this is due to our unwavering commitment to our mission: Inviting people to experience and share INTIMACY with Christ, COMMUNITY with insiders and INFLUENCE with outsiders.

Here’s where we are so far:

· About half of the $700,000 has come in (and we are at the halfway point of a two-year drive).

· A site survey, and corresponding prelim work for that, has been completed

· Approval from the Alamo Association has been given (that’s a big deal!).

· Building plans and occupancy permits have been submitted to the County.

· We are waiting our turn, and the desired permit approval, at the County

· The modular company is ready to go once we get approval.

· It will take about 3 months once we get approval before the modular is delivered and ready to use.

· We have a meeting in early September with a company who specialized in “Master Plans”

Getting our info to the County, as well as getting it through the County’s system, is slow. It appears that we will not get on their docket until October … ugggh … (the month we had hoped to occupy). All that to say … we’re anxiously WAITING for more info before we have a firm date to occupy.

In the meantime, we’ll enthusiastically do what we do (and figure out what we can to accommodate anticipated growth). However, as they say … “growing pains are the good kind of problems.”

I’ll keep you posted.

Tags: New Life Church - INFO, Next Step Facility Campaign by Doug
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