Finish The Work

“And upon the top of the pillars was lily work:  so was the work of the pillars finished.”  I Kings 7:22

This verse is a small description of a very big statement in that 7th chapter.  The completion of the pillars in the temple court signified the end of 7 years of construction under the leadership of King Solomon, and the completion of one of the most telling accomplishments of one of Israel’s greatest kings.

Over the past few years, we have had at least two major fund raising efforts toward the retirement of the debt for our property, the World Outreach Campus.  At every step of the way, God has given us plans and programs for us to retire the debt.  We knew that it would take work to retire the debt, and we have put in the effort.

We started with our Faithful Four Hundred project to get us going, allowing us to raise the capital for the down-payment and initial investment.  We bought the church in 2007 for $1.3m. In 2012 we experienced the pressure of the worldwide mortgage crisis in a season of predatory banking, victims of multiple foreclosures just when our commercial loans was timed for renewal. With a mighty hand, God allowed us to have the assistance of a financial group that provided excellent legal help and a benevolent bank.  “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.”  Proverbs 10:22

We witnessed a miracle as we settled that package of debt, totaling 1.7million for less than $400k.  That was twelve years ago.  We have maintained current payment over those years, replaced our roof, upgraded our audio and visual equipment, replaced and repaired heating and cooling infrastructure, resurfaced our parking lot, added some exterior lighting, and maintained a beautiful facility both inside and out.  We have been consistent in serving the ministry through the entire season of the pandemic.

Recent fundraising activities included our 60th Anniversary Banquet, Leap Forward, and Replenish the House.  In each of these efforts, it has been the sacrificial giving of the membership that has not only sustained us, but brought us to this point where we are only $190k from retiring the debt.  I am not the only person who has been praying for a solution to this. Just before the year ended, I received a call that was an answer to prayers.  We have so many people who are supporting our ministry, physically and financially. Some are present and past members, others are well wishers who believe in what we are doing.  One of those past members called me with a most amazing answer to prayers. Some of you may remember one of the Pastoral Edicts where I told the church that God was going to Bless Us Through Us!  This person offered to match everything that we raised toward our mortgage retirement up to $100K. This means that this year, the year of God’s provision, we can Finish the Work!

 The Finish the Work campaign is based on a recognition of the historic culture of this ministry.  Our founder led us for 45 years, through building and paying off building costs.  Mortgages were retired early, and we as a congregation have controlled our own destiny.  This is what we will do in this 65th year of the ministry.

On the first Sunday of June this year, we will complete this fundraising effort to retire the debt and payoff of the mortgage.  On Founders Day this year, we will burn the mortgage.  In order to do this, we will need to raise $100k toward the mortgage.  This amount will be matched by a special donor.  This is 100 gifts of $1000, 200 gifts of $500, or any combination of gifts that add up to that total.

We have time to pray and seek God’s wisdom in playing our parts, but it is my prayer that every member of the Campus family will participate in this effort at some level, while we continue our pattern of consistent stewardship with our tithes and offerings.  The World Outreach Campus of Greater Coleman Temple Ministries has a great foundation for ministry and community service. We can Finish the Work!