The past few months have been a long and difficult process for the Vineyard community as we sought to purchase the J.R. Ewan facility. Between the onslaught of persistent opposition and the media coverage of the events, what we expected to be a relatively simple process turned into far more than we had ever expected. But with the announcement this past weekend of our attentions to back out of our attempt to purchase J.R. Ewan, we’re ready to put the controversy behind us and continue to move forward in our mission to follow Jesus as a community of faith, hope, and love.
It would be easy to continue to dwell upon the controversy and conflict, but doing so will do nothing to further our mission or help us move forward. As Paul encouraged the Philippians, our hope is in “forgetting what is behind, and straining toward what is ahead (Phil. 3:13).” While we are disappointed in the recent outcome, our hope is not in what is behind us, but in what God has for us as we move forward, trusting His wisdom and leadership.
Our hope for the Vineyard community is found in Romans 12:12: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Even in the midst of struggle, the joy that we display in spite of our circumstances will be a beacon of hope to our city. Hope and joy are intricately connected – when we are looking forward with hope to what God is leading us to, we are free to experience His joy in the present, not matter the circumstance. In the same way, our joy and hope allow us to be patient in our struggle. And as we wait upon the Lord to provide, we remain faithful in prayer to sustain us and empower us to move forward.
In this thought, we ask you to join us in moving forward in forgiveness, grace, and hope. Buildings are buildings, and we are the Church. More than where we are in Lexington, it matters who we are in Lexington, as we seek to be the hands and feet of Jesus wherever we are. Together, we confidently move forward to love and serve the city of Lexington as we follow Jesus as a community of faith, hope, and love.
God has used this to show you and all of Lexington who you are. What an incredible testimony that flowed from the mouths of the opposition telling all of Lexington that Jesus still lives in the heart of Christ followers. I love that this is followed by a google ad to become a pastor in my spare time on line. I almost clicked it. Just saying’ and still praying.
Pjoe
Great words, Justin. Who knows, maybe the decision staff made will allow residents of Fairway who don’t know Jesus to finally see Him and want to know more. They may have meant this ‘for bad’ but God will use it ‘for good!’ hopeful for something even better:)