And One to Grow On - Wisconsin, Day 3

Does the title of this post bring back memories for you? Unless you had most of your birthdays in the previous century, it probably didn't. If you don't know what I am talking about, I'll leave it to your imagination. We are packing to check out of the hotel, go pick up some Wisconsin cheese, have one final lunch with the DOM of BLBA before we fly out for home this afternoon. Yesterday was a cool and rainy day, so hopefully all the people who complained about the sweltering 80 degrees the day before were more comfortable. One of the pastors (newly elected to our Partnership Planning Group) picked us up at the hotel and drove us to Manitowoc to look at a possible new location for the only Southern Baptist Church there. New Beginnings Baptist Church is about 4 years old. It began in a living room and has been in its current rented facility for about 3 years. They have completely outgrown the building that is only about 1000 square feet (for the entire building). They have about 500 sf for worship space and are already plateaued because there is no more room for worship, a nursery about the size of a restaurant booth, and restroom/storage room/library combination. The church has been trying to find new space for almost a year and has even been in process of trying to purchase a couple of buildings and both have fallen through. Understandably, they are getting discouraged. A couple of weeks ago part of a building next door to their current facility came available for rent. The landlord of that space is their current landlord. We met there yesterday and talked about how the space might be configured for their use. That space would increase their worship space and allow them space for two classrooms, office, nursery, and welcome center. None of the interior walls are load-bearing, and the landlord has given them permission to tear out walls and build new ones in whatever configuration works for them. And, as of our meeting yesterday, he has agreed to a rental cost for the first two years that will actually be less than what they are paying now and will give them almost double the space. As Jerry Clower used to say, "Ain't God good!" Sorry about the Jerry Clower reference for those of you who didn't get "one to grow on". There are a few details to iron out, but it looks like this church will be gaining some much added space. They even have first option on the adjacent space in the same building that is currently occupied by a resale shop. If that were to be available, it would provide a great worship space that would easily allow the church to double in size. It is more than they could handle financially right now, but we will be in prayer that the new space will allow them to grow to the point that they could handle the financial increase. God has been directing this trip in ways that we didn't anticipate, but I believe some good groundwork has been laid. Please pray with us about what happens next.