9 months and counting...

Ceiling panels installed...

Prepping for the ceiling acoustical spraying...

Lots of prep work before the spraying...

Mixing the spray and ceiling material...

...it was quite the mess...

Ceilings are done...

...kinda looks like a fluffy cottage cheese...

Finished!

Installing the doors...

Before...

After!

Before...

After!

Before...

After!

Hard to believe but it's been nine months and counting since the Flood of 2008. We can't and we won't forget the date: 6.07.08. But we will also forge some beautiful new memories with the planned Dedication of our completely restored regional worship center: 6.07.09. Just think...that's less than 3 months away!

The last seven days since my last post has seen measurable progress on our rebuild:

• The walkway from the new 10th Street entrance door has been poured and formed.
• The ramp off the new toddler wing east entrance door has been poured and formed.
• The old walkway to the old entrance by the mailbox has been broken up and removed.
• The basement floors have been finished with colored chips and a top clear coat.
• Just about all of the doors have been installed...however, we are still waiting on the door handle assembly packs to arrive!
• Plus, the basement ceiling in the commons area was recently sprayed with a unique acoustical insulation blend...this provides us with more open space between floor and ceiling and lends a warmth to the overall ministry space.
• The electricians continue to install bathroom lights, fans, switches, kitchen outlets, and a host of other electrical details.
• The painters are in and out with their continuous touch up work.
• The HVAC guys were in finishing up the ductwork and vents in the drop ceilings.
  
• Finally, we received an overhead ceiling inspection which allowed the drop ceiling guys to finish up the installation of all ceiling acoustical tiles.

As you can see, there was a lot of action on our flood rebuild this past week. But there is still a LOT OF WORK to go before we are finally finished. We continue to press on and push forward in order to reclaim our entire ministry space once again!

Last Thursday night my wife and I attended our Area Minister's Meeting in Greenwood. Great chance to visit with friends and fellowship together. It was a good breakaway.

On Sunday I preached a message entitled, "Standing Before a Holy God!" It was another one in a series the Lord is having me preach concerning holiness and purity. It is a message the Lord is speaking to His Church today. I also heard this reiterated at my minister's meeting. Lord, I pray that your message is welcomed, received and accepted with open hearts. Continue your work in me! Cleanse our hearts and purify our lives.

We started Chapter Two in the Study of John in our mid-week service. Great beginning to the miracle ministry of Jesus...with lots of good discussion on how his first miracle came to be. Remember, Jesus turning the water into wine. This specifically was used to reveal His glory to the disciples and those that were watching.

Tomorrow I'm hoping to take a full day off...but you never know when I'll be called back to the church to help answer a question or provide direction in a matter.

Looking forward to having Dr. Robert H. Spence from Evangel University as my special guest this coming Sunday, March 15th. It is such an honor to have this distinguished leader ministering God's Word to us. If you are in the area, we would love to have you join us for this special service!

Our current project is securing funds for the chairs, tables, and classroom supplies needed in our church basement. We won't be able to reclaim our ministry space without them. If you could help with a gift, please send it to CFA or make an online donation here - click on the "Giving" button. Thanks so much!

Until next time, be encouraged in the great things that God is doing right now...in your heart, in your home and in your church! Look up...your redemption draweth nigh!

God bless you!