As I write this column, we are very close to completing a deal to purchase property. Is it a done deal? No. Could it go south? Yes. Could it happen? Absolutely.

I have been privileged to be a part of everything that has happened thus far and I can say without the least bit of hesitation that the Lord has been in it from the very beginning. Regardless of outcome, it is faith-building to see how the Lord can orchestrate things to happen that would not normally come to pass.

I wish I could share more with you at this time, but a confidentiality agreement we signed prevents me from doing so. Of course, by the time we meet and vote on the issue, we will be able to disclose everything we know up to the moment of the congregational meeting.

It seems somewhat surreal to be standing at the precipice of property acquisition after almost ten years of being at Rio Hondo Community College. It has been a wonderful decade and the people at RHCC have been fantastic. On the one hand, we may be gone before the year is over or we may be around a bit longer. Only the Lord knows for sure.

However, I thought it would be prudent for me to inform you that there is a distinct possibility that we will enter into escrow by the end of month. Assuming that the deal stays together, we will be having a Congregational Meeting on Sunday, April 29, 2007 in Campus Inn right after the end of the 11:00 AM Worship Service.

As we look into the potential future, I am reminded of the words of the Lord to Joshua as they were about to enter the Promise Land. Three times in the first chapter of Joshua, God says “Be strong and courageous…”

The first time, God focuses Joshua on His promise of providing land. The second time, God exhorts His people to stand true to His Word for no victory can come apart from obedience to the Word of God. And finally, God says “Be strong and courageous…” knowing that the Lord God is with them.

Regardless of what transpires in the days to come, we can remain “strong and courageous” because God has a property plan for us. Our responsibility is to remains faithful to His Word and live as though God is with us.

How disappointed will I be if this venture falls through and we cannot possess the land? Let me answer in this way. I know that the Lord has a plan for us. As long as we abide in Him and His Word, He is faithful and I trust Him for whatever He has in store for us.

If you get this newsletter before this weekend, there will be a tour of the facilities on Saturday at 10:30 AM and on Sunday, at 2:00 PM (the times have changed slightly from what was announced on this past Sunday). We will also have informational meetings this Sunday, April 22 after both Worship Services.

Again, everything is contingent on the negotiations being completed to the satisfaction of all parties involved.

If you didn’t attend one of the previous meetings and aren’t aware of the site, please contact the office or another member of the church family.

Until then, continue to pray for the Lord’s mercy and goodness on this matter.

Blessings,
Pastor Cory, d.v.