Sacrificing to the Finish Line

“Just a half-mile to go; you can do it!”

That’s what I was saying to myself over and over again last Saturday morning. I was part of the Good Samaritan 5K and pushing hard as I approached the finish line. I had intentionally been running faster than my normal, 55-year old pace, and my whole body was feeling it. My heart was pounding, my stomach was turning and my brain was questioning this painful strategy. I briefly thought about slowing and coasting in, but people were cheering me on. I was able to finish with a sprint!

Three years ago, Covenant began a 3-year race called His Heart, Our Dream. It was a broad-based project endorsed by all core leaders and has been financially supported by many households. The primary goal was clear to us all: expand our facilities so that people we had not yet met would have a place to worship and discover Jesus’ redeeming love. This project also sought to accelerate the effectiveness of Children’s Ministry through upgraded space and to provide an on-campus facility for Student Ministry.

What a pleasure it has been for us to watch all three of those vital goals realized. There are numerous new faces at Covenant since Palm Sunday when we opened. Weekend participation in Children’s Ministry has grown by 21% since we crossed Corey Rd., and students are thriving in their new space on the West Campus. Thank you, Lord!

But one additional goal is still in process: to fund this expansion in a God-honoring way. To be sure, the vast majority of families are on board; 738 households to be exact. To date, our combined giving through October totals just over 3.8 million, and we have made great progress in spite of difficult economic times. But we are not yet finished.

Together, our commitments for HHOD total 5.2 million. So, we have 1.4 million to go before this initial race is complete. Additionally, our loan agreement calls for us to pay off another $600,000 by February 2011. We have quite a challenge before us: 2M by 2/11 (2 million by February, 2011).

How will we accomplish this goal?

Hebrews 12:2 provides us with a clear path: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

We must keep our eyes on Jesus and sacrifice for Him just as He has for us. This is a kingdom project that reflects His heart for the lost, and our dream is to partner with Him.

To that end, the leadership of Covenant is challenging the whole congregation to give sacrificially as we fund this vision and finish this three-year race. Accordingly, the Church Council has affirmed a plan to have a special offering the weekend of December 19 and 20. All giving that weekend, plus any HHOD contribution between now and then, will be dedicated to our HHOD ministry campaign and honoring God as we fund His vision.

With eyes fixed on Jesus,
Charlie