Why Thorold?

Over the last few weeks one question that has been asked of me repeatedly is, "why Thorold"? Why are you planting in a city that is so unknown to so many people? Well the answer is spiritual, simple and compelling. First of all, God has directed me here. That is the simple answer.

The spiritual answer is that God is knitting my heart with this city. And even though I knew very little about Thorold, I felt and am feeling almost daily passion and compassion for it. Maybe it's because it is so unknown that is the reason why it drew me, but I'm not convinced that is why. I believe that this is God directed.

The compelling answer is as I began to learn more about this city I believe I am becoming more aware as to why God wants a new church there. Thorold indeed is a small city but it has a rich history and I believe it is ready for God to do a good work there. I believe that Thorold is very strategic in its location. The 406 Highway goes right through it and it provides a quick way to get to other areas that surround it. It is central to the Niagara region. You can get to Niagara Falls, Welland, Fonthill, to the QEW and some of the other areas around it in a very short period of time. At the beginning of this church plant people can come from other areas without any difficulty at all. Later as we begin to grow other churches can be planted from this city, which is the boarder vision for this plant. I really believe that God wants to see a movement of churches planted in this region, not just one and Thorold seems to be the right place for the boarder vision.

Other reasons for planting in Thorold is its vision for growth. As I've talked with the Mayor, there is a plan for much growth over the next number of years. The South side of Thorold is getting ready now for new communities, its goal is to see between 3000 - 3500 new homes developed. That translates into thousands of new people who need to hear about Jesus. Right now new home developments are in process on the west side of the city and hundreds of new homes have already been built and have new families living there. St. Catharine's is land locked so many from there are buying these new homes and are moving into Thorold.

Also, I am discovering that there are groups of people praying for this region and for God to raise up a new church. I'm not sure if they were praying for Thorold necessarily but they have been praying for God to do a work. My prayer has been that God would lead me to people that are praying and that have a burden for the Niagara region. Is God answering that prayer? That's news for another blog!

I am sure that God will reveal many other reasons as to why Thorold, but for now I believe He has given me enough spiritual, simple and compelling evidence that this city is to be targeted for His glory! I'm anxious to begin and I look froward to seeing how God is going to put all the pieces together for this "Church by the canal".