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".

Maybe you're not dreaming big enough

I woke up this morning to the radio, an advertisement was on asking why we don't usually remember our dreams because we all dream every night. It said we don't, because we don't dream big enough. A verse in the Bible that has spoken deeply into my life through this journey has been, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine (or dream) . . ." What can you imagine? Well, as I began this journey God began implanting a dream in my heart. A big dream, one I am consumed with and one that I am giving all my energy to. It's a dream that only God can bring to reality. It's a dream that won't become true if I do it in my own strength. It's a dream, a big dream, but a dream that God is giving more clarity to. There are times when I dream that I kind of know the essence of it but it takes a while for some of the detail to come into focus. After a while it usually comes together and then I can see the big picture or the fullness of the dream. I believe God has given me clarity on the essence of the dream and some detail but as I depend on Him and seek Him, He will bring this dream to a reality.

This is what I see so far. I envision God birthing a new church in Thorold, and I am anxious to see this accomplished. My prayer is that many would get behind this plant, and partner with me in this venture for God’s glory. Thorold is a city by the Welland canal, and has a rich history. It is place where people enjoy living and connecting. I believe that God has His hand on this city for His name sake and my prayer is that I would see a vibrant dynamic church birth and grow in the months and years to come. My dream is to see a ‘Church by the Canal’ become a place where the people who live here, begin to connect here in deeper ways. Connect to God, connect in community and connect in the city to bless it. I look forward to hearing from you and working together to see this dream become a reality.”

I would love to hear from you, please let me know that you are praying. Maybe you have questions about something specific. I would love to address any question or concern you may have. keep in touch!

Dreams do come true . . . God is the dream giver and so He will bring His dreams to a reality.

Keep your hands and arms inside the ride

This is ususally what you hear when you go to Wonderland and you have to make sure you keep your hands or arms inside the ride because you might lose them. Have you ever felt like you are on a roller coaster but you're not at Wonderland. Well that is how Bonnie and I are feeling these days. We don't want to get hurt so we opted to keep our arms, etc inside the ride but what a ride. From the day we heard that we were accepted as church planters with FEB central to now our lives are rapidly picking up speed. There have been so many changes and decisions that we needed to make quickly. Already I have resigned from west Highland, our Association has been notified of that and we are available to share at churhes soon about the church plant. We are in the process of working out what our yearly and monthly support needs are. God has been bringing good people into our lives and already people who have been praying for a church to be established in the Niagara region are contacting me. Wow! My body is starting to lift off the seat, but I am glad I am buckled in by God :)

First meeting!

One of my new joys is riding my 2005 Honda Shadow. I named her "Therapy for 2" because in a real way when I am riding I feel so at peace and it relaxes me so much. It's "Therapy for 2" because I enjoy riding with Bonnie and she enjoys riding with me, even though it's not the most comfortable seat for a passanger.

As I was riding back in the early spring of 2009 I came across a city I didn't know existed. I was at that time contemplating church planting but wasn't sure where. As I rode by the city of Thorold, I felt very compelled to go in and check out this place I didn't know existed. When I did I was very surprised to see what I saw. Here on the fringe of St Catharines was this little nugget filled with a growing community, and a little city by the canal filled with a rich history. This began a journey of more rides into this place and much investigation. I am still finding out more about this city and the Niagara region. I am beginning to feel like this is now home . . . a couple of days ago I had a meeting with the Mayor of Thorold. It was a good meeting and he now knows of my intentions for his city.

It only just begun . . .

Well, this is only a short chat because it's 2:30 am and I am tired. I am looking forward to posting many chats over the days, weeks, months and years about how God will birth and build a church in Thorold Ontario. In the coming chats I will share the details about how we got to this point and this place. Until next time . . . may the Church by the Canal become a reality.