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VISION 2000 A.D.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Not only must we find ways to aid members of our growing congregation, but we are duty bound as a body of Christian believers to extend spiritual, social, and educational services to those in need, throughout our community.
"And whosoever shall receive one such
little child in my name receiveth me."
(Matthew I8: 5 KJV)
In 1995, when we began our mission of growth, the statement above was our goal. In the midst of building our new sanctuary, implementing new programs and reorganizing other ministries. we somehow loss sight of the goal. Well, it is time to get back on track.
Mt. Moriah's financial support is dependent upon our tithes and offerings. Yet, some of us have become a little laxed in this area. If we don't give, how, can God bless us? Malachi 3:8 states, "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed me. But ye say, wherein have we robbed Thee? In tithes and offerings.
In this phase of our vision, we are going to stop robbing ourselves by learning how to plant and name seed offerings. Does not God's word tell us in Galatians 6:7, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Sadly, we have not fully understood this passage because we somehow view it in relationship to negative consequences, but GOD is not mocked nor can he lie, thus if we sow good seeds we shall surely reap good harvests. It is through the good seeds we plant that God multiplies His blessings unto us. Are there any among us who CANNOT benefit from God's blessings?
Two years ago we borrowed $ 1.5 million dollars to build our new sanctuary and to purchase the adjoining property to us. We envisioned repaying the loan in 10 years or less. To date, we have repaid $ 1,000.000.00 of that loan and have acquired 5.5 more acres of land. Today, we are about to overflow the new sanctuary. That's right, when we started our construction project just two short years ago, our total membership was 874. Today, our church family totals 2.058.
How Is This Being Accomplished?
Through collective and individual prayers, tithes/offerings, fasting, God's continued blessings, and through a special $300.00 annual seed gift we committed to give in the form of building fund. Remember, prayer is the key to the kingdom, and faith unlocks the door. Fasting enhances our knowledge, enlightens our spiritual direction, and aids us in maintaining our spiritual focus. Obedience is a major factor and is demonstrated through the giving of our tithes, time, talents, and seed gifts. (Phil. 4:13 KJV)
Challenges of the New Millennium
Today, the needs of our congregation and the community are rapidly increasing. We must address these needs now. We need and must develop an early childhood educational program. Chronologically speaking, Mt. Moriah is a young church. Over the past 5 years, an average of 155 babies were born and/or adopted within our church family. We must provide an unequivocal educational program for our children in a clean, wholesome, and Christian environment. Long term plans must be in place that will address the future educational needs of our children (Prov. 22:6 KJV)
Our Seniors in the church and the community need and deserve a facility that is fully accessible to them. One where they can meet daily if desired and fellowship through prayer Bible study, crafts, and discussions. Their health and nutritional needs in a home like setting will much improve the quality of life for our cherished elders.
Our youth are one of our most precious resources. We must provide for their educational, social, and most importantly spiritual needs. Certainly we can offer mentors for our own children if we can do it for the children in the local schools. Recreational activities exclusively designed for those between the ages 8 to 18 are needed.
The Family makes up of our congregation and community has changed. There are more single parent homes today than ever before in history. The Church has to meet the needs of the single parent home.
When children's needs are not met in the home, church, and school, they will seek and find attention and acceptance through other avenues. While all children will not become brain surgeons or mathematicians it is our responsibility to teach our children how to build upon their God given strengths and provide them with opportunities to excel.
It is time for us to become more spiritually aggressive towards our Mission of Evangelism. Mt. Moriah, its time. It's time to develop a stronger community outreach ministry. We have for many years given food and other assistance to those in need, but very little has been done to lead these people to Christ. It's time to help the sick. We purchase medicine for the sick and hurting, but what about the sin sick and those dying In despair. It's time to get up and get out! We need to get up off the pews and out into the streets where we can share the good news of the gospel and proclaim that JESUS IS LORD. Hopefully, we will soon have in place, a weekly radio ministry. A television ministry will be developed and ready to air by spring of 2000. Finally, we want to establish a web site for Mt. Moriah. This tool will enable us to place weekly devotional files and inspirational messages for users nationally.
We can do all of these things and more because our Father is rich and He promises to provide for all our needs (Phil. 4:19 KJV)
"And Jesus answering saith unto them, have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, what things so ever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them." (Mark 11:22-24 KJV)
This is the promise of God.
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