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As I drive past the new church property on Lovers Lane, excitement continues to grow in my heart as I think about the facility to be built that will change the earthly and eternal lives of thousands on the 86 acres God gave us. The building is not what I thought it would be, but I now see what God has willed for us to build first. As expected and in His usual way, God prepared us and provided a practical path that gives us what we need and gains Him glory.
In 2006, God gave Living Hope a new way of doing ministry. The church is now one church in two locations. Who would've thought that possible? It has happened because servants are stepping up. Some are serving at the WKU Knicely Center and new and longtime volunteers are making church meaningful at the Westen Avenue site. Though some have sought a different direction for their life, many have remained true to the church and her mission and that commitment has created a community of faith unlike any in South Central Kentucky.
Last October, the people of Living Hope gathered on the land God gave us to celebrate thirty years of His faithfulness. Thousands have been saved, mission work has been done, and love has been shared and still enjoyed today.
Phase One of the building will provide worship and educational space for over 2,200 people in two worship services. Until God sells our current facility, we can continue to worship, study Scripture, and serve each other in love at the Westen Avenue site, and just as with our current situation, those currently serving at Knicely and countless others can worship, study Scripture, and serve the church in love in the new facility.
We could have waited to build what we had originally planned, but we would have had to wait on the sale of our current facility. The elders, trustees, staff, and relocation teams did not believe that to be wise or God's will. We all believe what is best is to move forward and utilize the $7.6 million pledged this spring and the strong borrowing power of the church to build all we can now. What that provides is a practical space that gives us something we don't have now - a recreational facility - and something we need now, more space for more people on Sunday.
Please continue to pray that we will honor God by seeking to be a community of faith, connecting with God and caring for the needs of the world.
With Hope,
Jason Pettus, Senior Pastor
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