Ernest Smith

Update:

This past week, God showed yet another form of his faithfulness to us on this journey. We are unbelievably humbled at the favor He has decided to bestow on us. Below are some of the highlights of the week.

-On Tuesday and Wednesday, we invited 10 churches and organizations from around the US to participate in a conversation that we hoped would lead to partnerships that would help us effectively plant a new church in Castle Rock, CO. We had a great time with these visionary leaders and we left those conversations very hopefully about the future of the Church. At the end of the day, we gained some great partnerships, but more important, we gained some great friendships with leaders who love Christ and His Church.

-On Thursday, we had our very first informational meeting. We did not advertise it to the public, but rather just to the people of Southeast Christian Church. (www.sechristian.org) I have mentioned Southeast in some of my previous posts and they have been a great resource for us and a very strategic partner in this plant. They want to be an effective church planting church in the Denver area and we are the first church plant they have heavily supported. We had a total of 32 people at the meeting and many of them were extremely excited about what God was starting.

-As if the week wasn’t packed enough, on Saturday I headed to San Jose, CA for a quick, 30 hour, trip that involved me speaking at South Bay Church. (www.southbaychurch.org) It was a great opportunity to see what a thriving church plant looks like after four years. I was so blessed to spend time with Pastor Andy’s staff and volunteers, although it was only for a few hours.

Please be in prayer for the following…

-We are so still close to finalizing the name. I would say there is a 92% chance we will have it finalized next week.

-Our family will be traveling back to Charleston this week for a few days as I am speaking at two retreats. This will be a fun trip, but it could be emotionally tough as well. Please pray for a great time and that God would speak through me while at these retreats.

-Our house still has not sold, please pray for us and 3 other families who either need to sell or rent out their homes.

-The other individuals and families as they make their way to Denver. We have more plant team members moving out here over the next few months, so please pray for jobs, places to live and quick acclimation.

Thank you for your love and support. We are so thankful for each of you.