Hello. It’s my hope that you are doing well and enjoying Jesus. There is a lot going on at Mystery right now. Christ is moving in exciting ways. Lives are being changed, a city is being transformed and God is being glorified. We have seen new life in the form of new children, re-born individuals and new membership. Christ has been faithfully maturing us and bringing us new missional people and changing and lives. It’s simply amazing to be part of what Jesus is doing here with this rag-tag church in Joplin, MO.
I write this letter to share some of the excitement, but also to ask for your help. We are entering into a time of transition and are calling upon our friends, family and regular supporters to assist us by praying for and considering giving to a sizable step of faith God is clearly moving us to take.
Currently Mystery meets in an historic church in Webb City, just north of Joplin. We have been here by God’s grace for a year and half. We have been informed however that our lease will not be renewed come 2009. As much as we enjoy our current facility we feel very strongly that Jesus is moving us to the next phase as a church. We are actually quite excited about this opportunity and believe it will grow us in faith and size to settle into a place that can be more “ours”. This will allow us to express more of who we are creatively, stretch us spiritually and ultimately allow for greater missional opportunities in the heart of our city.As we look for space closer into Joplin we are finding that church needs are unique and definitely not cheap. By all our estimates our monthly facility expenses will increase by four times our current level. We are not thinking extravagant by any means, rather we are moving into more realistic (normal) financial responsibilities as a church. Currently we have it very easy in terms of facility and day-to-day expenses.
Based on our estimates we will need a minimum of $60,000.00 to move into and make a facility usable as a church. Why so much? Well, churches, with all their needs (classrooms, a large meeting area, etc) also have some unique requirements from the city. A major expense to allow a growing congregation to gather all together is that the facility will require a sprinkler system and possibly additional code required upgrades. Currently we also use many items that belong to the church we use and will no longer have access to these items, things like nursery and children’s furniture, sound equipment and, for most of the locations, seating. And chairs I’ve learned cost a decent amount.
Again we are excited and a little anxious, but fully confident we are being lead clearly in this direction. That said we have entered into a rather ambitious step of faith. Mystery is trying, by God’s grace and your help, to raise $60,000.00 in 60 days beginning Nov.1st and ending Dec 31st. We feel this is a realistic amount for what we would need to move and make a building a church and home for Mystery. I have honestly tried to limit Jesus on this and have experienced his continued presence leading us to pursue this enormous step of faith so that he can show us, and our city, that he is indeed a good, loving and providing Lord. Would you please prayerfully consider contributing any and everything to our 60in60 endeavor? We have no flashy campaign, no color drawings or fancy mailers, we simply have an idea we know is from God and friends and supporters who we are asking to walk with us on an extremely exciting journey. We are anxious to share with you in joyous celebration the fact that God is truly amazing and good. Any amount helps. Every gift counts. Whether a one time sum now or increased monthly giving every gift counts.
We need to move quickly in terms of a facility. Allowing for build out, changes and code requirements we have a lot to do before the end of the year. Last year January and February where big growth months for us as a church, and we are hoping to capitalize on this and create momentum going into a new year.
We realize this seems over ambitious, even impossible, especially in our economic climate. For me personally this is all the more affirmation that it is Jesus. We have been called brave, crazy and unrealistic, but I prefer faithful. Please pray, fill out the enclosed card and send any and all tax deductible donations to Mystery Church care of 60in60. (mark that on the check). You can also give through our paypal account. If you would like additional information please contact me at steev@mysterychurch.com or my cell is 417-483-4686. Thank you in advance for your prayers (we need lots) and for trusting God with all things. Jesus Christ is doing a great work in our city and we pray in yours also!
Your friend in need – Steev Inge Lead Pastor of a church called Mystery
Our verse through this time has been Psalm 31:19. We hope it moves you to trust his goodness in your life as well.