Answering God's Call 101

[John]

I don't say it to toot my own horn, but I think I can claim success with Lesson 101.

In 2010, when I committed to putting everything I have into answering God's invitation to me to start (the original) Peaceful Assembly Church, I had no idea how long the road would be or how to walk it, but it seemed very clear to me that God was writing on my heart that if I wanted to accept His invitation that it would simply require putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward.

To the best of my ability, I've done what I said I would do.
I've put everything I have into the mission; "To foster Peace as prescribed by God."

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Having maxed out all I could while relentlessly working as the unpaid pastor and unpaid sexton for a full 5 1/2 years, I made a $30 withdrawal from my only remaining bank account on Thursday afternoon, Nov. 19, 2015.

Remaining balance = $1:01.

I'm graduating in 2015!
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Now I just hang by a thread and wait for my first early-retirement check.  ;*

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I have decided to continue my work here as the pastor and the sexton - in Graton Center.
Collecting my pension early will substantially reduces the amount I'll receive, but it will be enough to live on while continuing on to keep answering God's calling.

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I look forward to buying some propane, when my first check arrives. I miss the creature comfort of hot running water which I've gone without since all of the propane I had been buying ran out - months ago.

The second check will go into having the furnace serviced and buying some heating oil.
I look forward to making this place a bit more comfortable for myself and others.

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A Revival Is At Hand
A Revival Is At Hand
A Revival Is At Hand


We are going back to having Sunday Service every week.
We will begin have daily prayer times available.
The pastor's "Peaceful Pantry" will be better promoted.
We will try out a daily video message.
All of the free services which I've provided to others as pastor shall continue - and the efforts will be redoubled.

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We've got some difficult days ahead, so I ask all of you to pray that God Almighty blow his most powerful and cleansing winds over our souls, and to reignite His Spirit in us all.

I've been praying - a lot - to Almighty God to fill me up, and to let every lesson I've ever learned be applicable to answering His calling.

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In Peace and Revival,
John

[MaineShark]

I had no idea how long the road would be or how to walk it, but it seemed very clear to me that God was writing on my heart that if I wanted to accept His invitation that it would simply require putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward.

That's some real truth, right there, and it holds true whether one is religious or not, because the motivation can be changed without changing the truth of the rest of the statement.

When the journey is the reason - when the means are the ends - then all one needs to do in order to succeed is to walk the path.  Success isn't a destination.  Each step forward on the path is success.

[Tom Sawyer]

Come on John $1.01 with the right investment strategy...

Sorry, not to make light of your financial situation. However, there is some truth to my silliness.

One of the successful activities that I remember is the spaghetti dinner at the church.

My point being take whatever resources available and leverage more return out of them.

When we first fled the city for our new life here we had money we had saved from years of hardwork. It wasn't until we had used most of those funds that I was forced to be more creative and took the attitude of leveraging our money to get a larger return. Video gear was purchased and put to work, computers etc. In hind sight I wish I had taken that attitude earlier.

Good luck, wish I was able to offer my help, weren't pretty hard up now ourselves, I've been sick for a month and not bringing much in. Just started spending on medical expenses... oh boy this is going to be fun.

Put that building and the surrounding community to a useful purpose. Many times people are just waiting for someone to lead... What would Russell do? (I'm claiming that phrase, please give credit when using it  )

[John]

Thanks.
I'll keep you guys in my prayers.
Peace <3