Posted in Church Life

It has been some time since I shared an update on our church situation.  I know that several of you have been praying faithfully for us as we have sought the Lord's direction in the matter of finding a church home.  Family integrated Reformed churches are rather hard to come by in New England (churches that teach any kind of Biblical truth at all are few and far between), and it has been a long, hard, lonely year for us.  We ended up in the not-so-ideal position of worshipping at home most Sundays and visiting several churches which were long distances from our home.  This proved very isolating and I found myself becoming extremely discouraged.  And yet, God still showed Himself faithful and He kept alive the vision in our hearts of seeing a good, solid Reformed church established in our area. 

In answer to some fervent prayer and diligent inquiries, about eight months ago we began a monthly Bible study in our home with the view that it will eventually become an established church.  This study is being taught and led by a very dear pastor friend of ours.  He and his wife sacrificially make the 2 1/2 hour trip to our home each month, leading a group of about 8 families in prayer, worship, singing, and wonderful teaching from the Word of God.  It has been a tremendous blessing and encouragement.  I have hesitated sharing about this here because for some time I was in awe of the work the Lord has been doing right before my eyes.  I am a bit wary of becoming too hopeful.  And yet, He is still doing some amazing things in and through the little group of brothers and sisters who gather once a month in our home.  What started as a vision in my husband's heart grew into three families willing to meet regularly around the Scriptures, and has continued to grow each month since then.  (To get an idea of the kind of solid, Biblical teaching we are privileged to receive each month, check out Pastor Curt's blog.)  In addition to this, we are also visiting the church he pastors, though we only manage the 2 1/2 hour trip every five or six weeks.

About a month ago, my husband also came to the realization that we really needed the stability of regular church attendance, long drive to the nearest reformed church notwithstanding.  And so, we are now making the weekly hour-long (one way) drive to attend a small Orthodox Presbyterian Church pastored by a sweet elderly gentleman.  Many of our closest friends (and Bible study attendees) are also making the trip each week.  Though the long drive is not ideal, it is good to worship regularly with other Believers each week.  It is a sacrifice, but a worthwhile one, at least for now.

Thank you for your continued prayers for us.  It has been a long, hard journey, but God has been so good to us.  We have seen Him do some exciting things in our family.  My husband and I are still learning so many wonderful things about God and His Word, and He is growing and stretching us in so many ways.  It will be interesting to see what He has waiting for us next on this journey.