What a faith-journey it's been securing the Reston Town Center movie theater [pictured above] for our new church location starting March 18. Unlike the Regal chain, which is highly supportive of hosting churches, this particular company was reluctant to open its doors to us... especially in such a high-profile location.
We've been prayer-walking Reston Town Center every Sunday night, climaxing with the highest attended prayer gathering we've ever had this past Sunday. And God provided a real person-of-peace named Debbie at the company in Boston, who fought hard to convince her colleagues on our behalf. They were holding out for double the price of the rent we've paid in any of our previous 3 locations, which was simply prohibitive for us. But by God's amazing grace and provision, we got the go-ahead today for our proposal.
I never spoke of the uncertainty of this venue until now because I wanted my mouth to confess the faith in my heart. And I believe God responded directly to our faith and our prayers. I am so proud of our people who never let me speak doubtfully about our situation. I believe that praying with doubt is one of the greatest dream-crushers, and the only way to overcome our doubt is to never let it come out of our lips... but to plan and talk and keep acting as though God's promises are secure. We're a living testament.
Are you dealing with Debbie from NA? I recently dealt with her for a special showing that my church hosted of The Nativity Story. She is a great person...I really enjoyed working with her.
Posted by: Deneen | January 16, 2007 at 06:14 PM
Absolutely... she's such a terrific lady.
Posted by: Ben | January 16, 2007 at 06:18 PM
BEN,
Your faith amazes me and your insights on this blog always grab my attention. Thanks for being a leader willing to take risks for the Kingdom of God. As a 21 year old working in the church, I so often see how little faith leaders have and how they like to play it safe. Best of luck with the one hundred campaign!It looks like your new church home is going to be awesome!
Posted by: Justin Browning | January 17, 2007 at 12:04 PM
Ben, That's awesome! This will be a great venue for you guys... I really believe this is a God thing for your church... and I love what God does when we step out in faith. John Wimber used to say that we should tell those faith stories over and over and over again... it really helps build the faith in our people too...
Congrats!!!
Posted by: Robert Pooley | January 17, 2007 at 07:15 PM
Ben,
God rocks! This is encouraging for me because we have run into the same situation in Morgantown, where Wallace Theaters has a corporate policy prohibiting rentals to outside groups. We need to follow your lead and exercise our faith and pray hard. Thanks for being an example to a couple of rookies in Morgantown.
Posted by: Russell Knight | January 18, 2007 at 02:16 PM