Monday, January 26, 2009

The most unchurched state in the country.

Washington state, Maine maybe?

Try again.

Utah. (Brad Olson, State of the Church Report)

Yes, Utah.

That is why we are called by God to go there. We wondered why God was calling us away, and now we know. Check out a few of these stats and see if your heart is wrecked as well:

  • Utah was the fastest growing state in the country last year.
  • But is the MOST UN-CHURCHED in the country! You read it right.
  • In Ohio 20%+ attend church on a given weekend.
  • In Utah it is 2-3%, making it dead last. The next level up is Nevada at 9%!
  • There is a town that borders Salt Lake of 40,000 that has NEVER in the history of America had an evangelical church. Ever. Never. Nada. Zip. Are you freaking kidding me?
  • In this area of 2.1 million people (Wasatch Front) we counted 5 churches (excluding LDS). We pass 6 churches in our town of 2,800 in a 3 block area!
  • Don't you hear all the buzz about this fastest growing state that has few church planters heading there? Probably not. It's the last place on earth that we ever thought we would go!
Our hearts were broken. And we are answering the call despite the odds and challenges. If it is not hard and a challenge, we don't want it. Here we are Lord...send us!

How about YOU? What is God asking you to do that you think is crazy? (Genesis 22)

pic: http://flickr.com/photos/maggiekedves/2957468834/

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posted by chazzdaddy @ Monday, January 26, 2009 Links to this post

what a weekend!

What a weekend we experienced at New Hope! Tiffany and I want to thank you for the massive outpouring of support and encouragement you showered on us!

I am also excited that some of you caught the vision as well and will be supporting us with:

*Prayer
*Monthly Support
*Seed Offering Next Month

We are also humbled and overwhelmed that we had other couples express their interest in learning more about joining the team in the work that will take place in Salt Lake City in the near future and moving out with us to help start this new network of churches.

I told you that GOD WOULD LET YOU KNOW if that calling was for you. Now take your time and pray and seek the Lord for confirmation.

Look for more info on all of the ways you can be a part of reaching people in the most un-churched state in the country in the near future.

Thanks again for your PRAYERS, support and love that was showered on us this past weekend. What a great time of corporate gathering for all of us. We needed that badly.

If you missed last weekend's service, the New Hope team will be making the DVD's and CD's available for you next weekend.

love you all.

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posted by chazzdaddy @ Monday, January 26, 2009 Links to this post