GOD OFTEN BRINGS THINGS TO AN END BEFORE HE BEGINS ANEW!

It is obvious that each person who has experienced this loss will continue to worship God from their hearts.

During this process, God will guide the church including the whole local faith community to either help renew the work that He began long ago or guide the members into another local church where they will find meaningful expressions for their faith.

Acts 20:20 NIV – "You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house." The Apostle Paul, architect of New Testament Christianity.

Nehemiah 1:1 – 2:1-9, 11-18”- Nehemiah had a vision to build what he heard was broken in Jerusalem. He left his position in the king’s court to see the devastation first hand. His faith in God was greater than the devastation he saw. God’s people were scattered, much like they are today, no longer behind the protecting walls of the city. Nehemiah’s vision to build was God-given because as he stepped out in faith, God met him with many types of provision. His hope was to gather God’s people together again so they would live in a way that reflected God's true character.

Often, scripture has a dual purpose as Christian’s live on two planes, the physical/earthly and the spiritual/heavenly. In God’s program both are important. Just as Nehemiah sought to restore the physical walls of Jerusalem, the Apostle Paul worked his whole life building a spiritual building made up of living stones.

Of course in our day it is necessary to restore what has been lost in America. In a sense America has been spiritually broken down and burned with fire. May the God of Heaven revive his church yet once again!!

Suggested steps of action for Avon Community Church:

1) Remember to continue to pray. God's constant help and guidance is needed.

2) Meet in houses to worship at the present time. (Gal. 16:3-5, I Cor. 16:19b, Col.4:15 & Philemon 2)

3) It is not necessary to make a quick decision to rebuild or not to rebuild, quick decisions lead to mistakes.

4) Make plans for clean up and utilize the generous offers of those who have expressed a desire to help.

5) The final decision to rebuild and to remain a light for Christ in the community and the world should take into account the COMMUNITY OF FAITH according to the words of Rev. J.W. Zimmerman, a past long term faithful pastor of Avon Community Church.

6) There are those including several media outlets, local church congregations and individuals who have expressed concern and the will to help and support in various ways. This can be beneficial to the cause of Christ regardless if the final decision is to rebuild or not. The key question here is what does God want? God’s will is to bring people together. Unity builds an authority structure that Satan cannot penetrate. When Christians are divided doing their own thing, Satan is able to block the true message of the Gospel. When Christians work together to fulfill God’s purposes for their local areas God pours out his blessings. Men, women and children are transformed from the kingdom of darkness in to the kingdom of light. Even those whom the world believes that there is no hope for are changed by transforming power of the gospel of Christ.

May God make his will known and bless the entire surrounding community with the proclaimation of the message of Christ as God's perfect will is sought in this matter.