What is the Arise and Build campaign?

“Arise and Build…Change the World” is the theme of our pledge campaign. We have expanded the theme to include our Construction and Relocation effort.

“Arise and Build” was the rallying cry of the people of Israel in Nehemiah chapter 2 after they had been told of the deplorable condition of the walls and the gates of Jerusalem. The Israelites no longer had a wall protecting the city, and this condition was a reflection on the people and their God. Nehemiah knew that something had to be done and he knew that it would require the support of all the people. He wanted a return to triumph and prosperity that had been a distinctive of the people of God.

“Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained.” (Proverbs 29:18).  Simply stated: when you don’t know where you are going, any road, including the one you are on, will take you there.  A vision is an inspiring picture of our mission being accomplished in the future as it can be and must be.  As a church, we are guided by our vision to become a “Spiritual Oasis for a Thirsty World,” while our overarching goal is to change the world.  We are becoming a World Changing Church!

As we stand on the threshold of exciting new ministry opportunities and ponder the significance of nearly two decades of ministry, we cannot help but look with awe at what God has done in our midst.  Similarly, when the situation looked bleak because the walls in Jerusalem had been broken down and gates had been burned, God summoned the man, Nehemiah to address an almost impossible situation.  Nehemiah prayed and said to the people of Israel, “… The God of heaven will give us success; therefore we His servants will arise and build…”  We have adopted Nehemiah’s call to God’s people, and issued our own rallying cry… Let Us Arise and Build and become World Changers!

The leadership team has committed to a walk of faith as we embark on this building project.  In other words, we believe that where God guides, God provides.  As you pray about how you might be involved in this effort, please consider the following: If each family in the church makes a sacrifice, then no family would be disadvantaged, and we would more than exceed our financial goals. The emphasis is not on equal giving but equal sacrifice.