Yep, that’s right. The Oldham’s are once again in the midst
of a move. This will be the fourth time in less than four
years! Our moves have ranged from everything from the
unknown, to despair, to hope. But I would have to say that
this is the greatest move I have ever been a part of. This
move means more than a change in location. It means more
than a new job, a new place to live, and new neighbors to
meet. This move is all about the Gospel.
More than ever before, the vision that God has given us is
clear. We know exactly what God is calling us to do and that
is precisely why we are moving. See, there is this principle
in missions that is well understood by foreign missionaries.
It is called indigenous church planting. It means that people
that live in and are a part of a community have a much
greater possibility of reaching that community that those
who are considered “outsiders.”
If we truly want to reach the city of St. Louis with the
Gospel, we have to be a part of the city of St. Louis. We
have to live there, eat there, shop there, and have
community there. Pray for us as we make this transition.
And pray for our furniture as it is going to need divine
intervention to be usable after this many moves!
Allie Grace in on her way!
There are a few rare moments in life that steal your breath away and leave you in awe at the majesty and mystery of God. I had one of those moments a few weeks ago. As we were lying in bed about to go to sleep, Heather placed my hand on her belly and within a few moments I felt Allie kick! You hear about this happening, you see it on movies and ABC afterschool specials; it is one of those “facts of life” that just happen. But in that moment, I felt as though my heart stopped. I was literally speechless because I had no language to describe the wonder that I was feeling. All I could do was laugh. None of us really knows what is going on in the minds of babies in the womb.
Scripture tells us that John leapt in his mother’s womb when Mary came near Elizabeth. What’s up with that? Every night, whether I place my hand on Heather’s belly or not, I pray for our little girl. I ask God to watch over His handiwork. I also ask Jesus to call Allie at a young age, to allow her to be a young woman that fears the Lord and loves and lives the Gospel. I’m going to be a first-time father. And I know that I have so much to learn...but one thing I know for sure...Allie Grace Oldham is on her way...you better get ready world!
Preview Service
On May 31st we hosted the first preview service of August
Gate. What is a preview service you might ask? It is an
opportunity for people to get a feel for what weekly worship
will look like at August Gate. Every church is distinct in
style, methodology and community. Our preview services
are a chance for those we meet and share the vision with to
come see what we are talking about.
It is also an opportunity for us to work out the kinks in what
we are doing. For some on our launch team, working with a
church plant is a brand new idea. Serving in a church plant
is much different than serving at an existing church. I was
incredibly encouraged to see our whole crew stepping up to
help set up, tear down, welcome people and participate in
worship.
We had about 60 people attend. A few were family who
came from Illinois to support us (thanks!). Several were our
launch team. But we had a few people that we had either
met once or had just connected with through the internet or
on the street who came to check things out.
If you would like to check out the audio for the preview
service or any of our launch team meetings...just go to
http://www.augustgate.com/.
Prayer...
There are several things that you can be praying about.
1. Location
2. Walk-a-thon
3. Fund-raising
4. Networking
Many of you have been praying for a few months about our
location situation. We were graciously given the opportunity to use a building that is owned by another church for our preview service. We have been praying for a long while and are still
praying about our relationship with this specific church. At this time, things do not look possible for us to partner with them under their terms and still be able to fulfill the vision God has
given for August Gate as a new church plant reaching the city of St. Louis.
But God has not left us without options. We have met with the
local Lutheran church and we will find out this week if they will
allow us to rent the use of their fellowship hall on a weekly
basis. Things look very good so please help us pray it through.
Over the next few months, we have three goals as a launch
team. First, we need to grow together as a more cohesive unit
and in number. Next, we want to let as many people in our
area of St. Louis know about the mission and vision of August
Gate. Thirdly, we want to build a good name in our
communities. Due to the creativity of a couple people on our
launch team we are planning a Walk-a-thon for September
12th to be held in Soulard to help accomplish all of these
goals. The event will raise money for both August Gate as well
as the Children’s Miracle Network who gives funds to both of
the children’s hospitals in St. Louis. Please pray for this event
and for Heather as she will be one of the two people spearheading
the operation.
Please be in prayer about our fund-raising efforts. We still
have several needs that need to be met. Check out the fundraising
section for more details.
Finally, a huge area for needed prayer is that of networking.
Those of you who have been involved in church leadership
know the struggle that church politics can be. Our prayer is
this: that God would lead us to the group or groups that will
help us in the areas of financial support, emotional support,
vision, mission, and resources. I have so many conversations
and meetings set up over this issue that I am getting dizzy.
Pray for focus, clarity, and divine guidance as we seek to
make partnerships with churches, networks, and associations
that God would have us join with.
Fund Raising...
As always, we want to start off by saying a big “thank
you” to all of you who have decided to give to August
Gate these next twelve months. God is using you to
take the Gospel to the city of St. Louis.
Several people have asked how they can help in
specific ways. Below is a list of specific items that we
will need in the next few months prior to our launch.
- Projector
- Serial Cable (150 ft)
- Rear Projection Screen and frame
- Cables for sound system
- Sound board and snake
- Carpets for stage area
- Carpets for children’s area
- Stands for speakers and backdrop
- Pipe and drape for backdrop
- Sheets for décor and connection table
- Lights
- Black extension cords
- Signage
- Promotional material
- Bibles
Because we will be renting space and will not have
our own building for storage we may also need the
following.
- Storage trailer
- Wheeled travel cases for equipment
We know this is a huge list and many of the items
are big items. Believe me, we know! An option is if
you or the churches you attend have any of these
items in good condition that they would be willing to
give away or sell at a discounted price.
If you aren’t an itemized person, good old fashioned
monthly support is still very welcomed.
All your gifts will be tax deductible. As God leads and
you decide to give please let us know by emailing
noah@augustgate.com.
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