Grace North Tent Down...Grace North Church Stands!

I am priviledged to serve as a pastor at Grace North Church in Phoenix, Arizona.  We have been meeting in a tent since April 25th, 2010, while our new facility is being built.  On Tuesday, August 24th our tent collapsed due to a powerful monsoon/storm that swept through the area.  The collapse of the tent destroyed everything inside of our tent, including televions, speakers, sound equipment and chairs.  Four of our pastors, including my husband Scott, were in the tent when the wind swept through, causing the tent to fall on top of them.  By the mercy and protection of the Lord, Scott and the other pastors are safe and suffered no injuries. 

Outside of tent BEFORE

Inside of tent BEFORE

Outside of tent AFTER

Inside of tent AFTER

The occurance was a huge shock to our staff and church and has caused us to hear God quickly and move quickly!  We did not expect to end our season of "tent days" in this manner.  Our new facility will be complete within 4-6 weeks, so the immediate question is "Where do we go from here?"

I am sure you are familiar with the story of Moses and the responsibility that rested on his shoulders to lead the Israelites out of captivity into the Promised Land.  I can only imagine how often he cried out to God for wisdom, answers and directions.  The pressure on this man's shoulders to lead millions of grumblers was not an easy burden to bear. Well, Grace North is certainly NOT full of grumblers, however there is still a responsibility to lead in the midst of the storm!

My pastor, Marion Ingegneri, who is also my mother-in-love, said it well today: When the cloud moved, so did the people!  God did not give warnings to the Israelites.  The instruction of the Lord to them was to move when the cloud moved and to make camp when the cloud did not move. God has provided covering and shelter for us until our facility is complete.  We will congregate in the gymnasium connected to our church office complex with family style services. 

Grace North are a people moving forward!  We are not fearful, doubtful or anxious about our future.  A church is not walls, the people are the church.  So we, as a church, will obey and trust in this very interesting and adventurous season!

I love my church and I love my God!  I look forward to filling you in on the miracles to come.
Lydia