Story of the Week    

On Saturday morning I went on a 10 mile jog with a friend.  He’s a younger guy my age and truly has a passion to see our community progress.  Due to the length of our jog I was able to share with him all about our endeavor.  We talked about church.  After awhile I said, “I feel like we’ve had church this morning just you and me as we’ve been jogging”.  He responded by quickly adding, “Ricky, I feel like I’ve been challenged and encouraged spiritually this morning – more so than I have in 10 years worth of church services.”   Moments like that remind me that God is truly orchestrating and building this church one person at a time.  It may happen over a long period of time, but isn’t that how the early church began?  I don’t want to dig a hole and insert a tree that has already been grown and make something man-made.  I’d rather plant a seed and let God let it grow. 

Wins to Celebrate 

 CAT | Claremore Area Triathletes

The word is getting out amongst some of my contacts.  Twice a week I swim with two doctors here in town.  They are both eager to see this group form.  One has volunteered to set up running times and help people learn the skills of running.  The other was a college swimmer and is also excited to set up clinics for people to learn how to swim.  They both are challenging me in my own swimming discipline.  We are going to begin reserving lanes in the morning at our rec center.  This past Tuesday night I began riding with people in our community for a weekly ride hosted by our very own bike shop – Bikeabout. 

Rogers State University

This past week I was able to talk to two key people within the admin department.  One is over the food services and the other is over student services.  They are both very supportive of us starting a new church and would love to see us meet on campus if we so choose.  We are looking at the possibility of holding team meetings within the student union building on campus for a minimal $25 weekly fee.

 Wood Manor Assisted Living

On Tuesday afternoon I spent time with my elderly friends.  I had a lengthy discussion with Harold and Frank about gambling and cigarettes.  They brought it up and wanted to know my opinion.  Nothing was ever mentioned of God – but I could tell they respected my thoughts.  I literally felt like I was leading a small group in their room – it doesn’t get any better than that. 

Upcoming Schedule  

Church Planter Assessment | April 18 | will be going through a one day long assessment with the district 

Guys Night Out  | April 19 | hanging with ½ dozen young guys for a UFC night 

Spring Fever Triathlon | April 20 | Local triathlon in our community in which Amy will race & I’ll volunteer

Church Planter Boot Camp | May 12-16 | will be spending an entire week learning the how to’s of a new church 

Church Planter’s Round Table | May 19-20 | church planters in OKC to learn from

 OKC Memorial ½ Marathon | May 27|  going with two unchurched guys from Claremore

Prayer

Meeting with Amanda Walker (student services)This coming Tuesday morning I will be meeting with her to discuss the possibility of holding our core meetings in the student union center or just the possibility of leading a small group on campus.  

 Meeting with Lindell Warren (OK missions director) Monday morning Amy and I will be headed to OKC to meet with the district to discuss in more detail our endeavor to start a new church in claremore.  We need favor and blessing as we want to do this the right way.  We believe in the long-run it will only help build credibility and trust.  Several churches have attempted to start in the past few years with failure due to no accountability within a denomination. 

Leadership Core

This past week I have somewhat changed in my thinking.  I really feel instead of building a launch team – we will begin building a leadership core.  Hopefully this will grow one by one over time and eventually grow the church.  We have continued to soak names in prayer and will begin asking our friends to join us in our efforts to see God begin a new thing in our community.  We are waiting patiently for the district’s blessing.   

Partnerships

God has already been speaking to hearts about supporting this cause.  What God orchestrates – he provides.  So far this endeavor has cost us personally over $1000 – mostly in boot camp fees and resources.  We know God has called us to sacrifice long before anyone else and will continue to chip away. 

 Family

Over the past several weeks I’ve been doing way too much.  I received an email from a close friend bringing this to my attention, as well as just sensing in myself.  A few nights ago I woke up in the middle of the night after having a dream in which I was doing all these “good things”.  A figure in the shape of an angel was encouraging me and then all of a sudden turned into a demonic figure.  It told me, “I am coming after your focus, I want your focus”.   

I knew immediately that I’ve been attempting to build this church.  God reminded me that he’s not called me to build anything – he is the one that will do it.  He has simply called me love and serve people.  My focus was way off lately and I was beginning to get bogged down in the details of things other than people.  My focus will not be side-tracked and I will continue to build relationships all over this community! 

Friends & Neighbors

Our neighbor Jim declined to go to an Easter service with us, but agreed to go out after for lunch.  He loved it and got to meet some of our core leaders.  He doubts God and my heart longs for him to know Christ personally. 

The list is growing to around 100 people that I’m praying for that need Christ in this community.  Do you know of anyone?   

Thursday we will be having dinner with a young couple that currently doesn’t attend church anywhere.  They used to attend a church in town – but no longer.  She just so happens to cut Camden’s hair and we’ve been able to build a relationship with her over time. 

Answered Prayer

Claremore Assembly had a board meeting this week and from what we’ve heard there was nothing but support and approval.  Thank God for an incredible partnership with Pastor Dave and his leadership.

Continued favor with CAT

I was able to run into the young man I wrote about in the past who left the church over a ball cap.  He has been avoiding me.  He told me, “I’m not the same guy anymore – I’m not into church.”  I told him neither was I.  I also expressed to him that I would not judge, condemn, or attempt to convert him.  I just wanted him to give me a second chance and be my friend.  He agreed 100% and I can’t wait to see where this goes. 

Blog

At anytime, please feel free to read entries.  I attempt to write something daily.  This truly allows you to get in my head and know what makes my heart beat.   www.rickyvanpay.wordpress.com 

Thank You

A special thanks this week to Steve Pike, national church planting director for the A/G, for spending over an hour and a half with me on the phone.  His words of encouragement and advice were more timely than he’ll ever know.  Thanks Steve for believing in us and challenging us to be chaordic!

 Until we begin meeting weekly with a team of people to serve the forgotten people of Claremore, this is the most important piece of communication.  I am so thankful that God continues to pave the way and gives me favor each Tues/Thurs I step out the door.  I feel like a missionary!  I’m eager to begin meeting with others to do this together like it’s meant to be. 

Thanks for your time.  I would love any suggestions or feedback in these endeavors.