Tree & Stones
The year 2020 marked a time of great difficulty. Out of the ashes of that season, the Lord led us to study the life of David, which guided us through 2022. This culminated with David’s vision to build the house for the Lord—a theme that came alive one unforgettable morning as we marched around the building and gathered twelve stones. Together, as one body, we sought the Lord for twelve foundational truths about our church—twelve stones upon which to build in the years to come.
Throughout 2023, we "laid" one stone each month, dedicating our focus to its unique meaning and call. Early that year, in a leadership meeting, the idea arose to receive a foundation offering modeled after King Hezekiah’s work in rebuilding the broken temple. We discussed beginning this in March and completing it by midsummer. Days later, Pastor Nick randomly opened his Bible to an obscure passage describing Hezekiah’s offering—an offering begun in the third month and finished in the seventh. Though it referred to the Hebrew calendar, the parallel to March through July was striking. More amazingly, it specifically used the phrase lay the foundation!
Throughout 2023, we "laid" one stone each month, dedicating our focus to its unique meaning and call. Early that year, in a leadership meeting, the idea arose to receive a foundation offering modeled after King Hezekiah’s work in rebuilding the broken temple. We discussed beginning this in March and completing it by midsummer. Days later, Pastor Nick randomly opened his Bible to an obscure passage describing Hezekiah’s offering—an offering begun in the third month and finished in the seventh. Though it referred to the Hebrew calendar, the parallel to March through July was striking. More amazingly, it specifically used the phrase lay the foundation!
Over those five months, this is exactly what happened. The Lord provided the full $60,000 by July, a remarkable testimony following one of the church’s most challenging seasons—both financially and numerically. These funds allowed for significant upgrades throughout the building, and the Foundation Tree was established as a lasting memorial to all who gave and prayed during this season of renewal.
Learn more about the Foundation Stones as well as the heart and vision of our community in the What is the Almond Branch series . . .
Learn more about the Foundation Stones as well as the heart and vision of our community in the What is the Almond Branch series . . .