the farm deal, freedom house, and mike blank

What a day.

This morning I spent a few hours helping Mike and Willi Blank move. Wow. it is an amazing feat to move a farm. I must say I am moved by what Mike built there at the old place. He has become quite a farmer. Even hearing his joy in his plants there, and feeling sad about leaving some of them behind mostly because he is running out of time, is amazing. He obviously found his calling.

My back is very sore from the fencing removal job I helped with- pulling fence out of the weeds, wrapping it up, and pulling the fence posts out.

This afternoon we toured the farm next door where Bob Foster wants us to consider buying form him. The farm lies across Centennial Road from us. 32.6 acres, a house and 3 or ... 6 sheds, I don't know. A 100 seat sanctuary building where the church meets, and and $800,000 price tag.

I sure would love to own it, but as of now I have not a clue (or a faith plan) on how to pay for it. I am asking God for one, however. We could do a lot with that property.

This evening we had an encouraging meeting about the Freedom House. We made a lot of progress, and agreed to meet weekly for the next 4 weeks, hopefully crafting a much better plan by the end of November and being ready to open much better organized by December. Our first need; an assistant leader. And a few more members on that weekly steering team.
We worked on identifying some things we need. A lot of things actually. The list is:

a. Sunday person to cover for Jake to have a full day off.

b. communications ; daily or at least frequent communications with the helping team (Peggy)

c. bible study organizer (Jerome)

d. potluck dinner organizer

e. board team; weekly meetings,

f. mentor for each man

g. assistant leader

h. counselor to meet with each one and build vision and a personalized plan.

i. A Graduation date.

j. privileges list

k: Induction process;

1. decision made by Marv/Jake/Julie

2. 48 hours grace period

3. meeting with Marv/Jake/Julie before approval

4. signed contract agreeing to written rules

5. personal growth plan

2. a house is needed; wayne and lorrie's place is the one we expect to use.
3. don't even re-open until there is a 2nd leader

All in all, a very excellent week after a tough start on Monday! Thank you Holy Spirit for leading forward in spite of... well, me. Hopefully many men will know you the way I do and better, and we will get to see life change and discipleship happen routinely.