I thought I'd tell you all that as of probably the middle of December or so I'll be an assistant manager at the Beloit, WI Wal-Mart Supercenter. Why is this important? Here's why...

At the moment I live about an hour from the church I pastor. That has always been a problem, more for me than anyone else. The church is about 20 minutes from the Beloit Supercenter.

If the LORD is gracious we will be living on the church field or very near it in the near future. This is answered prayer! I'm very excited!

Also, we the LORD continues to bless our church and our plans, we will erect the first building for the church next year. My goal, and I pray that the LORD will bless me in this area too, is to be pastor of this church for at least 20 years. I want to plant deep roots. We have one year in thus far and it has been a blessing!

Can you tell? I'm feeling pretty good this evening!

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Ivan Schoen, Pastor * Maranatha Baptist Church * Poplar Grove, Illinois USA www.maranatha-sbc.org/
"Mankind is divided into two sorts: such as live according to man, and such as live according to God. These we call the two cities...The Heavenly City outshines Rome. There, instead of victory, is truth" — Augustine of Hippo

Praise the Lord! And may you continue to know His blessing and success in the work of the kingdom.

Also, just wondering... when do you see the need to be bi-vocational ending?

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~James Helbert~, Wytheville, VA
Providence Reformed Presbyterian Church, RPCUS
TheBibleAlone.com / The Edinburgh Inn
"Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?” - Zechariah 3:2

That is just awesome Ivan.

(Mat 9:36) But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

(Mat 9:37) Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

(Mat 9:38) Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

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(Norseman Moderator)

R. Martin Snyder
1689er
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"Our object should not be to have scripture on our side but to be on the side of scripture; and however dear any sentiment may have become by being long entertained, so soon as it is seen to be contrary to the Bible, we must be prepared to abandon it without hesitation."
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Well Ivan, I'm feeling pretty good this morning after reading this. This is indeed an answer to prayers, not only that your church would thrive but that you would move closer to my path to and from Rockford. I see more fellowship in the future. God bless you today brother. Good news.

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Bob Vigneault (Bawb Vēēn-yo)
I just know there's got to be a pony in here somewhere!

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Andrew Myers
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"Let your Morning Thoughts, and your last Evening Thoughts, be what shall become of you to all Eternity." -- Matthew Poole

Could you provide more details about your possible new building? How are you paying for it? Do you feel it is more important to have a church building before a full-time pastor? I have had conversations with Rev Ruddell about this. I can see both sides.

BTW...Good for you Ivan, may the Lord give you the desires of your heart!

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Great news brother Ivan!

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1689 Baptist Confession

Psa 55:16 As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.
Psa 55:17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
James Farley, Wilderness Road Baptist Assembly.
Husband of Melissa and father of Ann.
www.wildernessroadbaptist.org

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Josh Hicks, Chloë's Daddy
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When we are talking about a building we are talking modest. There are many details to work out, but we are talking about a building that will probably seat about 100 in worship with a kitchen, restrooms, an office, and a few classrooms. Modest!! I think it will be a place that the Puritans would be comfortable in!

We already own the property (six acres), which is very valuable property. We will use a number of people who are relatives of the church, local people who are willing to help us, and a great number of volunteers who will come from many parts of the country to put this building up. We have a building fund right now that will pay for almost a 1/3 of the bill...and that will continue to grow as we move closer to the date of construction. I know we will be able to raise a decent amount that will cover more of the expenses. The rest will be covered by a loan.

It will not be easy. We will need to walk by faith.

The church will be able to afford a building (at least this one) before they will be able to afford a full-time pastor. We are growing but there is a limitation to that growth considering where we worship now. A new building will help us grow. It will be a tool that can be used. It will be the place where Maranatha Church meets. We don't have that tool or identity in the community now.

Besides, I need an office to put my books in!!

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Ivan Schoen, Pastor * Maranatha Baptist Church * Poplar Grove, Illinois USA www.maranatha-sbc.org/
"Mankind is divided into two sorts: such as live according to man, and such as live according to God. These we call the two cities...The Heavenly City outshines Rome. There, instead of victory, is truth" — Augustine of Hippo

I see more fellowship, too. brother! Things should be settling down for me a bit by January.

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Ivan Schoen, Pastor * Maranatha Baptist Church * Poplar Grove, Illinois USA www.maranatha-sbc.org/
"Mankind is divided into two sorts: such as live according to man, and such as live according to God. These we call the two cities...The Heavenly City outshines Rome. There, instead of victory, is truth" — Augustine of Hippo

One of the first passages that I preached from at Maranatha. I think there were about six or seven in the congregation that day. Since than the LORD has sent a number of labourers and their numbers is increasing.

From five in August 2006 to thirty in August 2007. Slow and steady. To God Be the Glory!

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Ivan Schoen, Pastor * Maranatha Baptist Church * Poplar Grove, Illinois USA www.maranatha-sbc.org/
"Mankind is divided into two sorts: such as live according to man, and such as live according to God. These we call the two cities...The Heavenly City outshines Rome. There, instead of victory, is truth" — Augustine of Hippo

This how my wife feels as well. And Rev Ruddell, if I remember correctly. I can totally see your point. Right now we meet in a Community Center for dirt cheap but we don't have that 'identity' that a permanant building brings. We also often have to clean up on Sunday mornings from some party on Sat night. I would love to have a church building.

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Praises to Him for His mercies!

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-JD
1Thess5:21
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Serving in the SBC
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