God is calling us to triple the scope of our impact over the next decade so we can reach and serve thousands of people who need to know and grow in Christ.  As I considered the implications of this calling, the task seemed overwhelming.  But as I prayed, it became clear to me that God does not intend things to be easier.  Instead, He wants us to be better; to grow to be more like Christ. 

In the fall of 2007, we embarked on an 8-week series where we studied the life of David.  We learned how David grew a bigger heart in areas of love, faith, adversity and worship, and we were challenged as individuals to grow our hearts in the same way.  In November, we came to 1 Chronicles 29, where King David gave generously, gladly, sacrificially toward building the Temple.  At that point, I asked our church to sacrificially invest their treasures into three new worship centers where people would encounter God and have their lives changed forever.

Thank God!  More than 650 households took the challenge and pledged to give sacrificially so we could make room for the miracles that would eventually change the spiritual climate of Central Oregon.  Together, we pledged more than $11,000,000!  A campaign that could have torn our church in two, brought our church together.

I'm sure there are more challenges ahead of us.  Thousands of lives are going to be touched for Christ, and Satan doesn't let go of his prisoners without a fight.  Our faith will be tested, but I believe we will pass the test.