Covenant Church

It was 1982 and Covenant was finishing a building program. The mortgage would increase by 250%. To me the sum total of financial monthly commitment was astronomical.

I was humbly bowed before the Lord in prayer seeking answers. None came. Well, at least I thought no answer came.

I arose from prayer with a decision that since I did not know what to do I would simply ask the good people of Covenant Church to increase their giving to missions. The response was generous.

Before the first mortgage payment was due a parishioner called to say: “Pastor, I have good news. My mother has given me an inheritance. I will be tithing Sunday.”

The single tithe of that parishioner was the amount of the first mortgage payment. We rejoiced.

Not long after that Phyllys, my sister, and Wayne, her husband, shared with us the need for a new church building in the Dominican Republic where they were serving as missionaries. The need: $20,000, which would have been about 20% of the annual budget for the church.

We committed. The time: Six weeks! It seemed impossible. Every class, every group, every church service was committed to prayer and giving—even the nursery.

The day to count up the separate and united efforts came. The count seemed to be about $16,000. We were not disappointed, yet we were short of the goal. The Finance Committee in verification, and with some added gifts, were surprised to total the sum of $21,000! About two weeks later the total passed $26,000!

That was a very significant moment in the growth and development of Covenant Church. We had learned in our time of need to care about others. We had learned that working together we could accomplish incredible goals.

As we cared for distant places the Lord began to add to us people from distant places. He also began to add to our congregation persons of different cultures from within our own community. We did not focus on differences. We focused on things common like our love for Jesus, His Church, and caring for others and sharing our faith.

As time passed the Lord graciously brought to us missionaries from countries around the world. Fresh stories from distant lands filled our heads with wonder, even as our hearts were filled with burden. A missionary in the pulpit at Covenant Church came to be the norm, except that it was not normal. The thrill of having a missionary ignited within our bosom an ever greater desire to do more to care to fulfill the Great Commission.

In 1997 Covenant began an Annual Mission Banquet. While we have numerous significant outreach events each year, the Mission Banquet is one of the premier highlights.

Missionaries this year will come from Benin, Africa; a gypsy pastor from Bulgaria; an overseer from Mongolia; two educational leaders from Peru; a pastor from Jamaica; a missionary to the Congo, etc.

Special purposes include: Refreshing missionaries, educating and informing guests of special missionary works, welcoming visiting pastors who have a mission heart, and projecting and committing to designated strategic projects.

Two banquets will be held with one on Friday night March 2, and one on Saturday night March 3. Seating will be about 350 each night (450 can be seated). Children will meet separately.

Food will be provided by parishioners. Persons are encouraged to provide foods according to their native origin and to wear clothes characteristic of their native culture. It is an event of high drama, colorful, exquisite food, and with dynamic speakers.

I write to invite you to be with us. Make your plans. You can email or phone (434-973-5536).

I hope you will.

Pastor Bare

Romans 10:14-15