Pastor Thomas' Blog

To All:

As we neared the end of VBS – the question was posed: Where are we going to store all of this stuff?

I did not have an answer for that – so I went to thinking!

My executive assistant – Rebecca Smith – when on a mission to locate some storage places / numbers for me.

One place was too much!

One place did not have drive up accessibility!

One place was in line- 5 x 10 unit for $44 per month!

The next place was GREAT – the manager told me that she had been authorized to donate a unit to a 501(c)3 organization!

I told the manager that our church fit that definition! She asked if she could confirm with the other manager that the unit was still available and call me back the next day.  I said fine!

Well, the next day she called me back (before noon!) and stated the unit was ours! We do have to pay $8 per month for the insurance!

I needed a 5 x 10 unit – I received a 10 x 20 unit – PRAISE THE LORD!!

The going price for that size unit is $153 per month before applicable fees!

I was reminded of this: “You have not because you ask not!”

Well, this time I asked and I received MORE than I needed!

To God Be The Glory!!!!

Pastor Thomas

To All:

Things continue to move forward with the vision to operate a Christian Academy at our church!

On Monday, I submitted the plans for the one-way drive and filed for special use permit.

On Tuesday, the building safety department came out and we passed their portion of the special use permit.

Please continue to keep this ministry in your prayers!

Pastor Thomas

To All:

What a fantastic week we had last week with VBS.

There were a total of 97 registered children and an average of 128 folks on-site each night.

I want to say a big “THANK YOU” to everyone that helped make VBS what it was – without YOU – we could not have done it!

I also want to say thanks to those that came out on Saturday to help us tear down the VBS set and put ‘church’ back together!

We started right at 9am and I beleive the last folks left campus right at 7pm.

Thanks again for everything that was done to make this year’s VBS a HUGE SUCCESS!

Pastor Thomas

To All:

Wow, the closing event was OUTSTANDING tonight.

With 122 folks on-site, tonight was great!

The closing event demonstrated how Jesus takes our sin away with His death on the cross.

An alter service was given for the children – and wow – what a response!

One more night to go and I am confident that Friday night will be the best of them all!

See you tomorrow!

Pastor Thomas

To All:

Tonight was no different – another great event!

We have reached our goal of 90 registered students as of tonight!!!

We had 130 folks on-site tonight for VBS – without them – VBS would not be what it is!

Only two more nights to go – the week is going fast!

See you on Thursday!

Pastor Thomas

To All:

Wow – another great night!

We are now up to 82 registered kids!

Total on-site tonight was 128!

Rain moved in just before start time – and we even had some rain during – but things went great!

I’m so proud of the team that we have @ Ocoee COG – without them – we could not do what we are doing with God’s help!

I hope to see each of you on Wednesday night – start time 7pm!

God Bless!

Pastor Thomas

To All:

Around 3pm today, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners ratified the recommendations of the BZA that related to our church.

With this action, our church can now officially operate a private school and childcare facility on campus!

We hope to start applying for our use permits as soon as possible!

God continues to prove HIMSELF in this process!!!

HE’S STILL ON THE THRONE!!!!

Pastor Thomas

To All:

As per my VBS update from Monday night – the a/c unit in the main sanctuary stopped working  about 2 hours before VBS was to begin!

Today, Victor Riffle, president of Riffle’s Air & Heat, Inc. came by and was able to get everything working again!!!

PRAISE THE LORD!!!!

I’m looking forward to another great (cooler) night tonight!!

Pastor Thomas

To All:

Wow – what a night – the first night of VBS – 2009.

Our goal this year is 90 registered kids!

Tonight, we are only 12 away from the goal with 78 registered kids for the first night of VBS – 2009.

There were a total of 132 folks on-site tonight tonight!

What a night it was!

In addition to all of the VBS activities – the air conditioning unit in the main sanctuary decided it wanted to lose power tonight – the a/c repair folks will be out tomorrow!!!

I hope and pray they are able to FIX the unit TOMORROW!!!    It’s way to hot in CENTRAL FLORIDA not to have air!!!

See you all tomorrow!!

Pastor Thomas

To All:

Well, this week has finally come to an end and I must say – those folks that have been working on VBS setup have done an outstanding job!

As of tonight, the main sanctuary is set up and ready to go!

After all services on Sunday are completed, we will transform the fellowship hall and any needed classroom space that may be used!

We are expecting a FUN-TASTIC week – after all – VBS – 2009 is where fearless kids shine God’s light!

See you Sunday!

Pastor Thomas