Mission: Brownwood May 2009 Report

The top picture is of myself, my wife, a mission member and two members of Northcrest MBC of Andrews, TX, who delivered the pews. The bottom picture is of the front of the building. We have since added a 15'x4' sign to the front.

Grace Pointe MBM moves into vacant church building

May was a busy month for Grace Pointe as we worked tirelessly to get set up in the new building on U.S. 67/84, in order to have our first services June 7. Northcrest MBC of Andrews, TX, delivered our donated church pews. We spent many hours assessing the building improvement needs, getting all the paperwork in order with the city and utilities providers, and getting signs made.

Our current efforts are installing vinyl composition tile flooring in the fellowship hall and kitchen, painting and adding new carpet to the nursery, and installing the appliances. Mission members are providing the labor, so the only expense we are incurring has been for materials.

We also spent money on promoting the new work through radio advertising. Our first Sunday services in the new building saw 23 in attendance, with more than $500 being collected in offerings.

Missionary Baptist Churches greatly support Brownwood work

I stand in awe at the progress we have made so far as a mission. We began having public services back in November 2008, and have grown from 5 to 23 in eight months, have rented building facilities, and are poised to make a bigger impact on Brownwood.

Much of our accomplishments were made possible by the faithful support of our sister churches.

We had no problem paying the building deposit, turning on utilities, furnishing the building, putting up signs, and promoting the work because the churches of the MBA of Texas, and one church in Arkansas have faithfully supported out work financially and prayerfully.

Thank you for giving us the tools to do this work.

Attendance

Grace Pointe MBM (Sunday Mornings)

5/3 – 23
5/10 – 23
5/17 – 18
5/24 – 22
5/31 – 18

Grace Pointe MBM (Tuesday Youth)

5/5 – 21
5/12 – 16
5/19 – 12
5/26 – 9

Market Place (Wednesday Evenings)

5/6 – 10
5/13 – 10
5/20 – 11
5/27 – 11

Finances

Grace Pointe MBM
Offerings – $928
Memorial MBC (Rusk, TX) $600 (3-months)
John Nickle (Rusk, TX) $25
Southwest Assoc.Mission Rally $235.47
Cathy Copeland (Brownwood) $315
Northcrest BC (Andrews, TX) $100.37
Beacon BC (San Angelo, TX) $115
Beacon Ladies Aux $35

Expenses:
New checks - $16.33
TMD - $46.40
Texas state missions - $46.40
Benevolence - $75
Leland salary - $100
Banking - $3

Mission: Brownwood Fund
Support:
MBA of Texas $1,911
Denson Springs MBC (Grapeland) $100
Heritage BC (Missouri City, TX) $200
White Rock MBC (Center, TX) $100
58th Ave MBC (Amarillo, TX) $158.15
Bassett Rd BC (Palestine, TX) $75
Bethel MBC (Tatum, TX) $50
Quaker Ave BC (Lubbock, TX) $100
Rocky Springs MBC (Jacksonville) $200
East Side BC (Jacksonville, TX) $100
Memory Lane MBC (Palestine, TX) $50
Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $108.17
Wyndrock MBC (Abilene, TX) $40
Nevill’s Chapel MBC (Mt. Pleasant, TX) $192.21

Expenses:
Salary: $1,211
Hymnals: $419.70
Brownwood Water Dep. $100

Building Fund
Balance Forward - $300.06

Sublett Road MBC (Arlington, TX) $50
First Baptist Church (Arp, TX) $120

Ending Balance - $470.06

Mission: Brownwood April 2009 Report

Grace Pointe MBM signs 1-year lease on vacant church building

The members of Grace Pointe Missionary Baptist Mission held their first successful business meeting the first Sunday in April. The mission voted to rent a vacant church building on U.S. 67/84 in Brownwood for $600/month. Our sponsoring church voted to back the effort and Grace Pointe will move into her new facility in June.

The mission also voted to send 10% of their monthly offerings to missions, with 5% going to the Texas state association and 5% going to Texas Mission Development. Then, Jessica and I were sent outside while they voted to pay me $100 per month.

Grace Pointe MBM attendance solidifies

Attendance in April hovered around 17, with the monthly high being 18, and the low being 16. One encouraging development is the fact that residents from Market Place are now coming over to Grace Pointe, and the fact that all mission members are becoming faithful in their attendance. (Preview – We had 23 in attendance during the first Sunday of May).

Attendance at midweek services at Market Place fell off a little, but Tuesday night Awana attendance is on the upswing.

Awana program nets new families to Grace Pointe

Our Tuesday evening Awana program at the Brownwood Phase II Apartments continues to go well.

April 28, our two core Awana families both called to say they couldn’t make it. That night, I expected a low turnout, but wound up with 16 in attendance. The three families that came said they saw our posters that were put up around the complex. Two of the families just wanted their kids to be a part of something, one family had previously taken their children to Awana, but hadn’t been to church in two years. We are really beginning to see doors opened in Brownwood. (Preview – May 5, Awana Attendance hits an all-time high at 21).

The Numbers….

Attendance
Grace Pointe MBM (Sunday Mornings)

4/5 – 17 ($123.85)
4/12 – 17 ($30)
4/19 – 16 ($253.20)
4/26 – 18 ($80)

Grace Pointe MBM (Tuesday Youth)

4/7 – 8
4/14 – 11
4/21 – 12
4/28 – 16

Market Place (Wednesday Evenings)

4/1 – 16
4/8 – 13
4/15 – 11
4/22 – 12
4/29 – 12

Finances
Grace Pointe MBM

Offerings – 487.05
Northcrest MBC (Andrews) $89.87
John Nickle - $25
Jim Slocumb - $200

Expenses:
Building rent/deposit - $1,200
TMD - $24.35
Texas state missions - $24.35
Pastor salary - $100

Mission: Brownwood Fund

Support:
Salmon (Elkhart) $25
White Rock (Center) $100
MBA of Texas $1,911
Rocky Springs (Jacksonville) $150
Bethel (Tatum) $50
58th Ave (Amarillo) $200
Heritage (Missouri City) $200.07
Quaker Ave (Lubbock) $100
Wyndrock (Abilene) $40
Eastside (Jacksonville) $100
RidgeCrest (Levelland) $25
Memory Lane (Palestine) $50
Nevill’s Chapel (Mt. Pleasant) $159.26
Muse (Grapeland) $200
Hickory Grove (Newport, AR) $97.34

Expenses:
Vehicle expense $1,000
Housing $700
Salary $1,211
General expenses $400

Grace Pointe mission to lease building

In response to our out-growing of the community room at Phase II, Grace Pointe MBM voted to rent a vacant church building which is located on the west end of Brownwood on U.S. Highway 84, just around the corner from the apartments. Seating capacity will be close to 80, I think. It's hard to gauge when it's empty.

Anyway, the landlord agreed to a one-year lease at $600/month, with provisions that are in the contract that work to the good of both parties (I did the paperwork). I have really good feelings about this landlord, am grateful for the property he is letting us use, and appreciate his courtesy.

I will present the final contract to Grace Pointe Sunday morning, and will advise Rocky Springs of the transaction Sunday evening, as I will personally appear at the business meeting to give a report. (This is all well and scriptural and according to God's Word. It is also decent and in order.) Monday, we'll sign and make the first rent payment.

We will move into the building June 1, which gives us a place for VBS, possible revival, and a place to host the Southwest Association. It also increases our visibility, making door-to-door efforts and media advertisements more effective. It also provides facilities for Sunday school and worship services, both for adults and children.

There is work that will need to be done to the building in the way of beautification, but we can handle that. Had we rented store front space, we'd have likely been building interior walls, paid three-times the amount of rent, and had to sign a 3-5 year deal. We have to do none of that now.

Grace Pointe's offerings from the field have been in the lower $400 range. We will be utilizing some of our existing monthly support to supplement the rent and utilities until offerings/attendance increase. I expect this to be a short time.

If you would like to support this project, please mail all support to Rocky Springs MBC, PO Box 1840, Jacksonville, TX 75766. Designate it for Mission: Brownwood. Thank you for your prayers and support. It is my goal to have Grace Pointe self-supporting within two years, it is my desire to do that much sooner!

Quick Update

We have one of our regulars at Market Place going to a nursing home and several others who are being hospitalized, so we only had 11 last night. It was still a great service. We had 11 in Awana Tuesday night. I'm working on commercial lease papers today for a church building on Hwy 84 in Brownwood, and will present the final draft to Grace Pointe and Rocky Springs this weekend for approval. Thanks for your support.

Mission: Brownwood March 2009 Report (8 Professions of Faith)

Jessica works with the Sparks class during craft time at Awana Club meetings.

8 professions of faith made during Brownwood apartment rallies

Ken and Barbara Sibley from Seeing Truth ministries visited with us in June. They brought their program before a crowd of 36 at the Market Place Apartments on March 13, before 49 at the Brownwood Housing Authority on March 14, and before 23 at Grace Pointe on March 15. Six at the housing authority made professions of faith and two made professions of faith at Grace Pointe. The two professions at Grace Pointe were made by regular attendees who have since decided to follow Christ in baptism.

Grace Pointe MBM attendance increases

Average attendance at Grace Pointe grew to 16, up from 13 in February. Tuesday youth program attendance improved to 16, up from 11 in February and Market Place attendance improved to 19, up from 14 in Februrary. Midweek attendance continues to fluctuate, but Sunday attendance is holding steady at 16-17 since the Sibleys brought their program.

Grace Pointe votes to rent vacant church property.

Actually, this decision was made April 5, so it technically wouldn’t be March report material, but I thought I’d let you know what’s developing. Currently, there is a vacant church building for rent with major highway frontage in Brownwood. Grace Pointe voted to rent the facility for $600 per month. While Grace Pointe’s offerings have not reached $600 per month yet, the difference will be made up out of regular support that is already coming in to the Mission: Brownwood Fund. We are still working on ironing out terms with the landlord.

The need for better meeting spaces is great. For the past four Sundays, we have had at least 16 people in attendance, with as many as 23, half of which are small children, meeting in a community room that is about the size of many Sunday School rooms. Needless to say, we’ve hit capacity.

Grace Pointe MBM meets in this room every Sunday and Tuesday. The children gather around the near table for their Bible lesson while the adults gather around the far table for worship services.

Thank You!!!

I’d like to thank each of you for your prayer and financial support. So far at Grace Pointe MBM in Brownwood, we have lacked nothing, and it’s due to God’s provision through your generous support.

Thank you so much for supporting this work. Please know that we are working to lead Grace Pointe to organization and financial stability as soon as possible.

If you have any questions, or would like to talk missions, feel free to call me at (325) 200-8531.
Again, thanks for your support.

The Numbers….

Attendance

Grace Pointe MBM (Sunday Mornings)

3/1 – 13
3/8 – 10
3/15 – 23
3/22 – 16
3/29 – 16

Grace Pointe MBM (Tuesday Youth)

3/3 – 16
3/17 – 18
3/24 - 11
3/31 – 18

Total Grace Pointe Offerings: $496.65

Market Place (Wednesday Evenings)

3/4 – 26
3/11 – 16
3/18 – 18
3/25 – 14

Finances

Support

Quaker Ave BC (Lubbock, TX) - $100
RidgeCrest BC (Levelland, TX) - $100
Memory Lane MBC (Palestine, TX) - $50
White Rock MBC (Center, TX) - $100
Muse MBC (Grapeland, TX) - $400
Bassett Road BC (Palestine, TX) - $75
East Side BC (Jacksonville, TX) - $100
58th Ave MBC (Amarillo, TX) - $124.63
Bethel MBC (Tatum, TX) - $50
Heritage BC (Missouri City, TX) - $200
MBA of Texas - $1,911
Rocky Springs MBC (Jacksonville, TX)
$300
Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $116.46
Denson Springs MBC (Grapeland, TX)
$100
Nevill’s Chapel MBC (Mt. Pleasant)
$186.01
Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $89.10
Wyndrock MBC (Abilene, TX) - $40

Expenses

Salary - $1,000
Housing - $700
Insurance allowance - $211
Apartment Rallies (Pizza, promotion, Bro. Sibley, outreach) $1,000.93

Grace Pointe MBM Holds 1st Business Meeting

Grace Pointe held its first business meeting today. In the meeting, it was decided to:

• Send 10% of our offerings to missions. Five percent will go to Texas state missions, and five percent will go to Texas Mission Development.
• Pay the pastor a salary of $100 per month.
• Rent a vacant church building on Hwy 84.

We're continuing to work toward organization.

Mission: Brownwood Jan 09 Report

Grace Pointe MBM Core Group Grows, Solidifies

The core group at Grace Pointe is beginning to grow, as we now have three families committed to the work. Their attendance accounted for 17 in attendance in our morning worship services on Jan. 25. The capacity for the Brownwood Apts. Phase II Community Room is 25, so we are nearing a point where we will have to move to a larger meeting place.

All three families are participating in the ministries at Grace Pointe by teaching in our mid-week youth programs, faithfully attending services and contributing financially to the work. We even have a regular visitor who is bringing friends of her own.

Things are really exciting right now at Grace Pointe MBM, as we are seeing rapid spiritual growth in our members and regular attenders, and see the potential for God to move in big ways in Brownwood.

Rocky Springs MBC Launches Building Fund for Grace Pointe

With the numeric growth, and the possibility of exceeding our capacity at the Brownwood Apts. Phase II Community Room within the next few months, the members of the mission are praying about what God would have us do next.

Our options include renting a nearby elementary school, one of the civic centers, a store front, or a vacated church building. There are currently two vacant church buildings for sale in Brownwood, one in Early (Brownwood’s suburb), and one that may soon hit the market.

While the mission is not in a financial position to rent its own facility at this moment, we are expecting that we will be able to within a few months. We also anticipate purchasing a facility within the next 18 months. With our new children’s ministries coming online, we would prefer to move into a permanent facility.

Therefore, we are asking our sister churches to come through once again for us through one-time love offerings or monthly support designated toward the Brownwood mission building fund. Please send all offerings to our sponsoring church.

Financial Report

SUPPORT RECEIVED
MBA of Texas $1,911
Muse MBC (Grapeland, TX) $200
White Rock MBC (Center, TX) $100
Salmon MBC (Elkhart, TX) $25
58th Ave MBC (Amarillo, TX) $102.30
Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $82.37
Memory Lane MBC (Palestine, TX) $50
Bassett Rd MBC (Palestine, TX) $75
Denson Springs MBC (Grapeland, TX) $50
Donna Prasatik $150
Quaker Ave MBC (Lubbock, TX) $100
Bethel MBC (Tatum, TX) $50
Rocky Springs MBC (Jacksonville, TX) $150
Wyndrock MBC (Abilene, TX) $40
East Side BC (Jacksonville, TX) $100
Nevill’s Chapel MBC (Mt. Pleasant, TX)$189.92
Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $70.83
Memorial MBC (Rusk, TX) $400
John Nickle (Rusk, TX) $25
Northcrest BC (Andrews, TX) $300

OFFERING:
Grace Pointe MBM $362

EXPENSES:
Salary $1,000
Housing $700
Health Insurance $211
Total to Missionary: $1,911

Postage $16.80
Supplies from Walmart $25.84
Outreach $59.92

LOOKING FORWARD

Grace Pointe MBM launched her AWANA program Feb. 3 with 15 in attendance. See how the program progresses in next month’s report, or log on to the Mission: Brownwood blog at www.lelandacker.blogspot.com.

Missionary Leland Acker and family will be in attendance at the Southwest Association Mission Rally at 58th Ave MBC in Amarillo in April.

Grace Pointe MBM will host the Southwest Mission Rally in July.

Mission: Brownwood will expand apartment ministries.

It's in the Lord's hands

We have canvassed every door at the Sunset/Terrace complex of the Brownwood Housing Authority, put up a giant banner outside the community center, and had lots of one-on-one interaction with the local children.

We have been blessed with committments from volunteers, have plenty of material to get us through the first few weeks of VBS. Response in the community has been good, but that does not always result in good turnout. Never the less, we are doing VBS for God's glory, not our own. Whether we have 10 or 100 children, we will have VBS every Saturday, ministering to whatever children we have.

I'm hoping things go well. After talking with my pastor, Bro. Charles Swilling, we have decided to forego renting the building. Even though the rent is a good rate, we feel it would be best to take more time to build a core group before we make such a move. We have also decided to see how things go in the apartments this month to see if apartment ministries wouldn't be a better way to get started in Brownwood.

Speaking of apartments... my wife has landed a job as the recreation director of two apartment complexes in Brownwood. Look for more developments on this in the near future.

Things are going well at KSTA. I officially took over as station manager today and have already sold $2,250 worth of advertising.

I'm a little nervous right now. I have moved out here to Brownwood, accepted a ministry and a position and have not left myself a safety net. Basically, I have a slight fear of failure. This fear of failure motivates me to keep moving and trying.

Hey, if you myspace, check out my myspace page and send me a friends request. This is another tool I am using to network with people in the Brownwood area.

God bless,

Leland

Possible meeting place

We have indentified this building, located on U.S. 67/84 West in Brownwood as a possible location for the new church. Rent is affordable, the location is high profile, and it is located near the apartment complexes we will be targeting through VBS. Please pray that God's will comes out of this.

Things are good

It's been almost a week since my last post. Things are staying busy. Here's an update.

• Betty Yarbrough, daughter of TMD Director Jim Slocumb, purchased a building that was formerly a Church of Christ in Andrews, TX, to convert into a shelter for expecting mothers. She graciously donated the pews, communion table, pulpit, carpet and baptistry from that facility to Mission: Brownwood. Northcrest MBC of Andrews picked up the church pews and pulpit, and communion table and are now storing them for me until we get a facility in Brownwood. Rocky Springs MBC, my sponsor, graciously made a donation to her shelter.
• South Union MBC of Dangerfield, TX and Veal Switch MBC of Hughes Springs, TX, both sent us generous portions of VBS Good News Games curriculum for our VBS at the Brownwood Housing Authority in August.
• We have a number of volunteers who are signing up. We will have an average of 6 volunteers each saturday for VBS if no more sign up... we still need help. Contact me if you want to volunteer at 325-200-8531.
• I have located a church building that Mission: Brownwood would be able to rent for $550/month. The owner is holding back on renting it due to road construction. I am praying about going ahead and renting it, rennovating it (there are some things that NEED to be fixed), and getting it ready for launch. I would prefer to have my core group a little more solid before we move in, but we'll go through this door when God opens it.
• Core group building is tough. It's hard getting people to go to church in the pastor's living room, especially when you're new in town. We're keeping at it, though.
• I am amazed at how my sponsoring church, Rocky Springs MBC, is coming on board and really getting behind this work. They are a real blessing to me.

My sincerest desire is to have a mission that is functioning like a church by the time we get to the state meeting in November. However, due to the start-from-scratch nature of this mission work, I can't promise a full slate of weekly services and Sunday schools by November. We'll get there, though. My personal deadline for having a solid core group established is next June.

See you at the Southwest Association Mission Rally at Beacon Baptist Church in Odessa Saturday.

Blood for oil, church building and rock stars

I read the online edition of The Cherokeean Herald today, much to my dismay. My column was preempted for an editorial piece that claimed that George W. Bush sent our troops into Iraq to destabilize the price of oil, making it more profitable to drill in the U.S. Of all things, the primary source for this claim was a nameless land man the writer had met while eating dinner in Nacogdoches. I thought the "no blood for oil" argument was discredited before the war even began. Oh, well.

The church building still sits behind TxDOTs' broken highway. I hope TxDOT finishes the repairs before the legislature abolishes them. Yep! That's right! There is word that the Texas Legislature may abolish TxDOT due to its horrendous accounting practices and determination toward toll roads. I will move on this property, but would like to solidify my core group before having to take that step.

The people of Coleman and the management of my new radio station continue to treat me like a rock star. Things are going really well and people are treating me really nicely. I told the owner that I was waiting for the shoe to drop... you know, that sudden reality check that will hit me that this job is not going to be as simple as promised, only to be told that "there is no shoe... nothing will drop." I'm really beginning to get the warm and fuzzy about this job.

Mission: Brownwood update

Things have been hectic around the Acker household as we prepare for our move to Brownwood. Here are some highlights.

1. Weekend in Brownwood. Jessica, the kids and I spent last weekend at our new house in Brownwood, getting things moved over and getting familiar with our surroundings. A Sunday morning observation is that most of our neighbors did not go to church. We met one neighbor, and his children, who were walking their dog as we were walking ours. I think this man is a strong prospect.

We also held a family worship service in our new home. We sang praises to God, and my little family makes a pretty good choir, if I say so myself. The kids really got into it, as did Jessica and I.

2. Moving day update. Bro. Charles Swilling, pastor of Rocky Springs MBC (my sponsor) will reserve a 24' UHAUL truck this week. We will load it May 23, and move it May 24. Hopefully, all we'll need to move then will be the washer and dryer, couches and bedding.

3. Future plans. After we get moved May 24, we will take some special family time to recoup from the long transition we have just endured. Since November, we have faced the prospect of finding employment and getting relocated. Getting the job at Wendlee solidified our moving date, as did securing the lease on this house. However, the "limbo" period has taken its toll on my wife and kids. We need this, because it will be the last breather we will be able to take for a while. We have only one year to assemble a solid core group of believers who are committed to becoming a self-supporting, missions-oriented New Testament church.

We will begin holding services in our home June 8, and will launch the Parents of Purpose group shortly thereafter. We plan on holding a Vacation Bible School in our "backyard" (We don't really have a backyard, we have two side yards) sometime in July. Watch these boards for development on those two projects.

The purpose of Parents of Purpose and Backyard Bible School are to engage prospects to disciple and bring into our core group. We can always use volunteers, so if you are interested, call me at (903) 625-1005, or email gracepointembc@aol.com. I think it would be good to be able to hold a public launch the first Sunday in January (New year, new beginning, new church). A lot of evangelism and discipleship has to happen between now and then.

4. Availability. I have been asked to speak at a couple of churches in June. I plan on committing to holding services in my home on Sunday mornings in June, however, I will be available for deputation on Sunday evenings as long as you are within 5 hours of Brownwood. I am also available on Wednesday evenings in June only. I begin my new job in July, rendering Wednesday evening appointment unfeasible.

5. Building program. While Victory Life backed out of the lease agreement and sale contracts, they are still open to selling us the building at $180,000. (Basically, they don't want to committ to anything in writing until they see the color of the money, which is understandable in this day and time.) That being said, I will continue to seek funds for the purchase of the building. Should they sell it before we have the money raised, then I'll be at peace knowing God's will is done. There are two other church properties for sell in Brownwood at this current time. All three are good for new churches with good location, so we'll have options.

The Dec. 1 deadline is no longer in effect, and supporting churches now will be able to take time to observe how God builds the congregation in Brownwood before investing in them. This also allows the new congregation an opportunity to play a role in the acquisition of property. I still maintain, however, that once we get a congregation, if we are able to secure a building and pay for it quickly, it will serve as a testimony that God is working in our church.

So, "The Big Challenge" continues, just not with a Dec. 1 deadline, or a committment in writing. Please send offerings to the Mission: Brownwood building project c/o Rocky Springs MBC, PO Box 1840, Jacksonville, TX 75766.

I know the trend in church planting is toward portability (not having a facility, renting a temporary facility and setting up every week). While I don't mind launching as a portable church, my observation of some of the other church planters in Brownwood is that prolonged portability can actually have a detrimental impact on the church.

What a good pastor says

I called Bro. Charles Swilling, pastor of my sponsoring church, Rocky Springs MBC in Jacksonville, and told him about the building deal falling through, and apologized for making such a big deal about it.

His response, "I wouldn't trade your zeal for anything."

Though the news of the building deal falling through lifted a weight off my shoulders, I still felt like an idiot at the time. Bro. Swilling's words encouraged me, and I will keep my zeal for the work in Brownwood.

Anyhow, I just wanted to brag about what a good, supportive pastor I have.

Building deal off

I got a call from the real estate agent who told me that Victory Life is backing out of the deal. We will not be able to lease the building, but are still welcome to purchase the building at $180,000. I feel that it is time to get back to the original vision the Lord laid on my heart concerning evangelism and discipleship. The December deadline is no longer in effect. I felt that God was leading me to take a shot at the building, but in the end the door closed. I can't explain it, but God is God and Mission: Brownwood will come together accoring to His will.

Thank you so much for your prayers, support and encouragement.

Mission: Brownwood building challenge

The front of the property

View from the sanctuary entrance

View from the pulpit

Fellowship hall view

Mission: Brownwood has been presented a one-of-a-kind opportunity. The Woodcreek Baptist Church of Brownwood, TX, recently merged with the Victory Life Church. Victory Life is now selling Woodcreek's old building. The asking price was $250,000, but the church decided to offer it to Jessica and me for only $180,000. We have until Dec. 1, 2008, to either (a) raise the funds, or (b) secure financing. In the meantime, they have agreed to a six-month lease with us at $1,000 per month beginning July 1. If we fail to raise the $180,000, or obtain financing between now and Dec. 1, the deal is off and our lease will terminate Dec. 30, forcing us to relocate the congregation.

The property includes a sanctuary that will seat 120 or more, a fellowship hall that divides into three classrooms, two additional classrooms, a nursery, mens and womens bathrooms, a covered drop-off/pick-up area and five acres of land.

This property is located across from Brownwood Middle School on Calvert Street in Brownwood, nestled comfortably between the school and the Camp Bowie Sports Complex, which is also home to Gordon Wood Stadium.

It is also located in the Southside neighborhood, the largest residential area in Brownwood.

This price is far below the cost of buying property and building a church building. This is a good deal. I am calling on all churches and individuals who feel so led to help us raise the $180,000 it will take to purchase this property.

Please send offerings designated to Mission: Brownwood building,

C/O Rocky Springs MBC, PO Box 1840, Jacksonville, TX, 75766.

If we are successful in raising these funds, I believe God will be glorified. I also believe that God will establish His church in Brownwood, and will be glorified through the souls reached by this new church. Jessica and I have prayed over this for weeks, and believe this is the Lord's will.

Thank you, and God bless you,

Leland Acker

p.s. Jessica and I have stepped out on faith in this venture and know this is a door God opened. Several other groups have approached Victory Life with similar offers, only to be turned down. Victory Life agreed to this arrangement with us, saying they felt that God was in it.