Hi Impact Family,
Sorry that this will be long, but it's been a while :-)
Lady Terri and I have been celebrating our Silver Anniversary by getting some much-needed rest. Thank you for your kind posts on Facebook and Instagram, emails, cards sent to the church, texts, and phone calls. We also are very appreciative of the financial gifts we have received from you. Your thoughtfulness means more in this season than you could ever imagine. We’ve spent our entire marriage serving God’s people, sometimes, even to our children's detriment. By God's grace, we have been able to endure, despite the periodic attacks, personal battles, high weights, and pressures. Without the prayers and partnership of the real saints, we would not have made this far. Thank you so much!
Likewise, I know you have endured many trials in this pandemic, but I also know that God has been faithful. I’m encouraged by the testimonies of this house. There are many blessings to report. Our small business owners are surviving, and a few are thriving. We’ve suffered relatively low unemployment, and we are expanding the scope of our Impact Christian Business Fellowship (ICBF) to help those displaced to start a business or side hustle for income. We are onboarding a new Team Leader for this ministry, so stay tuned.
As expected, once the economy and beaches reopened, like most churches, our online attendance was down in July. I mention that because it's important to understand the story behind the numbers. Our focus is not attendance; we measure ourselves by the number of disciples we make and their spiritual maturity. In April, we were averaging about 1,250 views a Sunday, and now we average around 650. Views equal the total number of screens that watched the service; it is not the total number of people watching on those screens. The good news, no matter how you cut it, is:
More people are regularly attending our church in the pandemic than before it;
We recently had nine people raise their hand in service for salvation, so people are still getting saved;
We are still making disciples in online small groups and Bible studies while people continue to join the Dream Team; and
The enemy is defeated because we’ve accepted a church without walls!
I know that no one among us expected to be dealing with this as long as we have. Moreover, we don’t know when this will all end, and here’s what I believe God is saying to us – “DON’T WORRY, KEEP YOUR EYES ON ME!” This week, Terri and I have been fasting and praying. God is releasing a prophetic series, that I will share with you soon called "NOW". I believe it will help us understand the times and navigate our family toward God’s approval.
Remember, 2020 ushered us into the decade of double redemption. It will not end as it had begun; that is how God works. At the start of this year, I told you that this is the year GOD will make everything clear. Relationships, careers, spiritual callings, life vision, and all the next steps are being manifested. God slowed us down so we could see and hear Him. Like me, I’m sure God has given you some fresh revelation on things to pull back from and others to go full speed ahead. Don't forget to stay aligned and live frugally so you can prosper in the season ahead because this downturn will be our upturn!
Lastly, in August, we will be joining in a financial fast and learning more about Christ-centered Black Culture in our Culture and Community lecture series. I hope you will practice significant digital outreach in your circles so everyone can benefit from these gatherings.
Love you with all my heart,
Bishop