Prayer Mail 9-12-08

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
Hebrews 11:1

Thank you so much for your prayers, I really needed them this week! Last week I shared how it seemed like God was putting together a team of ministry leaders that would lead the River into it's start up and Grand Opening. This week, I am less sure. God continues to remind me that this is a faith venture, not in my abilities, but in His ability to provide for His children!

First let me share where God has established a solid and committed team: The River start up Advisory Board. I am excited about the Godly men with different gifts and skills that form the board. Since last week I finalized the board one finial member to round out our board. That means the Advisory Board of The River is Bruce Young (Pastor of First Baptist Boise), Mark Traylor (Pastor of Eastwind Community Church. He is our newest member who rounds out the board with his experience in church planting and his kingdom minded heart.). Phil Eastman (founder of Leadership Advisors Group and my personal coach), Randy McKinney (Crown Ministry Trainer and The River financial secretary), and of course me. Please pray for these men as they seek God's will to help give direction and leadership to The River.

Another answer to prayer is Cathy getting physical therapy for the problems that came from her surgery back in June. She is in a lot of pain and struggling physically. She is in physical therapy three times a week and is sore and hurting more than ever due to the fact that she is doing exercises to open up the nerves in her shoulders and neck as well as trying to strengthen her arm and hand which has lost considerable strength, control, and dexterity. We thank God for Galen Danielson, owner of RehabAuthority Physical Therapy who offered to treat Cathy for free. Now she is heading toward better health, but she is hurting more than before. The therapist said that is to be expected but she will begin to feel better. The pain is also causing her to not sleep well. Pray for her to work hard at her therapy and for God to heal her quickly.

Please continue to pray for God to put together His team of ministry leaders/pastors to work with me to minister at The River:
WORSHIP - God has something in store for us in worship, I'm just not sure what! The young man who I talked about last week will most likely be a part of our ministry, but does not feel led to lead the worship team at this time. Having a great worship team is absolutely vital to getting started. I met with the worship leader at FBCB who is doing what she can to help us find a qualified worship leader that can lead worship and put a worship band together. Please pray for God to lead His choice to us as soon as possible.
YOUTH - I am waiting to hear back from the young man I mentioned last week as a possible youth leader for the River.
ADMINISTRATION - I am still in conversation and prayer with someone to fill this important role.
CONNECTIONS/DISCIPLESHIP, SMALL GROUPS - Yesterday I met with a man who is in between ministries right now to discuss his joining our staff. I believe he could be a great asset to our team. He is praying about the opportunity. There are some significant road blocks to hurdle if God calls this man to serve at The River, but hey, God is God and he can make whatever He wants to happen... happen! Pray for God to be clear to both this man and to me if he is to join our staff. And if this is not God's man for this position, pray for God to show me who it will be!
CHILDREN - Again, no candidates for this ministry right now.
The kicker for each of these positions is that they are volunteer or support raising positions. Each person must evaluate not only their skills, gifts, and call, but their personal support as well. I know from experience that if God wants you to do it, He provides a way. Let's pray for His will to be done in each of these key roles for The River.
Leadership is vitally important to The River starting well and being a prevailing church. Pray for God to assemble His team of Godly people to lead at The River.

Additional prayer requests:

Crown Financial small group meeting is this Wednesday evening.
The River information meeting is still set for September 24th
Our first Bible study is set for October 8th
Our first Preview service is set for November 23rd.
Our home still needs to be sold in Las Vegas, new lower price $229,000; it's a steal!
Pray for God to send the right people from First Baptist Boise and Eastwind Community Church to help us launch The River.
Praise for our financial support but we need to see that increase to meet the needs as we are going public. Support for August was just under $4,000 and that does not meet the needs. Hopefully some churches will begin to support us as well as the ABC-NW. Also we will begin to take an offering at our bible study in October. We are praying that some committed Christians will join us from FBCB or Eastwind and begin supporting The River right away.
Thank you for being prayer partners and supporters. God bless you!

Serving Him,

Dave Griewe