Moving forward in pursuit of bank property
Please pray for God's provision for the bank building. We have taken a step of faith to move forward as we seek to acquire this property. The following letter was sent out by our sending church pastor, Pastor Dan Stertz.
SHORE FAMILY, SCOTLAND
Special Letter!
May 7, 2021
Dear Shore Family Supporters,
As the pastor of their sending church, I am writing on behalf of the Shore Family and their ministry in Scotland. You should have just received their most recent prayer letter indicating the possibility of obtaining a building for their ministry. It was also exciting to see that they have chartered officially as a church! The reason I am writing is about the building.
The building for sale is a former bank building. The location is central and the layout would readily serve their needs. Right now, as you probably know, they cannot meet on Sunday mornings because the rented facility is not available, so they are meeting at night. Additionally, it is located out of town.
The cost of the building will depend on an accepted offer. The expected need to purchase is about $350,000 in US dollars. That is not a lot in terms buying a commercial building in most places in the US, or even for a house for that matter in many places!
The church in Loanhead has some funds saved; however, it is not in the position to get a loan (it’s a new church). For the Shores to get a personal loan to buy the building would make it a “business class” building which results in very high monthly taxes in Scotland.
What’s the bottom line? First, PRAY, of course! Brother Shore has been seeking the Lord’s will on this and is willing to personally sacrifice from his own funds to see this happen, if God should allow this to happen. Second, GIVE! I am committing our own ministry here to do something—at least take an offering. Our church is not large, but it is the giving of many small gifts that God often uses to supply abundantly!
As I close, I cite from the passage in 2 Corinthians 8 & 9 where Paul reminded this church of a commitment to give to a need some time before his writing this letter. He was reminding them in case they came for the gift and found out the church had forgotten or not followed through. In his reminder he gave a great blessing of what happens when we give to needs.
2Cor 9:12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
Notice that the need is met, but God is also glorified because believers receiving the gift will be praising God with “many thanksgivings” for having met their need.
If you should decide to give to this need, please send it to their "building fund" at Baptist World Mission as noted below. We believe the Lord is in this and trust He will supply the need. However, should the gifts given be insufficient for this property, this money would only always go towards obtaining a property for Free Baptist Church.
Thank you.
Serving the Savior,
Daniel W. Stertz
Pastor Cell: (608) 346-0838
Bible Baptist Church
546 4th Street N, Hudson, WI 54016
Label Gifts: “Ben Shore, Building Fund”