I was creating a list of people who no longer attend The Water’s Edge or people who have never attended The Water’s Edge. The list ended up with a couple dozen names. They all have something in common—all were investors in the early days of The Water’s Edge and have been invited to our groundbreaking ceremony on April 9th.
One family gave me $20,000 when all we had was a dream. It took a lot of faith for them to give me that check. Today, they tell me it was the best money they have ever spent. Another volunteered dozens of hours as a civil engineer. Another is in heaven and now sees Jesus face to face. He showed the rest of us what it meant to be a servant. Many of them have moved on. Their addresses are in Missouri, South Carolina, Indiana, and other such places. But part of their legacy remains at The Water’s Edge. These people led small groups, prayed, held babies, set-up chairs, invited people, pulled cords, handed out water bottles, and anything else asked of them.
I saw the big, heavy equipment moving around dirt last week. I’ve seen dirt moved before. Many times. But none like this dirt. It used to be a farm. Corn and beans were the crops for generations. Feeding people’s bodies. Now the land is becoming a church. A place where a different type of crop will be developed. Nourishing people’s souls. It will be the only Protestant church for miles. A place dedicated to loving God, serving people, investing in the next generation, and building healthy relationships.
Then I thought about all the people who will be at the groundbreaking. Our current congregation. Our church family. You all have made building a church in West Omaha a reality. You have sacrificed. You have given millions of dollars. You have served. You have invited. You have prayed. You have done so on days when it was easy. And you have done so on days when it wasn’t easy at all.
You are pioneers. You are investors. You are servants. You are people of faith. You show me daily what it means to be the church and for that I am beyond grateful.
A week from now, on Sunday, April 9th, at noon, at 19600 Harrison Street, WE will be praying, celebrating, and digging some dirt. It will be a holy and sacred moment. A moment made possible by the unwavering commitment of so many people and a benevolent God. I look forward sharing that moment with you.
