November 21, 2024
In this update: Clearview Update | Prayer Request for Pastor Johnny | A Forward Look to 2025
Since our last update, there is much to celebrate, and I’m excited to share a brief overview of our progress, accomplishments, and some projections for 2025. I apologize for the time that has passed since the previous update, but I trust this snapshot will highlight our continued momentum and God’s unwavering faithfulness.
Clearview Update
In a matter of weeks, we will have linked arms of partnership with Clearview Baptist Church in Cornelia, GA for six months. If you have not read previous blog updates from the last six months, take an opportunity to experience the visible and entangle progress made. Many within the Clearview community have worked tirelessly, gave generously, and stood faithfully through the sunshine and rain of the initial stages of church revitalization.
Every church revitalization journey has its unique nuances—after all, it involves working with people. Yet, there are a few non-negotiables that underpin every successful effort, all rooted in the central aim: the human heart. Luke Holmes, pastor at FBC Tishomingo, OK, captured this truth profoundly in an article for the For the Church blog. He wrote:"Aim for people's hearts, pray for them, pray for new awareness of the majesty of the glory of God. Ask God for change that only He can bring. When it comes to revitalization, don’t settle for the easy and temporal over what is difficult but lasting. Ask God to revitalize his church, his people, the bride of Christ. Start with their hearts, and move out from there."
If true progress is to take root in the life of a church, the focal point must remain on the heart and its spiritual condition. This isn’t a groundbreaking revelation, but it serves as a critical guardrail against pursuing shallow or fleeting growth. The reality is, Christians at every station and in every context face this challenge. To be clear, heart work is ongoing—work that continues from this moment until we reach eternity. Yet, along the way, God provides glimpses of His handiwork, encouraging us to share in His transformative work as He reshapes His people, His church, His bride.
Ask God for change that only He can bring. When it comes to revitalization, don’t settle for the easy and temporal over what is difficult but lasting.
Here's list of a few tangible additions:
New Website - myclearview.church
New YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ClearviewBaptist-w3n
Tithe.ly Integration for church office and online giving
TVs mounted in worship area.
Baby Grand Piano - DONATED!
In addition to the listed upgrades above, Clearview has linked arms with two Christian organizations for a missional purpose as well. Elevated Athletics, a Christian-based cheerleading organization, partners with Clearview to utilize its facilities for practices. This collaboration serves as a dynamic platform for community engagement and reflects a shared commitment to fostering connections and positive impact within the community through the message of the Gospel. Another impactful partnership Clearview has embraced is with Samaritan's Purse through Operation Christmas Child. This year, Clearview has contributed 125 shoebox donations while also serving as a designated drop-off center, extending its reach and influence in sharing Christ’s love globally.
Special Request
Pastor Johnny Johnson, who faithfully serves as pastor of Clearview Baptist Church in Cornelia, GA, is in need of our prayers and support. In August of last year, Johnny suffered a fall from a ladder, dislocating his shoulder. Unfortunately, in April of this year, he fell again on the same arm, exacerbating the previous injury. The damage was so extensive that it severely impacted his mobility and functionality. To address the severity of the injury, Johnny underwent a complex procedure where doctors reattached the muscles and tendons that had separated from the bone. Additionally, a portion of bone was removed from his shoulder to improve his quality of life and restore some functionality.
Unfortunately, Johnny is unable to continue his work in construction while he heals over the next six-weeks, which has created a significant financial strain on his family. Adding to the challenge, his wife, Heather, is also unable to work as she recovers from a recent surgery. While Clearview Baptist Church continues to make progress in its ministry, the church’s current financial situation does not allow for additional assistance to help the Johnson family during this time. They did not ask for anything other than prayer, but this is an opportunity for us as the broader church family to step in with prayer, encouragement, and tangible support to help Pastor Johnny and Heather through this difficult season.
We have created a fund at Refresh-Restore Ministries for the Johnson Family. All proceeds will go directly to them after the collection date of November 27th, 2024. To give online, visit, https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=1dff474a-6dd9-4852-80ea-0c854237f754&locationId=b736f115-3127-449e-b91f-019595923b20&fundId=67f43fa1-24fc-4dc8-99b0-2d5168b63bc3&amount=5000
2025 Annual Refresh-Restore Conference
REGISTRATION is OPEN for the 2025 Refresh-Restore Annual Conference! Sign up today - seating is limited.
For up-to-date information, visit www.refreshrestore.org/conference.
Sign up for our conference email list!
2025 Itinerant Evangelism
In just a few months, I’ll be marking sixteen years in ministry and celebrating two years in vocational evangelism as of February 2025. It would be an honor to partner with your church or ministry to proclaim the Word of God and share the hope we have in Christ through pulpit supply, bible conferences, revival services, and other meetings.
I am truly thankful for those who welcomed me into their congregations (serving 38 churches) this past year. It has been an honor to preach the gospel, see people come to faith in Christ, encourage believers, and witness God’s work among His people. Your hospitality and support have been such a blessing, and I’m humbled by the trust you’ve placed in me.
If I can be of service to your church or event in December 2024 (Limited dates) or 2025, please feel free to reach out. To access our preaching schedule, visit www.refreshrestore.org/events
If you are connected with a church, business, or organization that is interested in partnering with by donating to Refresh-Restore Ministries, we would like to connect with you so we can send you more information about how God is using Refresh-Restore Ministries. All donations are tax-deductible as Refresh-Restore Ministries is a recognized 501c3 non-profit organization. To donate, visit https://refreshrestore.org/donate or by check, please make your check payable to Refresh-Restore Ministries and mail it to the following address: 255 Jade Way, Maysville, GA 30558.
Commenti