Cool weather has finally come to Albuquerque! And I'm overdue in giving you an update on our efforts to start a new PCA church in the Far NE Heights of the Duke City.
News to be thankful for...
1. Our bible studies, meeting twice a month at this point, were well attended in September and October...just shy of 20 people in October, just above 20 in September. Interestingly enough, a number of folks that came in October were new to the group!
2. We have two different men who are experienced guitar players, and each has led a bible study in worship. I'm grateful for these guys and am praying they will want to continue with us down the road.
3. I continue to network and meet new people who are interested in our church plant.
Things to pray for...
1. Two PCA churches have indicated they will likely support us in their 2011 budgets. This will likely mean that our fundraising will be finished! Please pray that these churches will come through, especially in these hard economic times.
2. By the end of the year I would like to see us with a church name, and a bank account. The name, by far, is the hardest of those two items to finalize. Pray that the Holy Spirit will lead our group to the right name, and that it will be a name people can be excited about!
3. Pray for planning for 2011. Especially as 2010 winds down (can you believe it?!), our church plant meetings will intensify and ramp up in the New Year. Pray for me to plan wisely.
4. Pray for those individuals and families who are interested in joining up with us, or at least willing to 'check us out'. Many of these folks have had negative church experiences in the past, either with church plants, pastors, or churches. Pray that I can be a good friend and pastor to these hurting people, and that any issues of forgiveness will be dealt with in a God honoring fashion, according to the Gospel of grace.
Thanks so much for your prayers and support!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
October Update
Dear friends: My family has been in Albuquerque about two months now, and we really love being back in the Southwest!
God has blessed us with old friends and new, and has really encouraged us on our first few steps towards seeing a church plant grow here in the Far NE Heights of Albuquerque.
We praise God for...
-Successful networking with churches, pastors, and interested families. My sense is that the word is getting out about our new church starting...all by word of mouth, without a cent spent on advertising as of yet.
-Our family getting settled here quickly. Our sons are already busy with school, soccer, and piano lessons. We have a temporary home church in Crossroads Fellowship (PCA), where we feel welcome and nurtured.
Please pray for us...
-As our bible studies start in October. Two groups will meet, one on Tuesday nights, the other on Sunday evenings, both groups meeting twice a month. We'll be studying the book of Acts, with an emphasis on developing some of our church's core values along the way. We have a number of families interested in attending...the key is moving them from interested to coming to committed! And that takes time, and the work of the Holy Spirit.
-We will be looking to name ourselves, a significant step in the church planting process. Please pray for a name that will reflect the grace of God and the ministry we hope to have in our city.
-I am already on the lookout for a capable musician or musicians who could be our music leader as we look to launch in the fall of 2011. Pray that God will lead that man and his family to us...that is, if we haven't met him yet!
As always, thank you for your support! May God richly bless you.
God has blessed us with old friends and new, and has really encouraged us on our first few steps towards seeing a church plant grow here in the Far NE Heights of Albuquerque.
We praise God for...
-Successful networking with churches, pastors, and interested families. My sense is that the word is getting out about our new church starting...all by word of mouth, without a cent spent on advertising as of yet.
-Our family getting settled here quickly. Our sons are already busy with school, soccer, and piano lessons. We have a temporary home church in Crossroads Fellowship (PCA), where we feel welcome and nurtured.
Please pray for us...
-As our bible studies start in October. Two groups will meet, one on Tuesday nights, the other on Sunday evenings, both groups meeting twice a month. We'll be studying the book of Acts, with an emphasis on developing some of our church's core values along the way. We have a number of families interested in attending...the key is moving them from interested to coming to committed! And that takes time, and the work of the Holy Spirit.
-We will be looking to name ourselves, a significant step in the church planting process. Please pray for a name that will reflect the grace of God and the ministry we hope to have in our city.
-I am already on the lookout for a capable musician or musicians who could be our music leader as we look to launch in the fall of 2011. Pray that God will lead that man and his family to us...that is, if we haven't met him yet!
As always, thank you for your support! May God richly bless you.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
September Update
Just a quick update on how things are progressing for us in Albuquerque, and how you can be in prayer for us...
1. Moving & settling in has gone very smoothly. Our sons like their new school, soccer season has started for both of them, and we have a new puppy that we all chase after!
2. Networking has been good so far. I've had the opportunity to speak one on one with a number of folks about the church plant; we hosted an 'open house' at our new home, and had 46 adults and kids come through, many of them 'old friends' that we enjoyed reconnecting with. I also had the chance to preach at Crossroads PCA in Albuquerque, planted just a few years ago, and hope to establish a great relationship with the church and her pastor.
3. Fundraising continues to go well. I've received a number of new pledges over the past six weeks, and look forward to opportunities to speak to church leaders in New Mexico and El Paso in the near future, with hopes they will come on board and support this new work.
Please pray for the following...
1. Our first Bible study meeting is Sunday, September 12. This is the first 'real' meeting of those who are at least interested in the new church. Pray for a sweet time of fellowship and unity of purpose.
2. A good sense of routine for our family, and for me in particular. Sometimes I seem swamped with 'stuff to do', other times I am less than busy. Both Carrie and I would like to have more even schedules (this also has something to do with the puppy!). No doubt this is normal when moving to a new place, but we'd like some more normalcy...pray for this (and patience, no doubt!).
3. Opportunities to share about the church plant: this month's Presbytery meeting in Santa Fe (Sept. 24); I'm preaching in El Paso on Sept. 26; an upcoming trip to Alamogordo, NM in the fall. Please pray that more churches will come on board in support of this work, and that I'll be fully funded by Thanksgiving, in order to give full energy and focus on the ministry at hand.
Thanks so much for your interest, prayers and support!
1. Moving & settling in has gone very smoothly. Our sons like their new school, soccer season has started for both of them, and we have a new puppy that we all chase after!
2. Networking has been good so far. I've had the opportunity to speak one on one with a number of folks about the church plant; we hosted an 'open house' at our new home, and had 46 adults and kids come through, many of them 'old friends' that we enjoyed reconnecting with. I also had the chance to preach at Crossroads PCA in Albuquerque, planted just a few years ago, and hope to establish a great relationship with the church and her pastor.
3. Fundraising continues to go well. I've received a number of new pledges over the past six weeks, and look forward to opportunities to speak to church leaders in New Mexico and El Paso in the near future, with hopes they will come on board and support this new work.
Please pray for the following...
1. Our first Bible study meeting is Sunday, September 12. This is the first 'real' meeting of those who are at least interested in the new church. Pray for a sweet time of fellowship and unity of purpose.
2. A good sense of routine for our family, and for me in particular. Sometimes I seem swamped with 'stuff to do', other times I am less than busy. Both Carrie and I would like to have more even schedules (this also has something to do with the puppy!). No doubt this is normal when moving to a new place, but we'd like some more normalcy...pray for this (and patience, no doubt!).
3. Opportunities to share about the church plant: this month's Presbytery meeting in Santa Fe (Sept. 24); I'm preaching in El Paso on Sept. 26; an upcoming trip to Alamogordo, NM in the fall. Please pray that more churches will come on board in support of this work, and that I'll be fully funded by Thanksgiving, in order to give full energy and focus on the ministry at hand.
Thanks so much for your interest, prayers and support!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Landed in Albuquerque!
Dear friends:
The Roses have arrived in Albuquerque! Carrie and I made it to the Duke City a week ago Wednesday, moved into our house Friday, and my wonderful parents in law brought Noah and Caleb to join us on Sunday. So far it's been chaotic in the new house, but in a really neat way: our stuff fits nicely in the new place, we've met a few of our neighbors, and we are absolutely thrilled to be back in ABQ!
We've also been really encouraged by a wave of giving that has pushed us very close to the $100K mark, as well as meeting up with some families interested in learning more about the church plant. We are praising God for these signs of His Grace!
Please continue to pray for us: for Noah and Caleb as they adjust to a new home, school, and for them to find friends; for Carrie and I in our new routines as wife/mother/author and husband/father/church planter; for churches to come alongside us in prayer and financial support.
We are so grateful for all your prayers and support!
The Roses have arrived in Albuquerque! Carrie and I made it to the Duke City a week ago Wednesday, moved into our house Friday, and my wonderful parents in law brought Noah and Caleb to join us on Sunday. So far it's been chaotic in the new house, but in a really neat way: our stuff fits nicely in the new place, we've met a few of our neighbors, and we are absolutely thrilled to be back in ABQ!
We've also been really encouraged by a wave of giving that has pushed us very close to the $100K mark, as well as meeting up with some families interested in learning more about the church plant. We are praising God for these signs of His Grace!
Please continue to pray for us: for Noah and Caleb as they adjust to a new home, school, and for them to find friends; for Carrie and I in our new routines as wife/mother/author and husband/father/church planter; for churches to come alongside us in prayer and financial support.
We are so grateful for all your prayers and support!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Moving!
Dear friends and family:
As my family prepares to move to Albuquerque in the next week, I wanted to update you on our progress as we seek to begin the work of church planting in the Duke City this fall.
God has blessed your financial giving and prayers for us! Look at what has happened in the past few months:
-Nearly $91,000 has been raised
-We were able to sell our home in Louisiana, despite the chaos caused by the Gulf Oil Spill
-We were able to find a home in Albuquerque, in exactly the area of town we are 'targeting'. (In fact, the elementary, middle and high schools our sons will attend are all less than a mile away!)
Here are a few prayer requests to bring to the Lord on our behalf:
-We still have $30,000 + to raise. Pray especially that churches will get involved. God has brought us this far, so far...and I have no doubt He can raise this money!
-Pray for our family's transition to New Mexico, especially for Noah and Caleb. For me and Carrie, this is going home...for our boys, this will be all brand new.
-Pray that August will be a good month of getting settled, meeting neighbors, and getting 'geared up' for the next phase of church planting (meeting and gathering people, beginning a Bible study, etc.)
If there's any way we can be praying for you, it would be our privilege to do so!
All of God's grace to you,
Dan Rose
As my family prepares to move to Albuquerque in the next week, I wanted to update you on our progress as we seek to begin the work of church planting in the Duke City this fall.
God has blessed your financial giving and prayers for us! Look at what has happened in the past few months:
-Nearly $91,000 has been raised
-We were able to sell our home in Louisiana, despite the chaos caused by the Gulf Oil Spill
-We were able to find a home in Albuquerque, in exactly the area of town we are 'targeting'. (In fact, the elementary, middle and high schools our sons will attend are all less than a mile away!)
Here are a few prayer requests to bring to the Lord on our behalf:
-We still have $30,000 + to raise. Pray especially that churches will get involved. God has brought us this far, so far...and I have no doubt He can raise this money!
-Pray for our family's transition to New Mexico, especially for Noah and Caleb. For me and Carrie, this is going home...for our boys, this will be all brand new.
-Pray that August will be a good month of getting settled, meeting neighbors, and getting 'geared up' for the next phase of church planting (meeting and gathering people, beginning a Bible study, etc.)
If there's any way we can be praying for you, it would be our privilege to do so!
All of God's grace to you,
Dan Rose
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Moving Update
Thank you so much for your prayers and support! Just a week or so ago I received clearance from the Southwest Church Planting Network to pursue a home in Albuquerque and prepare to move to the Duke City. By God's grace, I've raised nearly $90,000 in support over the next three years, and while I hope to raise even more ($125K is the goal), that is enough for now to begin the work of ministry.
We have a contract on our house here in Houma (closing is set for July 26) and have an agreement on a house in ABQ (closing is July 29). We're praising God for the sale of our home in Louisiana as well as leading us to the new place in Albuquerque. I'll update you with an ABQ address once some of the closing 'hurdles' are cleared (inspection, appraisal, etc.).
Please pray for us in the following ways:
1) That the closing of these two houses is smooth and painless.
2) That the work of fundraising would continue...several families are still considering pledging, but have yet to make the commitment. Please pray also for churches to partner with us.
3) That I would begin to seriously plan and pray for the fall, as the real work of church planting will begin.
To God be the glory!
We have a contract on our house here in Houma (closing is set for July 26) and have an agreement on a house in ABQ (closing is July 29). We're praising God for the sale of our home in Louisiana as well as leading us to the new place in Albuquerque. I'll update you with an ABQ address once some of the closing 'hurdles' are cleared (inspection, appraisal, etc.).
Please pray for us in the following ways:
1) That the closing of these two houses is smooth and painless.
2) That the work of fundraising would continue...several families are still considering pledging, but have yet to make the commitment. Please pray also for churches to partner with us.
3) That I would begin to seriously plan and pray for the fall, as the real work of church planting will begin.
To God be the glory!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
June 12 Update
Great news! One of the two big hurdles left before we can begin our ministry in Albuquerque is about to fall.
Our house in Houma is now under contract. Closing is set for July 26. We had the opportunity to meet the couple that is purchasing our home...been married one month, new to the area, and attend a solid Baptist Church in the area and love the Lord! Praise God!
Please pray that their loan approval will go through, and that the house inspection and appraisal will occur without any major problems.
The other hurdle is that we are still short on our fundraising efforts. By God's grace, we have raised about $80,000 in pledges and gifts! Thank you to those who were able to contribute to our efforts. However, we're still short at least $45,000 from our goal. We still may be able to begin the work of ministry if we raise another $20,000.
So please pray for that $20,000 to come through. There are still a number of families that are considering investing in the Duke City Project...please pray that they will be generous, as the Lord allows. And pray that some churches will also come on board with commitments. There are two churches in New Mexico that are seriously considering how they can help...please pray for them!
What an adventure! There's a terrible recession going on, the Gulf Coast is undergoing an oil spill crisis that threatens a way of life for the people of South Louisiana...not exactly a great time to begin a fund raising project for a new church plant. And yet we've seen great generosity. And some who cannot give at this time pray for us regularly. It's a humbling experience...and I'm grateful for your generosity and your prayers. Just think, the real work begins after the fund raising is over! And we look forward to seeing our God come through, again, as He always does.
Our house in Houma is now under contract. Closing is set for July 26. We had the opportunity to meet the couple that is purchasing our home...been married one month, new to the area, and attend a solid Baptist Church in the area and love the Lord! Praise God!
Please pray that their loan approval will go through, and that the house inspection and appraisal will occur without any major problems.
The other hurdle is that we are still short on our fundraising efforts. By God's grace, we have raised about $80,000 in pledges and gifts! Thank you to those who were able to contribute to our efforts. However, we're still short at least $45,000 from our goal. We still may be able to begin the work of ministry if we raise another $20,000.
So please pray for that $20,000 to come through. There are still a number of families that are considering investing in the Duke City Project...please pray that they will be generous, as the Lord allows. And pray that some churches will also come on board with commitments. There are two churches in New Mexico that are seriously considering how they can help...please pray for them!
What an adventure! There's a terrible recession going on, the Gulf Coast is undergoing an oil spill crisis that threatens a way of life for the people of South Louisiana...not exactly a great time to begin a fund raising project for a new church plant. And yet we've seen great generosity. And some who cannot give at this time pray for us regularly. It's a humbling experience...and I'm grateful for your generosity and your prayers. Just think, the real work begins after the fund raising is over! And we look forward to seeing our God come through, again, as He always does.
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