Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Our Support Letter...
Our dear family, friends, and co-laborers for the gospel, guess what? We're moving....in just a few weeks!
WHY?
To answer a call for pastoral leadership at Hayden Heights Baptist Church (HHBC) in partnership with Bethlehem Baptist Church (BBC). Hayden Heights approached BBC some months ago to help them find a pastor. They recognized they needed a drastic change or else close their doors. BBC agreed to help under the condition that HHBC become a restart/church plant under BBC's Treasuring Christ Together church planting ministry. We heard about the search for the pastor and submitted to the process in February. After much prayer from all parties involved, we were humbled and joy-filled at being chosen for this incredible endeavor!
WHERE?
Hayden Heights is located on the East side of St. Paul, Minnesota. It is an urban and culturally diverse community. An added blessing....it is two miles from Katie's childhood home where much of her family still resides!
WHEN?
We are set to move in mid July in hopes to start the church planting residency on August 1st, 2012.
DOING WHAT?
For one year I will be in the church planting residency program of Bethlehem Baptist Church. The primary focus of this year will be to draft a clear vision for reforming and revitalizing HHBC. Instead of planting a brand new church, we want to build on the grace already at work in the local church of Hayden Heights--this is why it is called a restart. Upon approval from the leadership of both BBC and HHBC, this vision for reform would launch next August. By God's grace this restart will begin a new season for enduring gospel growth for Hayden Heights and for the surrounding area of St. Paul.
During this time I will take on some pastoral responsibilities of preaching and member care at HHBC. And finally, after one year I will transition out of the residency program of BBC into full-time pastoral ministry at HHBC.
OUR PASSION
We believe that God is calling us to this ministry of church reform in Hayden Heights. In early June we visited Hayden Heights and met a small congregation that truly desires to keep their doors open for the sake of the gospel. There are evidences of God's grace--past and present--at work in the local congregation. We learned that God used the evangelistic ministry of Hayden Heights over thirty years ago in the conversion of Katie's own father. And we believe that God will do more for His name as we serve Him and call upon Him there.
We believe in the central mission of Bethlehem Baptist Church: to spread a passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all people through Christ. We see the value of this passion taking hold of the local congregation of Hayden Heights and the surrounding area. We therefore believe that joining this partnership between Bethlehem Baptist Church and Hayden Heights is valuable way to spend our lives in the gospel for Him.
WILL YOU PARTNER WITH US?
Hayden Heights Baptist Church will offer part of our support but we still need to raise an additional $30,000 - $35,000 within the next three to four months.
Would you consider supporting us in this ministry on a monthly basis or through a one time gift? Your generous financial support will carry us through the church planting residency at BBC and the transition from the residency into a full time position at HHBC.
HOW CAN YOU GIVE?
You can give electronically by going to:
http://www.hopeingod.org/about-us/giving-financial-info/giving
Select "Give online" which is found in the 'Contribution Options' section of the main page. Choose "Create an Account" on right side of the page. You will be prompted to check your email to activate the account and re- log in to continue before giving. Once you have an account choose the "TCT Church Planting Resident" option from the list in the 'Fund' designation drop down box. Then click "Weyland Leach" under 'Sub-Fund' drop down box.
Thank you for your prayers and participation with us in this vision for the glory of God in the local church of Hayden Heights. Let us know if you would like to meet or talk more about this ministry and if you'd like prayer updates.
For the sake of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ,
Weyland, Katie, Lily, and Ezekiel
502-645-8190
Wdleach@gmail.com
Saturday, June 16, 2012
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
To the Father
of our children….
God is good,
always.
He was good in
giving me you.
He was good to
bring us through suffering as we longed for children.
He was good to
place children in our lives.
He was good
when He removed children from our arms.
He was good to
let us cry out to Him.
He was good
and remembered all His Promises that we held to.
He was a good
and kind Father when we asked “why.”
He was good to
give us a daughter who is our delight.
He was good to
give us a son who is content and joyful.
God is good,
always.
We suffered; you
remembered this promise always.
You reminded
me, led me, loved me.
You are a
wonderful husband and father-
Always pointing
to the goodness of our heavenly Father.
I Love you and
I Love the father you are to our precious,
undeserved gifts
from the Lord.
HAPPY FATHER’S
DAY!
2012
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Friday, June 8, 2012
Family Update
Please pray for us:
-to find a home to purchase or rent
-raise support for living expenses during our residency and transition into church leadership
-for good goodbyes, we have poured out our lives here and we will miss the people here
-pray for our new church family at Hayden Heights, they have waited 2+ years for a pastor and they are anxious to be shepherded.....and there will be a season of transistion that may be difficult
-to finish well in all areas and be prepared for the task ahead
Look for our support letter in the near future for more details :) Enjoy these recent family pics!
