A Story of Commitment
Although Reachway Church ‘officially’ began ministry in September of 2018, we draw upon a history that dates back to the 1950s. Northside Church of the Nazarene built, and stayed, and built again, and stayed some more. Over a span of decades their congregation remained commited to the neighborhood, the city, and their belief in the good and beautiful mission of the local church.
In one final and ultimate act of commitment, with the expressed purpose of wanting to continue to see a local church exist in the North Valley Neighborhood of Peoria, IL focused on loving its neighbors, their board voted to formally close their church and gift the building to Reachway’s ministry.
Every time we wonder ‘why’ we should go through the effort of trying, and trying again, we remember the story of commitment that was shaping Reachway Church long before the ministry ever existed.
Clarified and Focused Ministry, Inspired By Jesus
In the Gospel of Matthew 9:35-38 Jesus is accounted for saying words that have become pretty familiar to many Christians: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” As our leadership team recently engaged with this passage we were reminded (and confronted) with what we read in verse thirty-six; it appears that Jesus intends for the people of God to seek a harvest among “the harassed and helpless,” those who are as though they are “sheep without a shepherd.”
Inspired by this often overlooked aspect of Jesus’ ministry, we are focusing ministry efforts with several people groups in mind; people in our neighborhood who we believe God is asking us to humbly serve in any way we possibly can: those on a journey of recovery, those immigrating to our neighborhood from other countries, and those reentering society from the federal prison system. In many ways, we have no idea how this is going to practically look. But we are convinced that the next right thing to do is grow in proximity with these neighbors of our, to listen, learn, and understand, and to serve.
New Tools for a New Chapter: Church Board and Fundraiser
We know that setting out on a new journey requires new tools. Right now, Reachway Church has identified two:
1) Forming our first church board will provide Reachway with the prayerful and stewarding body it needs to step into this new chapter of ministry.
2) We would like to avoid debt! The roof of our main facility and garage needs replacing (approx. $40,000) and the end of our parsonage loan is in sight (approx. $20,000). Will you help us acheive our $60,000 goal?
Thank You For Your Support!
As we navigate this new chapter of ministry, would you commit to pray for us?
Pray that the hearts of those of our congregation would be softened and inspired to step into this new chapter.
Pray that God would connect our church with those we can serve.
Pray that God would provide for our perceived financial need of $60,000, but that we would ultimately be provided for exactly what we need.
Pray for the leadership of our church, that they would lead in-step with the Holy Spirit.