Recently, a fraternal organization expressed an interest in purchasing our property.  Please pray that the Lord's will is done concerning this.  We look forward to 2010 with anticipation and the joy of the Lord and trust in His soverign will.

 

Several potential buyers have visited our property.  While no firm offers have been received at this time, it is encouaging that even in this recessive economy, God has kept the fires of hope burning.  Continue to pray that God's will is done, and that we act in accordance with it.

 

Our greatest need in our efforts to relocate is to sell the Cahokia property, which has been on the market for about 30 days.  During this time, we have had several prospective buyers look at the property, but not offers have been extended as yet.  Our asking price for the land and buildings, $190,000, is considered to be a "value price" in our buyer's market.  Please pray for the timely sale of the Cahokia property.

 

On another vein, Bro. Bob Baker, deacon chairman, and Pastor Carpenter have been working on plans to build a steel-frame structure.  This, of course, will be contingent upon the purchase of suitable acreage in the eastern half of St. Clair County.  Continue to pray for all of these efforts as we pursue relentlessly the will of God for our church.

 

While our pursuit of the furniture store property is not "dead," Gateway has decided to re-open its interest in other eligible properties throughout our area.  A word of encouragement came from two businesspeople involved in our relocation effort - in their experience, they have seen the "perfect" building seemingly come out of nowhere at the right price when churches find themselves in our position.  In addition, Pastor Carpenter read several emails from our friends across the country and the world, all of which expressed their confidence in God's ability to meet our need and in their personal commitment to our church in prayer.  Continue to pray for our church as we make our historic move.

 

Over the last three weeks, Gateway has been given some new challenges to overcome in her quest to purchase a new building.  Our primary bank declined to extend to us a loan, which prompted Pastor Carpenter and our deacons to seek out new financing options and, perhaps, a new bank with which to do business.  Out of five banks applied, two of them showed great interest in the opportunity to service Gateway.  Also, Pastor Carpenter has consulted with a team of financial advisors to help us navigate the sometimes-murky waters of banking and finance.  In addition, it was discovered that our property was missing several hundred square feet that were previously sold to the owner of the adjacent lot.  We must purchase the square footage in order to have enough parking spaces per the City of O'Fallon.  Pray for our Pastor, deacons, and staff as we diligently press forward on the various fronts leading us toward purchasing this new property.

 

A closing date has been set for August 27!  Praise the Lord!

 

 

The process of obtaining a variance on the zoning for the property has started.  Pray for Pastor Carpenter as he works through the reams of paperwork that is required by the authorities to proceed with turning the new property legally into a church and Christian school location.  In addition, continue to contribute and to pray for the necessary funding to pull off this relocation.

 

 

Our offer of $300,000 for the new property was countered with a bid of $300,000 plus one-half of the outstanding real estate taxes and brokerage fees, an estimated $20,000.  A preliminary closing date has been set in mid-August.  However, the bid is contingent upon full payment at the time of close.  Continue praying for God to work a miracle as we near the completion of a years-long pursuit towards purchasing a new property.

 

 

Gateway Baptist Church voted unanimously to purchase a new property, pursue a fundraising campaign as well as lines of credit to make the purchase, and to permanently relocate to the new location.  A great challenge lies ahead, but God is able to meet our need.  Please continue to pray for our church as we press forward with these daring plans.