The City of Hope

The Pastors, Elders, and Staff want to thank those of you who have been consistently praying—and giving—regarding the KPC City of Hope and our future.  Here’s an update.  I know what follows is a bit lengthy, but I have taken the risk of writing something that is a bit longer (though not too long) in order to make sure that you are fully up to date and equipped to pray with us:

• Two months ago we renegotiated our KPC City of Hope land contract.  We were able to come to terms on a new contract, now pricing 100 acres at substantially less than the $6 million plus negotiated for 50 acres.  We continue to receive favor from the Lord—even in an altered economic environment—and for this we are grateful.

• During the past two months, we have been praying (thanks again!) and working through the details of a large and complex deal.  Last week, a local bank agreed to finance KPC if the deal goes forward.  Given today’s credit environment, this is no small matter and is a considered and sober judgment from those outside KPC that, despite economic uncertainty, KPC’s financial capability is strong and our future bright.

• In order for the KPC City of Hope deal to go forward and be presented to the congregation for a vote, five parties had to say “yes.”  With last week’s bank approval, four of the five parties have said “yes.”   We are hopeful that, having secured financing, the deal will now be approved.  Final “clean up” on the contract has all but been completed, and the way seems clear for them now to make a decision.

• Above all things, we seek to keep the focus on the Real Decision Maker, God Himself.  Scripture tells us that, “The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; He turns it wherever He pleases.”  (Proverbs 21:1)  We believe that the Real Decision Maker, God Himself, is sitting with the decision makers at the bank.  We believe He will work in their decision making and in the timing according to His perfect and sovereign will.  We do not look to the bank; we look to the Lord.  This is why we believe it is crucial that we stay in prayer as an expression of our dependence upon God and not man. 

• As pastors, elders, and senior staff, we are greatly encouraged by the events of the past two months.  Still, we have to hold out the possibility that the bank will say “no.”  If that happens, then we will thank God knowing that He reigns and is ever watching over the best interests of KPC and her ministry future.  Either way, we will meet the Lord’s answer with faith and thanksgiving, because to do so is fundamental to being a people who trust and love the Lord.  Our strength and distinctiveness as a congregation is found, not in buildings or land, but in our unswerving and joyful trust in our wise, loving, and sovereign Father in heaven.  Even so, we feel the liberty to “make our requests with thanksgiving,” (Philippians 4:6) and so we ask you to join us that God would move on the hearts of those at the bank to speedily say “yes” that we might present this matter to you.