We voted yesterday by a resounding 96% to move forward with building a gym! Of course, as I have stated, we will not enter into a contract until we have the money in hand. The estimated cost to build is $975,000. That price could go up or down over the next few weeks, but we will be able to lock in the major variables of the construction costs once we sign a contract and the order for materials is placed. We already have $265,656 in donations. That leaves a balance of $709,344. A target date of May 29^th has been set to have the money in hand to proceed. I am confident that we will meet this goal – if we all pray and give obediently, generously, sacrificially, and cheerfully! Someone stated to me yesterday that we have not taken on a major building project in this church since the staff offices/educational space/fellowship hall building was completed and dedicated in 1990. Folks, that was 32 years ago! We need this gym. It is time for this generation to step up and meet this existing need, as well as leave a legacy for our children and grandchildren (and even great-grandchildren) like the generations before us. With our eyes on God, we can be enjoying a new gym by this time next year, wondering how in the world we ever got along without it!

Congratulations to Aiden Miltier who represented us at State Bible Drill in Hattiesburg this past Saturday. We have other children and youth who participated in various stages of church and Associational drills, but for various reasons, Aiden was the only one who participated at the State Drill. Aiden only missed 2! This is remarkable, considering that he had surgery a little more than 3 weeks before the state drill, and had to participate in church drill sitting down! We will be recognizing Aiden, all of our other drillers, and their leaders on a Sunday morning soon. Thank you to all who participated or led in any way, including parents who encourage their children and support our Bible Drill program!

Yesterday was another exciting day of worship! I have been encouraged by the comments many of you have made to me about this sermon series. It is easy to see how so many scholars consider Romans chapter 8 as the greatest chapter in the Bible! And, it was such a joy to receive Lauren Stevenson into our church family on promise of her church letter, at the 11:00 service. Please help Lauren feel at home!

Don’t forget the youth carwash at Advance Auto Parts this Saturday, 10 – 2. And, the Greater Vision concert this Saturday evening at 6:00pm.

God is Still on the Move at RPBC!