Are You Disturbed?

“Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well pleased with ourselves. When our dreams have come true because we dreamed too little. When we arrive safely because we have sailed too close to the shore. Disturb us, Lord.”
-- Sir Francis Drake

I found this quote on a pastor's blog, Perry Noble. I was so challenged by it I had to post it on my blog. We become so comfortable at times. Here are some of my uncomfortable goals and dreams for CATF.

• I see a church and a group of Christ followers that are making a difference in their community.
• I see a church that is growing in the coming year. I see us breaking 100 in attendance in the coming months.
• I see a place that welcomes people no matter their colour, their status, their income, their background, their education, their current place in life, their religious background – even those stuck in the mud Christians (as long as they are open to change).
• I see a church getting involved in this community and caring for the less fortunate.
• I see a place that offers great hope for a hurting world.
• I see a church that says I love and accepts you where you are but wants to point you to what God has for you.
• I see us outgrowing this theatre and having to do multiple services.
• I see us one day renting a large venue here in Niagara Falls for Christmas or Easter because we have touched this community is such a way that we can’t contain all the people in this theatre. Dream maybe…God willing it’s possible.
• I have a dream of baptizing 100 people on one day. For those that have gone to church for a number of years…I just blew your mind…for the new followers of Christ you are saying right one man... we can do it.
• I want this church and the people of this church to make a such a difference in this community that people of all backgrounds and faiths step back and appreciate what we do. They may not understand our message or even like our message, but they don’t know how to refute the love we have shown.
• I would like to see us in the future give enough money to cover the food needs at Project Share for one month. God’s heart breaks for the less fortunate, for the poor.
• I see a church that continues to be unified and moving forward in the days and years ahead.
• I see a church that will continue to meet in this theatre for years to come…not because we don’t have a building, but because we want to be here to reach our community. A couple weeks ago we met at MPC and it was good…but I love meeting at the theatre…this is what God wants for us and until that changes we are permanent fixture. We are the movie theatre church!

I am thankful for all the people that give financially, give time and give of their talent to make a difference each week. Way to go CATF! Lives have been changed because you care enough to give.

For those that are pumped up about CATF…I’m asking you to step up for the year ahead and do all you can to make a difference.