After Linda’s death on May 23, 2023, I wrote two concluding editions of Walking Victoriously through the “Long Goodbye” and determined that I was through with writing blogs. A little less than a year later, the Lord impressed upon my heart that I had made an important decision without consulting Him. Therefore, I repented and launched Living Victoriously after the “Long Goodbye” in April 2024. My intent was to share inspiring stories with those who face daunting circumstances. Today’s thoughts were inspired by an event which took place one week ago: As the founding pastor, I was invited to participate in the 25th Anniversary of the Neighborhood Church, originally the Bridge Community Church, in Buford, Georgia.
Reflecting on the Past
While driving down from my home in Tennessee, I tried to ease my anxiety by reflecting on what took place twenty-five years ago and anticipating what was about to take place now — NOT a good idea. I knew that fourteen of the original founding members were still actively serving in the church, and I wondered if they would even know me. After all, when I retired thirteen years ago, I still had hair, did not walk with a limp, and could still charge up the stairs leading to the stage. Even worse, what if I did not recognize them? I did not have to wait long to check that out! I noticed a handsome young man and a beautiful young woman with three kids looking at me as if I should know them – I was clueless! They were just teenagers giving adoring glances to each other when I last saw them.
An even larger concern was the congregants who had joined the journey after I left. What would they think about this elderly man? I was about to get a series of wonderful surprises. I was greeted by friendly attendants who showed me where to park, and once inside, a sea of smiling people all seemed know me. Then, when the worship service began, Pastors Torrey and Polly introduced me, said several nice things about me, and the congregation erupted with a loud round of applause. Slowly, I began to realize that even though the majority of these people had never met me, they had already been informed of the role that my precious wife Linda and I had played a quarter of a century ago.
Rejoicing in the Present
Telling the complete story of what has transpired since the founding of this church would require a complete book. Likewise, staying within the limitations of a 764 – word blog renders it impossible to adequately describe all that has been accomplished during Pastor Torrey’s tenure as Lead Pastor; however, let it suffice to say that this congregation is defying all ministry norms. The following numbers provide significant insight into what God is doing through the Neighborhood Church:
- 80% of the congregation serve in various ministries of the church.
- A surprising number of young people have been, and are being, launched into ministry.
- 12 Baskets Food Ministry has provided 600,000 pounds of food to 6,000 families.
- $32,407.00 has been spent to send over 200 children and youth to Summer Camps.
- $70,500.00 has assisted in funding church plants in the USA and around the world.
- $210,169.00 has allowed needy families in the community to be comforted.
- $667,741.00 has been given to World Missions.
- Aggressive effort has reduced the indebtedness on the church property to $187,701.00.
- Profit from Christmas tree sales in the amount of $741,317.00 has been sown into the lives of children locally and around the world.
Anticipating the Future
Attempting to connect the past with the present and create a foundation for the future, in about a 30-minute interview, Pastor Torrey asked a series of leading questions about what had inspired me to take such a leap of faith twenty-five years ago. The entire interview can be seen by visiting the church website (myneighborhoodchurch.live) and locating the following video: 25th Anniversary/Neighborhood Church. The interview starts at 20:56 on the timer.
If God tarries, right on schedule a 50th Anniversary of the Neighborhood Church will take place. At that time, Pastor Torrey will be one year younger than I am now. On that day, as he recounts the marvelous things that God has brought forth from such humble beginnings, Linda and I will be among the great cloud of witness looking down from Heaven and cheering the congregation onward as they faithfully continue to run with perseverance the race so clearly marked out in the Word of God!
Ron Harvard Ministries 