1. Pray for courage for our team to continue loving and inviting their unchurched friends and family into small groups and to our Launch Team Gathering.

2. Pray for additional funds to be raised. We need to add at least another $25k for 2006, but could use significantly more.

3. Pray for our leaders (Kevin & Armond in particular) to be consistently fed through time with God, to be faithful with family time, and to be bold and effective in ministry.

4. Pray for our visitors to grow in their faith and increase their involvement in BOH.

5. Pray that our transition into 2205 Falls Ave. goes smoothly and shows God's love to Adam.

6. Pray that God provides the furnishings and equipment to make our building useful and attractive.

7. Pray that God gives strength and hope to Elmer and his family.

8. Pray that Armond and Rachel find a long-term home to stay in. They are currently living in cabin at a local conference center.

9. Pray that God works in the hearts and lives of our unchurched friends: Terry, Rachel, Tom, Deb, Zack, Courtney, Brenna, Adriana, Russ, Martha, Brian, Tony, Dave, Steve, Denny, Ruth, Eric, Erica, David, Joshua, Phil, Jenny,  Isaac, Candy, Adam, Sh'ree, Sarah, John, Mary, Debra, Monique, Malik, Pat, Holly, Judy, Cheryl, Benjamin, Mat, Martha, Julie, Evan, Cara, James, Gary, Cindy, Cliff, Leroy, Mat, Shane, Misty, Tom, Jan, Bonnie, Ken, Lisa, Tim, Cory, Cindy, Jen, Marlene, Seth, Mike, Stuart, Donna, Patty, Nicole, Merv, Janet, Mick, Heather, Jonathan, Amanda, Bob, Melissa, Ryan, Gloria, Alex, Matt, Al, Caleb, Isaac, Mark, Cathy, and Anna.

PRAY 4 US!
October 2005 Prayer Update

Dear friends & family,

Welcome to those of you who have been praying for and supporting Armond!  You can read a special note from Armond (Fuzzy) later, but we felt it would be beneficial to all to merge our updates.  If you are new to the BOH/Armond prayer team, you may want to read our previous updates on our website (www.bridgeofhopechurch.com/pray4us.html). Hold on to your seats because God has been doing some very cool stuff.

What is God doing?

Multiplying: God has brought great joy to us by bringing in new people!  Armond, Rachel, Harmony, Richard, and Aria have joined us in ministry. They are a wonderful gift to us.  As well, we have had many visitors.  Please pray that we continue to help Elmer & Norma, Sonny & Beverly, Abbi, Kelli, Kortni, Jenna, Sarah, Devon, Heather, Sarah, Scott & Sally, Michael, Sara, Mike & Tammy, and their 3 kids (yes, there are 3 Sarahs) connect with God.

Transforming: We have been asking for courage to reach out to our community from the very beginning and God is certainly doing just that. Armond has been a tremendous example to us and helped us step out of our comfort zones.  God is transforming us from being simply a welcoming church to being an inviting church and it shows in our attendance.

Providing: God has truly been supplying all our needs: equipment, space, and finances.  God has opened up people's hearts to donate all kinds of stuff.  We've received 2 wireless mics, 2-19in. TVs, a small sign (which is being customized by 2 crafty team members), a desk, a rocking chair, several shirts with our logo embroidered, and about 10 folding chairs!  As well, we will be purchasing a used sound system which will save us about $1,000.
     God has also provided space to meet.  For the past 6 weeks we have been fortunate to meet at McNelly & McKenna Photography for free.  As we have grown, the need for more space has become clear.  Now God is opening a door for us to be in a 2,100 sq. ft. office/store front.  The owner, Adam, is giving us a great deal at $200/month plus utilities with the first month free!
     Finally, God is providing the necessary financial resources.  In September, the Classis of Pleasant Prairie made a huge statement by approving a grant of $25,000 for 2006.  This comes from the second poorest classis in the Reformed Church in America (RCA).  The RCA Church Multiplication Team approved their maximum grant of $30,000 over 3 years. An additional $5,000 has been pledged by our launch team beyond the $35,000 already pledged.  As well, a prayer team family has committed to give $1,000.

Healing: Periodically, I have mentioned some of the health challenges our team is facing, so here is an update on each.  Stephanie is doing very well recovering from the C-section 6 weeks ago.  However, she also had carcinoma (cancer) removed from her nose, which turned out to be much more significant than we anticipated.  The plastic surgeon did a great job, so you can hardly tell she had anything done.  Kathleen has been struggling with hives for many months, but has finally found medication to control it.  Carlene has been dealing with chemical depression for over a year. Currently she is doing very well and increasing her involvement.  Finally, Elmer started chemo treatments for Leukemia down at the U of I Hospitals on Sept. 27.  He is feeling physically weaker, but spiritually he and his family are thriving.  They are being nourished through God's Word and growing a deep faith.