As we begin our 38th year of operation, everyone at Agape continues to marvel at the supernatural provision, protection, and endurance God has given this ministry.

Many, many victories have been won by the power of our God. In the Old Testament, the Israelites would pay tribute after a victory by building an altar for all to see. Everyone who passed by would marvel and know. They would know that the Israelites were there. They would know the battle was won. They would know that the God of the Israelites had, once again, done the impossible.

Two and a half years ago, God began pressing heavily on our hearts and minds to prepare to build an altar. You see, the Agape property has had many obstacles over the years. The task and cost to mitigate these obstacles seemed beyond reason and possibility; they felt like a battle of heavenly proportions. Every step forward toward a reasonable resolution was distracted and disarmed with physical, financial, and emotional roadblocks.

Over these last few years, God began moving His people to go above and beyond in giving generously toward the $774,500 financial need of the project. However, on the evening of April 25^th, we knew that the opportunity to move forward with the project this year was closing. The status of the funding was simple: there was a financial shortfall of $110,000.

I was discouraged. I found myself asking God: “Why?” I lay my head down to sleep.

My eyes flew open. I immediately looked at my clock in anticipation of what was to come… 2:15 a.m. I knew God had called me to a meeting.

In the darkness… a quiet came upon me and a still, small voice whispered: Trust Me.

I cannot describe the sensation that came over me. I knew His voice, like a familiar parent calling my name. I lay awake all night waiting for Him to speak again. Another message never came. His message was clear and singular.

The next day, I walked into the board room. The board president began his devotional. He said that over the past week, he could not shake the message of Psalms 20. Specifically, the verses that he felt called to share were these:

Psalms 20:7-9

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright. O Lord, may He answer us when we call.

He then went on to say: The Lord has pressed upon my heart to Trust Him… we need to simply Trust Him.

This story shows the character of our God. A God who continually shows up. A God who is willing to come to us in the night to confirm His goodness, cast off our doubts, and show the mighty power of His strength. He is so very patient, merciful, and kind This, my friends, is our God. This is who He is. He loves us and answers us when we call.

Knowing this to be true, I am honored to share that by God’s provision through each one of you AND through the supernatural leading of a living and present God, the Agape board of directors unanimously decided to Trust Him and move forward with the Agape Campus Expansion this June of 2023!

The physical campus expansion will represent our most recent altar. We will continue to build altars, seen and unseen, every single day. We will never stop… until we breathe our last. All who stand witness will see that, once again, something BIG has happened. As the flames begin to rise from the altars, may our lives, our work, and this ministry be a fragrant aroma to the One we worship with the works of our hands.

So, let us daily offers up the aroma of Hope and remember that Hope has a name… its name is Jesus!

Additional Scripture: Romans 15:4-13, 1 Timothy 4:8-16

Worship Song: “Goodness of Our God” by Bethel Music