The Saying Goes, "time flies when you're having fun", and the last few years have surely flown by - but, oh what joy they have been! It has been exhilarating to watch a dream become a reality.
Yesterday, - was it really August of 1993? - God inspired 26 of his people to begin a new work. Such a challenge could only be undertaken with God's precise direction. When action was added to overwhelming faith, God provided the site upon which this new endeavor would begin.
September 1995 was miracle number one, GROUND BREAKING! Though there may have been skeptics about such a large undertaking, the faith of God's people never faltered, the desire to press on and complete the work set before them was an ever-present constant. The first service was soon held in what is now the fellowship hall. After the first step was taken God overwhelmingly blessed!
"Making a Difference" - was the pledge that was forged into the hearts of Cornerstone members. It was the desire to be a soul-winning station for God, working and praying together for the up building of God's kingdom. How miraculously God gave the increase.
Miracle number two began with construction of the new sanctuary in March 2000. "The people had a mind to work." They were eager and willing to labor and toil. A sense of love, duty, necessity, and even joy bound the minds of people to unite them in a work for God. Just as Nehemiah had a "mind to work", the family of Cornerstone also answered the call to "rise up and build". Sweat, toil, recruitment of skilled and unskilled alike, and without respect of age or person, completion became a reality. With God's promise to provide until the end, the first service in the new sanctuary was held January 28, 2001.
Since August, 1993 we have seen many souls give their hearts to Christ. As the seed was planted, watered, and continued to grow, the love of God continued to abound in the hearts and lives of His people, Just as a small spark can create and enormous fire, the desire to lead the lost to Jesus spread from breast to breast. Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, neighbors, friends - and enemies, learned about the sacrificial love of a father who gave up His son for the redeeming of their souls. Broken hearts were mended, stony hearts were wilted, and the lonely found family. The LOVE OF GOD encompassed about, adding the increase.
Now the goal is the same - to make a difference! God has provided a beautiful sanctuary in which to worship, he blessed abundantly, and he continues to provide the increase. The dream must not stop here. Ten years and we've just begun! We must continue to seek God's guidance and remain faithful and true to the calling to see the lost world saved. Yes, years later we are truly blessed to look back on our accomplishments. Knowing that "it is more blessed to give than to receive", we must continue to spread the gift of life everlasting, joy unspeakable and full of glory, and a promised home in heaven were eternity is as a day - ever praising the Almighty for His most gracious gifts(s)!!!