Many people live in anticipation, while others would die for it. October 3rd, 2004 was a day of anticipation for New Hope and myself, the dedication of a brand new 14,000 sq. ft. building. It brought relief from sleepless nights, long days and many battles. It was a day to rejoice, celebrate and shout victory.

The anticipated moment was the result of enormous preparations (20 months) and days of hard labor (12 months). In some strange way every moment preceding October 3rd was worth it.

There are countless examples of timely events that could only have been orchestrated by God:

• Forty-eight hours of above freezing temperatures were needed to pour our main concrete floor at the end on November. God provided.
• Five days of calm weather were needed to complete the last 12 feet of our continuous poured concrete wall system in late December. God provided days between Christmas & New Year’s with temperatures that exceeded 10 degrees C.
• Four spring-like days were experienced the last week of March allowing the siding to be completed.
• Countless volunteers who always showed up at the right moment and boosted morale.
• A supportive wife, sons, parents, in-laws, church, home church, former church & District.

There were also a few hard knocks in the journey:

• Wind destruction to the semi-completed walls in December.
• Blizzard ‘04 that dumped three feet of snow on our partially finished roof.
• Parking lot that required considerably more fill than anticipated.
• Power Corporation that was extremely slow in fulfilling their commitment.

October 3rd was like no other day for New Hope or myself; both Church and Pastor were treading new territory. It was worth the effort. In the morning service 190+ people gathered as we paid tribute to the many volunteers, construction companies & workers who gave graciously. To say thank you seemed so right and was certainly appreciated by those present.

In the afternoon 240 individuals gathered as New Hope’s home was dedicated to the Glory of God. It was awe inspiring to see individuals travel from all parts of the Province and Maritimes.

It has been rewarding to watch God’s plan unfold. New Hope rejoices in God’s miracle that in seven years we’ve gone from a church plant near extinction, to occupying three different venues for worship, to having our own home. Many sacrifices have been made and the people have rallied by giving to the cause.

There is now another anticipation blazing in my heart – the next dedication – the day when ‘One Thousand Tongues’ shall sing praises to His name!