Day 20 - 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2026

Day 20:  Community: Leading with Consistent Presence

Scripture: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” — Galatians 6:9

In March 2017, my family visited three churches in four days—two in Florida and one in North Carolina—as I interviewed for pastoral positions. One of those stops was Faith Family Community Church.

I still remember pulling up for the first time. I passed several chained-off entrances before eventually turning around, getting out of my car, and undoing the chains myself just to enter the parking lot. Signs warned that "all others will be towed." The building looked tired, and the house on the property appeared forgotten, perhaps even abandoned.

The meeting with the board wasn't much more encouraging than the empty lot. While cautiously optimistic, the leaders were overwhelmed by the trauma of previous years. As I listened to their hearts, I felt the magnitude of the task ahead if I chose to come to Winter Garden.

Once we committed to the work of revitalization, I began to pray a simple prayer over our surroundings: “Lord, give us a heart for the people around us, and help us transform the community where You have placed us.”

We started small. We removed the chains and the unwelcoming signs. We cleaned the property and launched a student parking ministry for West Orange High School. We began serving meals to the football team and sought community partners, such as the Driven Volleyball Club, to utilize our space. The church became a local voting precinct. We remodeled the house, revamped the website, started livestreaming, and refreshed the foyer and stage. We did everything possible to make the church a place where the community felt welcome and connected.

As we approach nine years of service at FFCC, I acknowledge it has been a challenging road. At times, it felt overwhelming. Yet, it has been worth it. We have seen the church transformed, and in turn, the church is impacting the community every single day.
I believe the church should reflect the demographics of its community, and over time, the community should begin to reflect the values of the church. This only happens through a consistent, faithful presence.

While many factors contribute to growth, the "secret ingredient" is often simply time. We are now reaping the harvest of the last nine years of labor. I believe that if we remain obedient to God’s call to serve, we will see an even greater impact in the years to come.

Reflection:
Are you weary in your "doing good"? Remember that "due season" requires both faithfulness and time. Stay present; the harvest is coming.

Father, help us to stay present in the moment that you have placed us. Help us to look for your purpose and plan. Help us stay faithful even when it is difficult. Help us to see the fruit of our labor! Amen!