volume 2 - issue 1
real stories about real people - from real church planters We received a tremendous response to our November issue, so we're kicking off the new year with two more real stories from two more real church planters. Really. These amazing stories are made possible by the generous support of people like you. And beginning this winter, you'll be able to make your gift to Stadia online. Watch for more details soon at www.stadia.cc.
Goodyear, Arizona - A young man came up to me after our first service of the new year. He and his girlfriend had been coming for about five months; he is a long-haired, beer t-shirt wearing, scary-looking kind of guy. They are both in their mid 20's.
The young man who came up afterward said that story was him. He started to cry and opened up that he wanted to accept Christ. Eventually we prayed together and he decided to accept the gift of salvation. We met on Wednesday to follow up, and he was baptized the next Sunday afternoon. I share this story because he had been one of those guys that not a single person would ever peg as a potential churchgoer... but God has worked on his heart. That stuff excites me! Troy Gardner
Santa Rosa, California - At New Day, things had been running smoothly, but I was concerned that we hadn’t had any baptisms for quite a while. I had one couple who were ready and willing, but we were waiting for his 11-year-old twin boys to come stay with him for Christmas so they could be baptized also. We put the word out that we were going to have a baptism party on New Year’s Eve.
Come December 31 it rained all day, even with some small hail, but we continued as scheduled. At the time of the baptism, over 60 people gathered outside and we started to sing “How Great Is Our God.” As the steam was rising off of the pool, I looked up and I could see stars. I’m sure it was the only place in California that had a break in the clouds! It was amazing. I thought, “This is just like You God. Never early, but right on time, giving us a glimpse of Your glory. Thank you for making Your presence known among us.” We proceeded with the baptisms. When it was all said and done, we had nine people baptized – five adults and four children. It was a great celebration that will go down in New Day history. Each of you, from the Stadia staff, to the pastors of church plants and the people of each congregation and all who have gone before us share in this joy of seeing lives changed for eternity. By the way, when we were coming out of the pool, it started to pour down with torrential rain. Way to go God!! Glenn Dibley |
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My message that morning was about being a church of thirds (mature believers, new believers and sinners) and that all are welcome. I told a story about a friend from college that I worked with who was completely irreligious, and fought the battle of accepting Christ. I don't know if he ever decided.
In a step of faith we made arrangements to use a heated outdoor pool from a family at church. However, in the week leading up to New Year, California was experiencing consistent heavy rain all over. While my desire was to have the baptism outside, I did have a “safe” plan B in place at a church in the event of heavy rain.
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