We have recently received word back regarding the offer we made on the property at Shelton Plaza. They declined our offer and told us what offer they would be able to work with. As it stands there is still a sizable mortgage on the property and in order to liquidate that they would need more than we can offer up front. This was disappointing news, but I was not ill prepared for it. I had been fasting and praying for the weeks prior and was poised for it.
That property represented the vision in its complete form, everything i would have liked to see was there and the potential to realize every aspect of the vision. Whether God led me there to help me see the fullness of the vision, or whether we will still purchase that property one day (or one similar) is in the heart of God. The important thing that God spoke to me is that I ought not to let the property determine the vision, but should rather let the vision determine what we do with wherever we are. The vision is first. Another obvious aspect, and perhaps one that God was saving us from at this time, is the obvious crisis in the banking industry. As I understand it it would be virtually impossible to get a loan at this time. Many businesses and people are finding it extremely difficult to find financing and I am sure we would have had a hard time as well. But I am undaunted and moving forward.
After considerable prayer I have decided that for now we will look to rent or lease a church of facility in the valley area of CT. We are even now in negotiations and I will share more about that as it develops. I have created a website for the Center for the Cure of Souls so that I can further my work in providing pastoral counseling in the ancient tradition and spiritual direction to people and I am looking for office space away from my home for that. It is important that I am able to spend my time pastorally, engaged in ministry, rather than in carpentry. In order to continue the ministry I have been called to I will be charging for my time, but I still need faithful friends to help support us so that we can make this vision real. I will move undaunted to fulfill it! I ask for your continued prayers as we seek to serve in the spirit of Isaiah 61, to bring good news to the poor, to bind up the broken hearted, to set free the captives, and proclaim release.
God bless you.
Fr. Matt
