Civil War Chapel.

I'm so grateful for the beautiful prayer time our team had this morning. When I asked the Lord who our team should pray for, He spoke "orphans and widows". He led me to James 1:17-29 (Read it! I even linked it for you :), and during prayer, the Holy Spirit kept bringing me back to this... just wanted to share some of it with you today.

Back in December, an arsonist burned down the U.S Christian Commission's Civil War Chapel. The small wooden church sat only a block away from the downtown square of Gettysburg as a "symbolic reminder of the faith and courage of those who fought to preserve a nation" (prayer chapel website). The buildings surrounding the prayer chapel were damaged, too. Including a house, a coffee shop, and apartments for people unable to afford housing on their own. 

(google images)

On a prayer walk a few weeks ago, Gerry, Luke and I stopped in at the USCC Museum downtown and I got to meet founder John Wega for the first time. He graciously showed us the building and shared with us his plans for rebuilding the chapel and completing the museum. My heart has been hurting for John as he's come to mind lately. After only listening to him speak for a few minutes, it was very clear he's a man with great vision, passion for his cause, and perseverance in the face of some serious discouragement. The building that the museum will be in must date back to the Civil War. The brick is beautiful and the ceilings are intricate and so full of character. Both have been covered several times through the years, in efforts to keep heating costs low, I'd assume. Exposing both would also be pretty pricey... but the charm and historic character would be absolutely incredible. So today I'm praying for provision for those projects and praying for John, too. Check out the website and join with me in that... it is an incredible story.

There's something else about the fire that really stuck out to me today. In Genesis 50:20, Joseph says to his brothers who sold him into slavery years before, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." I think that same truth exists here in this situation. What satan intended for evil: the arson, displaced families, discouragement for the cause, God can use for good. He will make good out of it. The circumstances of the lost chapel and apartments seems pretty bleak. But God is not defeated. His heart is for the orphans and widows, those who have experienced great loss, and those whose situations seem hopeless. A better location is on the horizon for the chapel and more apartments for families are on the way... He is so good!


I'm full of hope right now sharing with you a piece of the US Christian Commission's story. God has good things in store and blesses faithfulness. I'm believing the new Chapel will be a symbol of God's everlasting faithfulness: from the beginning, to the civil war, to today and forever. 


Maybe there's something in your life that's feeling a little hopeless. Maybe there's something in you that it seems satan is constantly beating you up with. You can take back what he's stolen from you. Whatever it is. God's heart is for restoration and He desires to restore you. His heart is for you. Arson, discouragement, seemingly impossible circumstances... none of them can stop God.
(Life Form.)