Four years ago, I was introduced to a local church in Fletcher, North Carolina by my cousin, Cullen Anderson. Little did Cullen know, that this church would make such an impact on my life. They invited me to share about my ministry at Black Forest Academy. When I first walked into this church, I was warmly welcomed, loved and supported. Several individuals from the congregation shared that they would be praying for me...and every time I return for a visit, they share that they continue to pray for me. I know who they are as I have been praying for them as well.
This year, I was just as excited to see these dear friends. After purchasing my flights, I began to search for a place to stay nearby. Checking local sites like Airbnb and Cheaphotels.com, I came up empty as rentals were quite expensive. I checked with the BFA community and several people shared some options of family members living nearby and conference centers. I checked into several options that were given and found Ridgecrest Conference Center which is amazing! Not only is their campus beautiful, but I was warmly greeted by volunteer workers and greeted by several others who were staying here with different groups. I would definitely stay here again!
Finding transportation was a little more difficult as car rental companies had to sell off several of their cars in response to the pandemic. Car rentals were looking to be expensive so I began looking in other directions (but kept an eye on the car rentals just in case). Someone even mentioned renting a moving van! The initial price was low but there was an added cost per mile that would add up quickly. I was looking at car rentals while in Dallas at the beginning of my stay (my first stop in the US) and as they were quite pricey I waited a few days, then they were all gone! There was a possibility of an airport shuttle that could bring me to the conference center then back to the airport, or Lyft or Uber. When I called the shuttle, it was booked. I checked out Uber and the expense was huge so as I started the process of looking at Lyft, I decided to look at the car rentals again. This was the day before I would be flying into Asheville! I checked out the first one on the list and it was available! And slightly cheaper than it was originally! I booked it and was so relieved and thankful that God provided a vehicle for me to use!
It has been a wonderful few days here in Asheville with the highlight being the Sunday morning service at the Feed and Seed! I have attended their Sunday School in the past for adults. They have been on Zoom with the pandemic and this was the first Sunday they were back in-person! I loved being there and felt right at home! Their Sunday service began with a musical group from another church playing Southern Gospel music with members from the Feed and Seed, then we worshiped together. I shared a short presentation before Pastor Phillip delivered his message on Galatians 3; "Start to Finish". After the service, I had a small table set up with some materials and was blown away with the love, care and generosity of this congregation! They are such a beautiful blessing in my life and I continually thank God for them!
I am adding a link to this morning's service if you would like to listen in!
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