24-Hour Prayer Vigil

(August 28-29 9:00 am to 9:00 am)

The children of Israel, under the leadership of Nehemiah, were engaged in the difficult task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Their numerous enemies all plotted together to fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against them. The people were discouraged and afraid. Yet, we read in the book of Nehemiah, “But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.” (Nehemiah 4:8-9)

Work (even hard work) without prayer is only that - work. Moreover, prayer, without work, takes advantage of God's grace and is sometimes a spiritual disguise for laziness. The people of Israel put the two together. They knew that, if the wall was to be completed, God's guidance and protection were required. Yet, at the same time, common sense said to post guards on the wall.

They prayed, and they worked. In these two words, prayer and work, we find the key to almost any successful venture. We seek the Lord fervently in prayer, and we roll up our sleeves and get to work.

We have done a lot of work so far in this campaign. The list - FAQs, print materials, phone calls, stuffed envelopes, meals, meetings, Bible classes, planning sessions, and the countless hours logged by an army of volunteers - is staggering. However, long before this work began, there was prayer. It would be safe to say that since the campaign started, every meeting has included prayer. Many of you pray regularly that we will continue to see God's vision for this church and that He will continue to change our church and community. We are in the middle of 40 days of prayer by the congregation. This campaign has been bathed in prayer.

We have one more focused prayer time on our schedule. The twenty-four hour prayer vigil begins Friday morning, August 28th, at 9:00 a.m. and concludes Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. How appropriate it is that we close out forty days of prayer with our twenty-four hours of prayer on the weekend we all make a commitment to the campaign. We are asking every member of this congregation to come to the building at some point during the prayer vigil and join with others in prayer. If you are out of town on that day, please take time in your schedule to pray wherever you happen to be. Remember that prayer request cards are at the building. Fill out these cards, and your requests will be prayed over along with the other requests from our members and friends.

The key event of our enVision What God Can Do Campaign is not Commitment Sunday or even the Celebration. The most important event is this prayer vigil. We have posted the guards. Now, we pray!

Commitment Sunday

We are nearing the conclusion of the EnVision What God Can Do capital campaign effort. Based on the biblical example in I Chronicles 29 of leaders leading with their generous giving, it was announced this past Sunday that 46 families (including all elders, ministers, A-Team members and leaders of the Capital Campaign Teams) have committed $985,000 to the campaign. This is a great start at meeting the financial goals (see below) for this campaign. And as stated before, this is more than raising money, it is about raising faith. To that end, we are hearing and witnessing how many are growing in their faith and prayer lives through the 40 days of prayer. It is very exciting to see how God is working through so many people to bless this church and position Twickenham for the future.

This Sunday, August 30, is Commitment Sunday and we will be passing out Commitment Cards to be completed during the service. If you are unable to attend this Sunday and plan to fill out a card, you can obtain one through the office and complete it our ahead of time as some are doing. An envelope will be provided to ensure the confidentiality of your commitment.

Please continue to be in prayer for this effort and for What God Can Do at Twickenham.

In Him,
Steve Crigger

Financial Goals: Our first goal for the campaign is to raise $1.8 million over a three-year period. These funds will allow us to complete our renovations and meet the needs of the children at the Hacienda of Hope. If we raise $2.5 million, we will be able to carry out the renovation plans, provide the funding necessary for the Hacienda of Hope, and reduce the commitment to our existing note. By raising $3.5 million, not only will we be able to fund the renovations and support the Hacienda of Hope, but we will also be debt free in three years. Eliminating the financial commitment to the building will allow us to save significant interest costs and have an additional $18,000 per month for outreach, service, and ministry opportunities that will greatly impact our community.

Something to Celebrate!

The planning for the Celebration Lunch being hosted on September 13th has already begun! A few of the 4th & 5th grade girls (with a little help from Steven) got together to make cookies for this big event. Thank you Maggie Cox, Miranda Mosley, Megan Mann, Sydney McDonald, and Steven Crigger for volunteering your time. It looks like a very fun day!

A Step of Faith (Part 4) by Brad Cox

Twenty-eight years ago, Wayne Lumpkin received a call from Francis “Babs” Roper commissioning him to design and build a stain glass window in honor of her recently departed husband Nolan, the founder and owner of Roper’s Flowers. The elaborate project was not intended for use in the Roper home, but rather, upon completion, to be used as the centerpiece above the baptistry in the new Twickenham Church of Christ sanctuary. Babs was not a member of the newly assembled church, but she and Nolan thought so much of the preacher, Bob Anderson, that she wanted to give this window as a tribute to both men.

Lumpkin would later recall about the project, “A church commission is always a great challenge as it must combine the thoughts and ideas of many people; church committees, architects, donor of memorial windows, and the window designers.” Consultations with Mrs. Roper and the church committee took place over many weeks to arrive at the final design. The bottom panel was designed as a floral tribute to Mr. Roper while the center panel is a tranquil scene highlighted by a beautiful dogwood tree. At the top is a very simple cross. The window, covering an area of sixty square feet, consists of over eleven hundred individual pieces of glass coming together to create a feeling of peace and rest.


This past year, Dennis and Rebecca Botts were looking for a church home. After searching for quite awhile and attending many different churches, a friend told them about Twickenham. After attending our worship time, Rebecca recalls that it just seemed like home and she felt connected to the family here immediately. Rebecca and Dennis quickly joined the Twickenham family. When telling family and friends about her new church home, her brother Wayne told her, “You know I designed and built the stained glass window in their sanctuary.”

I catch myself getting so caught up in the issues and cares of the day that sometimes I forget the impact our actions will have in the future. The sacrifices, efforts, and investments made today will bring forth a rich harvest in the days to come (Psalm 107:37-38). This past Sunday, Mayor Tommy Battle shared with us some very exciting things that will be happening in Huntsville over the next few years. I believe the Lord has provided this church a unique opportunity to make a difference in our community. May we each prayerfully consider how we too can sacrifice to bless others both now and in years to come.

Audio: To replay the sermon presented on Sunday, August 23rd click HERE.

Commitment Sunday – August 30th

God has always used special moments to create energy - energy that, when released, moves His people forward.

Moses made a stop at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19) and had a powerful encounter with God. The people felt God's energy, and Moses received some pretty good instructions there as well.

Reminiscent of the Exodus, Joshua led the Israelites to the Jordan River, and God gave him these instructions:

“And the LORD said to Joshua, Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses. Tell the priests who carry the Ark of the Covenant: When you reach the edge of the Jordan's waters, go and stand in the river.”

As we know, the priests did not stand in the “waters” but in the river bed on dry ground. How did that happen? Because they were obedient, God stilled the waters' flow so that they walked across on dry ground. Once again, God used a moment in time to release His energy and move His people forward.

Sunday, August 30th, is a moment in time for God to release His energy for the members of this church family. Each of us will be asked to make a three-year commitment to the enVision What God Can Do Campaign. No one knows what you should give to this campaign except God! All must rely upon God to help discern what that amount should be. And your commitment will be held in confidence.

Our leaders have volunteered to turn in their commitments on August 19th, and we will announce their commitments on Sunday, August 23rd. All remaining members will receive a letter asking them to turn in their cards during our worship service on Sunday, August 30th. Commitment Sunday is NOT the end of the campaign. It is the beginning of new blessings for our church family and for God's work in this community.

Below is a sample of the commitment card to be used in our enVision What God Can Do Campaign. Each family will have the opportunity to make a commitment to the campaign. The amount pledged and written on this card should be “over and above” your current weekly contribution.


We are confident that sacrificial giving will be blessed and that we will be able to achieve our financial goal. Commitments may be made weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually over the three-year period from September 2009 to August 2012.

A sample commitment card will be mailed to you during the week of August 24th, and another one will be provided to you on Sunday, August 30th. We ask that you please pray for guidance in making your decision.

enVision Videos

On Sunday mornings, we have showed three enVision campaign videos. Thank you Larissa for the unbelievable amount of hours you put into these! A special thank you to each person who participated in recording these videos, to Mike & Cindy for providing us with excellent audio, and of course, it would not have been possible without everyone who contributed to the photography. These videos were a true team effort! As the bible says, "Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy." ~ Psalm 107:21-22

enVision Renovations (Part 1 of 3)



enVision Ecuador (Part 2 of 3)



enVision Outreach (Part 3 of 3)

First Fruits Sunday – September 13th

On Sunday, September 13th, we will enjoy “First Fruits Sunday.” “What is that?” you ask. “First fruits” is a concept designed by God. The Israelites were instructed to give the first 10% of ALL they had to the Lord and were told they would be blessed for doing so. The Psalmist said in Psalm 3, “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing…” It seems that God was teaching His people to be generous and to trust in His providence.

Sunday, September 13th, will be the second Sunday following Commitment Sunday of our enVision What God Can Do Campaign. On this Sunday, we ask each member to begin honoring their commitment to the campaign. Now, we don't expect you to give 10% of your three-year commitment on the 13th, but we would like all of our family to begin giving together toward our total commitment.

Please be in prayer that God will be honored on “First Fruits” Sunday and that the “barns” of our church will be overflowing.

Please remember that September 13th is also the day we will celebrate 30 years of Twickenham. On April 30, 1979, a group of Christians ventured out on faith to form this congregation. We honor their commitment and look forward to our continued commitment to the work of God at Twickenham. It is truly amazing how God has used this congregation over the past 30 years. It is incredible to enVision What God Can Do through us for the next 30! On Sunday, September 13, we will have a church-wide lunch to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Twickenham and what God has accomplished through the enVision Campaign. Please mark your calendars.

A Step of Faith (Part 3) by Brad Cox

In life we are presented with opportunities every day. Whether it is to buy the newest product, take advantage of a great business deal, or to accept a social invitation, we are all offered opportunities that must be evaluated. Sometimes these opportune moments come from the Lord. In Ezra 7, the Persian King Artaxerxes offers the remaining Jews still in Babylon the opportunity to return to Jerusalem to see and worship in the newly completed Temple. For those willing to return, the pagan king sweetens the deal by announcing he is going to send back the silver and gold articles stolen from the Jews over a hundred years before. While this is quite a proposition, Ezra the priest knows there will be great danger inherent with transporting thirty-three tons of precious metals across the desert to their destination nine-hundred miles away. This Jewish leader is torn between trusting God for deliverance or asking the king for a military escort for the journey. After a time of prayer and fasting, ultimately Ezra decides it is more important to present an accurate picture of God as their deliverer to Artaxerxes than to seek help from the earthly leader. The Lord honors their cry for protection and delivers all twenty-four leaders and their crews carrying the treasure without incident.

We too have been presented with an opportunity to advance the Kingdom of the Lord through supporting the ministries of the Twickenham Church of Christ in this campaign. My hope and prayer is that we will all commit ourselves, like Ezra and his men, to a time of prayer and fasting as we prepare to step out on faith in honoring our Lord and Master.

Audio: To replay the sermon presented on Sunday, August 16th click HERE.

40 Days of Prayer by Tim Logan

(July 22 - August 30)

What would happen if we awoke each day with a new passion to see God's Glory - a passion to talk to the Lord in prayer and be transformed? We are in the midst of 40 days of prayer. This provides us the opportunity to grow that passion each day as we read prayer thoughts from members of our family. We have the opportunity to go to our Father, not with our wish list or complaints, but to talk to Him and allow Him to reveal Himself to us.

Prayer is the medium that God uses to transform us. It is both fellowship and communication with God. God is drawn to prayer, and He delights in our talking to Him. Through prayer, He releases His blessings in our lives. Christ's disciples requested of Him, “Lord teach us to pray.” They saw something they desired in His communication with the Father, and they wanted to pray in the same manner.

Real prayer is life-changing and allows our will to be given over to God. Since God desires that His house be known as a “House of Prayer,” we must persevere as we seek His answers. Our prayers should not be mere exercises but a continual part of our life. To “pray without ceasing” is to continually offer up prayer in your heart to God as you walk daily with Him.

We see from His words in Matthew 6:16 that Jesus expects his followers to fast as part of their discipleship walk. I would like as many of us as possible to choose a regular time to accompany our prayers with fasting. In His teaching, Jesus makes the assumption that we will do this. My prayer is that this will be a season of surrendering and of growing closer to our God.

Everyone has a packet of prayer cards and the opportunity to approach the Father daily. On August 28-29, we will collectively go before the Father in a 24-hour prayer vigil. May God bless us in our journey.

Envision Leadership

(from Envision newsletter #2)

At this point in the campaign, there are some teams that have been busy for months and some teams that have not yet begun. We wanted to take a moment to make you aware of the Capital Campaign Team Leaders. Through this campaign, we will appreciate more fully the many people and the God given talents that make Twickenham so amazing. If you've not yet done so, let the below Team Leaders know that you would like to help. We look forward to seeing YOUR talents used to glorify His name.

Minister: Brad Cox
Campaign Director: Steve Crigger
Campaign Manager: Kerry McDowell
Communication Team Leader: Casey Green
Administrative Team Leader: Amy Mack
Follow-Up Team Leader: Jamie Kimbel
Invitation Team Leader: Shannan Bridges
Celebration Event Team Leader: Janet Anderson
Prayer Team Leader: Tim Logan
Education Team Leader: Dan Beasley
Children's Team Leader: Jim Pape
Student Team Leader: Owen Green

A Step of Faith (Part 2) by Brad Cox

God's people, who made the decision to return from Babylon to rebuild the temple, soon found out that this was no easy task. Local detractors influenced the new Persian king to command them to halt construction. Instead of trusting in God, they laid down their tools for sixteen years. To get them back on track God sent two of his prophets to motivate and inspire his people. Haggai challenged his fellow Jews to consider their ways. How could they build lavish homes while allowing God's house to remain in ruins? Because of their unfaithfulness, the prophet revealed that the Lord had been working against his people by withholding the dew and rain needed to nourish their crops. Haggai called upon his countrymen to give the Lord a sign that they were still with Him by restarting the construction. Zechariah was also sent to his people to give them a message of encouragement and remind them of the importance of their task. The completion of the temple would signal to the other people of Judah that it was safe to return. God was with his people, come home. God dwelling in His temple in Jerusalem would also serve as a means of drawing all people to Him - both Jew and Gentile.

As we go through this exciting time at Twickenham we need to realize what an incredible opportunity we have as brothers and sisters in Christ. We too are called to acknowledge God's power and show others that God is with us, not just for our benefit, but also as a ray of hope to those that do not know the Lord.

Audio: To replay the sermon presented on Sunday, August 9th click HERE.

Deeper Devotion by Scott Martin

(from Envision newsletter #2)

Some of the most fascinating stories in the Bible tell of people who totally committed themselves to God. We see the willingness of Abram to leave his home for an unknown destination and his willingness, later, to sacrifice his promised son. We see the entire nation of Israel wandering into the wilderness toward the unknown, the disciples willing to give up everything and follow Jesus, and Paul leaving behind his position and power to go to Asia Minor. In every case, every one of those who fully committed himself to God was rewarded far beyond his expectations.

I desire that all of us at Twickenham will fully commit ourselves to God. Devotion to God and love for Him should be the central aspect of our lives. We need to have sufficient faith and allow God to be the Lord of our lives. I desire that we realize the rewards repeated continually throughout the Bible – the rewards of a life lived following His lead.

What does this wish have to do with the capital campaign? Well, during this campaign all members will have a chance to fervently pray for 40 days. We are all being called to a deeper trust in God. This campaign is an opportunity for all to assess both our relationship with God and His work at Twickenham. This is more than an effort to raise money. It is a chance to realign our lives and recommit ourselves to God.

So, what do we realize from our effort? I envision changed lives and a more profound devotion to God by all of our members. I envision bringing God's love to our corner of the world. And we will do this with transformed hearts, a larger and better-equipped facility, and more money in our budget to support necessary and beneficial programs in our community. What things are possible when you combine expanded resources with a church full of committed and sacrificial hearts? With God added to the mix, anything is possible!

How to be Free by Bonnie Libhart

Close your eyes and visualize where you would like to be five years from now, what so you see yourself doing…What job, home, accomplishments do you see for yourself? What does your Family Life look like, your Spiritual Life, Financial picture, Health, Friends…Keep that vision with you always. The Bible says in Proverbs 29:18, “Without a Vision the People Perish!” Ask yourself, in the last five years, what has changed, improved, been crushed; what can I do to change directions – to get unstuck!

Five years from now starts today!

On my television show Vision+, I interviewed a Policeman who had shot a suspect; I asked, “What’s most loving thing you did last shift?” Tears came to his eyes. He was touched that someone would know he does ‘loving’ things also.

My daughter, Emily a Russian Interpreter, helped take a million Bible’s to the former Soviet Union. She was killed when a car hit her. My 88-year-old Mother said Emily did more in her near 30 years than she’d done in four score and eight. EMILY CAME TO MODEL FOR OTHERS: We came to model for others and be a Demonstrator of the loving attitude.
Being Free empowers you, created in God’s image, to set your goals. Learn computer, write to your Mother, grandchildren, Simplify and streamline.. Make your goals. Led by God believing. “I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.

~ Bonnie Libhart

Our Prayer by Jon Perry

(from Envision newsletter #2)

It's been said, “One man's trash is another man's treasure.” The Hacienda of Hope has gathered and cherished children that others have discarded, and what a treasure they are. You can actually see God's kingdom in their shining eyes. Thanks to the ministry of Jerry and Pat Snyder, these children no longer hunger for food, clothes and shelter. And, as God's creation, they are like the rest of us. Daily, their souls crave encouragement, affection, discipline and spiritual food. Something tells me they have a real appreciation for the daily sustenance that God is providing them. What trash do you treasure? What sustains you?

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” ( Matthew 6:19-21).

“Father, God, Thank You for heavenly treasures and our daily bread. Set my eyes on Your kingdom and give me a heart that treasures Your sustenance. Thank you God for the children of the Hacienda of Hope who demonstrate Your handiwork and Your spirit. Bless them, and all of us, with lives of faith and peace. Amen.”

Hacienda of Hope by Glen Laird

(from EnVision newsletter #2)

From the beginning, the Hacienda of Hope has been an adventure for all of us, and it's been a blessing to witness God shaping this incredible mission. Jerry and Pat Snyder are very much a part of the Twickenham family. Their testimony is a lesson in sacrificial living. Selling all they had, they answered the call to serve the children of Ecuador.

I paid a visit to the Hacienda of Hope in March and was amazed to see that the vision today is bigger than ever. Caring for abandoned children remains the primary focus, but God has providentially altered things to touch many more lives. The new Hacienda of Hope Christian School is full with 125 students – each one bright and hungry for knowledge. Expansion is underway which will double the school's capacity. Having already developed the reputation as one of the best schools in the greater Cayambe area, it is certain to be full upon completion.

Our school and orphanage have combined efforts with the Bellevue Christian Camp to start a new church, and attendance is already close to 150 in just its second year. Can you envision a church of 500 in this rural section of Ecuador? Jerry can! This church is full of energy and doing everything it can to touch the community.

Just as Paul must have thrilled the first century church with his missionary adventures, Jerry and Pat Snyder have thrilled us. And just as his perseverance inspired them, Jerry and Pat inspire us.

A Step of Faith by Brad Cox

After 70 years of living in captivity in Babylon, Cyrus king of Persia came to power and made the decision to allow God’s people to go back to Judah and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. Because God worked on the heart of this pagan king, the door was opened for God’s people to return from exile. To take advantage of this opportunity the Israelites would have to step out on faith by sacrificially giving of their wealth and forming a new community of believers in the sacred land. Only forty-two thousand gave up their life in Babylon to return. Who were these bold believers? Ezra 1:5 tells us it was “everyone whose heart God had moved.” As we begin this journey of faith together as a community of believers our leadership is calling each of us to commit to a season of prayer, allowing God, not man, to call us to step out on faith. May all we do seek to honor the Lord and to advance His Kingdom.

Presentation of the enVision Campaign

Today was an exciting day! Steve Crigger, Lincoln Smith, Jon Perry and Brad Cox presented a detailed overview of the enVision Campaign. If you missed this presentation, be sure to listen to the below recording or join us this Wednesday night when the information will be presented again for everyone that was not able to attend.

Volunteering

(from Envision newsletter #1)

Many of you have already volunteered to give your time and talents to this new capital stewardship campaign. The talents within this congregation are amazing. We need the help of as many of you as possible!

{ First: Pray }

Talk to God: The first step in this journey is to ask for His blessings and guidance in all that we do. Pray that His hopes and plans will be made clearly evident to us and pray that He uses us to accomplish His purposes. As we start this exciting journey of prayer, faith and commitment, we must recall, with thankful hearts, those who went before us and pray that He will continue to bless us as we prepare for those who will come after us!

{ Second: Learn }

Commit to Being Informed: Effective communication is absolutely essential to our success. Between now and August 30, information will be shared, through FAQs, newsletters, blogs, packets of information, emails and meetings, that will tell this church's story – past, present and future – and will emphasize the reasons for our whole-hearted support of this project. The sermons and Bible classes during August will be especially significant to each of us in our understanding.

{ Third: Participate }

Begin to Prayerfully Consider What You Will Give: The importance of your time together with God in prayer cannot be overemphasized. Giving is not a matter of wealth but of willingness, and the final decision as to what your commitment will be must be from your heart. It must be over and above your regular weekly gift, and it should include a willingness to sacrifice – to give up something of value to you for something you value more. This campaign has the potential to be a new beginning for our church, both financially and spiritually. It is an opportunity to enter a new dimension and discover how biblical stewardship can be implemented in our lives through prayer, study and faith.

{ Fourth: enVision }

Building Our Faith, Focusing on Prayer, Serving God, Uniting in Purpose, Sharing Our Blessings, Expanding Our Outreach, and the transformations are endless.

The Campaign

(from Envision newsletter #1)

In May, we introduced the “enVision What GOD Can Do” Capital Campaign. This is a three-year journey to fund the needed building renovations, the mission in Ecuador, and to reduce the size of the bank note on our building. That said, our goal is not about money. Well, yes, we are trying to raise money (otherwise, we would not have a capital campaign), but the prevailing goal is to grow spiritually as we “enVision What GOD Can Do” when we fully trust and put our faith in Him. God has blessed the Twickenham Church of Christ with a wonderful history of grace through which many hurting souls have been helped. This year, we also celebrate the 30th Anniversary of this congregation which was established on April 30, 1979. Just like those who stepped out on faith 30 years ago to partner with God in establishing a New Testament-based congregation, we believe God is calling us into a new role of creating an even better future for both this church and those we seek to serve.


Spiritual Goals

Our primary concerns are spiritual in nature. If our church family does not grow spiritually during this campaign, this venture will have been a failure no matter how much money is raised. Here are the goals we hope to achieve above all others:

• Each member's faith will increase
• Each member's prayer life will increase
• Each member will use their talents to the glory of God
• Each member will learn & commit to being a good steward of God's blessings
• This church family will be united in spirit, vision, and purpose for the Kingdom

Financial Goals

Our financial goals are in direct correlation to the spiritual goals we believe we can achieve. The Hebrews writer expressed his confidence in God's people in a way that left no doubt about the extent of his faith. In Hebrews 6:9-10, he states “Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case—things that accompany salvation. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” We know that God has and will continue to bless this church because of our faith and love. Because of our faith, we have set these financial goals:

Goal One : $1.8 million

These funds will allow us to complete our renovations and meet the needs of the children at the Hacienda of Hope.

Goal Two : $2.5 million

These funds will allow us to complete our renovations, meet the needs of the children at the Hacienda of Hope, and reduce our existing note.

Goal Three: $3.5 million

These funds will allow us to complete our renovations, meet the needs of the children at the Hacienda of Hope, and eliminate all of our debt within three years. This will allow us to save significant interest costs and have an additional $18,000 per month for outreach, service and ministry opportunities that will greatly impact our community.

40-Days of Prayer Begins July 22!

Did you realize tomorrow (July 22) is the beginning of our forty days of prayer! In addition to the prayer tins and window clings, we will email the daily devotional to you each morning. We hope these reminders will help all of us complete the 40 days of prayer successfully. The emails will begin today, if you don't receive these emails please let the office know immediately so that you can begin your prayer journey.

Matthew chapter four details how Jesus, after what must have been an intense 40 days of prayer and fasting, overwhelmingly defeated all attempts by Satan to cause Him to sin. These next 40 days give us the opportunity to go before God individually, as families and collectively to call on His name. We should be committed to pray for everything: to give praise to the Father and thank Him for the grace and salvation that are ours through Jesus Christ; to pray for individual needs of healing, growth and forgiveness; to pray for congregational needs such as our elders, ministers, and our ministries; and to pray for the expansion of God's work through this group of Christians. Prayer gives us a time to submit to God's leading, to offer renewed commitment to His cause, to call on God's mighty power and to deepen faith. Prayer is a time to speak to God, but it is also a time to pause and listen to His leading.

The enVision campaign is about more than just providing capital for renovations, mission projects and reducing our note. If we dedicate our minds, bodies and spirits to the Lord during these 40 days, there is an opportunity for spiritual awakening and renewal for each of us as children of God. We should each individually search our heart and lay our self bare before the Creator.

These 40 days are an opportunity for this congregation to grow closer to each other and to our God like never before. As Christians, we are called to build a dwelling place for God - a sanctuary in our hearts. If we do so, His Spirit will overflow within us, and no task will be too daunting or too great. We should lay all our cares, concerns and hopes at the foot of the Cross and then wait on the Lord to bless us with His response. Without His blessing, our efforts are worthless, but with His blessing, one can only imagine what He can do through us.

In the next forty days, may we all strive to grow in wisdom, strength, and love!

"What GOD Can Do" by Steve Crigger

"Twickenham is in the midst of two exciting events, the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the church and a capital campaign. Our goals for this campaign are financial, but there is a more important set of spiritual goals that we need to emphasize. As much as we could use the money raised in this campaign to realize renovations, fund Ecuador and pay down our debt, how much more do we need to ensure that the intent and integrity of our hearts are right. This is an opportunity for this church to unite in purpose and spirit as we journey through 40 days of prayer, culminating in a 24 hour prayer vigil on August 28-29. It is all about WHAT GOD CAN DO!"

To replay this lesson as presented July 19, 2009, please the below play button.

Are You Afraid of The Dark? by Kerry McDowell

Just as we think it is silly for our children to be afraid of the monsters under the bed God must feel the same way when we are afraid of the unknown in our lives. As fear creeps into our lives because of the unknown I think God may be saying the same things I would say to my son as he begs for me to leave the light on in his bedroom at night. Our fear of the dark changes from literal darkness to the unknown of changing jobs, changing house, a crumbling marriage, or a defiant child. The pain of the moment is real and it often is consuming but we can find peace in the fact that God is on our side. We lose focus just as Peter did and we think we are alone. When we ask for vision God will help us see more as he does. He can open our eyes to what we can’t see. It may be the person living next door that needs a friend because their spouse is leaving, it may be the diagnosis you were given, it may be your friend that has no relationship with God but everyone has a different fear. When you have vision the darkness disappears.

To replay this lesson as presented July 12, 2009, please the below play button.

These ARE Exciting Times!

By now, you should have received your Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) brochure in the mail. We hope this gives you insight and explains clearly the goals of the enVision campaign. As Steve Crigger said, "These ARE exciting times at Twickenham!" If you have not received your FAQ, please call the church office to confirm your address so we can send you another brochure right away!

At this point in the campaign, there are some teams that have been busy for months and some teams that have not yet begun. I wanted to take a moment to let you know what's been happening "behind the scenes" so you are aware of the love and dedication that is being displayed within our church family. I honestly have to say, it has been a true honor and privilege to be leading the efforts of the Communications Team. I can't express enough the gratitude I have for the people who are using their amazing talents within our church.

Many people have been working diligently to complete the Devotional and Prayer Guides that will be distributed on July 19th. There were 40 different authors who produced a beautiful showcase of thoughts inspired by a deep passion for God. Countless hours have been investing in organizing the devotionals, proofing text, designing the cards, confirming scripture references, and tracking orders. Brochures and newsletters are being written, proofed, edited, proofed, and then re-proofed. Teams are being formed to assemble the Devotional and Communication Packets. Numerous people are involved in developing the campaign video, taking photographs, recording audio, writing letters, calling volunteers, attending meetings, mailing communication materials, and the list of tasks goes on and on.

I hope that through this campaign, we all begin to appreciate the many people and the God given talents that make Twickenham so amazing. I look forward to seeing YOUR talents used to glorify His name.

enVision What GOD Can Do!
~ Casey Green
Communications Team
Ephesians 3:20-21"Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."

~ 1 Corinthians 12:14-27

Hacienda of Hope News

Meet Anthony, the newest addition to the Hacienda of Hope family. Anthony just turned 5 years old. He has never known his father and his mother is a prostitute in the Amazon area. She left Anthony with his grandparents and aunt in Cayambe shortly after his birth. He was rejected by them, abused and was called very degrading names. The department of Social Services stepped in and removed him from care. He now has a loving home at the Hacienda of Hope. Despite the abuse and neglect of his past, Anthony is a loving child. In one of the group tests with Social Services Anthony won a prize of a bag of cookies. He proudly took the bag and went all around the room giving each child a cookie and keeping one for himself. We have witnessed prayers being answered through the Hacienda of Hope Ministries. It continues to be our prayer for each of the precious children that God has brought to us and for those he will bring in the future to both the school and the home.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." ~ Romans 15:13

Capturing Our History

"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men." ~ 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Mark Teague,

Thank you for capturing our history so beautifully. It is truly an honor to see the world through your eyes.

~ Casey Green & Larissa Chastain
Communications Team

Power of Prayer

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ~ Jeremiah 29:10-12

As we begin this journey, we should ask ourselves, “What is God calling us to do?” He is calling us to seek Him and His glory. What we ask according to His will, He has promised to give. Therefore, he makes it possible for each person to glorify Him. During this campaign, we will ask each member to participate in 40 days of prayer starting July 19th. As we prepare our hearts and our minds for this endeavor we need to . . .

1. Pray in unity as a family of believers.
2. Pray to the Almighty.
3. Pray in urgency as we envision what God can do.
4. Pray not our will but God’s will be done.
5. Pray not to escape from suffering but for empowerment during suffering.
6. Pray not for tasks equal to our powers or situation but for the powers equal to God’s tasks.
7. Pray not for the hand of man to work for God but for the hand of God to work in the life of this church.

To God be the glory forever and ever and ever!

15 Suggestions To Live by God's Calling

The suggestions below are not earth-shattering by themselves. However, when they are truly lived out in a person’s life, they can become an amazing testimony to living in accordance with God’s calling.

1. Always remember that you are a steward of God's assets.


2. Give to God first through your weekly contribution.


3. Give to the government second by paying taxes.


4. Give to yourself third by saving a portion of your earnings.


5. Pray that God will bless you so that you can bless others.


6. Remember that children learn from our behavior more than our words.


7. Remember to fund your NEEDS, because if you're like most people, you will never have enough to fund your WANTS.


8. Stop living on credit. It takes the joy out of living.


9. Live on what YOU make, not what your neighbor makes.


10. Keep good records so that you can learn from your mistakes and enjoy your successes.


11. You will never make enough if you spend more than you make.


12. Anyone can spend money but it takes someone special to save it.


13. Don't give in to the temptation of materialism.


14. Don't give in to the temptation of discouragement.


15. A rich person is not the one who has the most but the one who needs the least.

Money Principles (Taken From The Bible)

Do you realize that the Bible talks in great detail about how to handle the blessings that God gives to each of us? Here are 18 biblical principles that we hope will guide you through this spiritual transformation. These scriptures are a wonderful resource for your daily bible study.

Principle #1: Give and you will receive more than you can imagine. (Luke 6:38)
Principle #2: Give in secret. (Matthew 6:1-4)
Principle #3: God blesses those who seek Him first. (Matthew 6:24-34 )
Principle #4: God loves a person who gives cheerfully. (2 Corinthians 9:6-9)
Principle #5: God provides so that you may be generous. (2 Corinthians 9:10-15)
Principle #6: Show mercy and love with those who are less fortunate. (Luke 10:30-37)
Principle #7: People are more important than things. (Acts 2:44-46)
Principle #8: We are to care for our brothers and sisters. (Acts 11:29-30)
Principle #9: God supplies us with generous gifts. (Acts 11:29-30)
Principle #10: Take pains to do what is right. (2 Corinthians 8:18-21)
Principle #11: Give according to what you have. (Luke 21:1-4)
Principle #12: Support the Lord’s ministry. (Luke 8:1-3)
Principle #13: Work hard so that you may give generously to others. (Ephesians 4:28)
Principle #14: Avoid debt. (Romans 13:8)
Principle #15: Life is so much more than possessions. (Luke 12:13-40)
Principle #16: Godliness and contentment increase in value. (1 Timothy 6:6-10)
Principle #17: Do not have an evil eye for money. (Proverbs 28:22)
Principle #18: Invest the assets God has placed in our hands. (Matthew 25:14-30)

~ Dr. Eddie Thompson

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this only about raising money?
No. Our campaign will be a spiritual journey designed to increase our commitment to God and expand His kingdom both here and abroad.

What are we doing with the money raised in this campaign?
The funds raised in this campaign will accomplish three objectives. First, we will make some much needed improvements to our nearly thirty-year-old facility. These improvements include updating our worship center, bringing our children's area up to safety code, upgrading and repairing our mechanical systems, and renovating our children's playground. Also, with our benevolence ministry relocating to Lincoln Village, we will retrofit our Mercy Ministry building for our growing young adults' ministry. This will result in two additional classroom spaces for our Adult Bible Fellowships. These improvements will ensure that our facility remains functional and attractive for years to come.

Secondly, our campaign will support our growing ministry to the children at the Hacienda of Hope. In addition to the orphans housed at the Hacienda, the ministry in Ecuador has expanded to minister to more than 120 students attending the Hacienda of Hope School. These designated campaign funds will cover the operating expenses of the ministry for the next three years.

Finally, the balance of the monies raised will go toward paying down our existing note on the building. Decreasing our commitment to the bank will allow more of our weekly contributions to be used in support of local ministry, benevolence and other outreach efforts where we have been called to serve our Huntsville community.

How much money do we need?
Our goal is to raise $2.5 million over three years. This amount would allow us to cover the proposed renovations, honor our commitment to the Hacienda of Hope, and pay down our note by almost fifty percent. Any additional monies raised above our goal would go toward paying off our remaining debt.

Given the current downturn in the economy, is this the best time to embark on a renovation campaign?
By man's standards this would not be the time for such a venture. However, the Twickenham leadership feels called by the Spirit to take this step of faith and place these initiatives before the congregation. If God is leading this capital campaign in the midst of the storms around us, all the glory will go to Him when it is successful.

Why are we hiring consultants?
Because this approach is a new venture for Twickenham, we have requested the assistance of a group of fellow Christians based in Nashville that has managed projects much larger than ours. Partnering with such an experienced team gives us a great deal of confidence going forward.

How does the capital campaign work?
Twickenham members will be asked to give toward this campaign in addition to and above their regular weekly offering. The money will be given over a 36-month period. Members may give weekly, monthly, annually, or with a one-time gift.

Will I be expected to give?
While we certainly hope that everyone at Twickenham will be involved, participation is completely voluntary, and you will not be pressured in any way. Your participation and offerings will be confidential. We ask that you keep an open heart and mind to the Lord's leading and pray about your decision.

What if my financial situation changes?
We recognize that one's financial situation may change. If you are unable to meet your desired financial commitment, we certainly understand.

When will renovations begin?
Construction documents were completed by our architect in early May. We will now request quotes from multiple contractors and secure the necessary permits in anticipation of renovations beginning in September. We expect to complete these improvements in four to six months.

enVision Campaign

We are entering into this new adventure TOGETHER. This campaign will allow Twickenham to expand ministries and share the good news of Jesus. We know the positive effects of this campaign will transform our church and throughout this process we will see God do more than we ever imagined. We hope at the end of this campaign we will be able to tell the same story that is shared in Exodus 36.

So Bezalel, Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the LORD has given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary are to do the work just as the LORD has commanded. Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the LORD had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work. They received from Moses all the offerings the Israelites had brought to carry out the work of constructing the sanctuary. And the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning. So all the skilled craftsmen who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left their work and said to Moses, The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD commanded to be done. Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary. And so the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.

To God be the glory!

"Now all glory to God, who is able, though his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen." ~ Ephesians 3:20-21