Hello, friends! I’m John Harris, Senior Pastor at Scott Lake Baptist Church.
Ten years ago, we took a bold step of faith and built our Life Center—a vibrant hub with a gym, kitchen, choir room, classrooms, youth and children’s spaces. This building is the heartbeat of our ministry, used every day to share the love of Jesus.
Because of this facility, we’ve seen over 100 people baptized, welcomed many new members into our church, and shared the gospel with countless others week after week. Right now, there are seven individuals who are preparing for baptism, who have had their lives transformed through ministries hosted in this building.
The Life Center cost $3.5 million to build, financed in large part by a $2.7 million loan. Thanks to your faithful giving and God’s provision, we’ve reduced that balance to just under $498,000.
*Each month, over $17,000 from our general budget goes to service this loan, on top of generous gifts to our Building Fund.
So here’s the challenge: this loan is due by December. After eight more payments from our budget, we’ll need to raise an additional $355,000—or about $44,000 per month from May to December—to pay off the remaining balance.
If we continue at our current rate of giving, it would take about two more years to clear this debt. But I believe God is calling us to do more, together, now.
Imagine the possibilities when we eliminate this debt! Freeing up $17,000 a month from our budget, plus additional Building Fund gifts, could fuel transformative ministries: vibrant programs for children, youth, adults, and seniors; outreach to welcome newcomers; mission projects and giving; upgraded vans for easier transport; beautified grounds; new signage and online engagement to draw our community in. More ministry. More baptisms. More lives changed for Jesus Christ through Scott Lake Baptist Church.
I’m asking you to pray and ask God what your family can give above your regular tithes to pay off this debt by December. What were you planning to give for the Building Fund over the next two years? Could you give that amount this year instead?
Has God blessed you with resources to help us cross this finish line together?
As Scripture tells us in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each person should give as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
My family is committing to a special gift to the Building Fund by May 18th, our church’s 53rd anniversary, beyond our regular giving. Will you join us? You can give by mailing a check, dropping off your gift at the church office, giving in person at any worship service, or online at scottlake.org. Just be sure to indicate it’s for the “Building Fund.”
Whatever you give, let it be a joyful act of worship, trusting God to do immeasurably more through Scott Lake Baptist Church. Let’s pay off this debt and unleash a new season of ministry together!
Thank you for prayerfully considering this opportunity, and may God bless you.