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Our Story

I have been serving as a missionary at Youth with a Mission, Virginia for seven years. 3 years ago, I was asking God for guidance on how to move forward in ministry and I heard Him whisper to me, "build a house". I questioned this as I had no property, building experience, or resources to build a house. God's voice was clear, but I refused to accept this as his instructions until the following day when my father visited the YWAM ministry campus. He said, "I think we should build you a house". I took his words as a confirmation and at that moment I accepted the word from God. This word continued to be confirmed by prophetic words from other missionaries.

50 years ago there was a house at 1316 Nelwood. But by 1989 the owners had died. The house sat abandoned for about two decades. During a storm, a tree fell on the house, precipitating the total dilapidation the house. Ten years ago, the city of Richmond bulldozed the house, leaving 1316 Nelwood a vacant lot to this day.

My father and I decided to research 1316 Nelwood in order to determine its status and track down any heirs of the property. We erected a simple fence around the lot to prevent dumping and planted trees along the property line. I began to mow the grass on the lot each week throughout the growing season. Each week, I pushed the mower around 1316 Nelwood in faith, praying that one day I would have a home there. I mowed the lot for three years until this April.

In April, I went to mow the lawn for the first time this year, and I saw a sign posted on the property that said the property would be auctioned May 22, 2019. Now, the dream from God has a deadline. I don't have years to save up tens of thousands of dollars to pay off all of the back taxes, it will be sold next month. I believe God is making a way for me to win that property at auction. I must have 20% of my winning bid on the day of the auction, and I must pay the total purchase price within 30 days. Once I have the property, I must build a house on it within two years.

The goal is to buy this property, and build a house to serve as a place of hospitality and ministry as we serve God in Richmond. June 1st, 2019 I will begin a new role as the leader of YWAM Richmond. As a missionary and a leader I need a house not just for my family, but also as a place to host traveling missionaries, minister to the community, and gather believers for fellowship and discipleship. God told me to be rooted in Richmond and bear fruit in the nations. We want this house to be our home base from which to go into all of the world.

We believe God is going to use individuals to resource this dream. Has He called you to be one of those people? Would you be a part of the fulfillment of this dream by making a pledge?

It is my hope, and I believe God's intent for there to be a house at 1316 Nelwood again. A house built not by my abilities or resources, but through God's provision, through the generosity of His people, for his service and to his Glory. Pledges will need to be fulfilled if we are successful in winning the property at auction.

Phase 1 Goal: $50,000
48% Funded
$24,250 Raised
12 Supporters

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