Dreams of a Refuge...

Years ago I had a vision of a coffee house where people could come to meet God in a non-threatening, safe environment with no other agenda except to extend the reality of God's grace and mercy. Somewhere people could hang out, read, listen to music, see some improv, drink great coffee....Be loved as is. This same vision, it turned out had been planted into the minds and hearts of a number of other people...Many of those who "just happened" to wind up together at Vineyard Westside.

We started planning and dreaming and asking God to lead the way. It has been a struggle and a fight to jump through all the hoops and gather the people to make it happen. There have been set backs and times of stagnation. But God is faithful. This afternoon I drove past the old bar that we are rehabbing (as I do twice a day everyday on my commute for work). I saw something that wasn't there this morning...

A literal sign that we're getting close to the dream...


It really is coming true...It's right there in black and tan...What a beautiful sight!

I've gotten a bit out of the loop since the early planning stages. I am kind of useless when it comes to construction. But I'm on deck for library designing and of course getting some improv shows together. It's going to be wonderful. So many plans for this little place. So much we can do to extend the LOVE WINS philosophy to the west side of Cincinnati. Bring it, Lord! We want to be your hands, we want to be your feet we want to be the love you have for those in need.

Comments

Kelly said…
That looks amazing!!! Who did the that? How exciting, I'm getting goosebumps. Let me know if you need help with anything! I can see all of us stiing up there hanging out and living life and God bringing gobs of people in to join us!!!!
7:09 AM
darthmom said…
That is so cool! I was just over that way yesterday and I didn't see it! I'll help with anything that I can too.
9:05 AM
Helen Ann said…
No clue who did the sign...It's the old sign with new lettering. I can't wait til it opens. It's gonna be like Cheers. :)
9:29 AM
Kelly said…
Cheers, yes, that is so how I pictured it this morning. awesome!!!!
10:14 AM
Helen Ann said…
I think on opening night someone should play the Cheers theme. :)
3:02 PM
Doug said…
I'd really like to get back in there and help get some of the work done, but I know of nothing happening in the last 6 to 8 weeks (except the sign). Any idea if anything is happening yet?
8:52 PM
Helen Ann said…
Not sure what is up at the moment...I think permits might still be an issue. Dave Zuber or Kelly Springer would know more about that...
10:16 PM
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