Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it. (1 Chronicles 28:10)
Dear friend and co-laborer: If you have sat under the Tree of Life Christians Ministries (TOLCM) or shared in our radio broadcast on Saturday afternoons on WAVA 105.1 FM, then certainly you know that we do not ascribe to the chicken dinner, bingo game, and bake sale mentality to get people to give into this ministry. We personally believe that when people are apprised with the facts, without the use of schemes, gimmicks and tricks, they are better capable of making an informed decision.
As you know for 16 1/2 years we held our Sunday Services, Thursday evening bible study, tutoring and ministerial internship classes at a local high school. While the Lord blessed us in this location, we begun to experience the strain of the restrictions associated with the limited number of hours and days that we had access to the building. With the vast number of active ministries and outreach programs at TOLCM, and the limitations imposed upon us, we believed, by the unction of the Holy Spirit, that it is time for us to have a permanent home. God’s desire and instruction to me was to seek your prayers, help and financial support towards our Building Fund Drive.
TOLCM owns free and clear 14 acres of prime land in Ft. Washington, Maryland. This property is demographically and ideally located in the shadow of the National Harbor on the Potomac and just minutes from the Beltway. The projected cost to build a church on this site was approximately 14 million dollars. However, in view of the current economic slump, we determined that it was not good stewardship or in the best interest of our congregation to proceed with a project of that magnitude (Lk 14:28-31). In light of those current conditions we decided a less aggressive approach for a permanent site would be a wise, practical and prudent option.
As a result, without doubt or question we were led and prompted under the leadership of the Holy Spirit to located and entered into an agreement to purchase and renovate a 43,000 sq foot existing building in Clinton Maryland just two miles south of the Beltway.
Our plan as good stewards was to keep it simple and renovate this space in three phases of excellence without the extravagance:
Phase I
Included signage, parking lot and building repairs and the construction of an 1100 seat sanctuary which has been completed. A move in date was projected near the end of December 2009. However we yielded and believe God’s timing was better and celebrated our first service of March 28, 2010. What a magnificent show of the Spirit of the living God. We currently hold one service at 10:00am and hope you can make it out to felloship with us, you just might like it!!!
Phase II
While we actively praise and serve God and community, Phase II includes the construction of additional class rooms, a fellowship hall, bookstore, chapel and administrative office space. Funds will not be raised with the customary schemes, bingo games, bake sells or chicken dinners, but by the tithe and generous giving of those who see the value in the mandate of The Tree of Life Christian Ministries. We will keep you informed of our progress.
Phase III
If regulations permit, our plan is to erect a sports and learning facility on acreage in the rear of our building. We will achieve this in the same manner as Phase II. This is a God thing and cannot be stopped and we praise Him for his hand that is good on us.
This purchase is without question the fulfillment of God’s promise to us according to Deuteronomy 6:10, that He would give a house we did not build, a vineyard we did not plant, and a well we did not dig. This building not only affords us a permanent location, but will allow us to carry out the mandate that God has placed upon the Tree of Life Christian Ministries. Our goal is to make this facility useful to you our membership and the community. With the monies we have already raised, the sale of the land (market permitting), your donations and prayers, we will without question accomplish this task. My desire is for your prayers, your partnership and donations to aid us in this noteworthy project to establish a House for God to place His name.
As you read this letter, it is our hope that you will “Catch the Vision and Dream with Us” and that God will indeed move on your heart and compel you to get involved and know the Tree of Life Christian Ministries by the Spirit. Our intentions and steps are pure and ordered of the Lord. Our hearts actually burn with an indescribable desire to build a house that God can be pleased with, place his name (2 Sam 7:13-17), establish His covenants, and fulfill His Will without delay.
We hope you will consider us in your prayers and partner with us through your financial support in our goal to build a sanctuary in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If you would like to stop by to see how we are doing I extend my hand and hope to see you soon.
If you have any questions, you may speak with me personally on (301) 735-8030. May God richly bless and keep you is my prayer.
Yours in Christ,
James J. Robinson, Pastor
You may donate on line by clicking the Paypal donation tab in the upper right hand corner of our web page. All checks or money orders should be made payable to the Tree of Life Christian Ministries, designated Building Fund and sent to the addresses listed below.
- P.O. Box 2022 – Clinton, MD 20735
As a 501c3 Non-profit Corporation, these donations are tax deductible. Thank you in advance, and may God richly bless and keep you is my prayer. Should you have any questions again, you may speak with me personally.