Gathering Place

On the Home Front;  Happy 7th Birthday to the Gathering Place!

November 2018

When Kay and I first moved back to Iowa in 2007, I was trying to retire, it didn't work.  I remember a phrase I used to preach to retired people;  "It's not time to retire, it's time to refire!"

Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting for our new business!

Our first customer, who just happened to be someone I knew from high school!

We spent a long year in 2011, trying to get the building we had rented ready to do the dream.  We took more than a thousand nails out of the walls, repainted & spruced up the place.  During that year, Kay's father passed away, her mom moved in with us & our youngest son Seth, had a second kidney transplant.

On November 1, 2011, after a year of trying to make the place look good, I said, "Either open it up or give up on the vision. We opened up and here we are in 2018, celebrating  another birthday for the Gathering Place. 

 I believe the Gathering Place has answered the question: "Foreign missions are great but what about the people right here at home? They have needs, they need ministry as much as the Africans or Russians, don't they?"

The Gathering Place's motto is - if the lights are on and the flag is out - we are open. I usually start the day at 4:00 a.m. by baking bread. The day ends when people leave and we turn out the lights.

A special group of people who come in on a regular basis.

The group above sometimes stays to visit from breakfast until lunch.  They always have enthusiastic discussions on such topics as which toilet paper we should use, and how it should come off the roll. There is always a yarn or two spun.  I've threatened to put up cameras and make a sit-com from their conversations. 

Bible study group~

You might ask;  "Where are Linus' Bible studies"?  I'm glad you asked!  It's another of my favorite things about the Gathering Place.  There are several Bible studies that meet on a regular basis.  Kay leads one every Friday morning that has gone on since before we opened.  Another ladies' group meets on Thurs. mornings.  A men's group meets every Tues. morning.  Another study meets the second Sat. of the month and Frontline Church holds their service on Sunday mornings, at the Gathering Place.

Kay's Friday morning group~

 Each person who walks through the door is a potential for Bible study, healing or salvation.  Ministry happens at the Gathering Place too.

Kay leading her Bible Study on the front porch~

What is our purpose? Have you heard the phrase; "Food, fun & fellowship"? At the Gathering Place you will experience them all, at one time or another. Our boss (God) loves what we are doing. We are here for the people - to pray - talk - listen - or whatever the need may be. Join us!

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Opening Day!

November 1, 2012 started our lives on a new course of walking out a fulfilled vision. The Gathering Place officially opened its doors! That date was the one year anniversary of signing the lease and putting the vision into motion. It has been a fun, and challenging, time since then. Most people who come in have one of two comments (sometimes both): how nice it looks and how good it smells.

The fun part of the Gathering Place is being able to talk to, and minister to the people who come in. One morning two ladies stopped in at the end of their night shift. One of them had injured her thumb and they were on their way to the hospital. Linus asked if he could pray for her thumb. She said, “Yes. Pray for my whole body.” It’s opportunities like this that make coming to ‘work’ exciting!

The Gathering Place is a blend of all the things we have done in the ministry: mission trips, the fellowship and hospitality of the fishing camp, the planting and training of the Bible Schools, pastoring, Bible studies, even working at the zoo and grocery store. All the experiences God has given us we are using for this chapter of our mission with God. 

Kay & Linus~

The vision of The Gathering Place is to offer/host:

v  Multiple Bible studies, Acts 2:42, 46 says, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine (teaching) and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.”

v  A place to receive ministry, prayer, and/or encouragement.

v  Training for missions and mission projects. Mark 16:15, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

v  Hasten the fulfillment of the Great Commission through discipleship development. II Peter 3:12, “looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God …” Matthew 24:14, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 28:19, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations ….”

  Food, fun, and fellowship – the coffee pot will always be on for the Body to gather around for fellowship and encouragement.

v  Networking the Body of Christ – helping others to realize their vision by assisting in developing, facilitating, and launching, their ministries and/or outreaches. Eph. 4:16

The Gathering Place is fulfilling God’s purpose. Complete strangers come in for the first time and comment about how peaceful it is. So many have remarked how Glenwood needs a place like this that is peaceful and relaxed (with good food as a bonus). Of course, God has shown us how this isn’t just for Glenwood, but the Gathering Place will be a hub for this area and beyond. God has shown us that the Gathering Place is an international headquarters for missions. It’s not only a hub but a launching pad.