With Eyes Wide Open
January 2023
When I was a kid, I used to love listening to the band “Creed.” They had some really awesome songs! As I reflect on the first month of the New Year, and all we’ve faced while settling into new life rhythms, I can’t help but think about their popular song “With Arms Wide Open.” The lyrics read like this …
Well, I just heard the news today
It seems my life is going to change
I closed my eyes, begin to pray
Then tears of joy stream down my face
With arms wide open under the sunlight
Welcome to this place, I'll show you everything
With arms wide open
With arms wide open
Well, I don't know if I'm ready
To be the man I have to be
I'll take a breath, I'll take her by my side
We stand in awe, we've created life
With arms wide open under the sunlight
This particular song is about a man whom God blessed with a daughter. He was overwhelmed with the task of becoming a daddy, but he knew ONE THING: He’d always be there to love her, with his arms wide open! I am sure we could come up with so many biblical analogies through these lyrics. Nonetheless, this song encapsulates what it feels like to arrive on field. Its beautiful, its overwhelming, and it truly produces tears of joy! This month we have stood in awe, with our arms wide open, and simply thanked God for the new life that is springing forward. In 2023, there will be a new church in Elkins, West Virginia because of God… We are here because of God, and it is only the power of the Gospel, the power of biblical partnerships, and the power of God’s vision that will bring the change to this region that we desire to see! So, as His servants, we stand with arms wide open… ready to love and pray for the new communities where God has planted us!
~ Roy Schneider, Church-Planter at The Refinery
( January photo dump below ——> )
Next Stop(s): Feb. 5th, 2023 First Baptist Church of Green Valley - Monrovia, MD (11:00 AM); Feb.11th - 12th, 2023 Military Chaplaincy Ministry - White Plains, MD; Feb. 17th, 2023 Launch Team Party @ The Atrium - Elkins, WV (6:00-8:00 PM); Feb. 19th, 2023 Langdon Street Baptist Church - Somerset, KY (11:00 AM); Feb. 26th, 2023 Pauline Missionary Baptist Church - Monticello, AR (8:45 & 10:45 AM)
Staying Connected Looking for more frequent updates from The Refinery? Don’t forget you can follow us on Facebook & Instagram @TheRefineryProcess; on YouTube at www.youtube.com/therefineryprocess; and also on our website: www.therefinerywv.org. Please remember to also like, subscribe, and share our content so we can continue to increase our network for the sake of the Gospel!
Contact us:
Roy Schneider 304.439.5985 Nikki Schneider 304.940.5989 roy@therefinerywv.org naschneider12@gmail.com Instagram:@refinery_pastorroy
SENDING CHURCH INFORMATION
Sending Pastor: Jason Sheffstall
Phone: 304.291.2900
Email: jsheffstall@stonebridge4u.com
PO BOX 1168 Morgantown, WV, 26507