In recent weeks, as we celebrated receiving the construction permit and seeing the old site finally demolished, several incidents occurred at our meeting hall: the computers and tools in the construction storage trailer were stolen, several vehicles were damaged, and a short circuit during demolition caused a church-wide power outage. Though these incidents happened at different times and places and may seem accidental, we know that building the church is more than a construction project—it is also a spiritual battle. As spiritual people who discern all things, we need to see the enemy’s work behind them.

When God’s will moves forward, the enemy seeks to hinder and delay His work through outside disruption and destruction. The Bible tells us that the Lord came to give us life in abundance, while the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10a). We believe that whatever happens, God remains sovereign. More importantly, we must not allow these events to bring fear, discouragement, or doubt, or cause us to blame one another. This is the enemy’s scheme—to turn an outward battle into inward exhaustion and delay the building project.

Nehemiah 4 tells us that when the people rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls, they worked with one hand and held weapons with the other. They built together and watched over one another, and completed the work God had entrusted to them. Today, let us follow Nehemiah’s example. Rather than retreating because of our circumstances, let us be more watchful in prayer and walk together in unity.

We especially invite all the brothers and sisters to continue standing together in prayer. Scripture says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain; unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain” (Psalm 127:1). Through prayer, let us declare God’s sovereignty over 3131 Bowers Avenue. May God watch over every building, parking area, construction site, and temporary shelter. May the enemy go no further! In the name of Jesus Christ, we bind every power of darkness that seeks to disrupt the building project through theft, destruction, or accidents.

Let us take every necessary safety precaution and uphold the entire building project through continual prayer and watchfulness. May God protect every facility, worker, and congregation member, and preserve the unity of the whole church. May we not be shaken by our circumstances, but experience more deeply God’s power, presence, and victory in this spiritual battle. Let us work and pray, build and watch together, until the work God has entrusted to us is complete.