1 Corinthians 12:26-27 – “If one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
Throughout our fellowship of churches there is an exciting new wave of missionary zeal rising as more and more U.S. churches are being planned and planted.
The Daytona Beach planting is well on its way after receiving an amazing send-off and blessing from the Florida and Louisiana Churches at this year’s Florida Discipleship Conference (FDC) held in Orlando, FL July 24-26th. As the team took the stage to be prayed over by the elders and church leaders from across the state, the enthusiasm, joy and unity of the 2100 attendees was palpable, and it was clear that the body of Christ was of one mind and heart. This planting is truly something to celebrate, as it has been 10 years since a new city has been planted within the state of Florida.
Following the advice of Jarrod Robinson, who led the Clemson planting earlier this year, Heath and Julie Barrow were resolved from the outset to let God be the Master Builder of the team. Not a single shoulder was tapped; rather the team was built through prayer and fasting with each member coming forward as they were moved by God’s Spirit. During their 4 month “Answer the Call” preaching and visiting tour of 13 different churches and regions throughout Florida, the Barrow’s were greeted with encouragement, prayers, zeal and a tremendous sense of unity towards this planting at every stop. There are presently 25 devoted disciples and 6 children who have joined the team for the Daytona Community Church. The 
team is a wonderful blend of nationalities, ages, stations of life, talents, personalities, occupations, and home churches that gives the future church a solid foundation.
Despite these economic times, the South Florida Church, through its Special Missions collection was able to raise the money to support the planting in addition to all their other mission programs, and a generous donation was collected from the participants at this year’s FDC. Team members are presently finding their homes rented or under contract, cars selling, job offers coming in and opportunities opening-up before them in Daytona, that our glorious and generous God is providing even during the present housing market crisis and time of high unemployment.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to be an important part in building a campus ministry from the ground up, then give Daytona serious 
consideration. The team is still praying for additional campus students and faculty to join them, as there are over 36,000 campus students in the area. There is also a strong need for musicians and song leaders in addition to anyone else who feels the call. The Daytona Community Church will begin local “preview” services and house church throughout the fall as its members move in, with the goal of holding their big inaugural service on January 10, 2010.
If you are interested in finding out how you can support or join the Daytona Community Church planting please contact Heath Barrow at 954-647-9421 or heath.barrow@yahoo.com.
posted by Jerry Maday
