Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.
Luke 14:23 (NIV)
We tend to idealize rural places, we visualize peace and tranquility among the idyllic natural beauty – green rolling hills and farmland. This outsider’s perspective doesn’t see the darker realities of broken families, substance abuse, generational poverty, and hopelessness that abound. The darkness and evil of rural communities is as dark and pervasive as the darkness of the city.
THE CALL
Marty Cates was born and raised in The Commonwealth of Virginia and grew up hunting and fishing with his father in South Central Virginia. He received a Bachelor’s Degree from Virginia Tech, where he met the love of his life, Meredith. After working in finance and consulting he felt God’s call into pastoral ministry. He studied at Covenant Theological Seminary and most recently served as an Associate Pastor at Sycamore Presbyterian in Midlothian, VA. Marty and Meredith now feel God is calling their family to Amelia County to plant a new church to proclaim the truths of the Gospel, rest in the work of Jesus, rejoice in the hope of the resurrection, and work for the furthering of God’s Kingdom.
THE ASK
With your partnership, Marty and the core group are seeking to plant a new church in Amelia County, VA. Like most church plants, this one will begin and grow through the financial support of generous households and churches. Our goal is to grow into financial self-sufficiency in 5 years, and to get there the total need to cover operating expenses is $375,163. We invite you to join our financial support team and partner with the gospel ministry of this new work in Amelia County, VA
Thank you for your support, encouragement, and prayers!!