So, 2020 huh? This year has been difficult for everyone, but the testimonies of how God has shown himself supreme continue. This year has tested our innovation and adaptability, but the association has leaned into its mission of being a collaborative network of churches strategically advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ, and we have seen over and again that we are Better Together.
When It Rains…
In September, Tropical Storm Beta’s rainwater leaked through the roof of the UBA building causing damage to the ceiling tiles and carpet. We appealed to our insurance company, but our claim was rejected due to the age of the roof. Additional patches on the roof will no longer suffice. In short, the roof and carpet must be completely replaced.
UBA’s conference rooms regularly host meetings called by individual churches, both state conventions, and nonprofits such as Loving Houston for church-school partnership training and Houston Responds for disaster relief coordination.
And of course, UBA uses the space to equip pastors and leaders for a multitude of purposes. The location of the UBA building and the flexibility of our space have always been assets to the association and our network of city-wide partners. But with a more functional, better-looking space, we could be a destination for even more people given our central location in the city.
Help Us Help You
UBA needs your help. Would you prayerfully consider giving generously towards our goal of $180,000 before the end of 2020? We need $80,000 to replace our roof and $100,000 to complete our renovation project which will replace the carpet, add capacity to our large conference room, create flexible co-working space, and make better use of the space in the building to meet the myriad needs of our churches.
Of course, this is not the year that I would have chosen for an already much-needed renovation project, but no one asked me! So I'm asking if you would prayerfully consider giving generously towards our goal of $180,000 before the end of 2020, maybe even today on GivingTuesday?
Giving Thanks
We have already received substantial commitments from two churches and several individuals who have generously donated toward this effort! God is providing as He has always done and we owe a huge thanks to those churches and individuals!
As a demonstration of my own belief in UBA, I have been personally contributing a portion of my salary back to UBA for years now. We have also asked our associational staff and leadership council to consider how they might contribute as well.
In addition to monetary gifts, would you also commit to pray for UBA throughout 2021? I believe we have an exciting year ahead in 2021, and I can't wait to share in the work with all of you.
Josh Ellis is Executive Director of Union Baptist Association. He has a PhD in Leadership Studies and has served on the UBA staff since 2005. With both practical and scholarly knowledge, he leads the association into innovative collaboration for the sake of strategic gospel advancement.
You can give directly at www.ubahouston.org/give.