Tampa Update
So now that everyone officially knows about my future plans, I can keep you updated on how things are going through my posts each week. Ashlee and I will be moving to Tampa, Florida, to spear head the next Aletheia church plant. We are excited but at the same time realistic about the difficulty of church planting. I really can’t think of anything harder that we could have chosen to do but it is what God has called us to do. This comes at the most difficult time in our life as well so we are really feeling the pressure and the attacks by the enemy and would greatly appreciate your continued prayers for us.
Over the the last 8 weeks, Ashlee and I have spent countless hours meticulously searching for a home in Tampa. The possibility of purchasing a new home would not even be there if it weren’t for Brandon talking me into buying a home here in Harrisonburg over 5 years ago. That was the best council Brandon could have given me at that time. Not only was I able to provide a nice home for my family, but I bought it when the market was still slow in the ‘burg. So God has blessed Ashlee and I with a ton of equity in which we can use to put down on a home in Tampa. Unbelievably, the housing market in Tampa is more reasonable than Harrisonburg…go figure!
But Ashlee and I still had to find the right home (something big enough for ministry purposes), in the right location (close to USF), for the right price (translated…cheap). This proved to be quite a painstaking ordeal. I have taken 3 trips over the past 4 weeks to Tampa (including a spur of the moment road trip with Ashlee last week) in search of the “perfect” home. We have looked at over 100 homes on line and in person. I know more about real estate than I would have ever cared to. But up until last week, we still didn’t have a home. We came close to signing a couple of contracts and put down many offers, but everything fell through.
That was until last Monday morning. God finally brought the “perfect” home and dropped it in our laps. It was the right home (big enough to do lots of ministry), in the right location (less than 8 miles from campus), at the right price (keep reading). The builder, who is a family man, found out about our tragic situation with the losing of our little boy, and pretty much gave us a home. And when I say gave, I mean gave. The same home with less square footage sold for $30,000 more two weeks prior. God blessed our family big time and we know it.
And now, without further ado, I would like to introduce to you the (not yet finished so hence no landscaping) new Tampa Proffitt home…
Praise Jesus for His faithfulness. We know that this house will be the spot of a lot of ministry and great memories in the years to come.
praise God for that. It looks like a beautiful home for you all!
Miss you!!
AP, I am so excited for you guys. Of course I hear these stories from Ashlee but it is also just as thrilling to hear about them or read them from you as well!
I’ll miss yall more than you know.
He is sooo faithful! =)
You guys are always in my prayers, big time.
Praise God!!! What a beautiful home. That is so awesome and so encouraging. Isn’t God’s timing so perfect. Five years ago (really way before than) God knew that it would lead to this moment. Wow!! Way cool! I am so happy for you two, and am praying everyday. Love you dude!
Dude, sick house! I can’t wait to come down and see my room!
Amen! What a beautiful home! God is so good:) Thank you for sharing your joy! We love you guys!
Man, what a sweet home. What a blessing that God gave you a home big enough for the Cochranes to live in with you come April! haha. Love you guys!
This is so awesome guys! We will continue to pray for you! The house is beautiful! We will miss you greatly!
sweet pic…
and even sweeter home!
i know, cause i was inside it!!
Dude…the house is sweet. I am foreseeing some great hospitality happening in the new crib. See ya in the a.m.
Cool house! Can’t wait to come see you guys! God is soo good!
Dear friend and pastor Aaron & Ashley,
Love and greetings from India. Thank God for your new home. God has shown you what is His will for you and He is going to use you in Tampa. Be encouraged and strengthen yourself in the Lord. God bless you.
Zac John
SWEET! Keep your hand to the plow, my friend. The will of God will not lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you.
Dave
PS. Glad to hear you are planting in my home state.
I am so very proud of you both. Tears of joy fill my eyes and heart as I read these words. I look forward with such anticipation, knowing that God has blessed you both, anticipating of what is to come. Accepting as you have, the task, boldly, and eagerly to continue God’s calling on both your lives. The acceptance once again demonstrates for you both the faith you have in God and each other. I love you both. Dad
p.s. speedy may have already seen it, but my room is the one he claimed! dad
Blessings to you guys as you begin your journey in Tampa! God is leading you in an awesome direction. What an incredible home, that’s so sweet. God is good! It was fun spending time with you all even though it was brief. Take care!
Jesus continue to take Ashlee and Aaron to new levels of intimacy. Continue to breakthrough strongholds and allow deeper revelation of the authority you have placed in their lives. Continue to have your will with the Bible studies and the harvest that is abundant on the USF campus and local area. In Jesus mighty name I declare vigorous and consuming urgency to share the Good News throughout the Aletheia church planting apostles. Provide an endless unwavering faith to press in to that place where heaven on earth is not only a hope but presented as real in their lives. Keep them focused on the task at hand and refresh their vision daily with a new passion and intensity. In Jesus name Amen! We serve a God who says I Will not I might or I may. You continue to bless me with your hearts for Christ and your contagious passion for lost souls. Thank you for obedience and service beyond reproach Its all about love! Peace!