RSTI Developments and You
Earlier this year, Mission Alive rolled out its Rural and Small Town Initiative (RSTI). Our goal was to start four new Innovative Faith Communities (church plants) in rural and small-town communities over the next two years.
Starting in February, we began several months of research in Lufkin, Texas, the seat of Angelina County in deep east Texas. Leading that project are Jason and Sarah Hollinger. To date, we have conducted approximately 30 interviews with community leaders, nonprofit leaders, church leaders, and other members of the community. Our first RSTI project is well underway!
Starting in July, we will begin the research phase of our second RSTI project in Bertram, Texas, located about 45 minutes northwest of Austin. This project will be led by Kelly Bolin, a former middle school principal in Bertram and well acquainted with the community.
Other RSTI locations in development are located in Alabama, South Carolina, and North Carolina. We expect one or two of these to come on board this summer. Additionally, we are developing a cohort of leaders in the upper Midwest to explore locations for a possible RSTI project. Next year, we plan to expand our focus to include the Mountain West.
However, there is a problem…
We had not budgeted for the rate at which God has opened doors to start new RSTI plants. We need your help if we are going to see all of these new churches launched in rural and small-town communities. You can help in one or all of these ways:
- Pray that God will provide sufficient funds to accomplish all the projects He is putting before us.
- CLICK HERE to make a donation and help ensure we can start new IFCs in rural and small-town communities.
- CLICK HERE to help financially support one of our RSTI plants.
- Help us identify locations and leaders for new RSTI projects.
Your help is truly a blessing as we launch multiple new church projects!