http://www.nefrpc.org/index.htm

Today was my graduation from the 2008 class of the NEFLRLA.

It was an incredible experience overall. Sometimes depressing, other times incredibly encouraging, but overall it was an opportunity to think out of the small boxes we sometimes get ourselves into. My small box had been Clay County. Why? I know God called us here and planted us here for such a time as this and I have fell in love with the area.

But, as with anything else, Clay County is not an island unto itself. We are interdependent on the other counties that surround us. Particularly Jacksonville which is the economic engine of the region. We are all interconnected – inseperable especially when dealing with issues of economic development, transportation, housing, etc. We simply have to think about our neighbors and at times sacrifice battles so that we can win the bigger war together.

Like many things in life, our people perish for lack of vision. The NEFLRLA is trying to get people to have a vision for a preffered future state for the next 50+ years should the Lord tarry. What is the best way to utilize available land, transportation, environment, work centers, spaces for housing, etc. What an incredible opportunity we have should we VISION the future instead of just reacting to present comp plans.

Not only has it expanded my understanding of the region and the issues we face, but it has expanded my thoughts in terms of Church. Even the original vision of Journey Church said Clay County and the surrounding areas. I really think we need to expand that to NE FL and the surrounding areas.

We are so interconnected, our fates, our destinies and believe me, God cares about the prosperity of cities.

Lets pray that God not only blesses the areas we live in, but blesses this region "The First Coast" the first area occupied in the New World. Might God pour out His Spirit here and let it flow from here throughout the USA and beyond..