THE DEATH OF THE SEQUOIA TREE VISION

A few months back I wrote and asked that we pray for the Sequoia tree just north east of the East Lobby entrance – it was not looking good.  I know that sounds weird, but follow me.  My desire was – since we could not put a steeple on the roof of the church (maximum height in Washington TWP is 65’), we would plant a Sequoia tree that would grow 150 to 200 feet.  We would then light the tree so that it could be seen from miles away.  A type of lighthouse if you please.  The facts have revealed that even if we are able to keep the tree alive (Longwood Gardens has four Sequoias), it will never reach more than 40’ – it’s the New Jersey climate.  There is a reason why Sequoia’s reach 250 feet in southern California.  LOL! 

So, as Bill Gothard so profoundly taught, there is life in the death of a vision.  e.g.: Abraham – no child at the age of 99 (God gives Abe and Sarah, Isaac), Joseph – sold into slavery and imprisoned (God makes Joseph prime minister of Egypt and he literally saves the known world), etc.  In other words, we have a vision and God lets it die so that He can bring it to pass in glorious fashion.  

Longwood’s suggestion: Plant a Red Oak: it’s native to NJ, our state tree, and can reach heights over 125’.  Now, my Yahoo search tells me a Red Oak is too wide to place where the Sequoia is now located.  Anyone have a suggestion for a tree that reaches to the sky that’s relatively narrow and VERY tall?  God we’re calling on You!  And, as in the past, You have more often than not worked through ‘man’.  (Oh, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Ray Groff for making every human effort possible to keep Mr Sequoia alive.)  Can't wait to see what God has in mind -- for He will bring His word to pass.