Since it has been over a month since our last momentous congregational meeting, I thought that it would be good for me to officially respond to the call to do church planting in the Gallatin Valley.
   So here is the letter I composed on September 28, 2008, the day of the congregational meeting, but would like to make public as I write these words on October 28, 2008.

   Dear Bozeman CRC,
   This letter is to officially acknowledge and inform you of my acceptance of the call to do church planting in the Gallatin Valley. The planting of a new church is an idea that has been discussed for some time now and is very exciting.  However, to actually step out and do it is much more intimidating. Therefore, it is with a sense of excitement and humble dependence on the Lord I look forward to undertaking this work. For surely, “unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.”
   As for a time line, I would like to propose that the church planting work begin January 1, 2009.  This will allow time for the necessary arrangements to be made within the classis and for as smooth a transition as possible for the Bozeman CRC congregation.
   I would also like to request (if the council of BCRC agrees) that Pastor Dan Mulder of the Gallatin Gateway Community Church be appointed as the Classical Church Counselor for the Bozeman congregation beginning January 1, 2009.
   Zephaniah 1:17 says, “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” As we step out in faith trusting God in these major decisions may He take great delight in us, may He quiet our fears with His love, and may we know He is rejoicing over us with singing!
                                                     

                                                          In the matchless name and love of Jesus,
                                                           Pastor Randy Van Osdol