By: Lt. Rachel Martin

"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…" Zechariah 4:10a NLT. These words of the Lord spoken over 2,500 years ago to a wondering prophet have long brought me comfort. Small beginnings come with a lot of uncertainties and questions. They are difficult to control. They lack the security of established foundations and may even invite the scorn of those who look to the material world of buildings, familiar cultural markers and impressive numbers to assign value. How amazing is it that the God of Angel Armies doesn't just tolerate small beginnings, but celebrates them?

Obviously, The Salvation Army's work in Culpeper and Warrenton is not new. Angel Tree, family stores and social services exist to some degree in both locations. Yet, God is doing a new thing. We are here only as participants and facilitators in this creating work of the Spirit. Like Zechariah I often find myself looking around and asking "What are these, Lord… what do they mean?" We see pieces of the puzzle, but we don't know how exactly it's all going to come together or when.

Week two was busy with much business. However I thought it would be a good week to dwell on the spiritual and introduce Jesse and Truth Mchansen who are two pieces of this puzzle. Jesse manages the Culpeper family store. Not only is he a valuable team member within the command, but he and Truth are committed to the spiritual ministry of the Army. They have attended the Culpeper worship services since they began in May and welcomed our family with open arms. Jesse's motherland is Ghana. He brings to this new and small beginning wisdom, grace and a unique cultural perspective. Most importantly, he does not despise it.

God's response to Zechariah's question is fascinating, "It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven's Armies." And so it will be in Culpeper.