I’m embarrassed to say that there have been too many times when I have trusted in those lies as opposed to the God who promised never to leave me or forsake me.

My husband and I planted in Albuquerque, New Mexico. With wide expanses of desert and vast skies ending in horizon, it’s not all that hard to feel isolated where I live. Certainly, my geography speaks to my experience. But I am confident that church planters in every place feel alone.

However, this sense of isolation is a lie. A great big lie.

Did Jesus not promise while he was commanding us to make disciples of all nations that he “will be with you always, to the end of the age?” There are people all over our cities, all over the country, all over the world praying for kingdom expansion. Praying for the work you and I are doing.

Also, for church planting women, there’s Bloom, a ministry of Stadia Church Planting that empowers women to maximize their role in starting churches. I have been privileged to be a part of Bloom since the beginning of my church planting journey. During those tough seasons of a start-up church, Bloom has been there for me with a friendly face, with mentoring, with prayers, with the knowledge of those who’ve gone before me, and with simply their presence. Even during times when I was engulfed in the lie of isolation, Bloom was there. And time after time, I’ve come to realize I never really was alone after all. What a gift!

Recently, Bloom has expanded and is welcoming all church planting women, whether you’re a part of Stadia or not. If you aren’t a part of Bloom already, you can join by clicking here.

People on our launch teams very well may fail us. Church attenders very well may leave. Supporters very well not come through as promised. But our comfort and our strength, our rock Jesus Christ, isn’t going anywhere. And within Stadia Bloom, there’s a group of church planting women who have got your back and really do know what you’re going through.

You are not alone. Don’t believe it for one minute.