A March update from Manna House on the annual retreat, the Dilworth Baptist partnership, and prayer needs heading toward Easter.
They say that “man plans and God laughs,” but at our fourth annual Manna House Retreat, we learned that God doesn’t just laugh—He redeems.
Even as a historic snowstorm swept across the country in January, we watched in awe as members of our online community traveled from across the U.S. to be together. We spent our time in the Book of Ruth, exploring the theme of Sacred Detours. What looked like a wrong turn for Ruth turned out to be the road redemption was already waiting on. And isn’t that just like God - to meet us not at our best moment, but right in the middle of our detour.
A massive thank you to Pastors Mark Upton (Hope Community Church), Jose Portillo (Vive Charlotte), and Antoine Lassiter (Think Kingdom) for their incredible time and ministry. Their presence was a reminder that we aren’t doing this alone; we are part of a beautiful, local ecosystem of faith.
Planting Roots in Dilworth
Our relationship with Dilworth Baptist continues to be a testimony of God’s favor. We are currently operating on a “gentleman’s agreement” and are preparing to meet with their board as we look to secure a long-term home.
The Quiet Work of Planting
The first quarter of 2026 has been a whirlwind of “unseen” work: church planting cohort meetings, discipleship conferences, and building life-giving bridges with other pastors in Charlotte. Every meeting is a reminder that “our oneness strengthens our witness.”
Will You Pray With Us?
As we prepare for our first Easter service, we ask you to pray with us:
- For Dilworth: That Manna House would be a home for sojourners in this neighborhood.
- For the Team: That the Lord of the Harvest would send laborers, specifically those with a heart to reach our neighbors.
- For Provision: That the Lord would continue to generously provide for our needs.
We are so grateful for your prayers and your support as we plant these roots together.
In Christ,
Femi Oke