So why Katy, TX????

Our adventure in church planting has hit the ground and as we were only lacing up our shoes and doing prep work...now, we have begun running this long marathon that is ahead! So.much.is.going.on!!!

So why Katy, TX? Some of you have probably wondered well how and why did the Praters choose Katy, why in Houston, why not an area around League City, etc. Well, as we ventured out into this "church planting" world, one thing is certain, it brought us praying deeply for what God would really wanted to do with our family. Once we felt the calling to 100% further God's kingdom by church planting, the next big step was "where." With advice and mentoring from many, many people especially previous church planters, majority of them said you go by how you "feel" at the place. Do you see yourself there 20+ years, do you find the area a place you would raise your family, etc.
Well on a whim, Ryan and I went Katy and we were like whoah! This city reminded us a lot like Abilene (where we went to college and lived 5 yrs before League City). It was small town feel, rallied around high school sports, very school spirited, it actually has land around it- country land that is (a favorite of ours ;) ) it has great school system, great growth happening in the city, all city perks, shopping, hospitals, but most of all its now ranked as top US city in growth with schools and new homes~ a great place to launch a church plant, on the North side of Katy! South side as a ton of church plants and all the new "sexy" new things but North Katy, aka, the Old Katy as they call it is a little more traditional and lacks for a new, modern gospel-centered church. This area is in need of a church making an impact for all the new growth now happening on the North side.
We are very excited! We are excited to see how God will use this church plant and help reach North Katy, maybe all the way up toward Cy-Fair area. ;)

We wanted to take the mission of Clear Creek and help reach Houston and surrounding areas for the gospel and Katy fit us greatly! Not Pearland, Not Alvin, Not Bay City, Not anywhere South of the Beltway for that matter. There is nothing wrong with any of those cities, it just wasn't our fit.
So, a lot of work has been done, a lot of work is being done, and there is still so much to be done. Please be in prayer for our family as we take this step of faith.
This Friday, we have our first "interest" mission/vision meeting in Katy with people who live North side but travel south for church. As of now, 24 people have been invited and RSVP so this is very exciting. Pray for Friday, Pray for Ryan has he gives vision to what this church shall exist for. Thank you so very much.

*btw..I keep saying "church" because the name is still in forming process ;)
*we will have a family church planting blog but due to sickness this weekend, I didn't get it made...coming soon. :)