New church finds open door in development_102003

Posted: 10/17/03

New church finds open door in development

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

AMARILLO--Developers often say they want to create "heavenly" communities. Donna Myatt is working to make that a real possibility.

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Posted: 10/17/03

New church finds open door in development

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

AMARILLO–Developers often say they want to create “heavenly” communities. Donna Myatt is working to make that a real possibility.

Myatt and her husband, Murray, prayed for two years for Christians to start a church in the neighborhood she was developing for her Catholic uncle, R.J. Podzemny, who owned the land. The couple wanted to build a neighborhood that would serve God, going as far as naming some of the streets after prayer warriors in their family.

A former teacher, Myatt said she understands the importance of the church in raising children. Churches strengthen families and grow children spiritually and morally, she said.

“I was trying to put things together that you would need for a community, and you need a church first,” she explained. “We wanted this community to be a little different than everything else in Amarillo.”

As the Myatts' prayers went upward, George Haddox said he felt God calling him to start a new church in the area. At the urging of some friends, he looked at some land Myatt was developing.

Although the property seemed to be perfect for a new church and the Myatts' prayers were encouraging, Haddox explained to her that he did not have the resources to buy land in the area.

Myatt's response was simple: “Pray and claim it.”

Haddox said he could not believe his ears and asked her to repeat herself several times before he understood Podzemny would donate the land for a new church. The pastor got so excited, he finished the conversation without giving Myatt his name.

Realizing his mistake, he went back the next day to find “confirmation” of God's will. He approached Myatt as she was speaking to a young couple looking to purchase land and was introduced as “the new preacher.” Shortly after, a young girl who was playing nearby asked if she could be the first person baptized in the church.

Satisfied they were in God's will, Myatt and Haddox put together a church. Services for Hollywood Road Community Church, sponsored by Second Baptist Church and the Baptist General Convention of Texas, started last October in a model home.

The congregation soon began building its new facilities on the donated lot. Myatt's uncle was baptized and joined the congregation. The church is now 46 members strong and should move in to its new building around Thanksgiving.

Although Myatt and Podzemny made sacrifices and Haddox has worked to build the church, the pastor gives all the credit to God.

Myatt said she looks forward to seeing how God will work through the church and community.

The church is the answer to her prayers, she said. “You're not going to get anywhere without a plan. We had a pretty structured plan and knew what we needed.”

The couple wanted to build a neighborhood that would serve God, going as far as naming some of the streets after prayer warriors in their family.

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