Having the flexibility to attend her daughters' events, Bible studies with new members and different small groups allow Sharla to be involved at a depth that supports the vision of Vine Community.

"It has been neat to see our girls be a part of this," Sharla said of the couple's three daughters, Aspyn, 11, Makaidyn, 8, and Pacyn, 4. "They have a heart for missions and missions is fun. When their birthdays were coming up they told us that they did not want presents. Instead they wanted to use the money to purchase items for orphans.

"We had a combined birthday party for them where the gifts were things the orphans could use, like clothing and backpacks. Then we took our girls with another family and their daughter to deliver the presents to an orphanage in Belize. Missions is important to our church and it is important to our girls."

The Vine Community Church launched in September 2009 and constituted in September 2011.

"Until recently we did not even have a sign," Osburn said. "We do not advertise. We don't print bulletins, do mailings or use any paper. We do all our outreach by personal invitation. People bring people they know to church. People are much more likely to trust someone they know. Anyone will visit your church, but will they come back? When people bring their friends to church, those friends are much more likely to return."

Osburn tells of one member who was unchurched and a step away from ending his marriage. Osburn became involved when the family sought help.

"At first we just talked, or I just listened," Osburn said. "He was not ready to hear what he needed to do. Over time, he came to understand what God expected of him and how He wanted a relationship with him. Now he is involved in weekly Bible study and is exactly where God wants him to be, in life, in his marriage."

As week of prayer missionaries, the Osburns are excited about having so many people praying for them.

"I want to take an opportunity to thank people for their involvement in the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering and the North American Mission Board," Osburn said. "As people give of their time through prayer and resources, they help churches like ours succeed in Kingdom work."

Joe Conway is a writer for the North American Mission Board. To view a video about Derek Osburn and the other Week of Prayer missionaries, visit www.anniearmstrong.com. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress) and in your email (baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp).

Copyright (c) 2012 Southern Baptist Convention, Baptist Press www.BPNews.net