TWIG, MN (February 11, 2014) — A local television crew was on hand to record Covenant pastor Brad Shannon embarking on his 1,500-mile snowmobiling journey to raise money for New Life Covenant Church’s building fund on Sunday.

He already has raised $17,500, well over the $12,000 the church will use to help fund construction of a new building. Its current facilities are too small.

“We really do need a new church and God willing we’re going to get that,” church member Pearl Harmon told ABC affiliate WDIO. She added, “My kids would really love a new room where the table isn’t tipping and crayons aren’t falling off it.”

Shannon will end the trip in Churchill, Manitoba. He is expected to stop in Rouseau, Minnesota, today. People can follow his route on Facebook.

Shannon says he is acting out “two central realities I believe New Life is being called to do. First, God is always inviting us to go, to dream, and to follow.”

Second, he adds, “Risk is inherent to our trust in Jesus. I believe it is only as we step out in faith that we experience God’s faithfulness. Unless we go we will never feel the exhilaration of living in the power of God’s grace and God’s leading.”

To read a previous Covenant News Service story, click here.