It is a rare blessing to witness the testimony of a “seasoned saint”, and especially one who has already celebrated his 80th birthday. Who can forget the joy of the baptism of Howard Pool as he declared his trust in the Savior and expressed his desire to set the example for his children and grandchildren to follow – and then to hear Howard declare that he had long prayed that God would raise up a Bible church in his own community! He had actually given the dreamed-of fellowship a name: Cass County Chapel. Imagine the delight of this dear brother’s heart when the first gathering of the saints was hosted in “Jim’s garage”!
10 years ago the Faith Family “laid hands” on 15 families who were responding to the call of God to take part in the establishing of a new bible church in Cass County. On that Sunday we could never have imagined what the Lord had in store for them as we sent one of our own pastor/elders, Gary Wissel and a team of committed believers out to Cass County with a mission to bring a gospel light into that community.
Formally organizing themselves as a “church”, this young fellowship took on the name, Crossroads Bible Church. And the Lord continued to add to their number so they moved to Conestoga High School. This young “church in trailer” found its unique fit in the community in those glorious days. But when the school budget cuts required restricted facility use a necessary adjustment, the Lord had already prepared a place. One of the most recognizable landmarks in the county was The Loft, the host site of the popular community play house. Sitting as it does in the farmyard of the brother to a Crossroads elder, the Loft became Crossroads’ new home!
The early days were marked by the blessing of incredible youth ministry growth as well as the integration of new families. The constant pressure of providing supporting space for this growing ministry led to the purchase of prime acres (a story of Divine provision requiring its own article of explanation) and the beginning of a “sweat equity” building program. Faith Bible Church was blessed to be a major player in financial ways as well as ministry leadership support. But one of the great miracles of the early days of this fledgling congregation was God’s amazing and miraculous provision of over $250,000 contribution from the estate of a lady who had passed away several years prior (another story needing its own article to be told).
Well…ten years later, I will be honored to share with other Faith Bible brothers in celebrating the launch into Crossroad Bible Church’s 11th year as we join them this coming Sunday for a day of worship, Word, and thanksgiving!
“I am confident of this very thing, He who has begun a good work in you WILL perform it unto the day of Christ!”—Philippians 1:6
In my absence this Sunday, Pastor Jason will be challenging us with “A Prayer for a New Year” from Colossians 1. Please come ready to worship the Lord and to be encouraged from His Word as PJ opens the scriptures for us!
Happy New Year!
Pastor Tom