Congregations in Transition
AMHERST COMMUNITY, OH: Pastor Rob Douglass concluded his much appreciated interim ministry at the end of September. Les Bartley will be installed on October 5 as the new pastor. He comes from Christian Missionary Alliance and Baptist background in the Columbus area. Praise God for his leading in this pastoral search, and pray for the congregation and pastor at this time of transition.
HIGHLAND, OH: On September 7, Todd Hammond was installed as Associate Pastor at Highland. Todd has his own business, lives in Dayton and is from the Church of the Brethren where he has served for many years in pastoral ministry. John Zuck continues as interim pastor of this regrouping congregation.
NEW VISION, WI: Pray for the interim pulpit supply and the congregation as adjust, and for the Pastoral Committee as interviews have been conducted and the committee is discerning the Lord’s direction for the next step in the process.
WESTERN HILLS, OH: Pray for the congregation as they are served by interim pulpit supply and for the Pastoral Committee as interviews have been conducted. Pray for discernment as a “right fit” pastor is called to serve this unique urban church and community.
Church Plant Updates
Beavercreek COMMUNITY, OH: Pray for continued development of small groups, recruiting for the launch team, publicity events, advertising, and mailings all focusing on D-Day launch, November 9. Pray for God to raise up additional ministry leaders to staff essential ministries. Pray for God’s intervention in this emerging congregation led by Pastor Ken Abell.
The Bridge @ Beans, IL: This congregation has been served by two volunteer pastors, Rita Wolf and Bruce Johnson. It consist of a coffee house outreach, Friday and Saturday evenings, a Sunday afternoon worship celebration, small groups mid-week. Pray for continued outreach and growth for God’s honor.
THE DIFFERENCE, OH: Preview services averaged over 50 participants. Many publicity events have begun, along with saturation mailing, coupled with advertising, in preparation for the October 19 launch. Pray for Pastor Cal Hamblin and the team as we anticipate God’s sovereign blessing upon this new church.
MINISTRY in INDIA - January 31 to February 12.
Pastor Paul Meduri-King of Glory, Streetsboro, Ohio
Thank you for your prayers and support for this trip to India. Many great things took place while we were there in the name of the Lord. Your prayers, along with KOG church, BIC churches, Churches throughout USA, Indian churches, Individuals in Guinea, England, Canada, Mexico, France, Americans in other parts of India, and Africa were very effective.
On the flight to India, we witnessed to an Indian man, to a flight attendant and another man. Sunday, I preached at a church in Chennai that is similar to King of Glory. The pastor sold his home to buy land to build a church. I dedicated the ground after the service. During the week, we led praise and worship celebrations and spoke to some Indians at the hotel, held a worship festival on a soccer field, went to a Lutheran school, prayed, and a Gospel message was presented. I asked for a show of hands (about 60%) for acceptance of Jesus and lead them in the sinner's prayer. There was also a women’s conference, a visit to an orphanage, a soul winner’s conference, and the Festival of Joy, with 2000 in attendance and 150 made first time commitments to Jesus. There were 3500 people in attendance at the festival on Friday and 221 made first time commitments to Jesus. There was great celebration at the Youth conference and Festivals throughout the next several evenings. Praise God for hundreds of first time commitments to Jesus, including Hindu and Muslims. All praise to God!
