Ray and Linda Harley at First Baptist Church – Steven’s Point, Wisconsin

Village Bible Church in Greenwood, Indiana, had the privilege 2 weeks ago to send off two of their church family to re-start a century-old church in Steven’s Point, Wisconsin.

Ray and Linda Harley left the end of December from Indianapolis – so that Ray could pastor First Baptist Church of Steven’s Point – a church which has seen many great years, but had dwindled down to just 4 members.  First Baptist has an awesome church building – with a gym – and a faithful handful of people to begin this work of rebuilding.  Ray has said he’s thinking of it as a church plant lucky enough to start off with a building.  We agree.

Ray has pastored churches all his life, and had nearly retired –  he and Linda had settled in Indianapolis, knowing that if the Lord called them to Pastor again, it would take a miracle to make it happen.

We had often heard Linda say she would be glad if the Lord called them to another work, but that she sure wished it would be south…like Florida, maybe.  But the truth was – and is – that wherever the Lord was leading was exactly where these two servants wanted to be.  So…Steven’s Point Wisconsin it is – the day they arrived it was 20 below zero.  🙂

Here’s what we have heard from them now that they have had their first Sunday at First Baptist:

“The first day as pastor of First Baptist Church has come and gone.  With frigid temperature outside – 8 souls came together to hear thechallenges and promises of Haggai 2:1-9. A lovely meal followed which provided a good time of fellowship and getting to know one another.  A special thanks goes out to Village Bible Church. for the prayer support (which is greatly needed) and the financial support (which is greatly appreciated).  May we together be strong and work. Our prayers are with Village Bible Church.”

Onemorechurch will be following this work and keeping you up to date on what the Lord is doing in Steven’s Point.  Here is their address information in case you want to communicate with them:

Ray and Linda Harley.   3401 Harmony Lane, Apt. 3.  Steven’s Point, Wisconsin.  54481  317-340-1630,   harleylinda368@yahoo.com

First Baptist Church.  1948 Church Street.  Steven’s Point, Wisconsin.  54481

 

Village Bible Church One-Year Anniversary – July 14th

Ken and I are so amazed that a year has passed since the start of our church – Village Bible Church.   We love this little church plant – full of committed, loving people who want to reach out into the Johnson County community with the story of Jesus.  May there be many more church plants in this area in the next few years!

Village Bible has their Volunteer Meeting to Plan Launch Service

Village Bible’s Volunteer Meeting last night – to hand out jobs for their first Sunday morning Worship Service on July 15th.  Everyone got a job for the first 6 months….new church plants are so much fun because everyone is willing to take a chance at doing something they’ve never done before!

Encounter Church in Louisville

Great Weekend!  Ken preached in Louisville this morning at Encounter Church – a 6-year-old church plant located in the JeffersonTown area.

We had a great time last night with Pastor Michael Boehm and his wife, Maren, and 3-year-old Pierson and 18-month-old Thatcher.  Lots of talking and rejoicing in the wonderful things the LORD is doing in new church plants all over the area.

Michael and Maren planted Encounter Church in 2006, working in partnership with Mike Grine and his wife, and Kerris Wright and his wife.  The church runs about 100 now, with a strong volunteer-base of 55.  Wow!