While the congregation waited for spring to be able to start building the upper level of the church building, they were all still praying for so many things that were needed to complete the building. One by one, in a way that I can only describe as continued miraculous answers to prayer, those needs were being met! Many businesses and individuals in the area even started helping meet the needs-with “no strings attached”! They had almost all electrical materials supplied, and the church had an electrician attending to help with installing and overseeing all of electrical matters. There were other things relating to plumbing and heating, hardware and paint that were either donated or bought at cost. But one of the most unique donations came in what was to be the seating for the church…That was one major thing Dan kept leading the church in praying for and so far they still didn’t know what to do. UNTIL…Someone saw an article in the newspaper that a nearby movie theatre was getting all news seats installed. SO…Dan thought, “I wonder what they are going to do with the old seats?” Off he went to talk to the people at that movie theatre and the people there were more than happy to donate the chairs to the church!
The chairs had a cushion seat that would fold up when you stand. The back rest was fabric and the base that screws to the floor was iron. After they got the chairs in, they decided that they should take them apart, clean the cushions and backs, wire brush and paint the iron bases, then put them all back together…It was a lot of work but the chairs looked like new when they were finished!
Like many buildings, once the construction resumed in the spring the framing of the main floor and exterior walls happened quickly.
This next part really amazed me as Dan told me how they made their own trusses for the roof. Each one had to be perfect, with every angle exactly the same as the others.
Then, to see the size of those massive trusses when they were completed! No hoists or cranes to lift them up, just men working together-with God watching over them every step of the way!
As I think back on this incredible story, first I have to marvel that no one was injured during the entire construction. Dan told me that no one even had to get stitches for a cut. Then for such a young pastor to be able to keep everyone motivated and even keep bringing more people in to help, while keeping emotions and tempers from getting in the way…It becomes a testimony for the entire community! To God Be The Glory!
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 (NIV)
Till Next Time…..
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