God has been working in amazing ways at Pleasant Grove Grace Brethren Church, a small congregation outside North English, Iowa. From paving the way for the formation of a local Bible club to bringing children to saving faith in Jesus Christ, exciting things have been happening in their community.
For some time, the mother of Pastor Edwin Jordan, Phyllis Jordan, desired to have a Bible club in her home for neighborhood children. So with the help of the pastor and his wife, Eloise, a club was started in her home three years ago. When two area pastors approached them a year and a half ago with an idea to expand the club, they quickly agreed.
They decided to meet in a church that was centrally located in the community. Eloise said that on the first day of club, they were expecting about 23 kids. However, 32 showed up.
“It was exciting to watch the Lord work,” she remembers.
The club split into three sections out of necessity, because an average of 40 boys and girls from ages four through junior high attended.
Eloise has been privileged to pray with several students as they accepted Jesus Christ as saviour. Later three girls wanted to be baptized.
“Praise God!” she says.
She notes that two of the girls were baptized a short time later through the North English church; however, the third girl said her mother told her she had already been baptized.
The baptism opened the door for Edwin and Eloise to visit one family. As a result, the entire household – mom, five children, and a live-in boyfriend — began to attend the church.
Eloise asks for prayer for the family. The boyfriend has moved out, leaving them without a car and the mother doesn’t have a job.
“We’re excited to see what God’s going to do,” says Eloise, acknowledging that hard times are still ahead for this young family. — by Sarah Kraus