“On Sunday we are the church gathered, but during the week we are the church scattered.”
These words describing believers in this world are the words ringing in Cindy Cutlip’s mind during Wednesday night church for the members of Ashland Village Community Church in Ashland, Ohio. She couldn’t help hearing it during the vacation Bible school (VBS) program during the first week of September. Through the SEEDnet church-planting ministry lead by Nathan Wells, many are working to bring God’s Word and His love to this forty-five unit complex.
The outreach of Ashland Village Community Church is small, but growing. The attendance for the VBS varied from five kids to more then fifteen. The timing was in competition with school open house throughout the week, leading to a decrease in numbers. However, out of these numbers, one eight-year-old girl choose Christ as her Savior! Yet, one was enough.
“God planned that.” Cindy says with assurance, when asked about her expectations regarding the VBS. “That was her day.”
Other days members are involved helping each other and the families living in Ashland Village. It is filled with single mothers and God opens doors for His people to connect with them, personally and spiritually. And even though the VBS week is over, opportunities for further outreach haven’t dried up yet.
Over the next year, Ashland Village Apartments will be going under construction. Each unit is being gutted and updated, while a new community room will be built. This exciting addition will provide a place for Ashland Village Community Church members to serve the area, allowing for bigger and better involvement within this small community. More possibilities for Bible studies, meetings for the moms, movie nights for the kids, a Thanksgiving dinner, Easter celebration… the list goes on, month to month, and prayer to prayer. The game plan is to go with what is provided and continue to trust God.
As each housing unit is completed, church members plan to surprise residents with house-warming baskets filled with a variety of items — from window cleaner and paper towels, to picture frames, and of course, Bibles: versions for both the parents and the children.
Ashland Village Community Church is only in its second year as a congregation, but there is no denying that all those involved have established a special presence in Ashland Village — one that they pray God with keep and flourish for years to come. — by Haley Bradfield
[Connect:] Send a note of encouragement to Cindy Cutlip at cakesrus@zoominternet.net. Send a note of encouragement to Nathan Wells at seednet208@yahoo.com.
This story first appeared in GraceConnect eNews. To subscribe to the weekly e-newsletter that includes news and information from congregations in the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, click here.