The Grace Brethren church in the Wissinoming neighborhood of Philadelphia, Crossroads Community Church (Peter Forshtay, congregational pastor), has a nice little building, and with the help of a team of young people this summer, had a facelift. It was freshly painted and looks really nice. But, the sidewalk in front of the building was in terrible condition. We knew, for safety reasons, that it needed replaced before someone tripped and was seriously injured.
On August 21 and 22, four men from the Grace Brethren Church in Martinsburg, Pa. (Brian McCall, pastor), came to the rescue. Garth Bridenbaugh had visited us late last year. As he toured our locations, he suggested that maybe a group of folks from the church could help us with a project. I suggested the sidewalk, knowing that there were many skilled laborers in the church. Garth went back home and proposed the project. Not only did the church provide the labor (which has extensive), but they also provided the financial resources to complete the entire project!
A few folks from our church came out to help and to provide coffee, water, Gatorade, encouragement, and appreciation. What a blessing it was for everyone involved. Several neighbors stopped to inquire about the project and were “blown away” that this was being done by people who live four hours away, and that they were doing it for free! Many expressed how much our property is improving the looks of the neighborhood. We are thankful for the Body of Christ. The Gospel is preached through unity. Thank you, Martinsburg Grace Brethren Church, for helping us to proclaim Jesus in Philly! — by Kurt Miller
(In the feature photo: Garth Bridenbaugh, Shawn McClain, Kenny Thompson, and Steve Mellott of the Grace Brethren Church, Martinsburg, Pa., helped lay the new sidewalk in front of Crossroads Community Church of Wissinoming in Philadelphia, Pa.)