Restarted Florida Church Breathes New Life

“Closing the church seemed to be an answer, but what of the vision that planted the church a generation ago? They could not simply give up,” adds Smith. He credits the visionary leadership of Tom Avey, fellowship coordinator for the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches (FGBC), who connected the Ocala congregation to the Sebring church. The pastors at Sebring met with Avey and the Ocala elders, and they began a cooperation that led to the July 18 congregational vote.

“In the immediate future, Ocala Grace will continue to meet as before, but something is happening,” says Smith. “An exciting rebirth is underway. Pastor Matt Wheelock, the administrative pastor at Sebring, has been at Ocala teaching, and says, ‘They are a precious group! We cannot abandon them, and we will not back off the mission to reach into their neighborhood. Our churches cannot back up; the need is too great. Stay tuned; the best is yet to come!'”

Smith continues, “Sebring Grace is openly seeking God for the tools needed to get the job done. We ask the sister churches across the FGBC to pray for our work. Florida has receded far enough; it is time to replant. We have plenty of sunshine and soil that needs new seed. Lord willing, an even greater harvest is ahead!”