The weather was nothing to sing about on May 4, 2003, but hardy members of the Vancouver (Wash.) Church sang anyway. Huddled under umbrellas, they raised their voices in heartfelt praise and gratitude as they broke ground for a new church. At the signal, each shovel dug in and mighty shouts of “Amen, praise the Lord!” resounded from every corner of the grounds.
The journey to this day started more than a decade ago, when members began planning expansion of their church home on East Reserve Street to better serve the congregation and the community.
When they submitted their plans to city officials, they learned the old church and property would need significant work to be brought up to current code before building plans would be considered. Estimates began at $600,000.
Over several months of prayer and deliberation, the decision was made to sell the property and build on a new site. God led marvelously in this project, opening and closing doors and hearts. At one prayer meeting, members prayed for dirt. Within the week, they had $200,000 worth of dirt and grading completed for $6,000. Those who gathered on May 4 knew without doubt that this was God’s project.
The ground breaking was held even though the church still had not received a building permit. “We are stepping out in faith,” said Dave Allen, head elder. The building permit has since been issued and construction has begun.
With umbrellas and faith, Vancouver members brave the wet weather to break ground for their new church.
