Several read through the OT chronologically and discussed what they were learning during a S.S. class; a house in town was donated to the church.

A dozen people professed Christ, were baptized and joined the church.

Began a new ministry cooperation/outreach on the Standing Rock Reservation.

Mel Kost (preschool director) was “inspired” by Covid to offer VBS in local parks the last couple years. “Forty-five minutes of a play-oriented time to share a gospel story is the right amount of time.” She stressed the need to give parents ready-to-use resources to help disciple their children and model the story at home. The benefit of the park experience also allowed “random” people to participate, opportunities for parents to connect with each other, as well as time for her to connect with parents.

Missions & Outreach: A visit from one of their supported missionaries (New Zealand); conducted Sister Church Partnership Training; raised benevolence funds from a Christmas bake sale. Member Development: Began a Sunday evening ministry (EQUIP) to center on practical ministry topics, including apologetics and evangelism.

Some people, new to the church, are excited about engaging in ministry possibilities, breathing in new life.

Shared the drama-musical, “The Passion Play,” over Easter weekend, involving 100+ in the cast and crew and an attendance of 1,000+. Sponsored community events, near the Civic Center, involving bikers doing various stunts and sharing their faith in Jesus.

Now sponsoring and operating a community thrift store.

Men’s Group (Year 4). Pastor Kevin McLouth shares, “It's encouraging to see the men grow and mature in Christ. One gentleman said, ‘I appreciate the teaching of the group; it has helped me grow in knowledge and to share that knowledge in witnessing to others.’” The church also began a Jr. High youth group, with ten kids attending. Parents are inviting those who have no church home.

Took on Josh Vetter (part-time) as a pastoral intern.

The church sent two sponsors and eight youth to The Gathering in Southern California (July). Cory (sponsor) said, “It is interesting to see how the kids’ ideas of the trip changed.” The group helped out at a local soup kitchen for their service project. The students, most not used to going to church regularly, were dreading the 90-minute chapel times. “But by the end of the week, almost all said that chapel was their favorite part.” He was impressed by the worship, speakers, community outreach projects and the “awesome people” they met. He is looking forward to taking another group for the next NAB Youth Gathering in 2025.

Faith Transformers (children’s program) meets twice per month. After seeing the need, they began a Jr. High group a year ago. “It has exploded!” They average 30 Jr. Highers, who come for food, fellowship, a video and a lesson on Jesus. The church has embraced the program, providing food and prayer. “We love to see how God has taken this program and grown it for his glory,” comments Peggy Bettenhausen. The community also strongly supports these programs.

“It has been a great year, as we minister in our rural community.” Some baptisms, an outreach meal to hunters and one man from the community, formerly antagonistic and rude, now shovels the snow from the church sidewalks. Instead of responding to his insults, Pastor Pat Russell asked the church to join in praying for him. The man said, “I will shovel for free in honor of Grandpa and Grandma,” who were faithful members.

This past summer they celebrated 125 years of God’s faithfulness.

Several people professed faith at a summer camp the church helps sponsor. At an outdoor service (September), one couple (Catholic) stood and said they were trusting in Christ by faith and not their works. One man, dating a single woman, drives 200 miles to attend worship, even if she is not able to attend. “God has gotten hold of his heart,” says Audie Brockel (Pastor). Another lady from the church is leading a community Bible study, one lady thanking her often for how much she is learning about God and the Bible.