By Susan Norris
State Contact, Lebanon, KY
Note: Christian Family Fellowship may have a building in Tipp City, Ohio, but our constituents and family extends around the globe. This is part of a series looking at how believers “do church” in their own neighborhoods.
We moved to Lebanon, Kentucky in May 2017, after purchasing property in a nearby town. We really didn’t know anything about Lebanon except that I was filled with joy and excitement at the prospect of serving there.
Motorcycles and Ministers
I started checking out churches in the area, in the local paper, and found a small one in Bradfordsville, New Life Christian Church, where Herbie Goff pastors. I mentioned to my husband Jake that they have gospel singers every third Sunday and are affiliated with Christian Motorcyclists Association, which he loves.
Once there, he and Herbie became fast friends. They minister to the sick at home, riding their bikes together, and all the understanding of the Word Jake has gleaned over the years is valued by the church. He is now a deacon there and is blessed to be a part of such a “small, country church.”
Building Bridges
In the meantime, Abundant Life Church near our home always caught my eye when I would drive by going to work on the night shift. The veterinarian for our dog invited me to go there with her, and I was introduced to some strong and committed believers.
There, I was invited to the women’s Bible study, and shortly after was asked to teach on Wednesdays. We volunteer at the jail, and a friend is starting a women’s addiction recovery facility called One Bridge to Hope.
Through prayer and obedience, the building (a former college dormitory) has been renovated, and everything needed has been supplied. It will be a great place to minister to others. I have been blessed to assist with the Thursday night program called “Power Kids” where kids K-5 have fun learning the Bible with games, structure, videos and dance! Great stuff!
At Easter time, the women had a candlelight foot-washing service. There were three chairs, and three women at a time sat down. A designated believer knelt in front and another stood behind the seated woman.
There they laid hands on the individual in prayer, with the foot-washer also prophesying and ministering as they washed feet. It was powerful. Moving here has seemed like God prepared everything ahead of time, and we just stepped into his plan.
The Messengers for Christ program, led by Wayne Clapp, has made such a difference in helping me see the importance of getting out of my comfort zone to love people and open my mouth.
I am so thankful for the privilege to have spent time in Tipp City with elders there. They’ve taught and demonstrated how to minister, how to work the Word, how to open my heart to all of God’s people, and glean the gold in them.
We’re forever grateful for God, His son Jesus, and all the members in particular!