Fowler Hope, Autumn Hills, and Baptisms!

Fowler is a small community of less than 2,500 people located 30 minutes northwest of Lafayette. Sunday morning, May 16, I had the privilege of ministering with Rev. Judy Hatt and the faithful folks who attend Hope Wesleyan Church. Pastor Judy, now in her 80s, has served as their pastor since 2017. Pastor Judy also conducts a Bible study for a retirement facility in the community. She is hoping to restart their outreach to community children that was shutdown last year by pandemic restrictions.
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After the morning service, I met with the Local Advisory Council led by John Paul Godbey, vice chair and treasurer. Following that meeting, Rev. Hatt and I met for our coaching conversation. Pastor Judy’s husband John has been battling cancer and they would be grateful for your prayers. Pictured here are Rev. Hatt and Mr. Godbey:
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Sunday afternoon, I connected with Rev. Jerome Bell who is leading the church planting team in Pendleton as they prepare to launch Autumn Hills Church this fall. They are currently gathering on Sunday evenings for prayer, planning and discipleship. They have an art camp for neighborhood children coming up as the next step in serving the community and building relationships. The new sign arrived this weekend and plans are still pointing toward a launch this fall. Pastor Jerome and Lenita Bell welcome your prayers and would be glad to follow up on any leads for unchurched prospects you may know in the Pendleton area. You can follow their progress and communicate via their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Autumn-Hills-Church-103364954912201

Last week’s coaching conversations began with Rev. Chris Williams (Marion Lakeview) on Monday. Then, on Wednesday, Rev. Craig Thurmon (Indianapolis The Encounter Assembly), Rev. Jeff Brady (Marion Commoner’s Church), and Rev. Calimerio Rodriguez (Frankfort Templo de Poder). Thursday’s first coaching conversation was with Rev. David Leitzel (Hamilton Wesleyan) and then I met with Rev. Shawnda (Dykhoff) Bilbee later that afternoon.
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My visit with Pastor Calimerio Rodriguez was a special joy as his team recently completed a new worship and fellowship building that they have been working on since 2014. Pastor Calimerio and Maria planted Templo de Poder (Temple of Power) Wesleyan Church in 2001. Although Connecting Point Church and Pastor Alan Downing have been gracious hosts for the past few years, it has always been part of this congregation’s vision to have their own ministry facility.
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Through the generosity and sacrificial efforts of their members, the building was completed in March and the grand opening was held on the weekend of April 10-11. We are praising God with Pastor Rodriguez and the growing congregation at Templo de Poder!
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Last week’s schedule included participating in the monthly meeting of the Wesleyan Bible Conference Association board of directors, leading our district staff meeting and a planning meeting for DBMD, and connecting with the staff team at Hartford City Wesleyan Church.
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Another highlight of the week was dropping in on Pastor Chris Williams and the Lakeview team on Saturday evening as they hosted their annual “Dream Team” event. In addition to valuing their volunteers and recognizing outstanding service, Pastor Chris took this opportunity to share a sneak preview of the inspiring new vision that Lakeview has been developing over the past several months. God has great things in store for this team!
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We’re always delighted to hear reports of life change and baptism celebrations across our district family. Sunday morning, May 16, Pastor Andy Cole and the team at Lapel Daybreak Community Church had the joy of celebrating with four believers who publicly professed their faith in Jesus Christ!
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General Superintendent Dr. Wayne Schmidt is calling the worldwide Wesleyan Church to a special prayer event on May 23, Pentecost Sunday. Pastors have already received this communication directly from HQ but everyone is welcome to join together in this online prayer experience.
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Here are a few things to know: You’ll be able to access the video and chat by visiting the same link you use to RSVP: www.wesleyan.org/together. You may also see live.wesleyan.org in some materials, and don’t worry — that link will work too! The chat room for our service will open at 6:30 a.m. (EDT) and 6:30 p.m. (EDT), 30 minutes prior to the event. Our hosts look forward to talking and praying with you!
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In less than six weeks, we’ll be gathering in Marion at Indiana Wesleyan University for our 2021 District Conference and Ordination. Ordination is on Friday, June 25, and conference will be held on Saturday, June 26. Pastors have received links to register themselves and their delegates. For more information, including the schedule, visit our website:
​https://conference.crossroadsdistrict.org/

Thank you again to all pastors and district leaders who completed their annual reports by the deadline. Your assistance is greatly appreciated as we prepare for annual conference.
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​You still have time to register for the Veritas Pastors Conference coming this Saturday, May 22. This is a new event hosted by Rev. Mike Colaw and the team at Indianapolis Trinity Wesleyan Church. Crossroads District is pleased to co-sponsor this equipping experience for pastors and their leadership teams to better understand and address key cultural issues from an orthodox Christian perspective. Registration is free for Crossroads District pastoral staff members but you need to register so that they can make arrangements to welcome you:
​​https://encountertrinity.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/783945
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​Thank you for all you do to advance the Kingdom!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent