Freedom Nights, Lunch & Learn, and Baptisms

Sunday night, October 12, The River Church hosted the first of three “Freedom Nights” at their south campus (formerly Lakeview) with more than 1000 people gathering for worship and anointed preaching by Rev. John Ott. Pastor Ott was on staff at Lakeview Wesleyan Church before leading the team at Parkway Church in Roanoke, Virginia. While at Parkway, Pastor John hired Matthew as his youth pastor and began mentoring this future church planter.
​

When God called Matthew and Nicole Trexler to plant The River, Pastor John and the Parkway Church stepped up to generously invest in the dream. It was a powerful moment last night with Pastor Trexler honoring Pastor Ott in this special service. The altars were lined with people responding to the call to make Jesus the Lord of every area of their life and walk in freedom. Freedom Nights continue at 6:30 pm on Monday with J.C. Worley (GO Church in Atlanta) and on Tuesday with Pastor Ken Murphy (Cypress Wesleyan in Columbus). Join us in praying for God to set lives free for Kingdom impact.
​

Sherry and I started Sunday in Michigan. My favorite professor was on fall break so we were able to spend time with our growing family Friday night over Sunday morning. Sunday was a special day for our family as two of our grandchildren were dedicated to the Lord. John & Lindsey lead Knapp Valley Church on the northeast corner of Grand Rapids. We were able to be part of Haven’s dedication in their 10 AM service before heading south to Caledonia.
​

Joel and Christie lead Journey Church with campuses in Caledonia and Middleville. We made it for their 11 AM service in time for the dedication of Samuel. We are grateful to God for His grace at work in the lives of our children and grandchildren. Our prayer is that we can more actively support and encourage our families in this next season of ministry.

Last Monday morning, I was able to drop in on Dr. Chris Conrad and his team at the Great Lakes Region District retreat for pastors and spouses. One of Dr. Conrad’s strengths is creating amazing events and this annual gathering called “41 Hours” is produced with excellence. I’m grateful for our friendship that spans over 30 years.
​

Tuesday, I served as Chair Pro Tempore for the Advisory Board at Wesley Seminary. President Jon Kulaga and Dr. Yamil Acevedo, Executive VP of the seminary, convened an excellent group of advisors from Wesleyan, Salvation Army, and Global Methodist backgrounds. Dr. Acevedo and his family are active members at Indianapolis Trinity Wesleyan Church. This has been a busy month for Yamil with board meetings and the release of his book, Faithful Inheritances.
​

​Wednesday, Michael Wood and I hosted “Lunch & Learn” in Marion. In addition to a delicious meal and great fellowship, we shared the free book of the month “Win with People” by Jeff Little to launch our discussion on the topic of shepherding.
​
Thursday, we were in Fort Wayne at Smokey Bones for “Lunch & Learn” with area lead pastors. These are fun opportunities for peer learning and encouragement. If you’ve not yet signed up, we’ll be hosting four more “L&L” gathering this month with the next one in Indianapolis this Wednesday, October 15, in Lafayette on Wednesday, October 22, in Anderson on Thursday, October 23, and in Plymouth on Tuesday, October 28. If you’re a lead or senior pastor, plan to join us. We’d love to welcome you!

God is moving in powerful ways across our nation. We are seeing the same here in our Crossroads District churches. This weekend, Pastor David Leitzel and the team at Hamilton Wesleyan Church celebrated three more baptisms. Several of the baptisms this year have been the fruit of many years of investing in children and youth ministry in their community.
​

Pastor Terry and Lennaire Vaughn are hard at work building toward the launch of the new church in Indianapolis while they continue to serve The Bridge Urban Church in Mishawaka. God continues to bless that ministry as they celebrated another baptism this Sunday morning. Please pray for this new project and consider how God may be inviting your church to partner with the Vaughns in reaching Indianapolis.
​

Pastor Mark Atkinson gives the word “retirement” a whole new meaning as he effectively leads the turnaround adventure for Central Wesleyan Church in Elwood. Attendance and giving have rebounded as God is blessing Pastor Mark’s leadership. Most importantly, they are seeing people come to faith and then seeing these new believers obediently follow the commands of Christ to be baptized. Praise the Lord for lives being #MadeNew!
​

​Pray for our teenagers who will be traveling to Grand Rapids on October 24 for the Wesleyan Youth Regional Gathering “EMPOWERED.” These Wesleyan Youth events have been blessed by the Lord over the years to see thousands of youth come to Christ and fully surrender their lives. Many have answered the call to ministry in these rallies. Pray that God will do it again!
​
Keep on making a difference in the cause that counts for eternity!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

​Crossroads District Superintendent