Lapel Daybreak, Bridge Events, and Baptisms!

Sunday, March 24, I had the privilege of preaching at Daybreak Church in Lapel. Pastor Andy Cole was running a fever of nearly 102 degrees on Saturday evening so when he called I was glad to rearrange my schedule to pinch-hit. Alex Small stepped up to lead the worship team and Rev. Kevin Bragg, Assistant Pastor, served as host for the gathering. It was good to catch up with Rev. Naomi Small before the service. She and Alex joined the staff at Daybreak a few weeks ago. Rev. Small is enjoying rebuilding the children’s ministry while Alex helps with youth and worship.
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God has blessed Pastor Andy and Elicia Cole’s leadership in revitalizing the ministry at Daybreak. The church, which averaged 79 in worship last year, has baptized 29 people in the last two conference years. Pastor Andy’s fever broke Sunday morning and he’s excited to be back preaching on Easter Sunday.

Yesterday afternoon I received great news from Pastor Aldean Pablo about two Palm Sunday baptisms at ARISE Church in Roanoke. They also welcomed 11 first-time guests yesterday!
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Last week included coaching conversations and a district nominating committee meeting. Two highlights of the week were both on the IWU campus. On Wednesday, over the noon hour, Dr. Eddy Shigley welcomed me to a meeting with undergraduate students in the Kern program at the School of Theology and Ministry. I enjoyed connecting with several of our Crossroads District students and meeting with some prospective church planters.
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Dr. Shigley and Professor Charlie Alcock invited me back on Thursday morning to record what will eventually become two episodes of their podcast titled “Good Days with Eddy and Charlie.” Their podcast covers a range of topics and welcomes guests that they feel would be encouraging to people serving in youth ministry. I am grateful for the many ways these two seasoned leaders continue to invest in the next generation.
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Saturday was a fun day on the road connecting with our district churches who are finding creative ways to make a difference. I stopped in at Waterline’s new location in Ingalls for a progress report. They are working toward the goal of worshiping in their new location in just a few more weeks. Pray for Pastor Scott Rhyno and their team as they make the big move from Wesleyan HQ to this more permanent location.
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My next stop was in Sheridan to connect with Pastor Scott McDermid and his team at Six Points Wesleyan Church. They hosted a wonderful outreach event for their neighbors with hidden eggs, contests, bouncy houses, and, most importantly, the Bible story Pastor Scott shared with the children and their parents. This has become a significant bridge event with the Sheridan community. Pray for the seeds of the Gospel that were planted to bloom!
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My next stop was at Tri-Central High School where Tipton Trinity Wesleyan Church was hosting their annual Easter Egg Drop. Pastor Johnnie Blair and his team pulled off another exciting bridge event that engaged families from across the county. To kick off the festivities, they had a helicopter circle the football stadium and then drop eggs until the total amount on the field hit 20,000 eggs. Pastor Johnnie’s team did a great job of welcoming families and extending the invitation to be part of Easter Sunday at Trinity Wesleyan.
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My last stop of the day was at Lakeview Wesleyan Church in Marion. Dr. Chris Williams and his staff hosted a creative EGGsperience on Saturday afternoon to help children discover the real meaning of Easter through a series of EGGsperiments. This is an exciting season of growth at Lakeview with worship attendance regularly over 300 and new friends becoming part of the church family almost every week.
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Pastor Shane Wilson passed along the news of New Hope Wesleyan Church in Columbia City using drama to connect with their neighbors and friends. Musicals have been one of New Hope’s effective outreach tools over the past several years. This year they offered a play entitled “House of Miracles.” Even the pastoral staff participated so you may recognize a few faces in the photo below. They welcomed 651 for the two presentations with 5 people praying to receive Christ and 7 more rededicating their lives!
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Thank you for praying for Rev. Greg Holmes (South Bend Sonlight) and Rev. Dennis Croy (East Liberty). I had conversations with them this week and received encouraging reports as they continue their journey back to health and ministry. Please continue to pray for Dakotah Cecil, a student at IWU and the granddaughter of Rev. George and Tawne Cecil, who is still recovering from multiple serious injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Your prayers are making a difference!
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Rev. C.K. Chitty, Director of Senior Adult Ministries (SAM) for the Crossroads District, reported that 35 paid registrations are in hand for the Branson excursion this May 21-24. The highlight of the trip will be “Queen Esther” the current production of Sight and Sound. There are still a few seats remaining on this bus tour but the deadline is Thursday, March 28, to reserve your rooms. Click Here to register online.
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Crossroads District high school students, it’s almost time for Fusion 2024! An amazing event at a great price, and did we mention Crowder? Register at:
​www.indwes.edu/youthministry/fusion
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On April 11-13, 2024, College Wesleyan Church will host their first-ever Marketplace Multipliers Conference. The goal of this conference is to inspire and empower ordinary people to effectively live out their faith in the workplace. You will hear from clergy and laity alike—practitioners on the front lines of this movement. You can learn more about the conference and register for the event at this website.
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You are invited to join us for the OCHLOS Conference, April 13-14, 2024 at Southview Wesleyan Church in Indianapolis. Speakers include Santes Beatty, Director of Next Gen for The Wesleyan Church; Yamil Acevedo, Executive Vice President of Wesley Seminary; Zachary Szmara, Executive Director of Immigrant Connection and Pastor of the Bridge Church in Logansport; and Meg Puello, Executive Director of ASPYRE Inc. Click Here for more information and registration.
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Join us for the Crossroads KidMin Huddle, Saturday, April 20th, at Brookhaven Wesleyan Church in Marion. For $25, you’ll enjoy a full day of learning and networking with fellow children’s ministry leaders, volunteers, and pastors. A continental breakfast and lunch is included in your registration. Stephanie Rhyne, Kids Ministry Catalyst for The Wesleyan Church and content creator for David C. Cook (Wonder Ink), will be our guest speaker. Lead pastors who register to attend can bring two additional volunteers for free! Register now at this link.
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​Save the date! Our 2024 Crossroads District Conference will be held on Saturday, June 29th at Lakeview Wesleyan Church in Marion. This annual gathering is a wonderful time of celebration, inspiration, and Kingdom connection across our district family. Mark your calendars now and make plans to join us!

​Keep on making a difference in the cause that counts for eternity!
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Your servant in Christ,

​Mark Gorveatte

​Crossroads District Superintendent​