The River, Prayer, and Baptisms

Sunday, November 13, Dr. Sherry Gorveatte and I had the privilege of worshiping together with Rev. Matthew Trexler and his team at The River Church in Marion. I brought greetings from our district team and led the congregation in prayer for Pastor Matthew in each of the three services.
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This is an exciting season of ministry at The River with more than 60 baptisms in this calendar year, including 8 last Sunday. After the services, Sherry and I hosted the Trexlers for lunch. In addition to his leadership at The River, Pastor Matthew leads a coaching cohort of area pastors and is in his first year of service as treasurer for our Crossroads District.

Sunday evening, I traveled to Plymouth Wesleyan Church where Dr. Oliver Dongell and his staff graciously hosted this month’s district prayer gathering. Dr. Dongell, Rev. Dan Fisher (Delphi Wesleyan Church), Pastor Terry Vaughn (South Bend The Bridge Urban Church) and Pastor Jose Cardenas (Elkhart Cielos Abiertos Iglesia Wesleyana) assisted me in leading our prayer time. After our prayer gathering, I enjoyed catching up with Rev. Marc Ulrich (Merrillville ReThink Church) and Rev. Taylor Hulse (youth pastor at Plymouth Wesleyan). They have the unique connection that Taylor’s mother was Marc’s Sunday School teacher. I love seeing the ministry connections from generation to generation.
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On Monday, I met with our staff team in Marion and then worked from home on Tuesday before heading over Elwood Main Street Wesleyan Church. Rev. Tim Becker and his team hosted a three night revival with guest speaker Peter Heck. Pastor Becker was encouraged by strong attendance and positive response. This week, Rev. Jon Noggle and the team at Elwood Central Wesleyan Church are hosting their fall revival with evangelist Rev. Ray LaSalle preaching through Wednesday evening.
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Wednesday morning, I met with Rev. John Freed, the pastor who planted Waterline Church, over breakfast and then met with Dr. Chris Williams and Rev. Matthew Trexler in preparation for our upcoming DBA meeting. Rev. Bob McHenry (Marion Nelson Street) and I met over lunch for a coaching conversation.

Thursday, I met with Dr. Aaron Perry and leaders of the LBA from Richmond LifeSpring Church to affirm the plans they’re making for Dr. Perry to serve as interim lead pastor through this time of transition. LifeSpring is blessed with a great ministry team and exceptional lay leaders. Pray with us as they take the next steps in their pastoral search process.

Thursday afternoon, I met with Rev. Johnnie and Rev. Amanda Blair for an encouraging update on their ministry at Tipton Trinity and their vision for expanding ministry into Kokomo. I stopped by to have prayer with Rev. Logan and Nancy Westrick (Tipton Ash Street Wesleyan Church) and then joined Mr. Roger Gross, District Director of Wesleyan Men, with some of his leadership team for supper at Cicero United Family Church. While I was there it was good to catch up with Rev. Alan Gross to learn about the positive response to their after-school tutoring program.
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Saturday morning, Rev. Clifton Ashlock and members of the greater Indianapolis District Board of Ministerial Development convened to interview licensed ministers at Wesleyan Headquarters. I enjoyed sitting in with this important team and I was encouraged by the quality of the ordination candidates that are being guided through this preparation journey. The future is bright!
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We’re praying this week with Dr. Kerry Kind, former General Secretary of Education and Clergy Development, as he recovers from a successful lung transplant surgery. We’re also joining in prayer with Michael Wood (Woody), who is a valued member of our district office team. Michael was hospitalized briefly over the weekend and is awaiting test results to address some health concerns.
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We’re praising the Lord with Dr. Chris Williams and the team at Lakeview Wesleyan Church in Marion as they’re witnessing spiritual growth and attendance increases. Yesterday, they celebrated nine more baptisms! Another three individuals committed their lives to Christ for a total of 31 decisions for Christ since Labor Day weekend!
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Pastor Andy Riemersma and the team at ONE Church in Westfield are rejoicing with 126 in attendance and three more baptisms yesterday. That makes 10 baptisms in the first 10 months of this new congregation. Let’s keep praying for our church planters and their families!
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Pastor Randy Yaryan (Winchester Wesleyan Church) passed along the good news that nineteen children prayed to receive Christ through their Kid’s Crusade last week! Praise the Lord!
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Pastors, you along with your team are invited to attend our spring Next Level workshop, an intentional training day designed for pastors and a core team of 2-6 lay leaders. This training focuses on empowering church health and effectiveness by engaging with essential growth engines that every church needs. Each church will be trained in five key growth engines and will receive coaching for six months following the training day to develop customized action plans for your local church. There are ten total spots available for churches with four already taken, so don't delay in signing up! You may register your team by visiting:
​www.crossroadsdistrict.org/nextlevel

Three million people in Indiana still have no relationship with Christ and His Church. Let’s keep on making a difference in the cause that counts for eternity!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent
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