Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
-Proverbs 16:3, NIV
of the church with free advice on the colors
from an interior decorator. A carpet cleaner
came and cleaned the carpets completely
free of charge. His brother’s church donated
all their pew Bibles. He even was able to
get incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in a matter
of hours, for free, thanks to a helpful local
lawyer. This was a process that should have
taken weeks and upwards of $2,500!
Wabash Community Church opened on
Veterans Day, November 11, with about 116
people. Dale knew a lot of people would
be there – friends to show support and
other locals out of curiosity. Since then, they
averaged about 46 people until the end of
March, over 60 as of June, and now up to 85
or more! With the added attendance, Dale
knew they would eventually need more
parking, but God is making a way there,
as well. Two houses across the street were
donated to the church, and a friend came
and tore down the houses and hauled away
the materials for free. Soon, they will have a
new parking lot with an additional 50 to 60
spaces – plenty of space for those coming to
enjoy service every Sunday.
Dale says the purpose of the church is not
necessarily to draw others away from their
churches. He even told his fellow church
members at the old church he attended
not to follow him, to stay where they were.
What he truly is seeking to do is draw
people who haven’t gone to church before,
haven’t been to church in a long time or are
dissatisfied with where they are. The size of
the congregation is not important to him,
either. It’s the people who are coming and
knowing that they are getting spiritually fed
and experiencing God.
It can be a little intimidating at times for
Dale. He’s committed himself to putting
together 52 sermons a year! But he knows that
God will be with him every step of the way.
Through his faith in God and God’s will for his
life, Dale went from retired manager to church
owner and pastor. God guided him and made
a way, and his church will surely continue to
be a blessing to those in his community for
years to come.
62 MONROE LIFE HOLIDAY/WINTER 2020