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Brooke Fisher: In small towns across America, many churches with aging congregations are closing their doors. A study found that…
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[SOURCE: VIRALSOLUTIONS.NET]
BETWEEN 3850 AND 7700 HOUSES OF WORSHIP HAVE CLOSED THEIR DOORS EACH YEAR OVER THE LAST DECADE.
Brooke Fisher: But in North Carolina, we see a church go against this trend as it continues to grow and expand in their community. Larlyn Hinkle has more on this story.
VO: An unforgettable moment as a new chapel was acquired by the Church Of Christ in Jacksonville, North Carolina. This edifice, originally built in the 1950s had been in use for decades by the non-denominational Protestant religion of Bear Creek Community Church.
Raymond Frank: Especially North America, a lot of churches are being sold because they’re not being used by those previous religions. We have the opportunity there to make it look more like an Iglesia Chapel, where we’ll be able to provide a new facade through with steeples, and so that’ll give it a brand new look, and it’ll make it more as a standout in the community, as the more beautiful place of worship, because it is in such a residential area, there aren’t that many large buildings. Once we complete the renovation, it will definitely stand out more. It’ll be an attraction to those who are in the community, and it’ll give more opportunities for the church to be more well known in that area.
This chapel acquisition signifies a new beginning for the local congregation of Jacksonville. As the true faith continues to spread in this region of the US east coast, the need for more congregations has been established. Members here today celebrate its 15th anniversary.
Gary Beard: We knew that in God’s time we would have our own chapel. Wherever he wanted us to have it with God’s blessing, this is where we’ll be now.
VO: Gary, a pioneering member of the Jacksonville congregation, recalls its humble beginnings.
Gary Beard: I was in the military at the time. I got transferred from Okinawa. We came here in ‘86 and there was no local. None. Overwhelming joy to know that we have this place that we will always have to worship God in to always do our duties and to always support the Church Administration and do the things we need to do. But most of all, we’ll be able to have our faith edified and we’ll be able to grow. It’s just heartfelt, yeah, I mean, you’re just so thankful for being able to have a place to gather.
VO: Gladys describes what this moment means for her and her family.
Gladys Orden: As a mom, you always want to be the first one to inspire especially your children. And with the journey that it took, this made us, made us stronger. So we’re truly blessed, not just for the locale, but definitely the members. So it feels wonderful.
VO: With the newly purchased chapel, the brethren of the local congregation of Jacksonville feel even more inspired knowing that they now have a place they can call their own.
Brother Benjamin Marges: They’re able to find this place and through God’s grace, it was approved by the Church Administration and through God’s help we are at this point, brethren were ecstatic. They were so thankful, and their joy is truly overwhelming to be able to have this place to call our own, especially in our services that we render to our Lord God.
VO: In the 15 years since its establishment, brethren remained patient in their prayers to the Almighty God.
Brother Esteban Inocencio, Jr.: Through the help and guidance of the Almighty God, the blessings that God continues to pour, utilizing the administration in guiding the congregation and what should be done, God said he will work, and no one will stop his work. We see that happening all over the world. This is another proof that the Church continues to grow so rapidly, and that the Almighty God continues to uphold this last work of salvation.
Larlyn Hinkle: With the purchase of this chapel, a new landmark of faith arises, giving inspiration to the brethren. This edifice will stand as a beacon of hope, a reminder of answered prayers and proof, once again, of God’s unfailing love for His people. From Jacksonville, North Carolina, I am Larlyn Hinkle for the Iglesia Ni Cristo News World.
Brooke Fisher: All praises be to the Almighty God. Do you remember the day a house of worship was acquired or dedicated in your part of the world? Tell us in the comments. Well, that does it for this episode of INC News World. Tune in every weekend for new episodes of INC News World on INC TV and our YouTube channel. I’m Brooke Fisher, thank you for joining us. Stay safe and we’ll see you next time. God bless you.
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