Indiana—Dec. 20, 2008, was a night (a glorious night) of answered prayers, miracles and fulfilled dreams for Richmond Church members. It was the very first Sabbath in their new sanctuary, and the very first time many members and guests from Michigan, South Carolina, Arkansas and Indiana were together to celebrate God's miracles and blessings in the Richmond community.
The prayers for a new church building began 25 years ago when a new school was built on a five-acre plot on U.S. 35, north of Richmond. This open, breezy spot beckoned the congregation to sell their church in town and worship God in a more natural setting. All this started when real estate was not selling and costs were getting higher.
The first miracle was the sale of the church for more than hoped for. The second was the unity of all the church members to go forward with the huge project. The third miracle revealed God's power as the contractors moved forward with the turnkey program to build a high-quality sanctuary with the money on hand plus pledges.
The miracle of being completed on time led to the miracle of "That Glorious Night," a choral presentation and enactment of the story of Christ's birth, presented by Richmond Church members. The new sanctuary was filled with 237 guests, friends and members who expressed they were moved by the Spirit of God as they watched the portrayal of the miracle of Jesus coming as a Babe so each person could have eternal salvation.
The continuation of "That Glorious Night" miracle was the dedication of the sanctuary on Jan. 3, by Gary Thurber, Indiana Conference president; George Crumley, secretary/treasurer; Steve Poenitz, ministerial/evangelism director; Gary Case, trust services/stewardship director; and Dwight Kruger, Richmond Church pastor. They inspired and challenged the congregation to fill their new house of God with knowledge of Him, and with love, forgiveness, caring, prayer, peace and scriptural study. Everyone rejoiced that "Surely the Lord is in this place" (Gen. 28:16).
Barbara Fisher, choral director, Richmond Church
