Indiana—Members and friends of the Brownsburg Church held a special service, Feb. 12, to celebrate the burning of the mortgage note for their sanctuary.

Despite a number of delays due to public hearings and new zoning requirements, the little congregation, with fewer than 30 members, continued to grow in faith and were able to hold their first service in the new church on Sept. 20, 1997. The Lord also blessed by nearly tripling membership. Eighty-seven members were able to celebrate the mortgage burning.

Guest speaker Carmelo Mercado, Lake Union Conference vice president and Hispanic Ministries director, was the pastor at Brownsburg when ground-breaking ceremonies were held in 1995. Other guests at the ceremony included: Glynn Scott, Lake Union Conference treasurer; George Crumley, Indiana Conference treasurer; and Archie Moore, Indiana Conference secretary. Todd Stout, Brownsburg's current pastor, officiated at the service. Garry Starkey, local elder and church treasurer, and his nephew Nelson Starkey, the newest baptized member, burned the mortgage before a thankful congregation.

Following the service, the grateful members hosted a fellowship meal for all who attended.

Jerry Lastine, Brownsburg Church communication director