About Broad River

We have come to love the people of Broad River so much that this season for that dear church is bittersweet for our family. Broad River is over 125 years old with a rich heritage of teaching and sending out of missionaries. When Ray was called to interim here two years ago, the fellowship consisted of three ladies over 90 years old, two of their daughters, a very feeble elderly couple and two men - all related. In the past two years Ray has made sure there would be a godly preacher every week; he and an elder from Grace have lead them to adopt a constitution and by laws; and called a pastor. We have participated in the funerals (one week apart) of the elderly couple and come to know the family. These ladies in their nineties are still learning and reading, enjoy godly preaching and are burdened to see their church grow and people come to know the Lord. If there is any way that they can get to church, they come, regardless of how they feel. Being in God's house with His people is not an option, it is their joy. The two "daughters" have set a great example of honoring their mother and doing the hard work of the church. The two men read scripture and pray publicly. To hear Steven pray is a wonderful thing as he pours his heart out to God for the church, missionaries, our country, the president and our own sinful natures.
This Saturday marks the end for us and a new beginning for Broad River. Their new pastor is moving in to a house less than a mile away from the church and right beside one of the members. Pastor Steve is bringing his young family from Indiana to help the church start fresh. He will have the benefit of living close and being a major part of the lives of the people. (We live an hour away.) As we help move the Loeffler's in this week we will celebrate with them about the new beginning for Broad River. We will truly miss the joy of these ladies and gentlemen. They have set before us the example of those who run the race with endurance and count it all joy to serve Christ.
Pictures are - top Mrs. Ostine with Sarah - mother of twelve; Mrs Annie Ruth with Hannah, Lydia and Mary - all the kids beg to push her wheel chair; Mrs. Mason - Sunday School teacher extraordinaire; Phyllis with Rachel - the youngest great grandmother we know and pianist when Rachel is out; Miss Christine with Mary - the leader of the singles.