Brief History of Bethesda Free Will Baptist Church
First Church Services: The first church meeting was May 9, 1975 in a union hall in Andrews, Indiana. Rev. Rolla Blair organized this first gathering, and subsequent meetings on May 10 and 11, 1975. Rev. Bill Smith from Columbia City, Indiana helped with the preaching and singing. These first meetings proved to be very fruitful and a blessing from God, as many gave their lives to Christ in those first church meetings. Regular church services began in that union hall, which is now the location of our church parking lot.
First Church Building: In May, 1977 the church moved into its first church-owned building. In June, 1977 the church was ordained by the Kosciusko County Association of Free Will Baptists. Two years later, in 1979, a 40-foot extension was added to accommodate the growth of the church. The Lord blessed again in 1980 with another addition for Sunday School rooms and a fellowship hall.
Many Blessings: There are too many blessings to count in the past 48 years, with many lives changed and families reunited. One thing stands true – the leadership of our Lord, Jesus Christ! During the years of the church’s existence, many pastors have served our congregation and community.
Current Pastor, Lou Hunt leads our congregation in his commitment to loving God and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
First Church Building: In May, 1977 the church moved into its first church-owned building. In June, 1977 the church was ordained by the Kosciusko County Association of Free Will Baptists. Two years later, in 1979, a 40-foot extension was added to accommodate the growth of the church. The Lord blessed again in 1980 with another addition for Sunday School rooms and a fellowship hall.
Many Blessings: There are too many blessings to count in the past 48 years, with many lives changed and families reunited. One thing stands true – the leadership of our Lord, Jesus Christ! During the years of the church’s existence, many pastors have served our congregation and community.
Current Pastor, Lou Hunt leads our congregation in his commitment to loving God and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Who is Pastor Lou?
Pastor Lou Hunt dedicated his life to Christ at the age of 9 years old. God immediately began using him to sing in church, using his love of music and enjoyment of singing to share the gospel. This was a talent handed down from both his mother and father’s sides of the family. Along with singing, Lou was an active member of the youth program. As he grew older, God led him not only to sing at his home church but also to begin traveling to other churches beginning a music ministry. God grew the music ministry to allow for Lou to sing in many states across the country sharing God’s love with many people along the way. Lou has seen many people touched, restored, and saved during those travels with the music ministry. God inspired Lou to release 8 gospel albums and 2 concert videos, along with the writing of around 2,000 gospel songs that Lou was able to publish through his very own publishing company through BMI Nashville, called Shining Stream Publishing. Through 50 years of serving God in the church he has helped in the youth ministries, led worship and taught Sunday school. Lou’s entire life has been centered around church and ministry. After going off the road from traveling, God began dealing with Lou’s heart drawing him toward a men’s ministry. Lou fulfilled that desire and it then led into his current calling from God to start preaching.God has truly blessed Lou through his life, and has brought him to Bethesda as our pastor. Lou has always had a passion for people and enjoys seeing them come to God, or watch them as they grow in faith on their walk with Christ. It doesn’t matter if Lou sings the word, preaches the word, or just sets an example of the word. Lou’s desire is for others to experience Christ and the new life that He gives.
No matter how Lou serves Christ, it truly is ALL GOOD!
No matter how Lou serves Christ, it truly is ALL GOOD!
Vision for the Future
We, at Bethesda FWB Church never want to lose sight of the mission that we have been called to do. That mission is simply to tell others about Christ!Since Covid19, many churches have lost people who once attended the house of God for worship. Many have chosen to view services online or have simply lost interest in worshipping all- together, while other Christians choose not to attend church for other reasons. It is our desire to provide a place of worship where people can leave with an experience every week that keeps them encouraged and seeking more from God in their lives. We also wish to provide an outreach to those in the community where they can find hope and refuge, love and friendship, as well as grace and mercy in the salvation that is only provided by Christ, the Savior! Pastor Lou Hunt’s prayer is to lead our people by providing them with the message of Jesus Christ and encouraging them to become involved and disciple those around them – both young and old. We all need Jesus! Our hope is to see our Sunday school grow with children, and their parents, children’s church, and nursery for the little ones. Also, to provide teenagers a safe place to come and enjoy activities in a Christ-centered atmosphere. It is our desire for every person of every age to be taught on their level about God. Additionally, we want to work toward a bus ministry so those without transportation can attend our Sunday school. The goal of our church is to grow all ages in the love of Jesus Christ and His saving grace. As we look to the future, we want to remain focused on growing our church body to become disciples of Christ and be an effective Christian to everyone we come in contact with both inside and outside of the church walls.
PRAYER REQUEST LINE
Contact:(260) 786-3141 or(260) 228-1257
Our leaders
Pastor
Lou Hunt
(260) 563-4052
Head Deacon
Dean Harris
(260) 224-9116
Deacon
Karl Shockome
Deacon
Dave Hysong
(260-255-7152