7/10/11 Okay, I'm back.
It's the little Mennonite Church in Graceton, Minnesota. The doors have been closed for years now and the grass and brush are taking over. Never again will the bees buzz outside the screens and the thunder and whistle of the train be heard during the preaching of the Word. "My Jesus I Love Thee" will never again be sung within those walls. No more swinging bare feet patiently waiting in the hush of quiet for dismissal. No children will run about in the sandy parking lot after church while the moms and dads visit. The little church stands alone, slowly receding into the overgrowth.
It was so sad when the doors closed. It seemed like a failure to those who watched it happen. I remember hearing the talk about it when I was a listening little girl. Daddy's disappointment was palpable and we didn't even live there.
Forty years later I realize that the story was not all told. From just one of the families who started out serving the Lord there, are preachers, missionaries, faithful grandchildren and great grandchildren belonging to churches all over the United States, Canada, and even a family or so in Central America.
So maybe you're in a major church transition for whatever reason. Maybe it seems to you that the Enemy is winning right now. Don't be so sure. Trust in God who is in control. You never know. Faith is bigger than Failure.
I like this post. What a cute little church. And thanks for the reminder....to just keep on...God knows the whole story.
ReplyDeleteArla, I recognized the picture right away. We stopped to snap a photo a few years ago on the way home from my Uncle Paul's funeral. It is sad to see church doors close but thanks for the reminder and encouragement. I love reading your Aunt Carol's book "Because They Cared." (Dorothy is my dad's 1st cousin.) Our church is going through transition right now and it can get discouraging. Thankfully the true church is not defined as or contained in a building.
ReplyDeletesuch a precious place that was and is in my memory. I couldn't bear to take a picture because I don't want to remember it the way it is now... but what a great thought... It may look like it's over, but there are many great and wonderful things happening all over the world that started way back at that little country church!
ReplyDeleteI love old buildings...and the history behind them. Good thots ..the work done @ the old church didn't die, its living and being passed on ....
ReplyDeleteOur family just recently purchased the piece of property that old church sits on. Any history shared would be great! Sadly we find that the building is unsalvageable.
ReplyDeleteHello,I just discovered your reply. Thanks for letting us know about the dear old building. My dad will be interested in hearing this. If you email me an email or phone perhaps we can answer your questions.
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