Jansen Bible Church Restores House


by Sharon Shepard


A family moved to our area and began attending Jansen Bible Church. Tey needed to find a house to move into, but no homes were available in our area. Finally, Jonnie, desperate to find an af- fordable home for his family of four, and having only a short time to get moved, rented an old farmhouse. Te house had not been lived in for some time and was marked


for destruction by burning. But now it was seen as a wonderful answer to prayer. Te family rejoiced and gave God the glory. Te catch was that the house’s access to the rural water system had been permanently disconnected. Because the rural water system already has the maximum number of users, current rural water rules do not allow for reactivation of water once a property has been “liquidated” by an owner. No new water connections are allowed in the district. Several church family members weren’t so sure it was a good


idea to repair this house, but with the family truly believing this was God’s answer to prayer, we determined to trust that God had provided the house and that access to water would be granted. For a solid month last June, the church family and others provided resources and worked feverishly to prepare the abandoned house for its new tenants. During the weeks of work on the house, many times discour-


agement nagged at us, and we as a church family had to encourage each other that God had provided the house, and we needed to trust him for his provision of water in his time, not ours. Gutting the house of accumulated junk; pulling out old carpet; scrubbing and painting walls; installing new carpet and vinyl; donating both new and used furniture; and performing countless other jobs inside and out were no easy tasks. All the while access to water was being denied. Lack of rain and daily high temperatures seemed


to make the work even more difficult. It wasn’t easy because there were times when things not only looked bleak, they were bleak. God had us wait while he continued to work with and through us. When the home was deemed livable, the family moved in, still


without access to water. Hauling water to the property became a real hardship. Repeated requests for a humanitarian exception for water access were turned down by the rural water office. Lobbying on behalf of the family continued, and finally, nearly two months aſter moving in, the local water advisory board met. When an area farmer offered to turn off his pasture unit so Jonnie’s family could have water, they unanimously voted to give water access to the farmstead. Te water was activated the very evening of the meeting! To say there was jubilation and praise to God following the meeting is an understatement! And certainly no mistake, only God could have made it happen! God provided water at his appointed time and in his appointed


place. Many outside of the church were witness to this story, its many struggles and it amazing results. Following the meeting, the local newspaper featured the story on its front page. To God be the glory!! Jonnie expressed his thanks to our congregation: How much I appreciate all the work, help and prayers. I’ve


learned so much from all of you in how important it is to let God take control. I thank you and all our brothers and sisters in Christ’s name for all the support. I’m proud to call you guys my family. Tank you so much for teaching me patience and humility and


silence. To let God do his work and just have faith. I’m now in a new and far better army. And the Bible is our ammo. [ Jonnie is a decorated army veteran.] Te sequel: Jonnie was baptized at Jansen Bible Church in


November! Fellowship Focus, January/February 2017 17


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