Reflections, continued fom page 9


pastor’s applications. For both of us it has been rewarding. What a special group of people!


FF: In 1998, the Lustre EMB Church building burned to the ground. Tell us about that.


JS: We had just returned from a week at camp. Sharon got up in the night and noticed flames inside the church build- ing. Rain and wind caused a short circuit to develop in the wiring; a fire ignited; and with the strong wind, it quickly grew to be a serious crisis. My efforts to put out the fire were futile. Te building was a total loss.


Our people were deeply saddened to see that precious old building gone — the place where they had come to the Lord, gotten married, dedicated their children, and had made deep commitments to the Lord — all gone. My library and office was gone. Even the Bible I had used since Bible college, my computer, along with the backups which had been stored in the office were lost. My files and notes — even the filed mementos I had saved from our children’s early years burned.


But Sharon and I determined that we needed to help lead our people through the crisis and decisions ahead. Te fire happened early on a Sunday morning, so we still met for worship that day at the Lustre Christian High School. I gave the message though my notes had burned in the fire. Te text was 1 Tess. 5:19 “Quench Not the Spirit.” Te school generously allowed us to hold worship and carry on ministry for the next three years at their facilities.


I remember our youngest son, Justin, saying, “Dad, maybe we were just too set in our ways and too comfortable. Do you think maybe God is working to wake us up?”


It took us several years and some helpful guidance from our FEBC President, Gerry Epp, and Church Coordina- tor, Harvey Schultz, to lead us to the eventual decision to rebuild. Some had wondered if it was the time to merge with our nearby sister church, the Mennonite Brethren. We already did many things together: the school, Awana, Bible camp and other things. Various options presented themselves, and the decision was difficult.


One day, Virgil Rauch, a trustee, visited with an Assembly of God missionary who was leading the construction of a church in the nearby community of Poplar. He suggested that we meet to discuss the possibility of him working with us to build us a new church.


Te missionary was willing to help, but we would have to adopt his building plan. Our people joined together with him, and others came from various places to help. Others donated and encouraged us in so many ways. By Decem- ber 2001, we had our first meeting in the new building — and we were debt free! Our trustees had updated our insurance policy a short time before the fire, so with the insurance payment and some generous donations, we had funds to finish our building.


14 Fellowship Focus, May/June 2020


FF: What has given you staying power in your 30-year minis- try in Lustre? How has God strengthened you?


JS: Rural ministry requires that one stay longer. It takes a longer time to develop meaningful relationships, and yet those relationships tend to be deeper and more lasting than in other kinds of ministry. I have found it is import- ant to keep my own heart growing in the Lord. Te FEBC has been a great source of encouragement to us year by year with such good fellowship. Not long before the fire we had had thoughts of moving, but God seemed to say “No.” And whenever some opportunity to move presented itself, each time it seemed God said, “Stay!” Te people here have consistently encouraged us and have appreciated our work.


FF: Any numbers on how many baptisms, weddings and fu- nerals you have been part of during your time at Lustre?


JS: Many records were lost in the fire. But from the records I do have, we had somewhere around 40 baptisms and 24 weddings. I’ve performed about 75 funerals for people of the church and community and maybe another 25 for family and friends.


FF: Is there any advice you would give to a new pastor coming in?


JS: Love the Lord wholeheartedly, let his Word nurture you regularly. Love the people; get to know them as fully as you can. Keep reaching out, connecting with and commu- nicating in as many ways as you can. Learn to be a listener.


FF: Is there one highlight or circumstance that has given you exceptional joy in your ministry at Lustre?


JS: Several. All the personal times, the interacting with special people and forming deep and lasting friendships. I have had a regular Bible study at a local nursing home for 26 years. Tat has been so encouraging, and I have seen a number make commitments to the Lord. Ten I have been able to help some through various struggles.


FF: What are your plans aſter retiring?


JS: We’ve purchased a home at the other end of the state near our sons and families, and we look forward to having more time together with them. I have many family and friends in that area, and I hope to have ministry and connection with them. We plan on carrying on ministry as we find situations where God is at work and can join with others who are serving. Of course, wherever you are, there are people who need to know our Savior, and we hope to have many opportunities to introduce others to him.


We will greatly miss our connections within the FEBC. We have found wonderful friendships, opportunities to serve our Lord, and lots of helpful directions from the people with whom we have had relationship in this great Fellowship. Be assured of our continued prayer.


FF: Tank you for sharing with us. May God give you joy and many ministry opportunities in your new home.


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