The Lord works in mysterious ways, as is often said. And sometimes, the life of the believer is a waiting one, waiting on the God to provide guidance, to open a door indicating a clear direction. The congregation of the First Church of the Nazarene in Texarkana, Texas, have been waiting for just such direction, as they had decided over a decade ago that a move to a new location was needed.
"We've been waiting to relocate for several years," said Pastor Chris Sutherland. "We've had several offers and inquiries over the years, but none panned out."
Sutherland, who took over the pastor's position of the church in March of 2009, had been involved in the waiting during his entire time at the church.
"I've been involved in church building during my 42 years in ministry," he said. "We've waited for 13 years for a door to open. And for the longest time, none had. Now, this one did.
Sutherland, who is bi-vocational as a nightshift patrol lieutenant with the Bowie County Sherrif's Office, knows what long hours and waits are like. But a visit by representatives from the Free Life Church (non-denominational) of Genoa, Arkansas, seemed to offer a possibility, though lots of wheels had to turn just right for it to happen."
"We are a church of the Nazarene, and they are nondenominational," he said. "So selling the church building to them required our district denominational approval. Before that, our board needed to approve of it, and it also required a vote from the general congregation. Everything came into place. A lot of variables had to go down just so. It is clear this is a move of God."
Pastor James Boulton of Free Life Church agreed. And since he and his congregation took charge of a one-member church in Genoa, he has been seeing the Lord working since.
"God had been working miracles, salvations and healings since then. That is how our church began to grow," he said. "We've run out of space in our original building. The Lord opened up the door here to buy this church, so the work of the Lord can go on.
Pastor James and his wife Christine have been in the ministry for 15 years. They have worn many hats in their service to God and have seen signs and wonders. This opening door is just the latest in a long series.
"I guess I'm exited, hopeful, and enthusiastic about this move," said Boulton. "It is awesome to see what God is doing and I'm glad to be a part of it."
For his part, Sutherland sees a bit of melancholy along with the excitement in both himself and his congregation as they engage in final preparations for their move.
"This has been home for my entire time here and for this congregation, 47 years. But there's a sense of excitement as to what is next," he said.
Boulton believes that God is getting ready for something huge in the future.
"We believe the Lord is getting ready for another Great Revival," he said, referencing previous periods in the history of the Christian church marked by signs, wonders and dynamic growth and activity. "This is a prime spot revival center."
In the case of both churches, they will be settling in their new homes just in time for the Christmas holiday.
First Church of the Nazarene-Texarkana will hold its first meeting 10 am, Dec. 1, in their new temporary home of Waggoner Creek Elementary on Gibson Lane. Visit their Facebook page at Texarkana First Church of the Nazarene.
Boulton's congregation begin services at the former First Church of the Nazarene on the same date. More information as well as contact information can be found for them Free Life Church on Facebook.
Both churches emphasize that all are welcome, young, old or in between.