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Churches Partner to Build S.D. Church for Native Americans

Two Cleveland-based churches came together to construct a sanctuary for church in South Dakota in just four days.

By Carl and Anna Nobles

Helping us build a new sanctuary was a joint effort of two churches determined to make a difference in a place where it has long been overdue. South Cleveland Church of God and the Mt. Olive Church of God, along with many other individuals, came and worked like a well-oiled machine. We were so blessed to have the group of thirty-eight dedicated men and women from Cleveland, Tenn.

Bishop Gary Sears, pastor of Mount Olive Church of God, was among the hard working and dedicated volunteers. The group came and built us a new sanctuary on the Standing Rock Reservation. Although much planning went into this project, God’s purpose allowed everything to come together at the appropriate time. “All things work together for good to them that love the Lord”

The Fundraising

We send special thanks to South Cleveland Church of God, Mount Olive Church of God, Home Missions and all who gave towards this building project. My family and I have been connected to both churches for many years.

I personally appreciated the invitation to come to Cleveland, Tenn., and share about our need on the Standing Rock Reservation. It was a joy to be with Pastor Gary Sears in a morning service and Pastor Chris Moody in an evening service.

Pastor Sears and Pastor Moody, along with former Church of God World Missions Director Gene Rice, spearheaded the fundraising efforts. Through the depth of their compassion, the funds were raised in one day, allowing us the go ahead and begin the project. This was truly an answer to prayer and could not have been done without them. It was also sacrificial; many of the volunteers that gave towards the building also raised additional funds to come on the trip. In addition, the volunteers had to put in for their vacations one year in advance. The group simply expressed, above all, their joy of working for the Lord. This was the pinnacle of their experience, despite how difficult it may have been for them, financial or otherwise.

Although, it was overwhelming to see how much was to be accomplished, it soon became a reality as a small group came and poured the footer and short wall for the building a few weeks prior to the entire group coming.

The Construction Team

The team had dual roles of construction and ministry; the construction aspect of the project involved Ocoee River Transport. This was a tremendous blessing to be able to have the materials sent from Cleveland. Larry and Debbie Parker brought trusses and other materials and tools. Louis Massie brought a Bobcat mini-bulldozer. Several also brought their campers to sleep in, while others slept in the church, and many already had reservations at the local hotel in Mobridge, about 30 miles from the church.

Brother Steve Swiger of South Cleveland was the dedicated cook for the group. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were served each day, with many of the ladies consistently helped in whatever capacity regardless of the task, including the construction.

The Ministry Team

Volunteers from both groups participated in the daily devotions held in the morning and evening, as well as a service held in the new sanctuary on the last day. Tim Sams and Alesha Noble worked with the children and young people. Kids Camp and Chess Camp were inspiring and touched the lives of our youth.

We want to personally thank each of the volunteers for all of the hard work that went into this project. They were extremely talented and highly skilled in all they did. It only took four days to build the sanctuary, but most importantly I believe the community was deeply touched by their devotion and sacrifice. The awesome spirit of unity and love was felt throughout the four days of hard labor.

Carl and Anna Nobles
Missionaries to Native Americans
South Dakota

Project Number 0650107

© 2009 Church of God World Missions