Faith Chapel Dedicates New Building

By Jeff Herring, Executive Editor

      “We didn’t build this building just to gather among ourselves; we built it as a house of prayer, a place to make disciples, a place where we can teach others to do all that the Lord has commanded us,” said BMA of Arkansas Missionary Johnny Shew in his opening remarks at a dedication service on Dec. 8. He acknowledged God’s faithfulness in providing the people and resources necessary to make the building possible.

      This marked the first service in the newly completed building at 104 Faith Chapel Lane in Flippin. Bro. Johnny led a congregational song, “The Solid Rock,” to acknowledge the strong foundation on which the church is built — a testament to both the spiritual foundation of Christ and the physical reality of the new church building’s location. After some special music performed by the children and a special song, “This Church,” written and sung by Bro. Johnny, the service continued with remarks from Paul White, the Executive Director of BMA of Arkansas Missions.     Bro. White acknowledged the profound impact that The Master’s Builders—some of whom were present — had in making the building a reality. He remarked that, regardless of the monetary donation made, no one can outgive The Master’s Builders. He then posed a challenge to the mission, stating that this building “is not a cruise ship; this is a fishing boat…. This building is a tool for you to use for Him to bring people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.”

      Bro. Johnny then shared a message from Romans 9:1-5, titled “Great Heaviness and Continual Sorrow in My Heart.” In his message, he emphasized that the burden for the lost that Paul had is the same as what the congregation at Faith Chapel should feel as they seek to utilize the new building to reach the lost of the community. He challenged the church to go out into the community to connect with those who need to know Jesus. He also encouraged them to continue this process and look forward to the day when they can send out their own missionary to plant another church.

      In addition to The Master’s Builders and Bro. White, representatives from The Bridge Church in Mountain Home, which is the “mother” church for Faith Chapel Mission, were also in attendance.

      The construction process took about a year and a half to complete. The main building, measuring roughly 4,000 square feet, is finished, but the two wings, which will house classrooms and a kitchen, are still under construction. The entire facility is approximately 7,200 square feet. Bro. Johnny shared that 83 people attended this special service, and the new worship center can comfortably seat 146 people.