"New Start Spotlight"

At the new Spanish Lake mission plant, a beautiful story of growth and joy is unfolding! What started as a small children’s ministry of Bethlehem Lutheran Church is blossoming into the rebirth of a new church plant in Spanish Lake. The remnant of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church shares their facilities with this new mission. Every week, children from different backgrounds gather, not just for fun and games, but for something deeper—a chance to encounter God’s love in a personal way.

One of the most heartwarming signs of growth is seeing how these young lives are being transformed. Children who were once shy or unsure are now confidently participating in Bible studies, asking thoughtful questions about Jesus, and praying with their friends. The EAC afterschool program is filled with laughter, excitement, and, most importantly, a genuine hunger for God's Word. These children are growing spiritually, learning what it means to be followers of Christ, and taking those lessons home to share them with their families. Parents have shared stories of how their kids come home talking about the Bible verses they've memorized and how they want to pray at dinner or bedtime.

One of these children is little Montrell, a seven-year-old who first walked into the Spanish Lake mission plant with wide eyes and a curious heart. At first, Montrell was a bit shy and unsure of what to expect. He would quietly sit in the back of the room, watching as other kids sang songs and listened to Bible stories. But slowly, something began to change.

During one lesson about Jesus calming the storm, Montrell’s eyes lit up. He couldn’t stop talking about how amazing it was that Jesus could calm the wind and the waves with just a word. That week, Montrell's leader noticed a spark—he was starting to ask more questions and engaging with the lessons in a new way. As the weeks went by, Montrell became a regular attendee at the mission’s activities, where he soaked up every word of the Bible like a sponge.

One day, during a group prayer time, Montrell raised his hand. He wanted to lead the prayer! His small voice was filled with sincerity as he thanked God for his family, his new friends, and for the stories he was learning about Jesus. The teachers were amazed at how far he had come from the quiet, unsure boy who first entered their doors.

At home, Montrell began sharing the Bible stories he learned with his parents, and soon, his whole family became connected to the ministry. His mother said that Montrell had started asking to pray before meals “like they do at camp” and would even gather his younger siblings to tell them stories about Jesus and the miracles He performed. His story of growth and faith is a testament to how God is working through this new mission plant, not only transforming Montrell but spreading that transformation to his family and beyond.