BEAR LAKE, Mich.—After meeting in a school for the past eight years, First Baptist Church is looking forward to meeting in its own building. The first phase of construction took place in November, with the foundation being poured.
Jim Evans has been pastor of First Baptist Church since January 2013. When he accepted the position, he knew the congregation wanted someone to take them through a building program. They had been meeting in the gymnasium of a school in Bear Lake since 2006. Prior to that, they had worshiped in an older building that had many problems. The church sold that building to the city of Bear Lake, which would use it for a museum.
First Baptist knew it needed a permanent home but desired to wait on God for His provision of a building and trust Him for the finances.
The church has begun construction—debt-free—on a 70’ x 100’ steel structure on 10 acres of land it purchased. Permits from the state caused delays, but Evans says the church is excited to see the beginning phase of construction as foundation walls and footings are built. The next step will be the steel being erected by Hughes Builders. Upon completion of the outer shell, crews will begin work on the interior walls. An electrician will help with the electrical work, but church members themselves will do the heating and cooling and other finishing work.
Evans says, “We are praying the Lord will lead us to those who He would have to help us complete our project. We have seen some amazing answers to prayer along the way.”
