Pineville—Mill Creek Baptist Church’s new church building doesn’t represent a rebuilding effort; it represents a new chapter in the church’s life.

“It’s been a long process,” said Larry Sowders, pastor of Mill Creek Baptist, “I believe God had the move in it.”

The new building, which replaces one that burned to the ground in February 2015, was built by volunteers from all over the United States. Volunteers from Alabama to Colorado and other places were involved in the project.

“Thirteen states were represented,” added Sowders. “Volunteers worked 12-hour shifts and many shared their testimonies.”

Workers not only furnished their own construction equipment, but also raised approximately $7,200 for the church.

“There’s not a mountain you can’t climb and a wall you can’t get over when the Lord’s at work,” said Sowders.

The church, which had been meeting in a gymnasium, will continue to use it as the church’s educational center, at least for now. They anticipate the project will be completed by mid-September, when the first service is expected to be held in the new structure.

The church has experienced many trials in the past year and a half. In addition to the fire, the church had trouble obtaining a permit to build the new building and could never definitively determine the cause of the fire. There were also concerns that members of the congregation who were uncomfortable with the current meeting place might leave.

No matter what happens to the church structure, though, expect the mission and focus of Mill Creek to remain the same. “We just hope to see people saved,” said Sowders. (WR)