Stories of changed lives - Clinton
God is transforming people in Christ. God is connecting disciples to His purposes in their lives in Christ. God is guiding us as a people, to follow Him anywhere He leads, for His glory.
Here's a story from Don:
"I became a new believer in Christ, June 2007 while sitting in the seat of my 18-wheeler at a truck stop. I had been over a very bumpy road and had not had a “church relationship” for many years.
In September 2007 our daughter and son-in-law dedicated our grandson to a life in Christ at (Kingsfield) Zurich Mennonite Church. That morning I received a warm greeting from a previous co-worker. His outreached hand and welcoming conversation made me say to myself “this is different!” My daughter asked how I enjoyed church that morning and if I would like to attend more often. As much as I enjoyed it, church wasn’t for me right then, but I could see the good things coming from her and her family.
By the next spring (2008) I made a turn in the road that has been like driving on a newly paved highway – mostly smooth, some rough edges, but focused in the right direction. I started to attend Kingsfield Clinton on a regular basis and I’m glad the old life is in the mirrors – I can still see it, but it has less effect everyday.
My Kingsfield Clinton family has been very loving and supportive. Throughout this past summer (2009), several of us gathered early on Sunday mornings for breakfast and time of learning with a “new believers course”. Then on October 4th, 2009 two Clinton brothers and myself were baptized in Lake Huron’s rough waters (do you know under the surface it is extremely calm?! There’s a message in that!)
The main focus of Kingsfield Clinton is outreach and mission. Through our service to community and others, many people see who we are and what we stand for. We support a local food bank / transitional housing group with our donations of money and time. This group has two homes that have required extensive repairs and renovations. We are there to help in those repairs along with several other local volunteers. As a result, homeless youth in Huron County may have a place to call home for a while. This work gives us opportunities to meet and have conversation with these youth and community volunteers. Just like me, they may be on that bumpy road, but through our involvement they might see the smoother road ahead one day and ask, “how do I get there from here?”
Further back in our story, on Dec. 27, 2008 our church was called into action. High snow levels combined with very warm, rainy weather and a power failure caused extensive flooding throughout Huron County. Without concern for personal engagements the Clinton family showed up in Saltford (near Goderich) armed with portable generators, pumps, food and manpower to help mop up and rescue families. You can’t imagine the feelings of hope & love that filled lives that morning!
Kingsfield Clinton has seen great growth during 2009. People are learning about us through others or from our website. We have 5 new adults and 2 youth. (a ~25% increase) Additionally, there is the natural multiplication method! Our lead pastor and his wife have just given birth to a baby boy, another family is expecting triplets in the very near future, and there’s even more coming!
Every Sunday we share a meal together – a communion of sorts. It is a great time to share what’s been happening with one another each week."
"… whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Matthew 25:40b
~ Don Hagle