On April 15, the Tech Road Campus of the Beltsville Adventist Church (Md.) hosted “Pancakes in the Park.” The church used Facebook advertising, flyers, signs and word of mouth to invite the community to join them for some free pancakes. Members were initially disappointed when the weather did not cooperate, especially since the day before was sunny and warm. By Sunday, the day of the event, it had dropped to 50 degrees with a high chance of rain.
Will Johns, campus pastor of the church was sure no one would come given the state of the weather. “I prayed that God would send at least 10 people from the community,” he says. “Though I wasn’t sure why anyone would come out to the park in the cold weather.” Johns says his faith was too small, because God had more in mind for them. Over 35 people from the community came out to enjoy some pancakes as did about 20 church members.
“One of the most exciting parts of the day is when a couple, who had only attended Tech Road once before, approached me during the event and said they were ready to begin Bible studies,” says Johns. “Another woman said she had been looking for a church and is planning on attending our service soon. We don’t know where this will lead, but we are simply stepping out in faith with the intention of building friendships with our neighbors in the community. We are so grateful that God sent us the people we met in spite of the cold/rainy weather. It is exciting to be on this journey of faith.”
