Orcas Island Adventist Fellowship
Friday Harbor church is located on San Juan island in Puget Sound WA. I became the first pastoral leader who lived on the Island. After spending a few years reaching out to people on the three other main islands, I had many interests develop, especially on Orcas. Most of these families would stop making the trek to worship on San Juan after a few weeks or months, since it was a lot of work and ended up taking most of the day (and very early mornings for families).
Our little church realized that in order to effectively minister to these friends and family, we needed to worship and fellowship with them on their island!
Three families linked hearts and hands to begin a consistent work in Eastsound worshiping in many different locations the first year. Within months the church started growing at a steady pace, due to the high degree of excitement, energy, commitment and discipling approach. As the pastor, it was imperative (living on another island) that I train, equip, support, and empower members to fulfill their calling in a team approach to ministry.
Guests soon became participating attenders and belonged to our group even before they believed the Adventist message. Individual Bible studies, small groups, and practical ministry was taking place. Hearts were being touched and transformed! As we continued to listened to the needs of the community, it was apparent people were looking for an alternative for their children's education. The members rose to the occasion and with God's leading and diligent work, an awesome church and school campus developed (designed by Lewis Architecture). In three years the church was having many occasions where 60-70 people attended.
Our little church realized that in order to effectively minister to these friends and family, we needed to worship and fellowship with them on their island!
Three families linked hearts and hands to begin a consistent work in Eastsound worshiping in many different locations the first year. Within months the church started growing at a steady pace, due to the high degree of excitement, energy, commitment and discipling approach. As the pastor, it was imperative (living on another island) that I train, equip, support, and empower members to fulfill their calling in a team approach to ministry.
Guests soon became participating attenders and belonged to our group even before they believed the Adventist message. Individual Bible studies, small groups, and practical ministry was taking place. Hearts were being touched and transformed! As we continued to listened to the needs of the community, it was apparent people were looking for an alternative for their children's education. The members rose to the occasion and with God's leading and diligent work, an awesome church and school campus developed (designed by Lewis Architecture). In three years the church was having many occasions where 60-70 people attended.