Mountain View Conference Is Having a 'BLAST!’

Story by Liz Bailey

Inspired by the Ohio Conference, the Mountain View Conference held BLAST (Building Lives Around Solid Truths) events throughout their territory this year. Typically lasting one week long, BLAST is an evangelistic initiative designed to minister to the whole person while sharing the gospel. Each event welcomes families with a warm meal, bounce houses for children and free giveaways for adults. While children enjoy activities designed especially for them, adults gather for fellowship and gospel presentations.

At the Marlinton (W.Va.) company—a congregation of only seven members—the response was extraordinary. Approximately 90 people attended opening night—nearly one-tenth of the town’s population of fewer than 1,000 residents. For this small congregation, seeing so many people come through the church doors was both humbling and encouraging. At the conclusion of the meetings, they celebrated a special baptism of someone who was born and raised in Marlinton, a beautiful reminder that the gospel is taking root in the community they have been called to serve.

“Today we are continuing to follow up with approximately 20 Bible studies,” states Heroes Sical, pastor of Marlinton, “nurturing our BLAST relationships and helping them grow in their understanding of God’s Word.”

Eddie Reyes, pastor of the Moorefield (W.Va.) church, comments about his one-day BLAST meeting, “What was originally delayed by rain became another reminder that God’s plans are never stopped by the weather. Following a recent evangelistic series, our church hosted its long-awaited BLAST community event, bringing together members and local families for a day of fun and fellowship. More than just a community gathering, it served as an extension of the relationships built during the evangelistic meetings and demonstrated our church’s commitment to serving the Moorefield area with love, hospitality and the hope found in Jesus Christ.”

Many similar events happened across the conference. Johnathan Ryan, pastor of the Beacon of Hope church in Huntington, W.Va., held a one-week BLAST event and received about 40 to 50 people each evening from the community. At the conclusion, the church was thrilled to witness new people join their congregation, with more studying for baptism in the future. “We have had over 11 people attend Sabbath mornings from that event,” states Ryan, “and many more are coming to a weekly prophecy seminar.”

Recently, Beth Ackman, a member of the Parkersburg (W.Va.) church, helped with the registration table at the church’s BLAST event. “I especially loved seeing the excitement of the kids as they arrived,” states Ackman. “Several parents expressed to me that they had to come because their children insisted they wanted to come back for their program.”

Tim Bailey, conference president, states, “We saw what worked for [Ohio Conference], took the baton and are pushing it forward in our own territory. God is really blessing, and we are so grateful.”