Our History

On February 1, 1990, a small group of interested couples met to discuss the starting of a Bible Study Fellowship in Oelwein. From this group, a Bible study was started and met weekly in the home of Al Kraayenbrink and his wife, with regular attendance of five couples. On April 26, 1990, this Bible study group took the step of faith and decided to form this church. This was done after considerable prayer and combined unity. The Purpose Statement for the church was approved on May 31, 1990. It was then decided to rent the room of a restaurant to hold services for the month of June. The first evening service had 43 people in attendance. The prayers for a more suitable building and meeting location were answered the second week of June, when a vacant building was rented and work began to make it suitable for worship. Worship services began there on July 1, 1990. The church continued to grow and be strengthened. On September 9, 1990, the first full services were held with church services, Sunday School, and evening services. In the summer of 1992, a little church was purchased in Oelwein for worship. Gradually, the church outgrew this little building and rented the Community Plaza for morning services and Sunday School, while the evening services and other activities were held at the little church. The Lord led someone to buy the little church. After much prayer and searching, 3 acres of land was purchased. In the fall of 1998, we began building our present church building and on Palm Sunday of 1999, we had our first worship service in the new building. After eight years, the pastor of the church accepted a call to Colorado. After much prayer and searching, God made it plain and clear that the next pastor should be Dan Driscoll. Dan and his wife, Susan, accepted the call and started in December 2002. The children's AWANA program began in 2003. Since then, a variety of other programs to encourage and disciple people have been started. As for the building, there are plans ready to construct a worship center off the east end of the education addition in the future. It has been a faith journey to see how God has blessed and supplied each need along the way. We are very thankful for His love and faithfulness.