(Bill and Cindy were a part of this congregation 1993-1996 before moving to Harrisonburg where Bill obtained his seminary degree from Eastern Mennonite Seminary. He has been serving as pastor of Crossroads Mennonite Church since June 1998.)

It has been very exciting for Carolyn and me to find our place in the Trinity fellowship.

Since we started going to Trinity in September, we have made many new friends in the brotherhood. As we watch them in action and see them earnestly building a church that counts for the Lord, we feel as if we might be looking at the founding group in Powhatan. Just as the founders of Powhatan did, the Trinity folks have moved into a new area with the blessing of their home churches, and they have brought a new vision of Christ to Prospect, Virginia.

Among the membership are our old friends Steve and Julie Hochstetler, Reid and Kathryn Broadwater, and Jeff and Pat Smith. Jeff is serving as treasurer and unofficial secretary of the church, and Steve is Chairman of the Church Council. Reid and Kathryn remain solid pillars as Reid takes care of the lawn and Kathryn leads singing in the Sunday School opening. Pat has been instrumental is setting up our very nice library and teaches Sunday school. Julie plays a strong role in the fellowship activities of the church.

Trinity invited Carolyn and me to join them as they seek to establish their leadership patterns. The fellowship presently has a Church Council made up of Steve Hochstetler, Jay Stoltzfus, Richard Broadwater, and Jeff Smith. Leroy Miller, author and historian (The Amish-Mennonites at Kempsville, Virginia); Marvin Fisher, preacher and teacher; and I make up the provisional Elder Board. The Council has charged the Elder Board with developing patterns for eldership in the church, and we will complete this initial task in December.

Marvin Fisher is an articulate man with a great joy in preaching the Word of God, and his sermons are always strongly based in Scripture. He is currently preaching through the Gospel of Mark. Leroy and I also preach occasionally.

Many of the families have farm land and raise cattle and feed crops; they also work in construction. Nevin Ranck, nephew to Art, is in the fencing business; Lee Lapp builds pole buildings; Steve Hochstetler continues working his large farm and working in construction—primarily hanging doors. Richard Broadwater and his wife Carol started and operate the very successful Amish Originals store in Farmville.

As you can see, Trinity, like Powhatan, is a diverse group. And as at P.M.C., a number of families from the community have joined the original fellowship. The Lord uses us together to accomplish His will, and it is a joy to be a part of His work. I cannot end this report, however, without saying that Carolyn and I miss the Powhatan fellowship and Tim Kennell’s ministry very much. We continue to pray for you and ask that you remember us at Trinity.

In Christ,

Pres Nowlin