God Delights in Doing Big Things in Small Places

A few years ago, Word Baptist Church was just a dream in the hearts of a handful of believers.

Meeting in the gym at Highland High School in Marengo since their launch in January 2022, this rural church plant has been proof that God delights in doing big things in small places.
 
In just 30 months, Word BC has seen 26 people baptized and now averages over 60 in Sunday morning worship.

This summer’s Vacation Bible School proved that point again. In their fourth year hosting VBS, Word BC saw their best attendance yet —113 students enrolled and an average of 95 participants each night, including teen helpers.

Pastor Jeff Deel shared, “We didn’t have any public professions of faith during the week, but the students’ attention to the Bible stories each night was incredible. They were tuned in. You could see their interest in Jesus. We believe God was definitely at work.”

That work was evident the following Sunday during the church’s VBS follow-up program. The small church plant shattered its attendance record, exceeding their previous high by 30 people. The sanctuary was full. The energy was high. And the gospel was front and center.

For Pastor Deel and the Word BC family, numbers tell part of the story—but not the whole story. “Our prayer,” Deel said, “is that the seeds planted during VBS will lead to souls saved—not just among the students, but also in their homes, among parents, siblings, and grandparents.”

In rural ministry, VBS is often more than a summer program—it’s one of the most effective ways to reach entire families. This year, Word BC didn’t just host an event; It created a space where the gospel was clearly proclaimed, relationships were built, and hearts were stirred.

Please pray for the gospel seeds planted to grow deep roots, bear fruit, and bring many in this rural Ohio community to saving faith in Christ.