In April of 2003, we were faced with the possibility of loosing our building permit and having to purchase another one along with submitting expensive architectural drawings.  During the April inspection, Dick was told 1) our permit was expired and 2) that we might have to install drywall on the basement ceilings for fireproofing, requiring our already installed electrical, heating and plumbing efforts to be discarded. This would be a great setback and inconvenience not to mention wasted materials and added expense. The inspector went back to the city and the next day advised Dick that they would be satisfied with a more expensive, fireproof, suspended ceiling instead and would give us six more months on the building permit at which time THE BUILDING MUST BE COMPLETED or else a new permit would be necessary as well as architectural drawings to make sure we're up to the code which had changed twice in the last four years. Though Pastor did not think the changes would effect us, we would still have to have the costly drawings done.  October 15, 2003 was the absolute deadline.

Marvin and Anita Koschel

Then around the middle of May, 2003, the Lord called home one of his choice servants.  Marvin Koschel had served the Lord for many years at the Grace Baptist Church.  Though Parkinson’s disease had stolen much of Marvin, he continued to do what he could for the Lord during the near 20 years he fought the disease.  Marvin’s determined, diligent tenacity will always be remembered and capsule by the day he attempted to get to the church on foot.  Determined to help no matter what anyone said, he set out on foot with his two wheeled cart to use for balance on the two ½ mile trip.  When he was found by Pastor, walking just a couple of blocks from the church, the bloodied knees of his trousers told the rest of the story. 

At his passing, the Lord further used him to finish off the need in the wheelchair lift fund as his family set up a memorial fund for this purpose.  And again, before we called, God had answered.  Pastor had been checking “one more time” about wheelchair lifts.  Near the time the fund was becoming complete, he found a company that would allow us to install the lift ourselves.  This knocked about $4000 off the sticker price.  Once again, God had wed time and money.  Monday, July 21, the wheelchair lift was delivered and Pastor and other men of the church began the rigorous installation process.  The wheelchair lift was dedicated to Marvin’s memory on Labor Day, 2003.  Another token of God’s goodness was received just prior to this great day of dedication on August 19 when we received a beautiful theater style organ from a Christian couple who live near the church.

God's Simple Plan of Salvation

This Was Your Life

Rodeo Cowboy's Prayer