Mountain Stream Baptist Church

Maureen Vanneman’s Testimony

2010 has been one of the most challenging years Charlie and I have experienced. Charlie’s parents went home to be with the Lord within 3 months of each other. The recession drastically reduced our retirement savings forcing us to downsize and declare bankruptcy to protect the few assets we had left. And, just when we began to regain some balance, in early December my uncle passed into Glory. Through all the physical and emotional stress, we Praise God for Mountain Stream Baptist Church. Our Pastor and church family exemplifies God’s love for us. Pastor James drove 400 miles round trip to Baltimore during each crisis demonstrating the Lord’s grace and love. Church members called with prayers, words of encouragement; and, even visited my mother in the nursing home while we were away.

I can remember in the past proclaiming that I could have a relationship with Jesus without being a member of a local church. But, if I have learned anything this year, it is the importance of the local church in our daily lives. During the good times, the Lord’s voice is a whisper through the noise of daily life. But, when we are in the valley, feeling alone and our faith is waning, the Lord speaks loud and clear through his people and fills the empty spaces with more of Himself.

Thank you Mountain Stream Baptist Church for allowing the Lord to fill the gaps through you! You are a people, a local church, truly seeking to be God’s love letter to our community and ‘A Place to Belong’.

In His Service,

Maureen Vanneman