History (Cont)
Tragedy, And Further Doubts
Peter Walker left for a well-earned holiday immediately after Christmas. The church was terribly shocked and greatly grieved when news arrived a few days later that he and his family had been involved in a dreadful accident on their way north. The other members of the family were not badly injured, but Peter was unconscious and fighting for his life in a NSW hospital. The people were in shock and in no mood to meet in February to decide on a major building program. There were other much more pressing matters to be faced. The church settled down to watch and pray.
As the other minister of the church, Jill wondered whether she should continue with the WellSpring ministry in the face of this unexpected tragedy. The program for the year had been sent out, but was it possible now?
The diaconate and the people were emphatic that it must go on and additional staff were enlisted to help with the ministry of the church during this time of crisis. Peter remained in a coma and the people grieved deeply. For a long time it was not clear whether he would live, or if he did, whether he would ever be able to take up his position as minister again.
The months passed, and by May the deacons had decided it was time to call
a church meeting to decide what to do about the proposed development.
A few days before the meeting, Peter emerged from his coma and asked what
was happening about the plans!
The church meeting again discussed all the issues. Many difficult questions were thoroughly examined, honestly and prayerfully. The decision was made to go ahead! It was a huge and very courageous step of faith given the circumstances.
The
whole place became a building site and the cold months of winter rolled
in with rain and mud compounding the general discomfort. For some weeks
the northern wall of the church was open as the extension was built. At
weekends, the builder boarded it up in a makeshift way so there was some
protection from the elements. But it was cold—especially in night meetings!
Alongside the church building, the new WellSpring Centre gradually rose.
During this time, the WellSpring Board members were forced to delve deep into their reserves of faith. As the church plans for building the Centre became more definite, the Board meetings voiced growing anxiety over whether or not the ministry would really be sustainable. Resources were slim and now the church had committed itself to providing specially designed space—a home for WellSpring—would it really work out on a long-term basis? If it did not, where would that leave the church? The Board trembled.
