During the last weekend of January 2024, God orchestrated divine appointments as two Encounter retreats convened simultaneously in Pennsylvania —one at Open Arms Church in Bradford, led by Zoe Hatche, Rich Dennison and Dan Robinson; and one at Wallenpaupack Church in Lakeville, led by Pastor Ken Platt along with Helen Kelly and Joe Krajacic. Though separated geographically, these communities found themselves spiritually united.
In Bradford, hungry for a breakthrough, 15 eager participants joined Zoe and her team. As the standout moment, during a defining moment of surrender, the fallow ground of participant Phil’s heart broke open as two local ministerial candidates prayed over him. With Spirit-led words affirming his identity as a “weeping prophet,” he was exceedingly encouraged and knows that although he doesn’t have all the answers yet, he is indeed being called and he is responding with a resounding, “Yes!” Moreover, while only one church plant sprouted that weekend, many gained confidence for the works already emerging through them.
Simultaneously in Lakeville, the Holy Spirit fueled similar yearnings for greater Gospel impact through Wallenpaupack Church. Another fifteen participants, equally yearning to exchange plateau for acceleration, attended this second Encounter of the weekend.
During a previous Wallenpaupack Church Encounter, Greentown Family Church was conceived in heaven. This time, lead planters, John and Jess LaBelle, returned – six months into their new work – joined by several friends and family members eager to reach the families of Greentown, PA with them for Christ.
God deposited fresh vision into others from Wallenpaupack Church as well: Johnna felt a nudge for “Summit Trails Church” – an outdoor, hiking congregation doing mobile Discovery Bible Studies along park trails! Emily sensed the need to identify a strategically located building near her gated community where she could begin to gather His people, and another felt led to launch a smaller, more intimate house church. Lastly, Gary began unpacking a deep-seated call to build reentry ramps through prison ministry. FOUR ministries and churches from ONE Encounter!
Additionally, Momentum Church, launched in 2022 from Wallenpaupack Church, brought new guests. Several there see needs among homeschool families that God may be prompting them to reach. Stay tuned on that one!
Despite separate locales, these twin Encounter havens became springboards for Kingdom increase, relentlessly building disciples and planting new churches. Amen?! Amen.
So, what’s next?
For Open Arms, please pray for an exciting opportunity that the ministry is considering for their future. At Wallenpaupack, Pastor Ken faces mentoring an influx of new planters and churches on top of their own building expansion goals.
Both desire prayer and support to steward these new works faithfully and break through barriers to see the Great Commission advanced. Their next Encounter weekends are slated for July 2024.
Will you join in praying for these churches during this critical season of birthing new ministries? May we all say “yes” as God stirs new callings in each of us for Kingdom growth!
Fun fact!
During this last weekend in January there were also Encounters elsewhere in PA and on the other side of the pond in the United Kingdom!