Today, we are called to do the same…in our work lives, our relationships, our community, and our world. In this hypercritical and cynical world, we are called to be a group known for who and what we are FOR. It’s a powerful strategy for church…but more importantly, it’s a revolutionary way to live.
Because of this, we have pursued an intentional presence in our community, which has resulted in a greater influence for Christ. In the past few years, Bachelor Creek has sponsored, supported, and led many downtown outreach events. A few of these include the Downtown Trick-or-Treat Extravaganza, Jingle Jubilee, and the annual Easter-ific Egg Hunt (pictured below). We have also hosted block parties at Meadowbrook Apartments, constructed houses with Habitat for Humanity, and participated in countless community service projects.
In addition to sponsoring downtown outreach events, we partner with local ministries and organizations to share Jesus with our community. These organizations are able to meet specific needs. Bachelor Creek is honored to come alongside them and support the work they are uniquely called and qualified to do. One of these partnerships is with Lighthouse Mission, located downtown on the corner of Cass St. and Canal St.
FOR the Community
Our FOR value extends from our campus into the heart of our community. All too often today, people in the world know more about what those in the church are AGAINST than what they are FOR. Instead of perceiving believers as being people of grace, love, and acceptance, they see them as angry, pessimistic, and intolerant. Certainly, as believers in Christ we are called to state the truth about the condition of the world and its problem with sin…but the Bible is clear we are also to love others, extend grace, and live at peace with one another.
Lighthouse Mission is responsible for the mortgage and operates out of a building called Lighthouse Crossing, home to four local ministries (Lighthouse Mission, 85 Hope, F.I.S.H., and Advantage Housing). Lighthouse Mission provides clothing, household items, hygiene products, etc. for people in need. 85 Hope is a free medical clinic that provides primary medical care and other healthcare services to uninsured and under-insured, low-income adult residents. F.I.S.H. provides food for families and individuals in need, gives encouragement and assistance in obtaining permanent help, and acts as a referral agency to other resources in the area. Advantage Housing focuses on homeless prevention by meeting the housing needs of the underserved in North Central Indiana.
For the last two years, Bachelor Creek has been paying the monthly mortgage for Lighthouse Mission. Our leaders saw an opportunity to make a greater impact and show these organizations that we are truly FOR them. In January 2024, we had the honor to bless our community and Lighthouse Mission by paying off their mortgage in full. Jenny Ritzema, the Director of Lighthouse Mission, said this, “Our partnership with Bachelor Creek has transformed the ministry of Lighthouse Mission. This partnership has allowed Lighthouse to reach more people than we ever have as we strive to clothe, feed, and house God’s people who are in critical situations as we show the love of Jesus. Together with BCCC, we are truly the hands and feet of Jesus to the city of Wabash.”
This bold step of faith is an integral piece of our For the Future initiative. This payoff ensures these local organizations the freedom to invest and meet the needs of our community while Bachelor Creek Community Park ensures good stewardship of our church facility and a welcoming place for anyone to meet.
We are FOR Wabash and beyond.
God has positioned us uniquely to connect many communities together. As we have prayed and dreamed about how to make a greater impact for Christ in our community, we believe our location presents many advantages. We have discovered 1 in 5 individuals in Wabash County are under the age of 18, that we are ranked 58 out of 92 counties for favorable health outcomes, and that only 65% of residents live close to a park or recreation facility. This places us well below the state and country averages (77% and 84%). On Sunday mornings, our children currently have no outdoor play opportunities. Our playground was recently removed due to safety concerns, rotting, and disrepair.
For all of these reasons, we feel led to provide Bachelor Creek Community Park to our community. This initiative will feature two different playgrounds, one designed for 2-5 year olds and another for 6-12 year olds. The playground will include accessible features and a rubber surface that will allow those in wheelchairs and with limited mobility to move freely.
Bachelor Creek Community Park ensures a fun, safe, and engaging place for our kids to play on Sunday mornings, during youth events, and other church activities. Beyond this, we see this park as a gift to our community. We anticipate regular operating hours for those in our community to utilize the playground and pavilion. We hope that parents, families, and community members will schedule play dates, get-togethers, picnics, parties, and more.
This playground will also serve as a way for us to have conversations inviting individuals to know Jesus. In a day where some people are hesitant to step into a church building, Bachelor Creek Community Park will welcome and invite others to take a next step. We are passionate about stewarding our location to fulfill our vision of a 7 day-a-week facility.
All drawings and images are conceptual and subject to change.
