Testimonies of Change
Before I was invited to attend Boston Chapel (57) I worked with the Evangelistic Association preaching in rest home ministries and in various prisons. These experiences did me well in my ministry at Boston Chapel and to people who were held prisoners in their own sinful lifestyle. I have fond memories of my faithful co-workers at Boston Chapel - Merle & Barb Fetter, Betty & George Porter, Carlton Bowden, Don Brotherton, Bea & Fred Wenger, Don & Ethel Green, Stew & Ruby Fritz, Jim & Marilyn Stark, Walter Mullen, and (Jim Tasker) and Nevin Crouse as pastors.
I also remember:
Carlton Bowden singing "Life is Like a Mountain Railroad."
Merle Fetter being Sunday School Superintendent - I would light the kerosene stoves before chapel for him, taught the 5thgrade Junior boys class (one Sunday our lesson was on different faiths so I took the class to observe another church), lead in opening devotionals before SS and drove the Boston Chapel van (carry-all) to pick-up parents and children for services, VBS, etc.
I remember a man coming to church one day very drunk, he went to the altar and we prayed with him and he got up from the altar completely sober.
I remember a woman who was gloriously sanctified, her face shone with joy as she testified to the experience, but she stopped attending the services. I found out later that her husband forbid her to come to church. I always wondered what happened to her.
I took part in the pre-prayer ministry around the altar before the services. God anointed Pastor Crouse's ministry and the workers. My outreach ministry to the homes on Tremont Avenue was quite exciting. For example, as I would go up the dark steps to the second floor apartments I didn't know how I would be received. I quoted Psalm 23 and I would sing "God Will Take Care of Me."
Rev. Crouse approached me on campus and asked me to raise $10.00 for Boston Chapel. I received a letter from my Mother with $10 for a new pair of shoes. I thought Boston Chapel needed the $10 more than I needed new shoes so I gave the $10 to Boston Chapel. Shortly after this incident I went home. While home I left my shoes in the living room and my Mother picked them up. Guess what, the soles of my shoes were full of holes (the top of the shoes looked great). My Mother wondered why I didn't buy new shoes! I didn't need them. Ha! Ha! While home Rev. Harold Parry asked me to preach and afterwards took an offering for me and he said this is for "Skip" and not for Boston Chapel. Seed faith pays big dividends. ~Ray Stark