Stockton Avenue Harby Center
While the church family was using the sanctuary, work proceeded to build the second half of the building. It would become known as The Harby Center, in memory and honor of Joe and Carolee Harby. The vision was for it to be a bridge to the community.
It’s true that a team can create better ideas than just one or two people. Nick Del Balso suggested we dig a basement to maximize space. Roger Bowker suggested we put one roof over the entire building. Brian Frear was the point person for the second half of the building. His expertise was critical in the design and building the structure. It would be dedicated in 2007; however, other finishing work continued on for a couple of years after that.
On June 26, 2005, the sermon was titled EXPECT A MIRACLE AT YOUR RED SEA. The text was Exodus 14:1-4, 10-14.
Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:13-14
The total cost of getting the shell up and winterized on the second half of the building was $225,000. We had $68,000. We lacked $157,000. F.B. Meyer wrote:
“Often God seems to place His children in positions of profound difficulty, leading them into a wedge from which there is no escape, designing a situation that no human judgment would have permitted had it been previously consulted. The very cloud directs them there. You…may be involved in a situation like this at this very hour. It does seem perplexing and mysterious to the last degree, but it is perfectly right. The issue will more than justify Him who has brought you there. It is a platform for the display of His Almighty grace and power. Not only will He deliver you, but in doing so He will give you a lesson that you will never forget….”
People were given opportunity at the end of the service to pray for the church’s needed Red Sea miracle or their own personal Red Sea miracle.
On the following Thursday, June 30, 2005, Pastor Larry had a lunch meeting with Art and Joanne Rasmussen. They were a couple that deeply loved the Walton community and wanted to see good things happen. During this lunch meeting, after hearing about the building need, they said they would fully fund the needed $157,000 to get the shell up and winterized! God had parted the waters and made a way! It was our Red Sea miracle!
The following Sunday, July 3, 2005, the title of the message was RECEIVE YOUR MIRACLE AT YOUR RED SEA. When it was shared that God provided the $157,000, some 10 people stood up and clapped. Others cried in amazement and thanksgiving to God. A spirit of praise broke out among the people. After the news was shared, no sermon was necessary. God’s supernatural answer to prayer was the message on that day!
When a group of people hear from God and obey His leading, amazing things can happen. A sense of unity prevailed among the people and the work moved along quickly.
Then the Lord said: “I am making a covenant with you. Before all your people I will do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world. The people you live among will see how awesome is the work that I, the Lord, will do for you. Obey what I command you today…” Exodus 34:10-11a
