05/16/2026
The month of May is such a sentimental journey for this pastor’s wife. It is funny to say that because I don’t think of myself as the pastor’s wife. I have always been Mike’s wife, the person who has a front row seat to the joys and trials of the ministry.
Around our fourth wedding anniversary, Mike and I moved to Columbus, Indiana with our daughter Elisabeth who was 18 months old. Mike came with a desire to win souls for Christ and fulfill the Great Commission. Mike came through the amazing power of the Holy Spirit and with a familiarity of what prayer to our Holy God can do.
After weeks of knocking on doors and inviting people, on May 19, 1996, we held our first church service at 808 Third Street with an attendance of thirteen.
Some of those who were with us that first year are still with us now at 2222 Ohio Avenue. We have seen God’s hand in so many miracles in these thirty years. Our family and church have grown.
Weddings and funerals, saying happy hello to new faces, and with tears sending some to work in other ministries, we have so many sweet experiences.
VBS, Christmas parties, weekly Sunday school, Saturday soulwinning, van ministry, Games ministry, Sunday morning and evening services, Wednesday evening Bible studies, counseling, supporting God’s work through giving to missions, every time God has been faithful to show up and work through willing Christians.
This Sunday May 17, 2026, we celebrate our Faithful God who has used a faithful man to lead a group of faithful Christians to seek souls, learn and teach the Bible while holding a strong desire to honor that Faithful God.
Together we will enjoy a "Chicken on the Grounds" dinner including fried chicken, grilled chicken and sides and desserts.
We invite you to come.
If you have ever been a part of Open Bible Baptist Church,
if you have ever thought about coming,
if you would like to see a group of people who actively seek to win souls and please Christ,
if you enjoy amazing God-honoring well-prepared music and a passionately preached message from the Bible,
if you are interested in knowing just how much God loves you, please come and ask someone here to tell you about God’s love. It will make a difference in your life for all eternity.
And that front row seat, I love it. It has increased my prayer life and my sense of gratitude for what God will do when a man is willing to go, willing to stay, willing to be used by our Faithful God.
Carmen
