Swissvale Baptist Church

After eating lunch with the Hills on Sunday, we drove down to Pittsburgh to present our mission to Swissvale Baptist Church. An hour later we drove up to an imposing building that had been moved to that location in 1917. Pastor Strangman greeted us, helped us unload our luggage, showed us to our lodgings, and helped us get set up in the church's fellowship hall. The church's evening services are a little more casual on Sunday evenings, but I believe the primary reason for meeting in the lower floor was to avoid the heat (we were told that it has been unseasonably warm).

Michael was able to present the mission to the church and then spend some time leading the group in a meditation on Matthew 11:28-30. The people responded well to the exposition of God's Word and all seemed to be blessed by reflecting on God's gracious invitation to us in Christ. Following the time in the Bible, Michael took questions from the group. The people showed real interest in the mission and asked good questions. We enjoyed getting to know this small group of believers and were blessed by their kindness and generosity toward us.

Pastor Strangman and his family hosted us over night. We enjoyed great food and good fellowship with these believers. The current situation at the church necessitates that both he and his wife work outside the church, but they exhibit a real love for God's people that does not complain about the extra work.

We appreciate very much this church's kindness and look forward to years of partnership in prayer.