God Makes a Way for Church on the Beach
by Neil Boron, Church on the Beach
Good song lyrics have a way of rattling around in our brain. Like the words to the current worship hit “Way Maker” . . .
Way Maker, Miracle Worker,
Promise Keeper, Light in the Darkness.
My God, that is who you are!
If you look at the history and growth of Church on the Beach (since its inception in 2011), it is undeniable that God Himself has made a way for this ministry to exist. From the burden He placed on the hearts of our founders, Bill and Diane Hein, to the miraculous way He assembled an organizing team and volunteers, and everything in between bears witness to this statement. The favor He provided in obtaining a permit each year from the town of Fort Erie mayor and legislators; the unexpected welcome Church on the Beach enjoyed from residents and neighbors of both the Hill Association and Crystal Beach Tennis and Yacht Club; and the blessing they gave for us to meet, sing, and preach the Word of God early on Sunday mornings all summer long is evidence of God moving in our midst! In addition, God provided vital covering and strategic partnerships with WDCX Radio, Kingdom Bound Ministries, The Chapel, South Niagara Life Ministries, The Teacher’s Desk, and dozens of local churches and ministries in the US and Canada. He supplied beach wheel chairs for the disabled and elderly and sent us qualified ASL sign language interpreters for the deaf and hearing impaired. Simply astounding!
The average weekly attendance was 85 people in 2011. In the next six years, attendance grew to nearly 1,000/week; and, although the service happens completely outdoors, only two of the nearly 85 worship services we have held have been rained out! Incredible! Sure, the weather was threatening at times, but God continued to make a way! More than 250 people have received Jesus and nearly 75 have been baptized over the years. Some of them now serve as volunteers!
Truly, the Lord made a way for this God-given idea to come to fruition. The miraculous impact of what our Way Maker has accomplished is tangible and undeniable.
Not surprisingly, we were unable to meet for services in 2020 due to COVID-19. However, we invite you to join with us in praying that God will once again make a way for the Name of Jesus to be lifted up at Crystal Beach in Fort Erie, Ontario. To learn more about our plans for the summer of 2021 (or to volunteer) visit our website: www.churchonthebeach.ca
Church on the Beach is a summertime Sunday morning worship service on Crystal Beach (Fort Erie, ON Canada) that exists to lift up the name of Jesus and provide weekly opportunities for every man, woman, and child visiting Crystal Bay Beach to both hear and see the gospel of Jesus Christ.
