Spirit Lake Ministry has a new and growing congregation on the Spirit Lake Nation in North Dakota. Worship services started just twenty-one months ago with eight worshippers and has grown to 30 each Sunday.

The growing congregation recently received a donation of more than $2,000 to purchase chairs in the worship space. The churches in the Northwest District of the of the Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church raised the funds.

Photos: The worship space at Sprit Lake Ministry Center. Photos by Pastor Mike Flowers.

“This wonderful gift will make worship much more comfortable. Without the support of congregations like yours, we would not be able to share the love of Jesus with the people of the Spirit Lake Nation. Thank you for your generosity,” said Mike and Libby Flowers, co-directors at Spirit Lake Ministry Center.

One of big hurdle is transportation to worship services. Many of the people living on the reservation are without reliable or affordable transportation. Spirit Lake has a 25-passenger bus now and fills it up every Sunday evening.

Pastor Mike Flowers describes the need. “A few weeks ago, I received a call from a person in the St Michael District for a ride to church. When I stopped at the house to pick him up, his neighbors asked where we were going. When I told them, we were going to church, they asked if they could come too! I loaded 16 on the bus that evening. Church was one-half  hour late because I had to make two trips. We had 55 persons in worship that evening!”

The 25-passenger bus requires a commercial driver license (CDL) to drive. Pastor Mike is the only one with the proper license. Spirit Lake has been trying to hire a driver, but have yet to find the right person.  A 15-passenger bus is needed, so any licensed driver can make the additional pickups. If your church is selling or knows of this type of vehicle for sale, please contact Mike or Libby Flowers at Slministry@hotmail.com.

“We are excited to see this thriving congregation continue to grow and make disciples for Jesus Christ,” said Flowers.