The century-old First Baptist Church had everything going for it: a great location, oak pews for twelve hundred people, grand piano and pipe organ, full basement for multiple functions, gymnasium, and enough rooms to accommodate any number of programs or gatherings. The only thing it really lacked was people... and the blessings of God, if you choose to be fussy about such things. The grand old church was reduced to fewer than one hundred attendees, many of them well past their prime. Something had to be done. The denomination leaders, the church board; they all agreed. Their unconventional solution was to invite Jonathon McCann, a godly, creative, local businessman to step in as the recovery pastor. Jonathon’s intention is to spread the gospel message throughout the many high rise residential buildings surrounding the old church. But, of course, there’s a hitch. The church has a poorly hidden secret that will have to be dealt with, if God is again going to take up full residence among the people. With bold moves, amid much fear and trembling, Jonathon and the board move forward. Will God bless the efforts? Will the high-rise residents welcome the message or reject it? Will the people willingly and gracefully address their past?
Author
Reg Quist’s pioneer heritage includes sod shacks, prairie fires, home births, and children’s graves under the prairie sod, all working together in the lives of people creating their own space in a new land. Out of that early generation came farmers, ranchers, business men and women, builders, military graves in faraway lands, Sunday Schools that grew to become churches, plus story tellers, musicians, and much more. Hard work and self-reliance were the hallmark of those previous great generations, attributes that were absorbed by the following generation. Quist’s career choice took him into the construction world. From heavy industrial work, to construction camps in the remote northern bush, the author emulated his grandfathers, who were both builders, as well as pioneer farmers and ranchers. It is with deep thankfulness that Quist says, “I am a part of the first generation to truly enjoy the benefits of the labors of the pioneers. My parents and their parents worked incredibly hard, and it is well for us to remember”. Quist’s heart was never far from the land. The family photo albums testify to how often he found himself sitting on a horse, both as a child and into later life, when he and his wife owned their own small farm, complete with kids and horses. Respect for the pioneers, working alongside skilled, tough workmen, and learning from them, marrying his high school sweetheart and welcoming children into the world, purchasing land for the family to grow on, and riding horses with the kids, all melded together to influence Quist’s life and writing. Over, and under, and wrapped around his life is Quist’s Christian heritage. This too, shows itself in his writing. Quist’s writing career was late in pushing itself forward, remaining a hobby while family and career took precedence. Only in early retirement, was there time for more serious writing. Quist’s writing interests lie in many genres including children’s work, short lifestyle stories, cowboy poetry, western novels, plus Christian articles and novels. Woven through every story is the thought that, even though he was not there himself in that pioneer time, he knew some that were. They are remembered with great respect.
