Rebuilding Project

“How Can I Help?”

It’s a question that has been asked many times over the years – but even more so since June 4, 2017.

In the early morning of June 4, our ministry suffered a tremendous blow when a fire completely destroyed the St. Francis Holiness Chapel.  Since that traumatic morning, volunteers have helped clean up the site and made the grounds safe for outdoor ministry with the kids and families in St. Francis.  We have continued to meet at Little Digman Hall and at the small building on the church grounds.

Ministry Continues

While our ministry isn’t dependent on our church building, it is an important ministry tool to help us love, care for, and serve our community and the many needs that are present.  While we ultimately want to introduce people to Christ, the relationships we build through being at the church are critical — they build confidence, brighten outlooks, and instill hope for what is possible in Christ.

• We share God’s love with dozens of children through weekly Sunday School in songs and Bible stories.
• Our weekly Bible studies with the adults and families share the hope that is possible through Jesus when life is challenging – and at times overwhelming.
• Our prayer services provide a place where the local people – moms, grandmas, dads, and grandpas – can turn to for encouragement, prayer, and support.
• Winter coat distribution, school supplies, and food shelf support connect physical needs with resources for families.

Our vision

For over 40 years, the Holiness Chapel provided a safe and supportive place for the community introducing kids and adults to Jesus and provided critical support when “life happened”.  A new Holiness Chapel in St. Francis is now needed to help develop and expand ministry.  We know God has called us to stand beside the people living in St. Francis and be a part of the Rosebud Reservation.  Intense poverty, drug and alcohol addiction, and disconnected families are part of the daily life.  However, there are also courageous people who are living with a great desire to see their native families and community thrive.  They want their families to have the hope and purpose only Jesus can provide.

Here are some thoughts of the people who see the church place of refuge and help.

There are a lot of memories in the church, I went to church there as a teenager. And when my kids were born I went to church with them when Bro. Herrick was the pastor. At the church I got to know a lot of people who came and went. My niece, Marlys Left Hand Bull, got saved there and went on to Northwest Indian Bible School. That was the only church she went to until her death. We enjoyed going to church until I left the Reservation. When I came back I started going again until it burnt down. There are a lot of good memories there, so I hope we get it rebuild soon. Madonna Eagle Road

I have attended church as long as I can remember, all my life, 40 years or so. I can tell you I knew Bro Herrick in the 1970's.

                                                                             Roland Omaha Boy

I love the church, they were good to me. I like going to church when I can go. They're all wonderful friends. I hope I can help in anyway.

                                                                          Debra Blindman 

We are looking forward to a new 60 x 40 precast building that has segmented ministry space so that multiple age groups and activities can happen simultaneously.  It will be a building that can be used for Vacation Bible School, Bible Study and Prayer Services, and Sunday School and be efficient with space.  It will be a building that will build on the legacy of the past 40+ years sharing Christ and meeting physical needs in St. Francis.

Your Invitation

This vision of a new building won’t happen without ministry partners of all levels.  Many people have stepped up and provided new hymnals, Bibles, visualized songs, a piano, pulpit, and other things as we have begun to replace ministry supplies.

But the project will require significant cash donations as well.  The replacement cost of the building is anticipated to be $75,000.  This includes new footings and concrete pad, precast walls, and a steel roof.  We are also anticipating another $15,000 that will be needed for finishing supplies – paint, doors, flooring,anti-graffiti coating, etc.  $90,000 sounds like a big goal, but we know we serve a big God who can move hearts and make it happen.

We are inviting you to join us as a partner in God’s work here in St. Francis.

• Join us as a donor and supporter for the building fund.  Every dollar given is important and moves us closer to a completed facility.
• Join us as a prayer partner – not just for the building campaign, but for the people of all ages we serve.  Pray that the building would be a blessing to the community and that many would come to know Christ and His great love through the relationships at the Holiness Chapel.
• Join us in sharing the St. Francis Holiness Chapel story with friends and family inviting them to be partners as well.

Donations of can be sent directly to:

St. Francis Holiness Chapel 26910 297th St. Crookston, Ne. 69212

*Any questions regarding donations can be directed to sfholinesschapel@gmail.com