A Church with no Walls

Buildings seem to be a priority to "church" congregations of every denomination, all across America. There is nothing wrong with these giant structures of concrete and steel, they are used by saints and sinners a like for worship services, prayer services, evangelical outreach services, teaching, preaching and all sorts of activities.I have simply made an analogy, and it is just my humble opinion based on what I see, hear, taste and smell - we really like our buildings.

Several years ago I was invited to a church service in Spring Hill, TN. My friends, John and Eva Howard had found this "special place." It was one of the many new church start ups in this ever expanding community. Directions were a bit cumbersome, as they met a few miles off the beaten path, turn at so and so and drive to a school building.

An elementary school was their place of worship. Every Sunday many committed members would set up and tear down, stage, lighting, sound, chairs, nursery rooms, etc.... Beginning each and every Sunday by 6am just to be ready for 10 o'clock worship. This process was repeated every week for nearly ten years!

Church members prayed for guidance and wisdom in acquiring property but none seemed to be available within the price range that they felt comfortable with. It"s only been in the last year that The Bridge found a place they could call home, a rented commercial building. They worked tirelessly many months cleaning, wiring, building, painting, preparing their new place of worship. At the same time the weekly process continued over at the school - setting up and tearing down.

The new church building at Choanla

The Bridge, though they had no building of their own, gave of themselves and their finances, so people they had never met would have a church building complete with walls!

Pastor Juan Marroquin and his family of Choanla


The village of Choanla sits some 13,000 ft above sea level, in the mountains of Guatemala, near the border of Mexico. The roads, rough and treacherous could only be traveled by 4 wheel drive vehicles and even then, only in the dry season.


Susan, Missions Pastor at The Bridge shares the back of the truck with some who needed a ride.


Upon arrival, we found the path down to the church was just as steep and treacherous.


But once inside the small church building the people were warm and friendly.

The children young and old enjoyed coloring and making a craft.




And we complain about our padded pews and heated/air conditioned buildings.







Julie Howerton with pastor Juan's wife at Choanla. Julie and her husband Pastor Rick founded The Bridge and now their son Josh is the Senior Pastor there.