8.31.10 - +++Testimonies+++

Testimony of the Week

It’s September 1991 when Torie, a young college student, had just left a class and was on her way to the next one. She stopped at the edge of the road and looked to the right before stepping off the curb. Suddenly, a car going 30 or 40 miles an hour appeared and hit her with the first impact point being her leg calf. After hitting the windshield and busting the glass, and putting an indent of her shoe into the front tire of the car, she found herself flying through the air in a somersault and saw the pavement coming closer as she was plummeting to the Earth. The impact caused her to skid a few feet on her stomach. Coming to a stop, she rolled over and cried out “Jesus!”

All of a sudden, a woman appeared and sat next to her. Torie looked into her eyes and instantly saw peace. Taking in the sight of this beautiful lady with blond hair, she felt calm, soothed by the words of this mystery lady.

On the way to the hospital, Torie realized she couldn’t feel anything from the waist down. Fearing she was paralyzed, she started to panic. Soon after arriving at the hospital, the doctors explained that they thought that, surely, she had multiple broken bones and internal bleeding, though they would have to do tests to be sure. Terrified, she called her mom and asked for prayer. Within minutes, her mom got a prayer chain started.

A few hours after arriving at the hospital, Torie stood up, and was able to limp out of the hospital with just a few scratches and a couple of bruises.

A few days later, she talked to the investigative officer and found out the speed of the vehicle due to the skid marks it made on the road. She also spoke to a few of the witnesses, and none of them remember the blond-haired woman that helped Torie to stay calm. To this day, she believes it could have been her guardian angel.

6.22.10 - SEWC Community Groups

My GPS system malfunctioned on the way to the first community group. And, by the way, my GPS system is my mom. We were trying to find the house where the meeting was being held. After calling for directions, we finally made it. Walking in, my mom and I were greeted with warm smiles and appetizing smells. Walking through the hallway we saw several people sitting outside on the patio and others standing around talking. We got our plates and sat down at the table, the only place where there were still two spots left. We chatted and ate for a while before we all settled down in the front room.

We sat in a circle and began the meeting. We each needed to give at least one surprising fact about ourselves. I learned many things about members of our church, which were all good. My surprising fact was that I enjoyed watching Monday Night RAW.

I enjoyed our first community group meeting. It was a chance for us to get together in a more intimate setting and get to know one another better. Eventually, we plan to split up into two or three smaller groups. I look forward to many fun times together!

4.1.10 - Becoming Members

The pastor called my mom and I up to come up in front of the congregation. We were both excited and nervous because this was the day we officially became members of Salt of the Earth Worship Centre. We had been attending SEWC for almost nine months. Within those nine months, we have gotten to know quite a few members and everyone has been nice to us. We knew from the very beginning that we had found our new church home. Pastor Tom and Janice had made us feel like we were already members of the church, but this was day to make it official.

As we took our place up front, Pastor explained how important each person is to the church. He wanted us to know that we are a family, and that if anyone is ever in need of something, we are all there to help one another. As I stood there, I looked out among the small sea of faces and smiled. My mom and I were with two other ladies who were becoming official members as well.

I felt such warmth from each member of the congregation as they all formed a line and one-by-one, they came up to welcome us to the church with both handshakes and hugs. I was amazed to see just how much we all meant to them. This is the first church I’ve been to that welcomed members this way. It was a very intimate and personal event that I enjoyed very much.

3.11.10 - Missionary

It was Wednesday night and I walked in and found a seat. I noticed a lady was standing at the pulpit and I could only assume she was the missionary, named Karen, who’d come to speak with us. She had just started a short video showing us what God has been doing in Gabon, Africa, the area where she lives and works as a volunteer nurse. She has worked here since 1979.

There were testimonies of healings and miracles being done throughout the Bongolo Hospital, the medical facility she works in which she volunteers. It is located in the city of Lebamba, in Gabon.

Karen is associated with the Christian Missionary Alliance based in Colorado Springs, CO. They affiliate with many missionaries; several that work in Bongolo Hospital. The hospital serves citizens that have many illnesses, the majority of patient have diseases such as HIV or AIDS, Tuberculosis, and even Malaria.

I learned a lot from Karen. I admire those who set aside their lives to volunteer in conditions that no human should have to deal with, much less live through. Please, if you are reading this, please take time out to look through her website by clicking here, Karen's Site If you feel God wants you to, please donate to this organization as they are doing very good things.

12.14.09 - Ladies Night Out

I walked into Olive Garden and the pleasant aroma of garlic and spices overtook my senses. I was excited to be meeting the ladies from church. Once a month, they come together at various places for dinner and fellowship. I am relatively new to the church and this was my second time meeting with them.

Finding their table, I instantly felt included as I took my jacket off and hung it on the back of the chair I chose to sit in toward the end of the table. I sat listening to the chatter of my newfound friends as well as the guests around the room.

After the waitress came up to get our orders, we discussed our favorite foods from the Olive Garden as well as general Italian foods. That led to talking about general foods and family. For me, it wasn’t so much the things we talked about, but being there with these ladies and feeling like I was a part of a family. These ladies genuinely care about one another and one can feel the love that is almost pouring off of each woman.

12.3.09 - A Night To Remember

My husband and I were looking forward to this year’s couple’s dinner and Dance. I walked into the Holiday Inn banquet room and was awed by the intimate mood of the dinner. About ten round tables were set in an order so people could walk past and around others sitting. It wasn't assigned seating, but instead wherever we wanted to sit. I chose the table nearest the door, not because of the location, but because my friend and her husband were sitting there. Soon after we got comfortable, several people from my church, Salt of The Earth Worship Centre, came up and I introduced my husband to them, as he goes to his family’s church and not with me.

Soon, my friend and I were talking and I discovered cameras were set out on each table so we could photograph the event. I had fun taking them up on that offer. Taking shots of my friend stuffing her face with food. Well, maybe not stuffing her face, but those seeing the photo doesn’t know that.

After bowing our heads and saying a prayer over the food, we got up to get our food buffet style. Getting back to our table with the food, we had a delightful conversation with everyone at our table. We each took photos with both the camera given to us and the cameras people brought. It was fun catching up on stuff.

After eating the delicious meal, the first song started and I stood with my husband to dance. It was only slow love songs, but that was ok. I enjoyed being close to him. Wrapping arms around one another, we danced in place and looked lovingly into each other’s eyes throughout the entire song. When it was over, we clapped and walked back to the table.

Throughout the night, two comedians came to the microphone and made us laugh like we haven’t laughed before. We took pictures throughout their stand-ups. After the comedians, we danced a couple more times in between socializing with those there that night.

That night changed something between my husband and me. We weren’t as close before that night. We were more like roommates than husband and wife. Since that night, we have tried to spend more time together and have tried to get closer. I am looking forward to next year. This event changes lives.

7.20.09 - Each Drop is an Opportunity

What most see as an annoyance, a day destroyer, a plan killer, and a real game stopper: is really an opportunity. If you haven’t figured it out, I’m talking about RAIN. Hebrews 6:7 says “For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God;” (NKJV) Every drop of rain brings with it an opportunity to create and bear fruit, fruit which is available to anyone willing to take the time to first recognize it as a blessing and second to make the effort to cultivate it. Someone once said “into each life a little rain must fall.” Joel 2:23 supports this ideology when the prophet said “He will cause the rain to come down for you.” YOU WILL GET WET! And believe me you won’t be prepared, you will likely be dressed up getting ready to go out for the night and you’ll get drenched like the poor unsuspecting victim who stands in the doorway speechless after having a trick bucket dumped on him. Quick….”put your swimsuit on” would be a nice warning, but that’s just not the way it happens in this life. Sometimes we find ourselves soaked with sticky clothes and walking rather uncomfortably through life. Let me be a voice of encouragement! When you feel your drowning in life’s issues, look around for an opportunity. In Mathew chapter fourteen Peter, in the midst of an exhausting physical, mental, and emotional struggle did something that had never been done before by mortal man. Peter seized the moment, and made history! You too can make something wonderful during your rainy season. Stop, take time to recognize each blessing and make the effort to cultivate those blessings into your life. Remember….. every drop is an opportunity.

7.16.09 - Anointing Stops Flowing When the Vessel is Full

Now it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said to her son, "Bring me another vessel." And he said to her, "There is not another vessel." So the oil ceased. ~ 2 Kings 4:6 (NKJV)

As long as a vessel remains empty God can move through it. As awkward as it feels being empty; being empty gives opportunity for God’s spirit [anointing] to move through us. We are all looking for fullness to bring satisfaction and a sense of wholeness or completeness, but what happens when fullness is obtained. It usually feels great or awesome for a while. A short while. Then a feeling of stagnation begins to creep in. A feeling of “is this all there is.” It is the same principle that effectually makes the “Dead Sea” dead. Without an outlet life cannot exist. So it is with each one of us, if we don’t release the fullness of God within us we become stagnant and dead inside. Full of uncommon potential but dead for lack of releasing that which God has placed within us. The Anointing stops flowing when the vessel is full. Let us now purpose within ourselves to pour out into others the fullness of the Anointing that God has placed within each of us. And in doing this we create an emptiness with in ourselves that allows an increase of His Anointing to once again flow through us. It is a principle of life and death. Choose life.

9.2.08 - Due Diligence!

Proverbs 22:29 says, "Do you see the man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings. He will not stand before unknown men." Other translations inform us that the man who "excels" is a diligent man and that "unknown" men are mean men. I think this verse succinctly describes much of what we are witnessing today as believers attempt to build wealth. Too many Christians are being fleeced and preyed upon by mean men, losing all, or much of what they risk, in order to gain a return that can be used to establish God's covenant. Deuteronomy 8:18 says, "And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day." .........Read Entire Article from Tom Bruno of the International Christian Wealthbuilders Foundation

2.11.08 - At the Movies

This is not just for me.
I watched a movie late last night and God told me about it today.

The movie was basically about a boy being neglected by his parents. The parents were always too busy and never home. He was taken care of by a nanny. All that the boy ever wanted was time with his parents...to be hugged, loved, played with. The moments in the movie when the parents denied the boy really broke my heart.

Do you feel for the boy?
Would you want the parents to change their ways?

Well the nanny did want them to change and she did feel for the boy. The nanny said some things to the mother that opened her eyes. The mother changed her ways, which changed the relationship with her son.

I know you answered 'yes' to the questions above, but how would you feel if you were the parents in the scene and God were the child? Would you still be ready to change the relationship?

I believe that most of us are "too busy" for our relationship with God. (At least that has been my excuse). But no matter how "busy" we think we are, God still keeps calling our name, patiently waiting, maybe a little hurt, just wanting to be loved by us and to spend time with us.

In the movie, no matter how busy the parents were, the boy just loved them. Just as God 'just loves us', no matter what!

Are you ready to change your relationship?

6.17.07 - In God We Trust

Do we really? Do we really put all our trust in God? Whether on a license plate, a coin, or a dollar bill, is it just a phrase passed down through our forefathers, or do we really believe it?

When the United States is now the third largest mission field in the world, where only 4% of our country's young people claim to be Christians, is it really what we believe?

To put one's trust in God, you first must know who He is. He is the Creator of all things on the earth, in the earth, and above the earth, both physical and spiritual. He made everything. There is no invention yet to be developed that He hasn't already thought of.

Everything fits into His magnificent pattern. He made protective coloring for the animals, birds, and insects so they could blend in with their surroundings. He made all the colors in the rainbow, the blue of the sky, and the blackness of the night.

He sent His only son into a world of sin to die for us, so that we could live life eternally.

Yet, do we trust him? I've always been taught that a person has to "earn" the trust of another. When one's trust is betrayed, it is difficult to trust again to that level. How many times has He kept you safe even if you didn't know it? How many storms has He seen you through? Yet, do you trust Him?

In today's society where trust is betrayed on a daily basis, it is hard to believe there is someone who you can go to with any situation and He will be there for you. He doesn't gossip; He speaks in a still small voice. He doesn't lie; God is truth. He doesn't tell you He loves and then back away. When trouble comes, God is love.

God is the only one in this world today that you can put all your trust in. What you want may not be in His plan for you, but what you need is.

6.10.07 - On the Rooftop

When I was a teenager, I went almost every weekend to South Lake. I paid my admission and danced under the stars to the local bands' renditions of CCR, Three Dog Night, and the Association. I loved being out on the roof of that building listening to the "great music" of the 60's.

And now that I'm older, I still enjoy listening to that music. It holds a lot of great memories for me. But the music I listen to most now—the kind that really moves my soul—are the songs of praise and worship to my Lord and my God. There is still something to being outdoors, on the roof, under the stars, but now, I enjoy singing to the one who made the stars.

If you didn't know about, or didn't have the opportunity to come last Sunday night to the roof of the parking garage in Terre Haute, you missed a chance to do just that—to see the city the way God sees the city. And the sunsets seen from the roof are absolutely beautiful.

If you'd like this opportunity, you have another chance. On July 8th, we will again be meeting on the roof. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and come praise God with us. Snacks and drinks will be available. Everything starts at 8pm, so come and find a place to view the city and worship with us.

4.19.07 - Choices

When the world seems dark
With evil all around
Christians need to raise the ark
And spread blessings and love abound.

Satan has his imps and devils
Running all about
Creating things like war and murders
And dissentions throughout.

So pray you Christians lift up your shields
The battle is at hand
And God will reign victorious
Again throughout this land.

For He is King and all will bow
Even Satan and his clan
Before Him soon they will appear
To receive their final life's plan.

A fiery lake, torture forever
And an endless amount of pain
Because once they are sentenced to receive their fate
They can never be saved again.

So pray for those who have yet to decide
Whether heaven or hell will be home
Either a fiery lake or a mansion fair
Is the choice where they will roam.

~ Peggy Summers

4.8.07 - Easter Egg Hunt

The Salt of the Earth 2007 Easter Egg Hunt was an absolute success! Almost 200 boys and girls, not including family members, were registered for this "funtastic" event despite a very cold Easter afternoon. The children were ready to go on the hunt for 11,000 candy-filled eggs. For this first-timer to the event, the funniest hunters of the afternoon were the pre-teens who managed to clear out a partial field of eggs in a matter of seconds.

The children also had a variety of activities to enjoy. The SEWC clowns were giving out balloons and painting faces, and the Easter Bunny, alongside our local Fire Department, were ready for photo opportunities with the children. My favorite activity were the bounce houses which gave the children enough fun time to work off all that excess energy and sugar they consumed from the free cotton candy and popcorn, distributed throughout the event.

After an awesome message to the participants to the Easter Egg Hunt from Pastor Tom Simmons, the families who registered were given yet another great opportunity to win prizes from many of the church's sponsors ranging from bicycles, stuffed animals and basketballs. Parents also benefited from the contest when they heard, "free daycare services" were in the mix of great prizes distributed by our church!

Despite a great afternoon with so many fun-filled events and activities the actual highlight of the event was the call to salvation given by Pastor Tom. The kingdom of God was blessed that afternoon with thirty-two new souls who accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Seeing all those lives enter the Kingdom made all the hard work put into this event by the faithful servants of Salt of the Earth Worship Centre one of the greatest ministry opportunities we have yet seen! I can't wait till next year!

1.28.07 - The Greatest Concert

The greatest concert ever heard was not in a large arena with speakers all over. No great named band was playing or silver tongued vocalist was singing.

It was a night concert played for only a few people who were invited. Only 3 characters on one stage and a host on the other! In fact they out numbered the audience. This concert was a one-time performance never to be heard again. It was not recorded for a play-back or instant replay.

It was to a few shepherds on a hillside in Bethlehem with Joseph and Mary and little baby Jesus on stage! The angels rejoiced that He was born with a beautiful concert. He was the reason for this one-time glorious concert.

If you would like to have your own one-time special concert just for you, accept the provisions of Jesus and the angels in heaven will rejoice that you have come home! Just call on His name and believe that He is the Savior and they will start singing just for you!

11.30.06 - You Are Welcome

Do you feel like your the only christian in your school, workplace, or home? Even God's chosen in the Old Testament felt this way. Some even hid in caves, because they were afraid they were "the only Christian left."

If you feel this way, we would like to invite you to one of our services here at SEWC. God is here and so are His people. Come and join us soon.

Let yourself be "wrapped up, tied up, tangled up in Jesus."

He will take care of you!

11.25.06 - Thanksgiving Celebration

The church was filled with the delicious aroma of spice and magnificent food. The sounds of laughter and cheer were everywhere and the atmosphere was warm and cozy. Where were you? The Thanksgiving Dinner! It was a wonderful day!

We want to say thank you to everyone who helped in setting up for the dinner, preparing the food and cleaning up. Your assistance was greatly appreciated. We also want to thank everyone who attended; because, without YOU the fantastic day would not have been such a spectacular success! You are all terrific!
Thanks Again!

10.22.06 - Where the Spirit of the Lord Is

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" (II Corinthians 3:17). And that is what we are experiencing in our services. We have seen the Lord Do great things in our services, but we know that He desires to do even greater things in the coming days. At Salt of the Earth Worship Centre, the Lord is given free reign to move upon the hearts of hurting people.

Our desire is to reach the people of our community and see their lives transformed. We also know this can only happen through the power of Jesus. We look forward to seeing you in one of our services where you will meet people who really care, and you will hear the uncompromised Word of God.

9.23.06 - Our Adventure to the Black Buggy

On Saturday, September 23rd, the SEWC Ladies Night Out group did just that - we went out! We left the building at 10am headed for the Black Buggy Amish Restaurant in Washington, Indiana. The Black Buggy seasoned veterans in the Herzog van led the way, followed by the church van carrying 9 1/2 ladies. {The 1/2 being our youngest member, JaiDenyce, who kept her mom and grandma entertained.} The motion sickness crew, Cynthia, Shirley and Amanda, were strategically placed throughout the van. Janet led us in prayer and Jenny munched on almonds. Pastor Janice and her co-pilot Ms. Wilma laughed as she ran us off the road. Hee Hee Hee! Then Michelle, Makena, Christi and Faith concluded our three vehicle caravan of hungry ladies.

At last we arrived despite the defrost problems and rain. We were greeted by rows and rows of homemade food from fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy to all kinds of pies, apple butter and a peanut butter marshmellow creme spread. Several plates later we strolled through the general store and furniture shop, gazing at beautiful furniture, smelling candles and purchasing baking mixes, candies, pies, and cakes. We then returned to our table with a very friendly server for one last bite of food and dessert before starting our trip home.

Forgetting about the 1 hr time difference, we returned home safely at 3:30 pm. What a wonderful time of fellowship, conversation {learning about each other} and lunch. Thank you Lord for a great event!

9.16.06 - Great Day for Golf

If you missed the Guys Golf Scramble, then you missed a great time. The weather was perfect, the fairways firm, and the greens were fast. We had a great day of fellowship and fun, getting to know one another just a little bit better. It was an all day event, but worth the wait. We look forward to seeing you at the next event.

8.13.06 - Leaping from the Past into the Future

Wow...look at the time...has it really been 5 years since we began? Just think, August 13, 2001 at 10 am, 12 people hungry for God were willing to get together in a conference room at Signature Inn to worship God and to see where He would take us.

Since that day, we have moved a couple of times because of the growth in the congregation. At our second place, none of us will ever forget the carpet...but thank God for carpet. Now this site is used for our "Crossfire Youth Site" and our sanctuary has moved into the church next door which we now reside on 6 acres give or take.

Our congregation is growing daily with new faces young, old and in between. One thing we do know that one way to add to the congregation is to have babies. Just in the past year there have been at least 10 born and more are expecting.

When you come to visit, you will be welcomed people who want you to feel just as if you are home folk and not a stranger. We have a saying that states, "If you don't have a church home...you just found one". Everyone is welcome no matter what your background may have been. We look forward to seeing you there at the next meeting.

7.26.06 - Holiday World

Every now and then you have to get away and let your hair down. This was one of those days. It was hot, humid, Indiana day. What a great day for a water park!

Last Wednesday, our students and a small army of leaders went on an all-day outing to Holiday World to have some fun. There were rides and slides for kids of all ages. It was a great time for our young people to get to know each other a little better and to see our leader team get a little crazy.

Are you looking for a place to hang with students your age? Our Student group may be just the thing for you. Come on out on a Wednesday night at 7:00, bring some old friends, and make some new ones. But beware, you might just have some fun.

5.28.06 - Annual Church Picnic

It's about eighty degrees. The sun is shining bright and the Hoosier sky is as blue as a sapphire. The wind kicks a breeze that rustles the leaves in the sycamore, oak and maple trees. The day is simply gorgeous.

Under the pavilion sits four large picnic tables full of food. Foods that most people have dreams about and most nutritionists have nightmares about. With treats ranging from barbeque ribs and fried chicken to key lime pie and chocolate fudge brownies, these tables are a treat for the sight, smell and taste, as well as the tummy.

After dinner, over by the shade tree a young lady and older gentlemen talk "trash" to each other about who is going to win the game of horse shoes currently in session, while a football game is being played in the field nearby. In a while, volleyball will likely be the sport of choice. The traditional euchre tournament proves to be a popular activity in the shade of the pavilion, and some enjoy a simple walk in the park. So many activities, so little of time.

Traditionally planned for Memorial Day weekend, The Salt of the Earth Worship Centre annual picnic is an event that allows the church body to come together and spend a little family time. This time of food, fun and fellowship has proven to be a wonderful time for everyone. So feel free to join our family and experience the excitement.

4.16.06 - Easter Egg Hunt

Easter Sunday afternoon at Brittle Bank Park there was a buzz going everywhere. Children and parents were coming from everywhere for our annual Easter Egg Hunt where this year the children hunted for over 5000 eggs filled with goodies. Parents were trying to get all the children registered so their names would be drawn for prizes such as bikes, stuffed animals, toys, and t-shirts. All the eggs, goodies, and prizes were donated for this special event from several businesses and individuals of our community. Over 120 children came out to participate in the event this year. The look of joy and anticipation on their faces was definitely one of the highlights.

In the midst of the buzz and beautiful weather, clowns were mingling with the children, passing out balloon animals, coupons with free admission to Bogey's Playland, and the Five buck club coupons from Kerasotas Theaters. There was laughter everywhere, when all of the sudden there were parents and children yelling "HI" to Marshmallow, the 7-foot Easter Bunny. The children began swarming around Marshmallow's legs to give him a great big hug. Marshmallow mingled with the children and then agreed to have his picture taken with each one of them. They were so excited.

While that was going on, over in another section of the pavilion, TV crews of WTHI Channel 10 and WTWO Channel 2 have come to interview Pastor Tom Simmons about the egg hunt and why the church congregation would want to build a relationship with the community. He replies with, "We just want the community to know we are here to serve them not for them to serve us. We just want everyone to know that we care about them and we are here to celebrate what the Lord has done and what he plans to do with our community".

When all the eggs had been found, all the children gathered together in the grass to listen to Pastor Tom tell them the true meaning of Easter.

Everyone had a great time and was able to leave with something in their hands and something in their hearts. We care about them and we hope to see them again soon. And we hope see YOU there next year!