Dear Friends,

Pottstown Bible Church has just celebrated its fourth year in ministry. Let me take a moment and take you back through time. We started back in August of 2003. The building we are in was a Mosque. The landlord had just evicted them for not paying their rent. As we were leaving the building next door the new Landlord, who just had purchased the building we are now in approached my Father-in-law and myself. He asked us if we were Born-again. We said yes! He then asked us if we were looking to rent space, the rest is history. Pastor Miller and myself began the work of painting and repairing. Then, as we approached our opening date, we realized we needed chairs. The first place we went to was a funeral home; the thought was we could rent the chairs. He said “Rent them”?  He then told us we could use them for free and by the way, He purchased for us 60 brand new chairs!  What’s so amazing about this is that he never met us before that moment.

Then another miracle took place three weeks before Christmas 2003. I was with my leadership team in the diner down the street. We wanted to have a Christmas dinner for the homeless. We needed 350.00 for the cost of the food as we were having Boston Market cater it for us. We had only 150.00 towards the meal.  Suddenly, without warning, a gentleman approached me in the restaurant. He hands me exactly 200.00 in cash. I asked him his name, he said that wasn’t important but the money was for the Christmas dinner. Now again, what’s amazing about this is that I never met him before that moment, he has never been to our church and I have never seen him since that moment in the restaurant. I could go on and on. One miracle after another. To date, well over 200 people that have come to Pottstown Bible Church have prayed with us and asked Jesus into their hearts.  In the past four years over 50 people have been baptized. Each has hand written out their testimonies. An average of 30 to 60 people a week receive a free dinner. About the same amount of food packages are handed out each week as well. Diapers and formula are handed out. Winter coats and clothing are handed out. The Learning center is there educating children and adults each week. I have just installed two new Elders in the church. We now have a teenage worship team.
Our website has now been heard in over 96 countries around the world. Many small churches and groups of people in third world nations receive solid bible teaching every week. Some of the church’s meet underground in their basements as they listen to the sermons over the internet.

So much growth in such a short time. A new important undertaking is now in the works. We are going to have a meeting with a Christian Doctor about the possibility of putting a free Health clinic in our church. You see, 99% of the people who attend our church have no health insurance. About 15% are homeless at any given time. Many are ensnared in some addiction to drugs or Alcohol. The clinic is desperately needed.  Many of the children who attend have no health insurance as well. The first obstacle we need to overcome is that we need more room. The clinic needs at least two rooms to operate. The building next door would be wonderful but as you know, we still need to raise at least $1500 per month just for the rent alone. Please keep this in prayer. God has done well beyond anything I could have ever imagined here in this little church. My friends please spread the word. We have so many needs here and we really need the finances to continue the work here. Heating oil is a major concern. Salaries for the Pastoral staff are also another important concern as well as the additional space as the ministry continues to grow. Please spread the word. Your financial support is what allows us to continue to serve here in Pottstown. Remember that we have PayPal on our website for those who want to make a one time donation or a monthly donation.

 May the Lord richly bless all of you,

Pastor John Applebach