Pleasant Hill Baptist Church is located in the middle of nowhere. The nearest town is five miles away. In 1978 God led Pastor Stephen Olsen to accept His call to go to Smithville, to a congregation of 28 people meeting in a one-room former Mennonite building. Against the counsel of other men who thought that this seminary graduate ought to consider a place with greater potential, Pastor Olsen said yes to God. Thirty-three years later, the church is still in its same location, but has undergone several building programs. A congregation of nearly 500 people now gathers for worship on Sunday. And just four weeks ago the church sent three deacons and 65 people into town to plant another church. That church plant is averaging 125 people in its services.

Chris was privileged to minister at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church on Sunday, Feb. 20. He was invited to present Gospel Literature Services in the Sunday School hour, preach in the morning service, and present the International Partnership in the evening service. Ten families signed up to receive more information about the ministry. God is richly blessing Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and especially the long-term commitment made by this pastor to spend himself in one place for the glory of God.