Fall 2024 · Trumpet Report

Conference Vision Bears Fruit in Sparta

Sparta, Illinois

Pastor: Mike Stamper
Correspondent: Erriel Wolters

Greetings from Sparta, IL and the faithful saints of the Sparta Potter’s House Christian Church! The spring and summer months of 2024 have been busy as the church has been faithful doing what God has called it to do. That is to preach the Gospel. With the onset of summer, the church geared up for a craft fair, organized and planned by a faithful young couple in the church with a desire to do something for God. Their vision of an outreach centered around a craft fair was faithfully carried out as many in the congregation participated and had booths set up.

This outreach took place in the church’s parking lot, which is alongside one of the busiest streets in Sparta. Passersby and shoppers were confronted with the Gospel and given church flyers as Gospel music played from a speaker.

Following the excitement of that craft fair, members of the congregation had another opportunity to participate in a craft fair at the local Walmart. Many of the members of the Sparta church work at Walmart, and because of their testimony, the church’s band had free rein to set up at the craft fair and play music. Playing near one of the store’s entrances, members of the band shared their testimonies about how God saved them, and Pastor Stamper was able to give a short message about salvation. Despite the intense heat of the day, the Sparta saints were filled with excitement and gratitude for God’s faithfulness in allowing such an open door to minister and preach the Gospel to so many in the community.

In July, the church rallied together and designed floats for two parades in surrounding communities. One parade was a 4th of July celebration of America in a small town with the theme “Americana.” While dressed patriotically, the Sparta saints walking in the parade were able to hand out ALL of the flyers from the church, getting the message out about the Potter’s House and Jesus Christ.

The second parade took place in another small town, and the theme this time was “Around the World.” The Potter’s House proclaimed that Jesus came to save ALL the world ALL AROUND the world. Once again, the saints were able to pass out many flyers and witness to people. The church’s float even won second place!

Some other highlights from the summer include seven members of the church attending Prescott’s July Bible Conference, which was such a time of refreshing and encouragement.

Pastor and Yolanda Stamper celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary for which the church was able to surprise them with a party and are thankful for their faithfulness.

God is doing great things in Sparta, IL, and the church is thrilled to see what God has planned next! Keep praying for the church in Sparta as they pray for the faithful churches here in the U.S. and around the world.