Awarded for service to community
Redemption Church stands as a symbol of faith, resilience, and community service. Established nearly a century ago, this church has been on a remarkable journey, leaving a lasting impact on the community it calls home according to Pastor Nick Hawkins.
The West Plains Chamber of Commerce has named them as the Non-Profit of the Year, recognizing their dutiful contributions.
Pastor Nick Hawkins explains that Redemption Church had its humble beginnings when two dedicated women embarked on a mission.
“The church was started 90 years ago by two ladies who wanted to bring God’s love to the community by starting a Bible study,” said Pastor Hawkins. “Over the years, this seed of faith blossomed into something much greater, evolving to encompass a broad mission of hope and community support.”
Their mission extends far beyond its sanctuary walls. In recent times, they’ve been instrumental in providing relief during crises.
In the aftermath of wildfires, the church played a vital role in offering tangible support to those affected.
Food, clothing, water, and personal hygiene items were distributed to the survivors of the Gray Fire, serving as a beacon of hope during their darkest hours.
In the midst of an economic downturn, Redemption Church would have to make some sacrifices as well.
“We’ve come through some very interesting times,” said Hawkins. “We used to have a daycare here, and there was an economic downturn, so we had to fund it for 5 years and eventually had to close it. It was very hard, that was 11 years ago.”
Despite these challenges, the church persevered and even managed to pay off a mortgage.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges for organizations worldwide, including churches. Their situation was no exception.
“I think every Church during Covid, re-wrote how people interfaced with the world, how often they would come out,” said Hawkins. “We are in that process even now of re-staffing and re-organizing. In order to be a 90-year-old church, you have to move forward again.”
Like many churches, they sought innovative ways to connect with the community and adapt to the changing landscape of faith and service.
A cornerstone of Redemption Church’s success has been its unwavering commitment to community collaboration.
The church has worked closely with local schools, and continues collaborating with the Medical Lake Mayor, Terri Cooper, to ensure that they provide vital relief aid to the community.
Their focus extends beyond basic aid, with a keen interest in education, character development, and supporting the next generation.
For those looking to support Redemption Church’s mission, there are various ways to get involved.
Redemption Church’s journey over the past 90 years serves as a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and community service according to Hawkins.
They work to remain a steadfast pillar of hope and support in the West Plains community, ready to serve, inspire, and create a brighter future for all.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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