BEGINNINGS

Location: Mechanicsville, Virginia

Started: September 2005

Pastor: Rev. Michael Howard

Solid Rock Ministries was planted in September of 2005 in Mechanicsville, VA near Richmond, Virginia and is pastored by Michael Howard. This church plant is part of the “Bridging The Gap” strategy implemented by the Church Planting Task Force in planting new PFWB Churches. The strategy is to help bridge the gap between our churches in Southeastern Virginia and Northern Virginia.

PROGRESS

Over 30,000 pieces were mailed to the area announcing the beginning of this Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church in Mechanicsville, Virginia. Solid Rock Ministries had 76 in attendance in the first service on September 18th, 2005. This first time attendance is as many as half the churches in America have each Sunday. Pastor Michael Howard shared the vision of Solid Rock Ministries with those in attendance. A meal was provided for all in attendance after the morning worship time. Pastor Michael Howard reports the average attendance has been in the mid 50's each Sunday since.

In January of 2006 they had 79 in attendance at their Christmas Eve service and in February of 2006 Church Planter Michael Howard announced that Solid Rock Ministries church launched a new ministry on Friday evenings called “Rocking for Jesus” that was resulting in great attendance.

In October 2007, Pastor Mike Howard reported that the church has moved into a new location on Route 360. The church is now worshipping at Lee Davis High School in Mechanicsville Va. Pray that God will touch the hearts of many of that community as Mike and Gloria seek to build God’s church in the Richmond area.

SPECIAL THANKS

A special appreciation is noted for Rev. Jim Wall and the Western Branch Community Church who have been working directly with Pastor Howard in this church plant.

Special Thank You! San-Lee Chapel Church in Sanford sent to our office a $500 contribution to help with this plant. Also, an individual from the Dublin church sent a check for $530 to help this work. Michael is very thankful for any help that is sent his way and he is excited about this ministry.

CAN YOU HELP?

Solid Rock Ministries was robbed. All of the church’s equipment, which was valued at over $20,000, was stored in a Wells Cargo trailer at the Battlefield Middle School. This week the church found out that the insurance company would not help with any of the losses. If God has blessed your church abundantly, would you consider helping with this loss? You may contact Rev. Michael Howard or his wife, Gloria, at 804-779-7904. Or you may forward your check to the PFWB World Witness Department. We will send any donations directly to the church.

The prayers and support of the PFWB are with Michael and Gloria as they obey God. Please pray for the growth of the church and for God’s wisdom to reach the harvest of souls in the Richmond Va. Area.

PROJECT NEEDS

Below is a project needs list for this church. If you would like to provide one of these project needs, please contact our office at 1-888-668-9362 or 910-892-4161.

Battlefield Park Elem. School (rent monthly) - $36.00

U.S. Mail Bulk Rate - $150.00

U.S. Postal Permit Number - $150.00

Computer, Projector & screen, Cable - $3238.47

CD’s for music - $100.00

CD Boom Box player - $50.00

Christian Music License - $100.00

Newspaper Advertising - $1200.00

Church Business Envelopes - $153.50

Tithe Envelopes - $153.50

Church Phone Line (monthly) - $78.00

Phone and Answering Machine - $180.00

Welcome Packages

Solid Rock Ink Pens (for advertising) - $290.00

Solid Rock Shirts for Staff

Children’s Church material - $1200.00
- provided by WBCC

Mailers - $4500.00
- provided by WBCC

Trailer for storage of church equipment, - $1600.00

Offering bags (6) - $243.00

Microphones & Sound Equipment

McCall’s BBQ for Opening Service - $2162.50

Pack N’ Play for Nursery (4) - $200.00

Nursery Swings (4) - $400.00

Diapers, infant to toddler - $75.00

Wipes - $25.00

Throw Carpet squares for Toddlers

Toys for Toddlers - $56.27

Post Office Box (Box # 1058) - $150.00

CONTACT

If you have questions, or would like to get involved with this church plant, contact the church plant at the info below or call World Witness Director, Dock Hobbs at (910) 892-4161.

Church Mailing Address:
c/o of Michael Howard
P.O. box 1079
Mechanicsville, VA 23111

Church E-mail: pretreeman@aol.com

Church Phone: (804) 779-7904