LIGHT shines in St. Regis

Dr. Alan and Sarah Damron have the intention to spread the gospel from St. Regis to the Idaho border.

“We just learned right from the beginning of our stay in Haugen that we needed to make an impact in St. Regis because that’s where all the kids go to school and we’ve been asked so many times if there’s something we could provide for the teenagers to do,” Alan said.

They started a Bible study group and have been meeting in the community center in St. Regis. Alan said that the board has been great to work with. The pair is excited because they’ve recently been able to acquire the old Methodist Church building in St. Regis.

“When we realized that the building was available we started praying,” Alan said. “The more we prayed and the more we spread the word, the more we had peace that it was going to happen in God’s time.”

With help from the Montana State Baptist Convention and the Glacier Baptist Association, and help from private donors through the New Day Network Ministry nonprofit, they were able to take care of the down payment.

“We’re deeply interested in the success, prosperity and spiritual aspect from St. Regis to Idaho,” Alan said. “We’re not a fly by night group of people. We’re here to stay and we’re committee to this community.”

The building that they acquired has been empty for a few years now, but Alan said that it is in good shape.

“Structurally, the building is really sound,” Alan said. “A lot of what needs done is just cosmetics. A little paint here, some of this there. Whoever had this building before us did a good job of taking care of it. It’s not run down. It’s a good space and just needs some minor stuff taken care of.”

Services will be offered at New Fellowship in Haugen at 9:15 and 11:15 in St. Regis. Services in Haugen will start on March 20 in the new building.

The church’s identity is centered on 2 Corinthians 5:17, which says if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.

 “Basically, that says to us that no matter who you are or what you’ve done, you can start over with and have a new life,” Alan said.

Alan and Sarah are especially excited to be bringing LIGHT, the student ministry to St. Regis. They said that they plan to have the group start meeting on the Wednesday following March 20.

“It’s going to be for students seventh through twelfth grade and we’re going to have music and games in a place where they can come and Christ will be at the center,” Alan said.

Sarah said that last summer when the student group came to help out they conducted surveys and that was one of the biggest things that people mentioned.

“We also met with a small group of youth and that’s the cry of their heart,” she said. “They want a place where they can go as a group and be in a positive environment.”

Alan said that when growing up, there were always several churches and each of them had a youth group of some sort, but when he came out to Montana, there wasn’t even one.

They cautioned that it wouldn’t be a clubhouse where kids can do as they please. There will be guidelines, but everyone is welcome.

“It’s just an alternative religious atmosphere where kids can come and hang out and build relationships,” Alan said.

Down the road, they want to do something for the preschoolers and other young kids, as well as have a group for adults as well. They said that they chose Wednesday because that was the best night that wouldn’t interfere with school activities because they don’t want to trample on what’s already going on.

Eventually, they also want to start holding meals on Wednesday as well.

The pair is excited for what’s happening and the doors God is opening. They are also looking forward to the summer months as they have four or five more groups coming to help with projects around the area.

“We just want to do our part,” Alan said.