N.O.A.H.

The Northeastern Ohio Association of Helpers N.O.A.H. was started in 1958 as an effort to plant new Christian Churches throughout N.E. Ohio. The first church which N.O.A.H. planted was the Lynkirk Church of Christ in Youngstown, Ohio. David Rose was selected as the first evangelist for the new church, and for N.O.A.H.. Two years later Ed Smith was called to start a church in Madison, Ohio. Ed and Bonnie Smith continued to serve N.O.A.H. for the next 28 years. During that time N.O.A.H.was able to plant and assist about 30 churches as they started. In 1982 Pat Hartson was called to work as the N.O.A.H.evangelist and started work with the newly organized Lake Community Christian Church. Since 1982 N.O.A.H.has been able to plant and assist 39 new churches to become established in our area.

N.O.A.H.has a fourfold strategy for accomplishing her task. First, they employ evangelists to survey areas that would produce growth. For instance, they pay special attention to high density population areas (cities), places that do not have a conservative Christian church, new housing/development areas, and finally, areas that have a high ethnic population with few evangelistic works. The evangelists then help develop a strategy for reaching that area and seeing that the strategy is implemented.

The second strategy is to offer to the newly developed congregations a source of funds and encouragement. This is done through the Rotating Loan Fund. It makes money available to borrow at a very low interest rate so the churches can secure, or develop, property without jeopardizing their program.

The third strategy is the prayer and individual support that is generated through the New Church Sponsor Club. These are individuals who will give a gift of $5.00 or more for the new congregations at two critical times in their lives, their charter time and their first building dedication. These funds are given to the new church as a gift along with our love and prayers.

The fourth strategy is follow-up and resource support. Through the counsel of Godly men at our monthly directors meeting each new congregation receives guidance, support, prayer, and encouragement. At the current time, except for our newest work and our ethnic works, all of our churches are self supporting. With the support and cooperation of our churches, we are reaching Northeastern Ohio with the Gospel of Christ.

The reason Marlboro Christian Church exists is to glorify God by:
• Persuading People to Christ • Preparing People in Christ • Providing People with Love

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