Caledonia Argus

Bread of Life church welcomes new pastor

Posted: 8/13/02

By Shannon McKinney
Argus News Reporter

Living in the USA feels like paradise for Jerry VanRavenhorst and his family, who recently returned from a 10 year mission trip from Albania, the poorest country in Europe.

VanRavenhorst began as the Bread of Lifeís new pastor in Caledonia a few weeks ago. The fellowship had been operating without a pastor for the past year. The church had been known as a Vineyard church, but changed denominations in favor of a different leadership style.

VanRavenhorst would have been content to live the rest of his life in Albania despite the poor standard of living, but education for his children became a prime reason for returning to the United States two months ago.

When the VanRavenhorsts brought their four sons to Albania in 1990, they home schooled them. But a few years ago, they sent back their eldest son to America to attend high school for the rest of his education. He lived with his older sister. VanRavenhorst said there was only so much they could teach them at home. He said, ìIt didnít seem right to keep sending kids home, so we asked the Lord if something would open up.î

VanRavenhorst knew about the opening in Caledonia since the Bread of Life church is now part of the ATM (Apostolic Team Ministries), which is a non-denominational organization that helped sponsor his mission trip to Albania.

Coming to Caledonia is like a dream come true for the VanRavenhorsts who grew up in Austin, Minnesota, but always wanted to live in the beautiful southeastern part of Minnesota. ìItís like God was blessing us for serving him there,î he said.

VanRavenhorst was raised in a Baptist church, then he became interested in planting churches with ATM similar to the way the apostles in the New Testament Bible planted churches. He had been planting churches for several years before he moved to Albania and planted two churches which grew in numbers to 120 and 200 members. He views his ministry at the Bread of Life church as planting a church because the membership has dwindled.

VanRavenhorst has given sermons to Caledonia before in the 1980s.

The VanRavenhorsts will have three boys attending Caledonia Public Schools this year. David will be senior this year and is transferring from Faribault. He will also be competing in football.

Aaron will be a freshman and Ezra will be in sixth grade.

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