In the late 70s the country was experiencing the final blast of a major renewal and outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the Church. In this atmosphere of change, Tim and Christine Hackett were found and singled out by God for His mercy and saving grace. From a drug addicted and problem riddled lifestyle to miraculous deliverance and restoration, their lives took on a purpose and determination that birthed a lasting local congregation.
Being ‘country’ folks and isolated from much input had its problems and its advantages. The Bible became the central obsession of both Tim and Christine and by extension their children and neighbors. Without a name or even a clear purpose they began having weekly meetings at home where they just worshiped, prayed and read the Bible, while the kids ran crazy with their friends.
Gradually, the direction of God began to coalesce in a message of God’s amazing grace. Tim and Christine focused their study on grace and its workings in lives through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
In the summer of 1981 God began to impress our small group of 30 or 40 that we could form a congregation and meet for regular services; a major stumbling block in a place that had virtually no commercial buildings or property! Our first meetings were in the open air at the YMCA campground. With the help of fellow ministers (Jan and Dale Simmons and family) and God’s faithful people, we rented a garage without a floor, where people had parties on Saturday nights. We poured a concrete floor ourselves. Someone donated a piano. Every Sunday morning we would come and mop up beer, pull out our piano, guitars, wood stove for heat, outhouse for necessities, a rented trailer for Children’s Church, our folding chairs and worship the Lord with all our might. Can you say “We’ve come a long way baby!”? Tim and Tom Kerwin would preach the Word of Grace and God would show up!
In just one year, the money was miraculously provided for us to have our own building and land. October of 1982 we held our first service at 87 Highway 344, officially a Church in Edgewood. We were now a ‘visible’ force for change in the East Mts.
By the next year, we were convinced that a school was our next ministry step. Again, miraculously the funds came for our school building and we started our first term at Edgewood Christian School in the fall of 1984 with just 19 students. Now our school has more than tripled, still small, but awesome and effective. Our reputation precedes us! We have never had such long lasting impact in lives as we have with the outreach of Edgewood Christian School.
A sudden attack left us devastated in August 1993. Just 12 years after our inception our Pastor, Tim Hackett died of a heart attack without warning! What a period of fear and mourning we endured. But in our extreme weakness the strength of Jesus prevailed. Within hours of the tragedy, He began to speak new direction and shore up the weak spots with His grace. Christine would continue the work as the Lead Pastor along with Bryan Hackett as her Associate, who had just recently come on board to learn and grow in his ministry calling.
The people of God rallied to the fight. Where Satan raised his ugly head we collectively stomped him to ribbons in the Name of Jesus. So much thanks to all our wonderful friends and Church family. EBF is what it is today, strong, vital and still effective because you stood with us.
Our next phase is about to begin! August 6th 2006 is our 25th anniversary of ministry in Edgewood. Bryan Hackett will be officially installed as our new Lead Pastor. Jared Torres will assume the Youth leadership and Christine will be giving most of her efforts to Administration of the School and Church ministries.
Hope you are here to celebrate as we watch God do His awesome work in Edgewood till Jesus comes again.
