Mortgage Payoff Fuels Community Outreach

WICHITA FALLS, TEX. – The Wichita Falls Three Angels Seventh-day Adventist Church celebrated a historic Sabbath on April 25, dedicating its recently debt-free church building. The sanctuary was filled with gratitude and joy as church members, guests and Texas Conference leaders gathered for the significant milestone.

In 2024, when Anthony Crawford became pastor of the Wichita Three Angels church, he noticed that the church’s mortgage was limiting ministry opportunities. He presented a payoff plan, and the church united in support of the vision. Their dedication led to the church paying off the mortgage in less than 18 months, nearly seven years ahead of schedule. This resulted in saving the church more than $180,000 in interest, allowing the church to redirect funds toward ministry and community outreach.

The April 25 celebration also honored the rich legacy of the 104-year-old congregation. Former pastors Gary Blanchard, John Clark and Denilson Reis delivered video messages, celebrating the church’s journey.

The dedication ceremony featured the tradition of burning mortgage documents, symbolizing the church’s financial freedom and commitment to God’s work. Cheers, applause and prayers echoed as the flames consumed the papers.

The day culminated in a community outreach event when members distributed 500 copies of Ellen G. White’s The Great Controversy to Wichita Falls residents, inviting community members to attend a gospel concert scheduled for a few weeks later.

One elderly couple greeted participants enthusiastically and asked about church service times. After learning about Sabbath services, they also asked about activities held during the week, explaining that they had often seen many cars in the church parking lot while driving by.

The day marked not only the end of financial burdens but also the beginning of a revitalized era in the church’s ministry, serving as a reminder of how God blesses His people in ways they may not always imagine.

By Allan Crosby, Rick Summerlin

and Thaynn Summerlin

‍