“Here at theWELLbuffalo we value 3 things in worship: the idea of community, the heart behind expression, and the deep connection we share with our Creator as we offer up genuine thanksgiving. Real worship, for real people, to an absolutely real God.
Worship is always our expression to God, in song, with voices, with words of prayer but most importantly lifestyle.”
A lot of beautiful things have happened in Buffalo since the last time we shared a ministry update in 2018 when Church Investors Fund then partnered with theWellbuffalo. At that time, the two churches had recently merged, Church Investors Fund financed the renovation of an existing building, and the church had recently purchased a second campus. You can read more about the previous update here:
The 2018 ministry update concluded with plans to keep growing and expanding with 1-2 campuses within Buffalo in the next 18-24 months. As Proverbs 19:21 says, “There are many plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” 2020, which is a number signifying perfect vision, had everything but clarity and instead was a year of immense uncertainty as COVID shutdowns had many churches wondering if they would survive. God has been good, and the church came stronger and healthier through it all.
In April of 2023, theWELLbuffalo broke ground on an almost 14,000 square foot addition to the Bethel Campus. The multi-million-dollar project was completed in October 2024. The addition is essentially another campus in itself! Pastor Darrick gave us a tour of the original Bethel Baptist Church campus and the new addition, which is attached and connected to the original building. The new space can accommodate gatherings of over 500 people, and they are close to space in both of their Sunday morning services. The church has seen growth of about 25-30% in attendance since moving into new space in October of 2024.
The church has multiple ministries for recovery, healing, counseling, families, and single mothers. They also give to their “Loved Out” partners which are ministries with boots on the ground, in the trenches, that the church comes along side of with financial and physical support. The church’s children’s and youth ministries are reaching into the local public schools. Kids are bringing their friends, and they are coming to faith in Jesus as well! The church also does seasonal outreaches for children and adults based on Christmas and Easter themes.
Recently, the church was a host site for something called “FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN,” which is an international feeding program. The church housed a mobile food pack weekend and saw over 350,000 meals prepared by hundreds of people who came and gave their time and money for the weekend. This was the first regional event that the church hosted in the new space at the Bethel Campus – and hopefully the first of many, many more to come!
One amazing example of God’s work is the family of John and Bambi Akright. They met in the military and have a blended family. They both came because of a personal invitation and later came to faith and were baptized. Bambi is now one of the Gathering hosts, and serves on the women’s ministry team. John is active in the men’s ministry and served in the youth ministry. Their love for the Lord and people is beautiful to see through their love, ministry, how they live their lives and how they warmly welcome everyone on Sunday morning!
The day we visited was a typical winter day for most Western New Yorkers, but for us native Californians the sunny 13 Fahrenheit degree weather might have been the coldest weather we have experienced in our lives. (We admit, the California sun has made us soft.) We had a renewed appreciation for heating and the indoors! Looking back, however, there was a unique and special warmth we experienced from visiting with the congregation that I appreciated even more. There were many stories of lives changed, an authenticity that was fresh, many who people who came to Christ and many that rekindled their “first love” through the church’s ministry.
It is wonderful and amazing to experience God’s work in the church, community and region, but that doesn’t come without its own challenges per Pastor Darrick. As the church grows, so do its needs. They are looking for an executive pastor to help manage their time and space better. New construction is never easy, budget and timelines often have a hard time staying on track, and the cost of the addition was more than anticipated. Pray that God blesses the church’s ministries so that the plentiful harvest will have sufficient workers. Pray that God sends more people with the heart of service. Pray that people will see that the church is still the best way to reach the lost people of Western New York. Pray that people would give freely of their time, talent, and treasure!
A heart-felt thank you to all investors who helped make this possible. Join us as we continue to pray for what God is doing in Western New York!
