One of the hardest things about being a military family and moving all the time is having to find a new church family each and every time we relocate. Sometimes we visit several churches and never find one at all.

From the moment we set foot in the Black Hills Church, we knew we were home. It was so refreshing to walk into a place where we truly felt that people cared about us being there and sincerely welcomed us. The true “test,” however, is when you go back for a second visit and people recognize you and call you by name.

We felt this and more upon our initial visits to the BHCofC — and felt such an instant connection with this church family that we didn’t even bother visiting another church the whole time we were stationed at Ellsworth.

Beyond the warmth of these brothers and sisters, we found ourselves drawn to a group who were hungry for the Truth; a group that lived for fellowship and kinship with other brothers and sisters in Christ; a group that was humble and God-fearing; a church whose faith was a real faith.

For us, we found it at the Black Hills Church of Christ, and we hope you do too. Good luck and God bless you in your journey.

Dear Brothers and Sisters at the Black Hills Church of Christ,

We often tell ourselves and each other to be content with the knowledge that we have planted seeds, and perhaps somewhere, something has taken root in soil we cannot see. It is difficult, however, to truly be content at this — especially when times are hard and we question whether or not our efforts are worthwhile.

I know that your congregation has struggled financially to support John Dennis and his family, and I’m certain that at times you wonder if that struggle has been fruitful. For me and my household, the answer is yes.

My husband Brian and I have never subscribed to the idea that marriage would be easy, but over the past few years — and more specifically the last few months — we found ourselves at an impasse. A marriage that had, at one time, humbly attempted to pursue God’s will had disintegrated into a heap of pain and anger. Looking at the rubble before us, we felt helpless.

Just as we turned to walk away, John appeared and offered his assistance. He told us that we could rebuild and offered to help us draw the blueprints for a stronger foundation. Brian and I have spent countless hours on the phone with John. I have heard him cooking dinner in the background, never cutting our conversations short. He always made me feel as though he had planned only for my call that day.

Brian and I recently traveled to Rapid City. John opened his home and offered his weekend to us. After cooking us breakfast, he rolled up his sleeves and not only showed us how, but helped us begin to dig through the rubble. Through his own tears, he assured us time and again that he was happy to be doing it.

Just as John told us would be the case, Brian and I are not out of the mess just yet. But where there were ruins just a week ago, there is now the rough outline of a foundation. There is now hope — hope that we would not have had if John had not personally handed it to us.

I am proud to know him, and my family is grateful for his service. More than just grateful, I believe that my family as I know it today can be credited to his service — or rather, God’s service rendered by John Dennis.

My husband and I both grew up in the Church of Christ and met at Harding University. Our family was stationed at Ellsworth AFB in June 2009. Upon our arrival, we began searching for a new church home. We visited the Churches of Christ in town and several other churches in Rapid City.

It wasn’t until we visited the Black Hills Church of Christ that we found a place to call home. We were warmly welcomed by the caring members, and our daughters developed fast friendships with the other children in the youth group.

Although the Black Hills Church of Christ is not a large body, the spirit and love of the members is amazing! I am always uplifted by the singing (truly wonderful for such a small group) and by the lessons of love that come from the pulpit.

We were somewhat nervous when we first arrived at Ellsworth because we came from such a large church in the South and were unsure if we would find a new church that could measure up. We have been very blessed to have found the Black Hills Church of Christ and pray that we will find a new loving church home when the Air Force moves us next.

I want to convey my appreciation for the website of the Black Hills Church of Christ in Rapid City, South Dakota. I search the internet almost weekly for lessons and ministry that speak the thoughts and words of God. The website of Black Hills Church of Christ is one of those resources.

I attempt to send others that I am blessed to speak the gospel to — and those who are not quite sure — to the website I have come to for fellowship and assurance of truthful teaching.

Black Hills Church of Christ is a very large part of my family, partly because of my earlier relationship with it, but even more so because of the continued relationship through the website. I am prayerful that more and more people will come to know and love the church family I know and love through the website.

I continue to ask for prayers for myself, my personal family, and my church family, as I too am mindful of you and pray for you.

If there is a need or concern which I am able to fulfill, please allow me the opportunity to be a part — even 900 miles away. I carry you with me always.

In the love of Christ,
Kenny