- The History -
Although
they do not think of themselves as anything special
it is worth mentioning that if it were not for the obedience
to service and labor that Pastor [retired] Shay Mauhrin and his
wife Lou sacrificed; the lives of everyone who they have
helped would have never been changed.
Both
have overcome great difficulties in their young lives
and together as a young couple. As a little girl Sister Lou's
mother died when she was only 9yrs. old and was abandoned
by her alcoholic father. As an orphan Lou was alone in the world until
one day she meet her future husband Shay. Within 3 weeks they were
married and began a life with nothing but their love for one another.
Shay was 19yrs. old and Lou 17 yrs. old.
Starting
out their lives with nothing taught them the
meaning of perseverance no matter the circumstances.
Their first "home" together meant taking residence during
the
great depression during the 30's-40's in "housing rooms"
[a small room
to simply sleep in w/ a stove] for $3wk and once on a
friends closed in front porch [talk about cold winters!]
After which they did finally obtain their own home
and started a family.
They
have been married since 1936 and have three sons and one
daughter which all cherish them as the best parents in the world.
They taught their children never to look down on anyone, "for
you may walk in their shoes some day." Work hard, give
your best, be devoted to your family and serve the Lord.
Several
years later, Shay partnered a produce market making
really good money, but the Lord had other plans. He was called
to preach and Lou encouraged him.
They
began a new and exciting journey that a book would
have to be written to narrate all the stories of serving others
and devotion to the Lord.
He
was lead by the Lord to build a church, of all places,
in his back yard [which is where the Chapel is still located].
He first built a small worship center and held Sunday school
classes in their home. Today there is a church, a steeple with
a cross, and a fellowship center.
Over
the years people have stopped in asking for prayer with
troubled bodies and souls. The church that started in their
backyard has been used by the Lord to change many hearts.
Who
would ever think it possible for a young couple with so
little to begin their life together, could still be together over
seventy years later. If you ask them, they would tell you
it's not what you have, it's who you have; the Lord and each other.
They
still are very active members in the ministry including
Shay serving as an Elder and Deacon, both visiting the widows
and sick. Making people feel welcomed and loved by baking
snacks and putting the famous "brown lunch sack" in
your pew where you sit with your name on it.
[Wait till you try Lou's lemon marang pie].
We
have a tremendous example in this couple of
humility, service, love and compassion and as they
demonstrate what it means to "walk in the Spirit" may we
also
strive to become more like our Master Jesus Christ everyday.
