RAILROAD STATIONS AND MUD CHURCHES

Nearly ninety years ago a group of believers in Durand, Michigan began meeting in what was known as the mud church.  They were a stalwart group of folks in this central Michigan railroad town  who loved the Lord and believed in Holiness of heart.
Their humble building was just a few blocks from the bustling, bee hive of activity called the Union Station.  Durand was the cross roads of the rail traffic both east and west, and north and south.  1922 was the peak of activity for the beautiful station with 42 passenger trains, 22 mail trains, and 78 freight trains "steaming" through town everyday.  While the church struggled to envision their future, there was one thing they knew.....the railroad was here to stay.
Now the Railroad Station is a museum; a lonely relic.  It is filled with memories and mementos,  faded photographs and rusty equipment.  It is a reminder of what used to be.  A few trains still come through and AmTrack stops on its way from Pt. Huron to Chicago. There is no ticket agent, just a lonely kiosk to send you on your way.





The little mud church?  It is the Durand Church of the Nazarene; a dynamic, alive, exciting group of Christ-followers.  Throughout the years they have relocated, built new buildings, and remained a vital part of their community.  They have survived for nearly a century while other businesses and groups are long gone.  Every year Durand holds "Railroad Days" to remind themselves of what "was".  This year the Durand Church of the Nazarene held a "Leadership 2012" weekend to dream of what yet is to be!  They dreamed, they prayed, they committed to honor the Lord by becoming faithful servants who would do whatever it may be that He wants them to do.  They don't want to live in the past but rather to plan for the future.  As I listened the sound of a train whistle pierce the frigid January air, I couldn't help but wonder what the next ninety years would hold for this great church.  It is my prayer, that should the Lord tarry, they will be faithfully proclaiming the full gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  God forbid their lovely building should become only a reminder of the way it used to be.  I believe that THE BEST IS YET TO COME!