History of Spark

       It all started on a bright and sunny Wednesday afternoon in the summer of 2014, when our pastors wife, Manja Arnold was delivering food to her friend who had just had a baby. Suddenly she spotted a young woman walking down the side of the road. Just two weeks before she had driven past a man in need and, frustrated with herself, made a resolution to help the next struggling person she saw. She stopped, asked her what her name was, and asked if she could give her a ride. The ladies name was Ange; she was barefoot, bleeding, and distraught. She had just been kicked out of her trailer by her boyfriend and just needed a ride around the corner where she could stay with one of her other friends. When Mrs. Manja was leaving Ange’s friend told her “God bless you.” This was a moment of realization for her. She was shocked at the incredible need of the people around her and the sad irony of the blessing, she thought “bless me? No! God needs to bless them!” This was one of the reasons she wonted to start Spark.

       Spark was started by Seth and Manja Arnold and a few other like-minded people, such as Mr. Kenny Haines and his family, who wanted to engage the local community. There here were two main things that made us realize the need for spark: Ange and the Awana outreach. Awana is a Wednesday night bible study for kids that some churches do. Before planting this church, Seth Arnold and his family were part of an out reach which brought Awana to the trailer park. This was the first time they became involved with the children of Ainsley Mobile home park, and they were able to see the kids in their own domain. 

       Now being aware to the need, they needed a way to help the people. For a couple years they provided a summer backyard Bible club for the kids but this felt ineffective because temporary programs are not the best way to build relationships. We believe that without a relationship with the people helping them effectively is next to impossible. If you don’t know the person you’re talking to very well then you are not going to be easily prompted to share your personal struggles and problems in your life, so they need a way to stay involved year round. They were able to solve this problem when they met the Haines. Mr. Kenny Haines grew up in a trailer park and had the same passion for the people that we did and he thought that the best way to be involved in the community is to be part of the community so they bought a trailer in the park on the 15th of September 2016. 

       The trailer they bought was total garbage, they were paying $500 a month for lot rent, and they felt it was useless to try to renovate. It needed to be torn down. But they persevered and continued to work on it. When they finally fix the holes in the floor, paint, and the walls it was May 12, 2017. Even after renovations there were still problems like bad smells and leaking water. 
       Mr. Seth knew it wouldn’t work long term, so during a fall festival which was hosted by the manager, he asked her if they could use the old office building instead. She told him they could write a proposal to the owners and she would give it to them. So he did in November. The owners let them have it and said they would pay us $150 per month to run it. They didn’t move in immediately though because they wanted to finish the years rent in the old trailer. 

       There are three buildings, the main one was unused, and the two other buildings were being used for storage by one of the tenants named Clinton. He came and took all his stuff away so we could begin renovations. The main building had a unpleasant odor, bad carpet, Bad lighting, and needed paint outside and inside. One of the two storage buildings needed a new floor, and some new roofing. The other needed flooring, some wall replacement, electricity, and paint. After six weeks most of the renovation was complete. We are now using it to host events and for our Sunday morning gatherings. Come and be part of the comunity.