Not every worshipper gets to sit on a padded pew or look through stained glass - but that doesn't mean God cares any less about them.
Indeed, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which holds its Sabbath on Saturday, understands that thousands of members of its denomination who believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and savior, are forced, because of poverty and a lack of resources, to meet under a tree or in a rented house.
Now, Williamsport-area Seventh-day Adventists have jumped into action to see that that does not have to happen.
Since August, the congregations here have raised enough money to build five pre-fabricated houses of worship called One-Day Churches in some rather far-flung locations abroad, according to Pastor (Elder) Tom Grove.
"We're really excited about it," Grove said after hearing about the concept at a convention that featured One-Day Church founder Garwin McNeilus who spoke about how these pre-fabricated kits are helping spread the word of the kingdom of God around the globe.
"I'm told they are baptizing people by the thousands," local Seventh-day Adventist Church member Elaine Scott said. The church is planning to display a plaque in one of the One-Day Churches that denotes sponsorship by the South Williamsport church.
The quickly built but sturdy structures are erected in places such as Mozambique and in Central and South America.
Local church-goers are planning to use Google Earth technology to see where their donations have gone.
"Maybe, in time, our church members can actually go to one of these sites and help construct a One-Day Church," Grove said. So far, the local denomination has come up with sponsorship for five of these type of churches after raising $7,500 as several groups in the denomination have chipped in, he said. Church members have held brunches sponsored by the Sabbath school classes, collected aluminum cans to get recycling funds and have given privately as part of the overall fundraiser.
Considered durable and rugged by any standards, the skeleton of the churches is made of galvanized steel, which is able to withstand the elements of a tropical environment.
The structure has a vented roof so worshippers aren't complaining about the extreme temperatures and the galvanization process prevents rust for long lasting wear.
Standard size churches of this type are 20 feet by 35 feet and seat about 150 people.
The single-day construction allows for various wall finishes, a project that involves local members in the cities and towns.
The design also provides a church home to enhance membership retention, according to the church officials. And it establishes a more permanent Seventh-day Adventist witness in each of the communities.
In most of the villages, the churches are covered by bamboo or brick, depending on what is available and appropriate for the location.
In many parts of the world, bamboo or cane is regularly used as a wall material for houses and buildings. It provides a straight line exterior and can be easily replaced whenever necessary. For cities or some suitable rural areas, brick can be used for the walls.
Work to build the church starts around 7 a.m.
The One-Day Church kit arrives in a crate that weighs 1,300 pounds and can be delivered in the back of a pickup truck.
Typically, it is erected with two skilled workers and a few helpers, each using simple power and hand tools.
The first One-Day Church was constructed by volunteers from Generation of Youth for Christ in Nueva Esperanza, Ecuador. Wall panels from bamboo were put in place and attached to the framework. In 12 hours after the start of work, the church was ready for its first evangelistic meeting and it was filled to overflowing.
"After a new church is built, membership often doubles and even triples as more people accept the good news of the gospel," church officials said.
Pastor Leonel Lozano, president of the Adventist Church in Ecuador, said he expects there to be four times as many members at the Nueva Esperanza church.
Sponsored by ASI Ministries of Silver Spring, Md., and Maranatha Volunteers International of Sacramento, Calif., thousands of Seventh-day Adventists can now attend church services in a structure they can call their permanent church home.
"We see ourselves as part of the worldwide church of 17 million Seventh-day Adventists who are expanding their memberships daily," Grove said.
"Our purpose is creating souls for the kingdom of God."
