Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Sindler, Dugas
----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 5/28/2014
Abundant Life Church (20 Years of Service – 1994 to 2014)
John and Lou Ann Sindler felt the call to the ministry in the late 1980’s while Living in Georgia. As they prayed and sought the will of God, they were led in 1992 to Menominee, WI to pastor a home mission church. While living there, they were working fervently to spread the Word of Truth, for their heart’s desire was to see the lost won to Christ.
Then in 1994, the Lord was opening doors for the Sindlers to come to Thorp to possibly take the position over as the new pastor of ALC for Pastor David Dugas. To say it was an easy decision, it was not, I’m sure. As they continued in prayer for the Lord’s perfect will to be done, God confirmed His Will, and John and Lou Ann Sindler were voted in on June 1, 1994, as the new shepherd of Abundant Life Church.
Over the years, Pastor Sindler has worked diligently through much prayer and seeking the Lord’s direction to being many changes to Abundant Life Church. But his first and foremost desire was to lead people to Jesus.
The work began when Pastor, through prayer, saw the need for a Christian School. After all the requirements for starting a school were met with the state of Wisconsin, Abundant Life Christian Academy became a reality in 1997.
As the church started to grow, there was a need for more room and work began on the expansion of the sanctuary. Pastor has a vision and God continued to bless. Then, in approximately 2002, plans were being drawn for a Family Center, which consisted of a fellowship hall, gym, and new school rooms on the second floor. What a blessing to have the added space.
The sacrificed and hard work were not easy, but Pastor and Sis. Sindler continued to seek the Lord’s will for direction.
Once again, the church was growing and so was the need for more room in the sanctuary. Prayer for a new building was being lifted.
In 2007, plans were being drawn for a new sanctuary. After all the paperwork, permits issued, and financial matters were met, the digging began in 2008.
Pastor carried a lot on his shoulders, and many nights passed I’m sure, with little sleep as he prayed for God’s will to be done.
Lots of hard work was going into building this new sanctuary, and the big anticipated day came when the church was finished. February 1, 2009, we had our first church service in the new building. Praise the Lord!
Through the years, many other projects were done, like the children’s church sanctuary, and all the painted Sunday school rooms to look like stories from the Bible.
During all the building and remodeling, there have also been many ministries started because of Pastor and Sis. Sindler’s heart to reach out. Some of these ministries include: Prayer Committee, Children’s Ministry, Steadfast Seniors, Abundant Life Christian Academy, Youth Ministry, Mighty Men of Valor, Deaf & Sign Ministry, Music Team, Hospitality Team, Prison and Jail Ministry, Nursing Home and Bible Study, Puppet Team, Dorcas Society, Ministry Class, Ladies Jail Bible Study, Right from the Start Class, Outreach Impact, Clark County Services, and Pastoral Team.
Pastor and Sis. Sindler truly have a servant’s heart; they give their ALL for the cause of Christ.
Ephesians 4:11,12, “And he gave some apostles, and some prophets and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the body of Christ.”
We know that the work of a pastor is compared to that of a Shepherd. Shepherds lead, prod, take care, watch out for nurture, rescue, feed, and direct the sheep. Pastor Sindler has been that kind of shepherd. His heart is that of a servant, teaching that prayer and a relationship, with the Lord is to be first above all else. He has taught that just as it takes hard work physically to build new buildings, it’s that kind of hard work spiritually in growing a relationship with Jesus. That it is daily growing and laying aside the flesh; it’s desiring more of Jesus and less of me.
Hebrews 13:17, “Obey them that have the rule over you and submit yourselves, for they watch for your souls, as they must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief for that is unprofitable for you.”
Pastor and Sis. Sindler have lived out their faith by example, through good times also through the raging storms, holding tight to the Master’s hand, showing and proving the greatness of our God.
Over the years, they have taught many Bible studies, baptized many in the might name of Jesus and prayed with them as the Lord filled with the power of the holy Ghost. To know the extent of their labor and the many souls that have been impacted by their ministry will only be fully known in Glory.
The Bible tells to give honor to whom honor is due. The saints of Abundant Life Church give honor to our Pastor and first lady, Sis. Sindler. We are so blessed and thankful to be under such an amazing and humble leadership.
Thank you for 20 years of complete service to our King. May the great God we served bless you abundantly, as you have blessed us over the years. We love and appreciate you more than you will ever know.
The People of Abundant Life Church
Abundant Life Church, Thorp.
