Ministry Highlight: Renovation Church (Portage, MI)

Our relationship with Renovation Church in Portage, Michigan, began in the early 1990s. Most recently we worked with the congregation in 2006 on a loan to create new office space and remodel their youth space. Having a new office complex would allow them to use the old space for more classrooms.

On Tuesday, May 7, 2024, an EF-2 tornado touched down in Portage, traveling for 11 miles and reaching peak winds of 135 mph. Unfortunately, this included Renovation Church. While there was no structural damage to the church, there was plenty of tree, roof, and water damage. In a testimony to God’s providence, it is no coincidence that one of the attenders at Renovation Church owns a restoration company and was able to immediately begin damage control and clean-up.

We were blessed to be able to visit the church the day after the tornado, along with Southern Michigan Conference superintendent, Bruce Rhodes. Knowing they had a lot of upcoming decisions and meetings with insurance adjusters, we wanted to let them know we were available for support!

The church held an outdoor service the Sunday following the tornado with overwhelming attendance. They wrote on their Facebook page, “While it is so devastating to see this destruction, we are comforted in knowing that this is only a building …WE are the church. It’s been a blessing to see our community come together for each other, and without a doubt, this love and outreach will see us through this unfortunate journey.”