Oct. 19, 2009 issue
Once swindled, now blessed
After an inauspicious start, MB congregation turns 100
By Myra Holmes Christian LeaderPage:
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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A band of Mennonite Brethren farmers from the Midwest got off a train 100 years ago in the San Joaquin Valley expecting orange groves, fig trees and grapes.
Rosedale’s women’s ministry is “the most enjoyable that I’ve ever seen,” says Pastor John Scoggins. Here, Joy Klopfenstein and daughters Brianna and Ashlyn enjoy a mother-daughter tea. Rosedale women also make quilts and relief kits to benefit Mennonite Central Committee. — Photo provided by Rosedale Bible Church
They’d sold their land and most of their possessions to reach this new “promised land.”
Instead, they found the land not only lacking orchards but also proper deeds. They’d been swindled.
But God apparently had plans for that small band of believers. From what is now known as “The Martensdale Swindle” grew Rosedale Bible Church, a congregation that will celebrate its centennial Nov. 13-15.
“God brought a small number of families that were ripped off 100 years ago, and because of their faithfulness, God has a plan for our community that involves this church,” said senior pastor John Scoggins Jr. “That’s something to rejoice in.”
On the founders’ first evening in their new home, even as reality set in, Jacob Kliewer encouraged them to praise God. He is credited as their first pastor.
Pastors who followed generally had a common trait, Scoggins says: They preached the Word. As a result, “this church has had generations of people that have had a very, very strong commitment to biblical Christianity,” Scoggins said.
Current pastoral staff includes Scoggins; Danny Krause, youth pastor; Jason Klopfenstein, pastor of adult and family ministries; and John Biller, now in his 24th year as worship pastor.
One promise kept
According to historical information gathered by Rosedale member Connie Fleishauer, the one promise the swindler did keep was to build a church for the group — a small building with a sign reading, “Mennonite Brethren Church.”
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