In response to the vision of some of our churches in SE Arizona, God has led the SWCC to plant a church in Morenci AZ.  A group of our pastors has accepted the task of serving as the Leadership Board for this new church and have subsequently called Gene Willey to be the founding pastor.  Gene and his wife Pam have served for many years in one of our sister churches, 1st Baptist Nogales, and were praying for an opportunity to plant a church, so we see God's perfect plan and timing at work here!

Gene and Pam with their son Nathan (13,) moved to Morenci in early October.  They have 2 more sons, Justin (22,) who is attending Glendale Community College pursuing a teaching degree, and Caleb (18,) who is attending UofA pursuing a degree in Management Information Systems.

By faith the Willey family has resigned their positions in Nogales and have moved to Morenci where they are putting down roots and building relationships in the community.  God has been miraculously clearing the way for the Willey's and for this church plant, which will happen some time in 2015.  We are all looking forward to the stories of how God is going to use this new work to bring the Gospel to un-churched families in this small and isolated mining town.  Our research has shown that there are many new families who are new to town and others soon to come.  Our prayer is that this church will impact many of them with the Gospel.

How you can help

Will you please add the Willeys to the list of missionaries you're praying for and please send a financial gift to help them have a strong start.  Every church that gives a one time gift or commits to monthly support for 1-3 years will be recorded as being a part of helping birth a brand new church, that God willing, will have many years of significant impact.  Like a newborn baby, a church is vulnerable in the early years until it is well established, please join with them in prayer and with a financial investment.

Checks can be sent to SWCC and note "Morenci."  

Southwest Church Connection