Waterville

© 2005, Night Whale Productions

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I was driving across Washington state on US Highway 2, Callie the beagle my only traveling companion. The town of Waterville appeared like a picture out of a "wheatland dream", and as so often happens, my mind began to wander. Who lives here? What are their lives like? Just outside of town, I saw a John Deere tractor plowing a field, and the first line of the song jumped into my head. ("A tractor prowls in gold and green...")

We stopped to stroll around town, and a certain peacefulness enveloped me. It was compelling, and I couldn't help but fantasize about living in a small town, away from the bustle of cities, interstate freeways and goal-driven careers. Yet, I knew that the residents of Waterville are faced with many of the same challenges we city folks face. There is heartache, loneliness, and "souls in need".

Traditionally, small communities like Waterville have been the backbone of America. Yet because of changing economic times, many of these small communities are finding it difficult to maintain their wholesome character. In many cases, their churches have closed, leaving rural communities without a Gospel witness. (Thankfully, it doesn't appear that Waterville has fallen victim to this unhappy situation.) Village Missions is an organization that supplies pastors to keep church doors open in small communities. Dedicated men and women, like the pastor's wife in the song, have left families, friends and careers to be faithful to their call to these small towns. Their ministry is often difficult, but they serve because there are "souls in need" even in idyllic communities like Waterville.

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