When we arrived in Moravian Falls twenty-five years ago, there were few of us that had settled here. We few huddled together once a week to sing praises to our God and to pray as well as to have some fellowship. We were a bit like a clowder of wet cats that had been pulled from the water – shivering and hanging onto one another for warmth. With no one else here, we ate Thanksgiving together, as well as celebrating many other holidays together. The Lord’s love was tangible between us all.

Later, other Christians moved into the area. The group expanded to include a meal together once a month at the Morningstar Lodge. There was great camaraderie and great cooperation. Each person knew his or her calling and each supported others in their calling. Tremendous help and love came from all quarters. We all loved the Lord and we all knew that we were here for Him – not ourselves. That gave everyone here a sense of servanthood and humility. At this time mistakes were made in building – (such as several who mistakenly built on others’ land. Instead of requiring money or restitution, the land was simply given to the one who built incorrectly). “And why not” – was the reasoning. All of us were here for Him – not ourselves.

We all knew one thing beyond our own personal callings: the Lord had called for a House of Prayer on Prayer Mountain. The location was dedicated by those fathers in age and seniority of years in godly service, and we all sought to help so that the Lord might have His heart’s desire.

From all over the world, people came – both day and night. (Night, because that is when the angels could be photographed by the hundreds in their shining orbs.) Those of us who were privileged to live here did all that we could to make people welcomed and help them meet with God Almighty.

It has been a long time coming, but His criterion is still the same: Are we here for ourselves or to serve Him and His people?

It is a privilege to live here but it is also a blessed sacrifice. People are here from all over the world, and we are here to open our hearts and our help to them.

I hope that those of us who were here first and those who have come later will display the love, cooperation, and fellowship that the first wave of Christians who answered the call to Moravian Falls lived every day.

Prayer Mountain and the coming Moravian Falls House of Prayer are dedicated to the Lord. Both Prayer Mountain and the coming chapel will be open to His people because He asked for it. Those of us who live here on the mount are not overlords, but servants to our King. As it was said in Matthew 20:25-28 ²⁵ But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the gentiles domineer over them, and those in high position exercise authority over them. ²⁶ It is not this way among you, but whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant, ²⁷ and whoever desires to be first among you shall be your slave; ²⁸ . just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” NAS

As we move forward, I pray it is with that love of our Lord and love of His children that lights our path. May we here now cooperate in love and deferring to one another as those who came here originally: those who were so willing to help one another and even lose land if it would benefit a Christian brother or sister.

We cannot just preach love of the brethren; we must live it. All of this takes love, love, love. We pray that He shines forth through us with every step we take toward His chapel.