Transparent Christian Magazine

Michael Phelps, the greatest Olympian of all time recently said, “The one thing I’ve learned in the last four years is that all things are possible!”

In 1876 the Methodist Episcopal Church of Swan Quarter, North Carolina needed a new building, so when somebody donated a lot on Oyster Creek Road they accepted. It was low-lying so they constructed a sturdy little white-frame church and put it up on brick pilings.

Days later a storm lashed the town and those within sight of Oyster Creek Road witnessed something amazing. The church building—still intact—was afloat! The flood had lifted it off its pilings and sent it down the road.

They tried to moor it with ropes but the church moved on. At the town center, as dozens watched helplessly, it made a sharp inexplicable right turn and continued on. Finally, in the same decisive manner it veered off the road and stopped dead center in a vacant lot. The flood waters eventually receded but the building was still there.

In fact, 130 years have passed since the church, now called Providence Methodist Church, floated itself to the most desirable property in town. What’s amazing is this: The lot where is settled had originally been the congregation’s first choice for their building, but landowner Sam Sadler turned them down.

The morning after the flood, he presented the pastor with the deed!

If you feel like you are facing the impossible, please remember, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God!” Luke 18:27

Mike Cowart Sr.

(Read more about the history of this event here.)