Attendance fluctuates at First Assembly Whole Life Center in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where 80 percent of its congregation has direct military connections.

But whether 25 or 65 attend, Pastor Tony Ashworth can count on a new visitor from Park Crest A/G in Springfield, Missouri, each month to drop a check in the offering to show ongoing support.

"We agreed to pay a set amount per month for three years to the Fort Leonard Wood church after paying off our mortgage earlier this year," said Park Crest Pastor Scott Temple. Monies go toward a new 16,000-square-foot building at Fort Leonard Wood. Park Crest also sent workers to help with construction.

The Southern Missouri district, St. James A/G and Rolla First A/G gave large offerings as well. "We rely heavily on the generosity of other churches," Ashworth said. "The military moves most of our people within two years. The church here is more of a mission field."

By Albert H. Lee