CMBC welcomes new youth pastor

When Josiah Reimold of Peach Bottom was playing football at Solanco High School and being coached by a staff that included Chris Lenhart, pastor of Calvary Monument Bible Church (CMBC) in Paradise, Reimold probably had no idea that he would one day work alongside Lenhart as part of the church's ministry team. However, it was in high school that Reimold first felt the call to go into youth ministry.

"I felt the call halfway through high school," recalled Reimold, who grew up in Peach Bottom. "I went to Mechanic Grove Church of the Brethren at the time with my family, and the youth pastor there got me into youth ministry." After graduating from Solanco in 2019, Reimold headed to South Africa with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) for six months. The first three months he took part in Discipleship Training School, and the next three he worked with a team that evangelized both in rural villages and in the streets of Johannesburg. "We worked a lot with schools and children, and it added fuel to the fire I had for youth ministry to work with those kids," said Reimold, who returned to the United States in March of 2020 on the same day COVID-19 restrictions went into place. In the fall of 2020, he started studying at Lancaster Bible College (LBC), commuting to some in-person classes and taking others virtually. He will finish his degree in youth and young adult ministry with a minor in Bible in December.

A chance meeting between Lenhart and Reimold's parents helped to bring about his internship at CMBC, which began in May. Reimold has worked primarily with Jim Davis, pastor of administration and ministries. "(Davis) has helped me meet internship requirements and get adjusted to the community," said Reimold, who noted that the church youth pastor position was open when he began his internship, and Reimold became part-time director of next generations in late June.

In his new position, which will become full-time after Reimold graduates, he works with youths in grades seven through 12. Presently, the youths meet on Wednesdays from 6:40 to 8:15 p.m. Activities include game time, lessons, snack, and fellowship. Among the monthly events are laser tag, a barn party, and a fundraising event to help fund the yearly mission trip in July.

Reimold is happy to be fulfilling his call. "I just want to show (students) the goodness and glory of God," he shared. "One of the reasons I got into youth ministry is because I know these years (of youth) are very important (in shaping) the years that lie ahead," Reimold noted, adding, "I want to be able to help show them how great God is and how He is always present."

Working with his former football coach is a plus, too. Reimold said he is looking forward to Lenhart performing the wedding service when Reimhold marries his fiancee in May of 2024.

Readers who want to learn more about CMBC, located at 1660 Mine Road, Paradise, may visit https://calvarymonument.org. Specific questions about the youth program may be emailed to jreimold@calvarymonument.org.