Messiah’s Mansion drew approximately 3,517 guests to McPherson, Kansas, last July and prompted 242 people to request ongoing Bible studies. Hosted by the McPherson Church, the exhibit introduced visitors to the Bible’s sanctuary message and its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
The response reached beyond the host community. Wichita accounted for 74 Bible study requests, followed by McPherson with 53, Salina with 38 and Hutchinson with 21. Others came from surrounding communities and six states outside Kansas. The church’s follow-up plan calls for contacting each person and connecting them with a local congregation whenever possible.
For Pastor Eli Fuentes, those results followed months of prayer by a congregation that began with about $1,000 available for evangelism. Hosting the exhibit would require approximately $18,000 and at least 40 people to help with setup.
“To be honest, I thought it was impossible,” Fuentes wrote in his account of the project.
Head elder Engel Yoder first proposed bringing Messiah’s Mansion to McPherson early in 2025. Members began studying Steps to Personal Revival that March, then spent 40 days in prayer and fasting during the summer. They prayed specifically about whether to host the exhibit.
Yoder was battling cancer when he proposed the project. During the 40 days of prayer, he told the congregation he had been declared cancer-free. Fuentes, who had prayed for Yoder’s healing as a sign to move forward, saw the news as confirmation to pursue the outreach.
The church voted that September to invite Messiah’s Mansion. Members continued praying for the money and volunteers they would need.
After Yoder requested prayer for the project during a Christmas musical, someone approached him at the potluck and shared that he had made a significant donation. Another contribution came while Yoder was visiting family in Enterprise.
The church secured a park across the street from their church building for the exhibit, and also lodging for its staff. The lodging owner offered a 30 percent discount after learning why the group was coming. Conference support arrived in February 2026.
Members also expanded their plans for sharing the Bible’s message. Instead of waiting until the following week to hold an evangelistic series, they planned meetings each evening after the exhibit presentations. Another 40 days of prayer began in May as the congregation prepared for the July outreach.
Volunteers remained a concern as setup began on July 12. Only about eight people were there at the start. Around 10 a.m., approximately 10 community members arrived to help. A family of four drove about two hours from Kiowa, Kansas, to join them.
The following day, approximately 15 community members helped with the work. With their assistance, setup finished a day ahead of schedule.
Reflecting on the preparations, Fuentes wrote, “We met together again and again—not simply to plan, but to praise God for the way He was leading us.” The focus on prayer and praise continues during the follow-up calls to each person and efforts to connect them with a local congregations.
