Powder River Examiner -

Though John Wilson may be the "new" minister at the Assembly of God church in Broadus, he is not new to the congregation, nor is he new to Southeastern Montana. John grew up on the family ranch near Ridge, along with brothers Jerry and Jim Wilson. After graduating high school in Belle Fourche, he matriculated to college in Missoula. John then returned to the area, teaching school for a year in Ridge and helping his dad calve and put up hay before finding his way into the ministry while he was in California for six months. He later returned to the Northern Plains, working construction in South Dakota, and later working as a pastor in Sundance, WY.

Over the years, John, along with his wife Joyce, would raise five children, as John continued his construction career. That career took him around the country, as he helped to build several hospitals in Colorado, Indiana, and Florida.

Last year, John decided to move back to Southeastern Montana to help his brother Jerry on the ranch in Belle Creek country, where John and Joyce also began building a cabin and shop.

Over the years, John had attended the Assembly of God in Broadus whenever his travels brought him near, and he had filled in as minister when the congregation found themselves between ministers. When former Broadus Assembly of God Pastor Zach Marengo moved on last winter, John was approached about becoming an interim pastor, to which he replied that "he was happy to help any way he could."

Since that time, John was asked by the state Assembly of God to take up the job permanently, and he's been ministering the word ever since.

It turns out John's new position really wasn't so new, after ministering to some familiar names after working with the congregation in Sundance, 40 years ago. He beamed as he spoke of his return home: "It's good to be back in this part of the country. People here are great. I've learned that there are good people everywhere, but it's nice to be in a place where we share cultural norms, expectations, and have a similar sense of humor." He continued: "My goal is to the help the church recover and grow, and be a help to the community as a whole. This is a natural place for me, I'm home".