In a move some have called ‘a God moment’ of interdenominational unity, an Assemblies of God church swapped buildings with a Baptist church in a small East Texas town, allowing each congregation to thrive in their new space. Southside Baptist Church (SBC) in Carthage, Texas, was running about 50 people in a 46,000-square-foot building that was draining all the church’s resources, including the congregation’s energy. Kirby Hill, pastor of SBC, noticed Faith Assembly of God outgrowing its space, so he proposed to Senior Pastor David Baze in October 2024 a building swap to better serve both churches. Through God’s direction and a lot of supernatural unity, both boards and congregations voted overwhelmingly to complete the trade. Gaylan Claunch, superintendent for the North Texas District of the Assemblies of God (NTDAG), likened the swap to something rooted in Psalm 118:23, which says ‘this is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our sight.’ Your tax-deductible gift supports our mission of reporting the truth and restoring the church. Donate $50 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you can elect to receive ‘Restory Your Life: How Jesus Reframes Your Past, Rewrites Your Present, and Redefines Your Future’ by Mary DeMuth, click here. Pastor David Baze of Faith Assembly of God. (Photo AG News) Baze, who also serves as a presbyter for NTDAG, ‘encountered a God moment’ at a time when they needed more room for growth and ministry, according to Claunch. ‘At the same time, Kirby Hill was praying along with his congregation about the need for different facilities,’ Claunch says. ‘Probably the least likely answer to prayer was that the two congregations swapped their churches, resulting in growth for both, a vibrant witness to the local community, and a remarkable season of unity and ministry expansion. We rejoice with both Faith Assembly and Southside Baptist as two godly pastors led this incredible story.’ Faith Assembly’s new building, the former Baptist church, needed some renovations, but God miraculously provided, including random strangers who asked to hook up their recreational vehicle outside the church. The couple then donated their RV (valued at almost $80,000) to Faith Assembly. Faith Assembly then received a nearly two-thirds discounted rate on the congregation’s property insurance from the original quote. Through all of this, no monies were exchanged and it has been something that has inspired community members. Gayla Wilson, a resident of Carthage, which has a population of around approximately 6,600, says her first reaction to the trade was ‘just wow.’ ‘Every time we had driven past Faith Assembly before, that body of believers looked like they were bursting at the seams,’ she recalls. ‘The parking lot was always full and you could just see the growth. When I learned that one congregation needed more space while the other needed to downsize, it just seemed like such a perfect fit. ‘To me, it felt like one of those situations where everyone wins,’ Wilson, 70, adds. ‘It’s practical, it makes sense, and more than that, I truly believe God is blessing both churches through it. It’s encouraging to see two congregations work together in a way that strengthens them both and continues the work of the kingdom.’ Baze, 64, who has pastored Faith Assembly for 24 years, notes that his initial reaction to the proposal was ‘shock and disbelief.’ ‘For my church board, it was even more so because of the insurance, increased utilities, repairs and updates needed,’ he explains. ‘Would our congregation of 100 be swallowed up in a sanctuary that size?’ ‘I believe it was God’s direction and timing for both churches,’ Baze
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