Amherst, New York
Mayfair’s elders decided in 1989 to focus US Mission efforts on a large metropolitan area with little church of Christ influence. God led them to Amherst, NY, where the Jim Yarian family initially served in planting and nurturing that new congregation. As it began to grow, the meeting facilities went from the Yarian’s home to a rented motel meeting room, then to an empty refurbished small engine repair shop, which is part of the current expanded facility. In 1993, Mayfair’s Hammerheads became “official” by adding a new auditorium, lobby, and restrooms to the current facility, which is located on prime real estate in a high traffic and high visibility area. Amherst has provided excellent opportunities for Mayfair’s youth and adults to serve in meaningful mission work experiences through the years.
After the Amherst congregation became financially self-supporting, in March 2004 they partnered with Mayfair to establish a productive campus ministry in the heart of the campus commons area at the University of Buffalo. In addition to giving the Amherst brethren a significant local outreach effort, this mission quickly became worldwide by teaching many foreign students the English language using the Bible. Our prayer is that as these students graduate and return home, their new faith will blossom as they share with family and friends. This helps solidify the old saying that “the sun never sets on Mayfair’s mission points.” For this we give God the glory.
Today, Alexander Tullis serves as the campus minister for this exciting and far-reaching ministry. On Sunday and Wednesday evenings he presents devotionals and Bible studies onsite for the students. Service projects and team-building activities help blend the widely diverse group of students, pointing them to Jesus. As this unique ministry struggles financially, we pray God will bring support from other local congregations, UB alumnae, and family members of students who have been brought closer to Jesus through this vibrant campus mission effort. For information on how you can be a part of this ministry, please contact David Guy.