The Power of Pizza

Story by Tamyra Horst

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Andrew Christiansen, a pastor who serves in the Pennsylvania Conference, believes in the power of pizza.

Earlier this year, he invited members of his church district— Coudersport, Derrick City, Mount Jewett, and Warren—and anyone else who wanted to come to his annual pizza bake.

With more than 90 people who attended—40 from the community—they set a new record for the numbers of pizza made at this yearly event: 147.

They created the pizzas assembly-line style and baked each one in Christiansen’s pizza oven.

“People were talking and making new friends from all over the district,” shares Christiansen. “Last year, someone came thinking we were a cult and left no longer think- ing that way. They’ve been to church 10 plus times since. It is events like these that break down the barriers.”