March 09Inyokern neighbor of the month

Leading a growing congregation in a small town is a full-time job. I was able to schedule an appointment for a short interview with the Snyders at the end of a long day. This was after Tuesday evening choir practice which ends at about 7:30 pm. The Snyders were still smiling as they gave me some background information.

Ed is originally from New York state and his family moved to Redondo Beach where they lived for twenty-five years. Melody grew up in Torrance CA. Ed and Melody were introduced by Melody's sister Diane. This was when Ed was Diane's Pastor in Garden Grove. Ed's mother Doris and Melody's mother Lena both followed the Snyders to Ridgecrest.

Besides helping Ed with secretarial duties at home and playing the keyboard in church, Melody works as a secretary in the Ridgecrest Hospital dietary department. She also updates the Church website and answers email inquiries to the site. An inspiring example of a blessed union, Ed refers to Melody as his "right hand."

One of the accomplishments the Snyders feel is most noteworthy is that many lives have been changed by their ministry and the addition of more and younger members. Recent improvements to the Church building include the steeple and a modern audio/video system. The steeple was added in 2005 and makes the Baptist Church on Plains Street one of Inyokern's most outstanding landmarks.

The Snyders enjoy being outdoors and describe themselves as homebodies, yet they enjoy traveling and most of all spending time together. When at home they enjoy being outdoors in their backyard. Most memorable was their 2005 trip to to Israel for 10 days with John Hagee ministries, where they visited many sacred sites. Ed recalled how he was re-baptized is the Jordan River. In 2007 they were able to take a cruise along the inland passage to Alaska. The Snyders also enjoy one week a year at their time-share at Lawrence Welk Resort, where they enjoy the shows and recreation facilities.

The Snyders are grateful for their helpful and dedicated members. Pastor Ed mentioned the Childrens Ministry led by Miss Tee Heddens and the Youth Ministry led by Mr. Fred Yeager. He also mentioned Marjorie Syders and her late husband Jerry, who helped found the church, secretary Jan Blazek, and recently ordained Deacon Matthew Roberts.

Inyokern Baptist Church will host the joint sunrise service with the Inyokern Methodist Church this Easter Sunday at 6 am. The Church will also be a part of the Inyokern Centennial Easter Egg Hunt this coming Saturday April 11th, 10am at Inyokern Park. Inyokern Baptist Church also provides Christmas baskets and gifts to local families and is a generous supporter of Inyokern Town Hall. Thank you Pastor Ed and Melody Snyder and Inyokern Baptist Church for being such great neighbors.

This month the Neighbor of the Month will receive gift certificates from Torres Steakhouse in Inyokern and Clemis Country Gift Store in Ridgecrest. Thanks to our local businesses for their support.