Religion

Legacy continued at Living Hope Church in LH

LOCK HAVEN -- The legacy of the Living Hope United Pentecostal Church is continuing on Lock Haven Campus.

25 years ago this fall, a broken young man found God in a Pentecostal church in Lewisburg, Pa.

Roger Betterley found his calling in the early 90s and began his own church, Living Hope United Pentecostal Church, in Williamsport.

Over the past 25 years, the church has gradually grown to include multiple locations in Williamsport (east and west), Muncy and now Lock Haven.

"Many people like myself, someone that has had a rough life that maybe consisted of addiction and all of that, have found God in this great church and under the leadership of Pastor Betterley," said Seth Fredricks, a member of the church.

Over a decade later, Caleb Smith began the Lock Haven branch of Living Hope United Pentecostal Church under the leadership of Bishop Betterley.

Smith, like Fredricks had mentioned, was one of the individuals with a rough background that has found his place and his future in the church.

Originally from Hughesville, Smith played high school football and moved on to play football at Lock Haven University. During that time, he suffered a knee injury that put a stop to his football career. Smith ended up spending his time partying and eventually dropped out of college.

Some time later, Smith found himself in Pastor Betterley's church, got his life together and felt a call to preach.

"(Betterley) is a great man, and I love serving under him. He has a passion for people and that's what he's taught me. He's been my pastor since 2008, he's open and real and he's taught me a lot," said Smith.

"I wanted to reach the community," said Smith, "I wanted to give people hope. My grandparents lived past the football field growing up, so I've always liked this area."

The facility is located at 320 W. Church St. in Lock Haven, at the LHU Spiritual Center.

Doors officially opened at the facility on Sept. 25, 2022, and held a get-together at Hoberman Park. They had games and food for the community, and had an excellent turn out of around 400 people.

Smith runs the facility with his wife, Kara, and their five children, Logan, Kendra, Braxton, Brayden and Luke are all active in the congregation as well.

Since their start, they have reliably held their Sunday services at 3 p.m.

The church also offers free home Bible study whenever someone is available.

"I always like to invite people to come and give it a 7-week trial. Don't just come once," said Smith, "We want to help out and connect with people. Everyone is welcome."

For more information on the church and to get in contact, visit livinghopeupc.com

There, you will find information on services, directions to church campuses and links where you can watch their live streamed services.

Though the church group in Lock Haven doesn't livestream their services, Living Hope UPC in Williamsport livestreams their Sunday morning service, beginning at 10 a.m., as well as their Wednesday night Bible study at 7 p.m.