When Pastor Russell Young arrived in Aledo last October to lead Grace Evangelical Free Church, he came with a clear sense of purpose and a deep desire to connect. Having moved from the Duluth, Minnesota, area, where winters stretch long and harsh, Young and his family were drawn south by the promise of a more temperate climate—and by the warmth of a community he quickly came to love.
“We got here in October—October 21, to be exact—and it’s just been wonderful,” Young said. “Everyone told us Aledo was a great place to live, and that’s exactly how it has felt. The people have been incredibly welcoming.”
One of the first changes Pastor Young brought to the church was not in the programming or the sermons—it was structural. Literally. A prominent wall outside the church, which had long stood between the building and the highway, was removed. To Young, the symbolism was important.
“I called it the wall of separation,” he explained. “When I was considering coming here, God really gave me the vision of taking that wall down—not just physically, but spiritually. We wanted the church to feel open, welcoming. We wanted people to be able to see in and say, ‘Oh, there’s life here. We’re invited in.’ And based on the comments we’ve gotten, it’s made an impact.”
Young’s mission since arriving has focused on that same theme of openness—not only in architecture, but in action. Grace Evangelical Free has launched new outreach efforts intended to meet people where they are, literally and figuratively. One example is the church’s recent “Sweet Day of Prayer” event, where volunteers stood outside waving at passing cars, offering free donuts and prayer. The church distributed 45 donuts along with prayer pamphlets and church literature, and even handed out a few extra vouchers to Mercer Market staff, who donated the treats.
“That day was really fun and meaningful,” Young said. “We just wanted to say, ‘Hey, we’re here for you.’ And I think people responded to that. We’re not trying to force anything—we’re just trying to love people.”
Grace Evangelical Free also had a strong presence at this year’s Rhubarb Fest in Aledo, baking and selling around 50 pies and numerous crumbles to support their outreach work. That fundraising effort directly supports two children in El Salvador through Compassion International, helping provide education, books, and clothing—resources often out of reach for the families involved.
“We raise money so we can support these kids. It’s simple, but it means a lot,” Young explained. “And while we’re at events like Rhubarb Fest, we also offer prayer and conversation. That’s what it’s all about—being present, listening, caring.”
Young’s pastoral approach is shaped not only by theology but also by humility and empathy. He sees Grace Evangelical Free as a place where anyone can find community and healing, whether they’ve been attending church for decades or are stepping through the doors for the first time. He emphasizes that the church isn’t looking to grow for growth’s sake—it’s about faithfully serving those God brings through the doors.
Looking ahead, the church has extended an invitation to visitors at Haven Hills RV park and hopes to continue forming partnerships with local organizations and events. While no specific new programs have been announced yet, Young says more community-focused initiatives are in the works, possibly including a presence at upcoming Aledo events like Antique Days or car shows.
“Our goal is simple,” he said. “We want to be faithful. We want to serve. And we want people to know they are loved—not just by us, but by the Lord.”
Grace Evangelical Free Church holds Sunday services at 10:15 a.m., with an adult study hour beginning at 9:00 a.m. The church is located off Highway 17 in Aledo and welcomes anyone who is looking for connection, encouragement, or simply a place to pause and reflect.