To encourage our church, I am providing updates on two of the evangelism and discipleship ministries that First Baptist assists financially and through “hands-on” through volunteers from our church:
Celebrate Recovery
Though we are not yet serving food or providing child care, the core of the ministry is functioning well. Each Monday night at 6:30, Lee Chapel hosts 35-40 men and women who are specifically encouraged in their walk with the Lord. We are also very aware that we have many who come who have never received God’s offer of salvation through faith in Christ Jesus, so we work hard to make the gospel a priority.
We have seen fruit from this ministry, and other churches and pastors regularly refer those in need of CR to our ministry. We ask for your pray- ers. Also, if you are open to sharing your testimony as to God’s faithful-ness in your life, please let me know. We need those from our church to help us by visiting on a Monday night and bringing encouraging, 20-minute testimonies of God’s faithfulness in your walk with Him.
The Grace Place
Looking back, it is evident that God put together a place and a team ahead of the pandemic, and then use GP to get out a lot of food and love during a time of layoffs and uncertainty. Food has flowed into the ministry from our main partner, Heartland Hands in Southaven, but also from the Mid-South Food Bank and the Mississippi Foodwork. The Grace Place has also partnered with the Panola County Baptist Association in getting out food to the communities served by our churches.
Beginning Sept. 8, The Grace Place will be reopening its onsite children’s ministries for 3-6 p.m. ministry to children and students each Monday-Thursday. The ministry will focus on homework and school assistance, food needs for the children, fun activities, and will always include deliberate and direct evangelism efforts. We are in need of tutors or servants who would assist with food preparation. This is beautiful and spiritually profitable mission work right here in our community.
I am making these opportunities to serve available to my brothers and sisters in Christ, trusting that the Holy Spirit will draw workers to these ministries by touching hearts with these needs for prayer support and volunteers.
In Christian love,
John