by John Howell Jr.
FBC Batesville, Ms., has been a stalwart supporter of The Grace Place since its inception, and for that we are grateful. In January of this year, I was elected Board President following two years of strong leadership from Joe May. Our current board also includes Vice President Jonathan Garner, Secretary Marni McKenzie, Treasurer Bob Wadsworth, Past- President Joe May, Jimmy McCloud, Jeffrey Bean, and Jeremy Weldon.
Mike French is the director of benevolence ministries of The Grace Place. The ministries that are currently operational include a busy food pantry that serves clients who visit GP by appointment as well as carrying food to residents of three senior citizens homes in the county. GP also continues to provide used clothing and used furniture and appliances to those in need. Due to COVID-19 precautions, GP is currently conducting its counseling “curbside.” But please note that preaching the gospel and meeting spiritual needs continues to be the heartbeat of this ministry!
GP is prayerfully planning a summer program for children to begin this summer if restrictions are lifted by authorities. This summer program would allow children who deeply need guidance, structure, and love to come to GP and be provided Bible enrichment, academic enrichment, and activities. It would begin with a breakfast, following opening assembly, and end at 12:30 with children leaving with a sack lunch. This ministry would be led by Don Chapman, and we are praying for God to raise up servants to fill out this team. We ask for your prayers for this program, as we are preparing a budget and a detailed plan to consider at the May 13 meeting of the Board of Directors.
Our Board of Directors together are learning to trust the Lord for the resources needed to run this ministry. We are see- ing Almighty God respond to our prayers and the most amazing and powerful ways! We thank God for the way He is using many in this church to meet needs among the hurting in our county. We thank God for the opportunities to point those in need to the Lord Jesus Christ, because He alone has the answers we truly need and the power to experience eternal life now and forever!
If you have any questions about this ministry or want to learn more about how you can be used in this ministry, feel free to contact me or Mike French. Again, The Grace Place sincerely thanks First Baptist Batesville for your support of home missions through The Grace Place.