On
December 10 Baptist Temple reached 102
years of ministry to our community. This past weekend we celebrated
both our rich past and the bright future created by God's grace and
the generosity of His people.
As
of this point we have received $330,874 in pledges for our Heartstong
for CHRIST
campaign. Our first fruit offering was $44,477.83 plus an additional
gift of stock valued at over $8000. More first fruit offering and
pledge cards are coming in.
This
is a time for thanksgiving. I thank God for these buildings. Each one
represents the faith of those who sacrificed time and treasure. Each
represents hope for the future because churches never build according
to current need. Each represents an answer to prayer that God would
provide resources so His people might do His work.
God
told King David, “You did well to have it in your heart to build a
temple for my Name.” 1
Kings 8:18
Those
that came before us did well to build Baptist Temple to lift up Jesus
name. Today would not be possible if not been for those who went
before us. We are building on their achievements and sacrifices.
I
thank God for His people. God's people serve; following the example
of our Lord who came to serve rather than to be served. God's people
share; showing hospitality to the family of churches and non-profits
that make their home on our campus and expand our ministry. God's
people give. I thank God for generations of generosity at Baptist
Temple.
This
is a time of rejoicing; not only for what God has done in the past
but for what He is doing in our day through our generation. Some had
already written off Baptist Temple. They believed that the 100th
anniversary was going to be a funeral service. Some were unsure that
we would reach 100 years so a 95th
anniversary was celebrated, just in case. Like so many churches
around us BT was in decline.
I
rejoice that God was not finished with us. These facilities were not
built to be temporary. They were built to last into the future. They
were remodeled for continued use. God sent partners, workers and
money to make our campus buzz with activity all week. Baptisms and
new members are filling our ranks and people outside our walls
rejoice with us.
I
rejoice that we listened to God, and stepped forward in faith. We did
it together. This has been a time of growing closer together. During
this campaign our older folk worked next to the younger ones; newer
members worked alongside longtime members.
We
stood firm and did not allow ourselves to be distracted by the
Enemy's schemes. We resisted the Devil and he did flee from us.
Instead, we gave ourselves fully to the work.
This
is a time of anticipation. I can hardly wait to see what God is going
to do through us in the future. God has given us the victory. Many
will be blessed by your giving. Many more people will be fed and
clothed. Many more children will learn about Jesus. Many people will
be led to Christ. Heaven will join us in rejoicing!
God
has allowed us to bless the future. The amount of money pledged will
enable us to take the big leap forward we needed to stay on top of
needed remodeling and repairs. It
will enhance our current ministries and ensure ministry long into the
future. If our Lord tarries I can see a new generation at our 150th
anniversary stand up and call you blessed.
This
is a day of thanksgiving for God's provision, of rejoicing for our
obedience and of anticipation for what lies ahead.
"For
I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,
"plans
to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans
to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah
29:11
1 comment:
Hoping to be there for the 150th!
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