Heartstrong for Christ year 3 update

We are now in year three of our Heartstrong for Christ Capital Campaign and I am pleased to report that we have received $213,665 of the $330,000; that's 65% of the total. Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity.

Below is a letter from Joe Guinn a past member of Baptist Temple who continued to honor his pledge even as he moved to Arizona. He reminds us that our pledges and gifts are to honor God first. The earthly results are secondary.

Greetings Baptist Temple Family,

As we enter into 2016 we also enter into the 3rd year of a journey that we entered into together, Heart Strong for Christ. During the time of prayer for our commitment to the capital campaign I truly struggled and wrestled with what my commitment would be. I am so blessed that I allowed God to have his way in that decision because today I get to realize the true gift in my pledge. You see I don't see this final check to mean that I am free of a commitment that I made to God, but as witness to God fulfilling a promise that He made me to provide a way for me to be able to fulfill my promise to Him.

We thought as a church we were asked to commit to God, but the truth is we were being asked to allow God to show us Himself.

I know it's been a struggle, but I would like to encourage you to stay strong to the commitment, and allow God to show Himself to you in ways that perhaps you've never witnessed before. Remember God doesn't need what we have, but allows us the opportunity to receive a blessing when we trust Him. I am so blessed to have gotten to see that through Heart Strong for Christ, and pray that you all will also be blessed in the way that I have been.

103 Years of Service to our Community

Whenever someone comes to visit the Baptist Temple Campus, they marvel at both its size and quality. The buildings were built to last.

As impressive as our facilities are, it is what happens inside that matters most. Baptist Temple continues to be a shining light in our community and a blessing to our neighbors. Every day we provide quality education for more than 400 children in a safe environment. We provide after-school activities and youth sports. Families in need receive counseling, spiritual support, food and material goods.

Wednesday nights have come alive. Our free Agape meal feeds an average of 80 folks followed by prayer and Bible Study in English, Spanish and American Sign Language. AWANA provides spiritual formation for children and youth starting at age four. Abundant Life University provides practical application classes related to health and finances. Another English Bible Study and choir practice follow, making Wednesdays the busiest day of the week.

On Sundays, four worship services provide a variety of opportunities to praise God.

Last year we began our Heartstrong for Christ Capital Campaign to raise the funds needed to ensure the ministry of Baptist Temple will continue into the future. The pledge amount is $330,000. To date we have received $158,504.36; that's 46% of the total. We are on track!

The roof is finished, lighting and sound have been upgraded and the chapel is almost finished. An extra blessing was the remodeling of the thrift store that houses our food pantry. Volunteer labor along with salvaged and donated material have extended the power of our capital campaign dollars. Crosspoint tackled the painting the chapel, saving us a significant amount of dollars.

As we celebrate 103 years of ministry at Baptist Temple, we reflect upon so many changes over the decades. Baptist Temple has been a pioneer in the areas of evangelism, daycare, youth ministry and community ministry, listening to the Holy Spirit and adjusting to the seasons in faithfulness to both the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.

A year end n gift from you will help us to continue to show God's love to the people of our community.

GIVE NOW

Victory Sunday

I Corinthians 15:57-58

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.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34

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 100^th anniversary was going to be a funeral service. Some were unsure that we would reach 100 years so a 95^th 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 150^th 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

Honoring God with our Best

Proverbs 3:5-10

When we give God the First Fruits of our labors he will reward us abundantly both spiritually and physically. The Bible challenges us saying, “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10)

A sacrificial first fruit offering demonstrates obedience to God. "Trust in the LORD" (v. 5), says the Bible. One of the principles of a first fruit offering is trust in the promise of a future harvest. The first fruit were just a taste of what lay in store at the end of the full in-gathering of the harvest. A first fruit offering represents a prayer to God for the future harvest.

It, also, tests our faith in God promise to bless our giving. “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” (Malachi 3:10)

A sacrificial first fruit offering demonstrates our commitment to God. The passage continues: "in all thy ways acknowledge him"(v. 6). Giving your First Fruits means you are acknowledging God’s ownership of all you have. We sow seed and water but God provides the harvest. Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father. (James 1:17)

Money is like a magnet. It pulls our hearts towards wherever we put it. When I give money to God it pulls me closer to Him. The Bible says, "Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops" (v. 9)

God deserves the best part of our lives! God is honored by no less than our very best. Jesus said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

In Malachi God chastised the people for giving inferior gifts. “ When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice lame or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?” says the Lord Almighty.” (Malachi 1:8)

God is NOT an afterthought…

• God desires our best when it comes to our worship.
• God desires our best when it comes to our service.
• God desires our best when it comes to our giving.

God deserves our First Fruits.

My Lost Decade

Guest blog by William Palmer
 
My Lost Decade is part of my personal testimony; it’s riddled with disobedience, and a great example of what not to do. My Lost Decade began when I went off to college. I all but severed my relationship with God. I stopped attending church, stopped reading the bible, didn’t attend bible study, and ultimately stopped having prayerful conversations talking with God.

But for over a decade, He never gave up on me, and I practically had to go out of my way to avoid the incredibly special people and amazing opportunities God threw at me.
 
One of my best friends in college was president of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. For four years we hung out and studied together. My friend constantly invited me to Christian events, Bible studies…but I always seemed to have better things to do.
 
For about three years after college, I lived in a two family home, downstairs from a pastor! He did his job by inviting me into his home, to his church, to bible studies, and even said he was praying for me. And for three years I ignored him and threw God out of my house – quite literally. On one occasion, the pastor asked if I could please try to turn my stereo down on Friday nights because last week his group had to move their bible study to another location. 
 
Over the next three years, I found myself back in Texas and working in Houston. My boss at the time called me, “the homeless guy.” He was referring to the fact that I didn’t have a church home. I vividly remember one day coming into work and finding a care package sitting on my desk. Immediately, I recognized it as one of those packages I’d seen my boss gave out to homeless people at highway intersections. I remember eating the sandwich and drinking the bottle of water. And I remember tossing the Bible into the wastepaper basket next to my desk.

My boss also invited me to his church on several occasions, but I never went – again, I had had more important things to do. I found out later he’s an elder at church with a congregation of over 25,000.

My disobedience followed me to San Antonio, where a Baptist Temple deacon invited me to worship service on a few occasions.

I must really just be hard of hearing. Believe it or not, what finally got me through the doors of a church again, are the church’s ministries. It was the first Thursday of February, 2012. I was driving by Baptist Temple around 6:00 PM, and saw a line of people circling the building in the parking lot. I couldn’t believe it – it was the middle of the week – a Thursday evening, and the place was packed. I had to do a double take. I drove around the block, and saw signs for a daycare and charter school.

What got my attention was not hearsay and conjecture…it was not bumping into someone at the grocery store and listening to them talk at me about how great their church is, how many people attend, or how awesome the pastor’s message was last week. It was seeing the physical manifestation of God’s will at work: it was the church’s ministries in action. It told me that this place actually cares about the community, and cares about spreading God’s message. I didn’t realize it at the time, but it was also a promise to me that any financial contribution I make to Baptist Temple will be put to good use obeying and spreading God’s word.

The stewardship portion of my message is pretty short and simple. It’s about putting needs ahead of wants. For the past few years, I’ve been saving for some home improvements. I’ve been wanting a new floor downstairs, and a new deck for the back yard. But my church home needs a new roof, so that will come first.

By now, Baptist Temple has heard about a dozen remarkable stewardship testimonies. I certainly don’t want to trivialize any of them – but hearing all these terrific stories of sacrifice can make it tempting to travel down that road of disobedience. For example, it might be easy to think about sitting the campaign out because the rest of your church family has your back. Well guess what? A dozen stewardship testimonies does not a campaign make. Each and every member of the church’s family, including probably some folks who aren’t, will be required to obey for this campaign to be successful. 

I’d like to leave you with two frames of references on obedience; two different perspectives.

My disobedience didn’t just suddenly fall by the wayside after My Lost Decade ended. It didn’t suddenly stop after I walked through Baptist Temple’s doors. I still sometimes head down the wrong path when I know another one is correct.
 
To give me inspiration to obey, I like to look to the book of Acts, and some of the things Paul went through as his personal transformation brought him from persecuting Christians in his early years, to becoming obedient to God’s word. It’s such an inspiration to hear how Paul ultimately ending up building the first Christian Church.
 
When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him. (Acts 13:45)

The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison... (Acts 16:22-23)
 
I’m not sure if you have ever – out of obedience to God’s word – been falsely accused of crimes by friends and neighbors, or been physically beaten and thrown into prison because you were obeying. If you have, I’d love to hear your story.
 
We have it relatively easy obeying God’s word today.
 
The second frame of reference I want to leave you with is called seeing the forest from the trees. The tree Paul planted when he built that first Christian Church grew big and strong, with deep roots. But I can’t even begin to wrap my tiny little brain around the forest created by Jesus Christ. I can’t begin to understand the weight of the sins of mankind throughout time, borne on the back of one man. Sins you and I haven’t even committed yet are paid for out of the obedience of one Man to His Father, and His Father keeping a promise you and me.

Please, I urge you just to keep those frames of reference in mind the next time you find it difficult to obey.

Why HeartStrong for CHRIST!?

Guest blog by John Richey

It takes money to do God’s work. You may have heard it said that the HeartStrong for Christ! campaign is about the giver, not the gift, and that is true. But it is also true that the giver needs to be open to God’s will and make the sacrifice and gift that God wants each of us to make. Whether it be the widow’s mite or King David’s treasure, God knows what is needed and how each one of us can help meet that need. Pray and be open to what He puts in your heart. Baptist Temple is part of God’s presence on earth. Our buildings help us to do God’s work in the lives of our congregation and community. They support many efforts, including worship services for four congregations, the thrift store, food pantry, ceramics, day care, vacation bible school, Fall Festival, and more. And with the proper facilities, there is even more that we can do for God and His people, such as adult education classes and job fairs. When Jesus did His miracles (feeding the hungry, healing the lame and blind, raising the dead) He met their physical needs. Next, He ministered to them and also to the people who witnessed the miracles, meeting their spiritual needs. Like Jesus, when we meet the physical needs of people, we open the door to talk about and then to meet their spiritual needs.

“Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored,” says the Lord. “You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. … “Why?” declares the Lord Almighty, “Because of My house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house.” (Haggai 1:8-9)

Our buildings tell a story about our beliefs and commitment to God. Are they strong and impressive, or weak and run down? Our God is a mighty God, not weak and apologetic! Our buildings need to reflect His power and majesty, as shown by our trust in Him. Our buildings need repairs! We have four major connected buildings plus the Brunnemann and Fritz buildings across the street. The roofs and walls leak, more bathrooms are needed, the Baptistery leaks, the buildings and rooms need to be painted, doors and windows need to be replaced, better lighting and sound systems are needed, carpets need replacing, the organ needs repairs, air conditioners need repairs, ceiling tiles need to be replaced, we need improved access (walkways/sidewalks/ramps) to our buildings, and much more. Note the word “need.” Yes, as repairs are made, improvements will also be made, but these are not just a wish list of upgrades and improvements; our buildings truly need to be fixed. We are not trying to recreate the Notre Dame Cathedral; we just need the proper facilities to do God’s will and to meet the physical and spiritual needs of His people.

How much will these repairs cost? Of immediate importance is fixing leaks to prevent further damage. Current estimates show that fixing the roofs and walls may cost almost one-half million dollars ($500,000). The other repairs also need to be made, but can be delayed until additional money is available. Our regular budget can not meet these expenses. If we trust God to meet our eternal needs, then we must also trust Him to meet our daily needs. It is very important to continue our regular tithes and offerings, but each one of us needs to make additional, sacrificial giving to meet God’s plans for our buildings and what they can be used for. So that His Word can be heard here and His Name praised here, for His glory!

John Richey is pastor of Family Deaf Church, part of the family of churches and non-profit organizations working together to show God's love in practical ways to our community.

No One Can Serve Two Masters

Guest blog by Jonathan and Marina Clark

Jonathan:

We have been praying about how God might use us and our resources to be a part of His work here at Baptist Temple. We do not give to Baptist Temple, these buildings, not to lights or salaries but to God who gave us everything we have. Through study we have come to know that every stitch of clothing and every possession we have was always God’s, they do not belong to us.

The scripture says,

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Matthew 6:24 (NIV)

Our debts represent another master in our life and they frustrate the desire to give to God because ultimately they represent our own selfish desires in that they hinder us. Our ability to give is hindered by other masters.

When we married we had to combine our households and we ended up with an abundance of stuff that we would not let go. Consequently, our stuff has become another master.

Despite our mismanagement God continues to provide for all of our family’s needs. So we are recognizing that God is the one who has made it possible for us to give above and beyond our current tithes and offerings.

Marina:

This year, when we returned to school we were told that we would not only receive a raise they had originally considered but also 2% beyond that. During the same time our church began the Capital Campaign and challenged us to seek prayerfully the amount God was calling us to give over and beyond our tithe. While Jonathan and I were praying and discussing an amount we realized that I had not received a raise by chance. My raise happened just as the scripture says “for such a time as this” so we decided that the minimum amount we would give over the next 3 years was the amount of my increase that I received as a raise.

A portion of some unexpected return of moneys has provided us a way to make a first fruits offering as well.

God is helping us to sell off, throw away, and cast out the excessive possessions we have hung on to so long. Jesus said that, to whom much has been given much is required. He is already revealing ways that we could use these hindrances for His glory. Our marriage is being strengthened because He is creating a like mindedness about giving and providing freedom from oppressive masters as a result.

We challenge you to pray and see what God has blessed you with this year because He never gives without purpose.

Gift Giving is One of My Love Languages

Linda loads groceries for food pantry.

Guest blog by Linda Grinnell

I learned about tithing and giving as a child, and gift-giving is one of my love languages – how I express love. I love the Lord, my God, with all my heart, mind, soul and might, so tithing or giving offerings and sacrificial gifts to God are not difficult for me.

Steve and I have been a part of Baptist Temple for almost 33 years. When we moved here from College Station, we felt this was where God wanted us. This is the church family with whom God would have us worship, study His Word, grow, and do ministry. We believe in what God is doing here and are committed to helping to make sure the Gospel continues to be preached and that people’s physical and spiritual needs are met. We wholeheartedly support the Heartstrong for CHRIST! campaign. Having celebrated BT’s centennial a couple of years ago, and learning about the diverse ways God has used this church to share His love in the past, we are excited about what God is doing here now and His plans for future ministry here. We must make sure the buildings and parking lots are maintained and repaired so that God can continue doing ministry in this location.

In 2003 Steve and I purchased a second house down the street from our home. We first rented it to our daughter, and later to our son. After our last renter moved out we began demolition of a bathroom and the kitchen with the plan to remodel the house, move into it, and then sell or rent the house in which we currently reside. Our plan for the “second house” – the one we decide to sell or rent, was going to be the source of money we would use to buy a new car and put the rest of the money in a retirement account.
 
Steve and I have been praying and discussing and praying some more about how we can give sacrificially in such a way that God will be pleased. We don’t make a lot of money – we are not rich monetarily – but during these past few years, when many people have lost homes to foreclosure, I have marveled at the way God has provided us with the resources to pay two mortgages and pay down (almost pay off completely) our credit card debt along with staying current on all the other bills – you know – groceries, utilities, etc. I believe God has provided and protected this investment, the second house, for the purpose of this campaign. We are not sure exactly how this is going to work out, but we have pledged what we believe to be an amount that we would have spent on a new car. This is a huge step of faith for both of us, but I am excitedly anticipating that Steve and I will experience multiple miracles to make this happen.

With regard to the First Fruits Offering – my first thoughts went to the account given in Exodus of a time when God instructed Moses on how to build a tabernacle (Exodus 35 and 36). I always thought it was so cool that people brought their jewelry (as well as other items) as an offering to the Lord for his Sanctuary. I don’t have a lot of gold, but I do have silver and turquoise jewelry that I would be honored to give as an offering to my God. As some of you know I’ve been showing my paintings and drawings this past year. I offered to God that if He will bring buyers for my art, I will give the money to Him for this campaign. Steve has sold a go-cart and will be selling a motorcycle as a part of our first fruits offering, and we have other items we are planning to sell. We are both so excited about God’s future plans for Baptist Temple!

God revealed Himself to me at a very early age, and as I grew, I learned about tithing and giving by watching my parents. I am grateful for God’s provision and protection throughout my life, and I am grateful for this opportunity to show that I am Heartstrong for Christ! by giving sacrificially to this stewardship enrichment campaign.

Generation to Generation

Guest blog by Devra Thomas

In many ways, Baptist Temple is my second home. My mom first brought my brothers and I to Baptist Temple when I was seven.

As a child and a young adult I remember always being involved. I remember attending Sunday School, Sunday evening worship and activities, Wednesday services, children’s choir and youth choir, performing musicals and at choir festivals, caroling at nursing homes, children’s camp, youth camp, Pre-Easter retreats, mission trip, lock-ins, Vacation Bible School, Fall Festivals and much, much more. Just about every weekend was filled with something to do at church. I guess you could say our church was alive very much the way it still is today and the way we need to ensure that it continues to be for generations to come.

So many people that helped teach me are still here today. This is the kind of dedication that really touches my heart. This is the kind of dedication I hope to show not only my children and grandchildren but, also, to your children and grandchildren. This is the dedication that I hope my children and grandchildren will show their children and grandchildren and so on and so on. But how are they to know if they only hear us talk about being committed to Christ? We need to be God’s people of action and not just words. SHOW God’s love and not just tell about it. In II Corinthians, Paul said that we prove our love for Him by our giving. How can we say we love Christ if we are not giving to meet the needs of His church? Because this building is HIS.

As someone who works quite a bit with our children, I see the hope that we instill in them and, through sharing God’s love, we fuel their desire to want to be more like Him. Our children are really motivated in learning to have hearts for Christ and in that same way, we should also be Heartstrong for CHRIST! Haggai 1:8 says “Go to the mountains, bring wood & rebuild the temple that I may be pleased with it & be glorified.”

I’ve heard several stories from other parents, and have a few of my own, where our kids have reminded us of what God says and what God wants from us. Our children get really excited about wanting to please God and SO SHOULD WE. We need to get excited about what the future holds for this building....Excited

I am still praying about what God would ultimately have me give and about things I don’t necessarily need and can do without. But, within my means, and the same holds true for you, no matter whether my amount matches up to be smaller or greater than yours, if we put God first and we are true to Him, He will put all of our amounts together to serve his purpose here.

Called to Sacrifice

Guest blog Elizabeth Trujillo

Long ago, the Holy Spirit called us to attention and said, “I plead with you fellow members that you present yourselves as living sacrifices which is your spiritual service.” (Romans 12:12) What does that mean though, to sacrifice for the Lord? As Christians we are to put God first in our lives and he will bless us immensely. Following the Lord does include sacrificing for him. When we discuss sacrifice, the thought turns to monetary sacrifice. However, sacrifice can be of one’s time, talent, and treasures. I am one who understands sacrifice deeply. As a single mother, I have sacrificed for my daughter every day. I began to realize that I did not always sacrifice for Jesus.

This realization brought me to the verse: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ who though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor that by His poverty you might become rich” (II Corinthians 8:9). This “aha” moment brought me to my knees, knowing that my greatest fear is the inability to provide for my little family and that I needed to trust God with that fear. I handed it over to him and began to sacrifice my time and talent working in the nursery. I began to share my treasures according to his will. In this time of great giving the sacrifice in which we all make must be one that is worthy of that which our Savior made for us. Nothing could ever be written, spoken, or imagined to fully demonstrate how great the price Jesus paid for our redemption.

Sacrificing for Jesus should be something worthy of our Lord. With David we must say: “God forbid that I should offer to Him that which is not a sacrifice.” (Samuel 24:24) Only the complete surrender and sacrificial giving of self and substance will suffice. Once such sacrifice is made, the Lord will provide justly. Each of us must be prayerful about our sacrifices during this time of giving, growing, and gathering.

“Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.” (2 Corinthians 9:15)

My God is a Mountain Mover

Guest blog by Melissa Baxter

For the past few months, I’ve been involved in two very different, but very huge events in my life. My husband was diagnosed with a form of cancer that, had it been caught much earlier, would not have been life-changing. It wasn’t, and he has now lost most of one ear in addition to the hearing out of that ear. At the same time, I’ve been involved in the Stewardship Enrichment Campaign, Heartstrong for CHRIST, as the Alumni Committee chair.

Both of these have caused me to slow down and to review my life priorities. As I pondered the week 2 devotionals, I was hit in the face with the fact that I had not given God all the keys to my life. I shared with the ladies in my Bible study about that key, and how I had determined to hand that key over to God. It is both scary and exciting to give up that key, but I know that God will provide for all my needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus, just as he promised. As a testimony to this verse found in Philippians 4:19, on the same day as I had given up that key, God provided in abundance for our family through his loving and obedient servants.

My mother was raised at Baptist Temple but moved away. When circumstances brought her back to San Antonio, we moved in with our grandmother who lived in the shadow of the church.

The Clothing Ministry served our family the way our thrift shop serves so many today.

Baptist Temple's food pantry was there when we needed help with food. Today, we feed over two hundred families a month.

When mom needed help with school supplies, members of the church helped out. A tradition that continues today.

There are many other ways that I have been helped by the ministry and programs of Baptist Temple. Today, I am asking you to continue the work that those before us have started.

While we have not determined the amount of our sacrifice, I know that God will lay that amount on our hearts. When my husband is healed from his cancer, I will be able to return to the workforce and increase my sacrifice to this most worthy cause so that the ministries of Baptist Temple will continue into the next century.

Baptist Temple's Walls Echo with the Sound of Ministry

Guest Blog by Kay Richardson

Listen! Can you hear the voices? Children singing, playing, learning, basketballs bouncing. Teachers teaching...in our charter school, daycare, Sunday school... Teenagers and adults singing, hammering, sawing, mowing, feeding, clothing, learning, ministering... We are alive and working hard to serve God on this corner of Drexel and Gevers.

I've been a member of Baptist Temple almost all my life. I grew up here. I was a child when the construction for our gym building began. I was a young married adult when this beautiful sanctuary was remodeled.

My dad was chairman of the building committee when the gym and connecting building was built. The committee chose the verse in Psalm 127:1, “ Unless the Lord builds the house, the work of the laborers is in vain”. 

At one point a prominent member of the church came to my dad and told him, “If you build a gym this church will go down the drain!” 

I'm thankful my dad and his committee listened to the voice of God! He and his committee listened when the architect encouraged them to make the walls non-load bearing to allow flexibility in the years to come and that has proved helpful just this past year! My dad served on many committees that ensured these buildings would be strong and useful for ministry for many years to come.

So I learned at an early age that these big buildings come with the responsibility of taking care of them...of always looking not just to the present but to the future. These are important buildings but never more important than what happens within them.

Baptist Temple is a facility that God uses for ministry and service and I believe God wants us to make sure this facility is in good repair so that our ministry can continue. I support the Heartstrong for CHRIST Campaign because it takes money to do God's business and we continue to strive to do His business here at Baptist Temple!

It's like being small pieces of a puzzle...one small piece added to another small piece, added to another small piece will enable us to complete the picture! It will take all of us. 2 Corinthians 8:2 says “though they have been going through much trouble and hard times, they have mixed their abundance of joy with their deep poverty, and the result has been an overflow of giving generously.” 

Some can give just a little, some can give a little more, and some will be able to give big amounts. We'll put our money together and our finished product with help us to complete an even bigger task!

When I first heard that we were headed into a capital funds campaign, I began to pray. Then Sammy and I began to talk and pray. Sammy, my mom, and I began to read the devotionals that guided our thoughts and prayers each day helping to prepare our hearts for what God wants us to do. 2 Corinthians 8:8 says, “This is one way to prove that your love is real, that it goes beyond mere words.”

Sam and I have been better off financially in years past than we are right now so with past campaigns we “upped” our giving but it wasn't as much a sacrifice as this one may be for us. Tithing is almost thoughtless for us....it has always been just a given...it's what we should do. Giving above our tithe requires thought, planning, and prayer.

God has not given us a final number yet. He has brought a percentage to mind and he has brought to mind things we can do without so that we can give a little more. Sammy and I will continue to pray and ask God to lay on our hearts what He would have us give.

In the spring of 2009, Baptist Singing Men of Texas sang here in this room. The words to one of the songs were, “I'll follow you down any road at any cost.” One of the men shared a story of a woman who wanted so deeply to give an offering. She said, “I've given all I have. I can't give anymore.” and then she wept. The question God asked me that night and continues to ask me is “When have you wept like that? When have you given like that?”

Philippians 1:6 says, “He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.” 

God began a good work in this church over 100 years ago and He will continue to be with us as we allow Him to work through us to complete His purpose through our sacrificial giving.

We Are Not Alone

Guest blog by Julia Karmina Lozano,
wife of Pastor Raul Lozano, Mision Bautista Betel

It was the end of July in 1996. I was divorced and was left with my 2 year old, Blake. I worked as a secretary at the Health Science Center earning about $13,000 a year. I was deep in debt and after making those payments and my car payment I was left with $10.00 for the month. I lived with my parents and even though they supported me emotionally they had little to offer financially. I was broke!

I fell to my knees one night after putting Blake to sleep and surrendered to my Lord, confessing my sin & disobedience. I gave him my life again that night and I gave him my burden. I asked him to be real in my life, especially in my finances, so I began to tithe again and one of the biggest miracles in my life occurred that changed the course of my life. Within two weeks I had a job interview where I got hired as a bilingual teacher on the spot, without my certification. The job payed me more than double of what I was making. Within the month I relocated and moved into my own apartment and was once again independent. Within a year I had gotten my certification and was making three times more than a secretary. Within two years I had paid all the credit card debt.

I reconnected with Him and found shelter in a small church family where I found the spiritual support I so desperately needed. I could see God’s hand in all this. I learned that the pay check was not mine. It is all his and what I give to him is in recognition of his faithfulness. Since then I haven’t been hesitant to give what he puts in my heart to do so. I am also blessed to be married to a man driven by God who doesn’t question God about giving.

I believe God still speaks to his people. We need to be alert and listen for his voice. He will guide us. I am excited to see how He will continue to guide this church to minister to people, as I too was ministered long ago. I support this campaign not only because we can unite as one and work towards a goal but also because when we are obedient to God he always gives us the desires of our hearts and then some.

Raul and I are praying to know God’s will for our lives, our family and Betel. We will make a greater effort and personal sacrifice to accomplish God’s vision for our church and we are trusting whole heartedly in God’s provision.

We have not and will not be alone. He is real & He will provide. Trust Him!!!

How Strong is Your Heart?

I was once served with three lawsuits for a total of over half a million dollars over a car accident that wasn't my fault. It was my final year of seminary. After years of financial sacrifice it seemed that the light at the end of the tunnel was an oncoming train.

I cried out to God in despair. He reminded me that it is He who provides for my needs. I was almost 30 and had been on my own since I was 17. I'd always had food, clothes, a car and a place to live.

I realized that I developed a belief in my own power to take care of myself. I was not only being served a lawsuit but, also, a reminder that all I am and all I have belong to God. The lawsuits went away and I grew stronger in my faith.

As I have encountered financial blessings and financial hardship, I have been able to praise God from whom all blessings flow; in all circumstances. He has given me the courage to walk by faith; walking step by step into the future knowing that God goes before me.

When I was called to Baptist Temple I saw the potential, not the need. I saw the opportunity, not the obstacles. God has always provided and He always will.

As we move into this capital campaign I realize that this is not about how much money is needed. It is an exercise of faith. The theme Heartstrong for CHRIST! resonates in my soul. How strong is my heart? How strong is my faith?

God has given me this opportunity to partner with Him in this effort to maintain the ministry of Baptist Temple and extend it into the future. I am excited about it. I am convinced that God will prevail because He is greater than all our calamities.

I ask that you join me in prayer. Ask God to reveal His will to us as individuals and as a church.

Build a Bridge for that Young Person Who Will Follow Us

Guest Blog by Louise Dudley

When I was growing up, my family and our community taught me…by their example … how to give generously to the Lord. I never actually saw their “Sunday offering” ... I didn’t need to … I saw their example … I saw them give of their time, their talent, their treasure. And when it was time to build a new church building I saw one person buy cinder blocks, another drive to Houston for a truck load of sheetrock and others provide the necessary labor. Everyone gave of themselves. Their example of sacrifice and stewardship is one that remains with me to this very day.

As a child, each week I eagerly gave my offering at church and with that offering, I worshiped God. However, that offering was not mine to give. It came from my parents. It was never mine until I had my first “paying job.”

And that happened in 1960 when I entered an internship with the Baptist Hospital and received a stipend of $25.00 a month! Not exactly big bucks, but … it was my very first … my very own “earned” income. Then I was able to give a portion back to God of what He had given to me. By giving a tithe, I was trusting God, and … God was trusting me to obey. It was a “win-win” situation.

Elton and I have been married for over 50 years. Sure, there have been times when giving our tithes and offerings was difficult. We are no different than any of the rest of you. Things happen…people get sick, they work on commission, they lose their jobs, they take on unforeseen responsibilities … the list goes on and on. Sometimes it just isn’t easy, but God honors our obedience to Him. I know that the tithe belongs to the Lord. I have always known that. But it is the offerings we give above and beyond the tithe that we give joyfully. This is when that we give out of grace.

In our fellowship hall is the “Cloud of Witnesses” painting by Shawn Kingston Bridges. In it I see the faces of many people from Baptist Temple during the 70’s and 80’s. But, I am also reminded of that great “cloud of witnesses” at Baptist Temple who had struggled through the depression of the 30’s, were facing a second world war and yet they built this very sanctuary, not just for themselves but for us and the generations to come. Everywhere we look, in every building we have, we are surrounded by tangible evidence of their sacrifice and stewardship.

I am reminded of a poem … “The Bridge Builder.” It tells of an old man walking a lonely highway who came to a deep chasm filled with rushing water. He crossed it without fear and immediately turned to build a bridge. An observer asked him, “Why? Why would you bother to build a bridge here? You are old. You are never going to pass this way again.” The man replied, “A young person will follow me someday and this chasm may prove to be too difficult. I’m building this bridge for him.”

Our campaign is about continuing ministry for future generations. I think of it as “building a bridge for that young person who will follow us.” We are prepared to make sacrifices to make that happen.

I challenge you to be a “bridge builder”, too. Please pray about your participation in our “Heartstrong for CHRIST” campaign.

We want to be Heartstrong for CHRIST

Guest Blog by Clinton Shull

Janet and I haven’t been members of Baptist Temple for very long but we saw God working through His people in Baptist Temple. The members' involvement in ministry and outreach to the community are some of the things that God used to draw us to Baptist Temple.

We believe that God uses His people to support the local church, people like Janet and I, and people like you.

We want to be Heartstrong for CHRIST. As God continues to bless Janet and I; we make a commitment to give above our tithe to support what God started here at Baptist Temple. We do this in order that Baptist Temple can continue to minister to its members and to the community into the future or until Christ comes for His church.

Down through the ages God’s people have always had to make the decision for commitment to Him. God will raise up individuals to support His work, Janet and I want to be part of that group of individuals that God raises up to meet the challenges of the future. We have made the decision to get on board; to step out by faith.

We are excited to see God work in our lives and are grateful to be counted worthy to participate in this endeavor. Put God to the test and watch Him accomplish in you far above anything you can imagine.

God bless Baptist Temple, you and those in our community.

Honoring the Legacy of Past Sacrifices

Guest blog Steve Grinnell

Baptist Temple Church has given me so much. Our Baptist Temple ancestors gave wholeheartedly to build this church on this corner so we (who were not even born) could study God’s Word and hear His voice of truth. For the past 100 years, members of this church family have faithfully given to make sure that future generations have a beautiful place to worship and a functional place to do ministry and bring others to a saving knowledge of Christ.

Linda and I joined Baptist Temple in January of 1982; I actually joined the choir before we joined the church. It wasn’t long before we were teaching children’s Sunday school, helping with VBS, and going on mission trips. I’ve learned much from this church family:

When life seemed like giant waves were about to crash down on me, Jerry Beauchamp taught me that God will carry me through. When I was saddled with a responsibility that I knew I didn’t have time or expertise to accomplish, Bill McCoy and Elton Dudley just showed up, quietly guided me through, and taught me to not give up. When I faced opposition that made me feel like I was battling a giant with only a handful of rocks, Woody Woodall said “stand your ground and fight fair.” Boyd White taught me to pray, and when I was finished, to pray some more. Max Brunnemann taught me to stay faithful and pay attention to the preacher because he is the man God has sent to lead us.

The former plant superintendent, Jim Fancher, guided me through this entire campus and gave instructions on maintaining the systems to peak efficiency so that people can study God’s Word and worship Him without the distraction of something that is broken. I learned to show up on work days to honor God. I am putting into practice the things I have learned here at Baptist Temple, and I continually praise God for the people of faith who taught me to listen for God’s voice.

I have been taught to tithe and to give beyond my tithe so that God’s voice can be heard into the next century. So I want to give wholeheartedly of my time, talent and treasure to the Lord. I want to be Heartstrong for CHRIST. That is the theme of our new stewardship campaign. I believe in this stewardship enrichment campaign and am fully committed to it. Linda and I have been praying about how we can honor God with our gifts, and I’ve been praying every day for all of you, by name.

When we hear God’s voice and follow in faith those crashing waves of doubt become ripples in a pond. When we follow his leading, that handful of rocks are perfect for slaying the giants that attack us and keep telling us that we can’t do this. When we follow God faithfully our consistent gifts honor Him and become more than enough to accomplish His will.

For such a time as this God has called us to be strong and do His work. We are instructed to not be discouraged or afraid for God is with us. The Bible also tells us to obey Him and to pass on our inheritance to our descendants forever.

These buildings are a part of our inheritance, built on a solid foundation, and we need to keep them up and not allow them to crumble. It is my heart’s desire to step out in faith and give beyond our tithe so that this church will continue to be a lighthouse in the community – leading people to Christ well into the future.