MARBC News & Notes – September 2007

BRONSON, First Baptist Church (John Fields) – On Sunday, July 22, First Baptist of Bronson celebrated 150 years of “Faithfully Preaching the Gospel” from 1857-2007. 170 people gathered together to rehearse the Faithfulness of our God. The Worship Service included testimonies from current and former members, wonderful congregational singing and special music. Letters were read from those who were unable to attend, including former Pastor’s wives and Pastor’s childen. Rev. Ken Floyd, MARBC State Representative, gave a special challenge. Rev. Vernon Rosenau, Baptist Mid-Missions field administrator for Africa and Europe, was the keynote speaker. First Baptist has supported members of the Rosenau family for 87 years. A catered luncheon was served outdoors under tents. The afternoon service included more special music and Pastor Fields' challenge regarding the church's future commitment. To God Be the Glory Great things He hath done!

​GRAND RAPIDS, Highland Hills Baptist Church (Dave Lamb) – held a combined ordination and commissioning service for Andrew Postema and his wife Leah on Sunday, July 15. The Postemas are jointly commissioned by Highland Hills and First Baptist of Lowell to help start camping ministries in Romania with ABWE. Pastor Dave Lamb of Highland Hills gave the ordination charge. Pastor Dave Sims of First Baptist, Lowell, gave the commissioning challenge. A farewell fellowship was held following the service. The Postemas and their children departed for Romania the following week.
​
HART, First Baptist Church (Mark Looman) – Last August, First Baptist Church called Dennis Foley back to minister in Hart as Pastor of Outreach and Assimilation. He had previously served for 17 years as the Youth and then Senior Pastor, leaving in 1998. In January of this year, First Baptist started a Saturday night worship service. This service is designed for people who have little church background. Several adults have been saved and are continuing to attend and grow. On April 28, First Baptist sponsored a free oil change day for single women. Thirty-three women had their cars inspected and the oil changed. While their wheels were being serviced outside, the ladies were being intentionally engaged on a heart level inside the church by a group of hostesses. This event also provided an opportunity to invite the women to another outreach event called “The Heart Mall,” held on May 5. Area merchants were invited to provide displays and/or special services. The church provided activities which included a coffee bar, beauty spa, demonstrations and crafts, baking contest, and a soup and bread buffet.

OWOSSO, Calvary Baptist Church (Randy Terrill) – On July 16, a group consisting of 8 teens and 4 adults traveled to Manaus, Brazil, for a two week mission trip where they assisted missionary Jackie Hopkins. For the majority of the group, this was their first time to travel outside the US. Ticket prices forced the group to fly another 1,700 miles southeast of Manaus through Sao Paulo, Brazil, both ways. Not long after the group arrived in Manaus, they heard of a terrible plane crash in Sao Paulo. They spent some time that afternoon praying for the families that had lost loved ones. The church back home in Owosso thought that the missions group might be on the plane that crashed and was relieved to receive word from them soon after.

The group helped with a Vacation Bible School, July 23-28, with over 90 children in attendance. They acted out Bible stories and used puppets in their ministry. 17 children trusted Christ as their Savior. Most of the children in attendance had little more than the clothes on their back. Those participating in the trip concluded that, “God has truly blessed us, and we need to be much more content with what we have! We would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to go to a third-world country; you will be impacted beyond what words can even describe!”

PRUDENVILLE, First Baptist Church (Doug Stockwell) – The Relay for Life is a community event that raises money for the American Cancer Society. The event was held July 14th & 15th. This year for the first time First Baptist Church of Prudenville was invited to have a prayer tent and people could stop by and share needs and have someone pray with them if they chose. Not only did we have the prayer tent, but Pastor Doug Stockwell was asked to open the whole event in prayer and various members from our church walked the track during that time. One church member was also able to sing Christ centered songs for a half hour as part of the entertainment. The church members also had tracts and gospel of Johns available to hand out. We are thankful for the opportunities God gave us to serve the community in this way.

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES

CHURCH VAN NEEDED – Hesperia Baptist Church is in need of a good condition 15-passenger van. If you have one available, please contact Hesperia Baptist Church, 115 Smith St., Hesperia, MI 49421; phone, 231-854-5892; email.

PURE TRUTH RETREAT – sponsored by North Park Baptist Church, Grand Rapids, will be held October 12-14, at Camp Michawana in Hastings. The retreat is for young ladies in 9th through 12th grade and focuses on the challenge, “Dare to live a lifestyle of purity.” The retreat is designed to help girls stand against the crowd and avoid making compromises that lead to destructive relationships and activities. The cost is $115 (before October 1) and $125 (October 2-10). For brochures and additional information contact the NPBC at 616.364.9532, ext. 302. You can also email for information at email.

SPURGEON CONFERENCE FOR PASTORS – will be held at Camp Barakel, October 29-31. Speakers at the conference are Dr. James Grier, Dr. Don Kistler, Dan Cummings, and Brian Felton. For more information go to campbarakel.org.

MARBC Messenger – The Messenger is a regular communication from the MARBC to our pastors and churches. Several MARBC Messengers are sent out each month from the MARBC office. If you have not received MARBC emails recently, be sure to contact marbcken@aol.com or marbcsharon@aol.com. Thank you!