Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter.
June is finally here and with it is the storms, heat, and most likely coming drought. Things are always changing - some for the good and some not so much. As most of you know, I went to Vermont a couple of weeks ago and it was quite an experience. I went with no real expectations, as I had never been to that part of the country, and I was greatly impressed but also greatly depressed.
We flew into New Jersey and drove into New York on the way to Vermont. I was surprised and captivated by the beauty of the hills, green grass, and beautiful trees. Vermont is mostly rural as the largest town is Burlington and its population is only 44,743, which is smaller than Huntsville. The capital city, Montpelier has a total population of 8,074 people. In these small rural towns live people who are very gracious and friendly. This was something I was truly impressed because it was that close to NEW YORK! The depressing thing was how little interest and knowledge was present about Jesus Christ. There are many people that are interested in “spiritual” things, but not in a personal relationship with Christ.
Vermont, as all New England (Vermont, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts) seems to be completely unaware of their need for the hope of the Gospel. There are kids that ask, “Why is there a T on the church instead of a C for church?” Another statement I heard was “You talk like Jesus was a real person.” These comments just show how much need for the gospel there seems to be and that is in our own United States. There is an area of Vermont called the “Northeast Kingdom” that has over 57 cities with no church. The few churches that are in New England are primarily either not preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ or many have just closed their doors.
The encouraging thing that I saw were there were many that have become “missionaries” in Vermont. As I visited with pastors there, I found that many were Texans who had been called to serve there. I met Maricio and Ashley who met at Southwestern Seminary in Ft. Worth. Ashley was a graduate of Stephen F. Austin. I spend time with Bill and Jan Smith. Jan was the niece of a former pastor here at First Baptist. We have connections with many that are serving there. The positives are they are making some inroads. There is now a college called Northeastern Baptist College training young men to become pastors and teaching theology. The people from this school have a great passion for sharing then Gospel.
I met with Tim a pastor whose church-Missional City- is training and planting new churches. Their goal is to plant on average 3 church every couple of years. They have apartments on their church campus, where they house future church planters who are mentored for a year, find a place and put them in place with the support to help a plant to become a thriving church. The ultimate goal is to have a church within 25-30 miles to everyone in Vermont in the next ten years.
There is great need and great blessings that I believe will come out of the New England area over the next several years. I want our church and the Leon Baptist Association to be a part of that. I am working with our association, the workers in Vermont and praying for our plan and opportunity to be apart of that effort. I will share more on our plans soon.
The other thing that continued to bother me while I was there was “How could this happen?” New England was where much if not all the “Great Awakening” took place. It was a great place of faith up until the last hundred years. When I asked the question, the most common answer I got was that it began when the preaching and churches missed their purpose. They became less and less for the gospel and became more and more concerned merely about society ills. I could not let it leave me without thinking and asking if that might be us one day. As we see the “Bible Belt” becoming less and less like how we should look, I wondered how long it might before we become Vermont?
While the people of Vermont are ignorant of Christian knowledge, the ones that have it are on fire for God. Unfortunately, I see the south as more knowledge (maybe) but less fire. Let Vermont serve as a warning for the purpose God has for us and the command we have as Christians. It starts here but does not end here. We must begin to pray that the fire that can burn begins to burn in our hearts and drives us to reach those who don’t know the blessed gift of salvation. Jesus commanded us, in the Great Commission
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
Pray for those in New England for their encouragement in sharing the Gospel. Pray for God’s provision. Pray for hearts to be stirred there and here. Pray for our church to become a part of reaching New England. Pray for our church to reach and grow our county with the hope of the Gospel. Let’s get ready for God to do something Great! So be here Sunday to get recharged and encouraged to GO!
In Christ,
Brother Alan
School is out, and summer is officially in full swing. I really enjoyed my time being back in the classroom this year. But, I forgot how much of a struggle the last few weeks of school are for the students and teachers. Testing is over, grades are turned in and there are a lot of activities going on, such as grade-level field trips, UIL field trips, GT field trips, and field days.
The highlight for me this year was seeing students that I have known for the last 4 years graduate high school or be promoted from junior high to high school. We had four seniors graduate and 6 eighth graders move on to high school. I have been very encouraged by our students in seeing them mature in their faith over the past year.
Our last Wednesday night study was a time of reflection. We asked the students questions, telling us their favorite event of the year, in what ways did they see themselves grow over the year, and what they would like to see happen in the coming year.
Disciple Now weekend was overwhelmingly their favorite event of the year. They enjoyed hanging out with other students from FBC Jewett, but, more importantly, they really liked the Bible study and small group time. The worship and singing time was also one of their favorite parts of the weekend. Lori Leal, who assists with the youth, and myself both saw our students, who never share on Wednesday nights, talk openly during discussion time.
Students also shared about how excited they are for next year and how they want to invite more of their friends to come hang out on Wednesday nights. They are aware of our need for a Savior and want others to know that as well. They are ready to continue to mature in their walk with Christ.
This summer the youth will be serving at VBS and sports camp. They will also get to refresh their souls at Latham Springs Baptist Encampment, the last week of June. They worked hard a few weeks ago earning donations to pay for youth camp, but we still need some help. If you have any work that needs to get done around the house or property, please let me know and we can get out there to help you. Now that school is out, we can go during the week, morning or afternoon. Thank you church family for all your help and prayers.
Eli Lopez
Ask any kid what they like about Vacation Bible School and they will tell you the things you expect them to say:
"Snacks!"
"Singing and Dancing!"
"Crafts are the Best!"
"I like the silly Games!"
The theme, decorations, games and songs are what appeal to a child's eye and sense of fun! VBS and summer combine together to create something to look forward to during the dull days of school. We are very fortunate here at FBC Buffalo to have a host of creative folks who research, design, fabricate and plan for weeks in advance to create the most memorable experience for kids who attend our Vacation Bible School.
But what about the BIBLE?? Well, we're also blessed to have a host of folks who have a heart for sharing God's Word with children! We take care to choose curriculum that is biblically sound and appeals to the children who will attend. Stories and activities educate about the bible and activities and questions challenge kids to apply the bible to their real life. Songs, posters, even temporary tattoos encourage kids to memorize scripture, hiding God's word in their hearts.
We spend a lot of time and money making Vacation Bible School appealing and unforgettable for kids. But it really is more than just cheese balls and slime, crayons and silly songs. You see, you've got to ask the adults what they remember about VBS. Adults will say things like:
"I'll never forget my teacher!"
"Mrs. ____ made the bible come alive, even with flannelgraph!!"
"Pastor patiently answered my questions and led me to the Lord."
I wonder if the disciples were arguing about who was going to take out the trash at VBS in Matthew 18:1-5,
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
VBS is probably one of my favorite (and most exhausting!) times in the life of our church each year. The excitement and fun are contagious! But my favorite thing about VBS is how God uses it to make a DIFFERENCE in the lives of kids AND adults each summer, no matter the theme or bible stories or songs. Join us at VBS some time during the week of June 10-13. Come prepared to be changed!
In Christ,
Marie Dittmar
Copyright © 2022 First Baptist Church - All Rights Reserved.
600 East Commerce 903-322-4332 church@fbcbuffalo.org
Sundays Bible Study at 9:30am, Worship at 10:45am