MBA Church and Community Ministries, Inc.

Alabama Gives Day...February 2, 2012

2012-01-25T13:57:00.001-06:00

Alabama Gives Day is coming up....MBA Church and Community Ministries has signed up to participate. You can access our link at:
http://algives.razoo.com/story/Mba-Community-Ministries

We need your support! Please check it out and pass it on to your friends!

Lisa Rose, director
Church and Community Ministries

SPECIAL DROP OFF DAY for TOY SALE!!

2011-11-15T13:43:00.000-06:00

We will have a special drop off day at Heritage Baptist Church FRONT parking lot, ALL DAY -Monday December 5th from 6:30a.m.-7p.m. AND Tuesday, December 6th from 6:30-8a.m.( MORNING only) Thank you Faith Radio for partnering with us on this! Toys will be loaded onto a truck to take to storage unit that day! Save some time and come that day to bring your toys!
Call for more information:
Lisa Rose 271-6794

Conversational English Ministry

2011-09-16T10:13:00.001-05:00

Key Leaders in Montgomery

2011-09-16T10:13:00.000-05:00

Lowndes County churches are ON THE MOVE!!!!

2011-09-06T09:10:00.005-05:00

Be praying for Lowndes County churches who are partnering together to share Christ in tangible ways in the community.

http://www.locountyinasmuch.blogspot.com/

for more details as they prepare to do an OPERATION INASUCH in several communities in the county.

Tools For Schools 2011

2011-08-22T10:37:00.000-05:00

Forest Park will be receiving supplies August 15, 16, 17 and again the week of August 22. We will deliver the second week of school. This year we will be sharing school supplies with elementary schools in the Forest Park area.

Below is a list that you and your church can gather. For an appointment to deliver supplies, please call Donna McCullough at 269-5726 or email her at forestparkministry@yahoo.com
Supplies:
Lined paper (all age levels through 6th grade), pencils, pens, fat markers, fat crayons, regular crayons, glue sticks, school scissors, erasers, composition notebooks, copy paper, pencil boxes, inexpensive calculators, folders (all colors), 1 inch binders, clear or mesh backpacks.
Clothing:
Khaki pants and skirts and different color polo shirts (all sizes) are also welcome!

News From Forest Park Ministry Center-May 2011

2011-06-01T10:18:00.004-05:00

“When my child looks at me, who does he see? What kind of person do I want him to see?” These are the kinds of questions that the new moms are pondering as we meet on Thursday afternoons for our MOMS group. These mothers of newborns have one thing in common – they want their children to have a more productive and joyful childhood than they have had, but they are stumped as to how to accomplish it.

On May 19, 2011, we began meeting, babies in tow, to discuss and work through a new tool being used called “My Baby’s Milestones: Goals for Life”. The first milestone, the baby recognizing his or her parent, is the basis for this first discussion, and it has been fodder for very fruitful and insightful revelations. Learning to model respect so that the child himself learns through experience, realizing that the teaching the value of education begins with valuing it oneself, and most of all, realizing that the bond between parent and child is the first example of our “Heavenly Father” their child will experience – some of these concepts are new to these moms, so they are thinking more deeply and planning accordingly, one step at a time, to accomplish goals that had before seemed “out there somewhere”. Would you please pray for these young families? After all, they are an important part of the future of our community and precious daughters and sons of our Creator.

Summer is upon us! As I write this, the Memorial Day holiday is just before us, bringing a promise of sunny days, lots of children in the Forest Park neighborhood, summer missionaries to help with ministry, and construction projects down the pike.

Here are some tangible ways that you can plug into the ministries this summer at Forest Park Ministry Center:

• Pray:

o for Allison and Victoria (summer missionaries), and for Donna and the
    volunteer missionaries at the center during a wonderfully hectic summer!
o for the children who will attend functions, and for the Reading on Wheels
    staff as they visit the center every Thursday for the benefit of the neighborhood.
o for classes both for Mixtecan families and for the moms of newborns.
o for the mission teams coming to assist with construction and ministry.

• Give:

o fans for families who do not have sufficient air conditioning this hot summer.
o lumber – need 10 ▪ 2x4x8 to construct the closet for audiovisual equipment and storage in the new classroom.
o sheetrock – need 4 – 6 sheets for the closet wall being constructed.
o trim – need shoe moulding and 2 thresholds.
o doors for the closet – double doors or bifold, preferred. Size of doors
    donated will determine size of opening when constructing the closet wall!
o a new shredder for the center– the old one has bit the dust, literally!!!!!

In May, we saw a 20% increase in guest traffic over April, and saw many more large families, so the number of pounds of food nearly doubled. We are so grateful for partnering churches and their members who faithfully donate food for the food pantry, and we are excited about receiving fresh produce from Heritage’s container garden this summer! Thanks to all; may God bless your walk with Him.

Check out http://www.forestparkministry.blogspot.com/

With regard,

Donna McCullough, Director

Listening To the Communty

2011-02-18T15:17:00.000-06:00

A group of Christians from Lowndes County are in the planning stages of a ministry outreach. Over the last year, churches have been talking about how to tangibly help people in this county for the cause of Christ. In February, we had a dreaming meeting and started talking about the needs that churches have seen in their communities. The list was long…..and there were many great ideas.

Although this was initiated by Baptist churches in the county but in order to fulfill God’s call in Matthew 25 to serve others…we need as many Christian churches as possible to come on board working together to reach Lowndes County for Christ.

Saturday morning , March 5th at Hayneville Baptist Church we will be doing some training on doing a community assessment…then in the weeks to follow, groups from different communities will be talking to neighbors and friends about what they think churches can do to help this county be better. The training will be from 9-11:30am and is open to ALL Christian churches in Lowndes County.

If you would like to attend or need more information, please email Lisa Rose at 334-271-6794 or email her at lrose@mgmbaptist.org

“Listening to Our Communities”

Hayneville Baptist Church

Saturday, March 5, 2011

9am-11:30am

PLEASE RSVP!

Lowndes County Ministry Center Meeting

2011-01-20T15:31:00.001-06:00

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Lowndes County Ministry Center Meeting

Hayneville Baptist Church

9am-11:30am

Goal: Set up a team to begin the ground work and think through what we need to accomplish.

Bring ONLY those who are very interested and will be committed to the process. Encouraging pastors to come as well.

RSVP lrose@mgmbaptist.org

Working Together to Share God’s Love

2011-01-03T14:36:00.000-06:00

I continue to be so proud of Montgomery Baptists and other Christian friends as we all work together to share Christ with others in Montgomery. Many have shown “goodness and sacrifice” this Christmas season and God will bless those efforts. Hebrews 13:16(ESV) says: “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” For the last 2 years, churches, businesses and individuals have shared God’s love with Montgomery families through a toy sale sponsored by Montgomery Baptist Association Church and Community Ministries along with Community of Hope and Forest Park Ministry Center. Just like last year, this year proved that prayer and hard work are the key to a great day of service. Approximately 200 parents were served on Saturday, December 11th at Heritage Baptist Church’s Family Life Center. Those 200 parents that came represented about 1000 people in their households. Because of the generosity of churches, businesses and individuals, these parents were able to purchase some new toys at very low cost. Many were surprised at being treated so well. Shopping buddies, wrappers, loaders and café/prayer workers showered each parent with care and love as they came through. Those behind the scenes worked very hard to make sure everything was in place so that shopping would go smoothly. In fact there were about 150 volunteers from both MBA and other Christian churches in the Montgomery area.

We found this year that many people had been either laid off or were working jobs that just didn’t meet their financial obligations. One such couple, John and Mindy*, came because John had been laid off from a job that had taken care of his family for many years. They had 3 children and had been blind-sided by this lay off. Volunteers helped them pick out brand new toys as well as prayed for them and encouraged them. As they left, Mindy stopped by the desk and thanked everyone for the tender, loving care that had been shown to her and husband. They felt happy and relieved that some of the burden had been lifted that day.

Claudia* is a single woman who adopted 3 very rambunctious boys. She works but needed a little extra assistance this year. She has sacrificed her fun, single life to be the parent that these boys needed so desperately. Volunteers prayed for her to be the mother God intended her to be and to bring healing to these boys lives. She was encouraged about her journey and knows that even when things are tight, God is still in control. She left “refreshed” by the love and care she experienced.

Here is a note I received from a volunteer after the Toy Sale. Thought it was the most magnificent news. “Just wanted to report, while praying in the Cafe at the Toy Sale Saturday, four people received salvation! One lady was able to forgive someone who hurt her deeply over fifty years ago. Another young lady I remember particularly, came in angry and offended but after having her prayer needs lifted to the Lord, said she felt so "different" and she left smiling a big warm smile.Because of the hard work you all put into organizing this event, God, through the Holy Spirit touched many lives”.

I am happy to report that 48 (34 MBA, 14 other) Montgomery Christian churches participated through volunteering, giving of toys and money and getting things set up for the big day! Everyone did so with love and good cheer! I think of this verse as I say thanks to everyone who helped that day from Hebrews 6:10(ESV). “For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do”.

Thank you Montgomery Baptists and other Christian friends that sacrificed so much to make this Toy Sale truly a witness of God’s Love to Montgomery! May your Christmas be blessed for your efforts!

Along the Journey,

Lisa Rose

Thank you to these churches, businesses and schools that helped make the toy sale a success.

Montgomery Baptist Association churches

Baptist Health System

Jackson Hospital

Anchor Mortgage

Blue Cross Blue Shield/Montgomery

Macon East Academy

LAMP

Walmart/Atlanta Highway

Faith Radio

2010-10-29T16:10:00.000-05:00

Second Annual Toy Sale for Montgomery Parents in Need

Heritage Baptist Church

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Our second annual Ministry Center Toy Sale is scheduled for Saturday, December 11th. A minimal fee will be charged so that parents from our centers will have the dignity of buying their children’s Christmas gifts. The prices will range from ten cents for smaller items to five dollars for larger items. Families who will be invited are those served by our Baptist Ministry Centers and other partner organizations. The Toy Sale is for PARENTS ONLY. We need YOUR HELP in providing NEW TOYS for ages infant to eighteen years.

ALL MONIES RECEIVED FROM THE TOY SALE WILL GO BACK INTO THE MINISTRY CENTERS’ BENEVOLENCE FUNDS FOR FOOD AND EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE given to FAMILIES WHO ARE SERVED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

SOME WAYS YOU CAN HELP WITH THE TOY SALE!

Volunteers:Shopping Buddies, greeters, café workers, prayer warriors, re-stockers, registration, wrappers, set-up and clean up, loaders. PLEASE no small kids (ages 9 and up ONLY). We don’t have the workers for child care.

Donors: Donate money toward new toys if you can’t shop. Checks payable to: MBA Church and Community Ministries Inc. 20 Interstate Park Drive, Montgomery, AL 36109 Mark FOR TOY SALE . This is tax deductible.

Givers: Shop for new toys. See attached list of ideas. Call for arrangements to drop off at storage unit.

Call Lisa Rose for more details at 334-271-6794, or email her at lrose@mgmbaptist.org
We have storage starting on October 1, 2010. PLEASE CALL Lisa Rose to make an appointment for drop off at the storage unit anytime BEFORE December 8th.

Lowndes County Churches Come Together to Learn About Community Outreach!

2010-10-12T12:54:00.001-05:00

Jean White, from North American Mission Board shares about Community Assessments. Earlier that day, Donna McCullough, director of Forest Park Ministry and Lisa Rose, director of CCM for Montgomery Baptist Association talked about Generational Poverty characteristics.

Lowndes County churches are brainstorming about being more intentional in reaching people who are hurting. Pray with them as the seek the Lord and see what can be done!

If your church would like to have some training on working with people in generational poverty, contact Lisa Rose at 334-271-6794 OR email her at lrose@mgmbaptist.org

Spanish Classes for Mission Trips in Montgomery

2010-09-22T14:52:00.001-05:00

Learn Basic Spanish for

Mission Trips

When? October 12-November 14th

Tuesdays/Thursdays 1:30pm-3:30pm

Where? Alabama State Board of Mission

2001 East South Blvd.

Cost? Free Course

$35 for the text book

Contact: Kristy Kennedy

334-288-2460 Ext 311

kkennedy@alsbom.org

Check it Out!

2010-09-07T11:05:00.000-05:00

http://www.swimminginthedeepend.blogspot.com/

I found this blog on poverty and ministry. Thought you might enjoy it!

Lisa

Tools for Schools 2010

2010-06-30T15:10:00.001-05:00

Tools for Schools 2010

Starting this year, we will be alternating elementary and junior/senior high schools. We have had many requests from teachers of older children. Thank you ahead of time for your help in supplying our children with adequate school supplies.

Donations need to be gathered at churches during the month of July AT your churches. Churches will then bring them to partnering centers(Call the CCM office if you are not aware of your partnering Baptist Center). August 2-13th and supplies will be delivered to the schools the week of August 16th. If you can’t buy school supplies but would like to make a donation, please make checks out to: MBA Church and Community Ministries (for: Tools for Schools) and mail to 20 Interstate Park Drive, Montgomery, AL 36109

Please check lists here for supplies. Some are very specific.

Valley Park Ministry Center

Junior High

McKee

Georgia Washington

Carr

High Schools

Jeff Davis

Carver
*******************************************
Forest Park Ministry Center

Junior High

Capitol Heights

Houston Hill

McIntyre

High School

Lee

Lanier

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Junior High School Supply List
Clear or Mesh Book Bag

Wide-ruled or College-ruled notebook paper

Prong-2 Pocket folders (assorted)

Subject Dividers

#2 Pencils

Black, Blue, and Red ink pens

Ruler

Hand-held pencil sharpener

Colored pencils

Calculator

Hand Sanitizer

Liquid Hand-Soap

Student Planner

1" Binder

1 ream of copy paper
High Schools

Paper (Wide Rule or College Rule)

Copy Paper

Pencils (#2)

Pens(all colors)

Pocket Folders (Plastic)

Calculators (scientific and regular)

Wire bound notebooks (all kinds)

Pencil Sharpeners

Binders

Trappers

Making a List..........

2010-06-04T13:09:00.004-05:00

LOOK WHAT PRAYER CAN DO!

Over the last 2 years, this association has been actively pursuing the Holy Spirit's guidance in reaching our neighborhoods. We have been praying for "heart change" among the Christians in our churches. Last night our MBA SSJ Team gathered and reviewed some things that God has been doing THROUGH churches and individuals these last two years. WOW! I am sure there are more.....if you know of things your church has done these last 2 years, please leave a comment and we will add it to our list!!

*A large church, First Baptist Church, is assisting a smaller church, Pinedale, with their Vacation Bible School.

*Ridgecrest, as a part of their “Jerusalem” emphasis, partners with Community of Hope by providing a building and weekly volunteers for Hope Community Ministries. Hope is open to other churches partnering with them as well.

*At least four of our churches (Vaughn Forest, Yarbrough St., Morningview, and Highland Gardens) have partnered with Shepherd’s Staff Ministries to provide volunteers, space, funding, tutoring, and other assistance in needy communities of our city.

*Capitol Heights provides volunteers and serves as the distribution center for Angel Food Ministries.

*Gateway Baptist continues to be intentional about reaching their community in relevant, tangible ways. Basketball and car clinics have been great tools to draw people to Christ. Some of the young men who have participated in basketball have come to know Christ and found a home at Gateway.

*Churches in at least three areas of our city partner with others for special services like community Thanksgiving services, Easter sunrise services, or community revival services.

*Four churches (Morningview, Capitol Heights, Chisholm, and Beacon of Hope) partner with the Hands of Christ Ministry Center in Chisholm.

*Eastdale partners with Family Promise Ministry to assist with housing homeless families one week at a time during the year. They host them four times a year.

*All of our churches partner with our two ministry centers, Conversational English, Samaritan Inn and Baptist Family Resource and Counseling Center.

*Five of our Lowndes County churches are in talks about joining together to start a community outreach center for those in need in their county.

*Morningview Baptist made intentional effort to reach their community for Christ through foster parent training and through community outreach days.

*Open Acres Baptist had a Community Fun Day to reach more people right in the neighborhood.

*Yarborough Street, Eastern Hills, Ridgecrest churches, along with Forest Park Ministry, Community of Hope and Shepherds Staff are all reaching the Mixteco indigenous people group here in Montgomery and have joined together to form a Mixteco Task Force.

*Highland Avenue Church has started a single parent ministry in the neighborhood meeting physical as well as spiritual needs.

*Several larger churches are doing different outreach events such as meeting the need for clean, family fun such with a movie night in the park.

*A couple at First Baptist are in the process of starting an Orphan Ministry to support those in the Montgomery area who have adopted both internationally and domestically.

*A family from Vaughn Forest have “moved into the neighborhood” downtown to be a light in the midst of darkness and being good neighbors. Several people have come to know Christ.

*Several members of different churches are helping start a Community Garden in the Nixon Times neighborhood in West Montgomery so that families can grow healthy foods. There will be opportunity to use the garden for Bible studies and classes on nutrition for kids.

*Eastmont Baptist held a Community Pet Day reaching people who normally may not go to church. They also open their basketball court up to the guys in the neighborhood in hopes of building bridges to the community. They have gone “out” into the community to hold Senior Adult VBS at the local nursing homes. Other ministries like Meals on Wheels and BYBC’s on the Westside continue to get members involved in their community and city.

*Lowndesboro Baptist challenged her members to take the money from the church, match it or multiply it and find a way to meet specific needs in their community. There were quite a few testimonies of God working through that simple act of kindness.

*Several of our churches have participated in the state-wide GPS (God’s Plan for Sharing). McGehee Road partnered with the campus ministry at Alabama A&M to make contacts with their neighborhood. Prayer walking was a part of that plan. Other churches who participated were Eastern Hills, Dalraida, Ridgecret, Eastmoont, Taylor Road, FBC, Victory, Cloverdale and Heritage.

*Vaughn Forest Church is being intentional about reaching community leaders by providing quality training in the area of leadership. Their kick off event co-hosted the Chick Fil A Leadercast bringing in over 300 people from the Montgomery area.

*Three hundred and eighty-eight Christians are a part of the Montgomery Prayer Network on Facebook. There is an alternative “blog” for those who do not use Facebook.
http://www.montgomeryprayernetwork.blogspot.com/

*This past December, 31 MBA churches and 7 other Christian churches partnered with Forest Park Ministry Center, Valley Park Ministry Center, Community of Hope and Shepherds Staff Ministry to host a Christmas Toy Sale for parents of over 300 children. Out of that ministry time, a couple of churches in our area will be hosting similar outreaches in their neighborhoods.

*Yarborough Street Baptist delivers Meals on Wheels and Angel Food boxes to needy families since many are older or can’t drive.

*A member of Heritage Baptist Church is teaching cooking classes to kids who stay at home while parents work..easy recipes and a dose of Jesus makes a healthy child.

*Lakeview Baptist held their first missions conference to let the congregation know what is going on so that they can begin to be involved in their community.

*Members from several churches in Montgomery are gathering every Tuesday this summer to learn Spanish so they can minister to people whose “heart language” is Spanish.

*A group of 10 church members gathered to learn to teach conversational English to the Mixtec people. A class has started at Forest Park Ministry Center THIS WEEK.

*Nehemiah Center, a ministry of FBC, hosts a weekly worship gathering called the Refuge for the Chisholm neighborhood.

*Ridgecrest now shares their facilities with our Korean congregation in hopes of building friendship and support for both group.

*Eastern Oaks Baptist is having a block party in June so that the church can get to know the people who live in the neighborhoods surrounding the church. They will have a mini-VBS which will be followed by the block party.

These are only a few things that our churches are doing to share Christ with their communities. What are YOU doing in your church to share God' Love in tangible ways with those around you???

"The Word became flesh and MOVED into the neighborhood." John 1:14 (The Message)

Habla Español? Reachiing Hispanics in Montgomery

2010-04-20T10:44:00.001-05:00

by Kristen Lindsey(Our Mission Fulflled WMU)

“He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in Egypt.” (Deuteronomy 10:18–19, ESV)

José just wanted a better life for him and his family. Can you blame him? He was living in a very poor country known more for its corrupt government than for job possibilities. The little work that was available was somehow connected to the local drug lords. José lived with his aging parents and siblings, and knew that soon his parents would need more medical care. He felt desperate. So after many years of struggling, he decided to enter into the United States—illegally. José did not want to leave his family but did so because he needed to provide for them. What would you do if you had been in his shoes?

Most of the time, when non–Hispanics hear about “illegals” or see Hispanics in our neighborhoods, whether they have come legally or not, our prejudices rise to the surface. Thus, we place a barrier between “them” and “us.” A prejudice is a “preconceived judgment or opinion” or “an irrational attitude of hostility directed against an individual, group or race.”

But whatever our views are on immigration, as Christians and as a church we are called to minister to all people—to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the people around us in the name of Jesus Christ.

“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”(James 2:14–17, ESV)
The Hispanic community in the United States has grown rapidly over the past several decades and is still growing. While many American churches have planted Hispanic churches and have reached out to the larger Hispanic community, there is still a lot of work to be done in the way of prejudices and racism toward Hispanics.
The first step in crossing this bridge is getting to know the person and putting oneself into that person’s shoes. What if it were me? How would I want to be treated? This is what we should do with anyone we may hold prejudices toward. As we get to know someone, that person begins to mean something to us. Once someone means something to us, then we begin to have a vested interest in that individual.
A second step is to pray for them. Pray for specific individuals as well as the larger Hispanic community. Pray that God will take away your prejudices and replace them with compassion and mercy for His people.

Here are some practical ways we can reach Hispanics in our community for Christ.
First, open your home for a meal. Sitting together at the table and sharing a meal is something that is essential to Hispanic culture. When you do this with them, they feel as if they are part of your family.
Second, if you speak Spanish or if you know someone who speaks Spanish, be available to translate for them, especially in medical settings. I have heard people say on more than one occasion that if Hispanics are going to come here then they need to learn English. The fact of the matter is that most Hispanics want to learn English; however, learning a new language is difficult. You try it. It’s not easy. Trying to communicate with a Hispanic in his or her language—Spanish—communicates that you care and you want to know him or her.

Third, help them to obtain work and to learn English. Like José, so many Hispanics need an opportunity to provide for their families in an honorable way. Show them the love of Christ by helping them to learn English, so that they can have a better chance in American culture.

I fell in love with the Hispanic culture during my teenage years after my parents took my sister and me on missions trips to the Texas/Mexico border and later to Mexico. On March 13, I will be marrying a Hispanic—a godly man who moved from the Dominican Republic to the United States, became an American citizen, and found Christ in America.
Not all Hispanics are the same. Not all are here illegally. But all Hispanics are people whom God has created—people with whom He wants to have a relationship. Get real with yourself. What prejudices might you have toward the Hispanics in your neighborhood or in your city? What prejudices are keeping you from sharing the gospel and ministering to the Hispanic community in your backyard? Ask God to change your heart so that you might be part of God’s work among Hispanics.
Which José will you be reaching out to this week?
* Some of the suggestions above have grown out of years of ministering to Hispanics. In addition, my understanding of how to minister to the Hispanic community has been enriched by conversations with my soon-to-be husband.

Vaughn Forest and Eastern Hills Baptist churches have outreach groups to Hispanics. Several chruches and ministries are reaching the Indigenous Mexican Indian tribe-the Mixtecs.

If you speak Spanish or have a heart for reaching Latinos for Christ, call these churches OR Lisa Rose at 334-271-6794 or email her at lrose@mgmbaptist.org

COMMUNITY GARDEN IN MONTGOMERY

2010-03-31T11:00:00.001-05:00

A group of business people(some of whom are Christians) who are concerned about Hunger have gotten permission to create a community garden in West Montgomery to help the residents grow fresh and healthy food. They need volunteers to help on some work days coming up! Please pass on information about this to your volunteers and church families. They need a lot of help!

COMMUNITY GARDEN

April 10:

-Building a small 13’ x 25’ structure to collect rainwater from

-Building a small vineyard trellis system

----All of this is wood construction. Will need people who are somewhat skilled in carpentry, and may have the basic tools to build a small shed like structure. Also anyone who owns a bobcat would be greatly appreciated as we hill be getting a bunch of recycled concrete dumped to make paths with.

-Need people to dig footing for our wall that will be painted with a large mural

April 24:

-All plantings will take place. Need people who are interested in gardening. No major skills required. Bring shovels and hand trowels.

-Need people who have worked with masonry to help build an 8’ tall block wall.

LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED BOTH DAYS.

CONTACT:

Andrew Cole-Tyson 334-332-8348 for more information

http://www.art4edu.info/

Samaritan Inn Celebrating 25 Years of Service!

2010-02-22T12:47:00.000-06:00

Reception

Celebrating 25 Years of Service through Samaritan Inn Ministries

Tuesday, March 2, 20106:30 p.m.

McGehee Road Baptist Church

2877 McGehee Road

271-6794

Samaritan Inn is an outreach of the Montgomery Baptist Association serving out of town families of hospitalized patients in Montgomery. Guests are provided a very low cost place to stay and volunteers visit and meet whatever needs they can for the families. Come and share in the celebration of 25 years of service. Everyone is invited.

Helping Haiti in Montgomery!

2010-02-02T12:42:00.000-06:00

Inexpensive and fun way to help Haiti!

Great for Sunday School classes, youth groups, families, sschool projects, etc.

You don't have to be Southern Baptist to paticipate....

DEADLINE March 15, 2010

Sites for drop off will be posted soon on this website....

http://www.namb.net/site/c.9qKILUOzEpH/b.224451/k.A400/Disaster_Relief.htm

Helping Haiti!

2010-01-14T11:07:00.001-06:00

Here are some ways you can help Haiti!
Please be respectful of missionary requests...they are there and know what is needed. After 9-11-01 in NYC we got so much stuff we didn't need(because people didn't listen to our requests) and it went to waste! Please try and help in the exact ways these folks and others DOWN THERE are suggesting.
Thanks,
Lisa

From Missionaries Troy and Tara Livesay in Haiti:

You are asking what you can do ... we are going to need Diesel, Water, Food ... things you cannot really easily do. SO - give money. The two organizations Troy and I work with and for both need help and are both reputable. The giant organizations are fine too if that is what you prefer. Money is the number one need (and ability to purchase the supplies) and MEDICAL PERSONNEL. Coming down if you are not willing to risk and get in and clean out horrific wounds would just tax an already taxed place. Medical professionals should contact organizations with the ability to coordinate efforts and try to get here. It won't help to have more non-medical people to feed and house. Hope that does not sound harsh - but it is truth.
Troy and Tara Livesay

Follow news and suggestions on:
http://www.livesayhaiti.blogspot.com/

Some organiations that will use your monies for relief efforts:

In Alabama
Alabama State Board of Missions
http://www.alsbom.org/

WMU FOUNDATION
http://www.wmufoundation.com/
A note from WMU Foundation President David George: “We are collecting funds to assist our brothers and sisters in Haiti. Please send your generous contribution to: WMU Foundation, WMU HEART FUND – Haiti, 100 Missionary Ridge, Birmingham, AL 35242

OTHERS:
Haiti Missions
http://www.haiti-relief.org/
American Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/

From your cell phone TEXT:

haiti" to 90999
(this is American Red Cross)

Montgomery Christians Bring Dignity to Montgomery Residents

2009-12-14T18:40:00.007-06:00

Because of your generous donations to our first annual Ministry Centers Toy Sale, almost 300 children were served through their parents shopping day this year. You made it happen! Toys, wrapping paper, volunteer hours and your financial gifts made it all possible. All in all, 31 SBC and 6 non-SBC churches participated through toy donations, volunteers, food and financial gifts. This does not include all the people around AL and the US that had been asked to pray for this day. We were thrilled at what happened and how so many people invested and prayed for this event.

There was such a sweet spirit on Saturday despite the rain and gloomy weather. Over 100 volunteers came with a cheery attitude ready to work! The mood was warm and loving that day. We all kept in mind 3 words...Love, Grace and Mercy-Love your neighbor, give grace to each other and show mercy as you help someone.

If you would like to see a glimpse of what happened, check out www.montgomeryadvertiser.com Click on “videos” under “multimedia” and click on “bringing dignity to Montgomery families. There are some photos available as well. There are photos also on the sidebar of this blog!

I’d like to share with you a few heartfelt experiences that happened this past weekend:

1. Susan (not real name)came with her head hung low because she was out of work. A volunteer found out about her situation and as they walked through the shopping area, she was able to minister to and encourage her. At the check out, another volunteer offered to pray for her. She challenged that young woman to truly believe what God could do for her in providing a job. The very next day Susan called me and told me her prayers had been answered. Through an unexpected contact, she was hired at a place that will not only pay the bills but also enhance her skills while she is being trained in a new career. She couldn’t believe that her prayers were answered so quickly. Susan was very grateful for the toy sale and the prayer support. Her life was changed that day.

2. Mary(not real name) was recently given custody of her 5 grandchildren. She also recently had a stroke and although recovered, she isn’t able to work anymore. She wasn’t sure how she was going to make it. A volunteer told her about the toy sale and she was able to get a friend to bring her. Shopping buddies helped her shop and just loved on her that day. She was prayed for in the café and told me as she was leaving that she felt encouraged…not just for that day, but also for doing what she has to do to take good care of her grandchildren.

Volunteers were touched as well. Several folks said that they had had a genuinely moving experience and hoped to be back next year. One woman confessed that at age 60+ this was her first time to volunteer. She was very moved and motivated to serve more after Saturday. Several families commented that their children were encouraged by their experiences to help others also. My hope is that families and individuals will continue this spirit all year round.

Please continue to remember outreach all year long in Montgomery through the ministry centers who organized this. The Montgomery Baptist Association directs two of those centers: Forest Park Ministry Center and Valley Park Center. Shepherds Staff and Community of Hope are our faithful partners. I hope that you will continue to support and pray for these centers as they work with many hurting families this next year. Montgomery needs you and your church to team up in responding to some very deep family needs.

Thank you and Happy New Year!
Lisa Rose, director, Church and Community Ministries, MBA

MBA Ministry Centers
Donna McCullough, Director, Forest Park Ministry Center, MBA
www.forestparkministry.blogspot.com
Leatha Sturgeon, director, Valley Park Ministry Center, MBA
www.valleyparkministry.blogspot.com

Our Partners
Lou Ann Raughton, Director, Community of Hope, Inc.
www.community-of-hope.org
Tracee Phaturos, Volunteers director, Shepherd's Staff
www.shepherdsstaffministries.org

Bringing Dignity to Montgomery Families in Need UPDATE!!!

2009-11-24T11:08:00.002-06:00

Ministry Centers First Annual Toy Sale
Heritage Baptist Church
Saturday, December 12, 2009
We are embarking on a new endeavor in our ministry centers. Our first annual Ministry Center Toy Sale is scheduled for Saturday, December 12th. A minimal fee will be charged so that parents from our centers will have the dignity of buying their kids Christmas gifts. The prices will range from 10 cents to 5 dollars for the bigger items. Families who come to our centers will be invited to participate.

We need YOUR HELP in providing NEW for ages infant to 16 years. ALL MONIES RECEIVED FROM THE TOY SALE WILL GO BACK INTO THE MINISTRY CENTERS’ BENEVOLENCE FUNDS FOR FOOD AND EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE given to families served.

WAYS YOU CAN HELP THE TOY SALE!

1.Monetary donations will be accepted, as well as gifts. Make checks payable to: MBA Church and Community Ministries Toy Sale, 20 Interstate Park Drive, Montgomery, AL 36109.
2. We will need volunteers the day before the sale to help sort and organize toys.
3. Volunteers will be needed on Saturday to assist our guests as they shop.
4. Baked goods will be served at a “café” for parents who come and shop. Homemade goods would be greatly appreciated.
5. We need Christmas wrappers. If you are good at wrapping gifts, come and bring some Christmas wrap, bows and tape to wrap presents for parents.WE ARE FULL...thanks..this opportunity went really fast!
6. Be a “pray-er” or “sharer” at the Toy Sale with parents.

Call Lisa Rose for more details and a sheet of ideas of what kind of ttoys to buy for the sale at 334-271-6794 or email her at
lrose@mgmbaptist.org This is a joint effort of Forest Park Ministry Center, Valley Park Ministry Center, Community of Hope and Shepherd’s Staff Ministry
We will need to receive donations no later than Wednesday, December 9th.
Call for instructions on when they will be gathered.

November is National Adoption Month

2009-11-05T13:42:00.003-06:00

November is National Adoption Month

A Place Called Home Ministries would like take a minute and remind you of the needs of America’s orphans, especially those that are in the Foster Care System. According to the U.S. Administration for Children and Families there are approximately 496,000 children are in foster care in the United States. Of these children about 130,000 are available for adoption today.

November is set aside to remember the needs of these special children and their families. There are several ways that your congregation can help the plight of these children:

1) Support and encourage foster and adoptive parents in you congregation. There is such a huge need for more Christian parents to help break the cycle of discouragement and neglect that these kids suffer. Additionally the cost of adopting a child from foster care is minimal in comparison with a private or oversees adoption. Many churches are starting orphan ministries within their churches in order to promote the needs of these families.

2) Support current foster and adoptive families in your communities through Angel trees, gift card donations, tutoring, and most importantly prayer.

3) Support homeland orphan ministries that are working to change the circumstances of many of these children.

A Place Called Home (www.apchm.org) would love to help you reach out to America’s orphans. For more information please contact Steve Whyte at (334) 414-9345 or at sawhyte@apchm.org.

It is ALL About Relationships!!

2009-10-08T11:27:00.003-05:00

What Do You Think?

Bringing Dignity to Montgomery Families in Need

2009-09-01T15:01:00.007-05:00

Ministry Centers First Annual Toy Sale
Saturday, December 12, 2009
We are embarking on a new endeavor at the Ministry Centers. Our first annual Toy Sale is scheduled for Saturday, December 12th. A minimal fee will be charged so that parents from our centers will have the dignity of buying their kids Christmas gifts. The prices will range from 10 cents to 5 dollars for the bigger items.

We need YOUR HELP in providing NEW and USED toys IN VERY GOOD CONDITION for ages infant to 16 years. ALL MONIES RECEIVED FROM THE TOY SALE WILL GO BACK INTO THE MINISTRY CENTERS’ BENEVOLENCE FUNDS FOR FOOD AND EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE given to families served.

WAYS YOU CAN HELP AT THE TOY SALE!

1. Monetary donations will be accepted, as well as gifts. Make checks payable to MBA Church and Community Ministries, Inc./ Toy Sale/20 Interstate Park Drive, Montgomery, AL 36109.

2. We will need volunteers the day before the sale to help sort and organize toys.

3. Volunteers will be needed on Saturday to assist our guests as they shop.

4. Baked goods will be served at the sale for parents who come and shop. Homemade goods would be greatly appreciated.

5. We need Christmas wrappers. If you are good at wrapping gifts, come and bring some Christmas wrap, bows and tape and wrap presents for parents.

6. Come and be a "pray-er" or a "share-er" with the parents.

Call Lisa Rose for more details at:334-271-6794
or email lrose@mgmbaptist.org

This is a joint effort of Forest Park Ministry, Valley Park Ministry, Community of Hope and Shepherd's Staff Ministry.
We can receive donations starting ASAP!

Seeing Community Transformation in Montgomery

2009-08-07T15:28:00.003-05:00

From Pastor Alan Cross' blog(Gateway Baptist Church)......... Getting To See Community Transformation I got a call last night from the president of the Brighton Homeowner's Association, the neighborhood of over 800 homes right behind our church. She asked me to come speak at their night out against crime event tonight. She told me that since we got involved in their neighborhood last year, crime has gone down and the neighbors are very happy. She said that she was speaking with a young man who was considering joining a gang last year. He said that after he started coming to the church and playing basketball and being around positive people, he didn't want to do that anymore. He wanted to join the military now and make something out of his life. I don't even know who the boy is. We might never know. He might just be one of the guys that comes and plays and prays with us when we get a chance. We have no idea what God is doing in answer to prayer and with just a little sacrifice on our part. Several guys have gotten saved and others are growing in the Lord. I talked with one on Sunday who had been away for a few weeks. He said he had to get back to church and that he missed me. He said he missed all of us. I told him that I missed him too. Last week, two guys that we have been ministering to and that have come to Christ were leaving town for a couple of months. I didn't realize that they were going to be gone that long. We had been playing basketball and there were a lot of people around, but I told them that I was going to miss them. They said that they were going to miss us too. I then told them that we loved them and that if they needed anything while they were gone to let us know. They said that they loved us too. We then prayed with one another before they left. Each Monday and Thursday night, about 60-70 guys show up to play basketball. These are mostly all black teenagers. Many of them come from difficult backgrounds. Last week, when we went to pray before the games, there was a real since of sincerity about it. They keep coming back again and again. Something is changing. I got a call a few weeks ago from a guy who needed help. We helped him. We are still helping him and I have been bringing him to church each week. God is working in his life little by little. This afternoon, I got a call from a lady who was passing through town. The brakes went out on their car and they need brake pads. It costs $15. I'm leaving the church to bring her the brake pads that I'm about to go buy from Carquest. She called some other churches, even one who had a community ministry center, and they said they couldn't help her. How do you tell someone who needs $15 brake pads to get home that you can't help them? I am not trying to say, "Look at what we are doing." Not at all. I am just trying to say that seeing people's lives change and ministering to people is no great mystery. You just do it. The hard part is in the deciding that you aren't going to go do something else instead of help someone. That's where surrender comes in and where we have to lay down our lives. That is where we believe Christ. It seems that God presents us with a lot of opportunities to trust Him and serve others. We are often too busy or distracted to notice, however. Maybe that is why we aren't impacting our communities. www.downshoredrift.com

Come and Look for New Ideas for Ministry in Your Neighborhood!

2009-07-16T11:49:00.002-05:00

Ministry Center TourDate:

September 2-4, 2009

The tour will begin Wednesday morning from the La Quinta Inn in Riverchase and conclude Friday afternoon. Each person is responsible for making their hotel reservations and purchasing their meals.

The cost for the charter bus is $60 per person.

Reserve your place on the bus by calling Keith at the number below.

We will be touring:• Birmingham/Jefferson Co. Ministries• Etowah Baptist Ministries• Shelby Baptist Ministries

La Quinta Inn and Suites120 Riverchase Parkway E.Birmingham, AL 35244205-403-0096

The room rate is $79 per day for a standard room (two doubles) if you book before July 17th.

Contact person: Keith Brown

205-669-7858

keith@shelbybaptist.org

INVITE THE UNINVITED!

2009-06-17T09:22:00.006-05:00

Mac Crum, pastor of Hope Community, and other church leaders were interviewed in the Montgomery Advertiser because they have a heart for reaching hurting people, particularly the prostitutes in Montgomery.

To view the contents on www.montgomeryadvertiser.com, go to: http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200906070400/NEWS01/906070333

Jesus said: " The next time you put on a dinner, don't just invite your friends and family and rich neighbors, the kind of people who will return the favor. Invite some people who never get invited out, the misfits from the wrong side of the tracks. You'll be-and experience-a blessing. They wont be able to return the favor, but the favor will be returned-oh, how it will be returned!-at the resurrection of God's people Luke 14:14

2009-06-03T12:04:00.002-05:00

TRANSFORMING YOUR COMMUNITY FOR CHRIST

Saturday, July 11, 2009 9-3pm McGehee Road Baptist Church 2877 McGehee Road COST $10 per person....lunch will be provided.

We will need your RSVP no later than July 7th in order to have a lunch for you reserved.

SPEAKER Barbara Oden, long time Baptist missionary in the Church and Community Ministries world, will be speaking about ways you and your church can transform your community. Her expertise is in Multi-Housing Ministries. She has served in TX most of her tenure but has served in other urban areas as well. She will be sharing ways to reach apartment complexes, public housing, mobile home parks, etc. as well as ways you can reach your neighborhood for Christ.

Confirm reservations by July 7th to 334-271-6794 or lrose@mgmbaptist.org

Checks payable to: Montgomery Baptist Association CCM, Inc.

20 Interstate Park Drive

Montgomery, AL 36109 SPONSORED by:Montgomery Baptist Association Church
Community Ministries
AND

Montgomery Area Church and Community Ministers Group

Hear No Evil...See No Evil.....Speak no solution??

2009-05-28T08:52:00.003-05:00

This was from a post on a blog of one of our pastors. I think as we break for summer, we need to realize that there is much to be done in our city.....are we willing to take it on? Or are we going to ignore it? "Praise God that several churches are addressing this in Montgomery through prayer and action, including a stop the violence campaign and 24/7 prayer. But, so much more is needed. 65% of the 30,000 children in Montgomery's public schools live below the poverty line. That's 19,500 children! Is this not a mission field and a place to live out the implications of the gospel? If we can't do it in our own cities, then why should anyone believe us when we say that Jesus is the answer? If we can do it in our own cities, imagine what the impact would be! What stops us but ourselves?" "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did NOT do for the least of these, you did not do it for me...." Matthew 25:45

Association Missions Emphasis Week

2009-05-13T12:38:00.009-05:00

Montgomery Baptist Association Emphasis Week

May 17-23, 2009 Be sure and order prayer guides from Joan at MBA......

334-271-6227

or jhedden@mgmbaptist.org

Take My Life and Let It Be

Frances R. Havergal, February 1874.

Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.

Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.

Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee. Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.

Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee.

Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.

Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose. Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine.

Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.

Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.

Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.

God of this City-Montgomery

2009-04-13T11:14:00.004-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d61LamkXfwk

"Pray for the city....." Jeremiah 29:7

If you are on Facebook, check out the Montgomery Prayer Network page!

Celebrate God's Love This Resurection Day!

2009-04-09T10:58:00.002-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLE8EY0gMX4

ESL Training at Monrningview Baptist

2009-03-23T10:12:00.003-05:00

From Jonathan Oue @Morningview Baptist Thought you guys might be interested in this ESL training we are offering at Morningview Baptist Church. If you are interested please call the church office to sign up at 272-2304. Space is limited so if you want to sign up for it, please do so as soon as possible. When you sign up please be sure to let Sarah Jones in the church office know what church you are with. Thanks. We have mentioned this several times previously but I finally have the details of the ESL class to share with you. Please review the information below and sign up with Sarah Jones in the church office. Your payment for the class will be your registration.

If you have any questions feel free to contact me.

Schedule

Thursday (4/23) -- 5:30-9:30PM (feel free to bring your own dinner)

Friday (4/24) -- 5:30-9:30PM (feel free to bring your own dinner)

Saturday (4/25) -- 8:00AM-5:00PM Cost (includes 1 textbook):

Individual: $40

Couples (sharing a textbook): $50

Helping Others

2009-03-12T15:56:00.001-05:00

"A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor". Proverbs 22:9

*********

In this day and time, we all need to be extra generous in giving food and other items to help those who are hurting.

The Future Story-Guideline #3 Significant Change Must Begin With A Change of Heart

2009-02-27T09:17:00.004-06:00

Any change that does not grow out of a Christ-transformed heart will be short lived and ineffective. Churches will be revitalized when believers rediscover their calling to live as missionaries and begin to live out the exercising of their spiritual gifts, leading their churches in discovering church vision and fiftedness for meaningful ministry. A Christian couple in the old Ridgecrest neighborhood host a backyard Bible Club EVERY summer. They see that if they are to live out their faith, they must be a "continuous" witness in their own backyard. They shared with me that they had a conversation with God once and asked Him how they could help people's hearts be changed. They said He told them to look around their own neighborhood and see where they could share Jesus with others. They began to reach out and now have a connection with their neighbors. They are now older and pretty limited physically, but still pray a lot for the neighborhood and host BYBC's every summer. They may never know on this earth what that heart changing moment did for the kids in the neighborhood but they are continually willing to listen and obey. "The Word became flesh and moved into the neighborhood" John 1:14 The Message

The Future Story Guideline #2

2009-02-06T11:50:00.004-06:00

THE CHURCH IS GROUND ZERO FOR KINGDOM ACTIVITY

Associational structures and organizations are merely "a means to ASSIST churches"in fulfilling their God given vision of Kingdom work. All meaningful Kingdom work must begin and end in the local church, must be owned and managed by the local church and must be developed in the local church.

MBA Women on Mission Annual meeting gathered as local churches to provide homeless men and women with food and toiletry bags.

The Future Story of Montgomery Baptist Association

2009-01-26T09:32:00.008-06:00

Guiding Principle #1

THE GOSPEL IS FOR PEOPLE EVERYWHERE

Every person, regardless of race, class, education or social status deserves to hear the gospel in a context understandable to them, with an opportunity to respond to the grace of God expressed in Jesus Christ.

Our cultural constructs often hinder our ability to share the gospel with people who are different. We often seek to convert them to our culture (e.g. middle class family values) instead of to Christ where they can be uniquely who God created them to be.

To discover hindrances to our effectiveness in sharing Christ, we must first prayerfully look inward in serious self-examination, reflection, and repentance.

ISSUES AFFECTING MONTGOMEY AND SURROUNDING AREAS Crime Poverty Race Schools Misused affluence and consumer mentality religion

MBA adopted these guiding thoughts for all that we do as churches in Montgomery at the October 2008 annual meeting.

As we begin 2009, we as churches are committing to being intentional about helping Christians live out the Biblical Mandate in scripture to share the good news in tangible ways as well as through our words. If you would like to brainstorm about ways your church can reach your community, contact Lisa Rose at 334-271-6794 OR email: lrose@mgmbaptist.org

Happy New Year 2009

2009-01-02T14:54:00.004-06:00

II Corinthans 9:8

"And God is able to make all grace abound to you so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work".

May 2009 bring even more generosity and love to the people of our city through churches and individuals commiting to interntionally share Christ in whatever ways it takes to bring others to Him.

Peace along the way,

Lisa Rose,

director Church and Community Ministries

Let's REALLY do Christmas this year in Montgomery!

2008-12-01T21:56:00.001-06:00

Reaching the City for Christ..one church's endeavor

2008-11-24T15:37:00.004-06:00

Missional Holidays: The Nations Came To Our Church For Thanksgiving Last Night!

by Alan Cross, pastor, Gateway Baptist Church

http://www.downshoredrift.com/

Every year, we have a huge Thanksgiving Dinner, the Sunday night before Thanksgiving. We bring tons of food and pack out the sanctuary, which also serves as our fellowship space. Each year, we are almost filled to capacity with our members and their friends. We eat, sing, and people share from the floor what they are thankful to God for. It is really a beautiful time as the Body of Christ is on display and we see the beauty of Christ at work.

This year, our Thanksgiving Dinner promised to be a little different. Over the past couple of years, we have been praying about how we could reach across ethnic and cultural lines and we are starting to see that happen. We are seeing African Americans and Hispanics come to our church. Our youth group has doubled in size, primarily with African American boys who are coming to Christ and being discipled. God is at work and it is amazing to see.

Also, we live in Montgomery, AL where Maxwell AFB is colocated. So, we have a lot of military personnel in our church. Every member of the Air Force will come through Maxwell at some point in their career because Air University is here. All of the schools for the Air Force are located here. This also means that international officers and their families from the nations of the world come to Maxwell each year for Air Command and Staff College. Over the past couple of years, people from our church have been adopting these families and have been spending time with them. When a lady in our church told us that she had invited about thirty of them to our Thanksgiving Dinner, I was happy, but I was also thinking, "Where are we going to fit everyone!" Our youth minister had already invited the families of the 20 or so new youth that were coming to our church. We are already usually packed for this event. I am always talking about outreach and missional living, and here was a prime example of how our church had been doing and they wanted to bring everyone together. But, we just don't have much room! My excitement over the evening was mixed with the implications of a looming disaster as people would not have seats and would bump into each other all night.

I met with my administrative assistant and we just decided that we'd make it work and we weren't going to worry about it. Somehow, it would work out, we hoped. So, we set up every table and chair that we possibly could, started serving early, and trusted God for the rest. And . . . it all worked out! Somehow, we fit everyone in, and people didn't mind sitting in corners and along the walls and down the hall. It was our largest Thanksgiving Dinner ever! People shared with one another, gave praise to God for His work in their lives, and enjoyed being together. At one point, I asked people to shout out what nation they were from. There were people there from America (obviously), Mexico, Peru, Brazil, The Philippines, The Ukraine, Germany, India, Egypt, Jordan, Bangledesh, Pakistan, China, Turkmenistan, and other countries that I cannot remember. There were people from 19 countries in all. We also had a great number of African Americans that are coming to our church now and are getting involved in our body. That is notable because we are a Southern Baptist church that was lily white just two years ago, and I understand how difficult it is for these barriers to be broken down.

Jesus was represented and the gospel was spoken by people as they shared. It was beautiful. At one point, an international officer from the Middle East stood up and said how happy he was to be here. He thanked us for inviting him and his family. He also said something very interesting: He said that he was amazed and honored to be in a place where Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and many more could come together and gather in peace. He couldn't believe it. For many of these people, this was the first time that they had been in an environment like this. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Through Him, we, as Christians, can respect and love others, even though we know that there are differences. We believe and represent that Jesus is the only way to the Father. But, unless we build relationships with people and love them, they will not hear that message. Jesus also enables us to love people different than us because we recognize that each person is made in the image of God.

In two weeks, we will have our Christmas Extravaganza. We will join together with Family Life Bible Fellowship, an African American church in our city and have a mass choir, singing, praise dance, poetry readings, and other artistic expressions of worship on display. We will celebrate our unity in Christ. We will eat lots of good food together and we will laugh, pray, and celebrate. The international officers and their families will be invited again and the place will be packed out. I can't wait!

Christmas is the celebration of the Incarnation of Christ, where Jesus took on flesh and made His dwelling among us (John 1:14). He is doing it again in churches and communities all across the world. We'll make room for Him, no matter what it takes, or at least we should. I praise God for people in our church with great imaginations and faith to believe God for great things!

Our President Elect

2008-11-06T12:46:00.002-06:00

This was written on Lysa TerKeurst's blog this morning…she heads up Proverbs 31 ministries Dare I Say... This is the day for new things in America. Some of us rejoice with the coming new and some of us fell asleep last night weeping for what that new may mean for this country. Either way, it is the reality. And I refuse for that reality to stifle my sense of possibility. Now is the time for Christians to live the message of Christ. Maybe, more than ever before, we will be invited outside our comfort zones where living what we believe won't be easy. And dare I say, that may be the best thing that has happened to Christians in a very long time.It's one thing to hold fast to traditional principles, but a completely different thing to act whole-heartedly upon them.It's easy to say abortion is wrong, but hard to walk beside and support that woman who chooses life. It's easy to think we should help the poor, but hard to write that check from our own bank accounts to do so. It's easy to point out wrongs in other people, but hard to examine the many places we ourselves fall so short. It's easy to point out problems, but hard to sacrifice our time to be part of the solution.But, that's exactly what being a Christian is supposed to propel us to do. With grace and gentleness and humble spirits, we are to be more than a band of people labeled as conservatives. We are to actively be Christ's hands and feet in this world.Jesus never called us to the comfortable life. He called us follow him through whatever life hands us. Jesus never waited for the circumstances of the times to line up in his favor. He called us to follow him and be light in the darkness.Jesus never bad mouthed the leaders of the day or demanded they change their policies. He called us to follow him and live out the truth through our right choices. And in following Jesus, an air of excited expectancy will be breathed fresh in our souls.In Obama's speech last night he said, "As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, We are not enemies, but friends...though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection." Now is the time to be representatives of truth to all those around us. May we Christians be seen not as those who continue to strain against the unity of our country, but as followers of Jesus, those who help create it.Now is the time... today is the day... to follow Jesus like never before.

NOVEMBER MISSIONS

2008-10-24T12:41:00.005-05:00

Montgomery Baptist Association Family Promise Week November 9-16th Eastdale Baptist Church Montgomery Baptist Association will be hosting homeless families at Eastdale Baptist Church in November. We are partnering with Family Promise Ministry of Montgomery to provide a weeks housing and meals for families in their program. Family Promise is a non-profit, non-denominational, nationwide ministry that helps homeless families get on their feet through mentoring. The program is from 6-12 weeks. Churches in Montgomery provide housing at their churches 4 times a year for one week at a time. I am proud to have our Association participate in this ministry of long term solutions.

picture courtesy of NY Times

If you think your church would like to sponsor meal, contact me at 271-6794 or email me at lrose@mgmbaptist.org This would entail, bringing the meal cooked to the church, providing drinks, etc and a few folks staying for the meal to visit with the families. There will be no more than 14 individuals staying at Eastdale that week. Check out the website at: http://www.familypromisemontgomery.org/

Gateway Reaching Out in the Neighborhood!

2008-10-02T11:48:00.003-05:00

From Drew Burton at Gateway Baptist Church: "I am very excited about what God is doing in the lives of our students. Several people in our congregation have been faithfully praying for our students over the last five years. I believe we are currently seeing God answer many of these prayers. One of the things I am most excited about is how our students are coming alive by serving others. I am a firm believer that the “lab experience” of fleshing out our walk with Christ teaches us things that we can never learn in the classroom about God’s character and our relationship with him. I am seeing our students serve as a catalyst in our church for stepping into community ministry, something that we have been praying would happen for many years. Starting Sunday, Sept. 7th, we will begin hosting the Bell Road Kid’s Club at Gateway. This will happen every Sunday from 4:30-6:00 pm as a ministry for students in the four neighborhoods surrounding our church. We will have games, crafts, snacks, stories, etc. each week for the kids. Our students will meet at 4:00 for prayer and training before the neighborhood kids arrive. We are preparing for two tracks (older kids and younger kids) as we are inviting k-12 grades to join us. Our students are ready to lead out in this ministry and we have been preparing for the first Club meeting by passing out flyers in the neighborhood, forming teams for each area of responsibility and asking God to guide us in this effort. There are five groups in our church in addition to the youth group that have expressed interest in partnering with us in this effort so we will be coordinating with them as we proceed. Anyone else that is interested in assisting in anyway with this ministry, please contact me. This is a very fluid thing. We don’t know how God will grow it, change it, shape it, mold it, redirect it . . . we simply don’t have all the answers but we are stepping out by faith into what we believe he is putting in front of us. We will trust him for the results." “The Gateway Baptist Kids Club has been a great opportunity to interact with youth and children from the surrounding neighborhoods. At the club we play games, have snacks, and try to get to know each other better. Every week Drew gives a Bible lesson for the older kids, and one of the youth girls gives a Bible lesson for the younger kids. I have had a great time assisting with this, and I have also made some friends. I am seeing God work through this club, in fact there were FOUR guys who accepted Christ during the club last week!! I praise God for the work He has done and I am praying that He will continue to work through this ministry.” Dorothy Morris “I decided to get involved with the kids club because I wanted to start investing in the lives of the youth. I was very excited to get to spend time with them as well as get to know some new kids that come in from the neighborhood. The kids, mostly aged from 8-18, are all good-natured children with a lot they seem to look forward to in life. However, I can see how some of them have very little direction. The kids club is something they see as a safe, laid back place they can come and enjoy the company of their friends as well as have a good time with different activities. We’re working on developing relationships with them, and hopefully opening opportunities to share Christ’s love with them. These kids are all so full of life and ready to develop, but in many cases they are so distracted by their everyday lives that they don’t seem to truly realize their need. They need truth and direction from the One who has the plan for their lives. I hope to continue to earn their trust and have opportunities to share with them the love of Christ that we all so desperately need.” Rebecca Thomas

Yarborough Street Baptist Church Homecoming!

2008-09-15T13:48:00.003-05:00

Yarborough Street Baptist is on the move. Bringing kids in from the neighborhood and reaching them through ongoing relationships will change not only their lives, but their families as well.

Pray for Cliff, the staff and members as they "seek the peace of the city" through reaching their neighborhood.

9-11-01

2008-09-09T12:15:00.003-05:00

This week commemorates the 7th anniversary of the attacks on NY, DC and PA. Please continue to be in prayer for families who are continuing to grieve their loved ones. So many are still in a stronghold of grief and fear. Please take some time that day to pray for them and honor the Lord through being kind to others who may think differently than you....

www.dearallofyou.com/sacredheart

Using the Gifts and Talents Christ Gives Us to Serve Him....One story

2008-08-12T16:38:00.003-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn5oyytSchI Prison Entrepreneur Program n Houston TX

Ministry Centers RE OPEN August 4th!

2008-07-28T11:27:00.003-05:00

July has been a month of sprucing up on a lot of things at the Baptist Centers. The yards have been worked on, walls are being painted, food is being restocked, clothes are being straightened.

In another way, procedures and policies have been spruced up too. Volunteers have been re-trained on working with people in poverty and new procedures have been put in place to assure that every guest that comes to the centers are treated with respect, dignity and God’s love. We are excited that when we re-open on Monday, August 4th for ministry that folks who come through the doors of our centers will experience more than just the services that we offer. They will experience God’s love in a way that can help them rethink their lives. Your prayers are certainly coveted as this new phase of ministry starts at the centers.

There will be Open Houses on Sunday, August 10th from 3-5pm at each center. Every church member in Montgomery Baptist Association is invited to come through, take a tour of the center and get acquainted with our volunteers and new staff. Refreshments will be served.

Find your assigned center below and come and visit! We look forward to seeing you there.

Valley Park Ministry Center
3820 Woodley Road
Assigned Churches:
Bethel, Catoma, Eastern Hills, Gateway, Friendship, Hunter Station, McGehee Road, Pike Road, Pine Level, Pinedale, Ridgecrest, Sampey Memorial, Snowdoun, Valley Park

Forest Park Ministry Center
2026 E. 4th Street
Assigned Churches:
Cloverdale, Dalraida, Eastdale, Eastmont, Heritage, Lakeview, LaPine, Memorial Heights, Mt Zion, Pintlala, Southlawn, St James Holt Crossing, Thorington Road, Westside

Backyard Bible Clubs

2008-07-11T12:26:00.004-05:00

Summer Workers Sarah Swedenberg and Jennifer Bush have taught Backyard Bible Clubs in two neighborhoods so far....
Jennifer Bush teaches kids in the a neighborhood for Ridgecrest Baptist Church about Jesus!
Sarah Swedenberg teaches kids across the road in a subdivision from our Victory Baptist Church.

Summer Workers are Here! Yea!

2008-06-05T21:19:00.003-05:00

Hey all! Welcome to:
Chelsea West, North Greenville University-hometown, Spartenburg, SC
Beth Stough, Faulkner University, hometown-Montgomery, Yarborough Street Baptist
Chelsea and Beth will be working at Community of Hope doing Backyard Bible Clubs and other fun things with kids in public housing as well as working with the children at Hope Community Church.

Jennifer Bush , North Greenville University-hometown, Montgomery Dalraida Baptist
Sarah Swedenburg, Troy State University-hometown, Montgomery, AL, Ridgecrest Baptist
Jen and Sarah will be working with our Regional Baptist Centers and doing Backyard Bible Clubs in different locations around the city!

Be sure and add these young ladies to your prayer lists as they serve our city this summer!

Lisa

Poverty and Children

2008-05-28T10:37:00.005-05:00

65% of Montgomery Public School children live in poverty.

Chew on that......

"If you neglect the cries of the poor, your own cries for help will not be heard." Proverbs 21:13

May is National Foster Care Awareness Month

2008-05-16T11:38:00.005-05:00

Please join those who are foster parents and advocates in participating in a Prayer Vigil Week for children in foster care.

Check out the prayer guide materials for your church or an individual at:

www.icareaboutorphans.org

and for more generic information:

www.fostercaremonth.org

As Christians,we are called to care for widows and orphans. There are about 140 millions orphans in the world with 513,000 children in foster care in the United States.

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.........." James 1:27

Thanks for your concern...

Lisa C. Rose

Director of Church and Community Ministries

Montgomery Baptist Church

Golf Tournament to Support Samaritan Inn

2008-04-29T11:43:00.002-05:00

MBA GOLF TOURNAMENT

Lagoon Park Golf Course
Thursday , May 1, 2008
$50.00 (per team member)
Lunch - 12:00 a.m.
Door Prizes - 1:00 p.m.
Tee Time - 1:30 p.m.
Benefiting:
Samaritan Inn Ministry
A ministry of the churches of the Montgomery Baptist Association

Go to www.mgmbaptist.org for details on registration!

2007 MBA Baptist Men's Golf Tournament

Check it out!

2008-04-25T12:23:00.005-05:00

Check out the event that Eastmont hosted to raise funds for the River Region Chaplain Service!

Thanks to all who came out and supported our chaplains!

http://www.riverregionchaplains.org/

Lisa

REMINDER: Samaritan Inn Fundraiser through Food World Stores

2008-04-15T13:40:00.004-05:00

The 2008 Regions Charity Classic, presented by Bruno’s, has given local Bruno’s and Food World stores the opportunity to select a community charity as benefactor of the in-store Golf Ball Promotion. For a seven-week period, April 2 – May 18, shoppers will have the opportunity to donate to Samaritan Inn Ministry. Store locations supporting Samaritan Inn Ministry include: Food World 2020 East South Blvd., Montgomery Food World 4896 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka Food World 1860 East Main St., Prattville Food World 3543 Alabama Hwy.14, Millbrook PLEASE ADD TO YOUR BULLETINS/NEWSLETTERS/WEBSITES You will have the opportunity to donate at checkout. A paper golf ball imprinted with “Samaritan Inn Ministry” will be scanned, and your donation will be added to your bill. This year, one store per Bruno’s district (there are five) raising the most money will be matched up to $5,000 by the Regions Charity Foundation. We will receive 100 percent of the funds raised in the stores that have designated Samaritan Inn Ministry as their charity of choice. The 2007 Regions Charity Classic, presented by Bruno’s, donated more than $688,000 to charitable organizations in Alabama. Over its 16-year history, the tournament has donated almost $10 million to Alabama charities. With your help, local neighbors and friends will become more aware of giving back to our community.

Martin Luther King...We Remember

2008-04-04T14:12:00.005-05:00

A Hero for All People...A Fellow Traveler for those who are Believers!

Today marks the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr's assasination. Someone who took a stand for what was right.

No he was not perfect...he was very human but he stood up when many fellow Christians did not...

No he wasn't always right....he made mistakes like all of us but he said what he thought the Lord was telling him to say. He stood for those who did not have a voice.

He was my hero. His life gives me courage to take a stand when I see an injustice.
He was someone who I admired for taking a stand for the poor and oppressed.

Whether you agree with all that he said or did...he remained as true as any human can to the call out of Isaiah 58:

" I'll tell what it really means to worship the Lord. Remove the chains of prisoners who are chained unjustly. Free those who are abused. Share your food with everyone who is hungry. Share your home with the poor and homeless. Give clothes to those in need. Don't turn away your relatives. Then, your light will shine...and you will quickly be healed.

(Contemporary English Version)

Be at peace with one another......

Lisa Rose,
Director, Church and Community Ministries

You Can Help Samaritan Inn When You Buy Groceries!

2008-03-24T14:35:00.013-05:00

Check it out..............

For a six-week period, April 1 – May 9, 2008, Bruno’s/Food World customers shopping at select stores in the River Region will have an opportunity to donate to Samaritan Inn Ministries of the Montgomery Baptist Association. Signs will be posted in-store to indicate that Samaritan Inn Ministries is the selected benefactor.

Customers will be asked at check-out if they would like to donate. Paper golf balls imprinted with Samaritan Inn Ministries will be available and with a quick scan of a bar code a donation will be added to the customer’s total bill.

This year, one store in each of Bruno’s/Food World five districts raising the most money will be matched up to $5,000 by the Region’s Charity Foundation.

Bruno’s will host a check presentation ceremony in June (date tba).

The stores supporting Samaritan Inn Ministries are:

Food World 2020 East South Blvd., Montgomery,
Food World 4896 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka,
Food World 1860 East Main St., Prattville,
Food World 3543 Alabama Hwy.14, Millbrook

Elaine Morgan is the SI Director. If you are interested in volunteering,

Email Elaine efm60@earthlink.net

Easter

2008-03-18T11:25:00.003-05:00

Lord,

Help all of us to really understand the depth of your love for us this Easter and let this time of celebration and remembrance remind us of what you did for us,....for this world and live that GIFT you gave us!

A Prayer for Lenten Reflection

Robert W. Guffey, Jr.

O Lord
We stand with You before the tomb
of Lazarus and proclaim with You
ROLL BACK THE STONE
We yearn for the rightness of the return
of One who was dead but now lives
ROLL BACK THE STONE
We pray to hear your call,
to be your beloved also
that we might awaken, arise
to the newness of our salvation
to life eternal, to love that
no matter the darkness
never lets us go.
ROLL BACK THE STONE.
Amen.

For Those Who Helped Lee and Mary Akin

2008-03-05T12:04:00.002-06:00

THE SOUTHEASTERN LIVESTOCK EXPOSITION RODEO WELCOMES LEE AND MARY AKIN TO THE 51ST ANNUAL SLE RODEO

THANK YOU to Montgomery and surrounding counties for your generous contributions, donations, cards and prayers for Lee and Mary Akin. Lee Akin, “Top 10” Professional Bull Rider of Weatherford, Oklahoma, was injured last March when the bull he was riding during the 50th Anniversary SLE Rodeo stepped on his head. Due to the traumatic head injury, Lee stayed in NSICU at Baptist Medical Center South for two months.

During March and April of 2007, the Southeastern Livestock Exposition, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association along with countless people in the River Region generously provided cards, food, diapers, clothes and toys for their then 5 month old daughter Jada, babysitting, a car for Mary to use while in Montgomery, prayers and so much more.

In Alabama, almost $30,000 was collected for Lee and Mary to help defray the medical and travel expenses incurred by his long recovery. Lee and Mary are very appreciative for everyone’s time, caring and contributions and especially your prayers.

Lee and Mary are attending this years SLE Rodeo to say “THANK YOU”. So come out to this year’s “51st Annual SLE Rodeo” to welcome, meet and support Lee and Mary Akin. Lee and Mary will be available 30 minutes prior to each Rodeo performance (March 6, 7 & 8) at the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association booth inside the Garrett Coliseum to meet the community that was so helpful and supportive of them.

Tickets for the 51st SLE Rodeo are available by calling 1-888-2-RODEO-2 or available at the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association building in downtown Montgomery at 201 S. Bainbridge Street, Garrett Coliseum or http://www.ticketmaster.com/.

Thank you for your support and promotion of the SLE Rodeo.

See you at the RODEO!

Sincerely,
Debbie

2008 Poverty Guidelines

2008-02-26T11:43:00.005-06:00

2008 HHS Poverty Guidelines Persons in Family or Household 48 Contiguous States and D.C.

Family of 1 $10,400 Family of 2 14,000 Family of 3 17,600 Family of 4 21,200 Family of 5 24,800 Family of 6 28,400 Family of 7 32,000 Family of 8 35,600 For each additional person, add 3,600

The poverty guidelines apply to both aged and non-aged units. The guidelines have never had an aged/non-aged distinction; only the Census Bureau (statistical) poverty thresholds have separate figures for aged and non-aged one-person and two-person units.

SOURCE: Federal Register, Vol. 73, No. 15, January 23, 2008, pp. 3971–3972

What is the solution here? This chart means that you have to make below that income level to qualify for most supplemental services. Can a family of four REALLY live on that approximately $21,000??? Things to Ponder...

Great Love in the Small Things!

2008-02-13T15:30:00.005-06:00

Highland Gardens Baptist Church partnered with Vaughn Forest Baptist to honor teachers and faculty at Highland Gardens Elementary School on Valentines Day by taking cookies to the school.

"This is a small way of saying thank you for all the the hard work that they do", commented WMU director, Louise Russell. Today, as I visited with some of the leadership of this small, struggling church, I am amazed that in small ways, God can do great things!

Thank you Highland Gardens and Vaughn Forest for caring for teachers and showing Gods love in a tangible way!

MBA Poverty Training

2008-01-29T15:20:00.000-06:00

Understanding Poverty in Our Communities

Monday, February 4th,

10a.m.

Valley Park Baptist Church

Pastors and Staff are invited

there will be a tour of the ministry center afterwards

2008-01-22T15:44:00.001-06:00

ALL LIFE IS PRECIOUS IN THE EYES OF THE LORD. "We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty." Mother Teresa

2008-01-17T11:37:00.000-06:00

From www.volunteermatch.org

NEWSRELEASE:
Call to Action
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
Monday, January 21, is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, and once again we are all asked to make it a "day on" by committing to community service. Celebrate the true spirit of a man who said that anyone can be a hero, because anyone can volunteer to serve!

The King Day of Service was signed into law in 1987, and since 1994 Americans have been asked by Congress to use this day to get out and serve in the community. Dr. King himself was an incredible model for service. Between 1957 and 1968, he appeared before crowds over 2,500 hundred times to speak out against injustice. For his commitment, King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize when he was only 35-years-old -- the youngest recipient ever.

Start your Day of Service planning at MLKDay.gov, where VolunteerMatch has partnered with the Corporation for National & Community Service to power a search engine for Day of Service opportunities.

Today there are more than 4,600 Day of Service volunteer opportunities at MLKDay.gov, and you can get involved with everything from MLK Day parades to mural painting and street clean-ups.

Take a moment today to learn about the Day of Service at MLKDay.gov, and then find a place to get out and serve on January 21. And don’t forget that VolunteerMatch is our favorite resource, year-round, for anyone who has ever had a dream.
***************************************************************************

Our five ministries are always in need of volunteers: For ongoing ways to volunteer, call Lisa at 334-271-6794 or email lrose@mgmbaptist.org.

Forest Park Ministry will be open for 1/2 a day on Monday January 21. Call Leatha Sturgeon at 269-5726 for more information...

Check out www.servantevangelism.com for more information on how your family can do some simple things to minister to others.

2008-01-04T09:40:00.000-06:00

Understanding Poverty Seminar
Thursday, January 31, 2008
First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall

Speaker: Louise Kneese
Louise is a retired special ed teacher and coach, she has done extensive volunteer work with organizations that help people in poverty and has become a consultant to teach churches and other non profits how to help those in poverty in a way that is life giving.

Sponsored by STEP Foundation and First Baptist Community Ministries

$15 registration
Call Susan Byars 334-262-3141 to register

This seminar will help you and your church understand where people in poverty are coming from and how to best help them get on track to take care of themselves and their family.

2008-01-03T13:41:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year! Welcome back to MBACCM blog!! There will be articles and upcoming events to be posted soon! Be ready for some exciting things happening in the MBA! Lisa Rose lrose@mgmbaptist.org

2007-12-19T15:54:00.000-06:00

Montgomery Baptist Association Church and Community Ministries wishes you the best Christmas and New Year ever! May God Bless you as you continue to serve Him in 2008.

Lisa Rose, Director
Judy Randall, Ministry Assistant

2007-12-04T13:48:00.000-06:00

The Community of Hope would like to invite you to an evening of

“Celebrating Our Hope for the Future”

Thursday, December 6, 2007
6:30pm
Ridgecrest Baptist Church
5260 Vaughn Road
Guest Speaker: Mrs. Lou Ann Raughton
Guest Musician: Mr. Michael Jones

RSVP would be appreciated
235-2634
As Soon As Possible
A can good for the food pantry will be accepted that evening
as your ticket to the dinner

2007-11-05T15:27:00.000-06:00
MBA Church and Community Ministries offers the following opportunities for ministry River Region Chaplain Service Become a prayer partner for public safety officers in Montgomery.  Be trained to become a chaplain (men AND women are needed.)  Adopt a firehouse, police station, sheriff’s office, or 911 center. Conversational English  Become a prayer partner.  Become a CE teacher.  Work with the childcare ministry.  Help transport students back and forth to classes. Samaritan Inn Become a prayer partner.  Become a volunteer to meet with families who have medical needs but live outside the Montgomery area.  Provide “welcome baskets” for the family. Regional Centers Sign up to pray for each center and the people who come for emergency help.  Volunteer to be a receptionist and answer phones.  Bring a mission team to do small repairs around the center.  Become a lawn care volunteer.  Gather food and clothing on a regular basis for the center church is assigned. Baptist Family Resource and Counseling Center  Give generously to help maintain the sliding fee scale for clients.  Pray for wisdom as the staff ministers to clients.  Invite Dr. Johnson to your church to provide basic training in marriage, parenting, grief, etc. as your church continues to grow healthy families and individuals. As a church body, you can hold an “Operation Inasmuch” in your community. It is a one day mission blitz where church members come together for the day to reach out and touch the neighborhood. Every Christian in Montgomery has the opportunity to serve the Lord in creative and exciting ways. For more information, call Lisa Rose at 271-6794 or email lrose@mgmbaptist.org

Convoy of Hope Montgomery

2007-10-10T15:01:00.001-05:00

Montgomery Baptist Association supports Convoy of Hope. Click on the LEARN MORE icon above to volunteer!

Samaritan Inn Ministry

2007-10-05T12:04:00.000-05:00

Samaritan Inn ministers to families who have come to Montgomery for medical care of some sort. We are pleased that so many families from outside Montgomery have been able to stay at a place that is low cost and convenient to the hospitals in the area. Volunteers take them baskets of goodies and see what they need to help make their stay as comfortable as possible.

One of our families came from out of state to adopt a baby from Montgomery and we were able to host them. Their baby had some medical problems and they ended up having to stay for a while. Baby Emma is home now and doing very well. Praise the Lord!

For more information on supporting Samaritan Inn Ministry or being a volunteer, contact Lisa Rose at 334-271-6894 or email lrose@mgmbaptist.org

RRCS banquet on September 11th!

2007-09-16T16:07:00.000-05:00

the Montgomery Police Department and other public safety departments were well represented!
Officer Brian O'Neill spoke around the town and that evening! What a guy!
thanks to all the volunteers who served the dinner that night...Vicky Jackson decided to have some fun with it all!
Thank you to all our public safety personnel!
Kyle Matthews did an excellent job encouraging everyone through song! You can visit Kyle's website at www.kylematthews.com

We are so happy that our first annual banquet went so well. We look forward to more awareness in the future!

River Region Chaplain Service Fundraiser Banquet

2007-07-30T11:52:00.000-05:00

Kyle Matthews , Dove Award winner, singer/songwriter will be our musician and will do a concert after the banquet. Retired NYPD Officer Brian O'Neill will be the guest speaker along with Attorney General Troy King.
*********************************************************
Tuesday, September 11, 2007

“Celebrating Courage”

Fundraiser Banquet:6pm
Cost: $50.00 per person / $75.00 per couple/$150 per table of 8

Remembrance Service and Concert: 7:30pm
A love offering will be collected.

Eastmont Baptist Church
4505 Atlanta Highway
(please do not call Eastmont for information, call the number below)

Speakers:
Officer Brian O'Neill, NYPD (Retired)
Attorney General Troy King

Benefit Concert:
Kyle Matthews, Dove Award Singer and Songwriter

www.911banquet.com

For ticket sales:
334-271-6794

All proceeds from the banquet will go toward the ministry of the
River Region Chaplain Service
an interdenominational ministry to public safety officers

WELCOME LEATHA to FOREST PARK!

2007-07-17T15:11:00.000-05:00

We are so excited that Leatha Sturgeon is our new director at Forest Park Ministry Center as of July 16th. She comes to Forest Park from our Valley Park Center where she had been a volunteer for many years. She had initially come to Valley Park to get some temporary assistance with a utility bill and wanted to "pay back" what she had borrowed so she came back the next week and offered to volunteer. She has been there ever since(over 10 years ago). She has been mentored by director, Myrtle Mainor and has a great testimony to share with the clients who come in to the center. the Lord had worked in her life and grown her in many ways. She is married with 2 grown children and several grandchildren who all live in Atlanta. She is working on an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education at Troy-Montgomery.

Be sure and have Leatha come and share with your church how the Lord can take a crisis in life and bring good out of it!

Leatha helping with Clothing Sale at Valley Park this past spring!

KUDOS to Valley Park Baptist Church

2007-06-12T14:46:00.001-05:00

Saturday, bright and early!
Folks stop by and see what treasures they can find!
Valley Park Ministry Center Director, Myrtle Mainor sorts clothes to make sure folks have good bargains!
Longtime volunteer, Leatha, gets ready for the crowd!
*****************
Valley Park Church had a Yard Sale for Missions on May 19th....they raised over $200 for the Valley Park Ministry Center. The center helps folks with emergency needs such as food and utility assistance and has the opportunity to share Christ with folks as they can!

Operation Inasmuch Pintlala!

2007-05-23T14:35:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, May 19th, 70 members of Pintala Baptist Church joined together to reach their community for Christ in a one day mission blitz of their community. Members gathered in the fellowship hall Saturday morning and were “sent out” into the community led by pastor Gary Burton (who helped cleaned a creek full of garbage) to share God’s love in a tangible way. Members cleaned a community creek that was overrun with garbage, picked up litter off of Hwy 31, washed cars near the ball park, did car safety checks, worked to clean a sick persons yard, garage and roof, built a porch for a senior citizen, did a blood pressure check and the children made care packages for deployed military personnel and Adallum House. It was a day of excitement where kids to seniors all worked together to reach their community with acts of kindness that showed the community that they were cared for by Pintlala Baptist.

Operation Inasmuch is based on Matthew 25:40, “Inasmuch as you have done it to the least of these, you have done it unto me.”

For information on how to do an Operation Inasmuch in your community, contact Lisa Rose at 334-271-6794. the website for more information on materials is....www.operationinasmuch.com

Photos from the Volunteer Recruitment Day at Eastern Hills!

2007-04-26T14:02:00.000-05:00

Volunteers are vital to each ministry that serves Montgomery
Myrtle Mainor(middle)talks with two very important volunteers to our CE program...
Our chaplains explain what all they do to serve the city of Montgomery
Dorothy McNeal tries on a fire uniform with the help of Eric Jackson
Onlookers hear what is happening with Samaritan Inn ministries

If you are interested in getting involved in sharing God's love in tangible ways, email us OR contact Lisa Rose 334-271-6794.

Volunteer Recruitment Day!

2007-03-28T10:33:00.000-05:00

MONTGOMERY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION

VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT DAY!!!
***********
Saturday, April 21, 2007
9-12pm
OPEN HOUSE
Eastern Hills Baptist Church
Gymnasium

ALL MBA churches are invited to participate in a morning of getting to know our
Montgomery Baptist Association
ministries.
Find out ways that churches AND individuals can volunteer!

Highlighted Ministries

Ø Regional Ministry Centers
Ø Conversational English
Ø Samaritan Inn Medical Ministry
Ø River Region Chaplain Service

Bring a BIG group of folks and have a great morning of excitement over what the Lord is doing in Montgomery Baptist Association. Hear from our directors and chaplains about how you can participate too in the joy of serving!
Snacks will be served

Call
Lisa Rose for more information
334-271-6794 or email lrose@mgmbaptist.org

Regional Baptist Center Contacts

2007-02-22T15:25:00.000-06:00

Each regional center is responsible for certain zip codes. We try to refer folks to that center in their zip code to help them not to have to travel so far and not overwhelm one center.

MINISTRY CENTER SITES

I. Forest Park Baptist Ministry Center:
269-5726
2026 E. Fourth St.
Montgomery, AL 36106
Open Monday and Wednesday: 9:00a.m.-12:00 noon
and 1:00–3:00p.m.
Serves Zip Code areas: 36104,36105,36106
Director: LouAnn Raughton

II. Chisholm Baptist Ministry Center 262-6438
3000 Lower Wetumpka Road
Montgomery, AL 36110
(Mail: P.O. Box 3026
Montgomery, AL 36109)

Open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 9:00a.m.-2:00p.m.
Serves Zip Code areas: 36107, 36109, 36110, 36117
Director: Teri McDonald

III. Valley Park Ministry Center 280-3370
3820 Woodley Road Fax 280-3370
Montgomery, AL 36116
Open Tuesday: 9:00a.m.-2:00p.m.
Serves Zip Code areas: 36036, 36065, 36069, 36111,36116, 36064,36043(Hope Hull)
Director: Myrtle Mainor

IV. Day Street Ministry Center 269-1218
700 Davidson St.
Montgomery, AL 36108

Open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 12:00 noon -3:00p.m.
Serves Zip Code area: 36108, 36113 36043(Hope Hull)
Director: Dorothy McNeal