We were able to track our Operation Christmas Shoeboxes and we learned that they were sent to Peru! The Dorothy Edwards Circle would like to thank everyone who supported this ministry this year, and we hope to be able to do the same in years to come!
What church is really about
"We recently had an opportunity to visit an international church that meets just a few subway stops away from our neighborhood. We thought it would be good to sing songs and hear a sermon in English.
While it was nice to meet other Westerners, and our daughter Juniper definitely enjoyed English Sunday school, we really missed our Chinese brothers and sisters that we normally meet with each Sunday.
Even though our Chinese fellowship is in another language (which is certainly a challenge), we really feel that we can worship and grow in our faith with our Chinese church family.
Church is about more than singing and hearing sermons. It is about the beloved community of believers coming together to share the love and transformation of God in our lives and the world. We are thankful to have the opportunity to witness God's love through our Chinese fellowship.
We are so glad that after a year of being here, we have such close bonds with our Chinese church. We are amazed at how it feels like returning home to be back with our Chinese brothers and sisters each Sunday."
- Brittney and Casey Ramirez, field personnel serving in Chengdu, China
Cuba Team Meeting
News from the Cuba team: We are continuing to make plans for a spring trip to Cuba in March. We will be meeting this Sunday after church briefly in the Gathering Room to discuss expenses and trying to consolidate our group. It is very important for anyone interested to secure their passport. We will need to start working on Visa application soon.
Little things can make all the difference
As Rev. Lorenzo Ortiz, pastor of Iglesia Bautista Emmanuel in Laredo, tries to coordinate assistance to the daily 200 deportees from the U.S. to Nuevo Laredo just across the border, he came upon a need he wasn’t thinking of.
While being held in detention centers, the people have to relinquish their belts and shoelaces. After being bused to the border crossing and then walked to the Mexican processing office, they sit waiting to either be released in the city or be bused to another area of Mexico.
Have you ever tried to walk with shoes and no laces? They usually flop around and make it difficult even to walk.
As we were sharing some bags of snacks with them, they began to ask about shoelaces. Pastor Ortiz decided to go pick some up at one of the local churches he has been partnering with.
When he returned with the shoelaces, everyone flocked to him and requested some. They immediately began lacing their shoes. Now at least one worry was checked off their mental lists.
Please continue to pray for the immigration and border situation. Pray for those like Pastor Ortiz who are trying to show the love of Christ to so many people who are searching for hope.
Butch and Nell Green, CBF field personnel in Houston, Texas
Cuba Team Update
The Cuba team has been meeting and we are excited about a possibility for some of our church members to go to Cuba this spring from March 9 through March 16. It is an excellent opportunity to build a relationship with other Christians in their home community and to support each other as we all journey on the path of discipleship. If you are interested please come to a brief meeting this coming Sunday Nov 18 after worship. We will be meeting in the gathering room. Also feel free to contact a team member if you have other questions.
Judy Seago 507-7489, Kelly Brown, Renee Coward, Debbie Higdon, Jerry Parker
News from the Cuba Team
We have communicated with Ernesto and are hoping to have a group from FBC go to Cuba March 11-15. This is a relationship building mission and wonderful opportunity to experience Christian Koin.
Group transportation in Cuba limits us to 6 participants from our church. There will be an informational meeting this Sunday, Nov. 11th in the Gathering Room after church. Anyone interested is encouraged to attend.
Gracias,
Judy Seago
Joyful and resilient in the face of floodwaters
Over 90 percent of homes in Trenton, N.C., were damaged by floodwaters from Hurricane Florence.
During a recent visit to help local volunteer coordinator, Daynette Snead, as she prepared for teams from CBF churches to assist in the recovery effort, much of our time was spent in the hard-hit neighborhood of Haiti (pronounced hay-tie). Residents were still cleaning up—some preparing to rebuild, while others face uncertainty due to lack of resources.
This close-knit community includes the family of Ms. Mattie, pictured above, whose husband drowned during Hurricane Floyd in 1999. Even though they recently lost possessions and must replace the floor and walls of Ms. Mattie’s home, this is a joyful and resilient family, blessing us with a song of benediction as we departed.
-Rick Burnette, CBF field personnel and coordinator for U.S. Disaster Response
Hope and Healing
Five years ago, the Southeastern Medical International team came to work with us. We asked Pastor Han to take us to places the team could apply the love of Christ through their medical skills.
A baby girl in the remote village of Prey Chhka was on the verge of death. The doctor announced the little girl wouldn’t live much longer without intensive medical intervention.
We persuaded the mother to accompany us to a hospital that specializes in the treatment of children’s diseases. She made a complete recovery and is a healthy child today thanks to a God who hears prayers and sends His people to help in remote places with hope and healing.
Bill and Noy Peeler, CBF field personnel in Cambodia
Listening Ears for Those Experiencing Trauma
Indonesian Baptist Aid worker, Maria, was early on the scene in Palu, Indonesia after a 7.5 earthquake, tsunami and soil liquefaction triple disaster struck the coastal city.
Her team brought food, water and blankets for the survivors whose homes had been destroyed. She also ministered to their hearts.
Maria reported, “When I go into a disaster zone, I don’t just bring food, water, and supplies, I offer the survivors a chance to talk and share their trauma and fears. After recounting their experience during the earthquake and their fears, these two women spontaneously reached out to hug me.”
Eddy Ruble, CBF field personnel serving in Malaysia
Cuba Meeting
The Cuba team invites you to join us as we continue our journey with our Cuban brothers and sisters in Holguin. We will be meeting Oct 28 after church in the hospitality room to discuss the possibility of a trip to Cuba in Spring 2019, as well as other ways to continue developing our relationship with our Cuban brothers and sisters. The partnership between FBC and Kerygma Baptist Church provides a wonderful opportunity to share with others on the path who come from a different cultural background.
If you are interested in the Cuba partnership but unable to attend the meeting, feel free to contact Judy Seago at 507-7489 via text.