Mission Moment 10.30.24

Juan Garcia
CBF Moderator and Pastor
Primera Iglesia Bautista de Newport News, Va.

As I ponder what is saving my life right now, I don’t want to sound cliché, but the answer is “Jesus.” He is constantly saving me.

Now, how specifically he is doing that or how I am specifically experiencing his salvation in this season in my life—that’s where it gets interesting. Currently, I have the privilege, along with a member of our congregation, of coaching my son’s soccer team in our city league. That’s something I never thought I’d be doing. I didn’t grow up playing soccer. As a matter of fact, my sport is basketball and when I try to play soccer with some people from our church, I find myself putting my hands instead of my feet to work. Hence, the oddity of my current situation. Yet, God worked things out in a way that I find myself engaging with and coaching a group of kids from different walks of life in a sport that I am still learning myself. 

The experience has been a blessing for me. It has been a breath of fresh air to my otherwise very ordinary pastoral and personal routine. It has been a source of renewal as I embrace these children, check on them during practices and games, show them Jesus’ love, pass on to them the little I know about the sport, challenge them to learn and improve and encourage them not to give up, since the game is not over until it is over. Being able to be the source of love, encouragement and fun to kids who sometimes look like they are lacking those things in their lives, has been to me a God-given and life-giving gift. 

Jesus told his disciples to “let the children come to him,” and that’s precisely what I am trying to do through this unexpected opportunity of coaching my son’s soccer team. And it happens to be that God is using that to save my life these days. 

Prayer, Practice, Ponder: 
Lord, may we never forget that your salvation and life-giving presence can be found in those unexpected opportunities you throw our way. Help us not to miss them, but to embrace them, so we can experience new life.

Pray. . .Give. . .Go.

A Way You Can Help

The relief needs are changing daily. The immediate needs at this time are: generators, heaters, basement dehumidifiers, Visa cards, cash, and prayers. We do not need anymore clothing or cleaning supplies donated for the time being.

That said, there are so many great ways to help our WNC neighbors in need. May I offer what I heard folks saying they needed to better serve hard hit areas like Mitchell and Yancey Counties? HEAT!!! 

They have ample supplies of most other things but REALLY need these on Amazon (but certainly other places, too): heaters, generators and dehumidifiers for basements: Please consider this as a possible way to honor a family member or loved one for early birthday or Christmas present. 

You can ask that it be shipped to: Helene Recovery Coalition, 2002 Riverside Drive, Asheville, NC 28804. This is the staging warehouse serving WNC counties.  Thank you!

Dining for Jackson

Dining for Jackson Is Working to Aid the Center for Domestic Peace
Tuesday, November 5 at 11:30 a.m.

Last month, Dining for Jackson was scheduled to help the Center for Domestic Peace but they were inundated with calls for help from Haywood and Buncombe Counties due to the flood. Therefore, we will meet on Tuesday, November 5, and work to aid this important non-profit as they work to help not only Jackson County but Haywood and Buncombe as well. Please make every effort to come as the flood victims need our help so badly. We will meet at 11:30 in the Mission and Fellowship Center of Sylva First Baptist Church. 

The services provided by the Center for Domestic Peace include 24/7 confidential access to safety planning, information and support, assistance finding a safe place to stay and access to basic needs – especially since the flooding, free and timely access to licensed therapists, and ongoing help to rebuild their lives after abuse. Their clients have access to support groups, counseling, and a drop-in resource center for supplies and other assistance. Now that western North Carolina has been hit so hard with flooding, there are an even greater number needing our help so please come.

Ending domestic violence in Jackson County is going to take more than just the efforts of this one organization. To be successful in protecting our community, everyone needs to show their support of survivors. You can do this by joining us on November 5 for Dining for Jackson. Let’s advocate for those experiencing domestic violence and help them to take control of the situation they find themselves in and provide encouragement and motivation to persevere through everything they have to face to get to a life free from violence and manipulation. 

1st Explorers After-School Ministry Update

It was an eclectic week for 1st Explorers! 
Check out their daily activities from last week:

Monday:  Lori Meservey came to play the organ for the children.

Tuesday:  Game Day:  Telephone, Human Pretzel, Freeze Tag, Bridge Tag

Wednesday:  RAs/GAs/Mission Friends

Thursday:  Generation Kids came to teach about God’s love and played games with 1st Explorers

Friday:  Christian Hartman presented a Bible Question and Answer with the children.  They enjoyed it so much that this may become a monthly activity.  The day ended with Christmas play practice.

Three Ways You Can Help 1st Explorers

  1. Assistant Director Kayla Hartman would love to have some folks from Sylva FBC help with the monthly Bible Q&A Time.  Please see her for more details.

  2. Anyone who would like to share a skill, present a program, read a story, etc., for After School would be most welcome.  Just let Kayla know.

  3. Snacks are always appreciated.  Leave individually wrapped snacks on the cart at the back entrance to the church.  

First Baptist Church of Sylva, 669 West Main Street, Sylva, NC, 28779, United States828-586-2095fbcsylva@gmail.com

First Baptist Church of Sylva

669 West Main Street | Sylva, NC 28779
828-586-2095

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