Life Streams

GroupLife--an example of real ministry

2008-04-23T11:40:00.003-04:00

I received this email just this week. What an example of a community of people (small group)living with a Kingdom Cause!

"I am a member of the Singles Class tought by Linda V. I wanted to let you know what a special group Linda has, on November 1 I fell in Savannah while on vacation by myself. I broke my foot right foot in three places. I called Linda and so many people in my class volunteered to come to Savannah and drive me home. I was able to get myself home, but my class has been so wonderful to me. They cooked meals for me, was my transportation when needed and continue praying for me. I am still on a cane and have problems still walking, but each of them has made it so clear they are just a phone call away when needed, this is true Christain Love. I am so blessed. A Sister in Christ, that is truly Blessed."

Ministry Beyond the Walls

2008-01-26T11:43:00.000-05:00

I asked one of our members to send me this story of their ministry and outreach in our community. This is great example of how our folks, in this case our Singles Ministry, continues to make FBCS a Missional church:

The singles group adopted a family for Christmas. It was a family of six, but we only wound up having two ss classes participate so I didn't know how it all would work out. We set a goal to collect about $700 for the family. We wanted to get everyone about the same amount of items and be able to give the a $100 dollar gift card to BiLo. After collecting money and shopping for the family I realized that we had a lot more money than we could have imagined. We still had 500 dollars left. I was discussing this with my dad, a Corporate Chaplain in the area, and he said that If he had known we could collect so much money he would have given us a name of a guy from one of his companies. After discussing this with a couple of singles representatives and getting it approved by CCA we decided to add the family on. It was just a week before Christmas and we knew we wouldn't have time to shop so I gave cash and a BiLo gift card to my dad to deliver to the man. He is a single dad of three and has been going trough a really rough time with some things. My dad was informed by CCA that he could not deliver the gift at the office he had to do it at the man's home. God works in mysterious ways. The man had been wanting to discuss some issues with my dad, but didn't want to do it at the office. This gave dad the time and space that the man needed. All the man had was a little table top tree and one present under it. He was extremely grateful for the gift. He said, "These people don't even know me. Why would they want to do this for me?" He was just going to take the family out to dinner because he couldn't afford to cook, but now he could do a nice meal. He called me after the holiday and thanked us again and told me that it was a great Christmas and they even had a great holiday meal at home.This really made my day and I can't wait to see what we can do in the future, either for this family or another.

A little seed, a great harvest!

2007-12-12T17:52:00.000-05:00

This story was sent to us by one of our church members, Janice Baddley. By request, some names have been changed to protect anonymity

"I had been sharing the [magazine]Journey with a neighbor of mine. She is a relatively new Christian and has a background in the Catholic Church. She has really been growing in her relationship with Christ, and devotionals from Journey have helped her deal with several challenges over the last year, particularly the loss of her husband's job and raising three little boys.
I purchased my neighbor a subscription to Journey for her birthday and she called me the other day just to tell me what a blessing it has been to her. She shared specifically that one of the recent devotions spoke about a young woman who was serving as a caregiver for her elderly father who then died. The point of the message was that we don't have the luxury of taking time or people for granted - that we never know when our situation will change but that we can take comfort in Jesus and have the assurance that believers will be together again in heaven. The Holy Spirit used this devotion to touch my neighbor’s heart and prompt her to make an unplanned visit to see her own father in New Jersey about two weeks ago. She said the devotion kept tugging at her so she checked flight costs and they were having a sale so she really felt like she should go, particularly since her dad had been ill. My neighbor had a great visit with her dad, who she has always been close to, and she said they had some deep discussions about heaven and he shared with her that he was "right with God." On Monday of this week, her father passed away unexpectedly. When I went over to comfort her she kept saying how very glad she was that she had had the special time with her dad and how she knew that God had used the devotion in Journey to speak to her.
It was so amazing to her to so vividly see how God had worked in her life. This grew her faith and trust in her Father so much! Our God is good and He works in wonderful ways! Please pray for her and her family as they seek God's comfort during this time."

Worship Center Picture Update

2007-12-06T14:32:00.000-05:00

here are a few new pictures from inside our new Worship Center. It is quickly coming together!

Peace in the Storm, Thankfulness after the Storm

2007-11-28T17:54:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to share a recent experience where I feel God had His hand in it. The events that happened over a 4 month period could not possibly be by chance.

I was recently turned down for a promotion that everyone felt I was certain to get. I realize now God was only preparing me for an opportunity to witness to someone. In June my wife bought me a daily devotional Bible and I began reading the daily stories and scriptures. Over the months I worked my way up to Samuel and learned a lot about how David handled rejection in a Christian way. The day after my interview the October 30 devotional was all about handling rejection. Over the next few weeks everyone told me how good they heard I did in the interview. It looked air tight. I had also begun to read a book "The Three Kings" which dealt with Saul, David and his son. It was a good look at how our attitudes should be during times of trouble and rejection.
I finished it on November 16th and a few minutes later I got a notice that a better candidate had been found for MY position. At first I was a little confused and not sure what had happened but I did know how I was supposed to handle rejection as a Christian. A few hours latter I was at a table eating with someone who normally is quite cheerful and positive but seemed a little down. He asked me how it felt to be rejected. I thought it was an odd statement but he then began to share that he also had just been turned down for the job he applied for. At that point it was as a calm came over me and said "I have spent many weeks preparing you, witness to him about the peace I have given you".
I have had a chance to talk with several others who didn't get the job they had applied for and was able to relate to them what I have learned. I thank God for this blessing of putting me at the right place at the right time. Other things have opened up for me in the last few days and I see that God was watching out for me and the things coming up will be much better suited for me and my family. [T]he joy of being able to serve God has far out weighed any gain I might have had at work. I praise God for His infinite wisdom and for allowing me the chance to serve Him.
Yours in Christ, Steve Bingham

A Baptism that Changed a Family

2007-11-14T16:12:00.000-05:00

Craig's sister, Michael's Mom, came down for Michael's baptism at the last minute. She had talked with Craig while she was here and he told her that she just had to give her troubles and problems to God instead of trying to handle her problems on her own. She emailed us after she went home saying how much it meant to her and changed her to witness her son following through with such an important decision and how the sermon really hit home. She said she had prayed to accept Christ and decided to give her self to him. We were so happy for her decision and know it wsa God's plan to have her here to witness such a powerful testimony from her son.

Jaime & Craig Hall

Reaching out Changes Lives

2007-10-17T09:56:00.000-04:00

A highlight from this past Sunday is the story of Joseph Wilson. Over the past several weeks Joseph and his family were the recipients of two FAITH team visits. Michael, Joseph's older brother was already coming because of the invite and investment of a friend, Joseph Lewis. This past Sunday in Sunday School, something amazing occurred. Before Jeff Lyda had a chance to start teaching his class, Joseph's brother Michael, asked Jeff if he could tell Joseph how to ask Jesus into his heart. After Sunday School was over Joseph gave Jeff the chance to pray with him and lead him to Christ. During the invitation of our 11:30 service Joseph came and prayed with Randy.

The invitation of a friend proved to be what God used to change a life. Who will you invite?

West Campus Conversation

2007-09-26T09:44:00.001-04:00

Our West Campus on Harrison Bridge Road just went through another major upgrade and has, by God blessing, more room to reach more of the community. This Sunday will mark the 1 month anniversary of Dual Sunday Schools at West Campus. The new Sunday School hour that was added has created more space that was surely needed. We had classes meeting in offices, fellowship hall, even off campus at Neely Farm clubhouse.
Thanks to the many committed leaders and Sunday School teachers who are just offering themselves to God as willing participants in what He is doing. It doesn't look like things are slowing down anytime soon out West. Come see for yourself!

Submitted by A. Moore

Building Update

2007-09-12T12:31:00.000-04:00

Some massive steel structures are goin up on the property. Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Responding to a Family in Need

2007-08-30T12:42:00.000-04:00

The following email is from one of our Sunday school leaders who was blown away by how God used his class to meet a critical need in the life of family from his class:

Like always God does provide. I thought this task was way too big for my "little" Sunday school class. Apparently God disagreed. We have had Sky miles donated to cover all five tickets. We have had people offer cars for them to drive and people have offered to drive them to Cincinnati if we could not get the tickets covered... God is amazing!

Kelvin Standard

This family could not afford to go and be with their daughter during surgery in Cincinnati without the support and help from this class and from the church family. Another illustration of a Kingdom Cause!

A Courtyard Conversation about God's Presence

2007-08-06T15:39:00.000-04:00

The following conversation occurred one morning after one of our services. It is shared anonymously. It is a powerful illustration of how real God's presence is and how He chooses to work in us and among us every Sunday.

Randy,
...we attended your service yesterday July 22nd, for the first time. You spoke to us as we were leaving, and I was unable to actually speak to you. Why, you must be asking yourself.....

I must first tell you a story in order for you to completely understand what happened to me personally, during your sermon yesterday. I was not raised a Christian although my mother was and is, a Christian. It was not until I was in pre-marriage counseling did I accept Christ as my personal Savior at the age of 27. Accepting Christ as an adult is truly a unique experience. I have no recollection to this day, of my walk to the altar to accept Him into my heart. I knew I was on my way, I knew I wanted to make the walk, but had no control over my body. Christ Himself wrapped His arms around me and personally took hold of my walk into His life. My husband, who was baptized at the age of 8 and raised Baptist, stood in disbelief himself.

I was formally baptized about one month later in a small church that my husband attended as a child. It was a VERY personal and life-changing event for me, and actually asked no one to attend except my husband. It was all about myself and God becoming one. The only thing I said when I came up out of the water was, Thank you. I still feel that way today - Thank you God.

From the moment we walked into the church, we felt "at home". What an amazing environment it is. God wasted no time to begin working on my husband and I. Michael immediately began talking about changing churches, and my response to him was, "lets at least wait until we hear the sermon". From that moment, until I walked out of the church, I was in tears. Tears of movement...tears of joy...tears of God's holiness. The baptism was beautiful, the music was outstanding and the sermon was great. I got so much from your lesson on Soil Types. My husband also loved it all. The call to the alter was most moving, and something that we have been longing for...

We plan to visit again this Sunday, as we feel God is leading us to your church. I believe in Him and know without a doubt, that He again wrapped His arms around me personally yesterday. It will not go unnoticed, nor will it be forgotten.

Thank you Randy, for taking the time to speak to us and for delivering God's word in such a way that left me in tears.

Submitted by R. Harling

YouJust Never Know...

2007-07-27T15:12:00.000-04:00

I got this story from one of our Deacons, Roby Hale:

Ashley,
I was on call last weekend. I was at St. Francis Downtown when I received a call from my wife. She told me that one of our friends from church had called looking for me. She asked Paula would I come visit someone at the nursing homes she worked.
The gentlemen is terminally ill with cancer and is in his last days. My friend had told Paula that he was telling her how he was afraid to die. The crazy thing is that she had no idea I was on call but felt that I should come see him.
I arrived and started talking to our fellow church member. She told me that Charlie was very sick and was continuously telling her he was afraid to die. I told her I was on call and it was a blessing that she called me. She said that God had put it on her heart that I should come talk to Charlie.
When I first met him he was very guarded. I talked to him about himself and he began to be comfortable with me. I told him that Nanette had told me he was afraid to die. He said he was and that his mother had died from cancer.
I asked him could I share with him about not having anymore fear about dying. I began to share about Jesus and how He is the way, the truth, and the life. I also shared with him John 3:16 and after sharing with him I asked him would he like to not fear anymore. He accepted Jesus and immediately I could see a change in him.
When I left he asked me to come back and see him. It was just amazing how God put me in a place I was not suppose to be that day. We should all be mindful that God presents us with opportunities everyday to change someones life. I received the blessing and the honor of sharing with Charlie and now I know where he is going and I will see him again.
I pray that we are all bold and just do something like Nanatte Skewes did to help change someones life. Sometimes it only takes a phone call to make a difference.
To see the joy on his face when I left is one of those precious God moments. What a blessing it is to serve a God and a Savior that love and care for us as they do.

Your Brother in Christ,
Roby Hale

Construction Ministry Opportunity

2007-07-26T15:47:00.000-04:00

This week we had a chance to minister in a way that was unexpected but exciting. A Verizon Telephone specialist who was installing the telephone wiring for the new building stopped by to ask prayer for one of his wife's co-workers. The gentleman told us that the young man has cancer, is only in his 20's. and the doctors told him he only has 2 months to live. The young man's name is Craig and is at Spartanburg regional. What an example of how God can work and use us in any situation for a Kingdom Cause. Please keep this young man in your prayers and all of our workers on the construction site. God is active even as the building is going up. It doesn't take a building, only a willing people.

Submitted by Cindy Smith.

Building Progress

2007-07-16T11:59:00.000-04:00

Here are a couple of pictures from the construction site. This past week the elevator shaft began to go up. Things are progressing quickly. More pictures to come soon.

Courtyard Conversation

2007-07-09T11:24:00.000-04:00

The movement of the Holy Spirit does not end with the benediction each Sunday. Sunday (7-1) I was thrilled to find two different families waiting for me to discuss salvation with their sons.

Sitting on the brick riser together, it became apparent in both cases that God had revealed Himself in such a way that the only thing left to do was accept God’s gift of a transformed life.

Both boys bowed to pray then and there, and soon we will be celebrating baptism with both families.

I look forward each Sunday to meeting your guests and family members!

R. Harling

A Kingdom Cause @ Beach Camp

2007-07-03T09:52:00.000-04:00

Last month I had the privilege of meeting Debbie Webster. Debbie and her husband currently have 2 foster children. Ben Prince, a rising 11th grader at Mauldin High School is one of her foster children. He has been attending our Youth Sunday School classes on Sunday mornings and I recently had a better opportunity of getting to know him through a small group devotion time we had in June.
Several youth workers including Jeff Lyda, Spunky Chandler, and Lee Barnett have also had the privilege of ministering to Ben. Two weeks ago, they learned that Ben was very interested in attending our high school beach camp this year but was financially unable to. They took up money that sent Ben to high school beach camp last week.
On the 2nd night of camp, Ben gave his life over to Jesus Christ. It was an awesome privilege see Ben broken as we both knelt to our knees and prayed together. Seeing him grow just in one week has been such an awesome God thing. I love how the Holy Spirit has just taken over his life in 7 days and it thrills my soul to see Ben completely surrender to HIS control and authority.

Submitted by A. J. Jeffcoat

VBS at FBCS

2007-06-26T10:22:00.000-04:00

This week began our annual Vacation Bible School and it began with a lot of excitement and participation. Just on the first day, we saw nearly 600 kids. Keep all the workers, parents, and espically the kids in your prayers this week. We are certain God will do some great things in the lives of many during "Game Day Central" at First Baptist.

A Kingdom Cause in New York

2007-06-20T14:46:00.001-04:00

The following email is a follow-up from Teresa Gilmore regarding Chris' (her husband) trip to New York to share the gospel with his mom. Many of you heard about this trip Sunday morning during Randy's sermon.

"Just wanted to update everyone on Chris' journey to New York. He was able to witness to his Mom and she has accepted Jesus into her heart. She was a non practicing Catholic and she said she was amazed that receiving salvation could be this easy. Chris is now on a continued mission for the rest of his family and who knows maybe the entire state of New York. One man can move mountains. Thanks for all your prayers and support during our journey." Theresa

What Chris is doing echos the words of Paul: "For the love of Christ controls us because we have concluded this: that one had died for all, therefore all have died, and he died for all that those who live might no longer live for themselves bur for him who for their sake died and was raised." (2 Cor. 5:14-15)

An Upward Conversation

2007-06-12T11:33:00.000-04:00

Hey Wade, I want to tell you thanks for putting together a great soccer season. The kids on my team and I had a great time. I want to tell you about one of the highlights of the season. We had this girl named Shannon who was the leader. She scored 6 goals in the first game. It seemed that if Shannon wanted to pick up stones at practice, that is what the rest of the team did. The team had a great time picking up bugs during one practice. The night that I presented the plan of salvation to the kids they all seemed interested (except my son) and Shannon said that she was going to speak with her pastor on the following day to pray to have Jesus in her heart and about how she would be different and then she would be baptized. At that moment two of the other girls started to sing a song about Jesus. It was almost too much. So that Saturday at the game both of the teams got to celebrate with Shannon the new follower of Christ. All the other children on the team got to see that the team leader was putting her trust in Jesus. I thank Jesus that he allowed me to be a part of all that.

Submitted by Doug Haver

A. Moore

A Celebration Sunday Conversation

2007-06-03T22:43:00.000-04:00

I could not wait to get home tonight and share my initial thoughts about the events surrounding our celebration Sunday. for those of you who attended, you were able to experience first hand the awesome service on our new property. it was a groundbreaking for the ages! i had a brief conversation with one of our deacons after the service and he said he was praying that God would somehow show us that He was looking in on us and approved of all that was going on. it was about that time that the first clap of thunder was heard. we took that was a resounding yes, He was there and He definitely approved! thanks to everyone who made last afternoon and evening in the Park a sucess.

A. Moore

Another Kingdom Cause update

2007-05-31T15:44:00.000-04:00

here are a few more pix of the construction site. Make sure to come out this Sunday afternoon, June 3rd, at 5:30 to participate in our groundbreaking. We hope to have enough people to ring the property and pray over it collectively. Stay and join us for our Picnic in the Park at 6:30.

Passionate Service

2007-05-29T15:54:00.000-04:00

When i have meetings with leaders and teachers at FBCS it is inevitable that there is something going on in their class that they want to share with me--good or bad. This past week i had the privilidge of meeting with one of my teachers in our Adult Division. I was so encouraged by the passion that this individual teacher had for his class. He wasn't satisfied with the status quo. The passion that he had to teach and lead was forcing him to find out how he can improve his own leadership and the health of the class. I am always amazed to see how God not only "raises up" leaders for his Work, but also how he "set eternity in their hearts" (Eccl. 3:11) Ministry done with an eternal perspective is done with passion!

A. Moore

Construction Update

2007-05-23T15:41:00.000-04:00

Just some additional pictures of the work going. These shots are of the back of the lot, taken from the back steps of the church office. Things are quckly changing around here!

A Kingdom Cause--moving some dirt!

2007-05-14T16:06:00.000-04:00

The past week has seen an increased presence of tractors, bulldozers, and big trucks on the property. The work has officially begun on the building. Here are a few pictures for you to see. We hope to post some new ones each week as the building project progresses.

A Sunday School Conversation

2007-05-09T12:02:00.000-04:00

A story of compassion from a class leader who desires to remain anonymous:

In the weeks before Christmas 1998 our class was introduced through DSS to a single mom with two small children ages 7 and 2. As is often done around Christmas, we took up an offering to give to this young family. The concern was expressed by the class that often we give to those in need around the holidays so that we can feel less guilty about how blessed we are. It was decided that if we were going to help this family that it need to be a long term commitment. Through the years our class has changed, but one thing remains the same; their commitment to help this young family regularly through out the past eight years.

Their unwavering desire to help and minister to this young family never fails to amaze me. They are not looking for recognition for doing something that we all should be doing more of, helping those in need.

A. Moore