December 2009
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UP BUILtoD Aid and io s mis n g n struggli s churche
P U P L HE Assistance fotrist ar Bap Regul s that e church ce n e i r expe phic o r t catas ion ct destru
Baptist Builders Club • USA Michael Nolan, Director 1300 North Meacham Rd. Schaumburg, IL 60173-4806 (888) 588-1600 ext. 803 www.BaptistBuildersClub.org
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ittsfield, Ill.—“First Baptist is a true gospel-preaching church and their town still needs them,” said Michael Nolan as he announced a recent $15,000 Baptist Builders Club grant to revitalize the western Illinois church. The funds will be given to Columbus Road Baptist Church, Quincy, Ill., to sponsor an effort that also includes the help of Calvary Baptist, Quincy, Ill.; Faith Baptist, Camp Point, Ill.; and First Baptist, Littleton, Ill. Together, the churches had previously raised $18,000 to begin the project. Volunteers have spent their Saturdays hauling trash, demolishing interiors, installing drywall and insulation, and pulling electrical lines throughout the remodeled building. Bob Cowman, pastor of Columbus Road Baptist, set an aggressive schedule to begin holding meetings in the remodeled church by the end of November. “All of our volunteers have put in an incredible amount of work and are at a point where it is time for skilled tradesmen to complete the job,” Pastor Cowman said, explaining how the $15,000 grant
will be used to complete the project. Michael Nolan, director of Baptist Builders Club, said that the project was a perfect fit for the fund’s purpose to help struggling and mission churches. Nolan also noted that Baptist Builders Club has a long history of helping churches in the Quincy area; Columbus Road Baptist was started with a $2,000 grant to Calvary Baptist Church in 1960. “If four GARBC churches are working together and believe that a struggling church is still viable, we want to do all we can to help them,” Nolan said. Pastor Cowman and Michael Nolan discuss plans for upcoming projects.
www.BaptistBuildersClub.org
Website New Web site
M
ichael Nolan, director of Baptist Builders Club, in concert with Dave Bosket, director of technology for the GARBC, have coordinated the redesign and launch of a new website for the ministry. With the underlying framework of the site complete, additional features are
being added and refined to improve readers’ experience while browsing. Along with improved readability, the site provides featured content, front and center, to keep you up to date on exciting and important ministry news and includes a new Daily Devotions section.
AA Note Note
from the Director
I
love this time of the year. The foliage turns, the leaves fall, and the cool weather sets in for a while. And then my favorite part—snow. Many northerners in the U.S. complain about the snow, but I still love the way it covers up dirtiness and imperfection. It reminds me of the hymn “Nothing but the Blood of Jesus” in reference to our salvation: “O precious is the flow / That makes me white as snow.” I am thankful for that reminder each time I see a snowflake. It is natural to want to express thanks in response to God’s blessings, protection, or love. It is a little harder, though, to be thankful when things aren’t going our way. I write to you as a thankful servant who has the privilege to be the director of this ministry for God. Even during a tough financial year, donors going Home to be with the Lord, and more and more requests that I am not sure will be filled, I am thankful. God’s Word tells us to offer thanks for many reasons and in different ways. I want to share a few of these that
Michael Nolan, Director
I pray you will read during this holiday season and will keep close to you. Offer thanks . . . • • • • • • • • • • • • •
To God (Ps. 50:14) To Christ (1 Tim. 1:12) Through Christ (Rom. 1:8; Col. 3:17; Heb. 13:15) In the name of Christ (Eph. 5:20) In private worship (Dan. 6:10) In public worship (Ps. 35:18) In everything (1 Thess. 5:18) On behalf of ministers (2 Cor. 1:11) Upon the completion of great undertakings (Neh. 12:31, 40) Before taking food (John 6:11; Acts 27:35) Always (Eph. 1:16; 5:20; 1 Thess. 1:2) For the reception and effectual working of the Word of God in others (1 Thess. 2:13) For victory over death and the grave (1 Cor. 15:57)
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orabelle and Carlton Baker—Corabelle first heard of Baptist Builders Club in 1953 when she married her husband, Carlton. He told her he joined BBC in 1952 as a student at Baptist Bible Seminary in Johnson City, New York. Corabelle wrote, “Carlton had a real burden for missions and joined Fellowship of Baptists for Home Missions, now Baptist Church Planters.” Carlton and Corabelle served together in rescue works. God used them to bring two rescue works back to full support. Although Carlton has gone to Glory, Corabelle says in her letter, “I have continued to send some each time a call comes. We knew what a blessing it was when one of the rescue works we served in received help.”
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etty and Ray McDowell— Betty and Ray have not just been supporters of Baptist Builders Club, but in 1997 their church in Grimes, Iowa, was on the receiving end of a grant. Betty wrote, “I was thrilled because we have given to BBC for many years.” Betty and Ray have moved from the Grimes area, but when in town they visit the church. They have continued to see growth in their former church. Betty told us, “BBC’s grant was used wisely! They are a great, conservative, growing group of believers. They have added on to the originally planned building and are thriving!” Betty and Ray praise God for all the work BBC does!