April 2017 newsletter

CHURCH INFORMATION CHURCH STAFF Ross Shelton, Pastor

rshelton@fbc-brenham.org

Annette Guenther, Comptroller aguenther@fbc-brenham.org

Troy Sikes, Associate Pastor

tsikes@fbc-brenham.org

Donella Peevler, Church Receptionist

dpeevler@fbc-brenham.org

Charles Covin, Music Minister

ccovin@fbc-brenham.org

Jodi Beckendorf, Graphic Design jbeckendorf@fbc-brenham.org

Chad Marrs, Minister to Students

cmarrs@fbc-brenham.org

Stephanie Sheffield, Custodian Manager

ssheffield@fbc-brenham.org

Alex Morrison, Minister to Children

amorrison@fbc-brenham.org

Nancy Jahns, School Administrator

njahns@fbcsbrenham.org

Stacey Strickland, Preschool Ministry

sstrickland@fbc-brenham.org

Kristie Mendoza, Mother’s Day Out Dir.

mdo@fbc-brenham.org

Teresa McGlasson, Office Manager

tmcglasson@fbc-brenham.org

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: Mon - Thurs: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Fri: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm.

Brenham’s First Baptist Church Contact Info: Ph: (979) 836-2807 Fax: (979) 830-0122 info@fbc-brenham.org Mailing address: PO Box 600, Brenham, TX 77834

LINKS TO CHECK OUT ONLINE CHURCH WEBSITE: www.fbc-brenham.org CHURCH FACEBOOK PAGE: www.facebook.com/BrenhamsFirstBaptistChurch SCHOOL FACEBOOK PAGE: www.facebook.com/Brenhamfbcs 2

I N THI S I SSUE:

Church Announcements ..................................................page Church-wide Calendar .....................................................page From Pastor Ross ...............................................................page Check out our new website ............................................page Music Ministry ....................................................................page Adult Ministries & Graduate Sunday ............................page Bible Studies & More ........................................................page Encore Ministry ..................................................................page A Letter from Reba .. ..........................................................page Student Ministry ................................................................page Children’s Ministry ............................................................page Preschool Ministry ............................................................page FBC School .........................................................................page Special Announcements ..................................................page From Troy’s Heart ..............................................................page Special Announcements .................................................page

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CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS FIRST IMPRESSIONS MINISTRY - Can you smile? Can you shake a hand or hug a neck? Sure you can! That means you can make a difference in someone’s life each Sunday by serving in our First Impressions Ministry.

Email Troy at: tsikes@fbc-brenham.org or call 979-836-2807 if you want to make a difference with a smile!

SIGN UP ONLINE:

KIDS KLUB - SUMMER CAMP & VBS REGISTRATION Sign ups available online at fbc-brenham.org. We have fewer beds available this year for camp. So, first come, first served. Please don’t hesitate.

SAVE THE DATE - MAY 31, 2017 Church Picnic on 33 acres @ 5:00pm

Welcome New Church Members David and Anne Beyer Sabrina Covin Sunne Wheaton Carol Miller

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CHURCH-WIDE CALENDAR

APRIL: 4 4 7 8 14 16 18 20 22 23 28 30

Piecemakers Sewing Ministry 9:00am Student Center Joy Class 2:00pm Sycamore House FBCS- UIL (EEC Closed) Adult 4 Sunday School Class Party 6:00pm Sycamore House Church Office Closed - Good Friday Easter Services- 9:00am and 11:00am- No Sunday School Relocation Committee Meeting 6:30pm Room 112 Encore Catered Luncheon 11:00am Gym FBCS PTO Garage Sale 3:30pm Gym Input Session on Phase 1 4:00pm Gym FBCS Night School 6:30pm Gym Student Dinner Theater 4:00pm Gym

MAY: 2 2 7 7 7 14 18 22 22 23 23 29 31

Piecemakers Sewing Ministry 9:00am Student Center Joy Class 2:00pm Sycamore House Graduation Sunday 8:30 & 11:00 Worship Services Sanctuary Deacons Meeting 2:00pm Room 111 Church Council Meeting 4:00pm Room 112 Parent/Child Dedication 8:30am & 11:00am Services Encore Luncheon 11:00am Pahl House FBCS Kindergarten Graduation 6:00pm Sanctuary Finance Committee Meeting 6:30pm Room 111 FBCS- 6th Grade Graduation 6:00pm Sanctuary Relocation Committee Meeting 6:30pm Room 112 Memorial Day Holiday- FBCS & EEC closed Church Picnic on 33 acres 5:00pm For more information on any of the above events please visit the church website: www.fbc-brenham.org

www.facebook.com/BrenhamsFirstBaptistChurch

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FROM PASTOR ROSS On April 23rd at 4:00 in the Gym, we will be having another church-wide input session on Phase One. These are important meetings, and I hope you can be present. As we continue to discern our first phase, it is important that I provide you, once again, the assumptions that are undergirding the master planning and first phase processes. The reason I think it is important to remember these assumptions is that it can be easy to “miss the forest for the trees” during these times of discussion and discernment. These assumptions, therefore, help us to keep the big picture. Here are the assumptions, which I’ve edited for length (the unedited assumptions can be found at http://fbc-brenham.org/about-us/relocation/): 1.) God is faithful, and we can trust Him even when - not if - circumstances get difficult, we don’t have an answer, and something doesn’t make sense. We want God to be glorified during the process and with the outcome as we trust Him to do what we can’t do in our own power!

2.) The relocation is about faith building not just facility building!

3.) Prayer is the most important part of this process.

4.) We will remain open to the Holy Spirit.

5.) The relocation is not about re-creating the past but about moving toward the future. We will need to be careful, especially in Phase One, about attempting to compare what we will have to what we once had. We need to be careful about falling into a “wasn’t it better Egypt” mentality (Exodus 16:3, 17:3, etc.).

6.) We will have multiple worship services on Sunday morning.

7.) As we move into discussing the design aesthetic of the building, we will be looking for a “timeless” aesthetic that is not easily labeled “contemporary” or “traditional.”

8.) We hope this process will not be viewed primarily through the lenses of the frustrations associated with the previous location attempts. We realize this is easier said than done, but we hope this will be approached as a fresh opportunity for our church.

9.) We realize that everyone may be feeling different about the relocation. Some may be processing the relocation through the lenses of loss (i.e. loss of routine, loss of what I know, loss of the important memories that have taken place in our current buildings, etc.). We recognize that these emotions are real, are sensitive to these, and will provide a process as we get closer to moving that will help us process any feelings of loss. Our prayer is that we’ll ultimately process the relocation through the lenses of gain. As we go through the ups-and-downs of the relocation process, we hope that’ll we’ll never lose sight of what gains God will provide as we move forward in faith.

10.) Phase One is the first step! It will not be this way forever.

11.) Everyone will be disappointed in some way (probably) during the first phase.

12.) Phase One will involve degrees of change and sacrifice that will not always be comfortable but will grow us.

From Pastor Ross Continued on Page 6.

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FROM PASTOR ROSS CONTINUED

13.) We have agreed, as a church, that God is calling us to build the first phase without debt. In terms of setting a budget, we are trying to discern the balance of what God wants us to do in relation to walking by faith and being conservative as we start out.

14.) Phase One can become an important “win” in the life of our church.

15.) A lot of the space will be shared space and used at different times, especially the adult class rooms.

16.) The school will remain in the current facility during the first phase and will absorb most, if not all, of the utility, insurance, and facility maintenance costs for the school building (but not the houses surrounding the church).

17.) We want Phase One to serve the age bookends - the oldest and the youngest - in terms of building lay out, convenience, accessibility, etc.

18.) The layout of Phase One may look strange in terms of placement of rooms and items, but the placement is focused on how everything will eventually flow as we build in the phases.

These assumptions are not written in stone, but I believe they help guide the process and encourage us to remember that nothing is too big for God. Please continue to be in prayer for this process. I hope you’re excited about what God is going to do.

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MUSIC MINISTRY Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Baylor Men’s Choir Concert! It was a wonderful concert and a great experience! Also, make sure you join us on Palm Sunday (8:30am service) AND Easter Sunday morning (9am & 11am services) as the choir presents several powerful anthems remembering the sacrifice and celebrating the victory of Jesus over death. They’ve been working diligently to prepare and are excited to be sharing these impactful messages through song with you!

Independence Baptist Association

Music

Festival

Sunday, May 7th - 6pm Calvary Baptist Church

Join us for a great time of worship, featuring music from choirs and soloists throughout the association, as well as a meaningful time of congregational singing.

Food & fellowship to follow in the gym!

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ADULT MINISTRIES PIECE MAKERS

Several Piece Makers have enjoyed making Touch Quilts for Alzheimer’s patients using a variety of tactile fabrics. These small lap quilts help to calm those with this illness when they stroke the different textures.

Doddie Messick has taken this project to heart and has made many of these quilts for Piece Makers. She adds pockets and fuzzy trim, fur and beading, as well as secret compartments containing bells and buttons to her quilts. She has had the rewarding experience of giving several to individuals in need and now accompanies Shirley Herring, Piece Makers Liaison with the Elderly, to deliver Touch Quilts and Walker Bags to area nursing homes.

If you have a loved one who may benefit from a Touch Quilt, please contact Sara Byman at 979 830-8555.

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ADULT MINISTRIES CONTINUED

First Impressions Parking Lot Greeting Team.

Each Sunday, We have greeters in the parking lots guiding people to a worship service or Sunday Bible Study. With bright yellow vests and friendly smiles, they will also be there to give you a helping hand with anything you need.

Presently we need more people on the Parking Lot Greeting Team and our Welcome Guest Greeter Team, if you would like to help us make a lasting impression by serving on our First Impressions Team.

Contact Troy at: tsikes@fbc-brenham.org or call the church office at 979-836-2807 if you are willing to serve as an Usher, Welcome Center Greeter or Parking Lot Greeter.

HOME TEAM GROUPS UPDATES! Widows & Single Ladies – “He Chose the Nails”

by Max Lucado. Pahl House 1st & 3rd Monday’s 6:00pm Bishop – “Psalms” 4803 Salem Rd., 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 6:30pm Yeakley/The More Excellent Way – “Knowing God’s Secrets”

by John Hunter Meets at 800 Loesch St. Monday at 6:30pm Schroeder – “Kingdom Marriage” by Dr. Tony Evans 620 Country Place W. Dr. Meet on the 1st & 3rd Sunday at 5:00pm Atkins – Prayer and fellowship 9250 Lake Dr. Various times and subjects

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BIBLE STUDIES & MORE

“I John” Wednesdays, 6:00am Sycamore House

Ladies Bible Studies Studying the DVD series “Redeemed” by Angela Thomas.

Sweet Hour of Prayer

Wednesdays 6:30pm Sycamore House (Childcare available)

Men’s Prayer Breakfast Studying

Thursdays, 10:00am Sycamore House Garage

Ladies Bible Study Fellowship Class

Pastor’s Bible Study Studying the book of “John” “Pastor’s Bible Study & Prayer Time” Meets on Thursdays, 9:30- 11:30am, Wednesdays, 6:30pm - Room 112

in the Sycamore House

Ephesians: Faithful Followers at Full-Tilt!

Wednesdays, 6:30pm - Room 111 Starting 4/5/17

Precept Bible Study Unveiling Revelation in light of Biblical prophecy Tuesdays, 9:00 am Pahl House Garage Wednesdays, 6:30am Pahl House Garage

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ENCORE MINISTRY NEWS CELEBRATE OUR BIRTHDAYS! Greg Cooper Fred Tanner Bill Arnold Bill Whitaker Midge Lubbock Mike Cowan Bruce Drummond Jane Moorhead Geneva Walker Rod Viebig Joyce Ruley Dan Bishop Helen Yeakley Shirley Herring Ray Campbell Jane Barnett Beverly Whitman Marilyn Brown

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Jennifer Eckermann Marilyn Beardslee Rita Schneider Connie Poffenberger Charlie Matejowsky Teresa Peddy Lori McCracken Louise Tanner Daphne Baker Bill Betts, Jr Waverly Craft

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THE ENCORE MINISTRY IS ALWAYS UP TO SOMETHING!

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A LETTER FROM REBA Dear Friends, I am writing this after Doc and I returned home from a quick trip to the Texas Hill country. We were searching for beautiful wildflowers as they are usually everywhere. After miles and miles of driving we headed home from San Marcos then through Bastrop and LaGrange. Guess what? The closer to home we got the prettier the flowers are. We didn’t find very many blooming in the hill country.

What we went searching for was right here where we call home. Why do we think that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence?

I do not know the answer to that. Here’s what I do know, on the other side of life it will be streets of gold and pearly gates. That should be the home we long for daily, and I hope you do. In the meantime, let us never forget to share about our future home with others.

As Easter approaches we see many crosses, some draped in purple cloth to represent Jesus’ cross that he bore the pain of for each one of us.

Please never forget what He has done for you and I, so long ago. May we always long for that home we read about in His Word. May you all be blessed this Easter with God’s love!

Blessings, Reba

THOUGHT OF THE MONTH

The best mathematical equation I have ever seen: 1 cross+ 3 nails= 4 given

SCRIPTURE OF THE MONTH

“Praise is to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade-kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:15 12

STUDENT MINISTRY March was a month that I needed after Disciple Now, Men’s Cake Bake and a trip to Africa and before gearing up for the end of a school year and start of a crazy summer (good crazy). This was the first time in many years that I took spring break off rather than going on a mission trip. I did some honey-do’s around the house, spent a little time in the yard, and also did a crazy thing with the family. Bobbye and I took our kids to a lock in - not one that we are used to having with the Student Ministry.

We travelled to College Station and willingly had ourselves locked into a room for an hour. The goal was to solve multiple puzzles and use clues from the room to open at least 20 locks in order to escape the room in an hour. Needless to say, I was not much help and was glad I married someone who is good at all those things. We did not get out in time but had a great time trying. I told my kids ahead of time that if we did not make it out in time we would go to my favorite restaurant - Long John Silvers. And if we did escape in time we would reward ourselves with a nice sit-down restaurant. I did not hold them to it because they were moaning about it so we settled on Panda Express (a win-win for me). We agreed it was a good compromise. I guess I will have to sneak away to College Station and get my pirate hat and fish some other time.

The up-coming months have a lot of things going on. I’m currently in the process of working on our summer calendar with an Astros game, river trip, and maybe an Escape Room trip for the youth.

Here are a few of our up-coming big events: Honduras Mission Trip Deadline- April 1st Graduate Sunday- May 7th FUGE Camp - June 26 - July 1

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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY Have you noticed how old barns have become the latest trend? Think about it. How many old barns have you seen in the background of bridal photos, family portraits or senior pictures? Pieces of old barns are decorating homes as new décor. Old barns are being “repurposed” as picture frames, signs with poignant phrases and knick-knacks to dress up a coffee table, windowsill or bathroom. Old barns have become more endearing to our culture. This is good for me, since this is how God sees me.

Let me explain. For the first stop on my sabbatical tour, I escaped to a little known ranch outside of a little known town in Colorado. The ranch is the Fish and Cross Ranch, and the town is Yampa. This is the home of the En Gedi Retreat, which is a cabin offered to pastors & missionaries who need to get away for rest, relaxation and refreshment. I went to this cabin without any expectations about what God was going to teach me. I thought I would learn of new adventures and next level ministry. However, I did not expect God to call me an “old barn”.

As I was out and about on the ranch, I found an old barn that intrigued me (Honestly, I thought that it would make a great photo because old barns are now cool). The wind was super strong that day. I was literally leaning into the wind, and pushing forward with each step as I slowly inched across the field toward the barn. As I approached, I could hear the wind rattling with full force through the structure. With a closer perspective of the building, I honestly don’t know why it was able to stand. Most of the wooden slats of the roof were slapping the rafters as the wind howled through the many gaps between them. The walls were in no better shape, and they were just as weak in the force of the gale. A fallen lean-to attached to the barn was missing sheets of tin from its roof.

Despite the great state of disrepair, the barn was still open to provide shelter to the cows, which just wanted to get out of the wind. However, even they were leery to escape the wind under this sketchy shelter. Sadly, the barn was unaware of its state of shabbiness.

It was only doing the best that it knew how. When I went to leave, I almost tripped over a 4’x2’ piece of tin. I recognized that this had once been a part of that barn. As I continued on my trek, I found more pieces that had once been attached to the barn. The thought then occurred to me that walking downwind of this barn could be very dangerous. If I had been standing in the field when the tin came flying off the barn, I could have lost an appendage. Even though the barn did not intend to, the pieces flying off could hurt people, or the herd for which it was built to protect and provide shelter.

Children’s Ministry Continued on Page 19.

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PRESCHOOL MINISTRIES Hello and Happy April!

You know I have two favorite parts of the year, Christmas time, where we get to celebrate the birth of Jesus and Easter when we get to celebrate His resurrection. Yes, our kiddos enjoy all the hype around those holidays, and it can be fun. However, it is also our responsibility and privilege to tell them the true meaning behind these two special holidays.

That is why I am looking forward to this month in our Sunday school classes.

This Easter could be the very first time EVER for some of the little ones in our preschool ministry to hear the true story of Easter. And for some, this could be their first time ever even going to church.

I am so excited that we have the most awesome opportunity to tell them for the first time about how Jesus washed His disciples’ feet; made His triumphal entry; died and rose again; built His Church; and gave us the Great Commission.

We get to tell them the true story of how much God loves them and how He gave them His only Son. We get to tell them that Jesus is alive, and He wants to be their friend forever. I know that my Sunday school teachers and I have the best job in the world! We get to share with preschoolers that Jesus is the best! What an honor and privilege.

Let’s remember that it is time to celebrate that Jesus is alive! He went away, but He came back! Yay, Jesus!

Stacey

ATTENTION PARENTS: PARENT/CHILD DEDICATION

Parents you can pick up a form from the Nursery area, the church office or you can download it at fbc-brenham.org. Just go to the Events Registration page. Please turn in completed forms no later than April 23th. Also, please start working on picking out at least 10 photos of your child along with a family photo. I will need to get them from you as soon as possible. Thank you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

MICHELLE BELLO 4-01-11 KAREN TEMPLE 4-02 CALEB HOLSTER 4-12-16 SOPHIA FASKE 4-13-11 ANDERSON NELSON 4-16-15 BENJAMIN REYNOLDS 4-19-13

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FBC SCHOOL & EEC As I reflect on Easter, I’m grateful for the love our Savior showed to us at Calvary. We exist to love Him and tell others about His love for them.

Because of our church, we are able to share Christ every day to the children and families we serve.

The school is one of the many ways our church makes a difference in this community. The school’s first mission project is raising money for the Annie Armstrong Mission Offering that the church is collecting.

Thank you to our FBC family for supporting this ministry. May the school and church continue to work together by sharing Jesus with the community and world every day!

Serving Him, Nancy Jahns

UPCOMING APRIL EVENTS April

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UIL – school & EEC closed Elementary Spring Performance 2:00 in sanctuary Good Friday - School and EEC closed Achievement Tests PTO garage sale – 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. in gym Core Essentials – elementary

VOLUNTEERS & DONATIONS NEEDED We are in need of scholarship donations for the 2017-2018 school year.

Please consider a gift to this fund. It helps families to send their child to FBCS. The scholarships are for need-based students, and they are selected through a committee.

THANK YOU Thank you to Pastor Ross Shelton and Pastor Troy Sikes for the encouragement and wisdom they share with our staff and students! We are grateful to each of you!

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS CHURCH THANK YOUS: Thank you for allowing our BSF group to meet at FBC Brenham! We are so blessed by your hospitality!

Thank you, BSF Group Dear Church Members, Your kindness means so very much, to me. I am doing a little better. I am still very much weak. I’ll be going back to Bryan hospital in March for 10 or 11 days of treatments.

My love to you, Sallie Moody To all at First Baptist Church of Brenham, Thank you for your words of comfort and expressions of sympathy following the death of Danny’s mother, Mary Goss. The lovely peace lily you sent in her memory was very much appreciated.

May God bless all of you, Danny and Debbie Goss and Family Dear Church Family.

Your prayers and acts of kindness in behalf of Don and me over this past year were truly felt and appreciated. During this time of grief, I take comfort in knowing you care, as I enjoy the beautiful peace lily.

Thank you, In Christ’s Love Jere Longhofer

OUR SYMPATHIES TO: -Jere Longhofer and family in the loss of Don Longhofer.

-Peggy Marshall and family in the loss of her grandfather.

-David Moore and family in the loss of his aunt, Helen Burrell.

-Ellen Wiese’s daughter Nancy and family in the loss of her brother-in-law, Harold Schwartz.

-The Ligues family in the loss of Margaret Ligues, a nursey worker for many years.

-Craig Campbell family in the loss of Ron Campbell.

-Daphne & Ken Baker in the loss of her mom.

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FROM TROY’S HEART Spring is here! How do we know? A few indicators: 1. Bluebonnets and the associated increase of tourists taking pictures on the side of the road.

2. Little League Season.

3. Cars are covered in pollen and allergy medication is in high demand.

4. Easter dresses are being purchased Each season brings change, but the changes of Spring usually center around new life. Spring and the new life it brings instills excitement and refreshment in us. Likewise, I hope the changes we seek to make, as individuals and as a church, center around new life and result in spiritual renewal. As Jesus has made us new creations and our minds are being renewed each day, the transformations He wants to make in us and in our church should lead to new considerations, new understandings, new opportunities, and new birth.

In a few weeks we will celebrate Easter. Just as Spring follows the deadness of Winter, Easter follows the deadness of the Cross. Just as the tomb brought mourning, a third day brought a new dawning! Just as Spring and new life go together, Easter IS new life!

I am excited and grateful to bring this year’s Easter message in our worship services on April 16th. Please join with the FBC family at either 9:00am or 11:00am on Easter Sunday for a celebration of new season of life! May Spring come and may it begin in me!

I love you, Troy 18

SPECIAL EVENTS

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY CONTINUED

As I was talking with God later, He told me that I was like that old barn. Confused, I asked for clarification. He told me that I was windblown and weathered; tired and tattered. Worse of all, I didn’t recognize it. I have been standing strong, trying to provide shelter to my flock and family, but my disrepair could have been dangerous to those around me with the parts that were flying off like that piece of tin. God told me that I needed repair, and that He would do so, if I would let Him. Now, I hope most of you see a good “barn” of a minister. I did. However, God showed me some weak boards in my roof and walls that were loose and rapping against the rafters in the wind. He has shown me places where tin had already flown off in the wind. I have prayed that I did not injure those around me with my flying parts. It was painful to have God show me the areas to which I was numb or blind to, but I am thankful He patiently pursued me. I know it will be a process, but I look forward to seeing God’s finished product – much like the refurbished barns that are now becoming elegant venues.

I am thankful for the time that the church afforded me to be with God alone. I was an “old barn” that needed restoration. Now, let me put any fears to rest to say my weaknesses are not any moral defaults. My failings were items of daily devotions and personal traits. Apparently, I needed time away for God to make the necessary repairs for me to be the minister that He has called me to be, and provide better shelter to my family and those I minister to. I challenge you to allow God to inspect the safety of your life’s structure, and allow Him to make any needed repairs, because no one wants to be in the path of a piece of flying tin.

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Brenham’s First Baptist Church P. O. Box 600 Brenham, TX 77834-0600

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