A Year In Review - FBC Missions Committee 2023

Serving our neighbors is our highest calling next to loving and worshipping God. To that end, First Baptist Martinsville is committed to supporting local, state, national and international missions organizations through prayer, financial resources, and service. Inside this presentation you will find ways we engaged our community, from our WMU group to our local, national and international missions partners with whom we share the work of caring for our neighbors in Jesus’ name.

And Jesus said: “…for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’”

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’

A Year in Review FBC Missions Committee 2023

Outreach Mission in our Community

Page 1 Outreach Mission in our Community

Outreach Mission in our Community

The Missions Committee contributed $379.73 to purchase FBC mugs and pens to be placed in Visitor’s Welcome Bags. This is part of the church’s mission of outreach in our community.

The Warming Center of Martinsville & Henry County began the 2023 season November 1. They provide a safe, warm overnight stay when temperatures are 40 degrees or below.

The new location is Salvation Army, 603 Memorial Blvd S., Martinsville, VA. The center operates on donations from the community. First Baptist Church is serving as one of several Donation Drop Off Locations. See the FBC E-Newsletter for an updated list of needed items, needed volunteers and how you can make monetary donations.

Pine Ridge Oglala Lakota Indian Reservation

Your missions opportunities funds have been well-spent this past year. One way we invested in opportunities for missions is sponsoring one FBC church member on her journey to South Dakota to serve the Lakota people on the Pine Ridge Oglala Reservation. Merle Prince traveled to the Reservation and participated in activities including Vacation Bible Study for preschool to grade 12. Baskets containing hygiene products, household products, and cleaning products were distributed.

The Missions Committee contributed $500 to Merle for supplies associated with the mission trip.

WMU Mission Project: Children's Play Pail Buckets The WMU sponsored a churchwide missions project in partnership with God’s Pit Crew. Members collected items for “Children’s Play Pail” buckets. These buckets will be distributed

by God’s Pit Crew to children who have lost everything in a disaster situation.

Ongoing Food Drive: Patrick Henry Elementary Food Pantry

The Missions Committee and WMU is inviting the church to participate in an opportunity to serve children in our community.

Patrick Henry Elementary School will be providing food bags for student who need extra food over the weekends. The committee voted to partner with the Patrick Henry School staff for this school year in providing items for these food bags. If you would like to participate, you are asked to place any items in the box marked “PHE” in Room 103, the Missions Room. See the ENewsletter for a list of food items.

February WMU Mission Action Project Throughout February, the Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) sponsored the "Nose & Toes" missions collection—a churchwide initiative benefitting children in Martinsville City Schools. The collection focused on gathering essential items, specifically socks and tissues.

Martinsville City Public Schools – Empowering Success One Learner At A Time

Mission In Action FBC’s Mission with Grace & Main Fellowship

Building Bridges In Mission Engagement

FBC is an Encourager Church to CBF Field Personnel Jessica Hearne, who leads Grace & Main Fellowship in Danville, Virginia. The Missions Committee organized and sponsored a trip to the community farm, where members lent their assistance. Families of all ages and abilities were invited to participate in this impactful collaboration.

FBC, as an Encourager Church, actively supports CBF Field Personnel, in order to build bridges in mission engagement. Our church is in covenant with two dedicated field personnel, Jessica Hearne, guiding Grace & Main Fellowship in Danville, Virginia and Karen, serving in North Africa.

This partnership includes prayer, programming, short-term engagement, and financial support. The Missions Committee made a contribution of $1,000, allocating $500 each to Jessica and Karen. This financial support serves to help their ministries, reflecting our commitment to making positive change in the communities they serve.

FBC Missions Committee Offers Support to Hope Center Ministries FBC Missions successfully raised $3,000 for CBF Global Missions, supporting field personnel worldwide. A special thanks to our Missions Committee for contributing $474, helping us reach our goal. Your generosity is making a global impact – thank you!"

FBC Missions contributed $550 to the Back2School Community Project. This mission project provided school-age children in our community with needed school supplies and backpacks to start school. The WMU also collected items for this missions project.

FBC Missions donated $500 to help sponsor the Children’s Easter Festivities held by the Children’s Committee.

The Missions Committee of FBC donated $400 to the Hope Center Ministries in Axton, Virginia, reinforcing their commitment to supporting individuals battling alcohol and drug addiction. Hope Center Ministries, a faith-based rehabilitation facility, stands as a beacon of hope for those seeking recovery. Situated in Axton, Virginia, Hope Center Ministries is deeply entrenched in the principles of the 12 Step program philosophy. This faith-based facility offers a comprehensive range of services aimed at aiding adults in their journey to overcome addiction.

The mission of the Good News Jail & Prison Ministry is to place chaplains in jails and prisons to minister to the spiritual needs of inmates and staff. First Baptist Church Missions continues to support this mission by contributing $250 to the Good News Jail & Prison Ministry Hope Pack Program.

Oktoberfest 2023 Community Outreach

The Salvation Army Angel Tree FBC Missions contributed $250 to the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program. Because of YOU, underserved children experienced a merry and bright Christmas.

FBC Missions donated $500 to help sponsor the Children’s Easter Festivities held by the Children’s Committee.

FBC participated in the Martinsville Oktoberfest, a family-friendly tradition held for the past 42 years. Our booth added to this annual event, which offers music, crafts, and food options for attendees of all ages. Joining the community celebration, we provided information about FBC and FBC Early Learning Center and engaging activities for children. This represents a community outreach mission.

Richard’s Christmas Dinner Caring for Our Neighbors - FBC WMU Supports Homeless Day Ministry with Generous Donation

Following an informative andto help engaging program FBC Missions donated $500 sponsor the by a representative from Festivities the Homeless Day the FBC WMU Children’s Easter held byMinistry, the Children’s generously contributed $50 to support the ministry's vital Committee. outreach to the homeless community.

For over 35 years, First Baptist Church Martinsville has hosted the annual Richard’s Dinner on Christmas Day in collaboration with Grace Network, serving thousands of meals to those in need. This year, organizer Scott Norman, reported distributing 2,344 meals. FBC Missions continued their support by contributing $500, exemplifying the spirit of generosity and community during the holiday season.

Harvest Fest 2023 The FBC Missions Committee generously donated $149 to support Harvest Fest, a joint community outreach event in collaboration with our sister church, Chatham Heights Baptist Church. Volunteers played a crucial role in organizing and facilitating a variety of activities, including games with prizes, trunk-or-treat, and the delectable offerings of food trucks. Thanks to the collective effort, we were able to create a safe and enjoyable space for hundreds of our neighbors to bring their children. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the community's participation and support in making this event a success!

FBC Kids Children’s Ministry and FBC ELC Children attended a shared Vacation Bible School (VBS) with our sister church, Chatham Heights Baptist Church. Children up through sixth grade shared times of learning, play and spiritual growth.

Mission of Hope Empowering Families

CBF Encourager Church Potluck Dinner

On a delightful Wednesday night, FBC hosted a memorable potluck dinner featuring a special visit from Karen, our Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Field Personnel serving in North Africa. The evening included the completion of our signing of the Encourager Church covenant, and a program offering insights into Karen's impactful work. For those interested in learning more about her ministry, information is available for pickup in the church office. Pictured in the above photo are Reverend Dr. Libby Grammer, Senior Pastor, alongside Karen, and David Lewis, Chair of the Missions Committee.

The Missions Committee, driven by its commitment to make a positive difference in the lives of those facing hardships, extended a helping had to a deserving family in our community.

The Missions Committee generously donated $5,650, ensuring that essential needs were met during this challenging time. The Church family also donated to this mission opportunity.

Additionally, The Missions Committee also donated $250 to a another family in need for Christmas. It is through our collective efforts that we make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. Altrusa MHC also donated new children’s books to the family.

The FBC Missions Committee generously donated $250 to support community outreach efforts at Mulberry Creek Nursing Home. This contribution specifically went towards stocking a Christmas Store, where residents can use "MC Bucks" to shop for festive items. This thoughtful initiative not only spreads holiday cheer but also provides the residents with a special and personalized shopping experience during the holiday season.

FBC WMU Mission In Action The members of FBC's WMU made cozy fleece-fringe pillows, with the purpose of distributing them to our at-home members. This thoughtful missions project serves as a heartwarming way to connect and bring comfort to those who may be spending more time at home.

FBC Missions Committee Joins CBF's Response to “Marrakech Earthquake" In September 2023, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship partnered with the Protestant Church in Morocco to aid the earthquakestricken region outside Marrakech. The 6.8 magnitude quake resulted in over 2,862 casualties and 2,500 injuries. Cooperative Baptists, including individuals, churches, and partner organizations, contributed to CBF’s Earthquake Disaster Response Fund in support of the collaboration with the Protestant Church in Morocco. The FBC Missions Committee promptly donated $500 for earthquake relief. Laura Ayala, CBF’s Global Missions Coordinator, emphasized the crucial role of ministry during disasters, stating, “Our offering is a witness of God's love for all, expressing solidarity and assistance to our hurting neighbors.”

FBC Missions Responds to Maui Wildfires The FBC Missions Committee acted in August 2023, contributing $500 to aid Maui during the devastating fire disaster. Collaborating with CBF's donation efforts, we joined forces to address the life-threatening wildfires that posed a significant threat to families in Maui. CBF facilitated a donation platform to support the recovery of affected families. In addition to our financial assistance, our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones and property in the tragedy. We extend our prayers and support to the affected communities, aiming to demonstrate our love and compassion during these challenging times.

In partnership with WMU, local, state, national and international missions organizations, the FBC Mission Committee and WMU continued to be engaged in the work of caring for our neighbors in Jesus’ name.

The FBC Women on Mission (WMU) extends connections to our athome members through thoughtful cards. These cards serve as a touching reminder that the entire FBC Church family is actively thinking of and praying for our members who are unable to join us in person. In this way, we strive to foster a sense of community and support, even from a distance.

Churchwide Christmas Missions Offering: Heifer International In December 2023, our Women on Mission and Mission Committee sponsored a Heifer International project. With a $500 donation from the Missions Committee and your incredible generosity, we raised $1,570.96. Thanks to a 4x match by Heifer International, our total impact reached $6,204.08. With these funds, we provided Water for Life systems, supported girls' education, established Honeybee Hives, and contributed to flocks of chicks and Garden Seeds. Thank you for making a global difference!

Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign The Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle initiative has evolved into a nationwide presence, with kettles now stationed in over 2,000 locations across the country. For more than a century, this lasting tradition stands as a symbol of hope, illustrating The Salvation Army's commitment to making a positive impact in communities far and wide. The Missions Committee donated $250 to this campaign. The funds raised stay in the community in which they were donated and are used to support local Salvation Army programs for people in need.

Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign

Laundromat Libraries Project

Eagle Eyrie Capital Improvements Through the generosity of so many, Eagle Eyrie has been able to make an incredible number of capital improvements in 2023. As they continually strive to make Eagle Eyrie a more attractive and efficient venue for future events, a number of additional projects have been slated for 2024. The year-end goal for these capital improvements is $35,000. The Missions Committee contributed $250 for continued capital improvements.

In May, the WMU sponsored a mission project collecting books to be placed in the Laundromat Children’s Libraries, an initiative by the local Altrusa International, Inc. Club. The books collected through this project are for children from birth to age 10 aimed to encourage shared reading experience between parents and children.

Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign

WMU sponsored a churchwide mission project which included the collection of individually wrapped cookies and snacks for the Raceway Ministry. The cookies and snacks were distributed at the local race.

Women on Mission Action Project for The Horne Home

In June, the WMU Mission Action Project brought joy to the residents of the Horne Home through an engaging Bingo and Pizza Party. Participants marked their cards, eagerly anticipating the chance to say “Bingo” and win a prize. This mission project created lasting memories for both residents and volunteers alike. This event provided entertainment and fostered a sense of community and connection at the Horne Home.

First Baptist Church hosted Grace Network’s annual Pumpkin Patch fundraising sale again this year! FBC provided volunteers at the pumpkin patch.

FBC MISSIONS OPPORTUNITY – FEEDING OUR NEIGHBORS

On November 20, members from First Baptist Church Martinsville packed boxes at the Henry County Food Pantry. This is an on-going mission opportunity.

The Missions Committee made a significant contribution of $865 to the Alma Hunt Annual Offering, honoring Alma Hunt (1909-2008), a distinguished Virginian known for her global missions service. With a goal of $2,222 set for 2023, the committee's generous donation, along with support from our church family and WMU, led to surpassing the target. Thanks to everyone's generosity, we collected a total of $2,222. Grateful for the collective effort and support that made this achievement possible. Thank you!

FBC sent a team to work at the Henry County Food Pantry and the team packed 135 boxes of food for families in need, sorted and organized needed household and hygiene items for families rebuilding their lives from the ground up in the referral closet, and sorted out accessible food for our neighbors experiencing homelessness who are guests at the MHC Warming Center this winter. Thank you to our team for their hard work! The Missions Committee contributed $1,000 to the Henry County Food Pantry to help replenish the food supply.

Supporting Henry-Martinsville Department of Social Services In April, the WMU held its monthly meeting, welcoming representatives from the Henry-Martinsville Department of Social Studies. The meeting proved informative as we gained valuable information regarding the diverse range of programs and services they offer. A particularly noteworthy program was their impactful backpack program designed for children in need. Motivated by this initiative, the WMU made a donation of $50 to purchase essential items for the backpacks.

A Year in Review 2023

Undies Sundays Mission Opportunity Project in July Helping our Neighbors!

Words of Appreciation The Missions Committee, along with WMU, sincerely thanks everyone for their generous contributions to our missions. The mission committee has been able to offer support to various mission opportunities at locate, state, and global levels. The total sum of contributions for these projects is a testament to your dedication and belief in the importance of missions. In addition to your faithful giving financially, we give thanks to the many faithful disciples of Jesus who served others in Christ's name in 2023. FBC members served alongside 15+ partner organizations this year performing hands-on missions. Your love and support made these endeavors possible, leaving a lasting impact. We appreciate your invaluable role in making a positive difference. Thank you!