Second Year Anniversary

This week commemorated the end of our second year of ministry and the beginning of the third year here at First Baptist Church, Galena, Kansas. 

As I contemplated the last two years, my heart has been overwhelmed with thanksgiving for all that God has done during this time.  Jeff and I left Kansas (the state where we grew up) approximately 32 years ago, living in Arkansas, Missouri and Texas during those 30+ years.  We really didn’t ever consider that we would live in Kansas again, especially not Galena, Kansas.  After all, they were our arch rivals in football (ha) and it is so ironic that now Jeff pastors some of the very guys that he played football against.  He even forgets most of the time and calls them by the nicknames he knew them as when in high school ("PeeWee, will you close us in prayer" J). 

However, God had a different plan about where we would live and I’m so glad.

For those of you who follow my blog, you will recall the posting I wrote at the time we were called here, so I won’t repeat my “full circle story.”  If you didn’t happen to read it then, you can click here and it should direct you to that posting:  new ministry.

God has been so good here at FBC during these last two years with 77 salvations, 42 baptisms and 26 new folks joining our church family.   We have doubled in attendance and there is a sweet spirit and air of excitement each week.  Our first Sunday in the "new year" which was last Sunday, there were two more baptized and two others added by transfer of letter!  We are so blessed!

However, along with the blessings, have been some difficult days.  There have been many who have struggled with health issues and/or lost loved ones.  Jeff lost his mother a few months after we moved here and is so very thankful that he was living within 30 minutes of her to enable him to spend some quality time with her during those last few months.  We walked the terribly hard path with the Meiers in the death of son, Bruce and then mother/wife and our precious Karen.  And then the devastating tornado that tore through nearby Joplin, Missouri.  The summer has flown by with so many labors of love by so many in helping to rebuild Joplin.  Our church rose up to the challenge and has housed tornado relief workers all summer.  At times, there have been almost 100 folks lodging in our facilities.  So thankful for those who have diligently worked to meet the needs of those lodging here.

Jeff and I have enjoyed many a fruitful ministry and also the love and support of many of the members of those churches.  However, FBC, Galena is at the top of the list of those who have shown us such amazing love and support.  Our hearts are warmed each week to see and hear how many of our members soak up the teaching of God’s Word and are sharing their faith.  Rarely a Sunday goes by that we are not fed a delicious Sunday meal in different church members' homes. We continuously receive words of encouragement in the mail, email and/or Facebook.  We are remembered in such kind ways on birthdays, wedding anniversary, Christmases, and even ministry anniversaries.  This year, we were overwhelmed with many kind words, cards, and gifts!  THANK YOU, church family for your love and encouragement!

And so we begin a new year of ministry and are looking forward to what God is going to continue to do in and through this wonderful church.  GOD BLESS YOU, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH FAMILY!  We love you and are thrilled to serve with you in serving our Lord!

P.S.  On an ironic, humorous note – Jeff attends many of the football/basketball games and yes, he cheers for the Galena Bulldogs (even when they play the Girard Trojans) J!!