May 2024 News
Successful Associational VBS Training Event
Dear MPBA Churches,
I’m thrilled to share that we recently hosted our first Associational VBS Training event in several years, and it was a resounding success! We had 35 enthusiastic participants representing 9 churches from our Association. The positive feedback and engagement were truly encouraging. Special thanks to Roland Manor Baptist Church for graciously hosting this event and providing invaluable assistance. Your support made this event a great success!
Looking ahead, we’re committed to organizing more training events like this in the future. By doing so, we can expand our impact and better equip all the churches within our Association. It’s heartening to know that we’re part of a broader movement—one of 22 Associations across Illinois—that independently conducted these valuable clinics.
Mike Awbrey, our newly appointed Leadership Development Director at IBSA’s Growth Team, emphasized that this approach aligns with our mission of "Greater Gospel Impact throughout West Central Illinois". Going forward, IBSA will play a supporting and equipping role, empowering Associations to train more of their leaders effectively. This strategic focus will undoubtedly encourage our churches to actively plan and execute VBS programs. I look forward to what this summer will bring.
To find out the VBS dates for our Associational Churches, simply click here. You’ll be directed to our website where you can access the complete list of scheduled events. I encourage you to connect and share resources with each other to put on a great VBS this Summer!
Feel free to explore the details, and if you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
In Christ and for His Glory,
Bro. Will Ferguson
English as Second Language Outreach Launched
The first ESL class started at Galena Road Baptist Church with 18 students on the first Sunday afternoon in April. The following Sunday the class jumped to 34 students. That amount leveled off the following Sunday as Roland Manor Baptist Church hosted to about 35. Hugo Alcantara who is leading the class notes that it would be too late for any new ones to join since there will too much to have to catch up.
The class started as a way to reach people with the gospel of Jesus. Hugo asked the class if anyone is a Christian to raise their hands. Of the 34 present, only 5 raised their hands. Please pray that they will understand the simple Gospel of faith and dependence upon Jesus.
Dr. Joe's Gardner is Retiring
Joe Gardner is retiring after 44 years of ministry in the Pastorate and as Associational Missions Strategist.
Please join us! Open House Celebration on
SUNDAY, MAY 5
3:00pm-5:00pm
FBC OF MORTON
900 E. Jefferson St.
Morton, IL 61550
