2014! Where did the year go? It seems like we just got started and here we are at the end of the first month of the New Year. I generally like to write a New Year letter to do two things. First, I want to give glory to God for the many blessings happening here at James Island Baptist. Second, I want to thank you for your faithful giving, prayers and service. It has really made a difference.
This past year we saw 39 precious souls baptized into the family of God. For those who are interested, we ranked 5th in the Charleston Baptist Association for baptisms last year. We graduated our first group of ladies from the Transition House to their next step in independent living. I already have appointments to interview the next potential residents. We are currently furnishing our two small apartments that will be available for ministry opportunities as well.
The Chinese fellowship had a slight change of plans. They were not able to move out in November as planned. They are still waiting upon the Lord’s timing for their next move to a place that can accommodate their growth. That is a wonderful problem to have. Claudio and the Hispanic ministry are still going strong reaching about 40 adults every week. They have started a children and youth class.
Last Sunday night our Celebrate Recovery Mission had over 50 in attendance. Our family ministry will soon add Sunday night recovery programs for children (Celebration Station) and youth (Life Hurts, God Heals) as well as preschool care. In other areas, our family ministries have been blessed with 15 new volunteers in various places of ministry. And I think we all love our new family friendly Wednesday night schedule. Wow! I cannot stress how amazing this is. Our connection group ministry is going great. Last year we added a new Sunday adult and children’s connection group and two adult groups that meet during the week. Good Lord willing, we will start a Sunday morning college connection group in a few weeks and one more week day group. Most of our groups are actively involved in an outward focus, taking the light of Christ to areas of darkness and need. Ministry is done in a variety of areas such as: crisis ministry, orphan relief, teen pregnancy, James Island Outreach, local schools, etc. I love it!
Your faithful and generous giving has allowed us to tackle some major building and grounds issues. We have replaced the ancient boiler system and water cooling tower. They both served faithfully for years. I thank God we do not have to drain the tower every time the temperature goes below 32 and light the boiler every Sunday morning when it goes out. Now, we just have to get used to the new system! Thanks for your patience…we will get up to speed quickly. New signs, fresh paint, repairs…again, to God be the glory. Thanks for all you do to make this possible.
Whether you give a little, a lot or none at all, I am grateful for your prayers and support. I love being the pastor of JIBC. I hope you are loving what He is doing.
Pastor Tom
This past year we saw 39 precious souls baptized into the family of God. For those who are interested, we ranked 5th in the Charleston Baptist Association for baptisms last year. We graduated our first group of ladies from the Transition House to their next step in independent living. I already have appointments to interview the next potential residents. We are currently furnishing our two small apartments that will be available for ministry opportunities as well.
The Chinese fellowship had a slight change of plans. They were not able to move out in November as planned. They are still waiting upon the Lord’s timing for their next move to a place that can accommodate their growth. That is a wonderful problem to have. Claudio and the Hispanic ministry are still going strong reaching about 40 adults every week. They have started a children and youth class.
Last Sunday night our Celebrate Recovery Mission had over 50 in attendance. Our family ministry will soon add Sunday night recovery programs for children (Celebration Station) and youth (Life Hurts, God Heals) as well as preschool care. In other areas, our family ministries have been blessed with 15 new volunteers in various places of ministry. And I think we all love our new family friendly Wednesday night schedule. Wow! I cannot stress how amazing this is. Our connection group ministry is going great. Last year we added a new Sunday adult and children’s connection group and two adult groups that meet during the week. Good Lord willing, we will start a Sunday morning college connection group in a few weeks and one more week day group. Most of our groups are actively involved in an outward focus, taking the light of Christ to areas of darkness and need. Ministry is done in a variety of areas such as: crisis ministry, orphan relief, teen pregnancy, James Island Outreach, local schools, etc. I love it!
Your faithful and generous giving has allowed us to tackle some major building and grounds issues. We have replaced the ancient boiler system and water cooling tower. They both served faithfully for years. I thank God we do not have to drain the tower every time the temperature goes below 32 and light the boiler every Sunday morning when it goes out. Now, we just have to get used to the new system! Thanks for your patience…we will get up to speed quickly. New signs, fresh paint, repairs…again, to God be the glory. Thanks for all you do to make this possible.
Whether you give a little, a lot or none at all, I am grateful for your prayers and support. I love being the pastor of JIBC. I hope you are loving what He is doing.
Pastor Tom
