Laying A Course to the Future

Wakefield is in the midst of change. Our Missions Committee is hard at work developing our first ever missions policy. It is hard to imagine that Wakefield, with over 80 missionaries supported, has never had a policy. Soon though we will have one. I say soon, but I doubt it will be sooner than January 2009. However, after over a 100 years without, 2009 will seem soon.

Next month Oren and Gordon will go with me to Heritage Baptist Church in Lynchburg VA for training. I am certain that this training will be of value.

Please pray for the missions committee as they continue in this valuable task.

Also, the elders of Wakefield recently met to begin plotting a course for the future of our church. All agree that although many attend faithfully, Wakefield must increase its efforts in making disciples. The men all felt that we must be intentional in moving people toward greater levels of maturity and service. We just scratched the surface, but will meet again in May to move further ahead in our planning.

Please pray for God's guidance in this area. We long to see people grow in a greater love for and understanding of Jesus.

-Mark

A bowl of chili and the Tornado

Over the last few months we have seen God move at Wakefield in some wonderful and even unusual ways.

On March 8th, we were setting up for our first annual Chili Cookoff when a storm struck the area. Although not officially a tornado the damage was impressive; trees were ripped up by the roots and buildings knocked down. Over at Carl & Debbie farm the damage was beyond the norm.

About an hour into the cookoff word came of the devastation at the farm. Many of our men left the cookoff to help. The women pulled together all of the leftover chili, cornbread, and desserts. This food was taken a central location where those helping could be fed. In the end, the men of Wakefield could not be of much help because the farming community had already responded. However, the food items were greatly appreciated. Since then the family have been faithfully attending Wakefield. We are very excited to have Carl and Debbie. We are also excited to know that because of chili and a storm this couple is sitting under the ministry of God's Word and worshipping Him at Wakefield.

Just prior to this event a GROW team visited and led Melvin Meadows to Christ. The team visited Melvin one evening and after chit-chat shared the good news of Jesus Christ with him. Melvin, familiar with the Gospel, chose to receive Christ as his savior. It was a special time. Melvin served as one of our chili judges just a couple of weeks later. He too has been faithfully attending Wakefield ever since.

Last Sunday, Dave, a visitor since Easter, received Christ as savior. For over a week we could see that God was moving upon Dave. He often remarked of such. But this past Sunday he made certain of his salvation and received Christ!

Please join us in prayer for the Carl & Debbie, Melvin, and Dave as they continue to grow in Christ. Also pray for us that we adequately disciple these four.

-Mark