STAFF > PASTOR

Where did the summer go?  I know that time passes faster the older you get, but this summer has been a special time that has taken on whirlwind characteristics.  What happened?  I’m glad you asked.

New staff members and interns have blessed us with their energy and enthusiasm for their ministries.  Jake, Catherine, Jess, and Amy have been a wonderful blessing to the ministry of FBC.  They have worked tirelessly to produce a variety of fun and faith developing activities.  Jake hit the ground running with finishing school, getting married & honeymooning, only to land and head out to camp the very next day.  Sue and I worshiped with the kids on Friday and we got a taste of how exciting camp truly was for the kids.  I was blessed by the testimonies of our youth on Sunday as they focused on the spiritual dimensions of camp rather than just the fun and games part.  I had a great time driving the bus for the youth at camp and on their day trip to Fiesta Texas.  We have a great group of youth.

Camp Sizzle was awesome.  Catherine and a large team of dedicated volunteers worked around the clock to provide a great camp experience.  42 precious children made a positive response to the gospel presentation on the last night and we thanked God for the cooler weather.  Truly, Camp Sizzle became Camp Drizzle, but the rain and cooler temperatures only helped the spirit of the camp.

VBS has been a superlative experience as well.  16 children indicated a positive response to the gospel too.  Pray for us as we seek to follow up on these decisions and help our children and youth to continue to grow as disciples of the Lord.  I cannot thank all of the hard working volunteers at VBS this year.  We finished the week with 185 kids enrolled and 115 volunteers.  We raised, over $840 for missions.  Our focus missionary this year was Dr. Eric Hansen.  He is the older brother of Matt Hansen (our missionary focus from two years ago) and will spend at least two years in Kenya providing health care to the children and sharing Jesus with all who come under his ministry.  Eric is a pediatric surgeon;  one of the most sought after sub-specialties in health care today.  You have to marvel at their (Eric and Amanda’s) faithfulness to the Lord.

As I write this article, we are still looking forward to the children’s High Tea in Ingram, and girls lock-in, plus a day trip for the Youth to Inks Lake.  Combine this with our Nursing Home Banquet, Deacon Ordination Service, golf tourney, men’s prayer breakfast, staff retreat, a host of SS fellowships, and the first week of Olan Mills photographs, no wonder we are all searching for breath.

Though we have been busy this summer and thankful for all of the response, there is a lot of activity on the horizon during August.

  1 Dr. Kyle Klemcke preaching

  1-8 Cowboy Camp Meeting (Bro. Don will preach at 8pm on the 5th)

  8 Youth Sunday (come support our youth)

     Quarterly Business Meeting 5pm (FH)

14 SS Workers Annual Planning (9am-noon)

15 New Building Dedication; Choir Fellowship

18 Nursing Home Ministry (B) 2:30pm

22 Round Up and Promotion Sunday; Dinner on the Grounds, and afternoon concert.

23 FISD School resumes

24 MDO In Service Days

25 Family Fellowship Meals Resume

26 Water booth at the County Fair

29 Return to the Fall Schedule (two services)

We will publish the new fall schedule for Wednesdays in a couple of weeks.  Preparations for our men and women’s ministry for the fall, AWANA’s, Upward Basketball, Adult 55 trip to Glorieta, and something new; a Fall Bible Conference.  Dr. Bill Tolar, retired dean of the School of Theology at SWBTS, will be with us Sept. 26-29.

Surely we can volunteer, pray for, and support these and other ministries that God desires for FBC!  Also, these activities will be of the utmost quality and the citizens of FBG need to hear about them and receive your invitation to participate.

As I finish my 6^th year, I have high hopes and dreams for the 7^th!  Sue and I rejoice in your love and support.  Love you all, bro. don