FIRST FOCUS
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH ARLINGTON NOVEMBER 2020
301 S Center Street, Suite 500 Arlington, Texas 76010 In the heart of downtown near City Hall and Levitt Pavilion.
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November 2: James 1 November 3: James 2 November 4: James 3 November 5: James 4 November 6: James 5 November 7: Reflection November 9: Luke 11:37-54 November 10: Luke 12:1-12 November 11: Luke 14:1-14 November 12: Luke 14:15-24 November 13: Luke 15 November 14: Reflection November 16: Luke 4:38-44 November 17: Luke 5:1-16 November 18: Luke 5:17-26 November 19: Luke 5:27-39 November 20: Luke 6:1-16 November 21: Reflection November 23: Acts 11:19-30 November 24: Acts 15:1-21 November 25: Acts 15:22-29 November 26: Acts 18:1-17 November 27: Revelation 7:9-17 November 28: Reflection
November Thoughts
Dr. Dennis R. Wiles Senior Pastor
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I’ve always loved November. Maybe it’s because it is associated with Thanksgiving. I’m by nature an appreciative person. So, Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I like Thanksgiving for a number of reasons. First of all, I just think expressing gratitude is healthy and appropriate. I like the practice of pausing in the midst of busy lives and just saying “Thank You” for all of life’s blessings. Gratitude breeds humility. I like that. Second, Thanksgiving has always been associated with family for me. As a kid, our family always gathered for Thanksgiving. Our home was the gathering spot for our extended family. As an adult, our home has served as the place for our family celebration of Thanksgiving as well. It is a sweet time for us each year. Third, it is hard to be commercialized. I also love that. Unlike so many other holidays, this one is just about expressing gratitude. You don’t have to commercialize it for it to be meaningful and memorable. Finally, Thanksgiving marks the annual rivalry game known as the Iron Bowl. It is Auburn vs. Alabama. I love it. I look forward to it every year. My. Favorite. Game. As the Pastor of First Baptist Arlington, November signals something else to me. The leaves are beginning to turn. The seasons are changing. But for us as a church, November signals our annual emphasis on missions. And—I really love that! This year, our Cross-Cultural Ministries Department is challenging us to focus on The Church Unleashed! The idea is that God has called the church to be released into the world. We have the opportunity to join God in His mission for the world. What a privilege! What a responsibility! To support this effort, I am preaching through a series entitled, Who is My Neighbor? I am taking my title from the story recorded in Luke 10 where an expert in the law asked Jesus about eternal life. Jesus asked the expert about his interpretation of the law. After quoting the passage, “Love your neighbor as yourself” – Jesus affirmed the teacher’s perspective. Then, the expert asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:19) What a profound question. Jesus responded with the story of the Good Samaritan. Jesus described a man who walked toward others. He demonstrated his neighborliness by refusing to walk away from a person in need. We will build on that image in this series. God has called us to show ourselves to be neighborly! So, we will focus on learning how to walk toward others rather than away from them. We will be highlighting our World Mission Offering as well during November. We actually collect this offering throughout the year, but November is a time of real focus on this offering. Through our Budget and the WMO, we provide the financial support necessary for engaging in our mission calling as a church. So, I will encourage you to give to the World Mission Offering as God directs. First Baptist Arlington is a missional congregation. We have been invested in the mission of God for a long time. November is the time of year when we are reminded afresh and anew that mission is at the very heart of who we are.
Dr. Dennis R. Wiles, Senior Pastor
READY TO GIVE?
19%
WORLD MISSION OFFERING
Text: FBCA WMO to 77977 Online: Click here to give online. Check: Payable to FBCA, note WMO
Goal for November - $50,000 2020 Fiscal Year Goal - $225,000
“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” - 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV) I love this verse because it implies that, as Christians, we are to live in such a way that causes people to ask a question. It’s not if we will be asked, but WHEN we will be asked about our hope. So, are we living in such a way that causes people to question? Are we any different than those around us? Are we defined by a love that walks towards our neighbor like the good Samaritan? God’s love teaches us that loving our neighbor means coming to their aid, inviting “the other” to eat at our tables, raising a voice against injustice, sharing the good news of Jesus, and more. God’s love is radically different than the world's. God’s love sacrifices, reconciles, gives generously, listens and speaks. God’s love is righteous! The church was birthed as a witness to the world of this great love. We are released into the world to be bearers of God’s kingdom. Let’s love this city and the world so generously together that it causes everyone to question! Be the church unleashed and let's love others as God loves us.
FBCA DIRECTED (62%) Recipients receive a significant level of oversight as well as management of funds from sanctioned FBCA representatives, committees, or councils. This includes: Direct Mission Sending, volunteer teams, Texas border, and local engagement. STRATEGIC PARTNERS (19%) Includes 501(c)3 non-profit organizations and ministry work in other countries whose missions and strategic goals closely align with FBCA. While FBCA does not provide oversight or manage recipient funds, there is a level of interaction maintained between FBCA teams, training for FBCA members, or other provided services. Current Recipients: Global partners - SENT Ministries, and Arab Ministry Team Local partners - Arlington Arab Women’s Center, Christian Women’s Job Corp, Christian Men’s Job Corp, DASH Network, International Friends, and Mission Arlington. COOPERATIVE PARTNERS (19%) Funds intended solely as gifts and serve as an extension of belief that the stated strategies of these recipients align with our own core values and beliefs. Current Recipients: Lottie Moon, Annie Armstrong, Mary Hill Davis, Texas Baptist Hunger Offering, and Restore Hope.
62%
Ashley Berryhill Cross-Cultural Ministries Director
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:17
PRAYER POINTS For spiritual maturity among all believers, and for new church members to grow in their faith. For fruit to be seen from relationships made through outreach events. For both men's & women's Bible studies to continue growing and for Sunday School to run smoothly and effectively while away. For Monthly English Outreach to thrive despite restrictions due to COVID. For leaders to develop at every level of the church - that obedience to Christ would be evident & passed on. For their teammates, Randy & Joan, while they are in the States. For Ryan, Sarah, and Sadie as the visit the States. Pray for their time here to be full of rest, hearing from the Lord, and good fellowship with friends & family.
CROSS-CULTURAL WORKER HIGHLIGHT Ryan and Sarah were commissioned by FBCA in 2017. They continue to disciple growing believers, lead children’s ministry, organize English classes and outreach events, lead bible studies, and pour into future church leaders. Additionally, Ryan is enrolled at Southwestern Seminary. Their desire is to raise up future leaders in biblical theology, since access is limited in the region. This Cross-Cultural family is state-side from November - January. Take time to meet with them, hear about the challenges and opportunities in front of them, and witness what God is doing! Want more info? Click here to email us!
PERSONAL CHALLENGE How are you allowing God to stretch you? Take time to praise God for what he is doing in Central Europe. Ask God to stretch you to expand the Kingdom, and humble yourself to allow the Holy Spirit to lead you.
FBCA commissioned Ryan and Sarah to partner with an International Mission Board team in Central Europe. Together, their ministry consists of church planting, discipling believers and developing leaders within the Evangelical church, which represents 0.08% of the population. The majority of Christians are believed to be nominal, resulting in a largely agnostic expression of faith in the daily lives of the people. The evangelical union of churches has six registered churches and two church plants for a population 4x larger than Arlington, TX. This team has seen God open doors to relationships through meeting needs in the community by offering English camps and classes for children. However, the pandemic has made hosting these activities nearly impossible, such as the cancellation of the annual Cowboy Camp. The use of technology continues to bless the growing global church in unexpected ways during the pandemic. This team hosted services on Facebook Live which resulted in new church members! Being stretched in new ways can expand the gospel's reach. PERSONAL CHALLENGE
CENTRAL EUROPE
BARRIERS TO THE GOSPEL The convergence of communism and post-modern cultural influences. Limited access to theological training. Disunity among believers.
CROSS-CULTURAL WORKER HIGHLIGHT FBCA commissioned Guillermo and Emily in 2017 to serve alongside the Arab Ministry Team. This cross-cultural family manages a cultural center, teaches the youth at the Arabic-speaking church, trains local churches on Arab culture and how to love and serve this immigrant community, and leads community groups at a local church which are multiplying. This October, they welcomed their first child, Sofia. If you would like to hear more about this ministry and how to come alongside Emily and Guillermo, click here to send us an email. PRAYER POINTS For God’s healing within the immigrant community. The team has invited several Christian professionals with knowledge of the Arab world to provide online workshops concerning trauma, domestic violence, and other issues that may arise in this time of upheaval and crisis. For financial support for the Arabic-speaking church body. Many members within this church have lost jobs due to the effects from the pandemic. For God to breakthrough in the lives of the people they serve. They feel God is doing something new and they are soon to see the floodgates open. For protection and wisdom for the Arabic Ministry Team while they continue to serve during the pandemic. They are facing limitations due to limited volunteers and full-time staff facing unforeseen circumstances this semester.
FBCA partners with an Arab ministry team and local church to embrace Arabic-speaking neighbors in Western Europe. To strengthen the partnership, FBCA commissioned Cross-Cultural Workers (Emily & Guillermo) to serve alongside the team, and mobilizes an impact team each year to deepen the ministry’s effectiveness. The Arab ministry team leads one of the few Arabic-speaking churches among the influx of Arabic-speaking migrants in the region. Their hearts are to love and serve their Arabic neighbors, while bearing witness to the one true God. For immigrants in the region, the church leaders opened cultural centers to offer necessary language skills, resources, and tutoring. Many women from this migrant community experience trauma, therefore the cultural centers promote art therapy as an avenue for healing. The vision and reach of this team spans multiple regions. There are few resources on issues that Arab immigrants face or issues their children face as they navigate two different cultures. To meet this need, the team produces video series that speak directly to these issue. During the pandemic, the animated videos have been very well received and have accumulated more than 170,000 views with 90% from North Africa. Now, there are over 200 subscribed followers that span the regions of Western Europe and North Africa.
WESTERN EUROPE
PERSONAL CHALLENGE The nations are around us in Arlington. Is your attitude toward the immigrant one that creates a barrier to the gospel? Ask God to give you an opportunity to show the love of Jesus to the immigrants in this city.
BARRIERS TO THE GOSPEL Scripture has been translated into Classical Arabic but most of the population cannot or does not read as a general practice. The majority of the Arabic-speaking immigrants do not follow Jesus, and they sustain abuse from injustices by locals and others from within their communities. Division is evident between the local church and this immigrant population.
Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously. Matthew 10:7-8 MSG
Why is dental health so important?
WEST africa
God is moving in West Africa! Kingdom partnerships and collaboration are essential to bringing physical and spiritual healing. SENT Ministries is FBCA's strategic global partner, who currently has 250 people waiting for baptism! In 2020, FBCA partnered with Restore Hope to fund the ministry platform registration in country through the end of 2021, with a renewal process accuring every two years. This platform provides FBCA and partners the opportunity to continue holistic gospel ministries that include church engagement strategies through health initiatives. CURRENT PROJECTS Nutritional Enhancement The past two years, FBCA has been a grant recipient of the Texas Baptist Hunger Offering for the SENT Ministries nutritional enhancement project. This initiative's goal is to produce financial sustainability for pastors and ministries in rural areas (i.e. goat farming and breeding, peanut farming, and chicken farming). This is an essential need for the 110 pastors in the rural regions. Currently, fifty-eight pastors are trained in these skills. We are excited to announce that FBCA is a 2021 grant recipient which will provide for 15 more to be trained. Thank you, Texas Baptist Hunger Offering! Dental Wellness Initiative Through the integration of existing ministries this fall, an oral health education pilot project is offering broad- scale services to 5,000 under served people, which includes 400 kids and workers within the Restore Hope orphan sponsorship and interim-care programs. FBCA is collecting toothbrushes, toothpastes, and floss (5,000 each) annually to supply this initiative. Drop off these items at the Cross-Cultural Ministries office in the Student Building or click here to email us and arrange pickup.
CROSS-CULTURAL WORKER HIGHLIGHT In 2010, FBCA commissioned Dr. Gabe and Sada to West Africa. They continue to serve as medical professionals and catalytic partners alongside FBCA's global partner, SENT Ministries. While raising their boys alongside the ministry, they manage a dental clinic, provide rural medical clinics, and currently are piloting an oral health education project within the Orphan Sponsorship Program community. When they aren’t overseeing wellness initiatives, you can find them 8+ hours away in villages walking alongside SENT Ministries. FACTS Dr. Gabe is 1 of 10 dentist in the country of 6 million people. In January, the medical team treated 1,160 people in remote areas. People journeyed for 2 days and over borders to be treated. 1 out of every 5 children die before the age of 5 due to preventable water-related illnesses. The dental clinic provides 1,200 treatments annually and life-saving care for people who are left to die from tooth infections. BARRIERS TO THE GOSPEL Access to remote communities is limited. Off-road vehicles, motorbikes, and foot trails are the pathways to reach these communities. However, during the rainy season access can be prohibited for months. With a 57% illiteracy rate, access to gospel stories require oral methodologies. Deeply rooted animistic practices and beliefs. Persecution and prejudice from other beliefs towards Christianity. Prosperity-gospel workers who scam and manipulate the gospel for selfish gain. PRAYER POINTS For health and protection for SENT Ministries pastors and families. For dental patients to see a difference in the clinic, and successful recovery after long suffering from infections. For gospel access in remote areas. For the sick and the hurting. Even the churches are facing disease from contaminated water during the dry season. For provision for the Dental Wellness Initiative pilot. For Dr. Gabe and Sada's family's return to West Africa, and Sada as she home-schools their three boys.
FULANI PEOPLE
2020 CHURCH ENGAGEMENT GOALS These goals are to provide for the needs of SENT Ministries and are made possible through generous partners. For more information contact Restore Hope. 20 motorbikes - 12 needed 2 water wells - fully funded 150 audio bibles - fully funded 50 bibles - fully funded 3 Jesus film projectors - 2 needed 23 SENT pastors trained in Nutritional Enhancement projects - fully funded Resources for the North Resource Center - fully funded Dental Clinic to treat 1,200 patients annually Annual medical trip to treat 1,500 people
MEET THE LOCAL TEAM Dr. Gabe and Sada are a part of a larger Iocal team, who are employed by the platform. Veronica (Financial Officer), Bobson (Logistics Officer), Abdul (Hospitality Officer), Alice and Augusta (Dental Nurse Practitioners) are working behind the scenes as a crucial part of the ministry. It is through the World Mission Offering, church budget, Cross-Cultural Worker budget, and Restore Hope partnerships that make this team and this endeavor possible.
PRAY FOR THE FULANI In 2004, FBCA adopted the Fulani people group. We agreed to be intentional in praying for the Fulani, supporting gospel resources, and focusing efforts in this global region. The Fulani are one of the largest ethnic groups and only migratory people in West Africa. Fast forward to 2020 and Fulani militants are making headlines. They have become persecutors of Christians in multiple West African countries. However, God still loves these people! Only God can turn hearts. The Apostle Paul's transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a catalyst in the spread of the gospel is a very possible story for the Fulani. Please pray fervently for transformation of their hearts and for God to use their gifting of trade and migratory patterns to unleash the gospel throughout West Africa. FRONTIER INDIGENOUS WORKER Praise God for five new believers this year! Adam continues to serve faithfully in 6 remote villages with limited access to the gospel. These communities face limited water supplies, famine, and terrorism. Since 2014, 48 people have become followers of Jesus. Continue to lift up Adam, his family, and their health and safety.
The Fulani People
Learn more about the Fulani.
THE CABECAR PEOPLE
TEXAS BORDER
STRATEGIC NON-MEMBER If you've participated in the Youth Ministry then you've heard about the Cabécar people. The Cabécar are an indigenous people group in the reservations of the Talamanca region of Costa Rica. Every Spring Break, the youth take a journey to help the local churches in this region. Over time, FBCA has developed a 20-year relationship with Pastor Pablo, who continues to serve the Cabécar churches faithfully. The World Mission Offering provides him with a living stipend as a strategic non-member, which is his only source of income. This gift allows him to focus on the pastoral leadership needs of these growing churches. This year, FBCA granted funds for Pastor Pablo to purchase a motorbike. For many years he has walked through the mountains to visit each church. This motorbike will allow him to travel between churches and expand his ministry's reach. THANK YOU FBCA!
Learn more about Costa Rica.
In the midst of this pandemic we continue to learn to depend on Him. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV). Since the pandemic began, one of the hardest things for us was to stay still, especially at first when we didn’t know what to expect. The number of positive cases was increasing exponentially, families were struggling financially, people were out of work, kids were at home doing distance learning, border crossing regulations were changing, and immigrant families’ court dates were being pushed back. Families were scared and restless. However, Isaiah 41:10 reminds us that He is with us, He is our God, He will strengthen us, help us, and we are in His hand. The people we work with every day need to hear this good news; they need Him, His love, and the hope & peace that only He can give us. As we pray and continue to minister to families through our food pantry ministry, back to school supplies & care packages, we have been able to not only meet their immediate needs, but also their spiritual needs. As we pray and build relationships with families, we are able to share the gospel. Families have accepted Christ as they pick up food boxes - children are so excited to have something of their own as their mothers can’t believe that strangers could care so much for them. Thank you, FBC Arlington, for being a blessing to so many in the Rio Grande Valley. You are making an impact in people’s lives as God is transforming their hearts. Thank you for your prayers and continuous support. We continue to pray for you and your loved ones as well. Be blessed to bless others. Dios les bendiga, Osvaldo and Vanessa Lerma Rio Grande Valley, BGCT River Ministry Click for more info on the River Ministry.
The Kingdom Unleashed by Jerry Trousdale and Glenn Sunshine Christianity is growing faster than at any time in history. So why is the church in Europe and America stagnant or declining, and what will it take for that to change? The Kingdom Unleashed explores God's Kingdom Movements. Central to every movement are the core values of the Kingdom of God, which Jesus proclaimed and modeled throughout His ministry. The authors of The Kingdom Unleashed spent three years researching why only a few such movements are happening in North America and Western Europe. They identify historical and worldview issues that hinder Kingdom movements in the West. Interviews with many leading movement catalysts illuminate the biblical principles, paradigms, and practices that Jesus mandated for His disciples. By returning to these, we can revitalize Christianity in the Global North and see the Kingdom Unleashed.
The Only One: Living Fully In, By, and For God by Curtis Sergeant Do you doubt you can actually make a difference in the world? Do you struggle with knowing how to express your faith in the daily routines of life? The Only One: Living Fully In, By, and For God shares simple approaches to grow as a follower of Jesus. Dive into the concepts and tools to find the connection between "being" and "doing" with God. Designed to be read, processed, shared, and used to equip others,The Only One is a tool to not only grow as a disciple, but also to make and multiply disciples. This is about living into a greater impact on the world and the purpose for which God designed you. It's time to experience life with Him, and others, as a joyful and exciting adventure--read this book and get started!
Click on a book cover to order from Amazon. Interested in free e-books or purchasing multiple copies to study with others? Email us for more info.
Across the Street and Around the World by Jeannie Marie In the middle of diapers, dishes, papers, or presentations, deep down, we long to live a life of purpose, with a bit of adventure. But if we do something, we think we have to do everything—and do it in Africa. In Across the Street and Around the World, Jeannie Marie shows us we can change the world right where we already live, work, play, and study—by learning to grow genuine, spiritually deep friendships with people from other countries, cultures, and faiths. Jeannie Marie shares a lifetime of invaluable experience with the rest of us. Her book is a treasure trove of insights and practical resources for engaging the nations in our own backyard and to the ends of the earth!” —David Garrison, author of Church-Planting Movements and Wind in the House of Islam.
What does it look like to personally obey the Great Commission? What is God doing in the world, and how can He use you? Have you been searching for practical ways to reach your neighbors, or how to literally "walk in the spirit"? Check out the following books below to engage in the personal & global ways God is moving and can use you!
rEAD A BOOK
Spirit Walk by Steve Smith The Holy Spirit is the Hidden Mover behind all personal life transformation and ministry fruitfulness. Though we know the Bible says to walk in the Spirit, the majority of Christians are illiterate (and even nervous) about how to practically live in His power. The result is lives marred by continued brokenness and ministries plagued by fruitlessness. In contrast, believers from Acts understood the ancient path of the Spirit Walk. That extraordinary power was not just for them, but for us also. Gleaning insights from implementation in dozens of Acts-like movements around the world, Spirit Walk "lifts the hood and shows us the real secret behind apostolic, disciple multiplying movements" (Neil Cole, author of Organic Church). Whether you need a movement of God in your personal life or in your ministry, this book takes you through the timeless principles of the Bible.
RWANDA Our ministry team is generally made up of those who are Bible study leaders and teachers. Our task is to train remote Bible study leaders operating in Rwanda and DR Congo, in how to use our curriculum, and how to study and form Bible studies using the Bible. The leaders we train work in very challenging areas: some in complete pagan villages, some with former child soldiers, widows of war, street kids, displaced people due to militia activity, deaf Bible study members, and others in small remote villages and churches.
CENTRAL EUROPE This trip partners with Cross-Cultural workers and local schools in Central Europe. It’s a great time of working with local elementary students on improving their English skills and showing them the love of Christ. This trip is made possible through the incredible efforts of our Cross-Cultural Workers, Sarah & Ryan, and the support of FBCA World Mission Offering.
Body text
RIO GRANDE - TEXAS BORDER FBCA has partnered with the people along the Rio Grande for many years. With a goal of sharing the Gospel, this team engages in Bible schools, medical clinics and surveys, assists refugees and asylum seekers, mans feeding stations, sets up a counseling center, hosts sports camps, and shares financial assistance for church plants. The Rio Grande Valley team is a family-friendly group for all ages.
WEST AFRICA - MEDICAL This team works with Cross-Cultural Workers, Dr. Gabe and Sada, and SENT Ministries to heal the sick and open doors for the gospel in remote areas. When our team of about 10 volunteers join hands with local partners we become a team of about 40 people. Our goal for 2021 is to treat 1,500 people in 6 days of clinic and for thousands to hear the gospel.
WESTERN EUROPE This team exists to support outreach to the vast population of Arabic-speaking immigrants in Western Europe. We support full-time cross-cultural workers and the Arab ministry team to this almost completely unreached group as they provide services, develop relationships, share the love of Jesus, and disciple seekers and new believers. We also support efforts to help the church in Western Europe engage with their unreached immigrant neighbors.
SOUTH EAST ASIA FBCA has a strong relationship with Roshan Learning Center. Teams have been sent to assist with teaching English classes to refugees and asylum seekers from varying backgrounds, as well as to lead special events for refugee children. It is a great opportunity to build relationships with people from many different cultures, faith backgrounds, and perspectives, and to see how God is at work on the opposite side of the world.
IMPACT & FORMATION TRIPS IMPACT TRIPS mobilize teams to assist local partners in key locations. They help open doors for local partners through hosting camps/events, prayer walking, providing medical clinics, trainings and more. FORMATION TRIPS are primarily focused on providing an experiential way to help expand perspectives & worldviews of FBCA members. Click here for a list of upcoming trips and how you can be the church unleashed.
VOLUNTEER TEAMS
NEW YORK CITY - FULANI The New York Fulani team provides outreach to Africans in the City and surrounding boroughs. We engage in sharing Christ on the street, in businesses, and homes. We also build relationships through one-on-one engagement and in English Second Language classes.
COSTA RICA - YOUTH Since 2011, FBCA has sent a group of High school Juniors & Seniors to Valle De La Estrella, Costa Rica to assist Pastor Pablo and a small association of churches with construction projects. This past March, the group worked in the community of Seredes, and helped build a bathroom for the local church.
international friends
Jesus tells us to “love your neighbor as yourself,” referring not just to people whom we know – your “neighbors” in the usual sense – but also to people whom we do not know. INTERNATIONAL FRIENDS is an organization that reaches out to internationals through English and craft classes to make friends and build relationships. Each Wednesday during the school year, classes are held (this year some are in-person and some are virtual). English, Bible, citizenship classes, and arts and crafts meet needs and let our staff get to know those who have come to Arlington. Students range from new to long-time residents. Come join us on Wednesdays at 8:45 AM in the Student Building.
INTERNATIONAL FRIENDS
CHRISTIAN WOMEN'S JOB CORP
The Arlington Arab Women’s Center moved to Grace Community Church in September 2019 with Mary Rangel at the helm. The AAWC grew naturally from three years of Culture Coffee gatherings, where American Christian and Arab women came together to celebrate holidays, and enjoy meals, games and activities together. Listening to the needs of the Arab women, Mary saw these ladies needed a place to meet the vital needs of the Arab women from the many countries residing in Arlington. Learning a new language, a new culture, and making new friends is difficult, especially when raising children and, in some cases, working. Adjustment to a new location can be extremely challenging. Many of our new neighbors arrive from conflict-affected regions. They have experienced significant loss and trauma. These women need a safe place to share their stories and heal in community. The center provides trauma healing, enabling participants to experience freedom from past trauma and engage their new lives with more remarkable ability and fresh hope.
PRAISE Since Christian Women's Job Corp started in 2005, they have had 589 graduates.
In January 2020, I was just completing a short computer class at the downtown library. The instructor mentioned that more in-depth computer classes would be starting soon at an organization called Christian Women’s Job Corp (CWJC). Without a doubt, I knew that God was telling me, “Cynthia, you really need to go more in depth in learning your computer skills after watching you in this current computer class and you especially need to learn more about me!” So, I called CWJC and found they had an open slot in the evening class. Hurray! I met with Julie Forrester, the Director of CWJC, on a Monday and the classes began the next day. You talk about God’s perfect timing! As with anything new, I must admit, I did have some nervousness since I considered myself a Christian, but I knew I was not as far in my walk with God as I should be. Well, Julie, Cree, and the volunteer staff who lead the classes of computer skills, computer labs, and the Bible studies were all so welcoming to me with their kindness and caring. The bonding between the ladies in my class happened quickly because we were all yearning to learn more about God’s word, plus we were all about at the same level as far as our computer skills. Unfortunately, a short time after classes began, Covid-19 struck and our classes ended. However, by the middle of August, Julie called to see if I wanted to be a part of the CWJC group that would meet virtually starting in September. She had no idea that I had resigned earlier that day due to having to return to a school district and the concern of Covid-19 community spread. A whole day had not passed where one door was closed and God opened another door full of blessings of having CWJC back in my life! The fall classes have now begun. I along with the other ladies are well into learning the Microsoft Office Suite. However, the utmost mission of CWJC of having me grow stronger with my relationship with God is being accomplished daily. I even have a personal Journey Partner to answer any questions I have as I learn more about the Bible and I grow spiritually. I now know I will thrive no matter what happens in the future. Praise first goes to God. However, CWJC has been His instrument in assisting me in finding my way to a more meaningful relationship with him. - Cynthia Horn (CWJC Participant)
Arlington Arab Women's Center
Visit the CWJC website.
Click for more info.
CWJC - CHRISTIAN WOMEN JOB CORP
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." Mark 16:15
DASH NETWORK
Patrick Mitchel in The Message of Love quotes and comments on Deuteronomy in this way, “ ‘and you are to love those who are foreigners. For you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt’. Write calls this the Deutoronomic version of the second greatest commandment. . .This is an example of what it means to walk in the ways of Yahweh. (Deut. 10:12) His way is the way of impartial, generous, redeeming love that seeks justice for those forcibly displaced and in need.” (p. 37) Our FBCA mission outreach to DASH Network obeys the repeated command in both Old and New Testament to love those foreigners who have come to our North Texas home and to extend the love of Jesus Christ to them through our words and deeds. For over two years now, volunteers and staff at FBCA have been extending practical help, fellowship, and instruction in English to the clients helped by DASH. Over the last two years, Christian Men's Job Corp has partnered with DASH Network and Refugee Services of Texas to provide soft job skills and cultural acclimation skills for 20 men. Due to the fluidic nature of this population, 10 men graduated from the program. MEET DASH PARTICIPANTS Let’s meet and learn about two families helped by DASH. Both families love our church and have visited multiple times. They feel welcomed here and have benefited from various activities. Daudet and Odile are a Christian couple from Central Africa. Daudet and Odile fled their country because of a genocide. Approximately 900 members of their tribe were killed when another tribe became hostile over a land dispute. This couple and their three daughters have lived in the DASH apartments. Daudet is an electrician, and Odile is a skilled seamstress. They worship at a church in the Mid-cities because the service is held in their heart language, but they love to come to International Friends for fellowship and English instruction. English instruction, food support and the Blessing Tree gift cards have made their lives much better while they wait for their work permits. The Mattias family journeyed from Southern Africa because of persecution from the government which targets members of any opposition political party. Mattias has received his work permit and they have graduated from the DASH program, but Tayana, his wife, continues to study English and they remain part of the “extended family” of DASH. While Mattias was in DASH, he also attended and graduated from the Christian Men’s Job Corp which helped him understand work expectations in the United States. Since his graduation from DASH, Mattias studied and passed his commercial trucker’s license, and he currently works as a professional delivery driver. Mattias, Tayana, and their two daughters have attended services at FBCA and benefited from Joyce and Aaron Pierce’s simultaneous translations from Portuguese. They also have received food and gift cards from the Blessing Tree donated by FBCA members. They love and are grateful to this church. If you have questions about DASH, feel free to ask FBCA members: Mary and Steven Hill, Jim and Leah Adkins, Judy and Dana Hamilton, Mark Wade, Verne Hargrave, Ruthie Philips, Spenser Olsen, and others. All have volunteered to help the DASH family with various wrap-around care. -Barbara Kirksey DESCRIBE THIS MINISTRY "It feels a little like leaving Texas and entering a foreign land, but your surroundings are familiar, and you don’t have to learn a new language." "Like I have joined a new 'merged' family of local volunteers and beloved foreigners who are rebuilding their lives in a new home." "I have moved closer to our Savior’s heart and am participating in what God is doing in North Texas today."
Ministry in 2020 MISSION ARLINGTON/MISSION METROPLEX On August 1st, Mission Arlington turned 34-years old! praise God for what He has done! We praise God for what He has done! Congregations 364 Bible studies and congregations have made adjustments and continue to share God’s Love across our community. Medical, Dental, and Counseling services have seen people at record numbers during the pandemic. Food - 51,723 families (191,171 people) have been assisted since March 15th. Fall Festival– Saturday, October 31st, 12:00-4:00 PM. Volunteers and individually wrapped candy are needed. Thanksgiving Day – Join us at 8:00 AM to start delivering Thanksgiving baskets and meals to thousands of people. Christmas Store - December 12th–22nd (excluding Sundays) from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and December 23rd from 10:00 AM – Noon. Please join us anytime during the Christmas Season.
MISSION ARLINGTON
MARY HILL DAVIS (WOMEN'S MISSIONARY UNION OF TEXAS) The Mary Hill Davis Offering is an annual offering supporting mission efforts across Texas. In 2019, Texas Baptists ministries were able to support 77 mission opportunities across the state through financial gifts.
COOPERATIVE PARTNERS
WHAT IS RESTORE HOPE? Restore Hope was created to help churches accomplish what God is leading them to do in cross-cultural missions. The Spirit leads the church to send. Restore Hope helps the church and its workers to prepare for that journey and go! We do this through the provision of training resources, consultation, networking, and services. Our services include administration, fundraising support for workers, international accounting, crisis preparation/management, platform development, and more. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR FBCA? FBCA has been a leader and role model for other churches in the Restore Hope Network. Restore Hope has worked closely with FBCA for nearly 14 years. Many churches have benefited from developments in church-based sending that have been fleshed out by FBCA & Restore Hope working together to develop processes & church infrastructure for sending. Restore Hope currently provides FBCA training resources, consultation, coaching, administrative services, international platform development/maintenance, grant research/appeals/reporting, project management, accounting, crisis management, etc. Restore Hope serves as the contracting and/or employment agent specifically for FBCA’s cross-cultural workers in Europe and West Africa. WHY PARTNER WITH FBCA? The world is an increasingly complex place. The task of taking the gospel to unreached people requires thinking and living “outside the box.” The staff at Restore Hope love working with FBCA because it is a church that is willing to do whatever it takes to see the world reached for Christ. It is a church that, throughout its history, has embraced cooperation and collaboration – so it naturally would be willing to share its knowledge, expertise, and resources to help other churches near and far achieve their missional goals. Our staff loves all the international partners affiliated with FBCA’s work. It is challenging but extremely exciting to see all that God is doing through FBCA’s workers and partners! We especially love working with Ashley and Curt - FBCA has some great missional leaders. By: Cindy Wiles, Restore Hope Executive Director
Visit the Restore Hope website.
LOTTIE MOON (INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD) The Lottie Moon Offering is collected by believers around the world to support international missions. This offering is unique from other mission offerings in that 100% of gifts provide for missionaries all over the world.
RESTORE HOPE
ANNIE ARMSTRONG (NORTH AMERICAN MISSION BOARD) Every gift to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering through the North American Mission Board goes to train, resource, and send thousands of missionaries involved in church planting and compassion ministries across the United States, Canada, and their territories. Our partnership with Southern Baptist Convention churches and individuals makes this work possible.
RESTORE HOPE Restore Hope engages global churches to implement Christ-centered church-based transformation strategies. Pastors and missions leaders in the Restore Hope Network believe that Jesus chose the church to be the empowered and authoritative force through which His Kingdom would be expanded throughout all ages. Dispersed funds support Restore Hope to come alongside this network of churches.
TEXAS BAPTIST HUNGER OFFERING (BAPTIST GENERAL CONVENTION OF TEXAS) The Texas Baptist Hunger Offering unites the body of Christ to end hunger and poverty and promote holistic transformation in the name of Jesus. The Hunger Offering disperses funds through partners to over 100 hunger relief and development ministries across Texas and around the world.
Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent. John 17:3
CROSS-CULTURAL MINISTRY
GRATEFUL TO GATHER For all women of First Baptist - a time to fellowship, eat, hear an encouraging word from Carrie Wilkerson, and be led in a project from Lindsay’s Art Cart! Limited seating available. Covid precautions taken. fbca.org/women
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
WHAT'S HAPPENING
NOV 8: CELEBRATING THE LORD'S SUPPER We will observe the Lord's Supper during morning worship. Have your elements ready if you will be joining us online.
YOUNG FAMILY MINISTRY
TRADITIONALS MINISTRY
BOOMER MINISTRY
LIVING HOPE MINISTRIES
Learn about Lindsay's Art Cart
PASTORAL MINISTRY
Nov 15: THANKFUL FAMILY WALK Guided family prayer time at intentional and interactive Thankful stations - including music, art, prayer, encouragement, and generosity. This Thankful time is designed specifically for Young Families with children, birth-6th grade. The evening will conclude with Dr. Dennis leading a family prayer experience on the North Lawn. fbca.org/thankfulfamily
YOUTH MINISTRY
ACTIVITIES MINISTRY
WOMEN'S MINISTRY
MomTime Escape Fellowship time for moms of young children. Where you can be real, enjoy conversations and be inspired on the journey of parenthood with others who really understand. Join us in the Children's Building Courtyard. To make this a true escape, please arrange childcare. fbca.org/momtime Story in the park Join us for a story at Bicentennial Park on November 9 and December 7. fbca.org/storyinthepark open play in the courtyard Come play in the courtyard! Older siblings welcome. fbca.org/openplay Preschool Facebook page Do you follow the Preschool Ministry on Facebook? We have weekly events for your preschoolers! facebook.com/preschoolministry boomer tennis outreach In partnership with Arlington Parks and Rec - our Boomer Tennis Outreach Program is currently playing again (as weather and COVID-19 conditions allow) EVERY Tuesday evening at 6:00 PM. Be sure to email David Reed at davrreed@gmail.com - to get all the latest information. Boomer Tennis is an outdoor activity and may be canceled due to inclement weather or the ever changing pandemic conditions. fbca.org/tennis Nov 4: Mid{week} Worship This fall, we will host a Midweek Worship gathering on the first Wednesday of each month. The gates will open at 6:00 PM for students to eat, play games, and hang out prior to our programming beginning at 6:30 PM. Dinner will be provided free of charge! These nights will consist of student-led worship with a focus on prayer and scripture. We will continue to meet in the Courtyard, so be sure to bring something to sit on, as well as your mask and Bible! fbca.org/midweekworship D Groups Our D Groups continue to meet each week for covenant group discipleship! For a full calendar check out the website! fbca.org/DGroups sunday BIBLE STUDY We have been incredibly blessed by our time at Veterans Park on Sunday evenings, but beginning November 1, all youth ministry departments will begin meeting on the church campus at 11:00 AM! We'll be at the North Lawn so bring a lawn chair, mask, and your Bible. fbca.org/youthsundays SONIC HAPPY HOUR We’ll be heading out to 4 Sonic locations on 8 Mondays this fall – meet us there at 4:30 PM and we’ll buy your favorite Sonic drink! Make sure to invite a friend to join you – who doesn’t like free Sonic? fbca.org/happyhour Nov 13-15: Dwell 2020: a mother daughter retreat Dwell 2020 is open to 7th-12th girls and their mothers. It will be hosted at Riverbend where lodging will be assigned by family. Our hope and prayer is that this time can be set apart for girls to connect to their moms, each other, and God. Space is limited. fbca.org/dwell Nov 26: Missions brunch Our annual Missions Brunch is a time to look back at all that God has done over the year. We'll enjoy a delicious prepared brunch (no potluck this time!) and celebrate God's work in our community and across the globe. fbca.org/youth Clash of the classes Each department in youth ministry is assigned a needed Thanksgiving food item to collect. The department with the most items wins our coveted trophy AND a breakfast party. Don't forget that whole turkeys are worth a huge bonus! All donations will go directly to Mission Arlington to feed families right here in our community. fbca.org/clash international friends International Friends welcomes everyone from every nationality to join us for English language development. We have classes from beginner to preparation for the US citizenship test. Our lessons are taught in small interactive groups. Virtual and/or in-person are available. Information will be posted on our Facebook page: International Friends of Arlington. fbca.org/internationalfriends CCW Zoom Call Join us the 2nd Sunday in November to hear from all of our Cross-Cultural Workers. They will be sharing about their current ministry and how we can join them in prayer in November. Register online. fbca.org/ccwzoom Engage in prayer Let’s get back-to-the-basics. Through prayerful focus we are tilling the ground to make sure that our missional endeavors are thoughtful, biblical-based, and unified with the global church. Join us on the 4th Sunday of the month for an 8:00 AM zoom time of sharpening our witness roots through discussion and prayer. fbca.org/engageinprayer snail mail buddies This new Pen Pal Program is off to a great start - such a great start that we have more children than adults! That means we need YOU to consider joining this program to help bring joy to our FBCA children. And really, who doesn't like walking out to their mailbox and getting a personal note? More information can be found at the church website. fbca.org/snailmailbuddies Nov 1: BLOOD DRIVE Carter BloodCare will have its bus on our FBCA Campus Sunday, November 1, from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Please show your neighbors love in action by blessing them with the gift of blood. Schedule a donation time at the website, but if you can't come on the 1st, please stop by a local Carter BloodCare Donation Center to donate. Our next drive will be January 31, 2021. fbca.org/blooddrive FUNDRAISING CELEBRATION Please join us on November 7 at 7:00 PM as we celebrate the work of God through the ministry of Living Hope. In this online experience you will discover what Living Hope does and hear amazing stories of lives who have been transformed by the power of the gospel. there will also be a interactive question and answer time at the end of the presentation. You will be inspired, encouraged, and informed. Please invite your friends to watch with you. livehope.org/celebration Nov 1: 1ST GRADE BIBLE PRESENTATION This is a very special morning for our First Graders at First Baptist Church! It is the day that each of our 1st graders will receive a new Bible of their very own as a gift from the Children's Ministry. The presentation will be a come and go event from 10:40 AM - 11:30 AM. fbca.org/biblepresentation ASK DR. WILES Is there something you have wondered about our church, what we believe, or what the Bible says? This is your chance to ask Dr. Wiles. You can type your question or you can submit a video. fbca.org/askdrwiles Sunday school at home Sunday School at Home is on-line curriculum for you to do with your child. There is an information sheet for parents, an activity page, a Bible Lesson from one of our teachers, a video featuring one of the children's favorite host, Joel, a craft video, and music videos. fbca.org/sundayschoolathome missions month cooking fun We are going to make recipes with our Cross-Cultural Workers. Find out what they like to cook! These are going to be fun, interactive and easy recipes for you to try at home.
PRESCHOOL MINISTRY