Also interviewed was Military Ministry’s executive director Major General Bob Dees (Army, Retired).  They discussed the large number of combat veterans who are dealing with combat trauma, and the spiritual resources which provide help through it.  It comes as no surprise that Nate and Julie mention the church and some people within it that were key to their journey out of despair.

Nate, a former Army Ranger, said, “The work I’m doing with Military Ministry to help spread the word that ‘faith makes a difference’ has a huge response.”

If you (or someone you know) are  dealing with combat trauma, we encourage you to check out the resources mentioned in the interview, ptsdhealing.org, the Rapid Response Center (800) 444-6006, or call Jack Helmer, our military minister.  Jack’s mobile number is (254) 291-3255.

If you missed the live broadcast, you may click the links to view segment one and two.

There is an interest meeting on September 23 at 6 pm in room 126.

This meeting is for families with children aged preschool through junior high who are interested in learning more about the school.  Students will attend classes on campus 15-20 hours per week and continue the curriculum at home with a parent for the rest of the time. For more information, visit provprep.org.

Each classroom will have special craft activities and games for all guests to enjoy! Guests will also be able to ask questions and receive information on all Church Weekday classrooms.

We offer these opportunities so that our Military Families (either active duty or reserve) and our Single Parents can enjoy a break.  We will take care of your children in a safe and nurturing environment in order to help lay the foundation for future disciples of Christ.

Reservations are required by the Wednesday prior to the event.  To make a reservation, please contact Treasure Hanna at (254) 939-0705.  Pizza and juice will be provided.  The cost is $2 per child for Single Parent Night Out.  Military Family Night Out is provided at no cost.

The class is beginning a 30-week in-depth Bible study which includes a 12-week study of   Daniel, followed by 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 John and James. Anyone interested in joining the class is invited to attend an introductory session September 13 at 7:30 pm.

Community Bible Study is an interdenominational study for men and women of all backgrounds who are interested in an in-depth weekly study of God’s Word.

Each week participants will receive a reading commentary on the previous week’s topic and a set of questions to work on each day covering the next week’s reading.  On Monday nights, these questions will be discussed in small groups.

Individuals may choose to participate in a core group for men, women, and married couples or in a new young adult group that was established last year.

Following the small groups, there is a short lecture over the same section of Scripture.  The class will break for the Christmas and spring vacation and will finish in April 2011.

To register or receive additional information, please contact the class coordinator Kathie Kimes at (254) 773-1842.

Every two and a half months we host families in our facilities. Volunteers bring dinner as the families arrive around 5:30 pm. Other volunteers stay with the families throughout the evening, helping entertain children. Overnight volunteers come at 8 pm, secure the building for the night, sleep, and return families to the Day Center in Temple the next morning.

Classrooms are turned into bedrooms for our week, and volunteers and families occupy those rooms. It is necessary to put class rooms back in order early Sunday mornings for Bible study classes.

If you are interested in helping in any way, call Phyllis Anderson (254) 698-8484.

The youth camp was an amazing experience. We learned a lot about the Swazi culture and what it looks like to be a Christian in Swaziland. Grant preached through the book of Jonah each night while Brett, Jenna, Courtney, and Daphne taught two sessions on the depravity of man and Christ’s redemption of us. We also helped with recreation each day, playing both American and Swazi games. One of our favorite times here has been serving as a panel during a question and answer time about doctrine and heresy. Their questions were deep, but just pointing them to Scripture was more than sufficient.

During the worship services each night, our team would lead a few American songs of worship. Our instruments included any variety of the following: guitar, keyboard, cajon, harmonica, shakers, foot stomping, hand clapping, and our voices. They really liked I Am Free by the Newsboys!

Swaziland has the second highest rate of HIV in the world, second only to Botswana. Thirty-five percent of the population has HIV. Kym, the True Love Waits representative for Swaziland, has been part of our team. We assisted her in leading a session and discussion time. It was so much fun to spend time with her and work alongside her. Please pray for Kym.

Today, we were able to go to a Game Reserve. We saw rhinos, elephants, hippos, impalas, warthogs, antelopes, guinea pheasant, buffalo, crocodile, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and several different types of birds. The Game Reserve is home to two leopards, but we didn’t run into them on our Land Rover ride around a small portion of the huge reserve. These creatures are some of the biggest land animals in the world, and it was amazing to see that portion of God’s creation!

Each one of us learned a lot during the last few days. The people of Swaziland welcomed us with open arms, and we have experienced a part of the body of Christ here in Africa that none of us had before. In the morning we begin the trek home. Thank you for your prayers. God has been faithful to us and to Swazi believers as well. We come home praising him for opening our eyes to His work here. We love you all.

Sanibonani from Swaziland,

Grant, Brett, Jenna, Daphne, and Courtney

EAST ASIA

Voice of the Martyrs released this video last week of police forces destroying a small church building in the country. As you view the piece below, pray for the strengthening of believers  who have lost their place of worship. Ask God to remind them that they themselves are temples for Him, and pray that they might be joyful in trial. Also, thank God for the building we have to gather in and ask him to strengthen the family here at First Baptist Belton to be as visible a bodily witness for him as our building is to those who pass by.

Be sure to watch the video to the very end.

Other grades are as follows:
10th Grade – October 17
11th Grade – November 7
12th Grade – December 5

Children’s Choirs
Our Children’s Choirs start on Wednesday, September 8 at 6:15 pm

Bible Drill

Bible Drill will start on Wednesday, September 8 at 4:30 pm for fourth and fifth grades in room 233.

Missions Activities

Missions Activities will start on Sunday, September 12 at 4:45 pm
Mission Friends (2 years by September 1 – Kindergarten) – Rooms 149 and 151
Girls in Action (GAs) for 1st-5th Grade Girls – Room 233
Royal Ambassadors (RAs) for 1st -5th Grade Boys – Room 230

If you have any questions about activities for your child, please contact Tracy O’Banon.