Southern Oregon churches strengthened by joining together
By Sheila Allen
Cherub Speegle and Jacob Tiffee take inventory of candy available for a student ministry fundraiser at the newly formed Baptist Church on Homedale in Klamath Falls, Ore.KLAMATH FALLS, Ore.—Merging two congregations might raise eyebrows in some church planting circles, but not for some Northwest Baptists in Klamath Falls, Ore., an agricultural community 20 minutes from the California border.
Leaders at Baptist Church on Homedale, the newly named church that formed from the historic First Baptist Church and Suburban Heights Baptist Church, have baptized more people in the past three months than both baptized the prior year.
NWBC adds new church health catalyst
Richard KirkVANCOUVER, Wash. — Richard Kirk assumed a role with the Northwest Baptist Convention as a church health catalyst Feb. 1. After serving several NWBC-affiliated churches, Kirk is rolling up his sleeves to assist churches throughout eastern Washington, northern Idaho and eastern Oregon.
“I grew up in Texas, and our family life was dramatically changed when my dad was saved when I was five years old,” Kirk said. “I then came to faith in Christ myself when I was nine years old, and then was followed by my three younger brothers who were also saved.”
After graduating from Dallas Baptist University, he spent two years in the Caribbean as part of the Journeyman program of the Foreign Mission Board (now International Mission Board.) He served three churches on the island of St. Vincent, teaching the children of missionaries, leading music and teaching youth.
Read more...
By Sheila Allen
Washington men joined by faith, transplant
By Sheila Allen
WENATCHEE, Wash. — “When God lets you know what his will is, you can do anything,” said Tom Bolin, who recently donated one of his kidneys to fellow church member Ron Lee. “It was really just a whole bunch of baby steps taken one at a time.”
Bolin came to know Christ eight years ago after meeting Washington pastor Paul Henry when he was contracted to paint Henry’s home. Growing quickly in the Lord, Bolin joined a mission team bound for Kenya led by Henry with individuals from Leavenworth, a few from Eastmont Baptist Church in neighboring East Wenatchee, Wash., and a group from Texas.
Regional VBS training set to begin
By Sheila Allen
Northwest leaders enjoy a lighthearted moment when trying out VBS props. From left are Teresa Snow of Faith Community Church in Ocean Shores, Wash., Debby Green of Clear Creek Baptist Church in Silverdale, Wash., and Kerri Brown of FBC, Montesano, Wash.VANCOUVER, Wash. — Vacation Bible School leaders are ready to roll out training opportunities to benefit scores of children throughout the Northwest in coming months. Children’s leaders from churches throughout the Northwest Baptist Convention have scheduled training opportunities at regional sites with specialists, according to Leigh Ann Stark, NWBC preschool-childhood consultant.
A Northwest team received advance training in “Amazing Wonders Aviation” and “Space Quest,” Club VBS material geared for smaller churches, sponsored by LifeWay Christian Resources.
Worship leaders connect, share ideas at retreat
By Sheila Allen
Worship leaders from Northwest Baptist churches share ideas during a retreat Jan.5-7 at Cascade Locks, OR.
CASCADE LOCKS, Ore. — Renewal and sharing ideas topped the agenda for worship leaders from around the Northwest who gathered in Cascade Locks, Ore., January 5-7. Leaders arrived in this scenic town on the Columbia River for a worship leaders retreat, drawn by common interests that unite those in a specialized field.
Led by Bobby Watkins, who until recently was worship pastor at Crossover Church in Mead, Wash., and now consults with churches on worship needs, the time was spent in a casual environment where leaders could “let their hair down” and discuss what is working well in their churches and what is not.
Print