by Dan Lamb
Church planting is at the heart of everything we do here at the NCPO. Partnering with BBFI churches to birth new churches in cities, small towns, and neighborhoods across our nation is vital to reaching individuals with the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ! We are excited this month to share an opportunity for you to partner with one of these new churches as they seek to reach a very un-churched area of Jackson, MS.
Pastor Bill Fluker, the moderator of Brothers of Cyrene and part of the Gateway Project that seeks out black men who want to plant churches in predominantly black communities, planted Grace & Mercy Baptist Church in Jackson eight years ago, meeting in a storefront location during this time. Recently, as they have outgrown their space, they have received an opportunity to purchase an 8,000-square-foot building in a heavily populated neighborhood near Jackson State University and adjacent to two interstate highways. The building has been purchased and work has already begun to convert what used to be a nightclub into a sanctuary for our Lord. What once was a home for sin will now be a place of reconciliation with the Lord!
The congregation of about 40 people is now occupying a portion of this 8,000-square-foot facility and they need some financial help in renovating the rest of the building. They have drawn up plans, and permit is in hand to begin the work. Upon completion of the renovation, the church will be able to adequately minister to all age groups as space will be provided for several classrooms, a nursery, a 200-seat auditorium, and fellowship hall. The BBF Builders are ready to provide much of the labor and are excited to partner with this congregation.
Grace & Mercy Baptist Church’s building fund is being used for the renovations, as well as some other funds that have been received from churches, but they need approximately $50,000 to complete the project.
Pastor Bill Fluker will be presenting the need at the National Fellowship meeting in Austin, TX. Would you prayerfully consider investing in this inner-city ministry to help renovate this building? If you will be attending the National Meeting in February, please come prepared to help us raise the remainder of the funds. Or you can send your donation to: National Church Planting Office, 334 E. Kearney St. #184, Springfield, MO 65803. Email us at office@bbfincpo.com with any questions.
Jackson’s population is 70 percent African-American and many souls are lost and unchurched. Nineteen souls accepted Christ this year — 2013. The people of Grace & Mercy Baptist Church have caught the vision, “Each One Reach One,” and are excited about what God is doing in Jackson. We hope you might catch the vision too! Join us!