By Shannon Baker
The members at First Baptist Church in Crofton, Md., is involved in a variety of community mission efforts, shared Bob Parsley, senior pastor.
The church supports a large area Food Bank housed at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church and a Baby Pantry at Community United Methodist Church, both of which provide for emergency needs for area families.
They also minister and provide support for Sarah’s House, a homeless shelter; the Samaritan Women, a ministry for women involved in human trafficking; and at area prisons.
In addition, each week the church provides backpacks filled with food for students at the local middle school. This program is recognized by the county as a vital key to providing nutrition for at-risk youths.
Beyond their community, the church sends a mission team each summer to Rumney Bible Camp in Rumney, N.H., with a partner church in Washington, Vt., and to the “Truth and Life” Evangelical Church of Guatemala City, Guatemala.
But one project sticks out in Parsley’s mind. Last winter, a former deacon from the church, who was assigned in Kandahar, Afghanistan, was deeply troubled by the loss of life and suffering of the Afghani children who lived in refugee camps. A number of children had died from the severe cold. Through this high-ranking civilian, the church sent several hundred coats and other warm wear when notified by him. (See photo.)
“This is an example of the outstanding serving heart found in the church members,” Parsley said.
“I’m grateful to God for all He’s done for our church.”