“’Comfort, comfort my people,’” says your God. ‘Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and announce to her that her time of forced labor is over, her iniquity has been pardoned, and she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.’ A voice of one crying out: Prepare the way of the Lord in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert. Every valley will be lifted up, and every mountain and hill will be leveled; the uneven ground will become smooth and the rough places, a plain. And the glory of the Lord will appear, and all humanity together will see it, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken” Isaiah 40:1-5
London Village Baptist Chapel (LVBC) in Magnolia, Delaware, celebrated their 40th anniversary on November 24. Former members returned for the special day of worship and fellowship, and the church’s founding pastor, Dallas Glass, shared about the church’s history.
LVBC Pastor David Moore issued a challenge to members for the present and for the future.
Attendees enjoyed a luncheon following the service. The day concluded with a time of memories and testimonies and a rededication prayer around the original “church stone.”
Faith Baptist Fellowship (FBF) in Cambridge, Maryland, joins several other local churches to sponsor a Good News Club, a ministry of Child
Jimmy Wright (third from right), of Faith Baptist Fellowship Church, helps with the Good News Club at a local school (submitted photo).
Evangelism Fellowship, at a local elementary school. Blackmon and Jimmy Wright, who attends FBF, meet with 16 children each Thursday afternoon.
“It is a time of learning the Bible through prayer, Scripture memory, singing Scripture songs, a teaching time, and learning activities,” Blackmon explains.
He says the kids are enthusiastic. So is he, as many of the children really appreciate the care and attention.
The opportunity is great, Blackmon emphasizes. “If we’re going to change the world, we need to reach the children now,” he says.
He adds that it is encouraging to work with other evangelical churches in the community and that the ministry provides good opportunities for fellowship.
Michael Mattar receives Men of Impact Award
On November 16, Michael Mattar, the pastor of Hope Fellowship Church in Sterling, Virginia, a Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware African American Church Consultant, and the Montgomery Baptist Association’s Language Church Missionary, became a 
2019 honoree of Men Impact Change. The diverse organization’s mission is to honor the fortitude, legacy, and excellence of great men of impact and to provide young men with positive male role models. Over 400 people attended the gala ceremony at the Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport, in Linthicum Heights, Maryland.
“I was very honored to be in that category,” Mattar said.
Sonnie Njau, a Kenyan native, founded the organization when she saw many young men living lives without purpose. She strives to recognize men who are impacting change and to provide opportunities to encourage, mentor, and resource young men. Njau has asked Mattar to help with the mentoring process.
Mattar is thankful that God is opening new doors of opportunity. World Mission College, located in Ellicott City, Maryland, recently asked him to lead a church planting seminar for a group of young African pastors. Mattar expected a few attendees, but was shocked and blessed when a diverse group of 35 men showed up, including pastors from Kenya, East Africa, Azerbaijan, and Ethiopia. Most of the attendees wanted to be mentored and connected to local churches.
“I enjoy what I do, connecting with people and pointing them in the right direction,” Mattar said.
Montgomery Baptist Association changes office hours
The Montgomery Baptist Association (MBA) office will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, as of January 6, 2020. Office Manager Sherri Riggs is transitioning to part-time employment. She will celebrate her 26th anniversary in this role on Jan. 2.