” Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
We all know the Great Commission, but sometimes it’s good to hear it again—especially Jesus’ words, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” God’s comfort sustains us as we strive to follow His commands.
Blessed be His name.
Allison McMichael holds a small child at an orphanage.
Westminster Baptist Church will have a Home Run Derby and Base Race on June 24 with live music and free food. Sponsored by the church’s young adult SALT (Shine A Light Of Truth) ministry, the event will raise funds to support a mission trip to Haiti in January 2019.
The derby is for adults ages 15 and older, and the base race is for children ages 3 to 14 with prizes for the winners. Registration is $5 and begins at 1 pm and the derby starts at 1:30 p.m.
Allison Michael, a member of the SALT group, and a coordinator of the Haiti trip said the church has had a ten-year partnership with a church in Makati.
In December 2017, a mission team of three young adults, one adult, and pastor Don Klapkia, and his wife, Ann, hosted a Vacation Bible School and worked with a few local orphanages.
They discovered that while feeding about 800 children, that people would come in to take some of the kids’ food. Michael said that while they tried to feed everyone, they particularly wanted to protect the children. As a result, the church has been raising funds to build a wall around the church.
Spending time at the orphanage (Brandon Dull, Mary Alexander and Ann Klapkia)
“In addition to providing protection, the wall will help with the goal of creating a school within the church, and protect a sustainable garden on the property,” Allison McMichael explained.
In January 2019, the church will send a team of twelve young adults, and they hope to see the wall completed by that time.
“We’re having the home run derby because it’s a lot of fun,” she laughed, “but it’s also a great way to raise money so we, as young adults, won’t have to pay so much to go. Anything left over we’ll use to buy rice, beans, shoes, and clothing to take with us.
While they hope to be a blessing to the Haitian people, Michael said, “Their heart and love is overwhelming. We are so blessed by them. It’s life-changing.”
In addition to McMichael, the SALT leaders are: Bob McCutchen, Mary Alexander, and Lead Pastor Matt McMillan. Those leading the trip to Haiti are McMichael, Don and Ann Klapkia, Brandon Dull, and McMillan.
Keith Holland (right), pastor of First Baptist Church of Beltsville, led a service of ordination for Ken Ledwell (left)
First Baptist Church of Beltsville will have community field day from noon to 4 pm on June 16 as a community outreach and to register children for their July 16-20 Vacation Bible School. They’ll have games including corn hole, soccer, basketball, football toss, potato sack races, volleyball, ga-ga pit, along with a moon bounce, music and hot dogs on the grill.
The church ordained Ken Ledwell to gospel ministry on June 3. Ledwell currently serves as the church’s minister of youth and children. Maurice Morgan, pastor of Faith Baptist Church, Laurel; B.J. Hunt, South Broadway Baptist Church, Baltimore, and Keith Holland, pastor of First Baptist Church, Beltsville, laid hands on and prayed over Ledwell. A small reception followed the service. Ken and Gina have ministered with the church for two years.
Their three children, Lauren Ledwell, Jacob Ledwell, and Shannon Lockler also attended the service.
Southern Seminary President R. Albert Mohler Jr. delivers his address at the May 19 commencement on the seminary lawn. Photo by Emil Handke/SBTS
Congratulations to the following Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Boyce College spring graduates: Brian Dempsey, from First Baptist Church of Perryville, who received a Doctor of Ministry degree; Douglas Hess of Derwood Bible Church, who received a Master of Arts degree in Theological Studies; John Joseph of Cheverly, Md., who received a Master of Divinity degree; Jason Nathaniel Manry, North Harford Baptist Church, who received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Counseling; Justin Samuel Manry, North Harford Baptist Church, who received a Master of Divinity; Patricia Lynn Manry, North Harford Baptist Church, who received a Bachelor of Science degree in Humanities; Steven Mason, Redeeming Grace Baptist Church, Lexington Park, who received a Master of Divinity degree; Blair Radney, Friendship Baptist Church, Sykesville, who received a Master of Arts degree in Church Ministries and Charlie Roland of Grace Church of Wilmington, Del., who received a Master of Divinity degree.