Mission: Brownwood January 2011 Report

Grace Pointe Attendance Holds Steady

Despite losing two core members and a regular visitor over the fact that we observe closed communion, attendance at Grace Pointe has held steady in the high teens and lower 20s. We have been blessed with the additions of the Teague family, who has been inviting friends and relatives on a regular basis.

January: A Great Month of Meetings

I was blessed to be a part of the Mission Valley District Ladies Auxiliary meeting in Kerrville on Jan. 15, and was blessed to preach at the Southwest Association Mission Rally on Jan. 29.

Grace Pointe Forms a Ladies Auxiliary

The ladies at Grace Pointe have formed a Ladies Auxiliary, which will help raise funds for missions and various projects, and carry out various ministries within the congregation at Grace Pointe.

Attendance:

Sunday Mornings:

1/2/11 - 16
1/9/11 - 23
1/16/11 - 19
1/23/11 - 19
1/30/11 - 20

Sunday Evenings

1/2/11 - 17
1/9/11 - 21
1/16/11 - 21
1/23/11 - 14
1/30/11 - 16

Wednesday Evenings:

1/5/11 - 17
1/12/11 - 18
1/19/11 - 23
1/26/11 - 14

Mission: Brownwood 2010 Report

Grace Pointe Attendance Holds at 18

Over the course of 2010, the average Sunday morning attendance at Grace Pointe was 18. Our high attendance was 34 on April 11, 2010, our lowest Sunday morning attendance was 8 on June 6, 2010. That day was marred by a split in the congregation and the fact I was preaching Homecoming services at my sponsoring church that day. We rebounded with 14 the following Sunday and were back in the 20s by September.

Eight Souls Saved in 2010

We witnessed eight professions of faith in 2010, two followed the Lord in Baptism, and a number joined us by letter and statement.

Grace Pointe Budget Takes Shape

When Grace Pointe began the 2010 year, we were utilizing funds sent in from supporting churches to fund our day-to-day operations. During the month of April, we adjusted that approach to where the local congregation would be responsible for funding 100% of the day-to-day operations, while funds sent directly to Brownwood would be put into the building fund, and funds sent to our sponsoring church would go to ministry support.

Grace Pointe’s Building Program Moving Forward

The  building fund has been growing and stands to increase exponentially in 2011. The building fund in Brownwood was selected as the 2011 State Ladies Auxiliary project, the second quarter TMD project, and we have been having an average of $400 sent in every month by supporting churches.

Currently, we have a little more than $6,000 in the building fund. If the State Ladies Auxiliary meets their goal of $8,000, TMD hits their goal of $35,000, and if the $400 continues to come in from supporting churches, then our building fund will reach $53,800 this year. We will need $200,000 to purchase an existing facility, $62,000 to purchase undeveloped land.

Grace Pointe 2011 Outlook:

Over the course of 2011, My goals are:

·         To be able to come off of state missions salary.

·         To see Grace Pointe go self-supporting.

·         To purchase a 15-passenger van to transport children to church.

·         To develop and implement the Discovery Clubs at Grace Pointe.

·         To raise $100,000 toward the building fund.

·         To begin a “missions” fund which will eventually be used when Grace Pointe begins to sponsor missionaries.

December 2010 Attendance

Sunday Morning

12/5/10 - 23

12/12/10 - 22

12/19/10 - 20

12/26/10 - 15

Sunday Evening

12/5/10 - 24

12/12/10 - 20

12/19/10 - 23

12/26/10 - 10

Wednesday Evening

12/1/10 - 13

12/8/10 - 19

12/15/10 - 18

12/22/10 - 14

12/29/10 - 11

Mission: Brownwood October 2010 Report



Grace Pointe members observe a baptismal service at the lake.

Grace Pointe Attendance Rebounds in October

After having our average Sunday morning attendance hover in the mid to upper teens over the summer, we finally hit 20 in October. Sunday evening attendance averaged 13, our highest Sunday evening attendance since we started holding evening services in July, and Wednesday services held steady at 13. While we don't live and die by attendance numbers at Grace Pointe, seeing increased averages blesses us because it is indicative of more believers becoming true disciples.

Door-to-Door Visitation Results in One Soul Saved

During our weekly door-to-door visitation, Bro. Randy Kelso and I were able to lead one man to the Lord. Please pray that more people would be receptive to the Gospel. We have not even canvassed 25 percent of Brownwood yet, but have seen 18 souls saved over the two years we have been here.

Radio Ministry Gets Underway

Beginning November 4, 60-second Gospel messages sponsored by Grace Pointe began airing on local radio station The Breeze 96.9 KQBZ. The Breeze is our local Adult Contemporary station, very popular among locals who are under 40, and our messages air at 7:50 a.m. as parents are dropping kids off for school. Below is the audio to one of the messages. More can be found on our facebook page.

It's Association Time Again

I will be attending the Missionary Baptist Association of Texas Meeting Nov 15-17. During this meeting, I need your support. (a) Grace Pointe will be nominated for the State Ladies Auxiliary Mission Project. We are trying to finish out the third year of our three-year plan to be self-supporting. West Texas needs churches, and Grace Pointe aims to fill that need as soon as we become self supporting. (b) I will be up for state support again this year. We have rolled back our requested support amount from $3,058 to $2,800 this year. This will be the last year we request state support.

And (c) while not a part of the association meeting, Grace Pointe is on the TMD ballot this quarter. We would greatly appreciate your vote. There are currently two church buildings on the market ranging in price from $150,000 to $200,000. TMD funds would take us a long way toward reaching our fundraising goals to purchase a facility.

Sunday Morning:
10/3/10 - 21
10/10/10 - 19
10/17/10 - 18
10/24/10 - 19
10/31/10 - 23

Sunday Evening:
10/3/10 - 18
10/10/10 - 9
10/17/10 - 13
10/24/10 - 14
10/31/10 - 11

Wednesday Evening
10/6/10 - 12
10/13/10 - 9
10/20/10 - 12
10/27/10 - 14

Mission: Brownwood July 2010 Report

Grace Pointe Enjoys Successful Summer Month

July saw Grace Pointe hold their first revival meeting (led by Bro. James Snyder of Central MBC in Jonesboro, LA), its third VBS (with a high attendance of 19 children), two professions of faith, one baptism and one addition by statement.

Ramping up Our Efforts

Grace Pointe has three major projects we are working on right now in an effort to reach the unchurched of Brownwood, TX, and eventually grow to be self-supporting. (1) We are currently going door-to-door sharing the Gospel and distributing tracts. When we finish giving out the current batch of tracts, we will have given out 3,000 Chick Tracts. That means that roughly 15% of Brownwood residents have received a Chick tract from us, not including the 15,000 people who received tracts from us at last year’s Brownwood Reunion. (2) We are also preparing to spread the Gospel at this year’s Brownwood Reunion. For this outreach, I plan to purchase 10,000 custom printed tracts for $920 shipping included. On average, this event is attended by 15,000 people. (3) We are looking to raise funds to acquire a worship facility. More on this to be posted in the near future.
By The Numbers:

Attendance:

Sunday Morning:

7/4 - 16 ($516)
7/11 - 16 ($145.50)
7/18 - 14 ($61)
7/25 - 14 ($500)

Sunday Evening:

7/4 - 12
7/11 - 13
7/18 - 16
7/25 - 10

Income:
Offerings: $1,222.50
Memorial MBC (Rusk, TX) $50
Marvin Acker (Jacksonville) $100
Roy & Cynthia McMullin $25
TM and Eloise Jones $25
Jim Slocumb ; $100
Northcrest MBC (Andrews, TX) $69.25
Arp First Baptist (Arp, TX) $120

Expenses:
Rent: $600
Sound System: $432.99
Leland Acker: $200
Brownwood Water: $84.51
James Snyder (Revivalist) $500
Lake Brownwood State Park (Baptismal Service) $27
VBS Budget (Details provided as soon as available) $500
Checks: $32.67
VBS Banner: $96
VBS Booklets: $192.50
Rich Cone A/C Repair: $298.50
TXU: $144.75

Mission Fund
Support:
MBA of Texas $3,058
Rocky Springs MBC (Jacksonville, TX) $515
Denson Springs MBC (Grapeland, TX) $100
White Rock MBC (Center, TX) $100
Heritage MBC (Missouri City, TX) $200

Expenses:
Leland Acker Salary + Housing: $3,622
Building Materials $279.93
Newspaper Ad for Revival $97.50
Revival $451.51
Outreach Luncheon $120
VBS supplies $373.67

Mission: Brownwood May 2010 Report

Grace Pointe attendance drops
as Satan attacks

Satan has launched an all out assault on Grace Pointe, resulting in lower attendance and tough times financially for the work.

He is attacking our younger families with discouragement and even led a man to try to lead a significant portion of our congregation into a local church of Christ.

Though these attacks came leading into the summer, which traditionally is a time of lower attendance, We are standing firm. We will hold VBS the last week of July, and a revival July 5-9.

Outreach efforts continue

We are approximately three weeks away from completing our door-to-door canvassing efforts in northwest Brownwood. Once this territory is completely canvasses, we’ll begin canvassing the Southside neighborhoods. Once the entire city has been canvassed, we’ll start all over.

Meanwhile outreach efforts at the Market Place and Wildwood Trails apartment complexes continue. These have yielded some fruit, as the bulk of our core group came out of Market Place apartments.


By The Numbers:

Attendance:

Sunday Morning:
5/2 - 11
5/9 - 15
5/16 - 22
5/23 - 16
5/30 - 9

Wednesday evening:
5/5 - 15
5/12- 15
5/19 - 15
5/26 – 15

FINANCES:
Offerings: $1,003.16
Memorial MBC (Rusk) $50
Jim Slocumb $100
Northcrest (Andrews) $95.31
First Baptist Church (Arp, TX) $120

Expenses:
Leland Acker: $400
James Snyder (fill-in) $100
TMD: $31.12
MBA of Texas $31.12
ABA $31.12
Abel Dimatulac $31.12

Mission Fund

Support:

Heritage Baptist Church (Missouri City, TX) $200
White Rock MBC (Center, TX) $100
MBA of Texas $3,058
Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $78.85
Muse MBC (Grapeland, TX) $200
Ridgecrest MBC (Levelland, TX) $25
Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $17.14
Quaker Ave MBC (Lubbock, TX) $100
58th Ave. MBC (Amarillo, TX) $148.15
East Side MBC (Jacksonville, TX) $100
Wyndrock MBC (Abilene, TX) $40
Nevill’s Chapel MBC (Mt. Pleasant, TX) $224.46

Expenses:
Salary: $3,422
Housing: $950
Appliances for new home: $987
Outreach: $374.81
Travel Expenses: $255.68

Mission: Brownwood April 2010 Report

3 Saved at Grace Pointe Youth Revival

Brother Ken and Sister Barbara Sibley held a youth revival at Grace Pointe April 28-30. Bro. Sibley presented the Gospel by using his illusions as illustrations. Meanwhile, Sis. Sibley led worship and taught lessons with Zeke the Dog. We averaged 21 in attendance each night, had several first time visitors and saw three souls saved.

Grace Pointe Attendance Spikes

April saw attendance reach into the 30s for the first time since we have been in Brownwood. We had 30 on Easter Sunday, 34 the following Sunday and 25 two weeks later. We have had several first time visitors who continue to visit, have had one rededication, one come forward for baptism, and now have solid prospective members in the souls saved at the youth revival.

Offerings Drop During Tax Month

I’m not sure if it was the woes that come with tax month, or the possibility that members who give sacrificially during tough attendance months took a breather during this month of high attendance. Either way, offerings have been down by $700 per month for the past two months. As a result, Grace Pointe has operated at a deficit for two months. We have had the funds in reserve to cover the expenses, but will need to make adjustments in our budget during our May business meeting.

Grace Pointe MBC
PO Box 1828, Brownwood, TX 76804

By The Numbers:

Sunday Morning
4/4/2010 - 30 ($506)
4/11/2010 - 34 ($247.07)
4/18/2010 - 25 ($187)
4/25/2010 - 11 ($87)

Wednesday Evening
4/6/2010 - 18
4/13/2010 - 11
4/20/2010 - 20
4/27/2010 - 21 (Youth Revival) 2 saved!
4/28/2010 - 20 (Youth Revival) 1 saved!
4/29/2010 - 22 (Youth Revival)

Finances
Offerings: $1037.07
Bonnie Rhodes (Snyder, TX) $100
Northcrest MBC (Andrews, TX) $68.99
First Baptist Church (Arp, TX) $120

Expenses:

Leland Acker $400
Rent (April) $600
Gas (March) $79.32
Lord’s Supper décor $103.55
Ben Woodward $190
Texas Mission Development $30
MBA of Texas (State missionaries) $30
ABA Interstate and Foreign Missions $30
Abel Dimatulac $30
TXU $42.68
Rent (May) $600
Gas (April) $30.12
Ken Sibley $300

Mission: Brownwood Account

Deposits:
MBA of Texas $3,058
Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $82.60
Muse MBC (Grapeland, TX) $400
Nevill’s Chapel MBC (Mt. Pleasant, TX) $392.11
Wyndrock MBC (Abilene, TX) $80
Rocky Springs MBC (Jacksonville, TX) $200
Heritage MBC (Missouri City, TX) $200
East Side BC (Jacksonville, TX) $100
Ridgecrest MBC (Levelland, TX) $75
Memory Lane MBC (Palestine, TX) $50
White Rock MBC (Center, TX) $100
Denson Springs MBC (Grapeland, TX) $200
58th Ave MBC (Amarillo, TX) $114.43
Quaker Ave BC (Lubbock, TX) $100

Expenses
Salary + Housing $3,422
Radio Ads for Youth Revival $220
Newspaper Ad for Youth Revival $195
Youth Revival Supplies $87.77

Mission: Brownwood Feb 2010 Report

Missionary Jason Clark visits Grace Pointe

In keeping with our emphasis on becoming active in mission work, Grace Pointe invited Bro. Jason Clark, missionary to France, to visit and tell us about his work. Bro. Clark has completed language school, has relocated to southern France where he has started a Bible study in his home. The Lord has really blessed his work. Bro. Clark is sent out by Walnut St. Baptist Church in Hillsboro, Texas.

Grace Pointe increases mission offerings

During our Feb. 14 business meeting, Grace Pointe voted to increase missions giving to 12% of our local offerings, and added the ABA Insterstate and Foreign Missions Fund as well as Missionary Abel Dimatulac to our mission budget.

Attendance increases for February

Grace Pointe enjoyed two consecutive Sundays at 27 people in attendance. All in all, we averaged 22 for the month and collected a record amount of offerings. It is our sincere prayer that this trend continues.

PO Box for Grace Pointe

We have a new mailing address for Grace Pointe. Please address all correspondence to me personally, or to Grace Pointe MBC, PO Box 1828, Brownwood, TX 76804.

By The Numbers:

Sunday Morning

2/7/10 - 14
2/14/10 - 27
2/21/10 - 27
2/28/10 - 18

Wednesday Evening

2/3/10 - 12
2/10/10 - 12
2/17/10 - 12
2/24/10 – 16

Finances

Offerings: $2,212.31
Jim Slocumb (Jacksonville, TX) $100
Bonnie Rhodes (Snyder, TX) $100
Memorial MBC (Rusk, TX) $50
Northcrest MBC (Andrews, TX) $90.67
First Baptist Church (Arp, TX) $120

Expenses:

Rent: $600
Natural Gas: $169.31
Secretary of State: $25
Texas Mission Development: $100.06
MBA of Texas State Missions: $100.06
Jason Clark: $150
Leland Acker: $100
TXU: $69.61
Ladies Auxiliary: $40

Mission: Brownwood Account

Deposits:
Muse MBC (Grapeland, TX) $200
Nevill’s Chapel MBC (Mt. Pleasant, TX) $212.10
Denson Springs MBC (Grapeland, TX) $100
Memory Lane MBC (Palestine, TX) $50
Heritage MBC (Missouri City, TX) $200
White Rock MBC (Center, TX) $100
MBA of Texas $3,058
Quaker Ave MBC (Lubbock, TX) $100
58th Ave MBC (Amarillo, TX) $119.48
East Side MBC (Jacksonville, TX) $100
Nevill’s Chapel MBC (Mt. Pleasant, TX) $100
Nevill’s Chapel MBC (Mt. Pleasant, TX) $159.97
Wyndrock MBC (Abilene, TX) $40
RidgeCrest MBC (Levelland, TX) $50
Heritage MBC (Tyler, TX) $100

Expenses
Salary + Housing $3,822
Postage +Outreach materials $279.87
New Computer + Software $1,125.70
Home Depot (building materials) $26.41

Market Place Apartments Outreach

Every 1st, 3rd and 5th Sunday evening at 4 p.m., I meet with residents of the Market Place apartment complex for an hour-long Bible study. Usually, between 12 and 15 residents will attend this study. Four are members at Grace Pointe, while the rest just attend the Market Place studies.

This ministry at this complex is a blessing, not only for me, but I can see God working in the lives of the residents as well. The faithful support of our sister churches and the MBA of Texas allow me the time to perform ministries like this, and for that, I truly thank you.

Mission: Brownwood Jan. 2010 Report

Mission: Brownwood returns to Market Place

In January, I was invited by the residents to hold a Bible study at the community room of the Market Place apartment complex. We had 15 in attendance the first week, 8 the second, and 12 the third week. We hold these studies every first, third and fifth Sunday at 4 p.m. Currently, we are studying the book of Ephesians.

Grace Pointe gets “on mission”

Beginning in January, we have begun canvassing northwest Brownwood. We are going door-to-door and handing out tracts in public places. These outreach efforts have brought us into contact with many who need prayer, and reminded us of the need to carry out the Gospel into Brownwood, Texas.

Furthermore, Grace Pointe is showing interest in becoming active in missions. We have Bro. Jason Clark (missionary to France) visiting with us Feb. 21, and Bro. Ben Woodward (missionary to Belize) visiting with us April 11.

Grace Pointe has also upped its mission giving from 10% to 12% of total offerings, dividing the mission budget evenly between TMD, state missions, ABA interstate and foreign missions, and Bro. Abel Dimatulac (missionary to the Philippines).

New PO Box for Grace Pointe

We have a new mailing address for Grace Pointe. Please address all correspondence to me personally, or to Grace Pointe MBC, PO Box 1828, Brownwood, TX 76804.

Upcoming Dates

Southwest Mission Rally (Quaker Ave in Lubbock) April 24
Vacation Bible School: June 7-11
Summer Revival: July 5-9
Southwest Mission Rally (Wyndrock MBC in Abilene) July 31
Southwest Mission Rally (Grace Pointe in Brownwood) Oct 30

By The Numbers:

Sunday Morning

1/3 - 11
1/10 - 14
1/17 - 21
1/24 - 14
1/31 - 15

Wednesday Evening

1/6 - 12
1/13 - 12
1/20 - 10
1/27 – 11

Finances

Offerings - $2,001.05 ($25 designated for Bro. Acker and $80 designated for Ladies Auxiliary)
Memorial MBC (Rusk, TX) $100
Memorial MBC (Rusk, TX) $50
Landmark MBC (Porter, TX) $88
Jim Slocumb (Jacksonville) $100
Northcrest MBC (Andrews,TX) $61.78
Northcrest MBC (Andrews, TX) $68.82
Donna Prasatik (Grapeland, TX) $300

Expenses:

Rent: $600
Brownwood Water: $84.51 (Dec)
Texas Mission Development: $86.39
MBA of Texas (State Missions): $86.39
Leland Acker: $100
Leland Acker: $25 (designated offering)
PO Box Rental: $58
VBS Sample Kit: $208
Ken & Barbara Sibley: $200 (toward Haiti trip)
Brownwood Water: $84.51 (Jan)
TXU Energy: $87.24
Transfer to Ladies Auxiliary: $80
Banking: $3

Mission: Brownwood Account

Deposits:
Missionary Bapt. Assn of TX $3,058
Denson Springs MBC (Grapeland, TX) $100
Heritage Baptist Church (Missouri City, TX) $200
White Rock MBC (Center, TX) $100
Memory Lane MBC (Palestine, TX) $50
East Side Baptist Church (Jacksonville, TX) $100
Rocky Springs MBC (Jacksonville, TX) $200
Bassett Road Baptist Church (Palestine, TX) $75
RidgeCrest MBC (Andrews, TX) $25
Wyndrock MBC (Abilene, TX) $40
Quaker Ave. BC (Lubbock, TX) $100
58th Ave MBC (Amarillo, TX) $110.25
Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $48.54
First Baptist Church (Arp, TX) $120

Expenses
Salary + Housing $3,822
Outreach $103.66
Benevolence $100
Lights and signage $63.23
Curtain Rods $9.45
New Checks $41
Home Depot (building supplies) $203.54

Mission: Brownwood December 2009 Report

Grace Pointe Adopts Constitution and By-Laws

Pursuant to God’s directions to do all things decently and in order, Grace Pointe adopted their constitution, by-laws and articles of faith on Dec. 6. This step has given Grace Pointe much needed structure as they move toward being self-supporting. The articles of faith match the ABA doctrinal statement, although Grace Pointe did add a provision that encourages the use of the KJV.

Mission: Brownwood Still Needs Support

While Grace Pointe continues to pay her own day-to-day expenses, support is still needed to fund outreach efforts like Vacation Bible School, summer revival, facility purchase, summer youth camp and other public outreach events we feel will help Grace Pointe get a leg up toward becoming self supporting. If you currently support our work, we greatly appreciate it and hope you’ll prayerfully continue that support. If you don’t support our work, we would be grateful for any consideration you may give us.

God has blessed the support that has come in and He has built Grace Pointe well. Our prayer is that the progress we have seen this year will continue.

New PO Box for Grace Pointe

We have a new mailing address for Grace Pointe. Please address all correspondence to me personally, or to Grace Pointe MBC, PO Box 1828, Brownwood, TX 76804.

VBS Dates Set

Grace Pointe’s Vacation Bible School will be held June 7-11, 2010. We are currently enlisting volunteers.

By The Numbers:

Sunday Morning

12/6 - 14
12/13 - 23
12/20 - 13
12/27 - 8

Wednesday Evening

12/2 - 12
12/9 - 7
12/16 - 11
12/23 - 11
12/30 - 6

Finances

Offerings: $1,727.66
Oakland MBC (Rusk, TX) $50
Oakland MBC (Rusk, TX) $50
Northcrest MBC (Andrews, TX) $74.74
Northcrest MBC (Andrews, TX) $68.90

Expenses:

Rent: $600
Rich Cone Air Conditioning (Heater repair) $82.50
Walmart (decorations) $111.43
TMD $82.69
MBA of Texas $82.69
Leland Acker $100
Brownwood Water $84.51
Kelso family (reimbursement for curtains) $60.27
TXU-Electricity $97.64
Banking $3

Mission: Brownwood Account

Deposits:

Missionary Bapt. Assn of TX $2,484
Rocky Springs MBC (Jacksonville, TX) $200
Muse MBC (Grapeland, TX) $200
White Rock MBC (Center, TX) $100
Quaker Ave MBC (Lubbock, TX) $100
Memory Lane MBC (Palestine, TX) $50
Heritage MBC (Missouri City, TX) $200
Muse MBC (Grapeland, TX) $200
58th Ave MBC (Amarillo, TX) $138.47
East Side MBC (Jacksonville, TX) $100
Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $64.45
Nevill’s Chapel MBC (Mt. Pleasant, TX) $151.64
Muse MBC (Grapeland, TX) $200
Wyndrock MBC (Abilene, TX) $140
Arp First Baptist Church (Arp, TX) $120

Expenses

Salary $1,784
Housing $700
CPA Services $50

Mission: Brownwood July 2009 Report

Grace Pointe MBM makes most of rented facility

The mission moved into the new facility that it rented in June, and immediately went to work making the necessary improvements to bring the building up to a place of worship.

Following weeks of intense painting, flooring, and trim work, the mission hosted the Southwest Association Mission Rally on July 25.

Grace Pointe MBM hosts mission rally

The Southwest Mission Rally was a beaming success.
Fifty three people from 11 churches gathered to hear mission reports, give reports, and fellowship as we shared our passions for missions and reaching lost souls.

The district ladies auxiliary shared testimonies and planned a retreat, while the men’s brotherhood enjoyed an informative program presented by Bro. Marion Reed on state missions.

Bro. Jim Slocumb preached the afternoon message, and really challenged those in attendance.

The next Southwest Mission Rally is scheduled to be in Clovis, N.M., in October, but Grace Pointe is eager to host again.

Sizzlin’ summer months not so hot in Brownwood

While the city of Brownwood enjoyed above-normal rainfall and below-normal temperatures in July, the mission did not enjoy lower attendance. Attendance fell off slightly in July, and is on pace to be down in August due to vacations and illnesses. Offerings were up in July, but will likely be back to normal in August.

There are ups and downs in mission work, and we are not phased. We are, however, renewing our outreach efforts, follow up efforts, and ministries such as VBS.

Mission: Brownwood surge!

We are currently reaching a turning point in the discipleship process where emphasis will be placed on fundamentals, and where the mission will have to learn to be a church. The added strain of this, along with the ever increasing need of evangelism, combined with an increased workload at my job, has prompted me to request Rocky Springs to recommend me for full salary at the MBA of Texas meeting this fall. Rocky Springs has honored that request, so we ask you to pray about our pending request for full support. Those with questions may call me directly at (325) 200-8531, or we can discuss the conditions on the field at the pre-associational meeting at Rocky Springs in October. Thank you, and God bless.

By The Numbers…

Attendance
(Sunday Mornings)

7/5 – 17
7/12 – 18
7/19 – 13
7/26 – 24

Finances
Grace Pointe MBM

Offerings –$1,252.75
Memorial MBC (Rusk, TX) $100
John Nickle (Rusk, TX) $25
Northcrest BC (Andrews, TX) $86.44
Jim Slocumb (Jacksonville, TX) $200

Expenses:
TMD - $62.64
Texas state missions - $62.64
Electricity - $70.91
Water - $26.22
Rent - $600
Leland salary - $100
Banking - $3

Mission: Brownwood Fund

Support:
MBA of Texas $1,911
Denson Springs MBC (Grapeland) $300
Salmon MBC (Elkhart, TX) $65
Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $113.05
Ridgecrest MBC (Levelland, TX) $25
White Rock MBC (Center, TX) $100
Heritage BC (Missouri City) $200
Memory Lane MBC (Palestine, TX) $50
Bassett Road BC (Palestine, TX) $75
Muse MBC (Grapeland, TX) $200
Quaker Ave. BC (Lubbock, TX) $100
Bethel MBC (Tatum, TX) $50
Rocky Springs MBC (Jacksonville, TX)$200
East Side BC (Jacksonville, TX) $100
58th Ave BC (Amarillo, TX) $111.09
Nevill’s Chapel MBC (Mt. Pleasant)$184.13
Sublett Road BC (Arlington, TX) $50
Wyndrock MBC (Abilene, TX) $40
First Baptist Church (Arp, TX) $240

Expenses:
Salary: $1,911
Radio ads: $400
Tables and Chairs: $882.50
Refrigerator: $388.73
Paper goods: $88.56
Mission Rally food: $63.85
VBS Art Supplies: $128.46
Pulpit supply: $101.69

Mission: Brownwood May 2009 Report

The top picture is of myself, my wife, a mission member and two members of Northcrest MBC of Andrews, TX, who delivered the pews. The bottom picture is of the front of the building. We have since added a 15'x4' sign to the front.

Grace Pointe MBM moves into vacant church building

May was a busy month for Grace Pointe as we worked tirelessly to get set up in the new building on U.S. 67/84, in order to have our first services June 7. Northcrest MBC of Andrews, TX, delivered our donated church pews. We spent many hours assessing the building improvement needs, getting all the paperwork in order with the city and utilities providers, and getting signs made.

Our current efforts are installing vinyl composition tile flooring in the fellowship hall and kitchen, painting and adding new carpet to the nursery, and installing the appliances. Mission members are providing the labor, so the only expense we are incurring has been for materials.

We also spent money on promoting the new work through radio advertising. Our first Sunday services in the new building saw 23 in attendance, with more than $500 being collected in offerings.

Missionary Baptist Churches greatly support Brownwood work

I stand in awe at the progress we have made so far as a mission. We began having public services back in November 2008, and have grown from 5 to 23 in eight months, have rented building facilities, and are poised to make a bigger impact on Brownwood.

Much of our accomplishments were made possible by the faithful support of our sister churches.

We had no problem paying the building deposit, turning on utilities, furnishing the building, putting up signs, and promoting the work because the churches of the MBA of Texas, and one church in Arkansas have faithfully supported out work financially and prayerfully.

Thank you for giving us the tools to do this work.

Attendance

Grace Pointe MBM (Sunday Mornings)

5/3 – 23
5/10 – 23
5/17 – 18
5/24 – 22
5/31 – 18

Grace Pointe MBM (Tuesday Youth)

5/5 – 21
5/12 – 16
5/19 – 12
5/26 – 9

Market Place (Wednesday Evenings)

5/6 – 10
5/13 – 10
5/20 – 11
5/27 – 11

Finances

Grace Pointe MBM
Offerings – $928
Memorial MBC (Rusk, TX) $600 (3-months)
John Nickle (Rusk, TX) $25
Southwest Assoc.Mission Rally $235.47
Cathy Copeland (Brownwood) $315
Northcrest BC (Andrews, TX) $100.37
Beacon BC (San Angelo, TX) $115
Beacon Ladies Aux $35

Expenses:
New checks - $16.33
TMD - $46.40
Texas state missions - $46.40
Benevolence - $75
Leland salary - $100
Banking - $3

Mission: Brownwood Fund
Support:
MBA of Texas $1,911
Denson Springs MBC (Grapeland) $100
Heritage BC (Missouri City, TX) $200
White Rock MBC (Center, TX) $100
58th Ave MBC (Amarillo, TX) $158.15
Bassett Rd BC (Palestine, TX) $75
Bethel MBC (Tatum, TX) $50
Quaker Ave BC (Lubbock, TX) $100
Rocky Springs MBC (Jacksonville) $200
East Side BC (Jacksonville, TX) $100
Memory Lane MBC (Palestine, TX) $50
Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $108.17
Wyndrock MBC (Abilene, TX) $40
Nevill’s Chapel MBC (Mt. Pleasant, TX) $192.21

Expenses:
Salary: $1,211
Hymnals: $419.70
Brownwood Water Dep. $100

Building Fund
Balance Forward - $300.06

Sublett Road MBC (Arlington, TX) $50
First Baptist Church (Arp, TX) $120

Ending Balance - $470.06

Mission: Brownwood April 2009 Report

Grace Pointe MBM signs 1-year lease on vacant church building

The members of Grace Pointe Missionary Baptist Mission held their first successful business meeting the first Sunday in April. The mission voted to rent a vacant church building on U.S. 67/84 in Brownwood for $600/month. Our sponsoring church voted to back the effort and Grace Pointe will move into her new facility in June.

The mission also voted to send 10% of their monthly offerings to missions, with 5% going to the Texas state association and 5% going to Texas Mission Development. Then, Jessica and I were sent outside while they voted to pay me $100 per month.

Grace Pointe MBM attendance solidifies

Attendance in April hovered around 17, with the monthly high being 18, and the low being 16. One encouraging development is the fact that residents from Market Place are now coming over to Grace Pointe, and the fact that all mission members are becoming faithful in their attendance. (Preview – We had 23 in attendance during the first Sunday of May).

Attendance at midweek services at Market Place fell off a little, but Tuesday night Awana attendance is on the upswing.

Awana program nets new families to Grace Pointe

Our Tuesday evening Awana program at the Brownwood Phase II Apartments continues to go well.

April 28, our two core Awana families both called to say they couldn’t make it. That night, I expected a low turnout, but wound up with 16 in attendance. The three families that came said they saw our posters that were put up around the complex. Two of the families just wanted their kids to be a part of something, one family had previously taken their children to Awana, but hadn’t been to church in two years. We are really beginning to see doors opened in Brownwood. (Preview – May 5, Awana Attendance hits an all-time high at 21).

The Numbers….

Attendance
Grace Pointe MBM (Sunday Mornings)

4/5 – 17 ($123.85)
4/12 – 17 ($30)
4/19 – 16 ($253.20)
4/26 – 18 ($80)

Grace Pointe MBM (Tuesday Youth)

4/7 – 8
4/14 – 11
4/21 – 12
4/28 – 16

Market Place (Wednesday Evenings)

4/1 – 16
4/8 – 13
4/15 – 11
4/22 – 12
4/29 – 12

Finances
Grace Pointe MBM

Offerings – 487.05
Northcrest MBC (Andrews) $89.87
John Nickle - $25
Jim Slocumb - $200

Expenses:
Building rent/deposit - $1,200
TMD - $24.35
Texas state missions - $24.35
Pastor salary - $100

Mission: Brownwood Fund

Support:
Salmon (Elkhart) $25
White Rock (Center) $100
MBA of Texas $1,911
Rocky Springs (Jacksonville) $150
Bethel (Tatum) $50
58th Ave (Amarillo) $200
Heritage (Missouri City) $200.07
Quaker Ave (Lubbock) $100
Wyndrock (Abilene) $40
Eastside (Jacksonville) $100
RidgeCrest (Levelland) $25
Memory Lane (Palestine) $50
Nevill’s Chapel (Mt. Pleasant) $159.26
Muse (Grapeland) $200
Hickory Grove (Newport, AR) $97.34

Expenses:
Vehicle expense $1,000
Housing $700
Salary $1,211
General expenses $400

Mission: Brownwood March 2009 Report (8 Professions of Faith)

Jessica works with the Sparks class during craft time at Awana Club meetings.

8 professions of faith made during Brownwood apartment rallies

Ken and Barbara Sibley from Seeing Truth ministries visited with us in June. They brought their program before a crowd of 36 at the Market Place Apartments on March 13, before 49 at the Brownwood Housing Authority on March 14, and before 23 at Grace Pointe on March 15. Six at the housing authority made professions of faith and two made professions of faith at Grace Pointe. The two professions at Grace Pointe were made by regular attendees who have since decided to follow Christ in baptism.

Grace Pointe MBM attendance increases

Average attendance at Grace Pointe grew to 16, up from 13 in February. Tuesday youth program attendance improved to 16, up from 11 in February and Market Place attendance improved to 19, up from 14 in Februrary. Midweek attendance continues to fluctuate, but Sunday attendance is holding steady at 16-17 since the Sibleys brought their program.

Grace Pointe votes to rent vacant church property.

Actually, this decision was made April 5, so it technically wouldn’t be March report material, but I thought I’d let you know what’s developing. Currently, there is a vacant church building for rent with major highway frontage in Brownwood. Grace Pointe voted to rent the facility for $600 per month. While Grace Pointe’s offerings have not reached $600 per month yet, the difference will be made up out of regular support that is already coming in to the Mission: Brownwood Fund. We are still working on ironing out terms with the landlord.

The need for better meeting spaces is great. For the past four Sundays, we have had at least 16 people in attendance, with as many as 23, half of which are small children, meeting in a community room that is about the size of many Sunday School rooms. Needless to say, we’ve hit capacity.

Grace Pointe MBM meets in this room every Sunday and Tuesday. The children gather around the near table for their Bible lesson while the adults gather around the far table for worship services.

Thank You!!!

I’d like to thank each of you for your prayer and financial support. So far at Grace Pointe MBM in Brownwood, we have lacked nothing, and it’s due to God’s provision through your generous support.

Thank you so much for supporting this work. Please know that we are working to lead Grace Pointe to organization and financial stability as soon as possible.

If you have any questions, or would like to talk missions, feel free to call me at (325) 200-8531.
Again, thanks for your support.

The Numbers….

Attendance

Grace Pointe MBM (Sunday Mornings)

3/1 – 13
3/8 – 10
3/15 – 23
3/22 – 16
3/29 – 16

Grace Pointe MBM (Tuesday Youth)

3/3 – 16
3/17 – 18
3/24 - 11
3/31 – 18

Total Grace Pointe Offerings: $496.65

Market Place (Wednesday Evenings)

3/4 – 26
3/11 – 16
3/18 – 18
3/25 – 14

Finances

Support

Quaker Ave BC (Lubbock, TX) - $100
RidgeCrest BC (Levelland, TX) - $100
Memory Lane MBC (Palestine, TX) - $50
White Rock MBC (Center, TX) - $100
Muse MBC (Grapeland, TX) - $400
Bassett Road BC (Palestine, TX) - $75
East Side BC (Jacksonville, TX) - $100
58th Ave MBC (Amarillo, TX) - $124.63
Bethel MBC (Tatum, TX) - $50
Heritage BC (Missouri City, TX) - $200
MBA of Texas - $1,911
Rocky Springs MBC (Jacksonville, TX)
$300
Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $116.46
Denson Springs MBC (Grapeland, TX)
$100
Nevill’s Chapel MBC (Mt. Pleasant)
$186.01
Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $89.10
Wyndrock MBC (Abilene, TX) - $40

Expenses

Salary - $1,000
Housing - $700
Insurance allowance - $211
Apartment Rallies (Pizza, promotion, Bro. Sibley, outreach) $1,000.93

Mission: Brownwood Feb 09 Report

Grace Pointe attendance solidifies

Grace Pointe actually saw an improvement in attendance in February. We saw our low attendance at 11, with a high attendance of 15.

Another encouraging sign is the fact that our core is becoming more consistent in their attendance. In fact, one of our newest members actually had the hours of her new job worked around church services.

Our youth programs on Tuesday night got off to a good start. Our high attendance was 15 on Feb. 3, with a low attendance of 6 on Feb 24.

We set a new record for average attendance at Market Place for Wednesday evening attendance. That average attendance was 14. Our high attendance was 17 on Feb. 18. Our low was 12.

Core Group and regular attendees progress

One of our regular attendees from Market Place is now attending Sunday services at Grace Pointe and is taking an active role in the ministries of our mission.

One of our core families has not only become more faithful in their attendance, but they are actively applying the teaching and preaching to their lives and are making Spiritual and practical progress.

Grace Pointe’s core group is now mulling VBS plans for this summer.

Thank you for your prayers.

Building fund off to slow start

There are currently three church buildings on the market in Brownwood, with a fourth that could be purchased with the right offer.

These buildings range in price from $150,000 - $250,000. One will soon be available for rent for $600/month. I think we should expect to pay approximately $150,000-$175,000.

Currently, we have $300 in our building fund.

Our plans for Grace Pointe’s organization are not contingent on having a building. However, in West Central Texas, buildings can be a useful tool when it comes to visibility, as well as offering sufficient space for worship services and teaching ministries.

KSTA Radio suffers serious technical damage

I am employed as the station manager for KSTA radio in nearby Coleman, Tex., a position I have held since July 2008.

This month, KSTA’s main studio console failed, forcing me to make alternate broadcast arrangements and consuming much of my time with technical adjustments, plus additional weekend monitoring.

As of the writing of this report, the issues have been repaired. However, the added stress and lost time related to this incident have taxed the mission immeasurably.

Mission: Brownwood returns to the Brownwood Housing Authority

In March, Ken and Barbara Sibley will bring their program to Brownwood. We are planning a three-day event which will include presentations at Market Place, the Brownwood Housing Authority and Grace Pointe MBM. We are really excited to reconnect with the kids we ministered to at the housing authority.

By The Numbers….

Attendance

Grace Pointe MBM (Sunday Mornings)

2/1 – 11
2/8 – 14
2/15 – 11
2/22 – 15

Grace Pointe MBM (Tuesday Youth)

2/3 – 15
2/10 – 9
2/17 – 13
2/24 – 6

Total Grace Pointe Offerings: $415

Market Place (Wednesday Evenings)

2/4 – 15
2/11 – 12
2/18 – 17
2/25 – 12

Finances

Support

Heritage BC (Tyler, TX) $100
John Nickle (Rusk, TX) $25
MBA of Texas - $1,911
Denson Springs MBC (Grapeland) $100
White Rock MBC (Center, TX) $100
Muse MBC (Grapeland, TX) $200
58th Ave MBC (Amarillo, TX) $102.39
East Side MBC (Jacksonville, TX) $100
Quaker Ave MBC (Lubbock, TX) $100
Wyndrock MBC (Abilene, TX) $40
Nevill’s Chapel MBC (Mt. Pleasant, TX)
$150.29
RidgeCrest MBC (Levelland, TX) $25
Memory Lane MBC (Palestine, TX) $50
Bethel MBC (Tatum, TX) $50

Expenses

Salary - $1,000
Housing - $700
Insurance allowance - $211
Multi-media projector - $703.61
Brownwood Housing Authority Community Center Rental - $100

(From Grace Pointe’s account)
Youth ministry curriculum - $953.

Mission: Brownwood Jan 09 Report

Grace Pointe MBM Core Group Grows, Solidifies

The core group at Grace Pointe is beginning to grow, as we now have three families committed to the work. Their attendance accounted for 17 in attendance in our morning worship services on Jan. 25. The capacity for the Brownwood Apts. Phase II Community Room is 25, so we are nearing a point where we will have to move to a larger meeting place.

All three families are participating in the ministries at Grace Pointe by teaching in our mid-week youth programs, faithfully attending services and contributing financially to the work. We even have a regular visitor who is bringing friends of her own.

Things are really exciting right now at Grace Pointe MBM, as we are seeing rapid spiritual growth in our members and regular attenders, and see the potential for God to move in big ways in Brownwood.

Rocky Springs MBC Launches Building Fund for Grace Pointe

With the numeric growth, and the possibility of exceeding our capacity at the Brownwood Apts. Phase II Community Room within the next few months, the members of the mission are praying about what God would have us do next.

Our options include renting a nearby elementary school, one of the civic centers, a store front, or a vacated church building. There are currently two vacant church buildings for sale in Brownwood, one in Early (Brownwood’s suburb), and one that may soon hit the market.

While the mission is not in a financial position to rent its own facility at this moment, we are expecting that we will be able to within a few months. We also anticipate purchasing a facility within the next 18 months. With our new children’s ministries coming online, we would prefer to move into a permanent facility.

Therefore, we are asking our sister churches to come through once again for us through one-time love offerings or monthly support designated toward the Brownwood mission building fund. Please send all offerings to our sponsoring church.

Financial Report

SUPPORT RECEIVED
MBA of Texas $1,911
Muse MBC (Grapeland, TX) $200
White Rock MBC (Center, TX) $100
Salmon MBC (Elkhart, TX) $25
58th Ave MBC (Amarillo, TX) $102.30
Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $82.37
Memory Lane MBC (Palestine, TX) $50
Bassett Rd MBC (Palestine, TX) $75
Denson Springs MBC (Grapeland, TX) $50
Donna Prasatik $150
Quaker Ave MBC (Lubbock, TX) $100
Bethel MBC (Tatum, TX) $50
Rocky Springs MBC (Jacksonville, TX) $150
Wyndrock MBC (Abilene, TX) $40
East Side BC (Jacksonville, TX) $100
Nevill’s Chapel MBC (Mt. Pleasant, TX)$189.92
Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $70.83
Memorial MBC (Rusk, TX) $400
John Nickle (Rusk, TX) $25
Northcrest BC (Andrews, TX) $300

OFFERING:
Grace Pointe MBM $362

EXPENSES:
Salary $1,000
Housing $700
Health Insurance $211
Total to Missionary: $1,911

Postage $16.80
Supplies from Walmart $25.84
Outreach $59.92

LOOKING FORWARD

Grace Pointe MBM launched her AWANA program Feb. 3 with 15 in attendance. See how the program progresses in next month’s report, or log on to the Mission: Brownwood blog at www.lelandacker.blogspot.com.

Missionary Leland Acker and family will be in attendance at the Southwest Association Mission Rally at 58th Ave MBC in Amarillo in April.

Grace Pointe MBM will host the Southwest Mission Rally in July.

Mission: Brownwood will expand apartment ministries.

Mission: Brownwood December 2008 Report

Mission: Brownwood reflects on successful year

When 2008 began, Mission: Brownwood had no sponsoring church, minimal financial support, no contacts in the city of Brownwood. All we had was a calling from God, and a vision for a church guided by its mission to reach the lost and unchurched of Brownwood, TX, and the surrounding areas.

Through the course of 2008, God provided us with a good sponsoring church, adequate financial support and the endorsement and financial support of the Missionary Baptist Association of Texas. He also provided Jessica and me jobs that help our ministry in Brownwood.

In addition to His financial blessings, God blessed our VBS efforts with 43 kids and two professions of faith, brought Jeremy Moore and family into our fellowship to help us get our worship services started at the Brownwood Apts., and brought us families that we could minister to. It is our prayer that through God’s continued blessings, we’ll be able to get established and self-supporting ahead of schedule.

Rocky Springs MBC launches building fund for Mission: Brownwood

Currently, there are four church buildings on the market in Brownwood, ranging in price from $60,000 to $300,000, with all but one located on major highway frontage. While the community room where we meet fits our needs at the moment, we do anticipate outgrowing the facility within the coming year. When the time comes to move to a larger facility, it would be great to have the resources to move forward without having to take on debt. If you feel led to contribute to the Mission: Brownwood building fund, please send designated offerings to: Rocky Springs MBC, PO Box 1840, Jacksonville, TX 75766.

STATISTICS

Sunday Morning Attendance: Average – 13; High attendance – 18 (12/14/08); Low – 8 (12/28/08).
Wednesday Evenings: Average – 14; High attendance – 17 (12/17/08); Low – 12 (12/31/08)
Offerings received on the field: $1,242.47

SUPPORT: Beacon BC (San Angelo, TX) $150; Memorial MBC (Rusk, TX) $200; John Nickle ($25); Denson Springs MBC (Grapeland, TX) $50; MBA of Texas (Texas) $955.50; Muse MBC (Grapeland, TX) $200; Wyndrock MBC (Abilene, TX) $140; 58th Ave. MBC (Amarillo, TX) $133.22; Bethel MBC (Tatum, TX) $50; Memory Lane MBC (Palestine, TX) $50; White Rock MBC (Center, TX) $100; Salmon MBC Ladies Aux (Elkhart, TX) $25; Rocky Springs MBC (Jacksonville, TX) $150; Quaker Ave. BC (Lubbock, TX) $100; East Side BC (Jacksonville, TX) $100; Heritage BC (Tyler, TX) $100; Nevill’s Chapel MBC (Mt. Pleasant, TX) $150.17.

EXPENDITURES: Salary - $1,000; Housing $700; Outreach materials $78.93

Mission: Brownwood November 2008 report

Mission: Brownwood starts Grace Pointe Missionary Baptist Church

Grace Pointe Missionary Baptist Church (mission status sponsored by Rocky Springs MBC) held its first Sunday worship services Nov. 2 at the community room of the Brownwood Apts. Phase II community room. Only three were in attendance, but we felt encouraged by the Lord to continue. We had five the following Sunday, then saw 20 join us for services on Nov. 16. We experienced our first additions Nov. 23 (four by statement, one on promise of Baptism) and collected our first offering Nov. 30 ($365).

Our plans for Dec. 7 are to establish a missions budget, an operations budget, and begin plans to implement our youth program. We hope to have youth programs established by mid-January.

We expect this congregation to grow as we have a decent meeting place and have been canvassing the area weekly since the beginning of November.

Market Place rolls on

Our ministry at the Market Place apartments continues to build momentum, with new people attending and the weekly faithful hanging on. High attendance was 18 on Nov. 19, low attendance was 13 on Nov. 5.

Missionary Acker approved by the messengers of the MBA of Texas

It was an incredibly humbling experience to stand before the messengers of the Missionary Baptist Association of Texas as they stood and approved our request for half-salary. Seeing a full house stand at Calvary Baptist Church in Henderson was truly encouraging, and I thank you for your support.

Finances

Income: MBA of Texas $955.50; Rocky Springs MBC (Jacksonville, TX) $150; Northcrest BC (Andrews, TX) $450; Memorial MBC (Rusk, TX) $200; John Nickle (Rusk, TX) $25; Beacon BC (San Angelo, TX) $150; Bethel MBC (Tatum, TX) $50; Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $99.97; Nevill’s Chapel MBC (Mt. Pleasant, TX) $293.13; East Side BC (Jacksonville, TX) $100; Wyndrock MBC (Abilene, TX) $40; Muse MBC (Grapeland, TX) $400; Memory Lane MBC (Palestine, TX) $50; Quaker Ave. BC (Lubbock, TX) $100; White Rock MBC (Center, TX) $100; Denson Springs MBC (Grapeland, TX) $50; 58th Ave. MBC (Amarillo) $144.90; Bassett Road BC (Palestine, TX) $75.

Expenditures: Salary $1000; Housing $740; Vehicle repair $644.71; Printing $61.20; Fuel $50.20.

Oct. 2008 Report

Mission: Brownwood expands outreach

October was a busy month for Mission: Brownwood. We secured a meeting place for Sunday morning services at the Brownwood Apartments Phase II Addition (pictured here). We will be using their community room. Upon securing the meeting place, we began canvassing the Brownwood Apartments complexes, working mostly in the phase II addition. Plans for November are to expand our canvassing efforts to Phase I. These two complexes are similar in size to the Brownwood Housing Authority, where we held VBS over the summer, and are located less than half a mile from the housing authority.

We sponsored a fall festival at Market Place Apartments in Brownwood. We had a great turnout and generated a lot of interest in our services there.

We averaged five in attendance on Sundays in my home studies, 15 in attendance at our Wednesday services at the Market Place. Current plans are to continue canvassing these complexes and build up our services there.

Finances

Support: Rocky Springs MBC (Jacksonville, TX) $571.45; 58th Ave. MBC (Amarillo) $117.66; Denson Springs MBC (Grapeland, TX) $300; Memory Lane MBC (Palestine, TX) $50; Quaker Ave. BC (Lubbock) $100; East Side BC (Jacksonville, TX) $100; Bethel MBC (Tatum, TX) $50; Westwood BC (Odessa) $300; RidgeCrest MBC (Levelland, TX) 75; Wyndrock MBC (Abilene) $40; Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $111.37. White Rock MBC (Center, TX) $300; Memorial MBC (Rusk, TX) $200; John Nickle (Rusk, TX) $25; Faith MBC (Round Rock, TX) $200; North Side BC (Snyder, TX) $200.

Expenditures: Salary - $1,000; Housing - $740; Travel - $68.81; Printing - $86.40; Promotional - $78.77; Cleaning supplies for meeting facility - $13.48; Angel Food - $49.

Mission: Brownwood September 2008 Report

Taking the Gospel to the Market Place

My wife, Jessica, landed a job as the activities coordinator at the Market Place Apartments, a retirement community for lower-income seniors in Brownwood, Texas. With the permission of the residents, Jessica invited me to begin holding Wednesday evening services at Market Place. We began with an attendance of 14 the first two weeks, then grew to 20 the third week, before falling back to 17. Satan has decided to battle our efforts at Market Place, with problems arising between factions of residents, which reduced our attendance last Wednesday to 12. Still, a core group at Market Place is emerging, and we anticipate attendance will pick back up.
Residents attend group activities at Market Place.

Mission: Brownwood to expand apartment ministries

As Sunday morning attendance at our home studies struggled, Jessica and I prayed about God’s next step for us. As soon as certain key details can be worked out, we will begin holding services in another local apartment complex. We’ll release the details after we get them nailed down. We do have a complex that has enthusiastically agreed to let us use their facilities. We averaged 7 in our home-based worship services.

Finances

SUPPORT RECEIVED:

Denson Springs MBC (Grapeland, TX) $50
58th Ave MBC (Amarillo, TX) $208.83
Bethel MBC (Tatum, TX) $50
Memory Lane MBC (Palestine, TX) $50
Quaker Ave. MBC (Lubbock, TX) $100
East Side BC (Jacksonville, TX) $100
Bassett Rd BC (Palestine, TX) $75
Wyndrock MBC (Abilene, TX) $40
Dawn Blackburn (Jacksonville) $100
Nevill’s Chapel MBC (Mt. Pleasant, TX) $140.16
Heritage BC (Tyler, TX) $200
Sandie & Mike Rossiter (Jacksonville, TX) $500
Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $82.71
Memorial MBC (Rusk, TX) $200
John Nickle (Rusk, TX) $25.

EXPENDITURES:

Salary - $1,000
Housing - $740
Fuel - $128.27
Computer Supples - $39.98.