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Connect with Community
by Maerine Wise
The church fire in 1982 – my first thought regarding First Baptist Church and its relationship with the community. The demonstration of caring and concern for this body of believers surpassed what any of us could imagine. A few weeks ago, I came across a bookmark, one of which was distributed at Homecoming Day, October 13, 1988. This bookmark had attached to it a small piece of stained glass from the sanctuary which had been retrieved from the rubble of the fire. The memories this piece of glass stirred in me were only good ones. The fire and its aftermath, the challenges and inconveniences which every church family faced for three years while the present structure was built/rebuilt, have faded. What I vividly remember is how this community responded to our needs spiritually, physically, financially, and emotionally, and through it we experienced spiritual renewal! Now we enjoy the great facilities that we and the community helped to build. It is a wonderful gift from God, when we go through “fires” in life, that the bad is sifted away as we draw closer to Him.My husband Jim and I moved to Thomasville in 1972. From the very beginning, we loved and appreciated this area because of the people, this church, and its environment and resources. It was a wonder place to raise our two sons and to now live as retirees. Upon retirement, I planned to involve myself in civic organizations which I had been unable to do while working. That did not happen. Instead, as I sought God’s direction for my time and focus, He instilled in me the desire to pray and read His Word more and to be available for His service. This availability led me to meet and serve many who are without adequate food, clothing and shelter. Volunteering became the key for me to serve the community. It is a blessing to serve alongside you in an organized effort to provide services, to connect with a community who has given us so much, and more importantly, to be His witness. There is not better time to focus on others than this Thanksgiving season.
“Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV)
In all our works and ways, may God be glorified!
