Family Fiesta 2009

We had prayed for God to give us great weather for the Family Fiesta; even mud from rain days before would cause great problems with our "block party" style event. We were more than blessed to not see a cloud all day, to have cool temperatures, and a gentle breeze (so as not to bother the upright plywood games and the inflatables). This is the second such event that the weather was extremely perfect for the event - so glad we serve a mighty, sovereign God.

We were so thankful for another opportunity to love our community and neighborhood with the grace and love of Jesus. So many thanked us for the free event, and shared how much it meant to them and their families. It was with great joy we shared with them how God had done the good work and that we only wanted them to know how much God loved them. The smiles in response were so bright and enthusiastic.

We were so blessed to serve together as the body of Christ. We saw many come together for the set up, the non-stop acts of service during the event, and the clean up following the event. I am so blessed to pastor the best church in the world, the best people in the world, and the most humble, serving church. God has brought us together for a reason and a season. I am so glad to see that during this season we are fulfilling that reason as we reach out to our community with his love. God bless each of you who served so powerfully today.

Thankful for all the changed lives today,

Bro. Wade

Fall Festival - Fun and Exciting

Halloween may have been celebrated by many in our nation, but at First Baptist Church Harlingen, we were celebrating the love of God.  On the night when many focus on evil, we were blessed to be a part of something great that focused on the love and grace of God as it is expressed in this world through the church.

It was so good to see several churches hosting special events to minister to our community.  Every year the family at First Baptist Harlingen uses the evening of Halloween to host our Fall Festival for the families of our community.  Our driving passion is to love the people of our community, and the Fall Festival was one of the many opportunities we have to show it.  

I was so thankful to hear from so many who shared that they truly felt loved by God and the FBC family.  So many were thankful for the event, for the church to offer something of such great quality for their children.  From all that I heard, there is no doubt that the community saw and felt the real love of God through the family of First Baptist Church Harlingen.

Thank you - to all the leaders and servants who gave up so much time and who worked so hard to be sure Harlingen was loved.

a witness of God's love,

Bro. Wade

The silver lining

While a storm can bring many terrible results, God is able to take that which was meant for bad and turn it for good.  When life is turned up side down, the important things come to the top.  It is during this time that many people begin to turn toward God or at least pray to, or open up to God.  When the church recognizes such an opportunity, the community can be served and many lives can be changed for eternity.  It is in such times that the community can clearly see the incarnate love of God expressed toward them.  The church then becomes the embodiment of God's presence and love to the world.

These past few weeks have seen the body of Christ in First Baptist Harlingen be such an example to our community.  We have not only housed mission and disaster relief teams in our buildings, served them meals, and cared for their needs; but we have served our community with our own hands.  Our youth group (and others) filled sand bags alongside city employees before the storm hit.  We worked in yards and homes around the city, having the privilege of leading some into a personal relationship with Christ.  We have given out water, house supplies, and financial assistance to families in desperate need.  

Thank you church family for being the body of Christ - the presence of God in this community.  Thank God for being faithful to us in the midst of a storm, allowing us the privileges we still see in our community to serve others.

Thankful for every opportunity to love and serve,

Bro. Wade

First Day - Great Day

The first day of Champs Camp was great; a little windy, but great. We had a few hurdles on the first day, but over all it was a really good day. The numbers were good. 426 children and 0 trips to the hospital. We had to move some of the sports inside because of the high winds, but we were able to see the children enjoy themselves throughout the day.

We were able to see children who did not want to leave their parents tell us at the end of the day how they could not wait for tomorrow to come so they could return to Champs Camp. So many children experiencing the Love of God was quite an overwhelming vision. Seeing the lives of these children change so quickly is our goal; and our goal was truly met on the first day of Champs Camp.

We are so grateful for all the college students and leaders that God has sent as missionaries to the valley, they truly love the Lord and are vessels of his love and grace. Thank you for praying for them. Our many members and friends who are serving in Champs Camp are truly the light of the world. Watching our people hold the doors, direct traffic, cook, serve the meals, clean the rooms, and find ways to love the children in the midst of their busyness, are all ways that we can truly see God in our midst. Thank you for prayer walking and continuing to support our front line soldiers through prayer.

May God richly bless the remainder of the week of CHAMPS CAMP.

Grateful to all who serve,
Bro. Wade

Christ ~ humble enough to be a man

Christmas brings to our minds many images of Christ coming to Earth. We often see him in the manger scene with people and animals adoring him. We picture him with a halo around his head and a "silent night" where everything is perfect and calm.

Yet, this year my thoughts have been led to a different image. I have been thinking of Christ's last thoughts before he left the throne of heaven. How he must have looked around at the glory of heaven, the place of no pain or sorrow or tears; and then to look at where he was going. We spend so much of our time living in this world and looking toward heaven with great anticipation, but Jesus was looking in the opposite direction.

Sometimes we comment about how he came to such a humble family, where life was difficult and most of earth's luxuries were missing. But if you consider that even the most luxurious homes, the greatest ruling families in the world, or even the wealthiest kingdoms, could not compare to what he left, then it is no suprise that he thought it no more humbling to enter the family his father had chosen for him.

I believe this is why it was so easy for Jesus to live as a servant in humble conditions, he knew what he left and he knew what he would eventually enjoy again. We too can live as servants when we take our eyes off the luxuries of this world and place our focus first on the kingdom of God and his glory.

sharing Christmas thoughts,
Bro. Wade

Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

New Deacons

Just as in Acts 13 our church expressed a clear mandate from God about the calling of God on the men presented to us for deacon candidates. Each man was affirmed with a very supportive vote from the congregation; nearly unanimous for each. These men will serve our church family for many years to come with a passion for Christ and a love for his people.

Please join me in praying for these men and their families (Ben Carter, Jim Coffman, Mike Davis, and Keith King). We will express our earliest support for them by our prayers and words of encouragement. They will most appreciate your prayers and words, but also remember that as servant leaders they will be thankful to serve alongside of you in ministry.

First Baptist Church Harlingen is blessed to have such godly leadership, especially in our deacons. May we always love and support those that God has placed in leadership in our wonderful church.

Serving the servants of Christ,
Bro. Wade