Congradulations Rob & Karen!

This past Saturday Francie & I had the privilege of participating in the wedding ceremony of Rob & Karen (McGee) Kemp. They were once High School Sweethearts that have reconnected, decided to get engaged & then “hitched!”

In July of 08 Karen responded to 2 flyers inviting the residents of the community to check out BridgePoint Church. Not long after that Rob began attending and both have been serving in ministry. Karen leads the welcome/information area & prepares our monthly communion as well as helps with the preschool/nursery ministry. Rob serves in the Tech. ministry with sermon CD recording & duplication. Each have an incredible testimony of how God has changed and transformed their lives!

After deciding to get married they asked Francie & I if we would participate by helping to organize the rehearsal as well as provide the music and speak during their ceremony. Of course we said “Yes! So, on Saturday Francie played the traditional wedding music & I read the “Love” passage from 1 Corinthians 13 & then spoke out of Matthew 7:24-27 “The Wise & Foolish Builders”. After pictures it was on to the reception.

Rob & Karen, Francie & I were honored to be a part of your wedding and as your pastors are so proud of both of you and everything God is doing in your lives. We are praying God continues to bless each of you, your marriage & your ministries! Congratulations!!

7 Water Baptized at BridgePoint Church!

2009 has most definitely been a year of “firsts” for BPC. A week of Fasting & Prayer as a church family in January, an incredible one year Anniversary service in March, Life Groups continued through the spring months and 13 people went through our very first Spiritual Breakthrough!!

Yesterday was another “first” milestone in our church as I had the honor & privilege of water baptizing 7 people!! For two weeks we announced we were going to water baptize & 3 people were interested & signed up. But we wanted to make this event available for everyone so Francie I got prepared. For those who came to the service but didn’t have anything to wear we gathered a complete set of clothes for them to change into.

The message was on the importance of water baptism. The Bible shows that after a person made a decision to follow Christ they were baptized in water. The Book of Acts…, “those who accepted his (Peter’s) message were baptized and about 3,000 were added to their number” & let’s not forget the Ethiopian who gave his life to Christ, got out of his chariot & got into the nearest body of water and was baptized.

“If God is speaking to you don’t talk yourself out of what God is talking you into” was the theme during the message. I encouraged everyone who never really understood the Biblical meaning of water baptism or never had the opportunity or courage to be baptized to take this step of obedience at the end of the service. Not only did the 3 people who signed up come forward but 4 more people came forward as well!!

After changing those 7 people approached the baptismal tank and they were greeted with thunderous applause & cheers. 5 adults & 2 kids showed everyone they belong to Christ & that they were not ashamed of the Gospel. We then celebrated together with a luncheon. It was a very significant day in their lives, my life & in the life of our church!

I want to thank everyone who helped to make this water baptism event happen!

Looking forward to more “firsts” as we continue in 2009!

Our Newest College Grad!

Last week Francie & I spent four days in Springfield, MO. for our son Gregory’s College Graduation. Gregory received his Bachelors Degree in Pastoral Ministries from Central Bible College. Needless to say we are so very proud of him & all that God is doing in his life.

I asked him, “What is the most memorable thing about CBC that he’ll take with him”? He said, “My growth in God & the friends I’ve made here.” “The least memorable thing…?’ “The caf food.” When it comes to guys there are 3 things you don’t mess with…a guy’s woman, his car & his food!

Anyway, CBC was a wonderful experience for both of our kids. (Alexandra class of 2007) Francie & I want to thank the administration, faculty & staff of CBC for their investment into the lives our children.

What’s next for Gregory? In the fall he’ll be joining his sister at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary also in Springfield, MO. And by the way, this summer both kids will be living in the same apartment complex with their friends. Being so close is sure to bring peace of mind to Mom!

Congratulations Gregory! We are proud of you & love you very much!