January 1, 2001
Kindness leads the way to faith
___FREDERICK, Md.--In Maryland, a new Baptist congregation that doesn't yet have weekly worship services is leading people to Christ through acts of kindness.
___Fifty-three people have made professions of faith in Christ over the past year, said Bill Craig, pastor of Summit Trace Church.
___The congregation started having monthly "preview" services in September 2000 andplans to begin weekly gatherings in the spring. Craig expects the church to include about 300 people by the time it officially launches, but it already has been noticed in the community.
___Kindness has been expressed in different ways. Individuals affiliated with the church gave away free soda, water and stamps on tax day. They have raked leaves and carried groceries.
___First Baptist Church of Frederick is sponsoring the new church, and it has pitched in to help spread the kindness. First Baptist of Lubbock provided a big boost last summer, sending about 100 volunteers to help.
___"They had a love and a passion and a power to share Jesus Christ," Craig said. The people of Summit Trace "hadn't seen that kind of enthusiasm for Christ." It had an "incredible impact" on local believers."
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