Hundreds in Kaufman finding hope

In seven weeks, First Baptist Church in Kaufman fed 100 of the lowest income families in the city, gave presents to 75 single mothers and held a revival to share the hope of Christ with its community.

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KAUFMAN—Thanks to one church, hope is exploding across the city.

Through the efforts of First Baptist Church, hundreds of people around the congregation’s facilities are finding hope—for today and eternity.

In seven weeks, the church fed 100 of the lowest income families in the city, gave presents to 75 single mothers and held a revival to share the hope of Christ with its community. As a result of its efforts, people were nourished physically, emotionally and spiritually.

More than 100 people made professions of faith. Forty of them already have been baptized, and more people are scheduled.

The congregation is attempting to share the gospel with every person that lives within 10 miles of its sanctuary as its part in Texas Hope 2010, a Baptist General Convention of Texas initiative to share the gospel with every Texan by Easter 2010.

Senior Pastor Brent Gentzel said the challenge of sharing the gospel with their community has excited the congregation. When he shared about the initiative, he felt the congregation’s enthusiasm grow.

“I thought the energy and excitement was palpable,” he said of the day he first spoke about Texas Hope 2010 during a worship service.

To accomplish their goal, the church has divided the community into five demographic segments and is seeking to pray for, care for and share with each of those groups intentionally. The congregation is designing outreach efforts specifically tailored for each population segment.

The Texas Hope 2010 initiative reminds him of William Carey, the father of the modern missionary movement, Gentzel said. Upon sensing a call to serve in India, he preached a sermon about the importance of attempting great things for God and anticipating great things from him. To Gentzel, Texas Hope 2010 is one of those great things God is calling his people to do.


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“In our context, our people have rallied to do something rather audacious and incredible and beyond our normal capacity,” he said. “If you’re out there wondering about this, I’d encourage you consider attempting something great for God in your community. There’s no doubt that it is God’s desire that every person in your community would know about the gospel.

For more information about Texas Hope 2010, visit www.texashope2010.com. To give to support Texas Hope 2010 causes, including putting Scripture in every Texas home, visit www.bgct.org/give.

 


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