Bible Institute News

Even though I posted this on my personal blog, I figured I would place it here as well.

The Bible Institute classes are going very well. Bro. Matt Rowland is progressing in his studies and with just over a year to go, he's earnestly pressing toward the mark. It has been good to have Bro. Tom Cavanaugh taking a class during each semester as well. Last semester he took Bibliology and this semester he's taking the Book of Daniel. I think it's good for Bro. Matt to have another person in class. I like it too.
I'm hoping some of our high school seniors will consider taking some classes next year. I'm prepared to teach a specific "one year" study for high school graduates to attend prior to any secular school they may be planning to attend. I've always believed that even if a graduate is not going to four years of Bible college, they should take one year first, then go to a community college, or the like, for their career. I have the right courses for them to take. I pray they will take advantage of them. The worldly minded would say that would be a waste of time. Truth says, it's a solid investment to help prepare them for what's ahead.
Take a look at the FRMBI information at our web site.

The FRMBI page

Willing Servants Quartet in Jackson

This past Saturday we traveled over to Jackson, MI and spent the afternoon with Pastor Mike Channell and the folks at Faith Baptist Church. Despite the cold and the snow outside, the warmth of sweet fellowship with God's people was wonderful inside!
The guys did a great job ministering in song. They even sang a new song (to them) "He Lifted My Burdens", that talks about how Christ took away our sins and washed us clean. We almost have enough songs to do a recording; maybe in a couple of months.
After the quartet sang, I preached a message on "Being Blessed Believing the Bible" - say that 10 times fast.
After the services the folks from the church took us to Denny's restaurant for a lunch/dinner. Boy was that chicken sandwich good!!!!! If I would have had my camera, I would have taken a picture of it sitting next to those seasoned fries, and put it in this post. Oh well, you'll just have to imagine it going in my mouth... hmmmmmmm good!!!!!! I guess you'll have to settle for this picture taken on my wife's Palm phone. Yes, we forgot the camera.

Out of the Loop this past Sunday

Well, this past Sunday was an odd one for me. It really was surreal being present for the services and not take part. I joked with Bro. Lentz just before the morning offering was taken, that maybe I could assist in taking up the offering. However, there was an upside to it. I was able to worship out of the spotlight, so to speak. I actually stood and sat in my office with a hymn book open an followed along with the congregation, and as they sang out loud, I sang in my heart. I enjoyed Bro. Lentz's Sunday School lesson on how teens ought to honor and obey their parents. Bro. Rowland did a fine job preaching both morning and evening sermons. The Lord greatly blessed.

I went to the doctor on Monday and got some medications. The doctor said I had the beginning signs of pneumonia, so I was prescribed some pretty powerful meds to take effect with full force. My voice was somewhat better on Monday, but after a rough Monday night, today it was a little worse. We went ahead and held one of the three institute classes today. My voice was well spent by the end of just that one class. Continue to pray with me that the meds will really kick in and that my voice will return to normal. Lord willing, I'll be back in the pulpit next Sunday.

DBC Awards and DBC Sunday

We held our annual mid-year award night for Discovery Bible Clubs this month. Sunday, January 13th was DBC Sunday. We usually have more kids in attendance, but we were a little low on the award night. Here are some pictures:

New Year's Fellowship

Everyone had a great time Monday night as we brought in the new year with the sweet fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ. We had a good turn out and several stayed to sing and pray the new year in.
Here are a few pictures. More will be posted soon on the church's web site.

FRBI Spring Classes for 2008

Classes Begin Monday, January 7th

Classes:
Book of Daniel
Angelology/Satan/Hell
Hymnology/Song Leading
Sunday School Administration

Contact the church for details.

Pastor's Birthday

Last Wednesday night, after church, the members celebrated Pastor's 42nd birthday. This month also marks his 13th anniversary as pastor at FRMBC.
"What a joy it is to serve the Lord with such a wonderful group of people. My family and I have been so blessed these last 13 years here at FRMBC."

Willing Servants Quartet in Toledo

Last Saturday the guys sang at a Thanksgiving Fellowship hosted by Grace Missionary Baptist Church, of Toledo, Ohio. Bro. Raul Bergerman is the pastor. After dinner the guys sang 5 songs. Then Pastor Bill Brooks preached. After the message the guys sang "Jesus We Just Want To Thank You", which fit the occasion well.
Check out a clip of the quartet at by clickig HERE.

Harvest Fellowship

Everyone had a great time at last Wednesday night's Harvest Fellowship and dinner. The food was great and the fun and games were... well... FUN!! Thanks to everyone who had a part in all the planning. You can see pictures at Harvest Fellowship Pictures.

Happy Birthday Mrs. Gill!

Recently the church celebrated, with the Gill family, the birthday of Mrs. Gill. She is now 80 years young. We praise the Lord for the many blessings He has bestowed upon her life.