Fellowship Bible Church

A Word from John Moss (Project Exploration Director)

Chris — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:15:17 +0000

My mission for this trip has been to find a need for our larger team in October and WOW have I found it! I scheduled four days to do my research and actually only need about 15 minutes. The need for support is greater than anyone can imagine.

My first day was spent with a local missionary named Ana. She is a young girl who has given her life to the children and their parents of her community. She is truly a gift from God. She has many programs that are in the early stages of development and I feel that we could have a dramatic impact on what she is trying to accomplish. There are many projects that need a lot of attention. One project was the concrete oven that I was building (Robert Burks this one has your name on it.) or running the gas line so that they can actually cook on the property where they are feeding the children (Wayne Howser I can see your hands all over this.) and maybe the most important part of it all, spending time with the children and bringing them the word of God (Sharron Brandt and Melissa Patterson, I hear God calling your name). I have tons of pictures and will be able to define specific needs for anyone who wants to participate in the October trip. There is enough work for anyone who wants to go.

My second day was spent on Ometepe Island, which is a short ferry ride from our hotel. There I visited a school for deaf children. It is run by a married couple from South Carolina who have dedicated their life to helping the Nicaraguan people. They have many ongoing projects that require as much help as we can give.

Oh yea, God asked me to spend a couple of hours on Tuesday riding a zip-line down the volcano on Ometepe Island. I obeyed and survived (Thank God!!!).

In short, this is an incredible opportunity to bring the word of God to a group of people who are truly needed. God has blessed me more than I deserve and being able to share my blessings has been the most rewarding thing that I have ever done.

John Moss (for the Team)

The END of FAD

jlove — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:50:36 +0000

Wait! What? Are you serious?

That’s the early reactions I’ve gotten since announcing FAD’s demise last Sunday evening during my sermon. But like the infomercial always says, “Wait, There’s more!” After much discussion and prayer it became apparent to me that God was calling our ministry to grow up and I’ve learned that when God’s calling me, it feels less like an emotional light from heaven and more like a punch to the gut. That’s preciously what I had been feeling lately. When God launched FAD, there were only about 8 people in leadership and it was basically a college service. Four years later, I find that we still have committed and amazing college students but God has begun to bring recent college grads and young professionals who wanted to join our mission to reach our city. This migration has caused me to reconsider some of the things we do at FAD that make it a college only service like breaking for summer, spring break and having no childcare. Are we short changing our mission? Are there people who want to be on mission with us but can’t? Are we projecting something that we aren’t anymore? All good questions that I (and every pastor in the world) should ask every now and then. The shocking answer was yes. We made a decision to be more inclusive than exclusive. We made a decision that will throw us into the unknown. We made a decision that comes with some daunting tasks ahead. We made the right decision. FAD has to go.

In its place, God is placing “Fellowship PM“, a new evening service at Fellowship Bible Church focused on producing a missional church service made up of college students, young adults, young families and growing families. What’s staying the same? Still teaching a different series from morning services, awesome worship and missional community focus. What’s changing? We’re going year round! We’re also moving to 6pm, adding childcare to accommodate young families that want to worship with us and moving to the big sanctuary. We’re so excited that God has allowed us to move into a larger role in ministry and we’re so thankful for our church leaders and the body of Fellowship Bible Church. As you can imagine, a change of this magnitude will take much planning and work. Please pray for us.

Jon Love

Pastor

A Giant Step for Our Partnership with Nicaragua

Chris — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 02:35:38 +0000

I can not express how excited I was today as I introduced Melvin Loza to teach his first lesson as an instructor at the Bible Institute. I met Melvin 9 years ago in Corinto when he was a student at the first Bible Institute established by Hope Church from Huntsville Alabama. At that time Melvin was a great young kid with pretty good english but a heavy accent. Since then I have seen him mature as a man and as a Bible and Theological student. He has been one of the translators at every one of the Institutes I taught in Juigalpa (6 total). Today I saw a man of God stand and teach on the nature of sin for 55 minutes as everyone in the room was captivated. Even the man sitting on the front row who dropped his notebook repeated as he fell asleep in my lesson was attentive the whole time. (Melvin has posted a video of the man falling asleep during my lesson on the internet under the heading “The Effect of Ken’s Teaching.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sk83kBaTYQ Some things are the same no matter what culture you find yourself in.) Back to the highlight of the day. Melvin did a great job. He taught with passion, clarity and had great illustrations of the multifaceted nature of sin and how sin is more than the acts we do that are wrong. Sin is a matter of our attitudes and beliefs as well. Eric and I taught on either side of Melvin but his teaching was clearly the highlight of the day for all of the Gringos, the pastors and for Melvin himself. He loved it.

John has done a great job gathering places for us to plug in down here with a big team in the fall. His heart is as big as Texas and we will have some great opportunities to work with very poor families. Both children and adults are in need of almost everything you can image including meals and small group bible study leaders. I will let him compose an update tomorrow. He is not back from his explorations yet today.

Please continue to pray for the receptivity of the people as we teach on Salvation for the rest of the week. Pray for safety and wisdom for John as he explores. We are having a great time and are blessed to be here.

For the Only Cause that Matters

Ken – for the Team

Everything Old is New Again

Chris — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 02:12:10 +0000

What a fantastic start we had to our week of teaching at the Bible Institute in Rivas. The Old Gang (Cairo, Melvin and Chico “oye, oye, oye”) has reunited and joined John Moss and I along with Eric Moffett (a regular at Rivas with Chris Kear but new to John and I) for the first day of teaching in Rivas. So far this is exactly like being in Juigalpa but totally different. I know that is odd but it is how I feel. It is so clearly the same Nicaraguan country and people I have grown to love but the places and people are all different. Juigalpa was more of a cattle town with lots of hills while Rivas is more tropical and flat. Rivas is a little smaller than Juigalpa but there is a sister city of San Jorge that makes it bigger. The people are warm and receptive but the faces are all new to me.

A few highlights:

Travel was uneventful which is an answer to prayer
Brunch at Camino Real (Hotel in Managua) was amazing which was what I expected (Can you say, “Nacatamale?”)
The facility for the Bible institute in Rivas is excellent. It is at the “lluvias de Gracia” (Rain of Grace) church and a great setting for teaching under a tin roof with open air sides in 94 degree temps.
One of the pastors told us how much Chris and his team have meant to them and how it has changed the way the pastors relate to each other. He said it would have been rare for pastors to eat together in groups of more than one or two before the bible institute. Now groups of 40 pastors often eat together and talk about the Bible Institute and laugh and plan events together.
Another pastor told us that he may be leaving to plant a church in Cuba (Oretega and Castro are friends). If he goes there he wants us to come and have a bible institute there. Jim, can we even do that?
The time at the institute has been great. After one day we have them all using hand motions to remember the key teaching points of the week. (I am pretty funny trying to get it right in Spanish. I know the words but do not say them with any confidence at all).
We have already covered the doctrine of Man and will hit sin tomorrow followed by teaching on salvation at the end of the week.
Oh, John Moss. We saw him early this morning, but he was off to “build an oven” buy groceries and feed the children. I can tell you more after I talk with him but he is very excited to be gathering projects for the team to work on in October when we return.
It is hot! We are having a great time, brushing our teeth and eating well. It is hot!

That’s about it to get started. We are so honored to be a part of what God is doing here in Central America. Keep us in your prayers.

For the Only Cause that Matters,

Ken (for the team)

Chick-fil-A Leadercast hosted at Fellowship Conway

Chris — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 19:03:32 +0000

Broadcast LIVE from Atlanta to Conway, Arkansas on May 4, Chick-fil-A LEADERCAST offers a unique opportunity to hear from some of the top leadership and business thinkers in the world, including Soledad O’Brien, Patrick Lencioni, John Maxwell, Tim Tebow, Andy Stanley and others!

The choices you make define the leader you become. And the choices you make are not just about you. They’re about having a positive impact in your organization, your community, and beyond. Life changing events start with a simple choice. Choose to attend Chick-fil-A LEADERCAST 2012!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW

Tickets are $75. Registration Deadline: April 23

Fellowship Bible Church (1051 Hogan Lane)

Check-In: 7:00 a.m. / Simulcast Event: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

“The event was a highlight in my development. Each speaker brought insights that were inspiring. It is an incredible way to improve upon our leadership so that in turn we can make a difference in the lives of those we influence.” Jennifer Boubel | Continental Airlines

Thanks for contributing to the Gospel being shared this Easter

Chris — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 17:08:38 +0000

Thank you for giving to The Easter Offering at Fellowship!

This Easter we gave you the opportunity to help send the Gospel all over the world through The Easter Offering and you stepped into it big time!

Our goal as a church was to raise $16,000 and we are pleased to let you know that we received $18,755 in The Easter Offering.

You also collectively offered 91 hours in service through our Sallie Cone ministry this Easter. I’m excited about the ways that the Gospel will be sent out from Fellowship as a result of The Easter Offering. Here is what your sacrificial giving will help to support this year:

Support a Pastor at the 2012 Bible Institutes in Rivas, Nicaragua
Operation Christmas Child
Missionary Needs and Support
Reach Kids in Conway with hours of service through Sallie Cone Ministry

Now that you have given the work will begin. Ken, John Moss, and Eric Moffett head to Rivas, Nicaragua on April 21-27 for the next Nicaragua Bible Institute. You are a part of making that ministry possible. Our goal is to have well over 100 pastors and church leaders in Nicaragua equipped to better reach their country through a week of solid biblical training this April.

Will you begin praying for those pastors and church leaders in Rivas that will be able to attend the Bible Institute because of your support?

Will you begin praying for ways God can use you personally in mission opportunities?

Fellowship on the River

Shane — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 19:53:14 +0000

The (Headless) Shrimp is back at the 2012 Fellowship on the River May 6th at 4:00 PM at Toad Suck Park across the river (Perryville County side). The shrimp pots will be in full force as will the grills filled with burgers and dogs.

This annual event is full of food, music, fun (for all ages) and an event that brings the whole Body of Fellowship together! Come with your family, community group, friends, neighbors, people you pick up en route…whoever! We want you to come and experience Fellowship on the River.

Live music, (headless) shrimp, hamburgers, hot dogs, a huge playground for kids as well as a giant inflatable slide makes this a fellowship event. YOU make it a great event!

Tickets go on sale this Sunday, April 15th in the Atrium (grab your check book & look for the table).

Hot Dogs plate: Hot Dog, bag of chips, cookies & drink $3 (free for kids ages 3 & under)

Hamburger plate: Hamburger, bag of chips, cookies & drink $6

Shrimp Plate: 1/3 lb shrimp, corn, boiled potatoes, cookies & drink $14

Make this years Fellowship on the River the can’t miss event of May! You will not regret it.

FAQ:

Why May 6th, isn’t that Toad Suck weekend?

-Yes. Typically we have FOTR the third Sunday in May. However, this year Conway Public Schools is holding their graduation in Little Rock (May 13th is Mother’s Day & May 27th is Memorial day).

Why so many mentions of ‘headless’ shrimp?

-Last years feedback showed a favoring to shrimp being headless. So this year heads are rolling. We have ordered headless shrimp.

Do I have to have a ticket to attend FOTR?

-No. If you want to pack a sack dinner or bring your own food and drink, come on out and enjoy the afternoon with us! To get a plate of food at the event; however, you need to have purchased a ticket (this way we ensure we have food for everyone who bought a ticket).

What is the best way to make this an outreach event for me?

-Buy a ticket or two and give it to a co-worker, friend or neighbor. Bring them out to enjoy the food, live entertainment & fellowship. Use the time to share the Gospel in a friendly atmosphere! We would love to see FOTR used as a tool for you to reach out to people around you!

The Future. Big Changes coming to FAD!

jlove — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:50:37 +0000

So we are only two weeks away from the last FAD of the year. We typically call this service “sad fad” because its always hard to stop worshiping together and encouraging each other for an extended time. However, these next two weeks are going to be critical to the future of our service and ministry. I have been wrestling with what God would have our little but growing service become for a while now and after prayer and counsel I am ready to cast that vision over the next two weeks. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind regarding these next two weeks.

1. There are BIG changes coming so we need you to be there to hear what they are and why we’re making them.

2. I fully believe God is calling us to these changes.

3. God has chosen His people to work through in the world and thus we CANNOT move forward without your help.

I will preach a two part series called “Don’t go to church. Be the Church.” which will lay out our future and I am asking for your prayers as I seek God’s voice for our body. Thank you for being an amazing body of Christ and I’m so excited to share our new vision with you. See you Sunday!

Jon

Souled Out

Shane — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:00:26 +0000

With 7 weeks left in the Middle School Wednesday night calendar, we are launching a 6-week curriculum called “Souled Out.” Each week we will cover an area of our lives that need to be evaluated in terms of being completely souled out to God.

We have taken our time in planning and prepping to ensure we hit the students with truth very relative to their lives. We are also giving a sheet to take home every one of the weeks with a daily reading that will reinforce what they learned about and discussed on Wednesday. I would love for parents to take this as an opportunity to read with their kids and share thoughts and life on the different subjects. You will not need to be a theologian to do this, just intentional.

The 6 weeks of topics are:

1) Intro to Souled Out (this Wednesday, April 11th)

2) Souled Out in Consumption (media)

3) Souled Out in Relating (all relationships)

4) Souled Out in Devotion (what does your life revolve around)

5) Souled Out in Forgiveness (why we can forgive)

6) Souled Out in Surrender (Giving our all to He who gave all)

We are finishing the school year strong, so keep encouraging your students to come and be part of Fellowship Student Ministries!

Landmines

Shane — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:00:13 +0000

This week we begin a 6-week study called ‘Landmines,’ where we will expose and defuse potential threats to the high schooler’s commitment to Jesus. You will hear a 15 minute introduction to each topic and then be able to discuss with others in a small group setting. We are excited to see how God challenges us and changes us through these last 6 weeks of small groups. We are ready to finish the semester strong, so nudge your high schoolers to be part of every week. They will not be disappointed!

The topics for rest of the semester are:

1) Ignorance

2) Dating

3) Addiction

4) Finances

5) Social Media

6) Hypocrisy