Missions
Local Missions
We want to show all people a picture of the love that Jesus has shown us and offers to the entire world. In doing this, we seek to bring the Kingdom of God to Gatesville by caring for folks right here at home. There are three main areas in FBC's "Jerusalem Project".
Angel Food Ministry - We are one of only two distribution sites for Angel Food Ministry in Gatesville. On the last Saturday of every month, volunteers bring food from an Angel Food truck in Waco to FBC, distributing it into boxes, then helping people get their monthly box. Angel Food is NOT a handout. It is open to anyone regardless of income, address, or religious affiliation. Boxes of food and "specials" are sold each month two weeks before distribution day for $30 a box for a regular unit and usually from $20 - $30 for the "special" units. There is no limit to the number of boxes one can buy, and you no longer have to purchase the regular unit in order to purchase any of the "special" units. We accept cash and the Lone Star Card only. One $30 box of food was recently priced at around $60 at a local grocery store. So, AFM is basically an opportunity to stretch your food budget. See the AFM web page or or this month's menu on our homepage for dates. Click here for AFM national ministry web page.
Habitat for Humanity - In 2006, FBC staff and members were a catalyst to bringing the Christian based affordable housing group to Gatesville. Habit is currently seeking eligible families for which a house in Gatesville can be built. The steering committee for Gatesville Habitat meets the first Thursday of each month at FBC. For more information on eligibility or application, see the Habitat for Humanity site. Click here for more information on Fort Hood Area Habitat for Hunamity.
Gatesville Care - Every third Wednesday, FBC members volunteer their time to help distribute food, clothes, and other necessities through this collaborative ministry. Care Center hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. The Care Center serves approximately 400 families per month.
Intermediate Missions
FBC has been involved in a variety of mission efforts here in Texas ranging from hurricane disaster relief to delivering Christmas presents to Texas Baptist Children's Home. The primary state-wide mission effort is our annual KidsHeart Mission Trip. KidsHeart is an effort by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and Buckner Baptist Benevolences to seek to alleviate the poverty in seven of the poorest counties in our country which are right here in Texas along the Rio Grande border. We have see God do amazing things in our previous trips to the valley, and are planning another trip in 2010. The dates for our KidsHeart 2010 trip are July 11-16, 2010. For more information please call the church office.
International Missions
At FBC we also recognize that God expects us to be on mission for Him wherever we go. Sometimes that might mean a trip close to home; at other times, it means going great distances to proclaim the Gospel. We are currently seeking the Lord as to where He would have us go and partner with a current local ministry in order that we may continue to fulfill our calling. FBC members have already been on mission in Mexico, South Africa, Niger, Honduras, and other places around the world. We are currently praying about beginning an emphasis to reach out to an unreached people group to whom we can begin to be God's vessels for bringing His love, peace, and hope.
Women on Mission
All are invited to join our WOM group on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month during the school year for a wonderful time of worship, Bible study, and mission education. These ladies are responsible for the three major mission offerings that FBC supports each year
- Mary Hill Davis Offering- Texas Baptist Missions (BGCT)
- Annie Armstrong Offering- North American Mission Board (SBC)
- Lottie Moon/Global Mission Offering- International Mission Board & Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (SBC/CBF)
Guest speakers are invited each meeting to share on mission efforts here in Gatesville, around the state, and throughout the world. The meetings start at 10:00 AM in the church parlor.