Mableton First Baptist Church

2003

We had a unique version of Vacation Bible School this year called "The Life and Times of Jesus Christ". On June 9-13, we re-enacted the events of the last week of Jesus' life on earth.

We were starting point for a Christmas to the Cross race on December 3.

On April 18-20, 2003, "The Journey" easter pageant was presented to approximately 3000 people at the Mable House Amphitheatre under the direction of Mike Anderson and Bud Durand.

On May 17-24, 2003, Waymon Story, Clay Willis, Neal Hunter, Joseph York and Russ Danser traveled to Norwich, NY to assist a local church in renovations to a mission house.

In June, Michael York was a missions intern with Vertical Ministries in McAllen, Texas. He reached out to their Hispanic community by assisting with Backyard Bible Clubs and basketball camps.

On July 26 through July 3, a team of 8 volunteers traveled to Pattaya, Thailand to assist IMB missionaries with Operation Southern Cross, an effort to reach Chinese tourists traveling to Thailand. The team also worked in Pattaya's slums, as well as in an area children's home.

On September 29 through October 9, Darren Anderson, Russ Danser, Buzz Rowland and Joseph York traveled to the West African nation of Mali to work with IMB missionaries serving with a nomadic tribe along the Niger River. The team had the opportunity to prayer walk in the tribal villages and fish with local fishermen.

Wednesday night activities for the youth returned to the church from Mableton Elementary, primarily meeting in the Fellowship Hall. Attendance continued to be strong, averaging 60.

The Lighthouse Community Ministry House consistently assisted an amazing number of people each week. During the last quarter of 2003, assistance was provided to over 600 people, including 349 children and 5 senior citizens. It provided over 2.4 tons of food to people in need during the quarter. Seventeen people prayed to receive Christ.

Plans to open a Crisis Women's Shelter through partnership with Shaw Temple AME Zion Church in Smyrna did not come to fruition; however, plans were still being made to open a Women's Crisis Pregnancy House, with Russ Danser and Janet Vineyard leading the way.

Sunday School attendance averaged 294 per month in 2003.