In all Seven were baptized in obedience to the Lord's
command.
Following the baptism we met back at the church for a sweet time of fellowship and preaching.
Glory To GodIt was more
than a dream come true, it was the hand of God. For
so many many years this inner city church, attacked over
and over by the devil saw what God can do. This is
the new and permanent home of the Grace Baptist Church.
The God of Heaven always rewards faithfulness. I
can think of the many years, the river of tears, the
hours of despair that have strengthened the faith of
God's people here. Giving up was never an option.
Store front to store front, rented building to
rented buildings, at times in homes but the church kept
going in soul winning. Reaching out to the lost and
desperate need of this city was always and still is its
heart beat and vision of the believers.
Our gracious Lord worked it out with the members of the Haven Baptist Church to merge with Grace Baptist Church to form the Grace Haven Baptist Church calling Brother Mendes as pastor. I recently preached in this beautiful and spacious building and felt the anticipation of the growing vision of God's continual blessing.
Meeting in this old store front building the church one day found a city notice posted on the door. The building was shut down due to the landlord not keeping the city standards. But the Lord's hand was not slack! He had a plan. A wonderful plan.
The inner city is often devoid of a fundamental Baptist witness. Thank God for Grace Baptist Church which is truly an uncompromising, separated and gospel preaching ministry. The church has not been without its share of struggles and attacks. But Pastor Mendes, his family, and the faithful membership determined to stand true no matter what the cost. The Lord keeps providing their need through souls saved and new members added. I have seen first hand the power of prayer in this ministry.
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