I met with Valter Sorrentino one Wednesday night in FBC’s “Connection Café.” While we watched families come and go in the bustle of church activities, Valter shared with me how God was working in his life. Before we met, I was expecting lots of clear, concrete responses to my questions about where God was calling him. After all, he was called by God, right? As Valter talked, I was reminded that God’s call does not always include a complete picture.

Valter and his wife, Sandra (who is on the FBC custodial staff and volunteers with the three-year-old choir), are from Brazil. Valter volunteered in a prison ministry there for five years. Because of this work, others encouraged him to go into full time ministry. It took him five years to follow that direction, as well as work up the courage to tell his family.

During this time, Valter began dating Sandra. When they realized they both had a desire to come to the United States, they decided it was such a big move that each of them needed to pray before proceeding. Valter and Sandra eventually discovered they were in unity about the decision. And with Sandra’s family ties in the Richmond area and a Baptist seminary here, another part of God’s plan became apparent.

Valter and Sandra moved to the United States and were married at Second Baptist Church on October 14, 2006. While looking for a church home, they visited First Baptist and met Roberta Damon, a former missionary to Brazil. This connection made the Sorrentinos feel warmly welcomed and at home.

Valter is still in the midst of his studies, considering a dual degree with Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University for Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). While studying, he also works two days each week at Bon Air Baptist on the custodial staff.

In listening to Valter’s story, I realized I could relate to his journey. There was not a Damascus road experience. There were many steps in the process – the calling into the ministry, the meeting of his wife, the mutual desire to move to the United States, and the family in Richmond. It is as if God were playing “connect the dots.” God put out the dots, but Valter takes the steps to link them together.

God does not always give us the whole picture but just enough so we will follow, and after that just a little more. Like Valter, it is up to us to connect the God-given dots in our lives. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21, NIV).

Wendy Starkey is married to a Shawn Starkey and the mother of two smart and beautiful girls – Mahaley and Anna Carr. She is the daughter of Jim and Gail Markham. Wendy is a member of the Sessions Sunday school class and teaches the infant class at Bible Study Fellowship (BSF – a non-denominational, international Bible study).

Sacred Seeds, a class started in October 2011 to explore the idea of missional formation, decided to throw a birthday party for Jesus. The idea came from a class discussion of Christmas Is Not Your Birthday, by Mike Slaughter. He writes that “according to the National Retail Federation, as of 2010, adult consumers spent an average of $830 each on holiday food, decorations, and presents….Christmas has been hijacked and exploited. We have professed allegiance to Jesus but celebrate his birth as if it is our second birthday.”

The members of Sacred Seeds challenged one another to ponder during Christmas this question: If Jesus were standing in front of you, what birthday present would you give Him? They extended this question and an invitation to celebrate His birthday on January 8 to other classes.

The question turned out to be more difficult to answer than anticipated. Vicky Nicolau reflects, “I have thought about the ‘gift for Jesus’ for several weeks and still continue to search my heart. The one gift I have committed to giving is myself. By this I mean completely turning my life over to Him. Although I feel that I have been doing this all along, I now spend more time reflecting on my decisions each day. This exercise has opened my heart even more to the love of God and His Grace for us. I will remember that every day is His birthday and He deserves the best I can humanly give.”

James Wood responded by asking his family members to give money to charities instead of buying gifts for one another. James recalls, “I think this changed our family’s Christmas for the better. My family enjoyed giving away more than receiving this year. Our Christmas was much less stressful. We were not all preoccupied and worried about what gifts and how much money to spend on each other. We were not worried about whether the gifts we were giving were good enough – the competition that Christmas giving always ends up being was ended. When we turn the focus from our birthday party to Christ’s, then all of the selfishness and shallowness of the holiday season ends. When I view Christmas as Christ’s birthday, I must ask myself, ‘Well, what does Jesus want on His birthday?’”

Charles Luger, a member of Foundations Sunday school class, found Jesus’ birthday wish list in Matthew 25:31-46. (“I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.”) The Foundations Class gathered thousands of cans of food in the name of Jesus to serve those who are hungry – the “Jesuses in disguise.” On Sunday morning, Jan 8, Sacred Seeds joined the Foundations class and a few other classes in a Sunday mini-mission to offload four pallets of these canned foods into FBC’s food pantry on Marshall Street. Charles shares: “When you consider what He did for us, we find it desirable in our hearts to honor and thank Him by doing what He asks of us. And the fact that it tied in with the Birthday Celebration for Jesus was certainly perfect timing. We simply got Him some birthday gifts He asked for!”

Following the mini-mission, about thirty people gathered to light the birthday candle, sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus and share His cake. The 12 days of Christmas had just passed, but every day can be a day celebrating the birth of Christ through our deeds and words of kindness, grace and reconciliation.

Editor’s note: Your class can organize its own Sunday mini-missions to honor Jesus through serving others. Contact Steve Blanchard  to share your ideas.

Hanna Zhu grew up an atheist in China and became a Christian in 2002 while studying at Illinois State University. She joined FBC in 2008. A student at Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, Hanna started the Sacred Seeds class in October 2011 as part of her internship in the Formation ministry. She will receive a Master of Divinity degree in May 2012. Hanna enjoys swimming, watching tennis matches, and reading.

You might not realize it, but your eyes have seen some amazing things.

You might not be aware yet that you have heard something wonderful.

You might not know it but your hands have touched the people of Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

On November 5, 2011 a handful of First Baptist Church members, Jeanne and Ed Hechler, Allen and Elise Cumbia, and I set out to be your ears, your eyes and your hands on the mission field. Our contact in Costa Rica is Ruth Clowater, a missionary serving through SIGA (Servants in Grace Abounding) Ministry Partners. The six of us have each contributed a perspective of our mission, so that you realize the difference you made as you were out there with us.

Jeanne Hechler:

Life in Arbolitos, a small town of 180 people, is a challenge:
• The town has had electricity for only about eight years. There are no paved roads yet.
• Women wash their clothes at the riverbank.
• There is no hot water to wash dishes or take a shower, nor air conditioning to escape from the heat.
• Dinner most likely will be cooked on an open fire or a small hot plate.
• Bats and lizards come into the house at night to catch the mosquitoes. Chickens wander throughout the town.
• There are no stores – only two small snack/convenience counters. The nearest town with a grocery store and a hospital is two hours down river.
• With only one or two exceptions, there are no TVs. The school has the only satellite-internet connection.

One of my jobs was to help the women make a craft. It was obvious they were enjoying the break from their daily chores and were so glad that Ruth had arranged something special for them. Meeting them gave me a good perspective to better pray for their future.

Ed Hechler:

There was so much that I could share about our trip to Costa Rica, but I want to focus on what I consider to be a very important part of mission endeavors – our mission team. All mission projects have tasks that they wish to accomplish. However, without a cohesive, compatible, and well-prepared group, success in meeting these objectives would be difficult if not impossible. It was most interesting to see how our team grew together during our week. The team members lived together in a small four room guesthouse. We transitioned from being merely a team to almost a family. We shared meals, took care of housekeeping chores, laughed and prayed together – just like a family would. Actually there was one more in that guesthouse: God was surely among us.

Allen Cumbia:

Many times those who go on mission trips feel they’ve received more blessing than they’ve given. Such was the experience that I had in Costa Rica, and such is the paradox of service to others. Our team in many ways had a physically demanding trip – few of the everyday conveniences that we take for granted; heat, humidity and insects to contend with; isolation from the rest of the world. We went with only a general idea of how we would serve, open to the reality that plans would likely change. That forced me to live into the moment and not get upset if things didn’t go according to plan. What I found in letting go of my personal agenda was a restfulness and peace. There was such a simple joy in living that way, really a peace that passes understanding. Our Costa Rican friends told us that we had an impact and made a difference to those we worked with. I pray that we did; however I do know that I came back changed, more at peace with my circumstances and myself and ready to more unconditionally love others.

Elise Cumbia:

This was my second mission trip and I always learn something new about the language or culture of the people around me. This trip to Costa Rica helped me to see how people in other parts of the world live. We all really take things for granted so much; we don’t realize how other people are suffering. I know that if we all help, we can make a difference anywhere we go, whether at home or thousands of miles away from home, with God’s help. Take the time every day to pray for the people of Costa Rica and around the world and pray that they would know God and trust in Him.

Matthew Brown:

I took a deep breath and said yes. This was my first mission trip as the leader.

I had prayed about it, so I knew that is what I would say to Steve Blanchard. After I told him yes, I really had to start praying in earnest. Steve had a leader for his Costa Rica mission, but I had no mission team!

I knew that God would provide. I prayed for each member of our team, even though I had no idea who they would be. I kept praying for each member of our team, and all of those around us, each day. I still pray and praise God for each member of our team. I was truly blessed by each one and I believe we truly were a blessing.

Ruth Clowater:

Ministry can be difficult at times. Not just on the mission field, of course. Just ask pastors and other ministry leaders. Sometimes, when in His divine wisdom God realizes we need a little extra encouragement, He sends some of His angels our way. I am not saying that Allen, Elise, Jeanne, Ed, and Matthew are angels, but they were a big encouragement. In the things we did, the places we went, and even in the plans that fell through, we could see God’s involvement in it all. A school group suddenly canceled, which left the door open for a very special time of fellowship with the women of Arbolitos. Armed soldiers questioned us at every turn on our trip to worship and fellowship with our friends, the Rama Indians. God’s hand was in all this. I believe that this simple, compassionate act of solidarity will someday yield spiritual fruits.

We are one body. Thank you for allowing us to be your eyes, ears and hands.

Matthew met his wife Candi at First Baptist Church, where she is the Children’s Minister. They have three children, Madison (12), in Youth One, Adam (10), in 4th grade, and Jonathan (7), in 2nd grade. Matthew has taught 1st and 2nd grade Missions Force four years, served as a deacon, volunteered with the Television Ministry since 2002, and attends New Beginnings Sunday school class. He works as a paralegal. In his free time Matthew enjoys cooking for his friends and family, photography, and playing with his growing children.

Congregational growth is welcome and healthy to be sure, but when church membership grows, renovation is inevitable. By 1941, First Baptist Church had not only extended the Sanctuary, but had also enlarged the Memorial Chapel in order to seat 160. Used for small weddings and funerals, it was located in what is now the FBC bookstore and library. The original ceiling decoration and art glass windows still remain.

A small but inspirational stained glass window, “Christ in Gethsemane,” was designed by the Willet Studio in Philadelphia to be the Chapel’s focal point. It told the story of Christ beseeching God’s will for Himself, His beloved Jerusalem and His disciples.

"Christ in Gethsemane" window in the Chapel chancel.

It was widely believed that these architectural advances would be sufficient to maintain congregational growth throughout the next quarter century. By 1953, however, overflow crowds in the newly renovated Sanctuary had to be ushered into the Chapel for the 11:00 a.m. service, and parking was creating problems for the city. In 1964, the Sanctuary was extended again to seat 1,100 and an addition was added to the Mulberry Street side of the building that would house a new chapel capable of seating 340.

Unable to enlarge “Christ in Gethsemane,” but needing to install the window on a much larger wall behind the new chapel pulpit, the Willet Studio designed a stained glass border replete with symbolism related to prayer. The broad frame was rendered using a technique that incorporated 23 karat gold on lead to divide the figures, producing a brilliant effect, be it night or day. Along the top and the bottom of the border are Old Testament giants of prayer: Moses, Samuel, David, and Isaiah. The side panels are reserved for various symbols of the words and images from the Lord’s Prayer.

Today, the Chapel is used for the deaf ministry, for prayer and healing services, and remains a popular venue for intimate weddings and small funeral services.

Editor’s note:  To learn more about the stained glass windows in the Sanctuary and the Chapel, visit the FBC library to check out a copy of Memorial Windows by Theodore F. Adams.

Jeannie Dortch joined FBC in 1974 after being lovingly mentored by the members of Buddy Hamilton’s Sunday school class. A grandmother of four, Jeannie has served as a deacon, taught in our children’s, youth, international, and adult Sunday school departments, but attends the WebClass presently. Recently retired from 16 years of teaching at Rudlin Torah Academy, Jeannie enjoys exercising, cooking, reading, tutoring New American students at Maybeury Elementary, and writing articles for FTF.

FBC volunteers prepare for meal distribution.

FBC members put God’s love into action through service in many community organizations not directly under the First Baptist Church umbrella of ministries. Meals on Wheels is one such organization that benefits from the contributions of hundreds of service hours by many FBC members.

Every second Friday, fourteen volunteers deliver approximately 180 food packages to Richmond’s elderly and homebound on fixed incomes. The deliveries include weekend boxes, as Meals on Wheels operates only on weekdays. Seven volunteers drive their own vehicles and seven assist with the route directions and deliveries all over the city.

Meals on Wheels is part of FeedMore, an umbrella organization that includes the Central Virginia Food Bank. It serves 31 counties and five cities in central Virginia. Meals on Wheels serves more than 1,800 seniors, children, those needing temporary assistance due to job loss, and those recuperating from surgeries.

The Richmond community supports Meals on Wheels in several ways. This year Richmond’s Restaurant Week raised more than $50,000 in support of FeedMore. If you dined at a participating restaurant, a portion of the cost of your meal helped provide food for those in need. Donations of food or money to Central Virginia Food Bank also aid Meals on Wheels. Of course, volunteers are the core support needed for this program to continue.

While some couples volunteer, most are individuals who are willing to give two to three hours every month. Ten substitute volunteers currently fill in when regulars are unavailable, but more would be welcomed.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Mickey Woodward (804-353-5168) or staff liaison Steve Blanchard (Blanchard@FBCRichmond.org).

Mickey Woodward

Mickey, an FBC member since 1961, is a VMI graduate, a retired Army colonel, and a retired structural engineer with VDOT. He is a member of the Adams-Fellowship class and serves on the Tellers Team.

Mission team in Xi'an China.

Sweat was pouring from my brow as I struggled to lug the 25+ pound suitcase up 14 flights of stairs along with my 15+ pound backpack. Out of nowhere a petite woman with a pleasant smile appeared on the stairs and helped me carry the suitcase. It did not seem to be a struggle for her. I smiled, bowed slightly and in broken Chinese said “thank you.” This was my introduction to the people of Xi’an, China, a city of more than eight million, known for its Terra Cotta Warriors.

Members of FBC team with two of their translators, Anson (far left) and Nan (far right).

The First Baptist Church team, 13 adults and students from China, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, was in Xi’an to help the local YMCA with a basketball camp. We all felt led to go to China and almost all of us felt led to teach basketball. I can dribble, shoot and pass, but not teach basketball. However, I knew I needed to be flexible when on assignment with God. I served as the team photographer and mom. If someone needed something – Band-Aids, granola bars, powdered drink mix, toilet paper, usually I had it in my backpack.

In 2006 Ashley, our older daughter, and I went to Troyeville, South Africa on a mission trip. Rachel, our younger daughter, had been looking for a similar opportunity for the two of us. She finally found it when Buddy Burgess, Pastor to the Deaf Mission and Minister of Recreation, told her about this trip.

Rachel comments, “I love community missions and helping people. Making people’s day is number one on my list; it just makes me really happy. When I heard about China, I was ecstatic. I played basketball for six years, and I have always wanted to make an impact elsewhere than in my own backyard. Traveling to China was the most incredible experience of my life – the people I met along the way, the relationships with our translators and other group members, the culture, showing God’s love.”

Being flexible became important just before we left when we found out the venue had changed, as well as the numbers. Instead of meeting in a school with 60 campers, we were relocated, with 80 boys. Did I mention that all our student coaches were girls, 14 to 18 years old? The first day of camp there were about 120 campers, and each day the numbers increased. When it rained, we were confined to one and a half inside basketball courts. Being flexible continued to be important.

Two significant moments of my week put us into the Chinese culture – attending worship and eating a meal with one our campers and his family. Another occurred when we were able to share our culture. One day campers asked via translators about American traditions and heard first hand why we were there teaching basketball – because we love God and love His people.

For Rachel, the highlight of the week was the bracelets she and the other student coaches shared: “Our arms were covered in bracelets, not your average bracelets, but the Spirit/Witness/Salvation bracelets. On these bracelets were a heart for God’s love, a black bead for our sin, a red bead for the blood that Jesus shed for us, a white bead for our cleanliness from sin because Jesus died for us, a blue bead for eternal life, a green bead for our growing relationship with God, a yellow bead for the gold in heaven, and a clear bead for our purity.

“Many people might say ‘Oh it’s just a bracelet,’ but it was more than that. Two team members had made 90 bracelets for us to give out. Since we had more campers, we had to be flexible and make bracelets for about 125 campers to receive the last day of camp. Wherever we traveled, teens commented on these bracelets, and we were able to explain the significance and give each a bracelet and a card in English and Chinese describing what each color meant. One team member spent an hour with a Chinese teen and his three friends explaining the bracelet – all four not only received bracelets but the Gospel, too.

“We had grown close to our translators and had long discussions about God, the bracelet, the Bible, and His love. At the end of the trip we were able to give all of them Bibles and could tell that some of them were having a change of heart.”

Of course, you don’t need to go to China to share God’s love. Who needs to hear you say, “God loves you”? Who needs to receive a witnessing bracelet from you? Who needs to receive a Bible from you? Remember to be flexible the next time the Holy Spirit prompts you to share the Gospel with someone.

Cathy is married to Gary and they have two daughters: Ashley, a freshman at Longwood University, and Rachel, a junior at Hanover High School. Cathy works at the Federal Reserve Bank as an Accounting Analyst. Cathy joined FBC in 1988, has served as a deacon and is active in missions work within the church. She is a member of Foundations Sunday School Class. In her free time she enjoys running, cycling and hiking.

“Suddenly an angel appeared among them, and the landscape shone bright with the glory of the Lord” Luke 2:9 (The Living Bible).

Tilley Christmas card - 2010 edition

Every year before December, Charles Tilley gets out his pencils and watercolors and begins working on his annual gift to relatives and friends—a hand-painted Christmas card. Since his college days at Clemson University in the early 1990s, Charles has been sending religiously themed Christmas cards as a way of keeping in touch and sharing the love of God in Christ.

“I started with simple line drawings of a Christmas theme,” Charles explained. “Angels mainly, but gradually I looked for nativity type scenes and made black and white line drawings of them. In 1997, I started adding color to the drawings, and then, when our daughter Emma started preschool at First Baptist Church, I began a series of paintings based on the stained glass nativity scenes in the sanctuary windows. There is so much depth and symbolism in our windows, and I have learned a lot from studying them.”

Tilley Christmas card - 2000 edition

Over the years, Charles, an architect with BCWH Architects, has painted many windows in churches around the city, including the chapel at the University of Richmond and Grace and Holy Trinity, Saint Stephens and All Saints Episcopal Churches. “Richmond has a lot of great religious art if you look for it,” he says.

After taking a photograph of the window he likes, he makes a line drawing of it, and then paints with watercolors. “I am still developing as a painter since I only do this once a year, and trying to capture the light that brings these windows alive is the hardest part.”

Tilley Christmas card - 2001 edition

“This is a wonderful way for Charles to express his faith in a way that he enjoys,” commented Charles’ wife, Gwen, during an interview. Charles added, “It wasn’t intentional, but it turned out to be a way I could celebrate the talents that God has given me in a way that feels really comfortable.”

Charles and Gwen work together to match each card’s painting with an appropriate scripture greeting that appears inside the card each year. And in 2000, Emma, Virginia, and Mae, the Tilley’s three daughters, added their own artistic flair to the annual family gift by each painting a picture of a Christmas angel on the back of the cards. “It has been interesting to witness the girls’ artistic progression, as well as my own,” remarked Charles. “They have become better than I am at mixing and blending color.” Thinking about the hallway gallery at home that displays all the cards they have painted together, Emma said, “It wouldn’t be Christmas without this family project. I would have it no other way.”

Tilley Christmas card - 2004 edition

Charles continued, “Stained glass is a beautiful art form, but it’s art that is activated by a natural source that changes and moves throughout the day. As the intensity of light changes, the colors adjust and reveal details that may not be apparent otherwise. It reminds me of how the Holy Spirit enlivens us as Christians. When we let the full light of Christ shine through us, we reveal the beauty of who we are, the craftsmanship of our creator, and the impact that we can have on the world.”

Charles’ impact on those he loves has been profound. And he trusts that God will continue to use his talent as he strives to grow artistically and spiritually each year.

Tilley family

Author’s note: It is unusual to find families in which multiple generations have consistently attended the same church. Charles and his wife, Gwen, members of FBC since 2003, are among the few. Gwen is the daughter of Carolyn Land and the granddaughter of Mae Martin. And the Tilley’s three daughters, Emma, Virginia, and Mae, make up the fourth generation of this family that calls FBC home. But, Gwen can trace her FBC heritage all the way back to Joshua Morris, pastor from 1780-1786. Charles and Gwen attend the Disciples Sunday School Class.

Jeannie Dortch joined FBC in 1974 after being lovingly mentored by the members of Buddy Hamilton’s Sunday school class. A grandmother of four, Jeannie has served as a deacon, taught in our children’s, youth, international, and adult Sunday school departments, but attends the Journey class presently. Recently retired from 16 years of teaching at Rudlin Torah Academy, Jeannie enjoys exercising, cooking, reading, tutoring New American students at Maybeury Elementary, and writing articles for FTF.

On October 9, 2011, the Communication and Formation ministries of Richmond’s First Baptist Church partnered in beginning an online Bible study class. Facilitated by Dr. Michael Harton, the class is webcast from the First Baptist Church campus via the world-wide web. The class takes place at 9:45 a.m. each Sunday – at the same time hundreds of other adults, teenagers, children, and preschoolers are studying God’s written word.

Initial WebClass facilitator, Dr. Michael Harton.

When a minister in another church heard about WebClass, he voiced the obvious question, “What do you hope to accomplish with this new ministry?”

“To provide those unable to come to the church building an opportunity to engage the Scriptures and grow as disciples,” was the response.

But after further reflection, it also includes providing a safe place for people to receive and ask honest questions emerging from dialogue around a biblical text.

Recently I was interviewed by a young doctoral student who was assessing the value of online theological education. I must admit being cynical regarding its effectiveness when I was first asked to serve as an online instructor. The personal engagement needed between facilitator and students was hard to envision.

What I discovered, however, was unexpected: The online experience created the safe emotional environment necessary for open and honest questions and dialogue. With the guidance of a thoughtful and sensitive facilitator, the student is encouraged to question and reflect theologically on how one moves from awareness of God to belief in Christ to a living faith evidenced in behavior and choices.

Robert Mulholland says that Christian “spiritual formation is the process of being conformed by God into the image of Christ for the sake of others.” That is the ultimate goal of all Bible study classes, whether online or in a more traditional setting. And just as in more traditional settings, men and women choose to participate in WebClass, taking an intentional step in cooperating with God in their spiritual formation.

Editor’s note: Over the initial three months of the class, each Sunday an average of 20 online participants joined eight who take part on the set. Online participants can contribute to the discussion and ask questions at www.FBCRichmond.org/webcast.

There are many online resources for personal Bible study. Here’s a partial list.

http://www.bible.org

http://classic.net.bible.org

http://textweek.com

http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu

http://www.biblegateway.com

http://www.biblestudytools.com

http://www.studylight.org

http://www.blueletterbible.org/study

http://netministries.org/bbasics/bbasics.html (includes Bible Pronunciation Guide)

http://bible.oremus.org

http://www.searchgodsword.org

http://www.ccel.org

http://unbound.biola.edu/index.cfm?method=unbound.showBibleStudyTools

http://www.bible.is/ENGESV (online audio Bible)

Steve Booth (Booth@FBCRichmond.org) serves as Associate Pastor for Christian Formation at Richmond’s First Baptist Church. Before joining the pastoral staff of First Baptist in 2002, he served the Bon Air Baptist Church, Huguenot Road Baptist Church and the Richmond Baptist Association. He also serves as an adjunctive faculty member for Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond. He is a native Mississippian with family roots in North Carolina. He received the B.S. degree from Campbell University in Buies Creek, NC, the Master of Divinity degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY and the Doctor of Ministry degree from Andover Newton Theological School in Boston, MA. He and his wife, Barbara, are the parents of three children.

The expectations for CARITAS (Congregations Around Richmond Involved To Assure Shelter) are that people will be fed, will have a warm and safe place to shower and sleep, and will see football games on Thanksgiving Day. We hope they will worship with the rest of the FBC family, and we pray that some will find answers to the searchings of their souls.

Guests enjoy Thanksgiving feast.

But much more happens, things more personal and specific than we expect or know to give thanks for.

Food is an important part of what happens during CARITAS week. More than 200 meals were served – every day, with twice that on Thanksgiving. But there was often some extra food, and that was shared with another facility serving guests through CARITAS, with people in Monroe Park and in the VCU Emergency Room.

FBC volunteers serve dinner.

We know that volunteers prepare and serve this food, but we don’t know the range of ages involved. Seven-year-old Jack was one volunteer. He was so excited about serving at CARITAS that he spent the entire week collecting change from friends so he could present it on Thanksgiving. In addition, he brought chewing gum to share with all the men.

Game time on TV.

Watching football on a big screen is a Thanksgiving Day tradition for CARITAS. But equally special is having One Accord give a concert just for them, playing bingo with everyone winning a prize, and having Richmond Tech Center provide haircuts.

Part of what makes the week important in the lives of these men is the connections they have with the FBC family. When the men arrived, they were given a toiletry bag put together and handed out by the Girls in Action (Wednesday night missions group). Walter Morton led a Bible study and Dr. Terry Whipple talked with the men about how to stay healthy on the streets.

But the connections reach beyond FBC. When Susan Bethel  talked about CARITAS at work, some of her colleagues baked cookies to share. “They ask me every year what they can do, and when the men see homemade treats, they feel quite special.”

And then there is laundry – 80 men, 80 bags of laundry. Most of it is done by FBC members, but the new owner of a Robinson Street laundromat asked if he could help in any way. At the end of the week there were several bags of dirty clothes left, which he laundered at no charge.

Vicky Nicholau found the prayer requests especially moving. “Each evening, the guys were asked if they had any prayer requests and if so, to write them on a card and we would make sure to give them to church members to pray for them.” Not surprisingly, many requested prayers for health and help in finding jobs and apartments. But just as many prayers were for the needs of their families and friends. There were also prayers of thanks for having been saved and of desire to grow stronger in God.

There were so many little things that were done to make these men feel comfortable, loved, happy, and welcome. The little things are what add up to be a blessing. From gum to haircuts, concert to football game, clean clothes to prayers, our CARITAS guests were blessed. Being a part of making that happen is our blessing.

Find more information about CARITAS at their website.

In 2010, VCU student Audra Shreve produced a video report on CARITAS. See it here:

Susan Bethel (left) and Vicky Nicholau, along with Charlie Ball, serve as coordinators of FBC’s CARITAS involvement.

By Lisa Byerly. Photos by Lisa Tuck.

Morning assembly music was led by Timo Bobula, an exchange student who lived with Candi and Matthew Brown last year.

The work that goes into planning Christian English Camp in Ruzomberok, Slovakia, pays off the minute a hundred kids flood into the gym. Even without understanding what they were saying, we knew they were excited to be at camp and to see the gym decorated like Egypt, the theme for this year. The Bible stories for each day focused on Joseph and how God gives hope, abilities, wisdom, forgiveness, and family. Each morning in assembly, we sang Christian songs in English. The excitement of the kids singing them is contagious: If we were lacking energy, the kids gave it back during the morning gathering.

Teaching team (left to right): Rosie Smith, originally from Northern Ireland and now ESOL teacher in Glasgow, Scotland; Lisa Byerly; Amanda Meyer from Minneapolis, MN now living in Slovakia for a year and working with the gypsy population; Mitchum Brock, originally from Australia, now working at the Glasgow City Mission; Leonie Schwinn, from Germany, was exchange student last year in Richmond and participated in some of the youth programs at FBC.

Only two team members, Lisa Tuck and I, were from Richmond this year. Others came from all over the world – Scotland, England, Germany and included Americans living in Slovakia and Slovaks living in the United States.

How is teaching English a mission trip? Consider the ways teaching English is a valuable gift to those we work with. The English teacher from Ruzomberok recognizes the difference from one year to the next in her students who attend the camp. She said English Camp helps them become more confident in speaking English. Many Slovakian students want to attend college in England or in the U.S. and need to speak English to have that opportunity. English is widely used in the business world in Europe; knowing it opens many employment doors. When teaching English is done to glorify God it becomes a mission for God.

Children arrive for the morning assembly.

The camp is hosted by a small Baptist church in Ruzomberok, the only one in town. The Catholic Church is the predominant denomination, and Baptist churches are not always understood. The principal of the school where the camp is held has become an ambassador of sorts for the church and was even inspired to learn English himself. As a result of English Camp and the relationships built through it, this Baptist church is now an integral part of the community.

English camp has evolved over the years, but one thing remains the same – it continues to build great relationships, with the adults (this year from all around the world), with the helpers, and especially with the kids. Many adults, who did not speak much if any English 10 years ago, now speak English very well. Helpers are beginning to share with each other their thoughts on God and the Bible. Most of the kids come back to English Camp each year and eventually become helpers. It is so exciting to see the evolution and impact of Christian English Camp.

Lisa Byerly

Lisa is married to Lee, and they have a 19 month old daughter, Rachel. Lisa works at Fort Lee as a logistician. At FBC she serves on the Member Equipping Team and is a member of the Travelers Sunday school class. In her free time she enjoys traveling, photography, playing golf, and watching college football and basketball.