But Jesus said, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
From The Pastor, Dr. Greg Belser
Once again, our church stands at the threshold of an exciting adventure in following the Lord Jesus Christ. We are embarking on another leg of an incredible journey that is sure to advance the kingdom of Christ and build our faith in Him in many surprising and eternal ways. I am glad we get to share it together. The Future is Now—For Those Who Follow is the name of our newest effort to raise the funds necessary to continue to build our new campus into the greatest mission-sending outpost in Mississippi. More than a decade ago, the church put the wheels in motion to bring about the campus relocation that took place in 2007. Our new facility has permitted many new and exciting ministries and the expansion of the length and breadth of our work. From heaven one day, perhaps then we will fully recognize the value of the sacrifices and generosity that provided the facilities we utilize today. To God be all the glory.
But our next chapter will be just as exciting. Matthew 19:14 quotes Jesus saying, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” In our relocation’s first phase, we were able to build minimal facilities for every age group. As expected, we have experienced immediate overcrowding in many areas. Beginning an early Sunday School opportunity has provided short-term relief for the overcrowding among adults. However, our preschool facilities are essentially full and our children’s facilities are almost so. Another Sunday School option will not be the answer to this challenge. Young families continue to move to our area and our ministry among this age group is growing and has a powerful potential for the advance of the gospel. We want to confront the next generation with the liberating and life-changing truths of the Scripture and send them to the nations for the glory of Christ!
The church’s planning committees and staff have studied our history, our patterns, our possibilities, and our needs from many perspectives. We have ideas in every direction and we trust God will give us the opportunity to see them come to glorious realization. But for now, the most critical need is for preschool and children’s expansion. I have reflected afresh on the celebration one year ago of our 50th Anniversary as the congregation of Morrison Heights Baptist Church. Those early pioneers began with a small nucleus of people who could “see” a brighter and bigger future. I doubt a single one visualized a move to the interstate (there were no interstates!). But here we are. Where will we be in 25 more years? In 50 more years? No one knows but the Lord Himself. We have both a great challenge and a wonderful privilege. It will take us all “seeing” what is yet unseen. It will take us all believing that we are serving a generation that cannot pay for a single thing by themselves…yet. One day they will be the adults and the challenge will be theirs. But for now, it is mine and yours and I am proud for the privilege. I want to rejoice one day in heaven with the saints around the world who are there because of the witness of this people from this place. Only God can make my small life have such a large and eternal impact. I can’t wait to see the glorious things He intends to do—both in me and in you. These are great, great days. The Future is Now!
Campaign Calendar of Events
February 22, 23, & 25
VISION GATHERING
These are small, intimate meetings where all your questions about the The Future Is Now…For Those Who Follow campaign can be answered.
March 6 & 7
EARLY COMMITMENT DINNERS
This will be an opportunity to gather and listen to different ways of giving. You will have an opportunity to commit early. Call the church office if you would like to be included.
March 8
CHILDREN’S ART FESTIVAL
Our children will be showing off their talents and creativity during the Art Festival.
March 28
KIDS BLITZ LIVE
Parents come and bring your cameras to this premier family event that you can experience with your children. It is a completely interactive and highly engaging event and it’s probably unlike anything you have seen before. Kids don’t sit and watch – they participate.
THE FUTURE IS NOW…FOR THOSE WHO FOLLOW COMMITMENT EVENT
Don’t miss out! Join us for a celebration, food, and the blessings from the The Future Is Now…For Those Who Follow campaign as we gather in the worship center for our morning worship service.
Join us as we praise and worship God on this special day of celebration! We will celebrate the Lord and all He has done for us during the The Future Is Now…For Those Who Follow campaign.
Campaign Purpose
God’s blessings continue to flow for those who follow Him. We had no idea we would be blessed so quickly and abundantly with growth in our pre-school and children’s areas. Thus, the time has come again for us to provide adequate facilities and secure spaces for the growing needs of our church family.
THERE ARE TWO GREAT NEEDS THAT WILL BE MET AS A RESULT OF THIS STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN.
The first need is to construct a 20,400 square foot expansion to our pre-school and children’s areas. This means additional classrooms for both areas, a redesigned children’s reception area that would utilize a secure check-in system, more adequate storage facilities and a much anticipated 215 seat children’s worship area that would house worship activities and events for children.
Our second need is to retire indebtedness on our current church facilities. It is important for God’s people to pay off any debt quickly so that we may reinvest our dollars into direct ministry to people in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the world. Our goal is to pay off the entire indebtedness on the Student Building at a cost of $2,500,000 and reduce indebtedness on our Main Building by $2,500,000. With God’s blessings, we would reduce our total mortgage debt from $14,100,000 to $9,100,000 in 36 months.
