MINISTRY IMPACT STORY 2014
“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.” - 2 Corinthians 9:10
www.fbcg.com
MESSAGE FROM PASTOR BRIAN COFFEY SENIOR PASTOR
With a total church family of more than 4,000 people and dozens of ministries, it’s always challenging to try to summarize a year of ministry in a church as dynamic and diverse as FBCG.
• The third step is building an addition onto the north side of the West Campus to create new space for the Masterpiece (special needs) Ministry and programs for children and students.
But I think this year can accurately be summarized by “Growing to Serve” — the phrase we chose to define our three-year ministry expansion project here at FBCG.
We look forward to the final phase of Growing to Serve next year — the construction of a new addition onto the south side of the West Campus. The project will include adding new lobby space, a new nursery and a 300 seat multi-purpose venue.
GROWING, because that’s what the Gospel does. SERVING, because that’s what Jesus wants His church to do. We have committed ourselves to a bold investment of $9 million to grow our facilities and ministries because throughout our 120 year history bold investments within our walls have always produced greater gospel impact outside our walls. Last fall we presented the Growing to Serve challenge to you as the FBCG family and you responded by committing yourselves to nearly $6 million over the next three years. Your generosity has allowed us to proceed with the first three phases of our plan: • In January we took the first step of eliminating our debt of $793,000! • The second step is a major renovation of the East Campus, including enhancements to the sanctuary, a remodeled lobby, and a canopy over the entrance on the main level; and new children’s space, a new food pantry and new office space on the lower level. This part of the project will be completed within a few weeks!
Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” (Matthew 13:31-32) The image we’ve used for our church is an Oak tree: a single acorn planted almost 120 years ago that has grown into a great tree that has produced thousands of acorns and planted them all over the world. So as you look through this Ministry Impact Story I hope you will be encouraged and inspired by story after story of personal transformation, kingdom service and the power of the gospel! Our call as individual followers of Christ, and as a church body, is to REACH, CONNECT, EQUIP and SERVE. When we are faithful to this calling we grow as believers, we grow as a church, and the church grows in impact around the world! Thanks for being part of the FBCG family!
Pastor Brian Coffey
A FATHER’S 40-YEAR JOURNEY
wife, Amy, began looking for a church home, and after months of searching, they landed at FBCG. Rick began attending TEAM, and Amy attended Women’s Bible Studies. “I met some great guys at TEAM,” he says. “My table leader became my spiritual mentor and gave me my first study Bible. The folks at FBCG have helped me open my heart and mind to God.” “It took me 40 years of my life and nine years at FBCG, but I finally had my ‘aha’ moment in June of 2012. I said, ‘Okay, God, I’m listening,’ and I surrendered my life to Christ.” As they continue this journey of walking with Christ, Rick and his family continue to grow in their faith, both at home and at church.
Rick Hornstrom only went to church twice as a kid, and the first time he set foot in church as an adult was for a wedding. “For most of my life, I believed that science would solve everything,” he says. Then, when he was 33, things started to change. “Witnessing the birth of my first son opened my eyes to the possibility of a Creator, and I knew in my heart there was something I was missing,” Rick says. That experience launched Rick’s spiritual journey, and he started reading books and searching for the truth. Rick and his
“I FINALLY HAD MY ‘AHA’ MOMENT IN JUNE OF 2012. I SAID, ‘OKAY, GOD, I’M LISTENING,’ AND I SURRENDERED MY LIFE TO CHRIST.”
REACH FBCG exists to REACH the people and families of our local community with the good news of Jesus Christ.
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:18-20
“FBCG helped me reach for that relationship with Christ that I never had, and now FBCG is helping my children develop an understanding and a relationship with God.”
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REACH. CONNECT. EQUIP. SERVE.
2014 FBCG MINISTRY IMPACT STORY: REACH
MINISTRY FOCUS: FOOD PANTRY
it challenging for many of our neighbors in the Fox Valley to keep food on the table.” Fortunately, our FBCG family has risen to the occasion to meet the demand – donating $2,000 worth of food every month! In addition, 17 church members volunteer their time each month to process food, pack and distribute groceries, and greet and pray with guests when they arrive.
When Jane (not her real name) came to the FBCG Food Pantry she was feeling desperate. Six months earlier she was laid off from her job and her unemployment benefits had recently ended. As a single mother of two she was concerned about how she would feed her family. “I didn’t know what I was going to do,” said Jane at the time. Unfortunately, Jane’s story is common among the 200 community residents and members of FBCG who rely on the Food Pantry each month. And the need is growing. “Over the past five years, I would estimate that we’ve seen a 30 percent increase in the number of Food Pantry guests,” says Erin Wise, Compassion Coordinator. “The economy, the job market and other factors have really made
DIDYOUKNOW? FBCG VOLUNTEERS WHO HELP WITH THE FOOD PANTRY HOURS / MONTH TO PROCESS FOOD DONATIONS, KEEP SHELVES STOCKED AND GROCERY BAGS PACKED AND DELIVERED
“The greeter role is something new this year that we’re really excited about,” says Angie Kruse, Food Pantry Coordinator. “It has enabled us to take the Food Pantry to the next level by focusing on the spiritual as well as the physical needs of the individuals and families we serve.” “The greeters, and others on the team, take time to get to know them and offer to pray and share the gospel with them. It’s wonderful to see how God is using this ministry to help FBCG build strong relationships with our guests and help them on their faith journey,” says Angie.
FAMILIES SERVED BY THE FOOD PANTRY EVERY MONTH THE DOLLAR VALUE OF FOOD GIVEN TO FAMILIES IN NEED EACH MONTH
GRATITUDE “Thank you for all you provide to us during this difficult time. You don’t know how much this helps.” “I appreciate you taking the time to find out about my needs and pray with me.”
For more information about how you can donate or volunteer in the Food Pantry, contact Erin Wise at ewise@fbcg.com or (630) 232-7068 ext. 131.
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“Thank you for always being so kind and generous.” “I’m so grateful for the groceries and other items you provide that I could never afford right now.”
2014 FBCG MINISTRY IMPACT STORY: REACH
A THIRST FOR LEARNING MORE ABOUT GOD Several years ago, Joy Larson was a selfdescribed “Christian going through the motions” when a friend reached out and invited her to attend Moms Together at FBCG. “Joining the group turned out to be such a blessing,” says Joy. “It made me realize I needed to start learning more about God and His plan for my life through His Word.”
HOW MINISTRY EXPANSION IS HELPING US REACH...
Soon Joy and her children began coming to FBCG on weekends. “It’s been great. I’m deepening my understanding of the Lord by attending worship and my kids are growing in Jesus at Sunday school.” Hungry for more, Joy attended a Women’s Newcomer Brunch and signed up for Women’s Bible Studies. “Everyone at the church has been so warm and loving. It truly does feel like I’m part of a family. “
“I needed to start learning more about God and His plan for my life through His Word.”
The Growing to Serve project will empower FBCG to reach more people for Christ locally and globally through enhanced facilities and programs for children, youth and adults of all ages.
With each step Joy takes on her path, she continues to discover more about God, grow in her faith and gain courage to move beyond her comfort zone. “I enjoyed my experience at the church so much that I wanted to get more involved. Last year, I signed up to be a greeter at Moms Together so I could welcome others like the group welcomed me. And that’s really saying something,” says Joy with a laugh, “because I’m normally a shy person.” A rendering of the new worship platform and video screens in the sanctuary.
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2014 FBCG MINISTRY IMPACT STORY: REACH LOVING OUR URBAN NEIGHBORS
REACHING OUT THROUGH CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES
ENCOURAGING WOMEN TO GROW IN THEIR FAITH!
NUMBER OF VISITORS DURING THE PAST YEAR WHO JOINED US FOR WORSHIP, SPECIAL EVENTS AND PROGRAMS OFFERED THROUGH THE CHURCH.
This summer 70 FBCG volunteers helped conduct a week of camp for children from communities served by Fox Valley Christian Action. Partnering with two Aurora churches, the volunteers built friendships with the kids through VBS, music, meals, field trips, a carnival and more.
Nearly 800 women learned what happens when they “Say Yes to God” at the Women’s Retreat in March. About 200 of those in attendance were new to FBCG, making the event an effective way to both encourage women from the church and reach out to friends and neighbors in the community.
Throughout the year, Children’s Ministries sponsors events for kids in the congregation that are also effective in sharing Jesus with families that don’t have a church home. At the Eggstravaganza in March, nearly 40 percent of the 500 who attended were new to FBCG.
WORSHIP HIGHLIGHTS FBCG offers a variety of worship options at the East and West Campuses. The Holy Week Communion services (left), the Growing to Serve Commitment Weekend (center) and the performances by our new Elevate performing arts youth ministry (far right) were some of the many worship highlights during the past year.
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1,750
A PLACE TO BELONG
says. “I became friends with people I probably wouldn’t have crossed paths with otherwise.” She hadn’t been very involved in TREK up to that point, but when she heard that a few people from Elevate were going on the Ecuador trip, it gave her courage to take a leap of faith. “I’m so thankful for the friends I made on the trip,” Emma says. “Now I have a firm group of people to connect with and enjoy life with.” The time in Ecuador also served as a spiritual mile marker for Emma, as she chose to be baptized in the jungle. “Knowing that there were friends who would help me be accountable, I finally felt strong enough to get baptized,” she says.
Emma Wartman has been attending FBCG with her family for years, but it wasn’t until recently that she really started to get plugged in. “I’ve had some trouble connecting at church in the past,” Emma says. But that started to change when she joined Elevate, the youth performing arts group that formed last fall. As one of the older students in the group, Emma helped plan and organize the shows, and she was cast as one of the twelve disciples in the presentation of Godspell. “My favorite part was getting to know the other actors,” she
For anyone who is struggling to get plugged in, Emma offers this encouragement: “Know that there are other people who are feeling left out, too. Don’t be afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone, because there is a place where you belong.”
“I’m so thankful for the friends I made on the trip,” Emma says. “Now I have a firm group of people to connect with and enjoy life with.” 7
CONNECT
FBCG exists to CONNECT people to Christ and His church. God did not intend for us to live the Christian life in isolation, but rather in community with other believers.
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. - Hebrews 10:24-25
REACH. CONNECT. EQUIP. SERVE.
2014 FBCG MINISTRY IMPACT STORY: CONNECT
MINISTRY FOCUS: C-GROUPS broaden their focus in 2012 by connecting with families in the Eastwood public housing community in Aurora. “We felt the Lord was calling us to move beyond our comfort zones and share His love with families in need,” explains Sheri.
DIDYOUKNOW?
FBCG offers a wide variety of C-Groups to meet your needs and help you connect with others.
Over the past two years, the group has shared meals with Eastwood residents, joined them in Bible study and taken the children on outings. In June, they even participated in a vacation Bible school for the kids at Riverwoods.
God has created us for relationships. He has created us to connect with Him and to connect with others. And that’s what the C-Groups ministry at FBCG is all about. For the past four years, Sheri DeJong has been part of a Core C-Group that’s been meeting on a regular basis for Bible study and fellowship. Sheri says it’s been a great way to get to know others in the church on a deeper level while growing in their relationship with Christ. “We’ve developed strong friendships with members of our group. We enjoy spending time together reading God’s Word, praying and supporting each other. We also have a lot of fun. It’s really been special.” Through FBCG’s affiliation with Fox Valley Christian Action, the group decided to
“We feel like we’re beginning to build friendships with the Eastwood families, and the experience has also brought our C-Group closer together,” says Sheri. “From the start, our group’s goal has been to let the Holy Spirit work through us in this initiative. It’s not about what we’re doing, it’s all about what He is doing in the lives of our Eastwood neighbors to draw them closer to Jesus. We are just the vessels through whom God is working. It’s all for His glory!”
Learn how you can join a C-Group by visiting fbcg.com/small-groups
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Do you have questions about C-Groups? Contact Jenny Schulenburg at jschulenburg@fbcg.com or (630) 232-7068, ext. 117.
2014 FBCG MINISTRY IMPACT STORY: CONNECT
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
HOW MINISTRY EXPANSION IS HELPING US CONNECT... Members of the FBCG family and visitors will have more space to connect before and after worship services when all phases of the Growing to Serve project are complete. The East and West Campuses will feature beautifully expanded lobbies and new Welcome Centers.
“Come and see what’s here—there’s something for everyone.” That’s the advice Urel and Nina Bradley would give anyone looking to get connected at FBCG. And they would know—they’ve spent the past two decades serving and building relationships here. When they’re not getting books ready for circulation at the church library, you might find them connecting with other seniors in Golden Fellowship, attending a midweek Bible study, going to an exercise class, or knitting prayer shawls. And on Tuesday mornings, chances are they’re enjoying informal fellowship (and
a donut) at Dimples Donuts. “Twenty-five years ago we were attending another church, but we weren’t plugged in there,” Urel says. “We decided to visit other churches, but once we went to First Baptist, we liked it so much we never went anywhere else!” “One thing I appreciate about our church is that we’re not just building it for us,” Nina says. “The focus is outward—helping others and making a difference.” A rendering of the comfortable new lobby at East Campus.
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2014 FBCG MINISTRY IMPACT STORY: CONNECT MOMS CONNECTED
YOUNG COUPLES CONNECT WITH GOD AND EACH OTHER Our new Young Couples Group is a Christ-centered community committed to supporting and encouraging strong, Godhonoring marriages from the very beginning.
This ministry is a source of encouragement and support for nearly 250 moms from FBCG and the community as they focus on parenting their teens and tweens from a biblical perspective.
Discipleship Groups enable high school students to grow spiritually in a small group setting guided by an adult leader/mentor.
NUMBER OF NEW MEMBERS WHO JOINED FBCG DURING THE PAST YEAR!
NEW COLLEGE MINISTRY
The program provides an environment of accountability where teens are strengthened and supported as they pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus.
ANNUAL PIGNIC The annual church Pignic is a great opportunity for FBCGers to enjoy fun, food and fellowship with other members of the church family.
“We have learned and grown so much through this process – connecting with an amazing group of mentors and friends, and trusting that our marriage is stronger and better off because of it.” - Grant & Nicole Cook
A group of college students came together weekly this summer to worship, pray and pursue God together while establishing lasting Christian friendships.
“Summers can be hard to build community with peers your own age. But our college group has provided a great place to hang out and build Christ-centered friendships.” - Alexandra Duncan 10
EQUIPPED BY GOD’S LOVE discover that God loves me enough to clean me up and not leave me the way I was. I’m so grateful for our church’s support and recovery ministry.” Around the same time Tracy was experiencing spiritual transformation, she was wrestling with where to send her daughter for dance class. Most of the studios promoted costumes and moves that she wasn’t comfortable with for her eleven-year-old. “I was on my knees begging for the Lord’s direction. I told God, ‘There should be a place.’ And I felt him telling me, ‘Yes, there should be. What are you going to do?’” “I used to be a grumpy, tapped-out Christian,” Tracy Smith says. “I was doing all the things I was supposed to do— praying, serving, and reading my Bible— but I wasn’t experiencing the freedom that comes from truly surrendering to Christ. I knew my heart needed to change, but I didn’t know how to fix it.” Then Tracy joined Spiritual Journey, one of many support and recovery groups offered by FBCG, and it led her on a path to true healing. “It was probably the hardest twelve weeks of my life,” she says. “But it was also the best.” God used that group to break down her pride, change her desires, and help her lean on Him for her identity. “It was like the best Christmas surprise ever to
“I’M SO GRATEFUL FOR OUR CHURCH’S SUPPORT AND RECOVERY MINISTRY.”
It was out of that question that Tracy felt prompted to open The Attic, a dance center that offers clean, age-appropriate dancing. “This has to be God’s doing,” Tracy says with a laugh. “I’m not even a dancer!” Tracy believes that God used FBCG to equip her to serve in this unique way. “There’s no way I could love 140 dancers and their families with my own love. It needs to be God’s love flowing through me.”
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EQUIP
FBCG exists to EQUIP believers through God’s Word. We seek to build up the church body with a deeper knowledge of the Bible so they may know and serve Christ for His glory.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
REACH. CONNECT. EQUIP. SERVE.
2014 FBCG MINISTRY IMPACT STORY: EQUIP
MINISTRY FOCUS: WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY biblical truths and apply the practical lessons to everyday life,” says Michelle Klisares, Director of Women’s Bible Study. “The small group format provides time for focused study on a variety of relevant topics in a setting where women can share and learn together as they grow in their faith.”
“Women’s Bible Study at FBCG has become an important part of my spiritual journey. It’s provided me with the learning and guidance I’ve needed to grow in my faith, and is helping me become the kind of person God wants me to be.” Those comments from FBCG member Kathy Bley capture the essence of the equipping ministry Women’s Bible Study has become for hundreds of women from the church family and the community. The study groups are designed for women with varied knowledge of the Bible, so whether you’re new to Bible study or a seasoned student, there is sure to be a group that meets your needs. “The Bible studies are a great way for women to be equipped as they learn
“There are so many options to choose from that I always find a Bible study that addresses what I’m going through or where God is leading me at that particular time in my life,” explains Kathy. “I’ve learned so much about the Lord through the groups and have developed wonderful relationships with other women.” Women’s Bible Study is offered in the fall, winter, spring and summer and is led by women with a passion for studying the Word and equipping women to live a godly life.
DIDYOUKNOW? Women’s Ministries offers Bible studies for women with varied experience and understanding of the Bible:
ENTRY
No Bible study background needed
GENERAL
For any Bible study background
INTERMEDIATE
Some Bible study background suggested
IN-DEPTH
Strong Bible study background recommended
SPECIAL INTEREST
For any Bible study background
Bible study groups meet Tuesdays from 9-11 a.m. and Wednesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. during the fall, winter and spring and Wednesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. during the summer.
Sign up for a Bible Study today! For a complete listing of the current offerings available, visit fbcg.com/womens-bible-study
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More than 450 women from the congregation and the community participated in Women’s Bible Study at FBCG during the past year. For more information, contact Michelle Klisares at mklisares@fbcg.com or (630) 232-7068, ext. 147.
2014 FBCG MINISTRY IMPACT STORY: EQUIP
RISING EARLY, GOING DEEPER “For me, it’s sleeping in to wake up at six,” Stella says with a smile. Besides, she loves the way Scripture is taught at a deep level in the class. “There are different teachers with different personalities and styles, and they all spark unique insights into the Word,” she says. “My faith has grown so much from digging into the Bible like that each week. Even if it’s a story I’ve heard before, I always get something new out of it. I just get the Bible at a deeper level than I did before.” Stella now lives 45 minutes away from church, but she willingly makes the trek each week. “I got what I was praying for,” she says. “I feel like I belong. I’m supposed to be here.”
HOW MINISTRY EXPANSION IS HELPING US EQUIP... Growing to Serve is providing new and improved facilities for equipping people of all ages, including expanded space for Children’s Ministries and additional classrooms for Student Ministries and adult programming.
“When I was looking for a church, I prayed that I would find a place where I could fit in,” Stella Geiss says. She doesn’t have a lot of family in the area, and she wanted to find a church home where she belonged. “I became a Christian later in life,” she explains. “I didn’t have a lot of background in the faith, and I knew I needed to grow and make Christian friends.” She found that in Early Risers, an Adult Learning Community that meets every Sunday.
“MY FAITH HAS DEEPENED SO MUCH IN THAT CLASS. THE TEACHING MAKES SCRIPTURE COME TO LIFE, AND EVEN IF IT’S A STORY I’VE HEARD BEFORE, I ALWAYS GET SOMETHING NEW OUT OF IT.”
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A rendering of the new Children’s Ministries space at West Campus.
2014 FBCG MINISTRY IMPACT STORY: EQUIP DEVELOPING THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW
CELEBRATING NEW LIFE
EQUIPPING OUR CHILDREN & YOUTH
FBCG
LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE This summer, FBCG launched a Leadership Institute that provided college students with a dynamic internship including work experience in church-based ministry and discipleship training.
FOCUSING ON GOD’S WORD
Seniors enjoy studying the Bible, singing their favorite hymns and fellowshipping together at the church’s weekly seniors group.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES
JR. HIGH MINISTRIES
From Sunday school to midweek programs, Children’s Ministries offers a variety of fun ways for kids to learn about Jesus.
56 Ministries and Souled Out enable 5th through 8th graders to grow in the Lord while building Christian friendships with other middle schoolers.
More than 40 adults and children were baptized into new life with Christ in 2013/2014!
RAISING CHILDREN GOD’S WAY
HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRIES TREK helps high school students develop a personal relationship with Christ, and provides the guidance they need to mature in their faith.
FBCG offered classes this year to equip men to be the kind of fathers God wants them to be.
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LIVING THE DREAM - GOD’S WAY John answered God’s call in 2011 when he left his job as a corporate pilot. He spent three years in the mission field in other capacities before accepting a position this summer with Samaritan Aviation in Papua New Guinea. “This role enables me to combine my passion for aviation with my love for sharing the gospel.” Almost every day there’s a need for a seaplane flight to deliver medicine or perform a medical evacuation in the remote areas of the country. And when he’s on the ground, John will be active in Samaritan Aviation’s Community Health Evangelism (CHE) program and a local hospital ministry. When he was a kid, John Smith dreamed of flying planes. “As far back as I can remember, it’s been my passion,” says John.
Carrie will keep busy at home with their four children and monitoring the radio during John’s flights. She also plans to be involved in CHE and the hospital ministry.
That dream became a reality in 1990 when he learned to fly and later earned his commercial pilot license. Little did John know that God had a grander plan to use his aeronautical skills for the glory of the kingdom.
“We feel so blessed that God has provided this opportunity for us to serve Him and minister to the people of Papua New Guinea,” says John beaming. “It truly is a dream come true!”
“The idea of becoming an international aviation missionary never entered my mind until a few years ago when my wife Carrie and I went on a mission trip as members of FBCG. The Lord began to make it very clear to us that He wanted us to pursue that path.”
SERVE FBCG exists to SERVE others in the name of Christ. As the Lord Jesus came to serve, not to be served, so we are called to SERVE and make the gospel visible to the world around us. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
- John 13:14-17
“...the Lord made it very clear that He wanted us to pursue that path.”
REACH. CONNECT. EQUIP. SERVE. 15
2014 FBCG MINISTRY IMPACT STORY: SERVE
MINISTRY FOCUS: SERVE THE WORLD LA ROCA SKATE CHURCH, ECUADOR That’s when he approached the Serve the World Team at FBCG. “We believe in Brock and what God is doing through his ministry and decided to contribute $72,000 to La Roca in 2014,” says Bruce McEvoy, Pastor of Family and Serving. “We view it as an investment in growing God’s kingdom.” The additional funds have enabled Brock to double the size and totally enclose the structure. “Thanks to the generosity of FBCG the skate park is now the largest and finest of its kind in Ecuador, so it’s a major attraction to teens across the country,” says Brock. How can you effectively bring the good news of Jesus to teenagers on the streets of Quito, Ecuador? FBCG missionary Brock Luginbill found the God-inspired answer a few years ago in a place he never would have expected: a skate park church.
“And while they’re here to skate we’re able to share the gospel with them one-on-one, at worship services, in Bible studies and at special events. God has already used the skate park church to reach hundreds of youth for Christ, and we know His work in the mission fields here is just beginning!”
“When I began to minister to the kids it quickly became apparent that they had no interest in going to church,” says Brock. “But what they did get excited about was skateboarding – a sport that I had long enjoyed. So the Lord planted the seed in my mind to build La Roca.” Brock found churches willing to donate the land and fund the first phase of construction of the skate park church, but finding the resources to complete the project proved to be a difficult challenge.
DIDYOUKNOW? FBCG’s Serve the World initiative is supporting the following ministry partners in 2014:
La Roca Skate Park Church brings the gospel to teenagers in Ecuador. Fox Valley Christian Action helps churches like FBCG reach out to families in public housing communities. Pregnancy Information Center provides vital services to local moms- and dads-to-be and encourages them to choose God’s gift of life for their unborn child. FBCG-supported missionary Alys West is establishing a home for young men with disabilities in the Ukraine. Emmanuel House ministers to low income families in the Fox Valley to help them achieve the dream of home ownership.
To learn how you can get involved or give to Serve the World, visit fbcg.com/serve-the-world
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Children’s Hunger Fund delivers nourishing food and shares the love of Jesus with those in desperate need.
2014 FBCG MINISTRY IMPACT STORY: SERVE
GETTING THE VIP TREATMENT Siblings can come too, and younger sister Hannah also eagerly looks forward to the time. But the respite for parents is really the central purpose of the program. “It’s nice to have three hours for a nice meal and some uninterrupted conversation,” adds Lee. “Buddy Break is one of the few times this happens. We can relax knowing both kids are safe and having a good time.” As for the Buddy Break volunteers, April is impressed with their hearts for service. “It’s amazing that they are doing this, giving up their own time to put on this program. Hunter really feels like a VIP.”
When Lee and April Hope began looking for a church home, they turned to Google. A search that included “autism” turned up FBCG’s new Buddy Break ministry, which cares for children with special needs while parents get some refreshing time to themselves.
HOW MINISTRY EXPANSION IS HELPING US SERVE... The Growing to Serve project will provide the enhanced facilities, programs and worship opportunities necessary for FBCG to serve more people locally and around the world in the name of Jesus.
“Kids like Hunter usually don’t get invited to parties or to friends’ homes, so it’s exciting for him.”
April says Buddy Break has had an impact on the whole family. “Our son Hunter loves Buddy Break. Kids like Hunter usually don’t get invited to parties or to friends’ homes, so it’s exciting for him. Buddy Break gives him a place to go besides school or therapy.”
A rendering of the new Masterpiece (special needs) Ministry room at West Campus.
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2014 FBCG MINISTRY IMPACT STORY: SERVE
MINISTRY FOCUS: SERVE THE WORLD - MISSION TRIPS TO MEXICO
It began in 2010 with a single student mission trip to Mexico. But over the past four years FBCG’s involvement in serving and sharing the gospel in impoverished areas of the country has blossomed into something much bigger for God’s kingdom. “On the initial trip we worked at a school and church in a poor village outside of Cabo San Lucas,” says Student Ministries Pastor Sterling Moore. “We had such a great experience that we sent TREK teams back to the region in 2011 and 2012.” Over the past year, FBCG decided to expand the church’s commitment by sending a family mission team, a men’s group and another student mission team to the region. “With the help of two incredible pastors – Ramon Noriega and Luis Varela – we’ve
broadened the focus of the trips significantly. In addition to continuing to do a variety of service and construction projects, the pastors have provided our mission teams with opportunities to serve several children’s ministries and support their efforts to plant new churches. We’ve also been able to develop relationships with families in the area, which has been very rewarding,” says Pastor Sterling. Plans are already in the works to send three additional mission teams to Mexico over the next 10 months, as FBCG looks forward to taking the next step in serving the world in the mission fields of Mexico.
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To learn how you can get involved or give to a short-term missions trip, visit fbcg.com/serve-the-world
2014 FBCG MINISTRY IMPACT STORY: SERVE
Serve the World Local Partner
$
300,000
2014 Goal for Six Local & Global Partners
20% Increase from 2013
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Serve the World Missions Partner
Serve the World Global Partner
2014 FBCG MINISTRY IMPACT STORY: SERVE STUDENT MISSION TRIPS More than 160 students and adults from FBCG made an impact for Christ during summer mission trips to Ecuador, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Milwaukee where they performed service and construction projects, cared for those in need, and spread the gospel.
HELPING REFUGEES
COMBATTING AIDS
FEEDING THE HUNGRY
SERVING AT FBCG
Through its growing Refugee Ministry, FBCG ministers to people from around the world who now call the Fox Valley home. Volunteers provide women’s and children’s programs, help with a community garden, deliver household goods, host special events, and more for refugee families in need.
FBCG provided financial support this past year to GECHAAN, an HIV/AIDS ministry organization established by missionaries Art and Dorothy Helwig in Nigeria. The funds were used to build a security wall to protect staff and the hundreds of patients who visit the clinic monthly for treatment.
Hundreds of FBCGers of all ages assembled 3,000 boxes of food and hope at our annual Children’s Hunger Fund “Food Pak” last year. The Serve the World event enabled church volunteers and foreign and domestic ministries to deliver much-needed nourishment to hungry families, as well as an invitation to know Jesus.
Children’s Ministries teachers are among the hundreds of members of the FBCG family who serve in a variety of roles at the East and West campuses every weekend.
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GENERAL FUND BUDGET 2013-14 $3,500,000
GENEROSITY We define generosity as “freedom from the smallness of heart.” • We give because God Himself gave. • We give because all that we have already belongs to God. • We give because our hearts are attached to our treasure. • We give because generosity is an act of worship. Generosity, then, is an expression of the love and grace of God. It is an expression of our gratitude, reflecting back to God His inestimable worth. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16
REACH. CONNECT. EQUIP. SERVE. 21
2014 FBCG MINISTRY IMPACT STORY: GENEROSITY
DIDYOUKNOW?
FBCG MISSIONS SPENDING 2013-14 $601,540 Serve the World Initiative $330,533
300%
Short-Term Missions
(General Fund)
$11,500
Local Outreach
(General Fund)
$66,390
Growth in funds spent on missions locally and globally since 2000. $600,000
$500,000
$400,000
Global Missions
(General Fund)
$193,117
$300,000
$200,000
Global Missions: funds given to support sponsored missionaries or ministries around the world. Local Outreach: funds given to support ministries in the Fox Valley. Short-Term Mission Trips: funds used to cover any gaps in fundraising by participants or to support volunteer adults leading the trips. Serve the World: funds given to selected ministry partners as part of an initiative to create a richer and deeper culture of service at FBCG. The partners also receive hands-on support from members of the FBCG family.
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$100,000
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MESSAGE FROM DARRELL WRIGHT
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CHAIRMAN We’ve had quite a year! It is meaningful to pause to remember and celebrate all God has done in and through us. Last fall we launched our Growing to Serve ministry expansion project, designed to impact God’s kingdom through needed ministry space. Our East Campus renovation will provide space for new children’s ministries, student and adult meetings, a dedicated food pantry, and consolidated offices. Our expanded sanctuary platform will host a new service called Word and Table, adding to an already rich array of worship experiences. Our West Campus footprint is expanding to improve space for the Masterpiece Ministry serving those with special needs, and for student and adult meetings. The lower level will enjoy enhanced large group space for our Children’s Ministries.
Our Serve the World initiative continues to grow, with over $300,000 raised in 2013 to support our partners. Through your generosity, we participated in funding major projects like a unique skate park church in Ecuador, a home for orphans in the Ukraine, a security wall for an AIDS ministry in Nigeria, and a portable ultrasound machine for a pregnancy ministry in Aurora. All of this and more illustrates the impact FBCG is having in the Fox Valley and around the world. I hope you enjoyed reading our Ministry Impact Story and celebrated the goodness of our Lord, who continues to work powerfully in our midst!
Darrell A. Wright
www.FBCG.com Phone: 630.232.7068 East Campus 2300 South Street, Geneva, IL 60134 West Campus 3435 Keslinger Road, Geneva, IL 60134
Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars! - Psalm 148:3