Letter from Our Pastor

“I am sorry. There is no room at the inn!”  I know you don’t want those words of rejection and “no vacancy” spoken long ago to Joseph and Mary to be repeated to our children and others in our growing community. 

The bottom line is, we are out of growing space – in our buildings (worship and education) and in our parking. Admittedly, buildings and parking are only tools for healthy growth – not substitutes for our individual responsibilities to witness and minister where we live and work. But they are important tools that can either hinder or help us fulfill our mission of “evangelizing the lost, edifying the saved, and exalting the Lord.”

As we build on the vision of previous generations, now is the exciting time, to again “Rise Up and Build!” Now is the time to take a bold step of faith in expanding and extending the Bethesda mission. “Bethesda” literally means “House of Kindness” and is the name of a pool in Jerusalem where our Lord healed (John 5). Bethesda Baptist Church has long been a place of Gospel kindness and healing. Our desire is for many more to experience this Gospel.

Our “Rise Up and Build” capital campaign will help prepare us for the Lord’s use in fulfilling this Kingdom vision. And no worthy vision comes without sacrifice – the cross of our Lord Jesus being the supreme example. But the joyful results are thrilling.

Wherever God guides His people, He provides through and for His people. He always meets His vision with His provision. As we each give beyond our regular tithes and offerings, we’re not asking for equal gifts, but equal sacrifice.

Like Esther of old, we each “have come to the Kingdom for such a time as this.” This is our time to honor the visionaries of the past and build for the future by doing our part now. This is our time to make a difference in a most significant way. – in our own spiritual growth, in reaching more precious souls for Christ, and in exalting the glory of our wonderful Lord.

And, by the way, aren’t you glad there was “room in the inn” for you?

Your brother in Christ and fellow inn-keeper,
Gary Burden, Pastor