PRAY FOR OUR STUDENTS—GOD IS AT WORK IN ALABAMA

June 10, 2025

This week, we sent 22 students and leaders to Bayou La Batre, Alabama, where they’ll serve through painting, yard work, and relational ministry with children, youth, and the elderly as they learn through devotions, worship and biblical teaching. 

But here’s the thing: missions trips don’t just change the people being served—they change the ones serving, too.

But here’s the thing: missions trips don’t just change the people being served, they change the ones serving, too.

Jesus told His disciples, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Why? Because when we step out of our comfort zones to love others, God reshapes us—our hearts, our priorities, our faith.

Jesus told His disciples, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Why? Because when we step out of our comfort zones to love others, God reshapes us—our hearts, our priorities, our faith.

For many of these students, this week will be a turning point. They’ll see the gospel in action—not just as words, but as love with skin on. They’ll learn that ministry isn’t about heroics; it’s about humility, listening, and small acts of kindness that point to Christ.

Pray for them. Pray that:

  • Their service would flow from Christ’s love (Gal. 5:13).
  • They’d see God at work in the Bayou—and in their own hearts.
  • The relationships they build would bear eternal fruit.

And as you pray, ask yourself: Where is God calling me to step out in love this week? Because you don’t need a mission trip to live on mission.

Grateful for this church family - for your generiousity in investing in the next generation.

--Pastor Sam

P.S. Want to follow along? visit https://bbcc.travellerspoint.com/ for the daily journal. 



CELEBRATING GOD'S GRACE AMONG US

June 3, 2025

I don't celebrate this as often as it happens, but we had another Sunday where, we had the privilege of witnessing God's amazing grace as one of our friends placed their trust in Jesus Christ for salvation. In a world that often feels dark and discouraging, moments like these remind us that our God is still drawing people to himself through the power of the Gospel.

Your work, prayer, and support matters. I want to especially thank our faithful prayer team who has been interceding week after week, often without seeing immediate fruit. Your prayers matter more than you know. You've been preparing the spiritual ground, asking God to open hearts and remove obstacles to faith. A new believer is a testimony to your faithful partnership with the Lord in his redemptive work.

Jesus promised in John 12:32 that when he is lifted up, he will draw all people to himself. Our role is to exalt Christ through our worship, our preaching, our community life, and our love for one another. God's role is to do what only he can do - open blind eyes and give new life.

Would you join me in praying that as we faithfully lift up our Savior, God would continue to draw seeking hearts to himself? Here are three specific ways to pray for God to change hearts:

Pray for spiritual sight. Ask God to open the eyes of those who are spiritually blind, that they might see the beauty and truth of Christ. Pray that the lies and deceptions that keep people from faith would be exposed and broken.

Pray for convicted hearts. Ask the Holy Spirit to convict people of their need for salvation - not in a condemning way, but in a way that leads them to see Jesus as their hope and rescue.

Pray for courage to respond. Many people sense God's call but struggle with fear or pride. Pray that God would give seeking hearts the courage to take that step of faith and surrender to Christ.

Pray for divine appointments in your neighborhoods and workplaces. (I talked to another new church attender who started coming to BBCC because his neighbor was walking around with a Christian t-shirt and he started asking questions – that matters.)  Pray for receptive hearts among those who are spiritually curious. And pray that our church would be a place where the beauty of Christ is clearly seen. 

God is faithful and kind – thanks for being a part of His work at BBCC,

--Pastor Sam



OUR GRADUATES NEED YOUR PRAYERS - HERE'S HOW

May 27, 2025

We had the joy this past Sunday to gather around our high school graduates and lift them up in prayer! It was a beautiful picture of the body of Christ surrounding them with love, encouragement, and intercession.

The apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to "pray without ceasing," and I want to encourage us to continue praying for our graduates throughout this pivotal season. Here are some specific ways we can intercede for them:

For Their Faith Journey

  • Pray that they would grow deeper roots in Christ during this time of transition (Colossians 2:6-7)
  • Ask God to surround them with godly community wherever He leads them
  • Pray for protection from the enemy's schemes and for spiritual discernment (Ephesians 6:10-18)

For Wisdom and Direction

  • Pray for clarity as they make decisions about college, career paths, and next steps
  • Ask the Lord to give them hearts that seek His will above their own (Proverbs 3:5-6)
  • Pray for godly mentors and advisors to come alongside them

For Their Character

  • Pray that they would be marked by integrity, humility, and servant-heartedness
  • Ask God to help them flee from temptation and pursue righteousness (2 Timothy 2:22)
  • Pray for courage to stand firm in their faith when faced with opposing worldviews

For Their Influence

  • Pray that they would be salt and light wherever God places them (Matthew 5:13-16)
  • Ask God to use them to advance His kingdom among their generation
  • Pray for boldness to share the gospel and live as witnesses for Christ

For Their Hearts

  • Pray for protection from anxiety about the future, trusting in God's sovereignty
  • Ask the Lord to guard them from the comparison trap and social media pressures
  • Pray that their identity would remain rooted in Christ, not in achievements or relationships

As Tim Keller often reminded us, the gospel speaks to every area of life. Let's pray that these graduates would see how the good news of Jesus transforms not just their spiritual life, but their academics, relationships, work, and every decision they face.

Church family, what a privilege it is to be part of these young lives! Let's be faithful to carry them to the throne of grace, trusting that the One who began a good work in them will be faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6).

With gratitude for each of you and excitement for what God will do in and through our graduates,

--Pastor Sam

P.S. Parents of graduates - we're praying for you too! This transition brings its own joys and challenges. May the Lord give you wisdom, peace, and continued opportunities to speak truth and grace into your children's lives.



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