Baptist Association leadership updates building project plans

The Franklin County Baptist Association’s Director of Missions, Wes Arnold, provided a detailed update on plans to construct a new headquarters building during the group’s spring meeting held Monday, April 4 at Bunkley Baptist Church near Meadville.
“Our current association office — built about 100 years ago — has served us well through the years,” Arnold said.

“But, there are some age-related problems with it like the ceilings coming down, the bathroom is structurally sinking, the access ramp is unusable and doors are rotting.

“Those are just some of the reasons we are moving to a new, more-spacious facility — a 75 foot-by-40 foot building — adjacent to the fairgrounds in Bude.”

The association previously purchased four acres of land at a cost of $4,000 with building site preparations running in the neighborhood of $18,000 — all of which has been paid in full.

“Additionally, the poured slab, which cost $22,000 and has been paid for, was another major step,” Arnold said.

“The cost of the slab and the metal building still to be erected will be $93,000 with all the money available to get that done.”

The metal framework for the building has been ordered and is expected to be delivered within the next few weeks.

Arnold noted costs associated with future expenses to finish the building — such as drywall, appliances, air conditioning and heating, shelving and paint — will require more involvement.

“First and foremost, we’re asking for people to pray for God to open doors to make this happen and for all of our ministries,” he said. “The other thing we’re asking for is people and churches to give.”

Arnold characterized the effort as stepping out on faith to meet the needs of area residents now and in the future.

“The question we get most often is why we’re building this and the short answer is to support our growing ministries,” he said. “I think people are surprised when they learn just what we, as an association, are doing.”

Outreach programs currently overseen by the FBCA include:

• A ministry that provides 40 to 50 boxes of food each month to local families in need.

“Prior to COVID-19, we were distributing more than 100 boxes each month and a lot of churches started doing their own programs in-house during that time,” he continued.

“If those churches want to start back with the association, we are very willing to do that. And if there are people in need that you know of, we want to hear that, too.”

• A local relief ministry to assist families that have lost their homes to fire or natural disasters.

“We felt like there was a real need for this in Franklin County, and we recently helped a displaced family with things like plates and silverware along with towels, sheets, pillows, hygiene items and a gift card,” Arnold noted.

• A medical needs ministry to provide walkers, canes, shower chairs and beds is also in place.

“If churches and pastors identify those who could use these supplies and equipment, please let us know,” Arnold added.

“This is offered at no cost and the only thing we ask is — if the items are usable when no longer needed — that they be returned for use by someone else in the community.”

• A men and boys ministry where 20-minute visits have been conducted with local third graders to mentor the youth.

“We were not able to do it during the pandemic, and we’re hoping to get that started again this fall,” Arnold went on to say. “It’s a very worthwhile effort in reaching out to young people.”

Other outreach efforts for the association include an annual teacher appreciation luncheon; pastor’s fellowship breakfast gatherings; deacons and wives fellowship programs; senior adult day trips; and volunteer appreciation celebrations for workers at the group’s thrift store.

Arnold said the store, which is located on Main Street in Bude, is a key funding mechanism for the association’s work and is open 20 hours per week with a wide range of merchandise.

“If you haven’t been by the store, you really need to go and see what we have to offer,” he added.

The thrift store has no plans to relocate with the association’s headquarters.

Arnold went on to note financial support from local churches that are part of the association is also important in meeting the local needs the group is trying to address.

Another outreach hosted by the association is the “Shop The Block” program held in Bude.

This free event brings vendors and family-focused activities to the community for a day of fun and fellowship up to two times each year.

The association also lends its support to the “Happy Cart” program, which involves local volunteers who work to build morale and provide gifts to educators in the local school system.
Planned ministry initiatives on the horizon include: Scholarships for high school seniors and pastors who want to go back to school to further their education; an association mission trip to minister locally and around the globe; a regional retreat for pastors’ wives; a wild game supper night; a wounded warrior outreach for military service members; and a recovery ministry for those battling addictions.

Arnold encourages those wanting information related to the association and its work to call him at 318-230-0626.