Expecting the Unexpected

Note: I wish I could get into the mind of my Editor for just one moment. This week, he again, took the spirit out of my weekly column with overzealous editing. Aren't you glad you get to see the REAL version?

Have you ever gone somewhere not really knowing what to expect? Or been a little hesitant about what you were about to encounter? And then, been so pleasantly surprised that you admonished yourself the whole way home for being so silly. Well, welcome to my world!

Their names were Paul, Marianne, Renee, Joanne, Celia, Willie Ann and Mary and I joined them this past Wednesday to hear more about a project they are working on. And, I am hooked.

The Bible Missionary Baptist Church, with a congregation of thirty-five, has a lofty goal. They want to build a new church. The small congregation has a track record to prove that they are serious about meeting their goals. They purchased 5-acres of land two years ago and have paid it off. And they paid, in full, for the architectural plans and engineering studies. Now, they are ready for the next step – the construction of a $500,000 church.

The Bible Missionary Baptist Church is no ordinary Church. They have made a profound impact on Bluffton since their establishment five years ago. The Church members are active, dedicated volunteers – who spread their love and kind hearts throughout our community - visiting the sick, tutoring students, providing juvenile counseling, offering a helping hand and perhaps my favorite – providing financial support for kids who show a special talent. Yes, they will help a member of our community afford piano or dance lessons to refine their skills.

Up until now, they have been doing their work out of the Bluffton Community Center. It is time that they have their own home. And, you can help.

Next Saturday, April 29, they are holding a church building fundraiser with good ol’ Southern cooking and gospel singing. This is the taste of the South that I have been waiting for.

Church of the Cross on Buckwalter, has opened their doors to host the event. When I asked Paul (Pastor Paul Hamilton, Jr.) about the unique nature of this partnership among the churches he responded, “They were reaching and we needed to be reached.” The camaraderie goes deeper – five pastors from the local Baptist churches will join the celebration as well as choirs from ten community churches. All offering their support to help a fellow church.

Tickets are $50 per person and cover quite a spread – shrimp and grits (the committee will be peeling 50 lbs on shrimp in preparation for the event – that is dedication), baked chicken, ribs, ham, collared greens, black eyed peas and cornbread. (Not to mention great entertainment, a silent auction and door prizes.)

When you arrive, make sure to introduce yourself to the members of the Bible Missionary Baptist Church – they will be in gold shirts, with the church name on them and would love to share their story with you.

No matter what your religion is, this event is about spirituality and the community coming together to help a cause, that has for five years helped to better our community.

It is time to get to know each other beyond the wave of a hand. This is the perfect opportunity.

SIDEBAR:
What: Bible Missionary Baptist Church - Church Building Fundraiser
When: Saturday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Church of the Cross, Buckwalter Parkway
How: For tickets call Minister Willie Ann Hamilton at 338.6238