77 years of God’s grace! How faithful God has been in the history of the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. As we celebrate this momentous point in time, let me remind you that it is also a time of reflection and rededication. What a privilege we enjoy as the people of God to be His instrumentality here in the earth realm. In addition to being His sons and daughters, we are also His witnesses, and ambassadors for Christ. It is not our several abilities, nor is it our worthiness that has propelled us into this position of privilege. Nay, it is not about us at all, but it is all about Him.
God’s grace spread abroad in the hearts of wonderful people allowed this church to move from a very primitive brush arbor to this modern facility, while remaining faithful to her Godly purpose. The ministry at FMBC is God’s ministry to people. We see our purpose outlined in Matthew 28:19, 20. Jesus says we are to go, to make disciples, to disciple the disciples and we are assured of His perpetual presence with us. The people of God must, and I emphasize MUST, have a passion for the lost. Hear what Jesus says about a passion for the lost: For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10)
Our Heavenly Father made Jesus, who knew no sin, to become sin for us, that we (mankind) might be made the righteousness of God in Him. We see our purpose for heaving been divinely placed in this community as one of evangelism. To proclaim that those who come to the Lord have been pardoned and can have the peace of God that “passeth all understanding.”
For seventy-seven years this church has been privileged to serve the needs of those where our Heavenly Father has positioned us. In doing so, we show our kinship with Jesus: “Even as the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:28)
It is through the teaching of God’s Word that we come to the realization that it is the will of God that we should prosper and be in good health. As Pastor, may I give you a word that has sustained us, both personally and corporately, through forty-four of the seventy-seven years: “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.” (Psalm 138:7)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRIENDSHIP. The best is yet to come.
Pastor J. Amos Jones
