Great day in our Hurricane Relief Center at First Norfolk!

We were able to help many families and some local ministries through this great time of ministry! Many of our members used this as an opportunity to help their neighbors in need and others gathered supplies for Big Serve. A big thank you goes out to the Gleaning for the World organization.

Hurricane Relief Supplies

For those who have read about our special delivery from Gleaning for the World may be wondering how things are going?

We started distributing the donated items today as our members stopped by for their needs and the needs of their neighbors. Some of our members worked across the street doing debris removal and then came to our "store" to take the local residents some of our materials!

The inventory list has changed. We actually received: bottled water, vitamin water, juices of varying kinds and sizes, generic cola products, wipes, diapers, personal care boxes (heavy), hydrogen peroxide, cleaning supplies, plastic goods, blankets, and possibly other items.

We will work to keep the hurricane relief supplies open from 10a.m. until 5p.m. People are encouraged to take what is needed for their families and neighbors.

Big Serve teams are encouraged to consider how they might utilize these resources as well.

Any questions should be directed to the Missions Ministry of First Baptist Norfolk.

Pray for our church as our members have already shown great boldness in living the mission in Hampton Roads and lives are being changed!

Big Serve Week 2011 Special Update

In the wake of Irene and through a special partnership that our state convention has with Gleaning for the World, we have received a shipment of donated items today to be used by our church in the recovery of our community from Hurricane Irene. This shipment will include: gallon coolers, personal care packages, pet food, paper products, water/juices, nonperishable food, etc..

There are many methods of delivery available:

Individual- Members may come by for themselves and/or their neighbors.

Big Serve- Classes may receive resources for use at the various projects this weekend.

Groups/Organizations- May request prior to arrival to pick up a portion of the resources for distribution.

Hours will be from 10a.m. until 5p.m. beginning on Tuesday, August 30 and will last through Thursday or until supplies are depleted. Any other questions regarding this shipment may be directed to the Missions Ministry of our Church.

Those impacted by the Irene directly who need assistance should also contact the church for assistance with tree removal and other disaster related needs.

Anyone wishing to serve in helping others this week in disaster related needs should contact the Missions Ministry of our Church.

Big Serve Weekend update- New projects are being added daily and God is preparing some wonderful opportunities for us to share the gospel in word and deed. Be sure to visit www.bigserve247.org for up to the minute updates regarding this great weekend and/or contact the Missions Ministry with any questions that you may have regarding your place to serve.

We are excited to see our members preparing to serve with the Union Mission, The Tide light rail and surrounding communities, Habitat for Humanity, the Park Place community in Norfolk, and in many other strategic needs throughout Hampton Roads!

Pray for a mighty movement of God through His people this week as we live the mission through Big Serve!

Craig Clayton

Irene update 8.29 10a.m.

We received news overnight that the Red Cross efforts in disaster relief for Hampton Roads are being scaled back and the feeding unit at Kempsville Baptist Church will not mobilize. Anyone planning to serve in this capacity can stand down for now, but our church would like to encourage you to participate in the donated item distribution that we will be doing over the next few days. (Details are available in a previous post)

We hope to partner with area churches and agencies to distribute those items to those in need. We also hope to connect with our Big Serve teams if they can use these resources for their projects.

Big Serve Registered Project List

Big Serve Registered Projects 2011

Prayer requested from our local disaster relief servants

One of our disaster relief leaders from First Norfolk wrote:

I ask your assistance with two matters.

Through your networks, social media and FBCN I ask you to request pray for the safety of SBCV DR workers during their travel to Hampton Roads tomorrow. Personnel and equipment based west of Richmond will be moving to Hampton Roads tomorow. With 100 people, this may be as many as 50 vehicles, many with trailers in tow, coming from as far away as Abingdon. By Monday, these people will be operating from Liberty Baptist Church in Hampton, Riverside Baptist Church in Newport News, and Kempsville Baptist Church in Virginia Beach.

The second matter with which I request assistance is the identification of neighborhoods with downed trees and/or flooded homes to which I should direct our assessment, flood recovery, and chainsaw crews. People with information on such neighborhoods may contact RobertWilliams@prodigy.net or 757-641-4557.

Thank you for your assistance.

yours in Christ,

Big Serve 2011 begins early

Many of our First Norfolk members are asking about our response to this disaster and much remains to be seen, but I wanted to share our anticipated response as Irene arrives in Hampton Roads.

Friends from the organization "Gleaning for the World," Thomas Road Baptist Church, and the SBCV have arranged for us to receive truck loads of supplies this week. The first truck is scheduled for Monday afternoon and will contain the following:

5 gallon coolers, personal care packages, pet food, insect repellent, and juices

Distribution of these items may begin as early as Monday afternoon once we decide upon logistics. Due to the unpredictable nature of exactly when these supplies will arrive given travel conditions, we are planning for organized distribution to begin on Tuesday from 10a.m. until 5p.m. while supplies last.

The goal will be for our members to participate in delivery as well as receive people from the community who would like to receive assistance as well. Volunteers will be needed for various aspects of this distribution once we are able to fully assess the need involved.

There will also be others serving through Southern Baptist Disaster Relief in feeding units and possibly flood relief. Those trained to do so should have received updates from the SBCV regarding opportunities for service.

Much of this has transpired during a time in which the church offices are closed, so the above plans are subject to change and those interested in serving should remain in contact with the church through this blog and the church website for the most current information.

Any questions regarding this response may be directed to Craig Clayton at cclayton@firstnorfolk.org.

Big Serve Opportunity to Serve with Sailors from the USS ENTERPRISE

Big Serve Opportunity to Serve with Sailors from the USS ENTERPRISE

Groups and individuals needed to partner with this special opportunity!

Gary Sanders wrote:
The USS ENTERPRISE will be sending 25-30 Sailors to join in on a Habitat for Humanity project on Saturday, Sept 3rd, from 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM. At this point I am serving as the POC for this project. Since many of the Sailors will be in the 20-35 age range, I am looking for individuals and/or classes connected to our onetwentyseven ministry (18-20 somethings) who might like help with this project. Might also need individuals from a class of older men who are skilled in carpentry. May need tools as well. Will confirm all next week. Total needed for this project is 50. We will provide lunch as well (need help with that too!). If you are interested contact me at gsanders@firstnorfolk.org. This project will be a great opportunity to serve alongside and build relationships with Sailors from our community! We love and appreciate our military!

School Supplies for Park Place

My husband and I are hosting a "Back to School Program" for students who are in need of school supplies. I am employed by Norfolk Public Schools as a teacher at Booker T. Washington High School. For the past eight years, my husband and I have worked as volunteers (Soup Kitchen, Youth Outreach Programs, tutoring, etc.) in the Park Place community at the Park Place United Methodist Church, 500 W. 34th Street, Norfolk. Again this year, we will be hosting a program to provide school supplies for needy students. Your assistance will be appreciated in helping us to service the community.

My husband and I will host two programs during the month of September in which school supplies will be distributed. Please contact us at 541-6026 (days)/971-7916 (cell)/628-3575 (Booker T. Washington). We look forward to your church helping us to reach the needs of the community. May God continue to bless your mission organization.

Mrs. Linda Devine
Strategy Specialist

Living the Mission: East Asia Mission Journey

God is at work in a powerful way on the other side of the world, and He gave us many opportunities to experience His favor, grace, and blessing!

During our first week, we taught English in four government schools using the story of the Prodigal Son. We also spent time with teachers in those schools and were able to have conversations about our faith. In one of the cities, we met the mayor and presented him with gifts from our city. Our exchange and the favor we experienced with government officials there could only come from God!

During our second week, we spent time at a boarding school for students in grades K-12. We taught English, music, and American sports such as football and Frisbee. The students and teachers responded with great enthusiasm! We took part in some friendly competition with the teachers through volleyball and basketball games with hundreds of students watching. On the last night of our stay, we participated in the school's talent show and sang God's Word over 2000 students and teachers! We spent time each night during our second week in leadership training sessions with teachers and were able to develop personal relationships with them. We used Soularium cards as a tool to discuss life issues and to work into conversations about a relationship with Christ. We are hopeful that these relationships that were started will be open doors for the missionaries there.

Living the Mission: Ukraine Mission Journey

For over ten years, our church has partnered with Pastor Vasily Povoroznyuk in his vision to reach the “village jungle” of the Zhytomyr region in northwest Ukraine. One walks into the past in these former Soviet collectives, where residents face poverty and hopelessness.

Our team joined a team from Calvary church in Beaumont, TX, led by John and Shari Griffin. We walked through thirteen villages, inviting people to eight evangelistic services in their town halls. We shared joyful singing in Ukrainian and Russian, our testimonies, and the good news of forgiveness and hope. The men on the team preached the Word and seventy-eight professions of faith were made, as well as many lives rededicated to the Lord. His Spirit moved mightily and accomplished vastly more than we could ever ask or imagine!

At Vacation Bible School, ninety-five children in the morning camp at Vysoke and thirty-eight in Kam’iny Brid heard Bible stories about God’s love. The children brought more children each day to enjoy crafts, games, recreation and snacks. Seventy-two kids prayed to receive Jesus as Savior. Slava Bog = Praise God!

Pastor Vasily gave our team a tour of his newest church in progress in Kam’iny Brid. Members of both churches rejoiced in what their contributions had done, even as the work continues. Begin praying now - will you be part of the mission in 2012?

Welcome Lunch for International Students at ODU

Tabernacle Church (7000 Granby Street) is hosting a welcome lunch for new international students on Sat., Aug 27th from 11:30am-2pm in their atrium room.

They have invited 6-8 people from our church to attend and to be hosts at a table so that they can have 2-3 Americans at a table to interact with 5 internationals. They have a wonderful lunch for them, a short program done by international students, and then hosts drive students back to ODU. This is a great time to make connections and meet the immediate needs of the students as well.

If you are interested in attending, please email khardison@tabchurch.org for more information.

Re-post of Big Serve 2010 video...Let's get excited!

Big Serve 2010 from First Baptist Norfolk on Vimeo.

Opportunity to help freshman students at ODU

If you are interested in helping with freshman move-in at Old Dominion University on August 25th, please let the missions office of the church know by calling 461.3226 or emailing livethemission@gmail.com. We are working to organize a team of folks to help meet this need.

A Thousand Shoes for a Thousand Smiles

This year AAAA Self Storage wants to help reach the record-breaking goal of providing 1000 pairs of shoes to school-aged children in Hampton Roads. You can help by donating new shoes, becoming a sponsor, or simply spreading the word. Donations are needed by September 1, 2011. If you would like to participate, please contact Keri Rueckert, store manager at AAAA Self Storage Campostella at aaaacampostella@verizon.net, A1000shoes4a1000smiles@hotmail.com, or 757.545.4800. Thank you for considering participating in this project!

Living the Mission: The Bus Stopped Here!

On Saturday morning, June 11th, the activity bus from the Ballentine Assisted Living Home in Norfolk made a stop on Randall Avenue at the home of the Careatti family. Neighborhood families provided a welcoming treat of lemonade and cookies. The fourteen guests also enjoyed great musical entertainment provided by Dave and Donna Thomas.

Some may wonder how such a great event could take place in their neighborhood. The Careattis, as members of First Baptist Church Norfolk and missionary followers of Christ, saw a need at the Ballentine Assisted Living Home while visiting a dear family member there. Their recognition of that need led to Bible studies and other activities with the residents and eventually to this community event involving their neighbors. It just takes ONE person or ONE family to make a difference where they live.

Their neighborhood is already planning for the next bus to stop by. How are you planning to serve where God has placed you?

Collecting School Supplies for the Cuffee Community Center

Hey everyone. Below is a message from Julie about collecting school supplies for Cuffee. Thanks in advance for your help!

We wanted to let everyone know that we will be collecting school supplies for the kids at the Cuffee Community Center to give them at their end-of-summer carnival on Saturday, August 27. Since this weekend is the tax-free weekend, we thought it would be a good time for people to pick up some extra things! A supply list for Thurgood Marshall Elementary School, which is where most of those children attend, can be found at http://www.cps.k12.va.us/Schools/TME/TME_School%20Supplies%20List.pdf.

You can bring these items in to church on any Sunday during the month of August. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me and please spread the word!

Thanks,
Julie Albritton (jayandjulie@cox.net)

Good News Jail and Prison Ministry Celebration at First Norfolk!

Don't miss the opportunity to celebrate this anniversary at First Norfolk and hear about how our members are involved! For more info visit: http://www.goodnewsjail.org/50th/Default.aspx

Living the Mission: Peru Mission Journey

Primeria Iglesia Bautista is a church in Villa El Salvador on the outskirts of Lima, Peru. Our church has partnered with this church for the past two years through International Mission Board missionaries Brent and Jennifer Waldrep. Our team’s mission was to spread the Gospel through nightly church activities, a medical clinic, home/school visits, and a sewing ministry. On Sunday, team members taught Sunday school, sang in Spanish, shared their testimonies, passed out fliers about the week’s activities, and delivered two sermons. Throughout the week, the team shared Bible stories with children in schools and families in homes, as well as shared their faith with people they met. In the evenings, they held a substance abuse clinic, special events for men and women, and a church-wide celebration/service. Eighty-two patients were seen at the medical clinic and more than fifty ladies learned how to sew during their time in Peru. Through these various ministries opportunities, twenty-two people came to faith in Jesus Christ!

The church has grown in leadership, evangelism, and outreach ministries since last year. They’ve also grown in size and have purchased a building in which they are holding services. The church is carrying out its vision to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ while serving the community.

Living the Mission: Union Mission Women and Family Shelter Bible Studies

The Bible studies of the Union Mission Women and Family Shelter are vital to the process of the shelter’s ministry. Two daily Bible studies, one in the morning and one in the evening, emphasize time set aside for the women to sit and learn about God, His Word, His gospel and how it all applies to their lives. Many women who come to the shelter are either saved by the power of the gospel or decide to rededicate their lives as a direct outcome of God’s message through the faithful believers who teach Bible study. The potential impact of Bible study is so powerful that one woman decided, after leaving the
shelter, to go to a Christian college and give her life to full-time ministry as a direct result of her learning and growth during the evening Bible studies. God is moving powerfully using His people and His Word to capture hearts and change lives. At the Union Mission He allows the women not only to find a new place to live but also a new
way to live.

In addition to church members who are involved with this ministry, we also have a team that serves at Union Mission by providing free medical clinics. If you would like to become involved in either of these ministries, please call the Local Missions office of the church at 466.5181.

Living the Mission: Uruguay Mission Journey

In May, our team was blessed to work with a special group of missionaries who have been serving in Uruguay for many years. We quickly came to know and love several Uruguayan believers who sacrificed a great deal to serve alongside our team. We were blessed to serve together as one family of believers.

In Juan Lacaze, we shared our testimonies as part of the Sunday morning service and held a Bible study for young girls. We also facilitated a workshop for nurses, many of whom we had met last year. It was a blessing to see how God has worked in their lives this past year!

In Rosario, our main goal was to build relationships with the people of Rosario. Toward that end, our time was spent prayer walking, visiting a nursing home, and inviting people to medical clinics and a family movie night. God answered our prayers by opening a door to the local hospital, which allowed us to present our workshop to the nurses. The head nurse invited us to return that afternoon for balloon animals with the children, a door previously closed to missionaries.

God had been at work in Rosario long before we arrived! We thank Him for the many doors that were opened and pray that the local missionaries will continue to be a blessing to the people of Juan Lacaze and Rosario.