WELCOME FROM THE PASTOR

Dear First Baptist Family,

First Baptist Church, Tifton, Georgia, was organized in 1889, and over the course of the next 119 years has met and successfully overcome one challenge after another. As a matter of fact, challenges are nothing new for our church. When speaking of our church's history during the early 1900's (The History of The First Baptist Church: Tifton, Georgia, 1889-1989) Edna Bowen Colquitt and Ralph Kickliter wrote,

"Much of the progress and need for more adequate space stemmed from the phenomenal growth of the Sunday School. Editorially, some of the growth was the result of profound Baptist faith that doesn't stem the tide of moving forward under the threat of debt" (p. 19, emphasis mine).

So here we are, 100 years later, facing yet another challenge at a similar crossroads. Are we going to let the threat of debt stem the tide of growth, or are we going to cling tenaciously to our profound Christian beliefs and move Forward in Faith once again?

We have grown to the extent that our facilities will allow. Our two worship services are nearing capacity, and we've simply run out of rooms into which we can bump preschool children. It would be so easy now to stop and rest on our laurels, but it would also be entirely disobedient to God.

Our church voted by paper ballot with a 92% approval to move Forward in Faith. And now, our church needs everyone to participate! And so I implore you...give all the service you can give; give all the prayers you can give; give all the money you can give; give whatever you have to give. Because for all eternity you'll have the opportunity to look back over your shoulder...and be glad you did. I am confident that from heaven's perspective, you will derive more eternal satisfaction from what you do with this capital campaign called Forward in Faith, than from almost anything else you will ever put your hand to.

With confidence and hope,
Wayne