Where They Were
Since 1950 the Baptist Builders Club (BBC) has awarded over 3 million dollars to Regular Baptist churches in need. From the first church helped in 1950 to the latest church in 2007, BBC’s mission has not changed.
The first application received came from First Baptist Church of Soap Lake, Washington. The church needed financial assistance to break ground for a new building. Regular Baptists responded to the call for help and provided the $1000 that was needed for the building project. The founding pastor, Everett Bramblet, expressed his appreciation for the BBC in the June 1951 issue of the Baptist Bulletin after his church received the grant. He described what an “encouragement to their hearts” the funds provided. He also stated,
“If every member of all our GARB churches could catch the vision of this thing and also become members of the Baptist Builders Club, what a great change it would make in the home mission work of the Regular Baptists.”
Pastor Bramblet was calling on fellow Regular Baptists to share the vision of this ministry.
Where They Are Now
The Lord is still using First Baptist Church of Soap Lake to accomplish His work. When asked, Pastor Schopf (current pastor) and his wife confirm all that God has been doing through this ministry. Pastor Schopf and his wife, Hannah, tell us they are located in a small, ethnically diverse and spiritually needy community. The ministry reaches unchurched people with the gospel through various means: visitation, Vacation Bible School (averaging 50 children each day!), an annual evangelistic chicken barbecue, and the formation of a youth group. God has blessed the church financially so they can bless others. In addition to giving generous love offerings to missionaries, the church was able to add two new missionaries for regular, monthly support. A ladies missionary group (Hearts for Missions) made quilts, blankets, and other items for use at a hospital in the Central African Republic. Also, a new Visionary Building Committee has been formed and is working to improve traffic flow and provide better accessibility for elderly and handicapped people.
Join me in praising the Lord for what He has started and continues through this work in Washington. And let me echo the founding pastor’s call,
“If every member of all our GARB churches could catch the vision of this thing and also become members of the Baptist Builders Club, what a great change it would make in the home mission work of the Regular Baptists.”
We still have a goal to help nine sister churches a year, which requires $135,000 annually to accomplish. We currently raise about $50,000 annually. That is just not enough. That is why we need the help of all Regular Baptists. To become a member or give support to this ministry, please call 1-888-588-1600, ext. 817 or click [here] to donate online.
