LOCAL MISSIONS
Statesville and the surrounding communities need Christ as much as large cities. Working together with other local churches and, in particular, other Baptist churches in the South Yadkin Baptist Association, we are able to do our part in fulfilling the first portion of the Great Commandment: taking the Gospel to our “Jerusalem.”
Benevolence Ministry: We seek to meet the physical and spiritual needs of local residents who are going through rough times by giving a presentation of the Gospel along with a helping hand.
Adopt-a-School: Western Avenue Baptist Church has adopted Statesville High School and Third Creek Elementary School. Our ministry involves prayer walks, prayer reminder cards, contributions of school supplies, kleenex, and remembering the staffs with special treats and lunches.
Scouts: Western Avenue Baptist believes strong, moral young men are being encouraged through the Scout program. We are pleased to be part of that program through Boy Scouts, Venture Scouts and all ages of the Cub Scout program. Please contact Rusty McLelland for information about Boy Scouts, 704-873-2927. Contact James Hoover for information about the Cub Scout program, 704-872-7745.
Western Avenue Baptist Church also supports these local ministries: Samaritan Counseling Services, Yokefellow Ministries, the Upper Room, Hospice, Pregnancy Resource Center, ElderCare, and Iredell-Statesville Schools Bible Association
Missions through the South Yadkin Baptist Association
Toy Store: We work with other churches at the annual Toy Store held in various locations during the month of December. Throughout the month of August, 2006, we will have a special offering for the Toy Store. Money is given for the purchase of toys that families can then purchase at ten cents on the dollar, ensuring smiles are on children’s faces at Christmas. Families who participate also agree to listen to the Bible’s claims regarding Jesus.
Food Pantry: Members of Western Avenue Baptist are encouraged to give to the Food Panty of the South Yadkin Baptist Association. The Wilson/Loudemilt Sunday School Class collects pantry items for the "Feed a Family on the Fifth Sunday" for needy families within the church and then to help supply the shelves of the food pantry at The Baptist Center as well.
Iredell County Fair: Every fall, we send teams to the County Fair to minister to fair-goers and fair workers. We provide hot meals and a rest from the hectic pace, along with a tract explaining God’s plan of salvation.
Western Avenue Baptist Church is blessed to be able to participate in all the ministries involved through the South Yakin Baptist Association through monthly budgeted contributions. To contact the SYBA, also known as the Baptist Center, please call 704-873-4372.
INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS
 Jesus also told His followers to leave home and travel the globe to tell others about Him. We have sent individuals from our church to many different countries, including India, Senegal, England, Wales, South Africa, Scotland, Russian, Ireland, Jordan, Pakistan, Chile, Guatemala, East Asia, Nepal, Venezuela, Malaysia, Sicily and others.
London Bridges
Western Avenue Baptist Church has the priviledge of working with the International Mission Board and Campus Crusade for Christ in a mission endeavor called "London Bridges." This summer three teams from WABC will join other volunteers from various countries as they minister to the Islamic community in London.
We are also very supportive of Operation: Christmas Child. This ministry was started by Franklin Graham’s Samaritan’s Purse of Boone, NC. In the last several years, we have taken over 2,500 shoe boxes filled with toys and helpful items to Charlotte and Boone, NC to be sent to boys and girls around the globe. Many of our church members spend time in Charlotte processing hundreds of thousands of boxes each year.
GIVING TO MISSIONS
We understand that we can’t do everything and be everywhere. For that reason, Western Avenue has always been very generous in giving financially so that others can go. We participate with Baptists around the nation in giving to the Cooperative Program, working together to support over 5,000 missionaries located around the world.
We also give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions. One hundred percent of all monies collected during this month long offering at Christmas goes tointernationall missions and missionaries. For more information on the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention or the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions please click here.
During the spring, we give to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions.
MISSIONS EDUCATION
Women's Missionary Union
Many of the ladies in our church participate in WMU (Women’s Missionary Union), an organization that began in 1888 to organize for missions and focus on missions education. The women form Mission Groups that meet regularly to discuss and plan ventures.
Women on Mission Groups:
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New Current Missions Group
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Meets in member's homes the 3rd Thursday
of each month |
Contact: Paige Moore, 704-872-7167
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Jim and Dale Russell
Mission Group |
Meets in member's homes the 2nd Tuesday
of each month |
Contact: Karen Donaldson, 704-873-4210
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C.W. Applewhite Mission Group
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Meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month,
10:30 am, Room 154 |
Contact: Sandy Brewer, 704-872-8065
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Clara Brincefield Mission Group
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Meets in member's homes the 2nd Monday
of each month |
Contact: Kathy Johnson, 704-873-5016
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Anita Waugh Cook
Mission Group |
Meets in member's homes the 2nd Monday of
each month |
Contact: Janis Phipps, 704-873-2161
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