With a history of doing missions work both in its hometown and around the world, Fredericksburg Baptist had a commitment to helping others. But Jeanne Anderson, minister with adults and missions, said when the congregation conducted the “It's Time” study, it gained a different perspective on its missions activities.
“The ‘It's Time' study helped to enhance our concept of what it means to be a missional church,” Anderson said. “It helped put a focus on being more intentional about our actions.
“It also helped us to realize that we need to know our community and find out what the needs are. We also learned that we don't have to reinvent the wheel. We can offer what we have to enhance someone else's ministry. We don't have to have full ownership of a ministry.”
Church members were already conducting English as a Second Language classes at the Bragg Hill Family Life Center, a community center less than five miles from the church. The center was created by Doris and Joseph Henderson in an effort to help “at risk” youth by providing such services as after school and summer camp programs.
The grant will help fund a new program called Faith and Sports Together (FAST), which will use sports as an agent for positive change. Developed by two Fredericksburg Baptist members, David Haun and Ray Gunnell, FAST programming will be available for preschool through seniors at the newly opened Bragg Hill Sunshine Fitness and Wellness Center.