“Finding ways to meet the needs of a particular group of people—both physical and spiritual—is an important part of the missions efforts at Bell Shoals Baptist Church,” said Dr. Stephen Rummage, senior pastor of Bell Shoals Baptist Church.
During 2018, Bell Shoals Baptist Church will coordinate and conduct roughly 25 short-term missions trips—both international and domestic.
Upcoming international missions trips include North Africa, Romania, Honduras, Toronto, India, South Africa and Cuba.
After last hurricane season, the church dispatched hurricane relief missions teams to Puerto Rico and Naples, FL. Likewise, Bell Shoals assisted the residents in the Lithia Springs area with flood recovery efforts after the Alafia River flooded.
Bell Shoals also consistently supports multiple local missions including community food banks, children’s homes, women’s ministries, rehabilitation houses, prisons and pregnancy assistance ministries—just to name a few.
Bobby Roberts, pastor of adult education and missions, used the Bible verse from Acts 1:8 to illustrate how Bell Shoals is actively living out the Great Commission.
He said, “Bell Shoals is involved in missions in our ‘Jerusalem’ right here in the Tampa area; ‘Judea’ in the state of Florida; ‘Samaria’ in North America and ‘the ends of the earth’ international.”
Short-term missions teams will have six team meetings before Bell Shoals deploys them. Future participants will train on how to evangelize and engage with a different culture. Other areas of training encompass security measures, teambuilding, raising funds and reintegration when their mission is complete.
“Missions start at home, then across the street and then around the world,” explained Debbie Barton, director of missions at Bell Shoals. “If you are not serving in any capacity, find a ministry and volunteer. God will use your availability for His good and bless you in the process.”
For more, contact missions@bellshoals.com or call the office at 689-4229. Bell Shoals Baptist Church is located at 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon.
