· Family

Spiritual Growth of a Family

The Lord has used Houston's First Baptist Church in many ways to impact our lives as individuals and as a married couple and now as a family with young children. The church has helped deepen our relationship with the Lord through Spirit-led, Bible-based teaching. The incredible teaching has spoken to our needs as an individual man and woman, as a married couple, as a mother. The church seems purposeful and deliberate to offer teaching and fellowship that is consistent with the needs of the body of Christ. It has helped facilitate the development of relationships amongst a body of believers that has encouraged and challenged us. The church has encouraged and supported both of us in developing our Spiritual gifts to now be able to use in service for the Lord. We are so blessed and privileged to be a part of this church.

Charles and Beth Alvarez, 34 and 37

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· Singles

Growth, Service and Missions

For many years, all I knew about Houston's First Baptist Church was that they put on amazing Christmas pageants. My grandparents loved to go to them every year and would talk about how amazing they were. They also talked about how wonderful the pastor (Brother John, at the time) was and how much that church would miss his leadership. I didn't have my own experience with First Baptist until I moved back to Houston from Tennessee at the beginning of 2005. I had heard that Gregg Matte was the new pastor and I remembered how much I enjoyed his teaching at Breakaway, Passion Conference and One Day. Several of my friends had also started attending HFBC, so I had some contacts in Summit Ministries. When I got there, I jumped in with both feet and soon found myself doing administration for my Sunday school class, facilitating a home team and raising support to go to Guatemala. I love the fact that ours is a missions-minded church and have really been impressed with how each member is encouraged to go on a mission trip. On my third trip to Guatemala with HFBC, I felt the Lord leading me to take the leap I had been waiting to take for 20 years. As soon as I got home, I applied to the International Mission Board and am now on my way to being appointed as a career missionary to Venezuela. First Baptist has impacted me by providing opportunities for personal growth, service and missions and keeping me challenged by so many godly people who are living out their faith every day. It has truly been a "relevant, biblical community" that God has used to bless, enrich and stretch my walk with Him.

Karla Turner, 34

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· Students

Missions

I have been a member of Houston's First Baptist Church almost eighteen years (since birth). Every significant milestone in my walk with God can be traced back to HFBC. I was taught, loved on, baptized, and challenged all within those walls. It is my home away from home. Within the past few years, however, the church has had an even greater impact on my life. Through mission trips organized by the student ministry God revealed to me His purpose for my life. In Honduras in the summer of 2006 it became very clear that I was to pursue the Spanish language. This past July I was placed in the position of translator for our mission trip, and God really worked in me through that. I am so grateful for our church's heart for missions and love for Central America. I have been able to really nurture and grow in my relationship with God and encounter Him on an even deeper level. Through my involvement in the church I have been able to witness God directing my life and drawing me closer to Him. Although our church has been a blessing to me in many other ways (camps, Sunday school, Living Proof Bible Studies, etc), my heart is with missions. If I am grateful of anything it is that we, as a body of believers residing in Houston, Texas, are mindful and compassionate of the worldwide Church.

Allison Stephens, 17

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· Missions

Short-term Mission Trips

I'm very thankful for HFBC's heart for missions. Prior to joining HFBC I never heard missions spoke of so lovingly and frequently. I've been on three trips and each one is more of a blessing. I look forward to many other opportunities to share Jesus to other parts of the world.

Lori Latham, 36

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