Hudson Baptist Association News Articles

Iglesia Bautista de Amsterdam Reaches Teens and Children!

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Pastor Carlos Schmidt reports a renewed ministry focus in Iglesia Bautista de Amsterdam to reach the youth of Amsterdam. Tuesday night is kids/youth night at the church. They have been averaging around 50 children and youth but recently had a high attendance of 78. A unique aspect of the ministry is the mixing of cultures. 16% of Amsterdam's population is Hispanic, most of whom are from Puerto Rico. As a result, both Spanish and English can be heard every Tuesday night.

Recently, as a part of this ministry a new focus was begun aimed at teenage boys who love basketball, a passion of Puerto Rican youth. Mixing basketball, personal relationships, and Bible study is proving to be a powerful combination for ministry. Jose Barrocales and John Faltermeier mentor these young men in discovering Jesus and becoming men of God. In addition to their Tuesday night ministry, they hold bi-monthly breakfasts teaching them the things of God. These young men now regularly attend the Sunday worship service. One boy recently lead his first Bible study with the other youth. So far 5 boys have made a profession of faith. Their families are also being visited by members of the church.

For a small church averaging 55 in worship, Iglesia Bautista de Amsterdam is having a big impact for Christ!

Two Churches Merge

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Two churches, River of Life and Open Door, merged into one congregation in March called River of Life Church. Anthony Foxworth serves as pastor. Vinny Ciccarelli is the executive pastor. Following the merger, their worship service attendance has increased to averaging 104 during worship. They have also added several new families and baptized seven people. The churches have worked diligently to become one body as they have intermingled everything from leadership to community ministry to their life groups. Future plans include a "250 Campaign" to secure the resources to renovate their building located on 2333 Western Aveue, Guilderland. Check them out at www.riveralbany.com.

Prayer Requests

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

North Hills Christian Church as they work through a major snag with leasing their new worship space. The space has helped the church to grow significantly since January. Pray they would contine to be able to meet at their new location on 105 Mohawk Avenue, Scotia.

Pastor Larry Maxwell of Patterson Baptist Church as he continues to recover from his successful by-pass surgery in April.

The 22+ mission teams from at least 10 states traveling to HBA churches this summer. Texas is sending the most teams in 2008!