Instead of taking a summer missions trip to another state or across the world, First Baptist Church, Pleasant Grove, decided to take a missions trip to its own community.
On June 28 area residents gathered at the Pleasant Grove Sports Complex for a patriotic-themed celebration. The church served hot dogs, set up inflatables and a rock-climbing wall, held a worship service and put on a fireworks show.
Children’s pastor Dan Williams said this was the first year to do something like this and that he’d like to see it happen again.
“This really allows more of our members to come and be a part of a missions trip of sorts,” said Williams, who estimated more than 120 church members helped the event come together.
More than 1,200 people sat in the stands at the sports complex as members of the church sang patriotic songs at the start of the service. Interim Pastor Kevin Blackwell welcomed and thanked the servicemen and other officials in the audience.
Sharing the gospel
After Blackwell, who grew up in Pleasant Grove, shared the gospel during his message, four people came forward to make professions of faith and more than 50 came forward to talk with someone about the Bible or the church.
Wayne Daniels, chairman of deacons, said 30 deacons were serving at the event. “Any opportunity to present the gospel and encourage fellow believers is the best.”
Blackwell agreed.
“We’re not meant to put up a sign and say, ‘Come join us when you can.’ [First Baptist] is a redemptive body for Pleasant Grove.”
Blackwell said the event was just one outreach to the community this summer.
Another way the church is reaching out is through prayer. Every Saturday, 30–40 church members gather at key locations across the city to pray for the community, he said.
“When people start praying about something they get passionate about it,” Blackwell said. “It awakens our soul to the needs around us.”
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