There will be a special called meeting for anyone interested in finding out more detailed information about the upcoming September 2009 Medical and Evangelism mission trip to Nairobi, Kenya this Wednesday night, May 27th at 7:30 pm in the FBC Fellowship Hall. We were able to make special arrangements for Jeff and Kathy Deasy, IMB Missionaries to Kenya, to be with us to lead this special meeting. If you are even thinking about going to Africa, you need to be at this meeting or have someone present for you. This is a one time only opportunity to talk with the missionaries with whom you will work in Africa before the trip leaves in September. Please be present and help us spread the word.

The 4th Annual FBC Missions Golf Scramble will be held on Monday, June 1st at the Marion Golf and Athletic Club. There will be free lunch beginning at 12:00 pm and the tournament will begin at 1:00 pm. The format of the tournament is a 4 person scramble. The cost of the tournament is $60.00 per player.

The tournament is being played to benefit the summer international mission trips. Presently we are seeking hole sponsorships and door prizes. If you would like to help with by providing either of these, email Pastor Clay Hallmark today at clay@fbcmarionark.org.

On Wednesday night, May 13th at 6:30 pm, come and experience the live musical and drama SURVIVOR BABYLON in the sanctuary of FBC, Marion. This musical combines over 75 children singing, doing drama, and retelling the story of King Nebuchadnezzar, his giant statue and three Hebrew boys who refused to compromise their faith. In this musical you will be introduced to King Neb in a new way as a special guest actor becomes "K- Dog the regal rapper" who commands the people to "bow or burn in the furnace"

Make your plans to be present for this huge event.

Town Hall for Hope will take place Thursday, April 23rd at 7:00 pm in the GLC Multi-purpose room at First Baptist Church of Marion. The Town Hall for Hope is your opportunity as a Christian to sit down with people in our community and our church for a nationwide town hall meeting led by nationally known Christian author and speaker Dave Ramsey. Thousands of venues across the country will host the even including FBC Marion, broadcasting Dave's live presentation. In the opening half hour, Dave will offer straight talk about the present economy, recession, foreclosures and more. He'll carefully explain where we've come from, where we are now, and what we should be doing with our money as Christians during this time. Then, Dave will spend an hour answering questions live! Seating is limited to the first 75 people who sign up to attend. Sign up in the office today or email Pam at pam@fbcmarionark.org to sign up for this event.

The Easter Sunday message from 4-12-09 has been added to the website (http://www.fbcmarionark.org/?q=node/14) as well as to the iTunes podcast.

Senior Joe Dunavan was awarded the great honor of Eagle Scout on Monday night, April 13, 2009 here at First Baptist Church. As a member of Troop 72, Joe has served with honor and distinction. He accomplished his service project here at FBC by removing the carpet and laying tile outside the church's fellowship hall last year. The ceremony was held in the FBC sanctuary and a reception followed in the Fellowship Hall. Dick Howard served as Master of ceremony which included participation by our own Jimmy Blackford, J. Southard, and Joe's parents, Mark and Kim Dunavan.

Sheila Kirkley, Director for the Girls in Action at FBC recently submitted the following story of praise:

The Marion FBC Girls in Action recently visited the Arkansas Baptist Children's Home in Monitcello. This was their first ever children's mission trip. The 1st-5th graders were expected to do grounds work while at the home, as well as minister and fellowship while at the home with the orphans. While there, our Marion girls worked hard, and never once complained. There were 35 girls that attended. As well as a wonderful experience, there were two of the adult chaperons that were moved as well. Two sets of parents from our congregation that attended are in the process of trying to adopt a brother and sister from the home. God worked in so many ways on this trip.
The GA's held their annual pancake breakfast at FBC back in February 2009, and from that they were also able to present a check for $2761.00 to the ABSC Home. This is the most the GA's have ever raised. God is so Good!

New Hope Baptist Church, a mission of FBC Marion, is having a great week of Revival. The huge tent revival is happening on the New Hope property each night at 7:00 pm with Evangelist Ronnie Tullos. As of Monday night over 20 people have trusted their lives to Jesus and two have followed the Lord already in baptism. A mission team from Kansas is here working at and helping lead in the revival services. Let me encourage you to get out to New Hope for the revival services.

This Sunday night, April 5th at 6:00 pm, we will be celebrating together the ordinance of Lord's Supper. What better way to begin Holy Week than by remembering our Lord's broken body and shed blood on the cross for our sins? I hope you will plan to be with us Sunday night and bring someone with you for this important time of remembering and celebrating of Jesus our Savior.

The annual student ministry missions auction will be TONIGHT (April 4th) beginning with supper at 5:30 pm. Adult tickets for the event are $12 for the steak dinner. The missions auction will immediately follow supper. The students are raising money for the Summer New York City mission trip. Many great items will be available at this year's event.

If you have not already done so, come by the church office and pick up your tickets or see one of our students to purchase a ticket. Additionally, it is not to late for you or your business to donate an item for auction. If you would like to donate an item or items for the auction, email Bro. Michael at michael@fbcmarionark.org or call him at the church office at 739-3944.