75 years of reaching our community
This month we celebrate the 75th year anniversary of North Balwyn Baptist Church. We have had 75 years if reaching our community! It is amazing to think that 75 years ago a small group met to plan a mission and Church community on this site with nothing but dreams and faith. It is even more amazing that one of the original founders, Margaret Timewell, is still with us and part of our Church family. I think it would be great if we all sent her a 75th birthday card from the Church to thank her for her faithfulness and vision as we wouldn’t be here without her!
Church Building mid 1960’s
It is interesting to compare the journey of the people of Israel. The Old Testament is not just a history of God’s people, but a record of significant moments when God interacted with His people. We have recorded the call of Abraham, Joseph’s leadership in Egypt, Moses leading the people out of slavery, Joshua leading the people into the promised land, the establishment of the Dravidic kingship, the exile into Babylon and the return under Ezra and Nehemiah. At various times in history God has called people to new faith and new hope. I believe we are in one of those times as a Church today. Over the 75 years God has called us to build a Church, (early 1940’s) a hall and a new worship centre (early 1970’s) and to a major renovation (2007). Each of these developments was an act of faith and obedience to God in seeking to set up the future ministry and mission of the Church for those who would follow.
Today we are faced with a changing demographic in our community and mission field. We are fast becoming a multicultural destination for families who arrive in our suburbs for the quality of schooling and to invest in the lives of their children. So as a Church we are needing to re-examine our mission and its facilities in order to set up the Church for effective outreach in the decades to come. As in the past, it takes people of faith, courage and vision to take up the challenge to do whatever is necessary to ensure that NBBC is a shining light of Christ into our community in the years to come. A big thank you to Margaret Timewell and the many who followed in helping to make a great Church that has had powerful ministry in our community.
Now it is our turn.
I cant wait to see what God does next! What about you?
God’s blessing from Pastor Graeme