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Ministries

Cross Roads Ministry

     "Cross Roads Ministry" is a food distribution ministry under the leadership of First Baptist Church, Chatham, Louisiana.  This ministry opened in 2003 and is located on Hwy. 34 in Chatham.  It is open on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 8 AM - 10 AM.  This ministry provides food items only to approximately 150 - 160 families (average of 2 1/2 per household) each month.  These items are obtained from a "USDA Food Bank" in Monroe that is state and federally funded.  Workers have to make the trip to Monroe to purchase and pick up the food for each distribution time.  12 to 15 individuals from several churches work twice monthly to keep this ministry going.  Surrounding churches give donations to purchase food and to aid in the expenses of operating the distribution site such as rent, utilities, etc.  First Baptist Chatham handles the administration of the funds and coordination of workers.  Distribution procedures are based on USDA guidelines which take into consideration the number of individuals in the household and total household income.  Each family is allowed one visit per month.

Crisis Closet - "His Hands"

     In the 1950's First Baptist Church, Jonesboro, Louisiana opened "The Crisis Closet" as a clothing and food ministry.   This ministry center is located at 405 6th Street in Jonesboro.  It is open every Monday and Friday from 8 AM - 10 AM.  Clothing items are donated by individuals, churches, and businesses.  The local Lions Club gives financial assistance on food items, along with financial donations from other churches.  All other operational expenses are incurred by First Baptist.  The food items are purchased from a "USDA Food Bank" in Monroe that is state and federally funded.  Therefore, participants for food distribution qualify under the USDA guidelines which take into consideration the number of individuals in the household and total household income.  First Baptist handles the administration of funds and coordination of workers.  Approximately 60 families are assisted each month.  Individuals and/or families can visit the center once a month for clothing and every 3 months for food.

Ministry Trailer

      After approval in December 2008 from the "Board" that oversees our office, we were given approval to proceed with this exciting ministry.  This office was given "a car hauler trailer" to be used in ministry.  The "Board" gave us their total support to stock the trailer with items such as inflatables, generators, popcorn machine, snow cone machine, cotton candy machine, etc.  A committee was formed in early 2009 to set all rules and guidelines for usage, purchase and maintain all equipment, schedule its usage, and any other situations pertaining to this equipment.  This office will fund all purchases and upkeep for this ministry. 

     This equipment will be available, free of charge, to any of the churches affliated with the Jackson, Shady Grove, or Winn Baptist Associations.  You have to have proper training in handling this type of equipment, along with your name on file in the missions office, per our insurance before your church can use this equipment. 

      We are proud to announce this ministry is up and going.  Many churches have taken advantage of using this powerful tool for outreach by involving children and families in such events such as:  Church Family Day, Vacation Bible School, Backyard Bible School, End of School and Beginning of School Parties, Fall Festivals, and the list goes on. 

     Please take advantage of this "Ministry Trailer" that God has blessed us with.

Prison/Jail Ministries

     God has opened a door for our associations to have access to the Jackson Parish Correctional Center (Jackson Baptist Association) and the Winn Correctional Center and Winn Parish Jail  (Shady Grove and Winn Baptist Associations).  Monthly Bible studies are held at each of these facilities.  Bibles and Christian books are given upon request.  If you have an interest in being a part of these ministries, contact Donald Rudd, Jackson Prison Ministry Director (318-259-7181) or Bobby Bates, Winn Prison/Jail Ministry Director (318-727-4498).

Chain Saw Ministry

     We now have a Chain Saw Ministry Trailer for disaster relief situations that is now operational.  This is a very important and needed ministry.  If you have a local disaster (tornado, etc.) and need help of this ministry, please call this office (318-395-0019) or call Mr. Danny Sullivan (318-259-8437). 

     At this time, we have 37 people trained to serve on this trailer.  We are certified and listed with the Southern Baptist Convention as an available Disaster Relief Trailer for activation within or outside of our state due to hurricanes or other natural disasters.

     If you have individuals who are interested in being a part of this ministry, we need their name, address and phone number immediately.  We are aware some may also be trained through other units, but we still need them to go through training for this unit--as per our office insurance company.  Please have them call our office as soon as possible (318-395-0019) so we can get their training set up and get them certified to serve with us.

"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing, some people have entertained angels without knowing it."

Hebrews 13:2