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It’s hard to believe how much time has passed since my last post back in November. These months have gone by quickly, and while I’ve certainly been busy, they’ve also been filled with a lot of quiet reflection. Reflection on life, on faith, and especially on the church that means so much to me—West Bauxite Missionary Baptist Church. Sometimes stepping back gives us the clarity we don’t always have when we’re rushing forward, and in that stillness, God has been doing some gentle but important work in my heart.

Like many churches today, ours has faced some challenges. Attendance isn’t always what we hope for, and at times it feels like enthusiasm can fade or grow weary. These realities can be discouraging if we let them be, but I’ve come to realize that acknowledging them honestly is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign that we care. When we notice these struggles, it means we still believe God has more for us, and that belief is where renewal begins.

Even in moments when things feel uncertain, God’s light is still present. He specializes in bringing hope where it seems thin and strength where fatigue has set in. I truly believe He can turn things around—not just in numbers, but in hearts. God can restore passion, renew vision, and reignite enthusiasm when we place our trust fully in Him. What feels like a low point can often become the very place where God begins something new.

This January, we were blessed to celebrate a major milestone: the 75th anniversary of West Bauxite Missionary Baptist Church. Seventy-five years of ministry is no small thing. It represents generations of faithful believers, countless prayers lifted, lives changed, and a testimony of God’s enduring faithfulness. If God has sustained this church for 75 years, I have no doubt He intends to continue guiding it into the future.

As we look ahead, our church is also prayerfully considering the possibility of building a new fellowship hall. This isn’t just about constructing a building—it’s about creating a space for connection, encouragement, and ministry. A place where people can gather, relationships can deepen, and fellowship can thrive. I truly believe that something like this could help spark renewed enthusiasm and bring fresh energy to our church family, allowing us to serve one another and our community in new and meaningful ways.

I love my church. I love its people, its history, and the future God is shaping for it. West Bauxite Missionary Baptist Church is more than a building—it’s a family, rooted in faith and held together by God’s grace. I want to invite everyone—whether you’ve been coming faithfully, have been away for a season, or are searching for a church home—to come and experience what God is doing among us. Come be a part of His plan, feel His love, and walk with us as we trust Him with the future He has prepared for our church.