There is no doubt that God continues to bless the faithful efforts of pastors, churches, and missionaries across the Baptist Bible Fellowship International. This year’s Easter weekend once again served as a powerful reminder of the Gospel’s impact, not only across the United States but around the world.
In both small and large towns and cities across the country, Fellowship churches prepared for one of the most meaningful weekends of the year. Each church approached the celebration in its own unique way. Many hosted Easter egg hunts, some on Saturday and others on Sunday, while a few added creative elements, such as dropping eggs from a helicopter and glow-in-the-dark egg hunts. Some churches incorporated special music, choirs, and dramatic presentations. One church even celebrated its very first official service on Easter Sunday.
At the same time, BBFI missionaries were faithfully proclaiming the same message in cities, villages, and remote regions across the globe. While Easter celebrations may look different on the mission field and vary from culture to culture, the story of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ does not change, regardless of the location.
While the methods varied, the message remained the same. Across the Fellowship, churches and missionaries boldly proclaimed the hope of the resurrection and the truth of a God who loves unconditionally.
Randy Harp, BBFI Central Office Director, reflected on the weekend, saying, “Over the past several days, I have heard story after story of how God moved through churches and missionaries across our Fellowship. We are grateful for reports of strong attendance (in some cases, record attendance), first-time guests, salvations, baptisms, and lives being changed. It is encouraging to see the faithfulness of our pastors, churches, and missionaries and the way God continues to bless the preaching of the Gospel.”
Particularly encouraging were the reports from BBFI church planters. Following Easter, BBFI 3rd Vice President Randy Abell connected with 30 church planters, all leading churches less than four years old, to hear firsthand how God worked in their ministries.
Reflecting on his early years of church planting, Abell noted the unique anticipation surrounding Easter for new churches. “Those first Easter Sundays carry a special weight,” he shared. “Church planters pour everything they have into reaching people, trusting God to use their efforts in a meaningful way.”
This year’s reports were especially encouraging. Across those 30 church plants, the combined attendance was 4,967, including 697 first-time visitors and 84 salvations. Abell described the results simply, saying he was “blown away” by what God had done.
One story in particular stood out to him. A church planter held his very first Sunday service on Easter, welcoming 14 attendees. He jokingly noted that each one was a first-time guest. “I love it,” Abell said.
Though Easter represents a significant moment on the church calendar, it also serves as a starting point rather than a finish line. Churches and missionaries alike are now turning their focus toward following up with guests, discipling new believers, and building on the momentum created during the weekend. For many, Easter provides a springboard into continued ministry throughout the late spring and summer months.
As churches and missionaries across the Fellowship move forward from Easter, there is a shared sense of gratitude and anticipation. God is clearly at work, and the stories from this year’s Easter weekend serve as a powerful reminder that the mission continues.
Love it!