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When a pickup truck driver passed out and crashed into the building of First Southern Baptist Church, Ash Fork, one evening last November, it could have been a disaster, but God has used it to open doors into the community.
Most of the truck came to rest inside the sanctuary, with only the tailgate and rear tires visible from outside. The driver had miraculously missed a tree and the corner of a motel, and although a post from a chain-link fence went through his windshield, it did not hit him. Two pews and six chairs were destroyed, but the sanctuary was unoccupied at the time, and the driver was not hurt.
Insurance covered the damage to the church, and with volunteer labor, First Southern was able to repair the damage, replace the carpet and remodel the kitchen.
The accident was the talk of the town. It "opened doors to conversations like we've never had in the 25 years we've been here," said Carol Cox, wife of Pastor David Cox. People who would not ordinarily talk about church with the Coxes wanted to know how things were going, which provided an opportunity to invite them to come and see.
It "started a ripple effect," Carol Cox said. People at church are enthused and are sharing about their church.
For Carol Cox, historical fiction and mystery writer, the accident was a strange "life imitates art" coincidence. Even before she arrived at the church to survey the damage, she couldn't help but think of one of her books. The cover pictures a car that had crashed into a diner.
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Twelve people, including many Arizona Baptist Children's Services staff members, ministered at Shelter of Love Center in Cambodia, Dec. 27- Jan. 6.
ABCS partners with the center, which houses 52 disadvantaged and displaced children, by assisting with fundraising and sending mission teams. The partnership began in 2009, and this was ABCS' third trip.
The team taught Sunday School, conducted a Vacation Bible School and helped with work projects, including spreading dirt for a basketball court to be poured, sanding doors, painting and fixing sidewalks. Team members also taught English at an international school.
The shelter has helped rescue more than 50 of children from poverty and despair, but just as important, the ministry is diligent in teaching and training the children to be disciples of Christ. The purpose is for them to grow into people of God and to someday soon become leaders within their own culture and country.
Cambodia is an overwhelmingly Buddhist country. With a minimal Christian influence there today, raising up young people to love and serve Jesus is vital to the future of God's kingdom and to the people in Cambodia. To find more, visit www.shelteroflove.org.
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On the second Saturday of every month, First Southern Baptist Church at Sahuaro Ranch, Glendale, provides fresh produce to the community at a minimal cost through Market on the Move.
Market on the Move is a program of The 3000 Club, a nonprofit group that rescues produce that would be thrown away. At 8-12 venues in greater Phoenix and Tucson each week from October-May, Market on the Move provides a total of 200,000 pounds of produce weekly. People in the community pay $10 for 60 pounds of produce they can share with family, friends and neighbors, or they can prepay $100 for a year.
Market on the Move requires its partners to provide at least 20 volunteers for market days. When the idea was presented at First Southern last year, more than 60 members indicated their interest in helping, and 30-40 have been serving in shifts at events. The church is allowed to keep 10 percent of the proceeds, which are then used for other outreach events at First Southern.
In December, families attended First Southern's Christmas services after receiving an informational flier in their food boxes.
In February, First Southern hosted a community service fair at the same time as Market on the Move. Events included face painting, bike safety and fitting of bike helmets, Arizona Baptist Children's Services provided its ultrasound van, poison control provided information, and the City of Glendale's Community Action Program was on hand.
In May, the church plans to promote its upcoming Vacation Bible School at Market on the Move.
For more information about Market on the Move, go to the3000club.org.