HISTORY OF THE CHURCH

Fort Smith Boulevard Baptist Mission was started in the summer of 1984, which consisted of 14 families. The first service was held on Labor Day, September 2, 1984 at Bob and Kathy Payne’s. In the beginning, services were held in the homes of various members. Later, Sunday services were held at the Deltona Junior High School and then at First Baptist Church of Enterprise. Wednesday night prayer meetings were held in members’ homes preceded by potluck dinners. All fellowships were held in members’ homes, and baptisms were conducted in the Lake Butler chain of lakes and in Lake Diana.

On August 7, 1986, a permit was granted enabling us to proceed with clearing the land on Fort Smith Boulevard donated by The Deltona Corporation. Although contractors erected the outside structure, members and friends under the leadership of John Gerber accomplished most of the interior work.  Easter sunrise services and many fellowship activities were held on the grounds awaiting completion of the building.

Finally, on June 14, 1987, the first service was held in the new building, and on October 11, 1987, the church was dedicated. On September 10, 1989, our mission status ended and we were constituted as a church.

The World Around Us

by Pastor Mark Benson

I am constantly amazed that our country has not sought after God since 9/11.  We all grieved for those who perished in those burning infernos.  And again we looked with horror on the space shuttle Columbia as they disintegrated in our upper atmosphere.  Now, we as a world are threatened with the instruments of war that can exterminate multitudes of peoples through nuclear, biological or chemical weapons.  Man just does not get it, that God is the only answer for peace and that this peace comes through a personal relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ.  But in arrogance our government has sought to eliminate any expression of the true and living God in our schools and government places.  Be that as it may, born again believers are not to labor to change the wrongs of our world but to preach Christ to all who will listen.

In this age the church is the workshop of the Holy Spirit to build up the saints in their faith and support the gospel work far and near.  In spite of the difficulties of our generation we have great opportunities to share the Good News of God’s Son.

Are you truly born-again? Are you occupied with your Heavenly Fathers business?  Are you a part of His great work in these troublesome days?  Our Father in heaven has designed the local church to build itself up in His Love and reach out to the lost.  Join us as we serve our Great God and Savior in spirit and in truth.

John 14:3 (NASB) "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, [there] you may be also.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NASB) But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil [one.]

We can not offer you programs but we can hold out to you His Word and the fellowship that we enjoy in Jesus Christ as His Body the Church.

May the Lord encourage you in Himself always!