General Info

"The Devil's not going to win today, " declared Buddy Russell, as he pulled his pickup into the parking lot. Determined he was not going to miss what God had for him, he had driven for at least five miles with a flat tire in order to get to the Saturday morning session of the "Made to Count" spiritual renewal weekend at Washington Baptist Church, WashingtonVT, held May 14-16. A year ago, shortly after becoming a Christian, Russell attended his first renewal weekend. During that time God made it clear to him that he was to participate in an upcoming mission trip to North Carolina. He was confident God had something for him this year too. For the third year in a row, Washington Baptist Church has conducted a spiritual renewal weekend. The first year, emphasis was on the individual's spiritual journey inward, as well as being connected to the Body of Christ. The second renewal weekend focused on believers understanding and identifying their spiritual gifts for ministry. This year the theme was "Made to Count"-God intends for believers to lead lives of significance and make an impact in their individual spheres of influence. God calls His people to beon mission 24/7. The Christian life is not "church"; it is a personal relationship with the Living Lord, all day, every day, whether at home, school, work, play, or in the marketplace. For some believers, that is a radical idea! Throughout the weekend, which began with a meal on Friday night, about 30 members of WBC were challenged to discern how God had gifted and called them to be missionaries where they are. On Saturday evening, members were asked if they were willing to be committed to the mission where God was calling.