Lottie Moon World Mission Weekend at FBC Jackson, MS

 

This past weekend we were a part of a weekend missions conference for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering hosted by the First Baptist Jackson Women's Missionary Union.  It was a wonderful event, and we felt very honored to get to be a part of it.  There were several missionaries who participated alongside us, and we enjoyed getting to meet each one of them. We spoke multiple times over the weekend and each time was special and fun.   

 

On Friday night we had a share and prayer time hosted by one of their Women on Mission groups.  We met in a beautiful home and had a wonderful fellowship time with each one there.

 

Philip is over the port ministry in New Orleans.  He runs Global Maritime Ministries.  He was partnered with us over the weekend, and we shared together.  We loved hearing about his ministry and hope to get down to New Orleans one day and see it in person.  If you'd like to learn more about what he does, visit www.portministry.com.

 

me with a few of the sweet ladies at the prayer and share time on Friday night

 

 

Our friends, the Browns, were also there.  They attend FBC Jackson. 

 

our Friday night home group 

 

On Saturday our missionary group had a luncheon together that was hosted by a lovely couple from the church.  We met in another beautiful home and enjoyed a delicious meal together.

 

 

On Saturday night we all gathered at a private retreat center in Ridgeland for a meal and worship time.  This is a beautiful chapel that was on the retreat property.  

 

inside views of the chapel 

 

 

beautiful stained glass windows 

 

 We had a very entertaining blue grass band there to lead us.   It was such a fun night! 

 

 

Sunday morning began with breakfast at the church. 

 

 

Sara Madalin and the boys

The Acteens served breakfast to our group. 

 

 

The boys enjoyed getting to see another MK that they met earlier this year. 

 

 

David and Cindy giving final instructions for the day ahead. 

 

We shared briefly with an Acteens group.  Acteens is a missions program for middle and high school girls. 

 

us with some of the Acteens 

 

We shared in the college Sunday school class on Sunday morning.

 

 

Sunday morning worship service at FBC Jackson.  

 

To kick off the service there was a parade of flags done by the Boy Scouts in their church.  My friend Reagan recorded this video for us of the Guatemalan flag being marched in.

 

 

Each of the missionaries participating in the weekend event introduced themselves during the Sunday morning worship service. 

 

 

 

 

After the service we had a luncheon and a missions program where we all shared again.  Here we are with the Browns after lunch. 

  

us with Reagan and Malinda

 

 

They gave out these ornaments to everyone that morning. 

Lastly, me with Cindy Townsend.  She is the Minister to Women at FBC Jackson and the heart of this event.  I am so thankful our paths crossed earlier this year.  Everyone needs a Cindy Townsend cheering them on!! Her passion for women's ministry and her leadership gifting is something I greatly admire.  So much hard work and planning goes into this yearly event, and it just shows her love and dedication to missions.  

 

This is just one of many churches who support the IMB through giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, and we are truly thankful and appreciative for each and every one of them!  We couldn't do it without our Southern Baptist churches sending, praying, and giving.  Thank you for the part you play in that!

 

 

If you'd like to support mission efforts taking place all around the world, you can give online today at:  Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

100% of every gift directly supports overseas missionaries.

Life Lately November 2025

We began the month hanging out with the Browns.  They hosted us for supper and to watch the Ole Miss vs South Carolina football game.  Ole Miss won!! 

 

fun night with our friends 

 

the boys with Sara Madalin 

 

 

Sara Madalin is a senior this year. Isn't that a cute photo of her! 

 

 

The next morning David spoke at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Hazlehurst.  Here we are with the pastor, Bro. Philip. 

 

 

me and the boys with my mom

 

 

a few of us went out to lunch together after church

 

 

the boys with my mom and Ms. Charlotte 

 

the boys with my Aunt Nita 

 

 

Mimi and the boys 

 

 

Cruz and Ben 

 

me with my Aunt Nita

 

 

That evening we were at our home church, Harmony Baptist in Crystal Springs, for their Harmony Fest.  It was a night of food, fun, and games.   

 

 

David, me, Sara Madalin, and Reagan on the cake walk 

 

 

Ben with Briggs and Flethcher

They worked the cake walk 

 

 

Cruz with Jude, Cash and Jett 

 

The next morning I had this speaking engagement at Easthaven Baptist in Brookhaven. 

 

 

me with the Lincoln County Baptist Association women's ministry leaders 

 

 

speaking at the World Day of Prayer event

 

me with a few of the ladies from Central Baptist Church in Brookhaven 

 

 

That evening David attended a Copiah Baptist Association's men rally at Gallman Baptist Church in Gallman. 

 

 

Later that week we were invited to supper with the Sullivans.  They cooked a delicious steak meal, and we enjoyed great fellowship with them around the table.

 

 

That weekend we headed to Oxford to attend the Ole Miss football game.  That was extremely fun!! 

 

Ole Miss won! 

 

 

a video of our day at the game 

 

 

That Sunday we attended church at Central Baptist in Brookhaven and afterwards went out to lunch with Ms. Berenda.  She is a precious lady and such a great encouragement to us. 

 

 

On Monday of that week, I was blessed to spend some time sharing with these precious ladies at FBC McComb, MS.  We had a delicious lunch meal together as well. 

 

 

David and the boys were invited out to the country for an afternoon of target shooting.  It has been several weeks now and they are still talking about it.  They really had a wonderful time! 

 

 

target shooting at the Carters 

 

 

We made a Saturday day trip to Hattiesburg to see the Epps.  They are fellow IMB missionaries and sweet friends.  We really loved getting to spend the day with them!  It began with lunch at Hattiesburgers & Blues and then an afternoon exploring The Lucky Rabbit.  

 

 

us with the Epps

(David and Aaron were parking the cars) 

 

 

me and Tiffany

She is one of the sweetest people I know! 

 

 

Cruz and Evan

MK buds 

 

 

The Brewsters were also in town, and we enjoyed all being together that day.  We love time spent with our IMB missionary family.

 

 

The next day David preached the morning and evening services at Highland Baptist in Crystal Springs.  His childhood friend, Van, took us out for lunch after the morning service.  It was great to spend a little time with him. 

 

 

The following Tuesday night I spoke to a women's group at FBC Hazlehurst.  I went to this church growing up and loved getting to return and share with them.  Seeing the faces of people I have known most of my life brought a smile to my face. 

 

 

Thanksgiving week was our fall break from school.  We had a fun week planned that began with a trip to Gulf Shores, AL.  We enjoyed time at the beach and also a visit to Tropic Falls theme park & water park as well as their Christmas season kickoff night.

 

video of our beach time 

 

 

Downtown OWA Christmas tree lighting and fireworks show in Foley, AL 

 

 

a video of the Christmas celebration 

 

 

our family at Tropic Falls in Foley, AL

 

 

a video of our time at the theme park and water park 

 

 

We spent Thanksgiving Day with David's family in Crystal Springs.

 

 

The next day we headed to Starkville to attend the 2025 Egg Bowl.  This is a yearly rivalry game between Ole Miss and Mississippi State.  Ole Miss won 38-19!!  We enjoyed getting to cheer them on.  It was a super fun day! 

 

 

our family at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville 

  

 

 

 

a video of our day at the game 

 

 

This past Saturday, Cruz had his last day of work at Ole Brook Snow Cones and Snacks. They officially closed for the season at the end of November. Having this job has been one of his favorite parts of being in the States this Stateside Assignment. It has been a great time of growth for him. It has taught him responsibility, time management, and some essential life skills. Plus, it has provided him a sense of independence and having his own spending money that he earned himself has given him a lot of pride. He will miss getting to work when we return to Guatemala!
 

We ended the month at our home church in Crystal Springs.  In addition to a great time of worship, it was fifth Sunday, which meant a covered dish meal after the service.  It was fun and delicious. 

 

Now, here we are in December.  It sure got here fast!