By Sydney Charlton
Since Crossgates Baptist Church in Brandon began their “NXT10: Believe to Become” initiative in 2023, its missions ministry has specifically prayed for strategic partnerships to be cultivated throughout Mississippi. One area the church prayed for a partnership is within the lines of the New Choctaw Association.
Sydney Charlton, Crossgates missions associate, met with Paula Smith, director of Multicultural Ministries at the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board, to learn about opportunities to connect and to prayerfully discern how the Lord would use the church to serve the Choctaw people of Mississippi. An answer to much prayer, Charlton was able to established a connection with pastor Tim Tubby and his wife, Sherry, from Macedonia Indian Baptist Church in Conehatta.
After helping supply VBS materials for Macedonia IBC and attending a summer prayer gathering, Charlton and her family knew the Lord was allowing a special partnership to form. The Tubbys and others from Macedonia IBC stayed in contact over several months and shared about an opportunity to serve with their church at their annual Fall Festival.
On Oct. 31, a team of 14 Crossgates members crossed county lines to build a bridge with the Choctaw community of Conehatta. By locking arms with Macedonia IBC to facilitate a fun-filled evening at the Conehatta Recreation Center, Crossgates helped remind those in the community of God’s gracious love and care for them.
Nearly 150 participants enjoyed carnival games, bingo, basketball, and a cake walk before savoring delicious chili made by Macedonia IBC members.
The Lord is at work in meaningful ways throughout the state! There are many more connections to be made across county lines that will help bridge communities together and ultimately help cultivate ways to share the Good News with everyone in Mississippi.
Charlton is the missions associate at Crossgates Baptist Church, Brandon.
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