Reflection of the Love of Christ

By Shirley Cox

[Editor's note: God blesses churches that get out of their comfort zones and trust Him for sharing the love of Christ in the community. He provides the growth as in Acts 2:46-47. In a time of tense emotions and differences of opinion over the war in Iraq, pray that Christians across North America will be the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Christ in every place. They will know we are Christians by our love. See 2 Cor. 2:14 and John 13:34-35.]

Sometimes it's hard to find Christ during Christmas. The busyness of decorating, shopping and social events can obscure views of the Christ Child. But anyone driving by Eubank Baptist Church in Eubank, Kentucky on December 16, 2006, saw a genuine reflection of the love of Christ.

Early in the morning, a long line of people stretched across the parking lot outside the new educational building for the church's monthly food distribution. One man in line hobbled along on crutches. An elderly woman stooped over a walker. By noon that day, church members had filled 153 boxes and baskets with fresh fruits, vegetables, cereal, spaghetti, ham and fresh bread. The night before, the church gave away 82 food baskets and 45 fruit baskets.

"We can meet spiritual needs but we also work to meet the physical and emotional needs of people," said Brother Shelby Reynolds, pastor of Eubank Baptist Church since January 200l. At the time, Sunday school attendance was 70 and 100 people attended worship. Brother Shelby, a bi-vocational pastor, worked as an instructional supervisor for the Rockcastle County School System. When the church began to grow rapidly, he retired early to pastor full-time. Today, Sunday school attendance is 230 and worship service attendance is 300.

Eubank Baptist Church has responded to the rapid growth by enlarging the sanctuary to seat 450. Recently, the congregation moved into a new 15,000 sq. ft. educational building with 19 additional classrooms and a large multi-purpose room in the basement. 

Brother Shelby credits the church's growth to seeking God's direction. "The church was ready-hungry for a movement," he added. "We formed Experiencing God weekends that were revolutionary and studied The Purpose Driven Church.  We believe if you are going to be a strong church you have to be strong in the areas of evangelism, ministry, worship, discipleship and fellowship. The church also began sending out Grow teams on Monday nights. It is a matter of people looking to the Lord and getting out of our comfort zones."

Situated in an area where 75-80% of the students qualify for free or reduced lunches, Eubank Baptist Church began to work with the schools to identify families with basic needs. Youth pastor, Ryan Coffey led studies on poverty in the Eubank area and other Kentucky counties, asking the youth tough questions. "What can you do to break the cycle? How does poverty affect people?"

Over a year ago, the church began to minister to families by opening a food pantry which gradually developed into a monthly food distribution. The food is primarily from the U.S. Government or is purchased from God's Food Pantry or Save-A-Lot at reduced prices. Four area schools also help by holding food drives. Church members, Penny and Bill Jones and George and Judy Russell haul in large shipments of food in covered trailers and Phyllisteen Mick and other members set up the food for distribution. Food is also available for pick-up or delivery from the church's pantry during the week.

Additionally, the church reaches out to the community through an Upward Basketball program held at a local school gym. "We gained six to eight families from this program last year," Brother Shelby said. "The program has enrolled 95 children this year. We are also considering Upward Archery."

As Eubank Baptist Church moves forward, the congregation continues to seek the direction of God. "God has surely been at work in the Eubank area," Brother Shelby said. "The people of the church have looked to see where God is at work and they have been very willing to join Him. The future looks very bright for Eubank Baptist because God is so awesome and their focus is to serve the people He loves."

 Shirley Cox is an MSC missionary serving in Kentucky.