From the Pastor's Pen...

"The Forgotten Gift"

     As you begin the New Year, what are some of the challenges you are facing? They may be financial, emotional, physical, or spiritual. Regardless of your situation, the most important truth you can build into your life is the fact that nothing surprises God. He is in control, and He is "a very present help in times of trouble." (Psalm 46:1)
     The challenges of life provide the right atmosphere for spiritual growth and a clearer view of the character of God. When problems arise, instead of becoming fearful or trying to solve it alone, God wants us to acknowledge our need of His wisdom and allow Him to walk with us through the situation. He has a plan not only for your life but also for the circumstances that you are facing.
     The Apostle Paul's secret to handling life's challenges was not found in his human strength or ability. It was when he recognized his weaknesses and looked to God that he was able to say, "But my God shall supply all my need..." (Philippians 4:19)
     Each difficulty we face in this new year contains tremendous potential for our good and God's glory. I realize that most of the time we are not able to see "the good" at the moment, but down the line it begins to take shape. I remember so well the principle we learned when going through the 40 Days of Purpose: This life we now live is preparing us for heaven and can be likened to a dress rehearsal before the big event. In other words, "we're just practicing" and God knows just what challenges to allow into our lives that will cause us to focus on Him.
     What's the key to this new year? It's threefold: Place your complete trust in God's control. Recall the times in the past when He has faithfully cared for you. Stay focused on Christ through Bible reading and prayer. Is this always easy??? I would be the first to say "No", but I would also be the first to say "It works."

Pastor Kuns

Pastor Paul's Paragraphs

      I Thessalonians 1:2,3 says: "We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father."
     I often think of Grace Baptist Church when I read these verses. We may not be anywhere perfect as a church, but this sure is an exciting and encouraging place to worship and work. Some who are close to me that live in places outside of Yuba City have recently shared some of the struggles that their church is going through. Those conversations cause me to sit and ponder the ministry here at Grace, and to express my thanks and gratitude to God for the wonderful people who call this church home.
     The Radobenkos have long called Grace Baptist Church "home" and you have truly become extended family to us. What a joy and privilege it has been to share in ministry with you here in Yuba City. Thank you very much. I anticipate the Lord's continued blessing as we serve the King of Kings in 2004.
     In November of 2002, after serving the Lord in Yuba City for ten years, the church gave me a gift of three additional weeks of vacation to be used by November 2004. Most of you are aware that my job description changed last April to once again include Youth Ministry. This change made time away very difficult. The schedule of ministry for the last year has also been quite exhausting.
     Thus, with a gift of three vacation weeks and regular accumulated vacation, I have decided to take a four-week vacation during the early part
     of 2004. I will be on leave from January 6 through February 2. I am looking forward to doing many things that have been on hold for quite some time, doing a few small trips, and just relaxing. It has been over 20 years since I have taken any extended time away from the responsibilities of pastoring, which I love. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to take a four-week break.
     As I contemplate 2004, I desire to see people excited about serving the Lord. I desire to grow in my own spiritual journey. I desire that others would see less of me and more of Christ. There is true excitement and fulfillment in serving the Lord. My prayer is that we individually and collectively become more like the ONE we serve. May 2004 be a year that is truly dedicated to serving Jesus...To God be the glory!

Pastor Paul

Kids Korner with Pastor Greg

     A brand new year! Can you believe it? It's always a little hard to imagine how the previous year has gone by so quickly and the new one is here. They say the older you get the faster the time goes. Strange how that saying seems to make more sense as the years go by... January has always been a special month for me. In addition to the "fresh start" feeling of it all, it was the month I first became a pastor. Eleven Januarys ago, I accepted my first pastoral responsibility as the Children's Pastor at Fellowship Baptist Church in Waterloo, Wisconsin. I was finishing my senior year in Bible college and praying earnestly about the prospect of spending the rest of my life with a girl named Tracy Longfellow! As I celebrate this "ministry anniversary" and look back on these last 11 years, I marvel at all God has done. What a privilege it has been to serve my Savior as a pastor to His people. I Timothy 1:12 says, "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry." Oh, how I echo those words of the Apostle Paul! Even when I surrendered to the call of ministry at the age of 13, I was so unsure as to what the future held. But praise the Lord, when He calls, He enables! It was in January of 1995 that God led me to my first senior pastorate in the country town of Altona, Illinois (where there are more hogs than there are people!). That same January, I was interrogated...I mean, "examined"...by a council of 15 men from 12 churches and ordained to the Gospel Ministry. What a blessed memory! As I look ahead to my 12th year of ministry, I am filled with excitement. It is as if I have come full circle, serving as a Children's Pastor (while a single college student) to my present responsibility and privileges here at Grace (while married 10 years with two kids). God has used the 11 years in between to mold me, to shape me and to teach me so many things about myself, about life and about His amazing plan and purpose. It is my prayer that God would continue to use me to further His kingdom. I am grateful for the opportunity the Lord and you dear folks have given me in being able to serve you and your children. Children's Ministry is the highest calling I have ever received, and with that calling comes the enabling ability from God! Please pray for me and my family in the coming year, that we might be "counted faithful."

Pastor Greg

Faith Promise Missions Conference

Sunday, January 18

9:15 AM - Missionaries Kevin & Kenyata Maki

Kevin will be sharing with a combined adult Sunday School class and Kenyata will be sharing with the Ladies Sunday School class.

10:30 AM - Chaplain Kevin Browne will be bringing the message.

Our Children's Church will sing and Kenyata Maki will present their song in sign language. During Children's Church, Kenyata will teach the children to sign the song for themselves.

6:00 PM - Kevin & Kanyata Maki will present their ministry and Kenyata and the children will present their sign language song.


Sunday, January 25

9:15 AM - Missionaries Matt & Barb Douglas. Matt will teach Pastor Paul's Sunday School class and Barb will be sharing with the Ladies Sunday School class.

10:30 AM - Matt will bring the morning message and Barb will be teaching Children's Church. We will also be collecting our Faith Promise Commitment cards.

6:00 PM - Matt & Barb will present their ministry.


Meet Our Missionaries

Chaplain Kevin Browne is a GARBC Air Force Chaplain. He has been stationed at Beale for the past three years.

Kevin & Kenyata Maki are missionaries with Baptist Church Planters establishing churches for the deaf. They are currently serving at Deaf Baptist Church in Fremont, CA. Kevin & Kenyata have two boys: Samuel and Hezekiah.

Matt & Barb Douglas are missionaries with The Association of Baptists for World Evangelism serving in Australia. Matt & Barb have two children: Luke and Amy.

Calendar of Events

Click on the highlighted dates - the events are shown on the right.