Dear SCBI Pastor,

We are searching for Southern Baptist churches or church plants who might be interested in hosting a mission team from Southeast Texas. The Sabine Neches Baptist Area is comprised of three associations above Beaumont, TX and below Lufkin, TX. They have more than 100 churches and of course, more than half are less than 100 in attendance. However, the Sabine Neches Baptist Area has been partnered with Miami Baptist Association since 2014. They were unofficially partnered since about 2001.

We have hosted at least one group each year since 2014. At least 12 of their churches have been here at least once, many multiple times.

We have a sense there will be quite a few groups wanting to come up in 2022—in the Spring and Fall. The group sizes have been between one and twenty-four.

The teams will try to focus on what you need. Consequently, that is what they want to hear. Yes, we want to know what talents they bring. This is where I try to play match game. Usually the Lord takes care of that for us.

These are some of the things they have done in previous years:

VBS and/or Backyard Bible Clubs.

Revivals/Bible conferences

Leadership training

Remodel, refurbish, paint, clean church facility, new siding on one church.

Community projects – handicap ramps, landscaping, etc.

Our #1 Objective is to create a good relationship between the members of both churches so they will want to have an ongoing partnership. 

Successful partnerships require much prayer and communication before the project between the churches as well as within both churches. Flexibility is another key ingredient. It seldom goes the way we plan it. God has a way of tweaking our plans a little or a lot. We need to recognize Him and go with Him.

WE TRY TO AVOID AS MANY SURPRISES AS POSSIBLE. During planning we will discuss at these items and more:

1)  Housing (stay at the church if feasible or local hotel/motel. Some have stayed in homes of the host church).

2)  Meals – who provides

3)  Funds for needed activities.

OUR DISCLAIMER: WE MAKE NO PROMISES OR GUARANTEES, OTHER THAN WE WILL PRAY AND ATTEMPT TO DO ALL THAT WE CAN FOR YOU!!

We have tried to share some of the possible opportunities in this partnership with Sabine Neches Baptist Area. If you are interested in hosting a mission team and possibly establishing a partnership, please email Kenn at the address below and use “Partnership” on the subject line.

Praying God’s great blessings on you and yours,

Kenn Freeland
Partnership Mobilizer, Miami Baptist Association
765-454-2463 or 765-513-6717 (cell)
Alohafree@aol.com