The last weekend in February of 2021 was an exciting time in the history of Lakeland Baptist Church of Gilbert, Minnesota. The church family dedicated their new building and the renovations to their existing building, which CBM missionary builders had completed the previous fall. The celebration began with a dinner for the ladies in the new fellowship hall that had once served as the main auditorium. Sunday was filled with music, expressions of gratitude, and petitions for God to use the church for His glory. It was also the beginning of a four-day Bible Conference with CBM President Bill Jenkin III. The new facilities enhance the ministry of Lakeland Baptist, as Pastor Caleb Lobb explains: “We have room now to grow physically. Visitors in the past told us they would come back if there was more room. This will give us opportunities to host outreach events and not have to rent space elsewhere.” Improved traffic flow throughout the building and additional restroom facilities round out the positive improvements the church family is enjoying as they gather together.

What's Next for the CBM Building Ministries?

Near the end of April, CBM missionary builders arrived in Camp Douglas, Wisconsin, northwest of the Wisconsin Dells, to assist Bethel Baptist Church. The builders are helping the church prepare for installing a much-needed elevator that will allow the entire church family to have access to the main floor and basement. New siding will also be installed on a portion of the exterior of the building.

Two CBM missionary builder families are scheduled to arrive at the end of June to get construction underway at Chardon Baptist Church in Chardon, Ohio, northeast of Cleveland. The rest of the team is expected to arrive near the middle of July. It is always exciting to see a church grow to the point of needing more room. For CBM, we count it an extra blessing to be able to assist this graduated CBM church plant in obtaining that much-needed ministry space.

Valley Baptist Church is situated in the town of Eureka in northwest Montana, about 10 minutes from the Canadian border. CBM Church Planters, Matt & Juanetta Schrepfer are leading this work. The church currently meets in a rented facility. Construction drawings for a new building are ready to be reviewed and finalized for permits. Construction is tentatively scheduled for the spring of 2022 or 2023. In the past few months the cost of many building materials has increased by 30% or more. Please pray for the additional finances needed for this project to move forward. If the Lord leads you to put feet to your prayers, we encourage you to send a financial gift to CBM with a note for the Valley Baptist Church Eureka MT Building Fund.

Baptist Bible Church is an established work in Sparta, Michigan, about thirty minutes north of Grand Rapids. The church family recently purchased 7 acres of property that includes a former golf course clubhouse. Minor remodeling of the existing clubhouse will allow the church to gather in the building and give up their rented space. Construction drawings are in process for an addition to the existing clubhouse, featuring an auditorium, foyer, restrooms, nursery and toddlers room, a family restroom, and a warming pantry. This project is tentatively scheduled for the spring of 2022 or 2023. Pray with us as the CBM Building Ministries work through the pre-construction process and for the Lord’s provision of needed funds.