Summer Ministry Reflections and Looking Ahead

This summer has been a tremendous blessing for our association. I’m deeply thankful for how God moved through our children’s camps. Each one was a success, and I want to express my gratitude to the camp directors, volunteers, and the churches that provided meals. We had a total of 56 campers this summer, and I truly believe God worked in their hearts. I also know those who served were blessed through their involvement.

I’m also thankful for the opportunity to travel to Peru with the Penia mission team. It was powerful to witness the incredible work taking place in Arequipa, Peru, through Grasp International Ministry. David Gratham and his team are doing phenomenal work in Arequipa. It was a joy to partner with them for a week as we ministered alongside church planters and served in schools, a detention center, a rehabilitation center, and an orphanage. I encourage more of our churches to get involved in this mission effort. If you're interested, please contact me. I’d also like to mention that a group from Pinecrest Baptist Church just returned from serving with Grasp in Peru as well.

As we approach a new church year, many churches are preparing to nominate individuals for committees and ministry teams. Our association will be doing the same in the coming weeks. Churches are also working on their budgets, and our Association Finance/Budget Committee is beginning this process as well.

I’d like to challenge churches that are not yet giving a percentage of their budget to the association to consider starting with 3%. Many of our churches already give at that level or higher, and we are sincerely grateful. The more we can give together, the more we can accomplish through missions and evangelism. Financial support also reflects a cooperative spirit—a desire to work together for the sake of the Gospel.

Of course, giving is only one way to be involved. I also encourage each church to attend our Executive Committee meetings in February and August, as well as our Annual Meeting, which will take place on September 14th at Pinecrest Baptist Church. Participation in these meetings helps foster unity and keeps everyone informed about what God is doing through our association, as well as taking care of matters that need approval.

Finally, please commit to praying for the churches in our network. I believe God will bless and strengthen our association as we pray for one another. Pray daily for each church, and I encourage every congregation to include our sister churches during weekly prayer meetings.

We have a great association filled with faithful pastors and committed churches. I pray every day that we will be known as an Acts 1:8 association—fulfilling God’s mission locally and globally. It is a joy to serve alongside you, and I look forward to what God will do in the coming year.

Bro. Gary

A heartfelt thank-you to all the churches and supporters who made Camp Discover (Day Camp) truly unforgettable! Your prayers, generosity, and passion for the next generation created life-changing moments for every camper. We are so grateful—this wouldn’t have been possible without you!

BUILDING FAITH, FRIENDSHIPS, AND FUN!!

SCBN CAMP DISCOVER

DAY CAMP 2025

A huge thank you to everyone who directed, assisted, cooked, or served in any way during our summer camps. Our directors this year were: Amber Posey (Day Camp), Molly Posey & Kelly Childers (Girls Camp) and Gary Leutzinger (Boys Camp).

Your service to the LORD is deeply appreciated!

A special word of gratitude to Molly Posey for her dedication as our Summer Missionary.

We’re already looking forward to next summer’s camps—be praying about how the LORD might use you!

Click on the picture for the link to the Georgia Baptist Mission Board's Events Page for information on these events and more!

SAVE THE DATE: 203rd GEORGIA BAPTIST CONVENTION

ANNUAL MEETING

November 9-11, 2025 | First Baptist Church Atlanta

2025 Disaster Relief Training

As the fall hurricane season approaches, Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief is preparing for what could be another critical year of response.

Hurricane Helene reminded us just how urgent and unpredictable these moments can be—and how vital it is to be ready when disaster strikes.

That’s why we want to personally urge you to identify and send anyone in your church who might be interested in serving to the upcoming Disaster Relief Training.

• Happening in LaGrange
• September 12-13, 2025 (Friday & Saturday)

This is one of our most comprehensive training events of the year.

In just two days, volunteers can be equipped in the following areas:

• Introductory Disaster Relief Training (DRI) – Required for all new volunteers
• Incident Management Team (IMT) – For those with leadership or logistics experience
• Assessment Training – Learn how to be first on the scene and report needs accurately
• Heavy Equipment Training – Ideal for those with CDL or equipment operation skills

Whether someone feels called to pray with survivors, run a chainsaw, cook hot meals, or coordinate logistics behind the scenes, there’s a place for them in Disaster Relief.

We believe God is raising up men and women for such a time as this.

With the fall storm season coming fast, this training is right on time.

Please help us spread the word.

Encourage those in your congregation with a heart to serve to get trained now—before the next storm hits.

Get Details Here:

https://gabaptist.org/disaster-relief-training/

Thank you for your leadership and your commitment to gospel-centered compassion.

In Christ,

Dwain Carter

Missions Mobilization/Director

Disaster Relief

Georgia Baptist Mission Board