January 2026

Toys for Jesus Impact

This year at Toys for Jesus, we served 277 families and more than 800 children.

Join us in celebrating that 10 guests chose to receive Christ, and 3 chose to rededicate their lives to Him.

We also celebrate that 77 individuals were referred to and will receive follow-up from local SYBA churches. That means someone from a local church will personally reach out, starting a conversation, extending an invitation to church or another event, and helping them get connected to a local body of believers. Our prayer is that these connections ultimately lead to ongoing discipleship.

Let me share a few stories where it became clear that God is at work in both the details and the big picture...

One guest sat down with an Encourager and, having barely heard the Gospel before, was immediately ready to accept Christ. She came with a heart already prepared, ready to receive what God had planned for her that day.

Another Encourager spoke with a woman who wasn’t even supposed to be there. She had only come to drive someone else to their toy pickup appointment. She shared that she was saved but not currently attending church. Based on the conversation, the Encourager felt led to share the Gospel anyway, and the woman asked to rededicate her life to Jesus.

In Davie County, we saw God at work in the small details, especially when things didn’t go as planned...

One mom didn’t realize her baby qualified for Toys for Jesus and ended up waiting in the lobby. During that time, an unexpected conversation with a greeter led to an invitation to church and the beginning of a new friendship, one that made attending Sunday service feel far less intimidating.

Later that same day, a missing bag of toys, despite careful packing, created space for another meaningful moment. While waiting, a mom opened up about the guilt she felt needing help this year. She had a long, tearful conversation with two volunteers who encouraged her in her faith and the challenges she was facing at home. She, too, left with new friends who invited her to sit with them on Sunday morning.

While we can plan every detail, God is the One who orchestrates the greater story, even down to the smallest moments.

As Proverbs 16:9 reminds us: “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

Jaime Tang

Ministry Coordinator

jtang@sybaptist.org

ANNUAL CHURCH PROFILE

January is ACP month!

Each year we strongly encourage every SYBA church to complete the Annual Church Profile. The quick 5-minute digital form helps tell the story of how God is at work across our state and serves as a historical document for your church.

The 2025 ACP opens January 1, 2026 and covers data from January 1 - December 31, 2025.

Your participation makes a difference and helps us celebrate ministry impact, strengthen partnerships, and serve your church more effectively.

Anyone who completes an ACP in January will be entered into a drawing being sponsored by NC Baptists for a free weekend at Fort Caswell—three winners will be selected from around the state.

Job Openings in the SYBA

Fork Baptist Church is seeking a Full-Time Pastor to lead our church in spiritual growth and community outreach. Our mission is "To be united in studying the Bible for the benefit of our daily lives and sharing Christ-like love with others." We are seeking a pastor who will preach and teach the Word of God faithfully; provide pastoral care and counseling to members; lead worship services and administer ordinances; oversee church ministries and work with staff and volunteers; guide the church in evangelism and missions; support community outreach and fellowship activities. Please submit your resume, statement of faith, and references to: Fork Baptist Church Pastor Search Committee Email: davidt@yadtel.net

First Baptist Church of Cooleemee, NC is seeking a licensed, ordained Pastor; this man should be called by God to the ministry and well versed in the King James Version of the Bible as well as other modern translations. The Pastor will be responsible to God and to the church to minister the gospel, teach the Bible and lead people to God through Jesus Christ. The Pastor must be of good character, believe in the will of God and well versed in Southern Baptist doctrine. The Pastor will be responsible for all regularly scheduled services, weddings, funerals and any other special services. The Pastor will provide spiritual counseling, work with all ministries of the church and engage in pastoral care of the congregation. If you feel God is leading you to our church, please email your resume to: churchoffice1225@gmail.com or mail copy to: First Baptist Church, ATTN: PASTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE, P O Box 518, Cooleemee, NC 27014

Eatons Baptist Church is seeking a part-time youth minister who is responsible for developing, coordinating, and leading a well-rounded, Christ-centered youth ministry that nurtures spiritual growth, fosters discipleship, and encourages youth to live out their faith. The ministry should equip young people to serve in the church and the world through intentional relationships, engaging programs, and leadership development. Please submit a resume, a brief statement of faith, and two references to David Gilbreath bicep22853@yadtel.net

Mt Vernon Baptist in Olin is seeking a a piano player. Would prefer someone who can read music as well as play a little by ear. If interested, please call or text David Prevette (704) 902-1340 

TAKE NOTE!

The 2026 standard mileage reimbursement rate for business use is 72.5 cents per mile,

effective January 1, 2026.

South Yadkin Baptist Association

Noel Williamson, Executive Director nwilliamson@sybaptist.org (704) 873-4372 x2

Jaime Tang, Ministry Coordinator jtang@sybaptist.org (704) 873-4372 x3

Shelley Williamson, Admin Assistant swilliamson@sybaptist.org (704) 873-4372 x4

Office address: 3009 Amity Hill Rd, Statesville, NC

Mailing address: PO Box 5249, Statesville, NC 28687

(704) 873-4372  www.sybaptist.org