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Following His Commands...
Matthew 28:18 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
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This Issue ...
- Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Missions Events!
- Mission Team Highlights
- Church-wide mission updates: Georgia Wellness Group and Kenya Boys Dormitory Building Project
- Missions Spotlight - Seeds of Grace Missions - Stephen & Kim Mainer
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It's almost that time of year! Be on the lookout for more information on Operation Christmas Child and our annual Christmas Stockings to bless local mission organizations.
Good News Clubs serving Harmony Elementary, Ivy Creek Elementary, and Patrick Elementary
Feeding Hearts Food Ministry
foodpantry@icbcga.org
Thank You for a Successful 2025 BBQ Yum-Raiser!
We Appreciate your Support of our Guatemala Mission Teams
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Ivy Creek Baptist Mission Teams
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Guatemala
October 22nd - 29th
Construction Bible Studies
Evangelism Kids' Programs
Community Family Event
Team Members
Royce, Chad, Finley, Jeff B., Jeff F., Laura, Beth, Bradley, Stephen & Kim M.
| | Updates on the Summer Mission Trip | | |
Guatemala Intergenerational Trip
Every trip to Guatemala is filled with blessings and personal growth as we trust the Lord to work according to His purpose. This trip provided new experiences and the chance to plant seeds in communities that Ivy Creek had not yet visited.
A recent earthquake required some changes to our plans (but not to God’s plans as we reminded ourselves that He is never surprised!) and brought us to two different schools in Patzún where we shared La Armadura de Dios (the Armor of God) with Bible lessons, crafts, and games. It is hard to tell who enjoys these moments more – the children or our mission team. Truly the smiles on the children’s faces are a highlight of the trip.
Our time in Antigua included a home for abused girls where we shared a time of testimony and encouragement and crafts reminding us of God’s faithfulness. We visited a long-term care hospital and spent time with some of the teen boys blowing bubbles, coloring, and just sharing God’s love. The men of our team spent time in fellowship with residents at a drug and alcohol facility while shared how God has worked in their lives.
We partnered with Identify the Mission for the second half of the trip and traveled to the villages of Nueva Esperanza and Esquintla where we led community VBS activities, Bible study, served lunches, and visited local homes. We ended our last full day in Guatemala City with street ministry outside the public hospital and an after-school program combining an educational lesson with important Biblical truths.
Please reach out to any of the team members if you have questions about our experience or interest in joining a future trip to Guatemala!
| | Church-wide Mission Opportunities | | The Georgia Wellness Group | | |
The Georgia Wellness Group (formerly Obria) officially opened their beautiful new facility in July with 12,500 square feet allowing for expanded services to serve our growing community. From 11 state-of-the-art exam rooms to dedicated spaces for parenting classes, youth education, and a baby boutique, the facility is designed to meet the changing needs of families at every stage of life.
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The Missions Committee recently toured the facility and were impressed with the warm, welcoming environment and advanced medical facilities. Notably, the clinic sees a monthly average of 275 appointments and includes Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) services for high-risk pregnancies offering significant financial savings with tele-health services.
| | | | There are many ways to support The Georgia Wellness Group with volunteer opportunities, financial donations, and prayer. The summer Change for Life Campaign was a great success raising almost $38,000! This Saturday, October 25th is the annual Walk for Wellness, a one mile walk with a powerful purpose: empowering healthy pregnancies, stronger families, and brighter beginnings for babies across Gwinnett. Please visit gawellness.org for more information. | | | Kenya Boys Dormitory Building Project | | |
Benard’s Vision orphanage school is home to hundreds of children, and if the school closes many would be in danger of homelessness. Children are fed, educated, and taught the Bible at this special school. Lives are being changed for the good, and souls are being rescued! Thank you for all your support, and please continue to join us in providing for their needs! Donations may be made through Realm or by check - be sure to indicate “Kenya Dormitory.”
Amount Raised So Far: $60,660.16 ($30,660.16 Ivy Creek Baptist; $25,000.00 Grace Presbyterian in Columbus, GA; $5000.00 Corinth Church in NC)
Total Estimated Construction Cost: $55,000-$90,000 (Original estimate was approximately $55,000, but the latest estimates indicate the total cost may be as much as $90,000 - not including beds and mattresses)
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Seeds of Grace Missions: Spreading the Gospel in Guatemala
Seeds of Grace Missions began with a simple conviction: the Gospel transforms lives, families, and communities. Founded by Stephen and Kim Mainer after a decade of short-term mission work in Guatemala, the ministry has grown from heartfelt service trips with Ivy Creek Baptist Church into a full-time calling. Their years of visiting schools, leading marriage conferences, and walking alongside local pastors revealed a deep need for long-term presence and discipleship.
The mission’s vision is rooted in Isaiah 61:11 and Titus 2:11-14, with a commitment to “spreading the Gospel and planting Godly legacies.” Seeds of Grace seeks to share Christ’s love through evangelism, discipleship, and strengthening marriages and families—the foundation of strong communities. The long-term goal is to partner with Guatemalan pastors and leaders to establish sustainable churches that will shine the light of Christ for generations to come.
From school visits and children’s activities to house visits and community outreach, every effort is designed to meet both spiritual and physical needs. Seeds of Grace addresses practical concerns such as food insecurity and health initiatives, embodying the love of Christ through action as well as words.
What started as short-term service has now become a lifelong mission. As the Mainers prepare to move full-time to Guatemala, they carry with them a vision not just to preach the Gospel, but to live it—side by side with the families and communities they serve. They invite churches and individuals to join them in prayer and partnership to advance God’s Kingdom one family and one community at a time.
For more information contact Stephen and Kim at connect@sogmissions.org or visit Seeds of Grace
| | Special Seeds of Grace Update from Guatemala: | | Even after the pastors who started Pepe Preschool moved away, God's work in Patzún continues through Sisters Francis and Olga. With hearts full of faith, they have kept the vision alive by creating Programa Preescolar Shalom, teaching little ones from their homes. Their days are filled with Bible stories, preschool lessons, and Saturday programs for older children - planting seeds of hope and truth in young hearts. We invite you to pray for Francis, Olga, and the children they serve, that their hearts remain open to God's calling and their lives glorify Him. | | | |
Interested in more information about upcoming mission trips,
church-wide mission activities, or how you can get involved?
Email: missions@icbcga.org
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