This is an exciting time in the life of Lakewood Baptist Church! As we celebrate our 125^th anniversary this year, we are also convinced that God would have us to move forward with building a Family Life Activities Center. For over 30 years, many of our members have been praying and giving financial gifts towards this project and finally, the dream is about to become a reality!

We believe the Holy Spirit has led us to launch a capital stewardship campaign for the next three years called, “Challenge To Build.” The Steering Team for Challenge To Build has prayerfully established three goals: The Victory Goal is $725,000,00; the Challenge Goal is $900,000.00; and the Hallelujah Goal is $1,100,000.00. Our campaign slogan is “Not equal gifts, but equal sacrifice.” As pastor, I am convinced that if every member of Lakewood will choose to financially support this campaign sacrificially, we will not only reach the Hallelujah goal – but exceed it!

In addition to the amount we currently have on hand, the estimated amount needed to complete the Family Activities Center (Phase I) is $1,600,000.00; the estimated amount needed to complete the kitchen renovations next to the existing Fellowship Hall (Phase II) is $300,000.00.

The Family Activities Center will meet several pressing needs and allow us the opportunity to expand new ministries. It will provide a large number of additional classes for our Bible Fellowship Ministry (Sunday School) for both adults and youth on Sunday; our youth will have their own facility in which to meet on Wednesday and Sunday evenings – with plenty of room to grow; our Children’s Ministry will be able to enjoy adequate space for a variety of programs like AWANA; adults will be able to enjoy an exercise room along with a walking track; Veritas Academy will be able to use this facility during the weekdays, thusly allowing the school greater capacity for growth as well as making it possible to be able to offer a much needed competitive sports program; and a variety of new sports-related ministries for groups of all ages, such as Upward Basketball for children, can finally become a reality.

After decades of praying and planning, the time has finally arrived for us to move forward in obedience by faith and embrace what we believe God would have us to do.

I invite you to join me in accepting the Challenge! Let’s do it for the glory of God!

Pastor Billy

2 Corinthians 9:6-7