Episode 064
FBI Church Planter, Rooftop Pastor, & Women Sharing the Gospel
In 2019, FBI agent Vic Carpenter was sent out to start Redeemer Bible Church. A Chicago area pastor is on a roof and continuing the quest to bring opportunities and resources to children and families in great need in Chicago. And Jen Oshman says the church has what women really need and sees today’s culture willing to listen.
Transcript
A few years back, Vic Carpenter from Fredericksburg, Virginia, began to work for the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team (HRT), an elite group of specialized, skilled operators.
The HRT is the agency’s only full-time counterterrorism unit – dealing with the most severe situations.
When Carpenter began working for the HRT, a significant number of his 12-man new operator class were Christians.
He and his fellow agents had an opportunity to influence and share their faith among what is – by necessity – a close-knit, private community.
As the weeks and months passed, other men began being saved. And they took the Gospel home, and their families began to trust Jesus as well.
In 2019, they felt led to start a church and later that year they were sent out by Spotswood Baptist Church to start Redeemer Bible Church.
They’ve seen ups and downs during the last few years, but today the church is strong. They partner together to grow in their faith and serve together as they continue to reach their community for Christ.
A Chicago area pastor is continuing the quest to bring opportunities and resources to children and families in great need in Chicago. Corey Brooks, pastor of Southern Baptist New Beginnings Church in Chicago, set out to spend 100 nights on the property he hopes to convert into a leadership and economic opportunity center in the Woodlawn community back on November 20. He had a goal of raising $35 million for the project.
The 100 days passed on February 28 and Brooks had raised $10 million. While it’s a little less than one-third of what he hoped to raise, Brooks says he’s determined to raise the rest … and he’s still up on that roof.
Good News for Today is made possible through our friends at The Voice of the Martyrs, a nonprofit organization that serves persecuted Christians around the world. Founded in 1967 by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, VOM is dedicated to inspiring believers to deepen their commitment to Christ and to fulfill His Great Commission — no matter the cost. Find out more and sign up for their free monthly magazine at vom.org/goodnews.
Jen Oshman says women may seek exercise classes, book clubs, therapy, girls’ nights out, an afternoon at the spa, and many other activities they believe will bring them the peace and satisfaction they desire.
But Oshman says the church has what women really need and sees today’s culture willing to listen.
In a First-Person piece on Baptist Press she says women need God’s Word, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the people of God led by the Spirit of God.
Read the full piece from Jen Oshman at Baptist Press.
Find more stories at BaptistPress.com.
Related Episodes
Doe v. Catholic Relief Services, Doors Opening for David Pollack & ‘The Blind’ Movie
The Maryland Supreme Court has ruled 4-3 that a Catholic employer was lawful in denying health benefits to the spouse of a gay married employee because such unions violate church doctrine. This college football season is unlike any other in David Pollack’s life. For as long as he can remember, the sport dominated his Saturdays in ways most people haven’t experienced. And, from 2012-2017, the reality TV series “Duck Dynasty” told many stories of the Robertson family and their duck-call and decoy business. “The Blind,” coming to theaters Sept. 28, tells the story of Phil Robertson’s life before he became a Christian.
Going Through a Valley, Kidney Day & How to Spend More Time in Prayer
Hard times often are described as “going through a valley.” But Bruce Watson, pastor of First Baptist Jeanerette, La., describes life’s valleys as the place where the soil is the richest. Rudy Kebreau and Randal Lyle are bound by far more than their mutual faith and pastoral calling these days. And, maybe your church has a prayer list. But have you ever considered have a personal prayer list? In a piece in the Baptist Press Toolbox, Kie Bowman says it may help you remain faithful in prayer.
Parents Prayerwalking Schools, Churches Play Critical Role to Military Personnel & Starting Your Day With God
See You at the Pole is engaging parents in prayerwalking schools the weekends surrounding the Sept. 27 event to mobilize families in prayer. Why would a 19-year-old sailor be at church nearly every day of the week? And, many of us are very busy. We go to bed with our to-do list incomplete and wake up with a list of things to try to accomplish.
0 Comments