Baptist Press
By Scott Barkley, posted December 19, 2024 in Churches and Ministry
COMANCHE, Okla. (BP) — First Baptist Church has taken advantage of its central location for the last six years to take visitors far away from its town (population 1,400) without actually leaving southern Oklahoma.
It begins with the town Christmas parade. Two hours before it begins, First Baptist opens its doors for a peek of its gym, now transformed with up to eight rooms, or shops, that include various activities and information related to missions around the world.
The church’s culture is steeped in missions, said Pastor Mark Hall, with First Baptist having participated in trips to 18 countries or states. An International Mission Board missionary preaches on Lottie Moon Giving Sunday.
“When we started, church members thought, ‘Oh, well this is nice,’” said Hall. “But now they look forward to it. They ask if we need items for Christmas Village. Even our very senior adults who can’t do much else, but they can bake, make sure we have cookies.”
People lined up nearly 30 minutes before the parade this year to sip on cocoa, cider and coffee while milling around. The Village itself opened Sunday, Dec. 8, and – except for Wednesday – continued each evening through Saturday. More Here
