Lesterville First Baptist Church

04/27/2026

Lesterville First Baptist Church will be open this evening for anyone needing shelter from the storms.

04/24/2026

It is with a heavy heart and great sense of loss that we announce the passing of our brother in Christ, devoted father, beloved pastor, and President of MBCH, Dr. Juston Gates. Dr. Gates was recently hospitalized for injuries sustained on a business-related hunting trip, and he eventually succumbed to those injuries on April 23, 2026 at 12:02am.

Dr. Gates went to be with the Lord with his family standing by his side. He was well known for his love of and obedient service to Jesus Christ. He had a deep love for his family, both his family at home as well as his MBCH family. Dr. Gates will be greatly missed by all those who knew him, and we continue to welcome prayers for his family and friends, as well as for MBCH leadership as we mourn this great loss.

A Memorial service for Dr. Juston Gates will be held on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026, Details to follow.

04/22/2026

MBCH is issuing a call for continued prayer as President Dr. Juston Gates remains hospitalized receiving advanced treatment for injuries sustained in a recent hunting accident.

Executive Vice President Andy Helton noted that while the ministry remains focused on its mission of providing hope and restoration to children and families, the priority remains spiritual support for Dr. Gates and his family.

"The MBCH family and the family of Dr. Juston Gates have been greatly blessed by the outpouring of prayer, well-wishes, and support God has afforded through each of you," Helton said. "We all know that Juston is a fighter. God has used him to impact lives all over this nation, and so many have stepped up in his time of need to encourage his family."

As Dr. Gates continues to receive care, the MBCH community remains anchored in faith.
"He needs our earnest prayers as he remains hospitalized," Helton continued. "Please also pray for Juston's family as they balance the weight of this trauma. We humbly offer our petition to Jehovah Rapha, The Lord Who Heals: 'Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise' (Jeremiah 17:14)."

MBCH will provide updates as they are able to be shared. Please monitor official channels for ongoing information:
• Website: www.mbch.org
• Social Media: MBCH Facebook and Instagram

In accordance with MBCH corporate procedures, in the event that the President is unable to perform his legal responsibilities, the Executive Vice President is responsible for maintaining compliance with Missouri State Department of Social Services requirements and ensure the continuity of care for those we serve.

04/18/2026

Please pray for Dr. Gates. He is the president of the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home. He was injured in a hunting accident and is in critical condition.

https://mbch.org/mbch-requests-prayer-following-presidents-injury/

03/15/2026

Lesterville First Baptist Church is open for anyone who needs shelter through the storm.

02/24/2026

Save the Date - Kids Encounter 2026 June 1-5! Church information packets will be mailed/emailed next week! Registration link will be shared soon

02/08/2026

Like most Americans, I’ve enjoyed watching the Super Bowl. But the halftime shows began pushing moral boundaries and have become more and more sexualized. This year, they’re having Bad Bunny perform. The NFL leadership is pushing this sexualized agenda. Thank you, Turning Point USA and Erika Kirk for providing an alternative—“The All-American Halftime Show” with the agenda of celebrating family, faith, and freedom!

https://tpusa.com/live/tpusa-s-all-american-halftime-show-set-to-air-sunday-february-8-lineup-and-streaming-details-announced/

02/01/2026

Sunday evening services are canceled on 2/1/26.

01/30/2026

Churches hoping to engage younger generations must move beyond comfort, familiarity and fear, says Illinois pastor Rayden Hollis.

01/24/2026

All services for tomorrow Jan. 25 are canceled. Stay safe and warm. There will be a live facebook message at 11 am.

01/23/2026

Thursday, January 29th at 10:30 am the SEMO Food Bank will deliver food to BRBC. Then Tuesday, February 3rd, 7:00 am to 9:00 am will be food distribution day at BRBC, unless weather doesn't cooperate.

01/23/2026

From Black River Baptist.

Please share this with First Baptist folk:

Due to the bad weather coming in, Semo Food Bank has canceled our delivery for Monday January 26th. We will post the new pantry date when Semo Food Bank gets us rescheduled. Please share.